Isabella : From me you are at ease to continue the talk day and night and do not go till truth and falsehood are sorted out. What I said was for your convenience.
Christian woman : In fact, I am resolved to carry the discussion till the last point.
Now, just say what was the need of Islam when Christianity prevailed.
Isabella: If Islam had not come, truth would not have been brought here to the world. It was Islam which revived the teachings of Apostles and taught people purity and cleanness/ I tell you briefly a few reasons for the coming of Islam :
(1) Islam by its advent perfected religion, for teaching of previous revealed Books were suited for their own time and had no universal appeal. The Quran filled the gap.
(2) True teachings of Prophets were corrupted by their followers which the Quran
purified. For instance, Christians, by deifying Jesus Christ, had built up the rotten structure of assigning partners to Allah which was pulled down first. Islam brought the light of the sun of God's unity and presented the true form of God's Glory and Mercy to the world.
(3) Ahl-i-Kitab (People of the Book) had attributed many shameful acts to Prophets,
calling some of them liars, cheats and adulterers and thus making all Prophets n sinners. Islam strongly refuted these charges and restored the real nobility and dignity of Prophets.
(4) Ahl-i-Kitab (People of the Book), by inter-preting their sacred Books, had
manipulated them and so people's trust on all revealed Books was lost. The Quran
exposed their mischief and fraud and presented all the real teachings of previous Books anew, and now we have no need of any other book as the Quran includes teachings of all the Books revealed to Prophets.
(5) Since previous Prophets and their revealed Books were for particular periods and
particular people, so they did not contain laws which were needed by men till the last day. The gap was filled by the Quran and, after completing the code of religion,
proclaimed that needs of all humanity are served in it by which men will be benefited till the Day of Judgment.
Do you now realise why Islam came to the world ?
Christian woman : All these are mere claims without arguments, you neither mentioned any miracle of your Prophet nor proved his Prophet-hood. The question of his teachings comes after these problems are resolved.
Isabella : You asked me to say what was the need of the advent of Islam and I briefly narrated some of the needs. Now it is for you to meet these arguments. I have already given you the proof of miracles and have put up to you such a living miracle which can be seen by all the world today, that is, the Quran and its challenge. If the Quran is not the" Word of Allah, then bring just one verse to compare with it. But it is just this which the world could not accomplish. As to the Prophet being a Messenger of Allah its proof is in this very miracle. When not even one verse can be produced to compare with it, then it is established that it is the Word of Allah and the person who brought it can only be True Apostle of Allah. Another proof is that the Prophet, after his getting Prophethood, gave such a reform to the world and in his own lifetime made entire Arabia to bow before Allah. Can an example of this type be found in any false prophet? Just name even one fraudulent man who would have performed this great reforming task.
Christian woman : Whatever you say, your Prophet is not fit to be obeyed. How can a
person who had shed blood all his life and married so many women be ever a reformer?
Look at the purity of our Lord, that he never married all his life.
Isabella : Well, your lord was God and did not need married life, for it is man who needs marriage. As our Prophet was a human being like others, he contracted marriages. But just name any other Prophet who, in spite of being a human being, had not married.
Christian woman : The perfect man is one who is distinguished from others.
Isabella : But you believe your Lord to be God, Son of God.
Christian woman : But along with this our Lord was also a perfect man.
Isabella : Did he eat and drink ?
Christian woman : Why not? His eating and drinking was not in his capacity of God but in the capacity of man.
Isabella : Then, how was your Lord distinguished ? What is the definition of perfect man ?
Christian woman : The perfect man is one in whose obeying there is no difficulty.
Isabella : Quite right. Now, you yourself have clarified the point. How can a Christian who has wife and children follow his Lord in his home life ? Similarly, how can Christians who are fighting against Muslims and idolaters follow their Lord in military matters ?
Christian woman : Our Lord neither fought any battle nor married. So the question does not arise,
Isabella : You have defined perfect man as one in following whom no difficulty arises. But here a great difficulty has arisen, for a man with a wife and children has no model for him in your Lord because he remained unmarried all his life. In the same way for the man staking his life in a battle, for him Christ cannot be a model.
Christian woman (after some silence): Our Lord is the model for spiritual life. What
concern he has with physical life ?
Isabella : Quite right, Jesus Christ can be a model in spiritual life and not in physical life. So for physical life another guide should be found. In this aspect your Lord is wanting. But the being who can be a model both for spiritual and physical life is only one. Man is neither only physical that he needs just a worldly guide. Just as man is a combination of spirit and body, he needs a guide who can rightly guide him in both the spheres of life and whose life can be a model in the whole life of man. There is no doubt that Prophet Moses' life was of Dignity, while the life of Jesus Christ was of Grace, but the life of the Last Prophet, Muhammad, was of Perfection. Just as his life was a model for the prayerful, pious and for sufi, so also for a man of the world, a merchant and even for a king, The Prophet Muhammad grazed goats in early life, then retired to the seclusion of the cave of Hira for meditation.He traded in Syria, then married Khadijah and, taking to household life, preached from the top of mount Faran and in the lanes of Mecca, went to preach in Taif and among the tribes of Hejaz and suffered at the hands of enemies and opponents, served the starving people, looked after orphans and widows of the community, migrated from Mecca to Medina, made pacts with Jews of Medina, built mosques, settled disputes between parties, led prayers, delivered speeches at different places, trained armies in the battles of Badr and Uhud and led them as a commander, exhibited the highest military skill,- and
then prayed at night and for so long a time that his feet swelled and cracked. So, in fact, all the ways and means and models of life's requirements are found in the sacred, perfect life of our Holy Prophet Muhammad. Just as for one who grazes goats as well as for a great trader his life is a model, so also for a preacher and for a traveller and an emigrant his sacred life is worth following, so also for a retired devotee he is a good guide and his teaching a model for worldly men of homely life.
