Messages

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General Discussions / Re: Quranic attitude towards Blasphemy & difference b/w tolerating & avoiding it

« on: December 11, 2020, 10:12:50 PM »

Salam Friends

Many moons ago, I made a note of Br Joseph's comment on Blasphemy which I would like to share:

The Quran informs the reader that the Prophet was mocked, ridiculed (37:12) like the messengers before him (13:32; 15:11; 21:41). He was called an inventor, forger, a liar (16:101; 25:4), a man who was bewitched (17:47; 25:, that he was a possessed poet (37:36). Insults were even hurled at the Quran, in that it was called 'muddled dreams' (21:5), 'foreign, outlandish' (16:103), an invention, a forgery (38:7) and tales of the men of the past (25:5).

However, the single most grave blasphemy was undoubtedly the blasphemy against God Himself.

7.180 “The most beautiful names belong to God: so call on him by them; but shun such men as use profanity (Arabic: Yul'hiduna) in His names: for what they do, they will soon be requited”

Arabic: Yul'hiduna - Blaspheme, deviate, violate, distort, pervert.

At no point did any of these insults attract the death penalty.

Rather, the advice was:

38.017 "Be patient over what they say and remember our servant David, the man of strength for he was repeatedly turning (to God)"

20.130 “Therefore be patient with what they say, and celebrate (constantly) the praises of thy Lord, before the rising of the sun and before its setting, yea, celebrate them for part of the hours of the night, and at the sides of the day: that you may have (spiritual) joy”

Whether repeated insults and evil transgression which incite hatred, terrorism and evil in the land can be classed as 'fasaad' remains a matter for the state to decide. However, this is very different from the general 'blasphemy' understood by many Muslims today who believe it correct to murder anyone for uttering anything against the Prophet.

Joseph Islam

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General Discussions / Re: What does the word Islam means

« on: December 25, 2019, 06:03:03 AM »

Thanks for your comments Brothers.

I recently read an article by Dr. Ayman Mohamed in which he, commenting on 22:78 says:

".....The word “al-muslimeen” is the plural of “muslim” with the definite article “al” preposed.
The word “muslim” is of the form muf‘il and comes from the Arabic three letter
root “slm”. In Arabic the word “salaam”/ م (form fa‘aal) means “peace”. The words
“muslim” and “salaam” have a straightforward relation like the relationship between
other words of the form muf‘il and fa‘aal. Words of the form muf‘il have the meaning of
“maker of fa‘aal”. For example, “salaah” means goodness and “muslih” is the maker of
goodness, “najaah” means success and “munjih” means the maker of success, “fasad”
means corruption and “mufsid” is the maker of corruption, and so on. By the same token,
“salaam” means peace and “muslim” means the maker of peace, in other words it means
“peacemaker”. It follows that like “islah” means “making good”, “injah” means “making
success” and “ifsad” means “making corruption”, “islam” means “peacemaking”. So in
22:78, the common noun “al-muslimeen” should be translated as “the peacemakers”..."

He continues:

"...Another word that is not translated by the majority of translators in 22:78 and elsewhere
in the Quran is the Arabic word “allah”. As we saw in the previous chapter, like the word
“al-muslimeen” (peacemakers), the word “allah” is a universal common noun and not the
proper name of an Arab deity. The word “allah” is essentially the contracted form of “alilah”,
which literally means “the god”. With this understanding, let's reexamine 22:78 and
provide a better translation.

22:78. And strive for the god his true striving. He has chosen
you and has made no hardship on you in the obligation, the
creed of your father Ibrahim. He (the god) named you the
peacemakers previously and in this, so that the messenger will
be a witness on you and you will be witnesses on humankind. ...
We are told that the reason for naming the followers of the god’s message "the
peacemakers" is two fold; the messenger will be a witness on them; and they will be
witnesses on humankind.

