Friday, September 18, 2015

Of the Core Sins – Arrogance and Pride

Related posts: 

On an email list, some of the vocal participants were declaring those Muslims who disagree with their views as Kafirs, as well as accusing Non-Muslims of being Hindutva operatives in USA and of giving a hard time to Muslims. To repeated accusations, the Hindu, who declares himself as a monotheist believer in the Hindu Supreme Deity Krishna, responded: 
There is a saying "do unto others what you want others to do unto". Karma will not live anybody . You will rot in hell fire for your arrogance. God is just there to punish arrogant bastards on the earth. 

My comments: Salam

Iblis was a believer, but refused to obey Allah out of a certain sense of pride - he considered himself superior to another creation of Allah. Iblis is quoted in the Quran 7:12 thus: "[ Allah ] said, "What prevented you from prostrating when I commanded you?" [Satan] said, "I am better than him. You created me from fire and created him from clay." " Please read the following: 
Of the Core Sins – Arrogance and Pride:  

Those of us who are blessed to be believers in God, and those of us who have been especially honoured to be able to call ourselves Muslims, must assess ourselves if we are indeed truly reciprocating that honour by being Muslim and submitting to all the guidance in Quran, including our thought and speech, or if we are abusing religion. 

We are supposed to invite to Islam, so as to help others find guidance and salvation, just as we hope that we are forgiven and granted ever-lasting bliss. Deriding non-Muslims and their faiths is not permissible! Invitation to faith is about compassionately caring for all humans, wanting to help everyone improve the quality of their life, both Here and in the Hereafter. 

If only we take a moment every time we greet the angels on our shoulders, at the end of the prayers, what sentences of our emails today have been noted by the angel on the right and what sentences of our emails have been noted by the angel on the left, perhaps our prayers will be able to benefit us, protecting us from disobedience of the guidance, helping us to be more careful in our choice of words:  
[Quran 50:16-18, Translator: Sahih International] And We have already created man and know what his soul whispers to him, and We are closer to him than [his] jugular vein When the two receivers receive, seated on the right and on the left. Man does not utter any word except that with him is an observer prepared [to record]. 

May Allah grant us wisdom, beautify our speech and actions, and make us a source of peace and blessing for all.  

 Another email-list participant commented: Iblis was Kafir, according to ALLAH taala. 

 My response: Kufur means to reject, and Iblis did reject obedience to the command of God. However, in Surah Hashr, the analogy given for hypocrites is that of Satan:
Quran 59:11 Have you not considered those who practice hypocrisy, saying to their brothers who have disbelieved among the People of the Scripture, "If you are expelled, we will surely leave with you, and we will not obey, in regard to you, anyone - ever; and if you are fought, we will surely aid you." But Allah testifies that they are liars.
...
Quran 59:16 [The hypocrites are] like the example of Satan when he says to man, "Disbelieve." But when he disbelieves, he says, "Indeed, I am disassociated from you. Indeed, I fear Allah , Lord of the worlds."

My recent blogpost on Satan's Enmity may also be of interest:
http://signsandscience.blogspot.com/2015/11/mission-of-messengers-ii.html

The email-list participant pointed out: SuratulBaqarah ayat 34

 وَإِذْ قُلْنَا لِلْمَلَائِكَةِ اسْجُدُوا لِآدَمَ فَسَجَدُوا إِلَّا إِبْلِيسَ أَبَىٰ وَاسْتَكْبَرَ وَكَانَ مِنَ الْكَافِرِينَ
It is wrongfully translated as "and became kafir" a correct translation would be "and he was among kafireen".


My response: I agree. Even in Surah Kahf, it states:
[Quran 18:51] I made them not to witness the creation of the heavens and the earth, nor their own creation; nor choose I misleaders for (My) helpers.

Iblis was not a believer in the sense of the meaning of Momin, but rather in the sense of knowing God and speaking and requesting respite. He was aware of God, yet his heart was not obedient, thus a hypocrite, and Iblis' hypocrisy was made public through his disobedience and rebellion. Iblis' rejection of God's decision and orders proved that Iblis was a 'kafir'. Iblis had essentially rebelled against the hierarchy set by God where Adam was honoured above Iblis.  

This makes me wonder on how many levels so many disobey and rebel: child against parents, wife against husband, employee against employer, nation against state, human against creation, Muslim against the verses of the Quran, ...

May Allah grant us the serenity to accept whatever He has decreed, gratitude and courage to serve Him, the wisdom to understand the message of the Quran, and the taqwa to keep our duty to Allah.


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Why Did the Prophet Have So Many Wives?

In a discussion on an email list, a Hindu raised several objections to Islam, among which was the following objection about Prophet Muhammud (may peace be upon him): 
... Yes all the ancient culture have people practicing Polygamy. Yes, if Mohammed wouldn't have been a prophet, we wouldn't have asked him this question on why Mohammed too so many wifes. Furthermore, taking a daughter-in-law as a wife is not a thing one would expect from a prophet. What about the concubines he maintained in his Harem ?. Is this also an act of prophethood. Yes, he was a prophet to Arabic people but he can't be asked by his followers to be the prophet for the entire man kind.