And his teach-ing provides perfect regulations, for international life as also for the need of the dweller of forests. Just as his plan of work is a guide in the battlefield, so also he is a good model for people in the days of peace and security. In short, in household life, preaching, trading, leadership, sermonising and leading prayers, retired life, tending cattle, formulating laws, ruling as king, and in happiness and mourning, marriage and divorce, life and death, teaching and training children and whatever tasks come in man's civilised life there is nothing for which there is not a model in the perfect life of the Prophet.
Thus perfection of life and all embarrassing needs of life are found neither in the
life of Prophet Moses, nor in Prophet Jesus. So in justice and honesty we are bound to say that the Last Prophet Muhammad embodies in him all spiritual and physical codes of human life and of glory as well as grace. Any man of the world who is in search of a correct plan of actions for this world or the next for him in all honesty there is no other course but to take cover under the vast and merciful shade of the Last of the Prophets, Muhammad, and his sacred and complete life, his code of conduct.The entire assembly was struck dumb after this speech of Isabella and even the Christian woman with all her claim of performing miracles was entranced. When Isabella found the Christian woman sunk in humility and remorse, she apologised to all guests and said good-bye to them.
It is reported by Abu Hafs that the effect of this speech was that many of the Christian women present at the meeting accepted Islam and after some years even that Christian woman also accepted Islam at the truthful hands of Isabella. But it did not happen all at once ; it took a few years for the amenable souls to come under the shade of Divine Grace and Mercy.
So long as Isabella lived she continued to render magnificent services to Islam. On the one hand she silenced Christians and on the other hand poured an ocean of learning intraditions and interpretation of the Holy Quran, and thousands of Muslim divines were benefited by her learning. She lived up to the age of eighty. All Spain mourned her death and millions offered her funeral prayer.
THE END
Sunday, March 1, 2009
All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of the worlds, and may Allah exalt the mention of His Prophet, and render him and his household safe and secure from all derogatory things.
I sincerely congratulate you for the guidance Allah has granted and favored you with. I ask Allah that He keeps us and all Muslims firm upon this great religion until we meet Him, without changing anything from it and not being put through trials.
Indeed a true Muslim feels great joy when someone accepts Islam, for he wishes well for others and wants them to live as he does himself: a life of comfort and delight with spiritual joy and mental stability. This can only result from implementing the teachings of Islam. Allah (The Almighty) says:
"Whoever does good whether male or female and he is a believer, We will most certainly make him live a happy life, and We will most certainly give them their reward for the best of what they did." (16:97)
This is because Allah (The Almighty) clarified the condition of those who do not believe in Allah and what He revealed. Allah (The Almighty) says:
"And whoever turns away from My Reminder, verily, for him is a life of hardship, and We shall raise him up blind on the Day of Resurrection. He will say, ‘O my Lord! Why have you raised me up blind, while [before] I had sight.’ He [Allah] will say, ‘Like this Our Aayaat [proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.] came to you, but you disregarded them, and so this Day, you will be neglected." (20:124-126)
A true Muslim wishes that they live happily forever in the Hereafter, whose delights are never-ending. Allah (The Almighty) says:
"Verily those who believe and do righteous deeds shall have the Gardens of Firdaws (the highest level in Heaven) for their entertainment. * Therein they shall dwell [forever]. No desire will they have for removal there from." (18:107-108)
The end is inevitable: either eternal happiness or eternal remorse. Whoever dies upon disbelief - and refuge is sought in Allah - he will enter Hellfire for eternity. Allah (The Almighty) says:
"Verily those who disbelieve from the people of the Book and the polytheists will abide in the Fire of Hell. They are the worst of creatures." (98:6)
Dear brother, indeed it is a great blessing and favor of Allah that He has guided you to Islam and has saved you from disbelief, for there are many who have not been granted the guidance to realize the correct religion, as there are many who have realized that Islam is the true Religion but have not been granted the guidance to follow it. So you should thank Allah, my brother, for this favor from Allah and this gift which He has given you. Ask Allah that He keeps you firm upon this religion until you meet Him. Allah (The Almighty) says:
"They regard as a favor to you [O Muhammad (peace be upon him)] that they have embraced Islam Say, ‘Count not your Islam as a favor to me. Nay but Allah has conferred a favor upon you that He has guided you to the Faith, if you indeed are true." (49:17)
We are all in need of Allah. Allah (The Almighty) says:
"O Mankind! It is you who stand in need of Allah. But Allah is rich (Free of all needs), worthy of all praise." (35:15)
Allah (The Almighty) does not need us: He neither benefits from our obedience and worship, nor is He harmed by our disbelief and disobedience. Allah (The Almighty) says:
"If you disbelieve, then verily Allah is not in need of you, He likes not disbelief for His slaves. And if you are grateful [by being believers] He is pleased with that for you." (39:7)
The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said in Hadeeth Qudsi ,
