Question: WHO OR WHAT IS GOD ?
Answer: Firstly, we start everything with the invocation: Bismi-llah-hir-Rahman-nir-Raheem(In the name of Allah, the Most-Gracious, Ever-Merciful). Three things to be noted here: (A)llah meaning the only one worthy of worship, His attribute Rahman exceedingly kind and gracious, while Raheem meaning whose kindness, mercy and graciousness is forever.Further on in the Quran, we are introduced to Allah’s other attributes: the Alive, the Self-Subsisting, the Eternal, the Cherisher and Sustainer of the Worlds, Master of the Day of Judgement, Oft-Forgiving, Most Forbearing, the Most-High, the Irresistible, the Wise, the Supreme, the Protector, free of all wants, He is the One who hears and sees and knows all things, and so on. And, in Chapter 112 Verse 4, we are told that there is none like Him or comparable to Him.So, we know of God not through His image, but through His attributes. He Himself chooses to remain hidden, and expects us to find/discover/acknowledge Him through His signs and attributes. By looking around at His creations, we wonder at how so much order and beauty there is, and attempt to seek the originator and creator of it all. This search leads us through the various world religions and philosophies, we read and evaluate the sacred books of different faiths, and then use God’s gift of knowledge and intellect to satisfy our heart’s desire for the truth. We muslims believe that the Quran is the final revelation from God, guidance for mankind, confirming the message and the prophets of old, sifting out the additions/subtractions that had been made to His message (in the earlier books) over the ages, and protecting this final revelation from any changes. Thus, people are able to memorize this complete book, did so when it was revealed, and this oral tradition of memorizing the Quran has continued since the days of Prophet Mohammed to this day. All manuscripts of the Arabic Quran all across the world contain the exact same words in the exact same order. As a student of science, you may wish to check out this website: http://www.quran.org/science/origin.htm Over the past few years, I have tried to answer some questions according to my understanding, and have attempted to compile them … you may wish to check out my blog: http://islam-qna.blogspot.com/ There is also a list of links and books there which might be useful to you.
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Friday, February 13, 2009
God's reasons
Q: I was sick & god made me well, healed me!" I say "sure but "it" made or allowed you to get sick in the first place, so what? Besides what does the creator get out of all this suffering?" And the gullible says "god has his reasons".( why "his".. not "hers"or "its"? we have been programmed well) Fine I say "what are they?"
A: Well, according to what I’ve understood from the Quran, first of all, God speaks in shifting pronouns and tells us that He is One and Only and nothing we can imagine. Also, the pronouns He uses for Himself are I and We…. both neutral, that is can be used by male, female or neuter gender. Also, in atleast in Arabic language, unless specifically speaking about females, the general style of speech is in the male tense.And the answer to your second question is that God says that He inflicts us with disease, hunger, poverty, adversities to bring us closer to Him as when we humans are affluent, most of us generally like to take credit for it all and consider it all our own achievements and good practices, but when struck by adversity, we feel helpless and turn towards God. He also says that all the riches of the world are nothing in His eyes, and if He so wanted, He would give mansions of gold and silver to all the non-believers to thoroughly enjoy their brief life on Earth, but the only reason He does not do that is because He wishes to guide those who seek guidance………. Humans are weak and easily impressive…….. and need help both in the physical and the spiritual realm!
I did sort of explain my view to someone earlier regarding life on earth, please check out this blog entry:http://islam-qna.blogspot.com/2008/12/all-loving-perfect-god.html
A: Well, according to what I’ve understood from the Quran, first of all, God speaks in shifting pronouns and tells us that He is One and Only and nothing we can imagine. Also, the pronouns He uses for Himself are I and We…. both neutral, that is can be used by male, female or neuter gender. Also, in atleast in Arabic language, unless specifically speaking about females, the general style of speech is in the male tense.And the answer to your second question is that God says that He inflicts us with disease, hunger, poverty, adversities to bring us closer to Him as when we humans are affluent, most of us generally like to take credit for it all and consider it all our own achievements and good practices, but when struck by adversity, we feel helpless and turn towards God. He also says that all the riches of the world are nothing in His eyes, and if He so wanted, He would give mansions of gold and silver to all the non-believers to thoroughly enjoy their brief life on Earth, but the only reason He does not do that is because He wishes to guide those who seek guidance………. Humans are weak and easily impressive…….. and need help both in the physical and the spiritual realm!