Since the primary participants of the discussion were not responding to this objection, I presented the following two links: 

Why Did the Prophet Have So Many Wives? 

The Age of Hazrat Aisha at Marriage 
http://www.khalidzaheer.com/qa/1050 
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Quran: Fact or Fiction

Right, right. And the solid Roof that Allah built for our security over our Earth built by Allah like our Bed, the Paradise and Hell in Sky, the 7 Skies etc. can not be seen by Humans or their Science either. 
We are 5 years old Kids and we must believe in Fair Tales of Allah, not facts of Science.

My response: I've been studying the factual accuracy of the Quran. Please see: http://signsandscience.blogspot.com 

Mr. ST responds: I had read all that kind of stuff half a century ago so, don't tell me, I am now going to find anything new in it, 5 years old Kid ...!

Later the same day, Mr. ST asks:  
But please tell us Atheists, who should we believe you instead of thinking, Allah or God was creation of Human Minds since it has never proven that it really exists?
* Where are Paradise and Hell of Allah or God in Sky?
* Why they had to be Physically non existent like Allah or God?
* Why is Earth not flat like Allah had spread it like a Carpet and declared it like a Bed or 'farash' for us?
* Why Sun is shining on other side of Earth after it has turned dark, where we live instead of prostrating to Throne of Allah and waiting for his commands to rise from East as Allah had said in Qoraan? 
* Why the Roof that Allah had built over Earth calling it a Sky is not existence?
* Why we do not find Sun and Stars circling around Earth as Allah had told us that they do?
* Why we do not find ourselves born out of Blood Clot?
You see, you may not even understand these questions because we know, your Brain is like a 5 years old Kid, who does not understand between Fact and Fiction so please stop wasting our time with your Childish B.S. ...! 

My Reply: I cannot force you to read my blog[http://signsandscience.blogspot.com/] but should you choose to read it, you might be surprised! If you do indulge, suggest you start with the following: 
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A Discussion with a Hindu

In response to my comments on article Which Quran, Mecca or Medina?, Mr G asked: 
Sorry I disagree with some of this. Why should there be a limitation on the numbers of prophets. Furthermore , when God comes into this world and gives his message, his message takes precedence over the messages of all the prophets. Since Arabia was a violent society when Mohammed appeared and gave his message, we can accept him as a prophet. However, recently in India we had a prophet by name Chaitanya and gave the dharma for the entire Iron Age. His gave the Mahamantra or congregational chanting of holy name of Krishna as the means of deliverance of the souls. There was a Muslim in Bengal who became his devotee and adopted the chanting of the holyname. You are welcome to do more research on Chaitanya .

My reply: Of course we disagree, which is why we profess different faiths. It is important to ask the questions we have, so that there is some clarity.
According to the Quran, God cannot be seen by mortals, and thus conveys His message indirectly, as stated in this verse:
[Quran 42:51, Translator: Pickthall] And it was not (vouchsafed) to any mortal that Allah should speak to him unless (it be) by revelation or from behind a veil, or (that) He sendeth a messenger to reveal what He will by His leave. Lo! He is Exalted, Wise.
We also believe that God will come, but that will be when our brief respite on Earth is over, as indicated by this verse:
[Quran 2:210, Translator: Pickthall] Wait they for naught else than that Allah should come unto them in the shadows of the clouds with the angels? Then the case would be already judged. All cases go back to Allah (for judgment).
We believe that there will be no more prophets after Muhammad (may peace be upon him) as it is stated in this verse:
[Quran 33:40, Translator: Pickthall] Muhammad is not the father of any man among you, but he is the messenger of Allah and the Seal of the Prophets; and Allah is ever Aware of all things. 

Mr G responds: If the Almighty God decides to come unto earth no man can stop him coming into the earth. 500 years ago there was a similar conversation between Akbar and Birbal and Akbar finally had to accept that God can come if he want.
BG 9:11
Avajanthi hi Maam Mudha
Manushim Tanum Ashritam
Param bhavam ajananto
Mama butha Maheshwaram.
Translation :
Fools deride me when I descend in the human form. They do not know my transcendental nature and my supreme dominion over all that be. 

My response: Almighty God can and does do whatever He decides to do.
The verse is simply informing us why the Almighty God does not. He has given us a brief respite in mortal form so that we can earn His forgiveness before Judgement Day is established. Last few verses of Chapter 33 of the Quran inform us why we must be judged, and why we must seek forgiveness. 

Mr G states: Just because he is in mortal form he is not a mortal, this is what the BG verse is clearly saying. 

My response: Perhaps I'm not explaining clearly... 
We humans have been given mortal form for our brief respite on Earth by Allah (the Deity, the one and only God that we Muslims believe there is).  
Allah has not bestowed on the mortal form the ability to see Allah. 
Hence, Allah does not allow us to see Him. 
Therefore, Allah speaks to us indirectly through revelation and prophets. 