‘Allah said: ‘O My slaves! I have forbidden dhulm (oppression) for Myself, and I have made it forbidden amongst you, so do not oppress one another. O My slaves, all of you are astray except those whom I have guided, so seek guidance from Me and I shall guide you. O My slaves, all of you are hungry except those whom I have fed, so seek food from Me and I shall feed you. O My slaves, all of you are naked except those whom I have clothed, so seek clothing from Me and I shall clothe you. O My slaves, you commit sins by day and by night, and I forgive all sins, so seek forgiveness from Me and I shall forgive you. O My slaves, you will not attain harming Me so as to harm me, and you will not attain benefiting Me so as to benefit Me. O My slaves, if the first of you and the last of you, and the humans of you and the Jinn of you, were all as pious as the most pious heart of any individual amongst you, then this would not increase My Kingdom an iota. O My slaves, if the first of you and the last of you, and the humans of you and the Jinn of you, were all as wicked as the most wicked heart of any individual amongst you, then this would not decrease My Kingdom an iota. O My slaves, if the first of you and the last of you, and the humans of you and the Jinn of you, were all to stand together in one place and ask of Me, and I were to give everyone what he requested, then that would not decrease what I possess, except what is decreased of the Ocean when a needle is dipped into it. O My slaves, it is but your deeds that I account for you and then recompense you for. So he who finds good, let him praise Allah, and he who finds other than that, let him blame no one but himself.’ ” (Muslim #2577)
source:http://www.1ststepsinislam.com
I sincerely congratulate you for the guidance Allah has granted and favored you with. I ask Allah that He keeps us and all Muslims firm upon this great religion until we meet Him, without changing anything from it and not being put through trials.
Indeed a true Muslim feels great joy when someone accepts Islam, for he wishes well for others and wants them to live as he does himself: a life of comfort and delight with spiritual joy and mental stability. This can only result from implementing the teachings of Islam. Allah (The Almighty) says:
"Whoever does good whether male or female and he is a believer, We will most certainly make him live a happy life, and We will most certainly give them their reward for the best of what they did." (16:97)
This is because Allah (The Almighty) clarified the condition of those who do not believe in Allah and what He revealed. Allah (The Almighty) says:
"And whoever turns away from My Reminder, verily, for him is a life of hardship, and We shall raise him up blind on the Day of Resurrection. He will say, ‘O my Lord! Why have you raised me up blind, while [before] I had sight.’ He [Allah] will say, ‘Like this Our Aayaat [proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.] came to you, but you disregarded them, and so this Day, you will be neglected." (20:124-126)
A true Muslim wishes that they live happily forever in the Hereafter, whose delights are never-ending. Allah (The Almighty) says:
"Verily those who believe and do righteous deeds shall have the Gardens of Firdaws (the highest level in Heaven) for their entertainment. * Therein they shall dwell [forever]. No desire will they have for removal there from." (18:107-108)
The end is inevitable: either eternal happiness or eternal remorse. Whoever dies upon disbelief - and refuge is sought in Allah - he will enter Hellfire for eternity. Allah (The Almighty) says:
"Verily those who disbelieve from the people of the Book and the polytheists will abide in the Fire of Hell. They are the worst of creatures." (98:6)
Dear brother, indeed it is a great blessing and favor of Allah that He has guided you to Islam and has saved you from disbelief, for there are many who have not been granted the guidance to realize the correct religion, as there are many who have realized that Islam is the true Religion but have not been granted the guidance to follow it. So you should thank Allah, my brother, for this favor from Allah and this gift which He has given you. Ask Allah that He keeps you firm upon this religion until you meet Him. Allah (The Almighty) says:
"They regard as a favor to you [O Muhammad (peace be upon him)] that they have embraced Islam Say, ‘Count not your Islam as a favor to me. Nay but Allah has conferred a favor upon you that He has guided you to the Faith, if you indeed are true." (49:17)
We are all in need of Allah. Allah (The Almighty) says:
"O Mankind! It is you who stand in need of Allah. But Allah is rich (Free of all needs), worthy of all praise." (35:15)
Allah (The Almighty) does not need us: He neither benefits from our obedience and worship, nor is He harmed by our disbelief and disobedience. Allah (The Almighty) says:
"If you disbelieve, then verily Allah is not in need of you, He likes not disbelief for His slaves. And if you are grateful [by being believers] He is pleased with that for you." (39:7)
The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said in Hadeeth Qudsi ,
‘Allah said: ‘O My slaves! I have forbidden dhulm (oppression) for Myself, and I have made it forbidden amongst you, so do not oppress one another. O My slaves, all of you are astray except those whom I have guided, so seek guidance from Me and I shall guide you. O My slaves, all of you are hungry except those whom I have fed, so seek food from Me and I shall feed you. O My slaves, all of you are naked except those whom I have clothed, so seek clothing from Me and I shall clothe you. O My slaves, you commit sins by day and by night, and I forgive all sins, so seek forgiveness from Me and I shall forgive you. O My slaves, you will not attain harming Me so as to harm me, and you will not attain benefiting Me so as to benefit Me. O My slaves, if the first of you and the last of you, and the humans of you and the Jinn of you, were all as pious as the most pious heart of any individual amongst you, then this would not increase My Kingdom an iota. O My slaves, if the first of you and the last of you, and the humans of you and the Jinn of you, were all as wicked as the most wicked heart of any individual amongst you, then this would not decrease My Kingdom an iota. O My slaves, if the first of you and the last of you, and the humans of you and the Jinn of you, were all to stand together in one place and ask of Me, and I were to give everyone what he requested, then that would not decrease what I possess, except what is decreased of the Ocean when a needle is dipped into it. O My slaves, it is but your deeds that I account for you and then recompense you for. So he who finds good, let him praise Allah, and he who finds other than that, let him blame no one but himself.’ ” (Muslim #2577)
source:http://www.1ststepsinislam.com
The Beliefs of a Muslim.part 1
The Merits of Iman (Belief) in Allah
1.