The definition of a witness can be summed up as one who testifies in the case of a
dispute. The messenger is by definition the deliverer of the message and therefore in this
capacity the message is the vehicle for communication. So what is the issue in dispute
and how does delivering the message accomplish the purpose of witnessing against its
own followers?

The issue in dispute is mentioned right at the beginning of the passage. By pointing to the
true striving for the god, it is implicit in that statement that there is false striving for the
god. The message of the passage is that its followers have been described as "the
peacemakers" by the god. This message will be a witness against its own followers in the
dispute of what constitutes true striving ("jihad") for the god as opposed to false striving
("jihad") for the god. Thus, by virtue of their god-given description, the followers of the
messenger cannot corrupt and cause destruction and shed blood and then turn around and
claim that they are doing it because they are striving for the god. By describing its
followers as the peacemakers, the god’s message will be a witness against them...."

Continuing Dr Ayman writes:
".....Peacemaking is not a religion and one doesn’t even have to be a believer to be a peacemaker as clear from 49:14:
49:14. The dwellers of the wilderness said “we believed”. Say: “You didn’t believe but say we made peace but faith has not entered your hearts and if you obey the god and his messenger, he will not diminish any of your deeds, indeed the god is forgiving, merciful.

Thus, the opposite of peacemaker/”muslim” is not disbeliever. The opposite of a peacemaker is a criminal:
68:35. Shall we make peacemakers like criminals!?
A criminal corrupts and causes bloodshed. On the other hand, by being peacemakers, humans fulfill the responsibility that the god entrusted them with...."
-------------
More here:
http://www.quran4peace.org/en_index.html

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General Discussions / Re: What does the word Islam means

« on: November 29, 2019, 09:11:10 PM »

Thanks Br Ahmed. Wanted to learn because depending who you ask, you get different answers. Some say Submission others say Peace.

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Prophets and Messengers / Has anybody watched the following video by Jay Smith?

« on: November 25, 2019, 09:25:47 AM »

Jay Smith says no one wants to debate him because of the tough questions he is asking about Quran and Muhammad !!


https://youtu.be/fMJRsd8SrhU

Please watch and share your opinion. Thanks.

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General Discussions / What does the word Islam means

« on: November 25, 2019, 09:22:01 AM »

Salam friends

I am curious to learn what the term Islam means based on Arabic lexicons and relevant root words. Is it Submission [to Allah's guidance] or peace? Once we know, the next question would be who is a Muslim? One who submits or one who is peaceful?

Thanks.

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General Discussions / Re: Those who don't believe in Offensive Jihad and Qital are blasphemers? Really?!!

« on: June 12, 2018, 09:52:03 PM »

Salam Br Joseph

Thanks for taking the time and posting an excellent response. I also found your following article very informative:

A MESSAGE OF PEACE OR TO LIVE BY THE SWORD?


http://www.quransmessage.com/articles/a%20message%20of%20peace%20or%20to%20live%20by%20the%20sword%20FM3.htm

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General Discussions / Those who don't believe in Offensive Jihad and Qital are blasphemers? Really?!!

« on: June 12, 2018, 12:40:22 PM »

Just read the following from someone who calls himself Quran-aloner. Please comment and point out where he may have gone wrong. Thanks.
Umar Farooq
May 15 at 5:15am ·

Proof from the Qur'an of offensive jihad and qital:

Let me begin by saying that if it werent for offensive qital, Islam would not have spread from Makkah to France.

Concerning offensive qital, this is the MAIN topic that distinguishes the believers from the kufar Hypocrites. But the Qur'an is very clear about this. As we know, the kufar are those who conceal what is in the Qur'an. In this case, they will only quote you the verses of defensive qital, such as:

Fight in the way of Allah those who fight you and do not transgress. Indeed. Allah does not like transgressors (Surah Al-Baqarah: Ayat 190).
When the kafirs use this verse to say, "There is only defensive qital in Islam," they have rejected the verses of offensive qital, which makes them kafirs. Allah azzawajal says:

So do you believe in part of the Scripture and disbelieve in part? Then what is the recompense for those who do that among you except disgrace in worldly life; and on the Day of Resurrection they will be sent back to the severest of punishment. And Allah is not unaware of what you do (Surah al-Baqarah: Ayat 85).