I have read some excerpts of the Vedas long time ago and thought that it was very similar to the teachings of Quran and Torah. Bhagavad Gita seems different. 
1) How similar or different you find the teachings of the Vedas and the Bhagavad Gita? 
2) If they contradict each other, which Book do you hold more sacred? 
3) Which teachings do you follow? 
4) Do most Hindus also believe as per your answers to the above three questions, or is the popular faith different from your faith?  

Mr. G replied: Bhagavadgita supersedes all the Vedas. It is the supreme teaching of God himself. To know God you will need divine vision when he descends on earth. There are no such restrictions as God can not descend on planet earth . We believe he can descend on earth primarily for two reasons. One to annihilate the miscreants and establish dharma or religion and another to protect his devotees.

My question: What is the origin of all the Vedas? 

Mr. G replied: Just like Quran, these are considered divine revelations received by various sages in bygone era. At least they are from 3000 to 2090 BCE. 

My question: Who is Brahma and who is Om? Are they demigods if Krishna is Supreme God?  

Mr. G replied: Brahma a demigod who is the chief engineer within the material universe. Krishna talks about material world as well as spiritual world in Bhagavadgita (BG). I will use this acronym going forward. Brahms created the first Adam and Eve in Hindu cosmic world. Om is a sacred sound.

My query regarding the answer that 'Bhagavadgita supersedes all the Vedas.': 
Please see the following excerpts from http://www.hinduwisdom.info/Hindu_Scriptures.htm Is this information incorrect? 

The Sanskrit word for philosophy is darsan or 'seeing', which implies that Hinduism is not based merely on intellectual speculation but is grounded upon direct and immediate perception. This, in fact, distinguishes Indian philosophy from much of Western philosophical thought. The oldest and most important scriptures of Hinduism are the Vedas, which contain inspired utterances of seers and sages, who had achieved a direct perception of the divine being. The Vedas are considered to be eternal, because they are not merely superb poetic composition but represent the divine truth itself as perceived through the elevated consciousness of great seers. 

In general, Hindu scriptures may be classified into two divisions: Sruti scriptures and Smriti scriptures. 

Sruti in Sanskrit means "that which is heard." Thus the Vedas are the eternal truths that the Vedic seers, called rishis, are said to have heard during their deep meditations. The Vedas are not considered the works of the human mind, but an expression of what has been realized through intuitive perception by Vedic rishis, who had powers to see beyond the physical phenomena. As such, Vedas are considered of divine origin. The Vedic truths were originally transmitted by the rishis to their disciples over thousands of years. At a later date, these were compiled by Sage Vyasa for the benefit of future generations. India's teachings are not speculative. They are based on divine revelations. Indeed, the revelations are so cosmic that they approach more closely the findings of physics and astronomy than the pious pronouncements of preachers. The rishis made claims so cosmic that even modern physics seems only to be catching up with them and realizing, after every scientific breakthrough, that the ancients were there long before them. Sruti include the Vedas (Rig, Yajur, Sama and Atharva) and the Bhagavad Gita. The Vedas are the primary scriptures of Hinduism. Each of the four Vedas consists of four parts: Samhitas, Brahmanas, Aranyakas, and Upanishads. 

Smriti means "that which is remembered." Smriti scriptures are derived from the Vedas and are considered to be of human origin and not of divine origin. They were written to explain and elaborate the Vedas, making them understandable and more meaningful to the general population. All authoritative writings outside the Vedas are collectively referred to as Smriti. Smriti inlcude the Dharma Shastras, Nibhandas, Puranas, The Epics, Agamas or Tantras, Darshanas and Vedangas (Upa Vedas). According to Alain Danielou distingused Orientalist, " The Puranas provide genealogies, which go back to the sixth millennium B.C. E.  and are probably largely authentic. The stories and descriptions of the various regions of the earth and the various civilizations living on the "seven continents" provide priceless documentation on the world's oldest civilization."

The Smriti are considered the secondary scriptures of Hinduism. These scriptures are classified in the following diagram:

Classification of Major Scriptures
[http://www.hinduwisdom.info/images/Classification_Hindu_Scripture.gif]

Note: Each of the four Vedas consists of four parts: Samhitas, Brahmanas, Aranykas, and Upanishads.

The Bhagavad Gita is a part of the Epics (The Mahabharata).
(image source: The Hindu Mind - By Bansi Pandit).




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Comment on article titled Which Quran, Mecca or Medina?

A non-Muslim interested in religious discussion shared this article on an email group: Which Quran, Mecca or Medina? 

Here are my two-bits:

Muhammad (may peace be upon him) was the last Prophet and the Messenger of God.