When one fulfills the conditions of the Shahadah, he would free himself from worshipping man and devote all acts of worship to the Creator of man. This would lead one to being independent. Allah (The Almighty) says:
"Say: ‘Tell me then, the things that you invoke besides Allah, if Allah intended some harm for me, could they remove His harm, or if He (Allah) intended some mercy for me, could they withhold His Mercy?’ Say: ‘Sufficient for me is Allah; in Him those who trust (i.e. believers) must put their trust." (39:38)
2.
Peace of heart, mind and soul. Allah (peace be upon him) says:
"Those who believe (in the Oneness of Allah - Islamic Monotheism) and whose hearts find rest in the remembrance of Allah, Verily, in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest." (13:28)
3.
Sense of security through the knowledge that there is someone to turn to in times of hardships. Allah (The Almighty) says:
"And when harm touches you upon the sea, those that you call upon besides Him vanish from you except Him (Allah Alone). But when He brings you safely to land, you turn away (from Him). And man is ever ungrateful." (17:67)
4.
The feeling of spiritual joy in worshipping Allah. This is due to the fact that the goal which he is trying to achieve (Jannah) cannot be reached except after death. So you see him persistently striving to achieve this goal by doing righteous deeds, rendering all acts of worship sincerely and purely to Allah alone. Allah (The Almighty) says:
"Say: ‘Verily, my Salaah (prayer) my sacrifice, my living and my dying are for Allah, the Lord of the ‘Aalameen (mankind, Jinn and all that exists). He has no partner. * And of this I have been commanded, and I am the first of the Muslims." (6:162-163)
5.
The guidance and success which is granted by Allah to those that believe in Him. Allah (The Almighty) says:
"…and whosoever has Iman in Allah, He guides his heart." (64:11)
6.
The love of doing righteous deeds and its propagation amongst the masses. Allah (The Almighty) says:
"So whosoever does good equal to the weight of an atom shall see it." (99:7)
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
'Indeed the one who leads another to do a righteous deed is like the one who actually does it (i.e. he will receive the same reward).' (Tirmidhi #2670)
One who has belief in Allah must also have belief in all the things He has informed us of, and among them are the following:
1.
When one fulfills the conditions of the Shahadah, he would free himself from worshipping man and devote all acts of worship to the Creator of man. This would lead one to being independent. Allah (The Almighty) says:
"Say: ‘Tell me then, the things that you invoke besides Allah, if Allah intended some harm for me, could they remove His harm, or if He (Allah) intended some mercy for me, could they withhold His Mercy?’ Say: ‘Sufficient for me is Allah; in Him those who trust (i.e. believers) must put their trust." (39:38)
2.
Peace of heart, mind and soul. Allah (peace be upon him) says:
"Those who believe (in the Oneness of Allah - Islamic Monotheism) and whose hearts find rest in the remembrance of Allah, Verily, in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest." (13:28)
3.
Sense of security through the knowledge that there is someone to turn to in times of hardships. Allah (The Almighty) says:
"And when harm touches you upon the sea, those that you call upon besides Him vanish from you except Him (Allah Alone). But when He brings you safely to land, you turn away (from Him). And man is ever ungrateful." (17:67)
4.
The feeling of spiritual joy in worshipping Allah. This is due to the fact that the goal which he is trying to achieve (Jannah) cannot be reached except after death. So you see him persistently striving to achieve this goal by doing righteous deeds, rendering all acts of worship sincerely and purely to Allah alone. Allah (The Almighty) says:
"Say: ‘Verily, my Salaah (prayer) my sacrifice, my living and my dying are for Allah, the Lord of the ‘Aalameen (mankind, Jinn and all that exists). He has no partner. * And of this I have been commanded, and I am the first of the Muslims." (6:162-163)
5.
The guidance and success which is granted by Allah to those that believe in Him. Allah (The Almighty) says:
"…and whosoever has Iman in Allah, He guides his heart." (64:11)
6.