I did sort of explain my view to someone earlier regarding life on earth, please check out this blog entry:http://islam-qna.blogspot.com/2008/12/all-loving-perfect-god.html
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Crescent... the Symbol
When and How the crescent was adopted as a symbol and by Whom:
…..The early Muslim community did not really have a symbol. During the time of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), Islamic armies and caravans flew simple solid-colored flags (generally black, green, or white) for identification purposes. In later generations, the Muslim leaders continued to use a simple black, white, or green flag with no markings, writing, or symbolism on it. It wasn't until the Ottoman Empire that the crescent moon and star became affiliated with the Muslim world. When the Turks conquered Constantinople (Istanbul) in 1453, they adopted the city's existing flag and symbol. Legend holds that the founder of the Ottoman Empire, Osman, had a dream in which the crescent moon stretched from one end of the earth to the other. Taking this as a good omen, he chose to keep the crescent and make it the symbol of his dynasty. There is speculation that the five points on the star represent the five pillars of Islam, but this is pure conjecture…….
http://islam.about.com/od/history/a/crescent_moon.htm
…..The early Muslim community did not really have a symbol. During the time of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), Islamic armies and caravans flew simple solid-colored flags (generally black, green, or white) for identification purposes. In later generations, the Muslim leaders continued to use a simple black, white, or green flag with no markings, writing, or symbolism on it. It wasn't until the Ottoman Empire that the crescent moon and star became affiliated with the Muslim world. When the Turks conquered Constantinople (Istanbul) in 1453, they adopted the city's existing flag and symbol. Legend holds that the founder of the Ottoman Empire, Osman, had a dream in which the crescent moon stretched from one end of the earth to the other. Taking this as a good omen, he chose to keep the crescent and make it the symbol of his dynasty. There is speculation that the five points on the star represent the five pillars of Islam, but this is pure conjecture…….
http://islam.about.com/od/history/a/crescent_moon.htm
Allah is not the moon-god!
The article posted on Fri Dec 12, 2008 contained some serious mis-information regarding Allah and Islam. Please find below
1. Verses from the Holy Quran directly answering the allegation that Allah was moon-god, and laat, manaat and uzza were his daughters
2. Verses from the Holy Quran regarding Prophet Abraham, and the Jewish and Christian faith
3. History of how, when and by whom was the crescent adopted as a symbol
Holy Quran Chapter 41
37 And of His portents are the night and the day and the sun and the moon. Do not prostrate to the sun or the moon; but prostrate to Allah Who created them, if it is in truth Him Whom ye worship.
Holy Quran Chapter 53:
19 Have ye seen Lat. and 'Uzza,
20 And another, the third (goddess), Manat?
21 What! for you the male sex, and for Him, the female?
22 Behold, such would be indeed a division most unfair!
23 These are nothing but names which ye have devised,- ye and your fathers,- for which Allah has sent down no authority (whatever). They follow nothing but conjecture and what their own souls desire!- Even though there has already come to them Guidance from their Lord!