As the last Prophet, it was necessary to document and record all the revelations he received through Gabriel, the Trustworthy Messenger, so that future generations could benefit from the Quran. Hence, the final ordering of the verses of the Quran is also as revealed by Gabriel. Moreover, the Quran has been preserved in the same order, both in written form and orally, in the minds of those who memorise it (the Huffaz).

Quran is not the only scripture revealed by God. Other scriptures were revealed before it as well. As mentioned in the link Mr. G posted in his email [https://beyondthecusp.wordpress.com/2007/08/10/which-quran-mecca-or-medina/ ], there are certain similarities with other scriptures and certain differences. That the Quran was revealed in seventh century AD, and that it is the last scripture, means that now this book is meant for the guidance of humanity, as this is the most relevant for our times. I think this is what is meant by bringing something in place of the old. All verses of the Quran are equally valid and relevant, they do not contradict each other, and no verse is abrogated by any other verse. Its a matter of diligently studying the verses in context.

As for the contrast between the verses revealed earlier and later during Messenger Muhammad's mission, let me first explain the term Messenger (Rasool). Messengers are sent to warn clearly and Allah has always sent Messengers to warn nations transgressing beyond limits of impending divine punishment. Noah's nation, the Aad and the Samood, the Pharaoh of Egypt, and others were warned well in advance before punishment came to them. So thus this Messenger was sent to warn the Arabs, and give them time to mend. The warnings were conveyed through repeated examples of prior civilisations in several verses all across the Quran, revealed over a period of over two decades. After that the Treaty was declared annulled, notice of war given four months in advance, and then the Muslim State of Medina formally marched towards Makkah, as per divine order through the Messenger of God, and they were victorious, as promised by God.

There were several attacks on the Muslims in Medina prior to the conquest of Makkah. The verses which deal with qital give guidance on conduct when in a state of war. All armies of the world give similar advise to their combatants. Advice for soldiers being sent to battle, and advice for missionaries being sent for peaceful spread of the message must necessarily be different. It is important to read the verses in context, as well as to understand that only a Messenger of God or the Head of State can declare a war and call for battle.

Yes, the verses of the Quran are being abused and misapplied by some zealots within the fold of Islam as well organised criminals. And yes, I understand how imminent and real the threat of being murdered is for non-Muslims who fear for their lives, and thus view Islam as a Satanic cult. Of course, Satan is the avowed enemy of the progeny of Adam, and will use all means to deceive and destroy humans.

However, it is critical to remember that this life is not et al, and that eventually we all will die, and what is really going to matter is the final judgement. Immortality is a foregone eventuality, what matters is the quality of our eternal life. I hope and pray that all of us our guided to faith and guidance, are able to attain forgiveness of the Almighty and dwell in the Gardens of Eternity forever.

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Wednesday, September 9, 2015

Stop Communicating or/and Keep Reminding

HD wrote: 
Madam Samiya saheba
AA 
I am really flabbergasted to note that you took so long to realize the real worth of this group who are terrorizing Muslims.  I do not know what kind of Muslims they are.  In stead of spreading brotherhood, peace and love they are declaring each others as  Kafirs and friends of Shaitan. ... you should immediately stop communicating with this group and do something more productive. 
Best regards

My Reply:
Brother H., 
Walaikumsalam and thank you for your kind advise. I did not request to be added to this email list nor was my consent requested before adding my email to this list. Moreover, I do not know anybody on this list. However, since I found myself copied, I tried to keep my duty, as explained below. 
I started receiving emails from this group from 6 August 2015 when SA copied me on an email. The next day, I started receiving another email thread on which D initially copied me. I was quite relieved when I stopped receiving emails after I had quoted Dr. Zakir Naik's research of Hindu scriptures on 13 August 2015. However, on 18 August 2015, I again started receiving emails when IS copied me on his email, where he rightly quoted the relevant verses of the Quran which make payment of Haq Mehr obligatory upon Muslims. 
It saddens and worries me to see the eagerness and haste of some members on this email list to declare those who did not agree with them as kafirs, even though voices of sanity are quoting relevant verses from the Quran and secondary sources. 
However, those who take upon themselves to declare others kafir are also quoting Quranic verses and other sources, and vainly arguing and debating. It seems that they are either very confused between Quran (primary source of guidance for a Muslim) and other sources, or they are deliberately invoking controversial and/or false doctrines to create confusion and dissension. 
Trying to obey the guidance in Quran 4:140 and Quran 6:68, I try not to participate in the arguments. However, Quran 6:69 informs us of the responsibility of the God-conscious to remind. Hence, I posted my views earlier, and recently the write-up about Muslim Intolerance. I do not know whether I'm keeping my duty by reminding or transgressing by not remaining completely silent. I hope and pray that Allah guides me to better conduct and graciously accepts it of me.  
Chapter 41 of the Quran is titled Fussilat [Explained in Detail]. Verses 33-36 of the chapter are quite inspirational for patiently inviting others: 
And who is better in speech than one who invites to Allah and does righteousness and says, "Indeed, I am of the Muslims." And not equal are the good deed and the bad. Repel [evil] by that [deed] which is better; and thereupon the one whom between you and him is enmity [will become] as though he was a devoted friend. But none is granted it except those who are patient, and none is granted it except one having a great portion [of good]. And if there comes to you from Satan an evil suggestion, then seek refuge in Allah . Indeed, He is the Hearing, the Knowing. 
[Translator: Sahih International http://quran.com/41/33-36] 
May Allah guide us all. Amen.  
Samiya 
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Greeting Salam to Non-Muslims: the Ignorant and the Non-Believers