The love of doing righteous deeds and its propagation amongst the masses. Allah (The Almighty) says:
"So whosoever does good equal to the weight of an atom shall see it." (99:7)
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
'Indeed the one who leads another to do a righteous deed is like the one who actually does it (i.e. he will receive the same reward).' (Tirmidhi #2670)
One who has belief in Allah must also have belief in all the things He has informed us of, and among them are the following:
Two Testimonies of Faith
The Meaning of Laa Ilaaha Ill-Allah
This is the phrase of Tawheed . For this concept, Allah brought the creation into being, and for this concept He created Jannah and Hellfire. Allah (The Almighty) says:
"And I have neither created the Jinn nor humans except to worship Me." (51:56)
This is the belief which all Prophets and Messengers called their peoples to, from Adam to the last of them, Muhammad, may Allah exalt their mention and render them safe from every derogatory thing. Allah (The Almighty) says:
"And we have not sent before you any messenger except that We have revealed to him that there is no deity that is worshipped in truth except Me, so worship and obey Me." (10:25)
The Meanings of the Shahaadah
The first testimony,
that none has the right to be worshipped but Allah,
includes the following meanings:
*
Allah is the One Who deserves to be worshipped. Allah says:
"No doubt! Verily, to Allah belongs whosoever is in the heavens and whosoever is in the earth. And those who worship and invoke others besides Allah, in fact they follow not the (Allah's so-called) partners, they follow only a conjecture and they only invent lies." (10:66)
*
Allah is the Creator of all that exists. Allah (The Almighty) says:
"Such is Allah, your Lord! Laa ilaaha illa Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He), the Creator of all things. So worship and obey Him (Alone), and He is the Wakeel (Trustee, Disposer of affairs, Guardian, etc.) over all things." (6:102)
*
Allah is the Proprietor of all that exists, and the Disposer of all affairs. Allah (The Almighty) says:
"Surely, His is the Creation and Commandment. Blessed be Allah, the Lord of the ‘Aalameen (mankind, Jinns and all that exists)!" (7:54)
*
To Him belongs the beautiful names and perfect attributes. Far removed is He from every imperfection.
Allah says:
"And (all) the Most Beautiful Names belong to Allah, so call on Him by them, and leave the company of those who belie or deny (or utter impious speech against) His Names. They will be requited for what they used to do." (7:180)
The Conditions of the Shahaadah
It is not enough to merely utter the Shahaadah for it to be accepted by Allah. It is a key to the gates of Jannah, but in order for the key to work, it needs to have the right notches. The Shahaadah must meet the following conditions for it to be accepted by Allah:
1.
Knowledge: Comprises knowing that all things worshipped besides Allah are false. There is no god worshipped in truth except Allah, even if it be a prophet, a messenger or an angel. Allah is the only One Who deserves all types of worship, such as prayer [Salaah], supplication (du‘aa), hope, sacrificial slaughtering, making oaths, etc. Whoever assigns any act of worship to other than Allah while that person intends to worship or aggrandize the one who he assigned it to has committed kufr , even if he uttered the Shahaadataan.
2.
Certainty: The heart must be firmly certain of the meaning of the two Shahaadah. Certainty is the opposite of doubt, so there is no room for a person to doubt or waver in his belief. Allah (The Almighty) says:
"The believers are only those who have believed in Allah and His Messenger, and afterward doubt not, and strive with their wealth and their lives for the Cause of Allah. Those are the truthful." (49:15)
3.
Acceptance: One should accept the Shahaadah fully, and not reject it. Allah (The Almighty) says:
"Truly, when it was said to them, “Laa ilaaha ill-Allah (no deity is worshipped in truth except Allah),” they puff themselves up with pride (i.e. deny it)." (37:35)
4.
Submission, obedience and acting upon all what the Shahaadah necessitates. A person must do what Allah ordered and abstain from what He prohibited. Allah (The Almighty) says:
"And whosoever submits his face to Allah, while he is a Muhsin (doer of good) then he has grasped the most trustworthy hand¬hold [La ilaha ill-Allah]. And to Allah return all matters for decision." (37:35)
5.
Truthfulness: One must be truthful in professing the shahaadah. Allah says:
"They say with their tongues what is not in their hearts." (48:11)
6.
Sincerity of worship: One must sincerely dedicate all acts of worship to Allah alone. Allah says:
"And they were not commanded except to worship Allah, following the religion purely and sincerely for Him, turning away from other religions." (98:5)
7.