And who forsaketh the religion of abraham save him who befooleth himself? Verily We chose him in the world, and lo! in the Hereafter he is among the righteous. ( سورة البقرة , Al-Baqara, Chapter #2, Verse #130)
The same did abraham enjoin upon his sons, and also Jacob, (saying): O my sons! Lo! Allah hath chosen for you the (true) religion; therefore die not save as men who have surrendered (unto Him). ( سورة البقرة , Al-Baqara, Chapter #2, Verse #132)
And they say: Be Jews or Christians, then ye will be rightly guided. Say (unto them, O Muhammad): Nay, but (we follow) the religion of abraham, the upright, and he was not of the idolaters. ( سورة البقرة , Al-Baqara, Chapter #2, Verse #135)
Say (O Muslims): We believe in Allah and that which is revealed unto us and that which was revealed unto abraham, and Ishmael, and Isaac, and Jacob, and the tribes, and that which Moses and Jesus received, and that which the prophets received from their Lord. We make no distinction between any of them, and unto Him we have surrendered. ( سورة البقرة , Al-Baqara, Chapter #2, Verse #136)
O People of the Scripture! Why will ye argue about abraham, when the Torah and the Gospel were not revealed till after him? Have ye then no sense? ( سورة آل عمران , Aal-e-Imran, Chapter #3, Verse #65)
Lo! those of mankind who have the best claim to abraham are those who followed him, and this Prophet and those who believe (with him); and Allah is the Protecting Guardian of the believers. ( سورة آل عمران , Aal-e-Imran, Chapter #3, Verse #68)
Say (O Muhammad): We believe in Allah and that which is revealed unto us and that which was revealed unto abraham and Ishmael and Isaac and Jacob and the tribes, and that which was vouchsafed unto Moses and Jesus and the prophets from their Lord. We make no distinction between any of them, and unto Him we have surrendered. ( سورة آل عمران , Aal-e-Imran, Chapter #3, Verse #84)
Say: Allah speaketh truth. So follow the religion of abraham, the upright. He was not of the idolaters. ( سورة آل عمران , Aal-e-Imran, Chapter #3, Verse #95)
1. Verses from the Holy Quran directly answering the allegation that Allah was moon-god, and laat, manaat and uzza were his daughters
2. Verses from the Holy Quran regarding Prophet Abraham, and the Jewish and Christian faith
3. History of how, when and by whom was the crescent adopted as a symbol
Holy Quran Chapter 41
37 And of His portents are the night and the day and the sun and the moon. Do not prostrate to the sun or the moon; but prostrate to Allah Who created them, if it is in truth Him Whom ye worship.
Holy Quran Chapter 53:
19 Have ye seen Lat. and 'Uzza,
20 And another, the third (goddess), Manat?
21 What! for you the male sex, and for Him, the female?
22 Behold, such would be indeed a division most unfair!
23 These are nothing but names which ye have devised,- ye and your fathers,- for which Allah has sent down no authority (whatever). They follow nothing but conjecture and what their own souls desire!- Even though there has already come to them Guidance from their Lord!
And who forsaketh the religion of abraham save him who befooleth himself? Verily We chose him in the world, and lo! in the Hereafter he is among the righteous. ( سورة البقرة , Al-Baqara, Chapter #2, Verse #130)
The same did abraham enjoin upon his sons, and also Jacob, (saying): O my sons! Lo! Allah hath chosen for you the (true) religion; therefore die not save as men who have surrendered (unto Him). ( سورة البقرة , Al-Baqara, Chapter #2, Verse #132)
And they say: Be Jews or Christians, then ye will be rightly guided. Say (unto them, O Muhammad): Nay, but (we follow) the religion of abraham, the upright, and he was not of the idolaters. ( سورة البقرة , Al-Baqara, Chapter #2, Verse #135)
Say (O Muslims): We believe in Allah and that which is revealed unto us and that which was revealed unto abraham, and Ishmael, and Isaac, and Jacob, and the tribes, and that which Moses and Jesus received, and that which the prophets received from their Lord. We make no distinction between any of them, and unto Him we have surrendered. ( سورة البقرة , Al-Baqara, Chapter #2, Verse #136)
O People of the Scripture! Why will ye argue about abraham, when the Torah and the Gospel were not revealed till after him? Have ye then no sense? ( سورة آل عمران , Aal-e-Imran, Chapter #3, Verse #65)
Lo! those of mankind who have the best claim to abraham are those who followed him, and this Prophet and those who believe (with him); and Allah is the Protecting Guardian of the believers. ( سورة آل عمران , Aal-e-Imran, Chapter #3, Verse #68)
Say (O Muhammad): We believe in Allah and that which is revealed unto us and that which was revealed unto abraham and Ishmael and Isaac and Jacob and the tribes, and that which was vouchsafed unto Moses and Jesus and the prophets from their Lord. We make no distinction between any of them, and unto Him we have surrendered. ( سورة آل عمران , Aal-e-Imran, Chapter #3, Verse #84)
Say: Allah speaketh truth. So follow the religion of abraham, the upright. He was not of the idolaters. ( سورة آل عمران , Aal-e-Imran, Chapter #3, Verse #95)
Friday, December 19, 2008
All-loving Perfect God?