The Quran describes Muslims as humble, wishing Salam to the Ignorant, and it commands that the Non-believer be wished Salam as well: 

Al-Quran 25:63 [Yusuf Ali] And the servants of (Allah) Most Gracious are those who walk on the earth in humility, and when the ignorant address them, they say, "Peace!";
Al-Quran 43:88-89 [Yusuf Ali] (Allah has knowledge) of the (Prophet's) cry, "O my Lord! Truly these are people who will not believe!" But turn away from them, and say "Peace!" But soon shall they know! 


May Allah guide us all to follow His commands, in letter and in spirit, and may Allah be well-pleased with us. 

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Hadith

Someone asked:

Dear Sister in Islam
assalamu alikum...
This ...   is a committed die hard munkir hadith...
I hope you are not his fold  but in line with the Ijma'a (continuous unanimity ) of the ummah in this regard!!! 
Thanks
Sincerely 


My response: 

Walaikumsalam and thank you for your concern.
I'm not persuaded either ways. I acknowledge our dear Prophet (May peace be upon him) and the prophets before him as the greatest teachers of mankind.
However, I also distinguish between primary scriptures (revelations) and secondary sources (as collected and recorded by humans) of guidance that all religions have.
I also distinguish between Sunnah ( living traditions transmitted continuously through practice) and Hadith ( recorded statements in books), which sometimes contradict with the Quran or each other).
I am still studying the Quran and have not yet studied the secondary sources, so I cannot take a position either ways.
Regards,
Samiya 
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Authentic Source of Islam

S. A. wrote and asked: 
Dear Sister,
There is only one authentic source of Islam and that is alQuraan. The very belief in the second source is the rejection of the first one and that is a serious crime leading straight out of the heavens of ALLAH taala.
Please confirm if that is your chosen path.
وَهَـذَا كِتَابٌ أَنزَلْنَاهُ مُبَارَكٌ فَاتَّبِعُوهُ وَاتَّقُواْ لَعَلَّكُمْ تُرْحَمُونَ 6:155
6:155 And this is a Book which We have revealed as a blessing: so follow it and be righteous, that ye may receive mercy. 
S.A. ,
Muslim.

My Reply: 
Brother S. A., 
Salam. 

Yes, of course, the arabic Quran is the authentic and primary source of guidance for Muslims. 
As it states in the Quran that all things have been explained in detail in the Quran[1], it is an article of faith for me to believe that it contains guidance in all matters.  
As it states in the Quran that we have been given but little knowledge [3], I humbly believe that there is much left to know and learn. 
As the Quran directs us to ask those who 'follow the reminder' [4], I do refer to the interpretations of various scholars to help broaden my perspective and understanding. 
As it states in the Quran itself that belief in the revelation of the prior scriptures (reminders) is a pre-requisite for the God-conscious (muttaqin) [5], hence I also believe that the prior scriptures have been sent by Allah, the Ar-Rehman, who has been guiding humanity, as promised, since our exile here on Earth [2]. 
However, as the Quran also informs us that those to whom the prior scriptures were entrusted have corrupted their scriptures, as well as hidden portions of it, thus I only refer to or abstain from consulting the prior scriptures, as guided in the Quran [6]. Hence, I have kept this in consideration when researching, as mentioned in my blogposts [7]. 
As regards the hadith attributed to our dear Prophet (may peace be upon him), I think it is a monumental human effort to try to document and preserve the sayings of our dear Prophet. However, as all human efforts are riddled with errors and mistakes, I do not take hadith works as an article of faith. However, I do try to follow the example and some of the teachings. For more on my position on hadith, please see: [8].   

Please find listed below the verses and links to my blogposts, as referenced above. 
[1] All Kinds of Similitudes: 
Quran 17:89 And verily We have displayed for mankind in this Qur'an all kind of similitudes, but most of mankind refuse aught save disbelief. 
Abstract
Starting with verses 7:52 and 7:58, the relevant verses of the Quran have been collected in this post to help realise the significance of the Quran’s insistence upon itself being well-explained. Life is an open-book exam, and we cannot afford to put off taking guidance from the Quran. As verse 7:53 begins with the question: ‘Do they await except its result?’  

[2] Guidance promised: 
Quran 2:38 We said, "Go down from it, all of you. And when guidance comes to you from Me, whoever follows My guidance - there will be no fear concerning them, nor will they grieve.  