Love: One must love the shahaadah and all that it necessitates. He must love Allah, His Messenger, and His righteous slaves. He must hate and show enmity towards all who show enmity to Allah and His Messenger. He must prefer what Allah and His Messenger love, even if it is differs from his desires. Allah (The Almighty) says:
"Say: If your fathers, your sons, your brothers, your wives, your kindred, the wealth that you have gained, the commerce in which you fear a decline, and the dwellings in which you delight… are dearer to you than Allah and His Messenger, and fighting in His Cause, then wait until Allah brings about His Decision (torment). And Allah guides not the people who are Al-Faasiqoon (the rebellious and disobedient to Allah)." (9:24)
The Shahaadah also necessitates that Allah is the only One Who has the right to legislate, whether it be in matters concerning worship or those concerning human relations, in both individual and public matters. The act of making something prohibited or lawful is for Allah alone. His Messenger (peace be upon him) merely explained and clarified Allah’s commandments. Allah (The Almighty) says:
"And whatsoever the Messenger gives you, take it, and whatsoever he forbids you, abstain (from it)." (59:7)
Source:http://www.1ststepsinislam.com
This is the phrase of Tawheed . For this concept, Allah brought the creation into being, and for this concept He created Jannah and Hellfire. Allah (The Almighty) says:
"And I have neither created the Jinn nor humans except to worship Me." (51:56)
This is the belief which all Prophets and Messengers called their peoples to, from Adam to the last of them, Muhammad, may Allah exalt their mention and render them safe from every derogatory thing. Allah (The Almighty) says:
"And we have not sent before you any messenger except that We have revealed to him that there is no deity that is worshipped in truth except Me, so worship and obey Me." (10:25)
The Meanings of the Shahaadah
The first testimony,
that none has the right to be worshipped but Allah,
includes the following meanings:
*
Allah is the One Who deserves to be worshipped. Allah says:
"No doubt! Verily, to Allah belongs whosoever is in the heavens and whosoever is in the earth. And those who worship and invoke others besides Allah, in fact they follow not the (Allah's so-called) partners, they follow only a conjecture and they only invent lies." (10:66)
*
Allah is the Creator of all that exists. Allah (The Almighty) says:
"Such is Allah, your Lord! Laa ilaaha illa Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He), the Creator of all things. So worship and obey Him (Alone), and He is the Wakeel (Trustee, Disposer of affairs, Guardian, etc.) over all things." (6:102)
*
Allah is the Proprietor of all that exists, and the Disposer of all affairs. Allah (The Almighty) says:
"Surely, His is the Creation and Commandment. Blessed be Allah, the Lord of the ‘Aalameen (mankind, Jinns and all that exists)!" (7:54)
*
To Him belongs the beautiful names and perfect attributes. Far removed is He from every imperfection.
Allah says:
"And (all) the Most Beautiful Names belong to Allah, so call on Him by them, and leave the company of those who belie or deny (or utter impious speech against) His Names. They will be requited for what they used to do." (7:180)
The Conditions of the Shahaadah
It is not enough to merely utter the Shahaadah for it to be accepted by Allah. It is a key to the gates of Jannah, but in order for the key to work, it needs to have the right notches. The Shahaadah must meet the following conditions for it to be accepted by Allah:
1.
Knowledge: Comprises knowing that all things worshipped besides Allah are false. There is no god worshipped in truth except Allah, even if it be a prophet, a messenger or an angel. Allah is the only One Who deserves all types of worship, such as prayer [Salaah], supplication (du‘aa), hope, sacrificial slaughtering, making oaths, etc. Whoever assigns any act of worship to other than Allah while that person intends to worship or aggrandize the one who he assigned it to has committed kufr , even if he uttered the Shahaadataan.
2.
Certainty: The heart must be firmly certain of the meaning of the two Shahaadah. Certainty is the opposite of doubt, so there is no room for a person to doubt or waver in his belief. Allah (The Almighty) says:
"The believers are only those who have believed in Allah and His Messenger, and afterward doubt not, and strive with their wealth and their lives for the Cause of Allah. Those are the truthful." (49:15)
3.
Acceptance: One should accept the Shahaadah fully, and not reject it. Allah (The Almighty) says:
"Truly, when it was said to them, “Laa ilaaha ill-Allah (no deity is worshipped in truth except Allah),” they puff themselves up with pride (i.e. deny it)." (37:35)
4.
Submission, obedience and acting upon all what the Shahaadah necessitates. A person must do what Allah ordered and abstain from what He prohibited. Allah (The Almighty) says:
"And whosoever submits his face to Allah, while he is a Muhsin (doer of good) then he has grasped the most trustworthy hand¬hold [La ilaha ill-Allah]. And to Allah return all matters for decision." (37:35)
5.
Truthfulness: One must be truthful in professing the shahaadah. Allah says:
"They say with their tongues what is not in their hearts." (48:11)
6.
Sincerity of worship: One must sincerely dedicate all acts of worship to Allah alone. Allah says:
"And they were not commanded except to worship Allah, following the religion purely and sincerely for Him, turning away from other religions." (98:5)
7.
Love: One must love the shahaadah and all that it necessitates. He must love Allah, His Messenger, and His righteous slaves. He must hate and show enmity towards all who show enmity to Allah and His Messenger. He must prefer what Allah and His Messenger love, even if it is differs from his desires. Allah (The Almighty) says:
"Say: If your fathers, your sons, your brothers, your wives, your kindred, the wealth that you have gained, the commerce in which you fear a decline, and the dwellings in which you delight… are dearer to you than Allah and His Messenger, and fighting in His Cause, then wait until Allah brings about His Decision (torment). And Allah guides not the people who are Al-Faasiqoon (the rebellious and disobedient to Allah)." (9:24)
The Shahaadah also necessitates that Allah is the only One Who has the right to legislate, whether it be in matters concerning worship or those concerning human relations, in both individual and public matters. The act of making something prohibited or lawful is for Allah alone. His Messenger (peace be upon him) merely explained and clarified Allah’s commandments. Allah (The Almighty) says:
"And whatsoever the Messenger gives you, take it, and whatsoever he forbids you, abstain (from it)." (59:7)
Source:http://www.1ststepsinislam.com
How to become a Muslim
In order to become a Muslim, there are no specific religious rituals or customs that you need to perform, neither in specific areas nor in front of people. This is due to the fact that in Islam man has direct relationship with his Lord without any intermediaries.