Question: Why did an all-loving God create such a mess? The question, for me, leads logically to three possible conclusions: (1) He is not the Creator God to begin with; (2) He created a perfect world but another powerful entity (the Bible says that Satan is the prince of this world) took over and fouled things up, or (3) God, the Creator, is Himself imperfect.
Answer: Ever considered a software, or perhaps a still easier analogy, a video game, how it is designed and how it responds to the players' inputs? You see, the software designer engineers a set of possibilities which are programmed in a set of ‘if’ ‘elseif’ ‘else’ conditions or ‘while’ ‘do while’ ‘for’ 'next' loops knowing very well all the possible choices the player can possibly make, and even though the game evolves in exactly the same pattern as it was designed, yet, it is coloured in the choices made by the player. The player has no power over the result of his choices, but he does have a limited power to make the right choices. The perfect game that he plays, or the mess he creates is based on his own aptitude, and does not reflect the perfection/imperfectness of the designer. If the game crashed, gave an unknown error, then the programmer is flawed, but if the game continues till the end, then the programmer has done a very good job incorporating and designing around all possible user inputs. That our world continues, that inspite of all the evil perpetrated by humans upon humans, life goes on, and good things still happen, and all in all, everything continues till such a time as is prophesized that it will come to an end, all indicates a perfect designer. But, He tells us that this is no mere sport, that there is a purpose behind this world and this life, and beyond what we’ve been told, we will be acquainted with the reality of it in the Hereafter. Till then, we just have to trust Him, and wait……….He will tell us when the time is right, or so I guess!
And as far as Satan being the prince is concerned, well, like us He is also allowed to make His choices, but actually everything happens exactly according to the Divine plan….we can only make choices, whether we are humans or genies.
Have you seen the movie, Matrix? Sometimes I think perhaps we are simply plugged in here like in the movie!
Answer: Ever considered a software, or perhaps a still easier analogy, a video game, how it is designed and how it responds to the players' inputs? You see, the software designer engineers a set of possibilities which are programmed in a set of ‘if’ ‘elseif’ ‘else’ conditions or ‘while’ ‘do while’ ‘for’ 'next' loops knowing very well all the possible choices the player can possibly make, and even though the game evolves in exactly the same pattern as it was designed, yet, it is coloured in the choices made by the player. The player has no power over the result of his choices, but he does have a limited power to make the right choices. The perfect game that he plays, or the mess he creates is based on his own aptitude, and does not reflect the perfection/imperfectness of the designer. If the game crashed, gave an unknown error, then the programmer is flawed, but if the game continues till the end, then the programmer has done a very good job incorporating and designing around all possible user inputs. That our world continues, that inspite of all the evil perpetrated by humans upon humans, life goes on, and good things still happen, and all in all, everything continues till such a time as is prophesized that it will come to an end, all indicates a perfect designer. But, He tells us that this is no mere sport, that there is a purpose behind this world and this life, and beyond what we’ve been told, we will be acquainted with the reality of it in the Hereafter. Till then, we just have to trust Him, and wait……….He will tell us when the time is right, or so I guess!
And as far as Satan being the prince is concerned, well, like us He is also allowed to make His choices, but actually everything happens exactly according to the Divine plan….we can only make choices, whether we are humans or genies.
Have you seen the movie, Matrix? Sometimes I think perhaps we are simply plugged in here like in the movie!
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Scientific accuracy of the hadith
Question: http://www.quran.org/science/origin.htm Well done! A fascinating exposition. Do the Hadith also contain examples?
Answer: Hadith are books written by humans........ they are prone to a lot of errors and memory lapses; scholars try to sift out the authentic, but even then, again its human work and subject to errors. Can't take it as an article of faith. I personally feel that since we have the Quran in its original form, why not concentrate on getting all spiritual information from it first, and then diversify to other books. Having been born in a muslim family, I've been blessed to have the Quran in my life all along, and I still find it to be an inexhaustible source of knowledge; as I age, and hopefully grow 'wiser', I continue to keep learning more and more from the same verses....... its just amazing how this book addresses all mental levels, and continues to fascinate and educate. Thus, I choose not to diversify yet. I do keep hearing different hadiths, I do read up books about the Prophet and his times, but I do know that all these are works of history, and just that.