[3] Little Knowledge 
Quran 17:85 They are asking thee concerning the Spirit. Say: The Spirit is by command of my Lord, and of knowledge ye have been vouchsafed but little. 

[4] Consult those who Know 
Quran 16:43 And We sent not (as Our messengers) before thee other than men whom We inspired - Ask the followers of the Remembrance if ye know not! - 
Quran 21:7 And We sent not (as Our messengers) before thee other than men, whom We inspired. Ask the followers of the Reminder if ye know not? 

[5] Belief in prior scriptures: 
Quran 2:4 And who believe in what has been revealed to you, [O Muhammad], and what was revealed before you, and of the Hereafter they are certain [in faith]. 
Quran 4:136 O you who have believed, believe in Allah and His Messenger and the Book that He sent down upon His Messenger and the Scripture which He sent down before. And whoever disbelieves in Allah , His angels, His books, His messengers, and the Last Day has certainly gone far astray. 

[6] Changes in Prior Scriptures, and when to or not to take guidance from People of the Book: 
Quran 5:15 O People of the Scripture! Now hath Our messenger come unto you, expounding unto you much of that which ye used to hide in the Scripture, and forgiving much. now hath come unto you light from Allah and plain Scripture, 
Quran 18:22 They will say there were three, the fourth of them being their dog; and they will say there were five, the sixth of them being their dog - guessing at the unseen; and they will say there were seven, and the eighth of them was their dog. Say, [O Muhammad], "My Lord is most knowing of their number. None knows them except a few. So do not argue about them except with an obvious argument and do not inquire about them among [the speculators] from anyone." 
Quran 29:46 And do not argue with the People of the Scripture except in a way that is best, except for those who commit injustice among them, and say, "We believe in that which has been revealed to us and revealed to you. And our God and your God is one; and we are Muslims [in submission] to Him."  

[7] Relevant Blogposts
Al-Qur’an Chapter 18 starts with the statement that Allah has sent this Book and allowed therein no crookedness. It then goes on to relate three very strange stories, the first of which is about the People who slept in a Cave, in verses 9-26. The following is an attempt to understand these verses in the light of what scientists have discovered so far.  As verse 22 warns us that there are debates & guesswork regarding the number of Sleepers, and expressly forbids us from entering into controversies regarding them, comparisons with similar stories in other religions have been deliberately avoided.

Biblical Predictions 
Quran 29:43 asserts that though these examples are being presented, none will understand it except the learned / knowledgable. Quran 29:46 states that: And (do) not argue (with the) People of the Book except by which [it] (is) best, except those who (do) wrong among them,and say, "We believe in that (which) has been revealed to us and was revealed to you. And our God and your God (is) One, and we to Him submit.” 
So, what do the books of the People of the Book say about these past civilisations? The following passages of the Bible help comprehend the meanings of the Quranic passages further:
Matthew 24:37-39 and Luke 17:26-30 both foretell that as was in the days of Noah, so shall be the coming of the Son of Man be. The Luke 17 passage compares the coming to the days of Lot as well. 
What was the sin of these civilisations?...  

[8] Hadith 
My understanding, as explained in various posts over the years [http://islam-qna.blogspot.com/search?q=hadith]

May Allah guide us to a clearer understanding and perfect our light for us. 
Hope the above answers your question.  
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Religion & Humanitarianism

In a longish email, the author first extols the virtues and history of the peace-loving Buddhists, then goes on to the Syrian refugee crisis, and then the general migration across the Mediterranean towards Europe (full email reproduced below - photos not included), and asks: 
Innocent Aylan and other migrated  belong from Arab and majoirty  from Islamic world  but they are taking shelter in non Islamic countries why  ? ?
A very simple question from  our Islamic scholares where Islamic peace ? ? 

Answer: All primary scriptures preach similar messages of peace, mercy and compassion. 
Call to battle at the times of the Messengers of God were special circumstances unique to that Messenger and his direct addressees. For example, after two decades warning the Meccans, repeatedly giving examples from prophetic missions of the past, eventually the Treaty was declared annulled, notice of war given four months in advance, and then the Muslim army marched to Mecca. Even the immediate successors of Prophet Muhammad ( peace be upon him) went only to those countries whose leaders had been sent letters from Prophet Muhammad himself. 
However, it is true that the followers of almost all religions have, at some in history, exploited verses pertaining to the call to religious war for temporal gains. Even Buddhists have massacred so many Muslims in Burma! 

As for the Syrian crisis, neighbouring Muslim countries are already hosting millions of refugees. I had earlier posted a picture and the link to the Mercy Corps page (copied below) which contains details about the crisis. Yes, more needs to be done, and it's good that Europe will also be accepting some hundred thousand refugees. It's a gigantic humanitarian crisis, and things are simply getting worse.  