Also you don’t need to exert great efforts [to enter its folds] you merely need to utter a few words, which are easy on the tongue, while understanding their great meanings.
One who has decided to become Muslim should utter Shahaadataan’ in order to enter the folds of Islam, which is:
“Ash-hadu an laa ilaaha ill-Allah, wa ashhadu anna Muhammadan ‘abd-ullahi wa rasooluh.
Meaning: I testify that there is no true god except Allah, and I testify that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger.
This statement is the key to enter Islam. Whoever utters it shuns all other religions besides Islam and all beliefs which differ with it. Through this statement, he receives the rights which all Muslims receive, and he must fulfill the rights which all Muslims fulfill. His wealth, honor and blood become inviolable, except for that which is prescribed by Islam.
It is true that one is considered a Muslim by his apparent actions, but only Allah knows what is truly in the hearts…so what are the meanings of the Shahaadataan
source:http://www.1ststepsinislam.com
Also you don’t need to exert great efforts [to enter its folds] you merely need to utter a few words, which are easy on the tongue, while understanding their great meanings.
One who has decided to become Muslim should utter Shahaadataan’ in order to enter the folds of Islam, which is:
“Ash-hadu an laa ilaaha ill-Allah, wa ashhadu anna Muhammadan ‘abd-ullahi wa rasooluh.
Meaning: I testify that there is no true god except Allah, and I testify that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger.
This statement is the key to enter Islam. Whoever utters it shuns all other religions besides Islam and all beliefs which differ with it. Through this statement, he receives the rights which all Muslims receive, and he must fulfill the rights which all Muslims fulfill. His wealth, honor and blood become inviolable, except for that which is prescribed by Islam.
It is true that one is considered a Muslim by his apparent actions, but only Allah knows what is truly in the hearts…so what are the meanings of the Shahaadataan
source:http://www.1ststepsinislam.com
In A Luscious Garden
In a famous garden of Spain, well known for its beauty and freshness vying with the garden of Eden, which was always crowded by sight-seers, two learned men were engaged in a theological discussion in a corner. The sun at this time had completed its round and was preparing to set in the west; while the enchanting songs of birds returning to nests were exhilarating the passers-by. A Christian girl, whose name is given in history as Isabella, was also sitting with some friends in the garden and watching with delight the beauty of Nature. Aged about sixteen or seventeen she was the daughter of a Christian priest. In her "beauty and grace she looked like a hourie of Paradise, and nobles and religious leaders aspired for her hand to make their lives happy and joyful, but her father wanted her to be the model of virgin Mary and did not want to give her away in marriage. Since she was being given religious training, she was well acquainted with religious matters and took keen interest in theological discussions.
In a bed of roses, in a corner, as stated above, sat some Muslims, who appeared to be men of learning, engaged in some discussion.
First man: Saint Paul has written in one of his letters[ Epistle to the Galatians, 3 : 10] that religious law is a curse and Jesus Christ came to relieve us from that curse. What after all does this mean?
Second man (laughing): You want to understand it from me, although even Christian
priests... . . .
Isabella, who was sitting at a little distance with her girl friends was alerted on the words "even Christian priests" and said to one of her friends: These Muslims seem to be talking about our religion. Let us hear quietly what they say. A friend responded: Since these Muslims have come here our religion is in great danger.
Isabella: Stop talking. Keep quiet and let us hear what they say.
First man: Muaz! You have said that even Christian priests do not understand it. Do you mean to say that they are following Christianity without understanding it?
Second man: Umar Lahmi! Just put this question to some eminent priest and see what he says. But first you' should tell me your Objection to what Saint Paul has said.
Umar Lahmi: There is no objection in fact. I Just want to understand it and since you have often talked to Christians and have also read their literature, so I want to understand it from you. What I want to know is that when religious law is a curse and Prophet Jesus came to relieve the Christians from this curse, therefore, theft, fornication, disobedience to parents will also be permissible although no Christian believes in their permissibility.
Muaz: How are theft and fornication and other such sins related to the religious law being a curse? I cannot quite follow you.
Umar Lahmi: What I mean is that the Old Testament is the religious law which enjoins
that . one should not steal, should not fornicate, should not give trouble to his neighbour, should not disobey his parents, etc. But when the entire religious law is a curse, it will also be a curse to obey these injunctions as these injunctions are also religious law and the very core of it. If what Saint Paul says is correct, then Christians should also steal, fornicate and commit such other sins. But like us they follow this religious law, then they are accursed and Christians who object to these sins are condemned as they object to obedience of religious law.
Muaz : Funny, you want me to clear the very objection which I have put to Christians so often.