Answer: Hadith are books written by humans........ they are prone to a lot of errors and memory lapses; scholars try to sift out the authentic, but even then, again its human work and subject to errors. Can't take it as an article of faith. I personally feel that since we have the Quran in its original form, why not concentrate on getting all spiritual information from it first, and then diversify to other books. Having been born in a muslim family, I've been blessed to have the Quran in my life all along, and I still find it to be an inexhaustible source of knowledge; as I age, and hopefully grow 'wiser', I continue to keep learning more and more from the same verses....... its just amazing how this book addresses all mental levels, and continues to fascinate and educate. Thus, I choose not to diversify yet. I do keep hearing different hadiths, I do read up books about the Prophet and his times, but I do know that all these are works of history, and just that.
God: unexplainable?
[Quote] i do not think anyone can really "explain", in any intellectual fashion, the "unexplainable" and whatever "god is" strikes me as something outside the dimensions of reality we can understand or really even grasp........some have developed neat constructs that satisfy them and sound good....[EndQuote]
Answer: We muslims believe the same thing: that God is unexplainable, He is nothing that we can begin to imagine or grasp or explain, that He is not like anything. Chapter 112 titled Al-Ikhlas [Absoluteness] reads: Say: He is Allah, the One! Allah, the eternally Besought of all! He begetteth not nor was begotten. And there is none comparable unto Him. [translation by Pickthal]
[Quote] then too, i must be honest with myself, in terms of my motivations for the sorts of work i have done for so long...........i have to question why i chose to do this, for no one made me, and i had no "vision" at some point which said "go and help"........... [EndQuote]
Answer: God has gifted all of us with a conscience, a guide to what is good and what is bad, what is right and what is wrong, and the free-will to choose our actions. The blessed ones among us choose to hear their conscience and choose to do the right thing.
[Quote] then, i read about Mother Teresa and the great emptiness she walked in for decades, feeling abandoned by the One who she felt "sent her to the poor"............perhaps she was just deluded and perhaps i have been also............i will have to give up.........i cannot do it anymore................i too have become empty inside.............it will kill me to continue..........i do not want R&R........i am getting out and making plans to do so.............it is as if there is no oxygen left in the air....... [EndQuote]
Answer: Even the Prophets and mystics have felt like that…….. God chooses when and who, but that is a very rare experience of a very few……….. He wants us to observe all around us and to know that there is somebody who has caused this, and is sustaining this, and wants us to believe inspite of no direct experience of the divine………. That is the test! If God were to reveal Himself to all of us, who then would not believe?? Why we’re being put through this test, I’m sure He knows…………. Though we can get an idea of it by exploring the different holy books, and figuring out what He has to say about it.
[Quote] i realize i am "seared" in heart and mind............i know i have bitterness............how could i not know it? as far as i can tell, all that is left is for my prayer to be granted..........to be filled with "awe and wonder"...........to "see" beyond what i can see...........this must be some form of "experiential" happening..............but, i cannot "demand" it, since i have no idea on whom i would make the demand..............:)))) [EndQuote]
Answer: Pray to “To whoever is the Creator and Sustainer of ALL” …………. You know how those letters begin: To whom it may concern. I pray that He will show you His way, and He will bless you. Being a muslim, I can’t resist the urge to ask you to atleast do a critical but unbiased reading of the Holy Quran, while waiting for your prayers to be answered.
[Quote] it is no longer possible for me to identify with any "faith"............too late for that................my only answer is to "walk away from it all" and focus on simple things like growing bananas, limes, tropical flowers and fishing off the coast at savanna la mar, jamaica.............. [EndQuote]
Answer: It is never too late……… don’t identify with faith….. just have faith….. that the Beneficent Being who created us loves us and that all that we see is not pointless or mere play, but that there are reasons beyond our knowledge………….. had He not loved us He could and would have made all of those who did not believe in Him or His religion suffer; but that is not what we see………. Rich and poor, healthy and sick, happy and sad, famished and well-fed, all shades of lives are being led by people of all faith……….. all get air to breathe, all get sustenance while alive, all get Earth below and sky above, all get to smell flowers, enjoy colours, see the same stars…………… yes, one would want to alleviate the sufferings of all who suffer, and one must try, but all have been given their own exam sheets, their own strengths and weaknesses, and their own capacity to bear the difficulties and forbearance, we just cannot judge of what we know and understand so little…………. What have the rich, healthy and successful people done to earn that state in which they’re in? Is it their birth-right? No, ofcourse not. We all have our lives to live, to touch others lives with our words and actions, and constantly strive for the better………. And our God-gifted conscience guides us and helps us know what’s right. Have faith, know that He exists, and pray in your heart that He shows you His way!