Mercy Corps for Syrian Crisis detail: 



The reason why so many people are migrating is because this world is full of social injustice. Slavery may be officially banned, yet millions suffer enslavement and oppression. There is plenty of food to feed the entire world population, yet one in every nine starves daily! Few months ago, while trying to understand a few verses of the Quran, I came to realise the enormity of social injustice and suffering, and just how blind we are to it all. 

Holy Quran 4:75
------------------
وَمَا لَكُمْ لَا تُقَاتِلُونَ فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ وَالْمُسْتَضْعَفِينَ مِنَ الرِّجَالِ وَالنِّسَاءِ وَالْوِلْدَانِ الَّذِينَ يَقُولُونَ رَبَّنَا أَخْرِجْنَا مِنْ هَٰذِهِ الْقَرْيَةِ الظَّالِمِ أَهْلُهَا وَاجْعَلْ لَنَا مِنْ لَدُنْكَ وَلِيًّا وَاجْعَلْ لَنَا مِنْ لَدُنْكَ نَصِيرًا

And what is [the matter] with you that you fight not in the cause of Allah and [for] the oppressed among men, women, and children who say, "Our Lord, take us out of this city of oppressive people and appoint for us from Yourself a protector and appoint for us from Yourself a helper?" 

Link to my blogpost: http://signsandscience.blogspot.com/2015/05/world-hunger-slavery.html 

May God help us keep our duty! 
Samiya 


On 08-Sep-2015, at 11:16 am, "..." <...@gmail.com> wrote:

HELP REFUGEES Said Pope Francis !

Germany opens doors to refugees.
Britons take social media to organise aid to migrants.
Australia will accept more refugees from camps bordering Syria and Iraq.

'Go forth, O Bhikkhus, for the good of the many, for the happiness of the many, out of compassion for the world, for the good, benefit, and happiness of gods andmen.'                                                                                                                                                                                                                            (TheBuddha)

When we turn the pages of the history of Buddhism, we learn that Buddhist missionaries gave the noble message of the Buddha in a peaceful and respectable way. Such a peaceful mission should put to shame those who have practised violent methods in propagating their religions.

Buddhist missionaries do not compete with other religionists in converting people in the market place. No Buddhist missionary or monk would ever think of preaching ill-will against the so-called 'unbelievers'. Religious, cultural and national intolerance are unbuddhistic in attitude, to people who are imbued with the real Buddhist spirit. Aggression never finds approval in the teachings of the Buddha. The world has bled and suffered enough from the disease of dogmatism, religious fanaticism and intolerance. Whether in religion or politics, people make conscious efforts to bring humanity to accept their own way of life. In doing so, they sometimes show their hostility towards the followers of other religions.

Buddhism had no quarrel with the national traditions and customs, art and culture of the people who accepted it as a way of life but allowed them to exist with refinement. The Buddha's message of love and compassion opened the hearts of men and they willingly accepted the Teachings, thereby helping Buddhism to become a world religion. Buddhist missionaries were invited by the independent countries which welcomed them with due respect. Buddhism was never introduced to any country through the influence of colonial or any other political power.

Buddhism was the first spiritual force known to us in history which drew closely together large numbers of races which were separated by the most difficult barriers of distance, language, culture and morals. Its motive was not the acquisition of international commerce, empire-building or migratory impulse to occupy fresh territory. Its aim was to show how people could gain more peace and happiness through the practice of Dhamma.

A sparkling example of the qualities and approach of a Buddhist missionary was Emperor Asoka. It was during Emperor Asoka's time that Buddhism spread to many Asian and western countries. Emperor Asoka sent Buddhist missionaries to many parts of the world to introduce the Buddha's message of peace. Asoka respected and supported every religion at that time. His tolerance towards other religions was remarkable. One of his scripts engraved in stone on Asoka Pillars, and still standing today in India, says:

'One should not honour only one's own religion and condemn the religion of others, but one should honor others' religions for this or that reason. In so doing, one helps one's own religion to grow and renders service to the religions of others too. In acting otherwise one digs the grave of one's own religion and also does harm to other religions. Whosoever honors his own religion and condemns other religions, does so indeed through devotion to his own religion, thinking, 'I will glorify my own religion.' But on the contrary, in so doing he injures his own religion more gravely, so concord is good. Let all listen, and be willing to listen to the doctrines professed by others.'

In 268 B.C., he made the doctrines of the Buddha a living force in India. Hospitals, social service institutions, universities for men and women, public wells and recreation centers sprang up with this new movement, and the people thereby realized the cruelty of senseless wars.

The golden era in the history of India and the other countries of Asia -- the period when art, culture, education and civilization reached their zenith -- occurred at the time when Buddhist influence was strongest in these countries. Holy wars, crusades, inquisitions and religious discrimination do not mar the annals of Buddhist countries. This is a noble history mankind can rightly be proud of. The Great Nalanda University of India which flourished from the second to the ninth century was a product of Buddhism. It was the first university that we know of and which was opened to international students.