Umar Lahmi: Have you ever put it to Christians? What was their reply?
Muaz: They tried to explain it away and were perplexed.
Just then there was the call for the Maghrib prayer and the two learned men made their ablution in a nearby tank and offered prayer
Isabella had listened to this conversation very attentively being keenly interested in theological questions and felt the weight of the objection. She put her mind to it and tried to find out an explanation that she might put it to Muaz and Umar Lahmi. But despite all efforts she was unable to find a solution and, still absorbed in the question, she got up along with her friends thinking that she would ask her father about it.
Isabella left her companions at a crossroad and walked to the eastern gate of Cordova.
ISABELLA A UNIQUE BOOK OF ITS KIND FOR COMPARATIVE STUDY OF ISLAM AND CHRISTIANIY
By MAULANA M. SAEED DEHLVI
Source:www.darulislam.info 5
In a bed of roses, in a corner, as stated above, sat some Muslims, who appeared to be men of learning, engaged in some discussion.
First man: Saint Paul has written in one of his letters[ Epistle to the Galatians, 3 : 10] that religious law is a curse and Jesus Christ came to relieve us from that curse. What after all does this mean?
Second man (laughing): You want to understand it from me, although even Christian
priests... . . .
Isabella, who was sitting at a little distance with her girl friends was alerted on the words "even Christian priests" and said to one of her friends: These Muslims seem to be talking about our religion. Let us hear quietly what they say. A friend responded: Since these Muslims have come here our religion is in great danger.
Isabella: Stop talking. Keep quiet and let us hear what they say.
First man: Muaz! You have said that even Christian priests do not understand it. Do you mean to say that they are following Christianity without understanding it?
Second man: Umar Lahmi! Just put this question to some eminent priest and see what he says. But first you' should tell me your Objection to what Saint Paul has said.
Umar Lahmi: There is no objection in fact. I Just want to understand it and since you have often talked to Christians and have also read their literature, so I want to understand it from you. What I want to know is that when religious law is a curse and Prophet Jesus came to relieve the Christians from this curse, therefore, theft, fornication, disobedience to parents will also be permissible although no Christian believes in their permissibility.
Muaz: How are theft and fornication and other such sins related to the religious law being a curse? I cannot quite follow you.
Umar Lahmi: What I mean is that the Old Testament is the religious law which enjoins
that . one should not steal, should not fornicate, should not give trouble to his neighbour, should not disobey his parents, etc. But when the entire religious law is a curse, it will also be a curse to obey these injunctions as these injunctions are also religious law and the very core of it. If what Saint Paul says is correct, then Christians should also steal, fornicate and commit such other sins. But like us they follow this religious law, then they are accursed and Christians who object to these sins are condemned as they object to obedience of religious law.
Muaz : Funny, you want me to clear the very objection which I have put to Christians so often.
Umar Lahmi: Have you ever put it to Christians? What was their reply?
Muaz: They tried to explain it away and were perplexed.
Just then there was the call for the Maghrib prayer and the two learned men made their ablution in a nearby tank and offered prayer
Isabella had listened to this conversation very attentively being keenly interested in theological questions and felt the weight of the objection. She put her mind to it and tried to find out an explanation that she might put it to Muaz and Umar Lahmi. But despite all efforts she was unable to find a solution and, still absorbed in the question, she got up along with her friends thinking that she would ask her father about it.
Isabella left her companions at a crossroad and walked to the eastern gate of Cordova.
ISABELLA A UNIQUE BOOK OF ITS KIND FOR COMPARATIVE STUDY OF ISLAM AND CHRISTIANIY
By MAULANA M. SAEED DEHLVI
Source:www.darulislam.info 5
Helo Everyone..Welcome!
Alhamdulilah,(thanks to Allah,god of entire universe)
For give me chance Live in this beautiful earth,Born from my mom that love me so much, In harmony country,and have through life of Islam more than 23 years.
I am not too good Muslim,But i want to be Good Muslim.
Here,in this blog ,i want to share my understanding about slam.
I not good in English,but still want write in English,reason why?,
My country right now have problem of language,new generation now become confuse with what language suppose use and conqer.
English language become more important than Malaysian official language.Those who unable to speak English and write it will face dificult situation to gain respect when publish his article or talk with some level of people.
i want every one know islam is easy,it can be understand by every one,from high level to lowest level.
This blog also can become my English training field.
If i make mistake,please corret me.
I decided to use two language,Bahasa melayu and english.
Thanks for your visiting.
For give me chance Live in this beautiful earth,Born from my mom that love me so much, In harmony country,and have through life of Islam more than 23 years.
I am not too good Muslim,But i want to be Good Muslim.
Here,in this blog ,i want to share my understanding about slam.
I not good in English,but still want write in English,reason why?,
My country right now have problem of language,new generation now become confuse with what language suppose use and conqer.
English language become more important than Malaysian official language.Those who unable to speak English and write it will face dificult situation to gain respect when publish his article or talk with some level of people.
i want every one know islam is easy,it can be understand by every one,from high level to lowest level.
This blog also can become my English training field.
If i make mistake,please corret me.
I decided to use two language,Bahasa melayu and english.
Thanks for your visiting.
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