Answer: We muslims believe the same thing: that God is unexplainable, He is nothing that we can begin to imagine or grasp or explain, that He is not like anything. Chapter 112 titled Al-Ikhlas [Absoluteness] reads: Say: He is Allah, the One! Allah, the eternally Besought of all! He begetteth not nor was begotten. And there is none comparable unto Him. [translation by Pickthal]
[Quote] then too, i must be honest with myself, in terms of my motivations for the sorts of work i have done for so long...........i have to question why i chose to do this, for no one made me, and i had no "vision" at some point which said "go and help"........... [EndQuote]
Answer: God has gifted all of us with a conscience, a guide to what is good and what is bad, what is right and what is wrong, and the free-will to choose our actions. The blessed ones among us choose to hear their conscience and choose to do the right thing.
[Quote] then, i read about Mother Teresa and the great emptiness she walked in for decades, feeling abandoned by the One who she felt "sent her to the poor"............perhaps she was just deluded and perhaps i have been also............i will have to give up.........i cannot do it anymore................i too have become empty inside.............it will kill me to continue..........i do not want R&R........i am getting out and making plans to do so.............it is as if there is no oxygen left in the air....... [EndQuote]
Answer: Even the Prophets and mystics have felt like that…….. God chooses when and who, but that is a very rare experience of a very few……….. He wants us to observe all around us and to know that there is somebody who has caused this, and is sustaining this, and wants us to believe inspite of no direct experience of the divine………. That is the test! If God were to reveal Himself to all of us, who then would not believe?? Why we’re being put through this test, I’m sure He knows…………. Though we can get an idea of it by exploring the different holy books, and figuring out what He has to say about it.
[Quote] i realize i am "seared" in heart and mind............i know i have bitterness............how could i not know it? as far as i can tell, all that is left is for my prayer to be granted..........to be filled with "awe and wonder"...........to "see" beyond what i can see...........this must be some form of "experiential" happening..............but, i cannot "demand" it, since i have no idea on whom i would make the demand..............:)))) [EndQuote]
Answer: Pray to “To whoever is the Creator and Sustainer of ALL” …………. You know how those letters begin: To whom it may concern. I pray that He will show you His way, and He will bless you. Being a muslim, I can’t resist the urge to ask you to atleast do a critical but unbiased reading of the Holy Quran, while waiting for your prayers to be answered.
[Quote] it is no longer possible for me to identify with any "faith"............too late for that................my only answer is to "walk away from it all" and focus on simple things like growing bananas, limes, tropical flowers and fishing off the coast at savanna la mar, jamaica.............. [EndQuote]
Answer: It is never too late……… don’t identify with faith….. just have faith….. that the Beneficent Being who created us loves us and that all that we see is not pointless or mere play, but that there are reasons beyond our knowledge………….. had He not loved us He could and would have made all of those who did not believe in Him or His religion suffer; but that is not what we see………. Rich and poor, healthy and sick, happy and sad, famished and well-fed, all shades of lives are being led by people of all faith……….. all get air to breathe, all get sustenance while alive, all get Earth below and sky above, all get to smell flowers, enjoy colours, see the same stars…………… yes, one would want to alleviate the sufferings of all who suffer, and one must try, but all have been given their own exam sheets, their own strengths and weaknesses, and their own capacity to bear the difficulties and forbearance, we just cannot judge of what we know and understand so little…………. What have the rich, healthy and successful people done to earn that state in which they’re in? Is it their birth-right? No, ofcourse not. We all have our lives to live, to touch others lives with our words and actions, and constantly strive for the better………. And our God-gifted conscience guides us and helps us know what’s right. Have faith, know that He exists, and pray in your heart that He shows you His way!
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