In the past, Buddhism was able to make itself felt in many parts of the East, although communication and transport were difficult and people had to cross hills and deserts. Despite these difficult barriers Buddhism spread far and wide. Today, this peace message is spreading in the West. Westerners are attracted to Buddhism and believe that Buddhism is the only religion that is in harmony with modern science.

Buddhist missionaries have no need or desire to convert those who already have a proper religion to practise. If people are satisfied with their own religion, then, there is no need for Buddhist missionaries to convert them. They give their full support to missionaries of other faiths if their idea is to convert the wicked, evil, and uncultured people to a religious way of life. Buddhists are happy to see the progress of other religions so long as they truly help people to lead a religious way of life according to their faith and enjoy peace, harmony and understanding. On the other hand, Buddhist missionaries deplore the attitude of certain missionaries who disturb the followers of other religions, since there is no reason for them to create an unhealthy atmosphere of competition for converts if their aim is only to teach people to lead a religious way of life.

In introducing Dhamma to others, Buddhist missionaries have never tried to use imaginary exaggerations depicting a heavenly life in order to attract human desire and arouse their craving. Instead, they have tried to explain the real nature of human and heavenly life as taught by the Buddha.

Innocent Aylan and other migrated  belong from Arab and majoirty  from Islamic world  but they are taking shelter in non Islamic countries why  ? ?
A very simple question from  our Islamic scholares where Islamic peace ? ?


His Name is Aylan Kurdi: 
Picture That Defines a Human Catastrophe
His Name is Aylan Kurdi: Picture That Defines a Human CatastropheAylan Kurdi’s lifeless body near the Turkish town of Bodrum. (Photo: AP)
This picture of a drowned child washed up on a beach in Bordun, Turkey has moved the world into realising the magnitude of the migrant tragedy. This isn’t just Europe’s problem anymore. It is a global humanitarian crisis.

The child in the picture is Aylan Kurdi.

A smuggler vessel carrying Aylan capsized and at least 12 drowned, including five children. Aylan, his brother Galip, who was five, and his mother, Rihan, 35, were all found on the beach in Bodrum.

Aylan’s body was later picked up by a Turkish paramilitary officer.

A paramilitary police officer carries the lifeless body of Aylan Kurdi from the sea shore, near the Turkish town of Bodrum. (Photo: AP)A paramilitary police officer carries the lifeless body of Aylan Kurdi from the sea shore, near the Turkish town of Bodrum. (Photo: AP)
Media reports say he was from the north Syrian town of Kobani near the Turkish border, the scene of heavy fighting between Islamic State insurgents and Kurdish regional forces a few months ago.

The hashtag “KiyiyaVuranInsanlik” — “humanity washed ashore” — became the top trending topic on Twitter.

The two boats, carrying 23 people, had set off separately from the Akyarlar area of the Bodrum peninsula, a senior Turkish naval official said.

The army said its search and rescue teams had saved hundreds of migrants in the seas between Turkey and Greek islands over the last few days.

Tens of thousands of Syrians fleeing the war in their homeland have descended on Turkey’s Aegean coast this summer to board boats to Greece, their gateway to the European Union.

A Syrian migrant mother holding her child breaks into tears as they reach the shore of Eftalou beach, 60 kilometers north of the port town of Mytilini after crossing the Aegean from Turkey on the southeastern Greek island of Lesbos, Greece, Sunday, Aug. 23, 2015. (Photo: AP)A Syrian migrant mother holding her child breaks into tears as they reach the shore of Eftalou beach, 60 kilometers north of the port town of Mytilini after crossing the Aegean from Turkey on the southeastern Greek island of Lesbos, Greece, Sunday, Aug. 23, 2015. (Photo: AP)
In a statement late on Wednesday, Turkey’s National Security Council voiced concern over the immigration policies of European countries.

European countries’ worrying approach to the flow of migrants has caused sorrow and it has been evaluated that the issue should be taken up in a basic human rights perspective.
— Turkey’s National Security Council

The official said almost 100 people had been rescued by Turkish vessels overnight as they tried to reach Kos.

Aid agencies estimate over the past month, about 2,000 people a day have been making the short crossing to Greece’s eastern islands on rubber dinghies.

ASyrian migrant holds a banner at the port town of Mytilini after crossing the Aegean from Turkey, on the southeastern Greek island of Lesbos. (Photo: AP)ASyrian migrant holds a banner at the port town of Mytilini after crossing the Aegean from Turkey, on the southeastern Greek island of Lesbos. (Photo: AP)
A ship bringing about 1,800 migrants and refugees from one of the islands arrived at the port of Piraeus near Athens on Tuesday night, the Greek coastguard said.

Thousands of people, mainly Africans, have also been trying to reach Europe via boat from Libya to Italy. The United Nations refugee agency UNHCR said four bodies had been pulled out from the central Mediterranean on Tuesday and 781 migrants rescued, mostly from Nigeria, Ivory Coast and Senegal.

So far this year more than 2,500 people have died trying to cross the Mediterranean, the UNHCR said.
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