From the Qur'an we know that prophet Solomon (pbuh) attacked the powerful empire Sheba simply because it's people were not Muslimeen and were "worshipping the Sun." When Solomon (pbuh) sent a letter to the Queen in order to accept Islamic rule, she refused and instead wanted to send him gifts. Solomon however refused, and prepared to attack the empire with human beings, animals and jinns. However, the Queen decided to submit before this could ever happen and she not only submitted to Islamic rule but she even accepted Islam. What are you Hypocrites going to say now? Do you understand Islam better than the prophets of Allah?! Then for you is the punishment of blasphemy:

and if they (the disbelievers) defame your religion, then fight the leaders of disbelief, for indeed, there are no oaths [sacred] to them; [fight them that] they might cease (Surah 9: 12).

They (the Hypocrites) wish you would disbelieve (in the Qur'an) as they disbelieved so you would be alike. So do not take from among them allies until they emigrate for the cause of Allah. But if they turn away, then seize them and kill them wherever you find them and take not from among them any ally or helper (Surah 4: 89).

Another example from the Qur'an is dhul-Qurnayn. He was a powerful leader like Solomon who ruled an Islamic empire and conquered much of the Earth. What are you Hypocrites going to say now?

From the Qur'an we also know that Muhammad (pbuh) and those who came after him conquered land from the kufar. For example, Allah says:
See they (the disbelievers) not that We gradually reduce the land from its outlying borders? Where Allah commands, there is none to put back His Command, and He is swift in calling to account. And those before them had plotted, but to Allah belongs the plan entirely (Surah ar-Rad: Ayat 41-41).
And He made you heirs of their lands, their houses, and their goods, and of a land which ye had not frequented before: and Allah has Power over all things (Surah al-Ahzab: Ayat 27).

And verily we have written in the Scripture, after the Reminder: "My righteous slaves will inherit the Earth." (Surah 21: Verse 105).
The Prophets and chosen leaders of Allah followed Islam, and the Sunnah of Allah does not change. Allah says:
You will never find in the Sunnah of Allah any change, and you will never find in the Sunnah of Allah any alteration (Qur'an, 35: 43).
This is why Allah revealed:

Fight those who do not believe in Allah or in the Last Day and who do not consider unlawful what Allah and His Messenger have made unlawful and who do not adopt the religion of Truth from those who were given the Scripture - until they give the jizyah willingly while they are humbled (Surah 9: Verse 29).

Conclusion:
Whoever says, "offensive qital is not part of Islam," has insulted the prophets of Allah and left the fold of Islam and became a kafir for rejecting the Qur'an. They have blasphemed.

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General Discussions / Re: HIKMA means indeed HADITHS and not WISDOM

« on: May 30, 2016, 10:46:05 PM »

People forget that there are two versions of Hadith - Sunni and Shia. Both sects claim to be the only true Muslims based on their Hadith books. The Shias, on YouTube quote pretty strange ahadith [including Bukhari] to embarrass the Sunnis.

As for Sunnah, each sects has it's own favorite version. Which is true? The one practiced by Sufis or Salafis? Ahdmedi or Ismailis? Ahle Fiqh or Ahle Sunnah or Ahle Hadith? Shias or Sunnis [along with their sub-sects].

We reserve the right to judge all sectarian secondary sources material collected by Persians generations after the blessed Messenger [mostly through hearsay] by Al Furqan.

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General Discussions / Re: How do you think we should pray actually?

« on: May 30, 2016, 09:03:50 AM »

With respect to prayer, we read in the Quran not to go near it if our minds are messed up and we don't know what we are saying. 90 % of the Muslims are Non Arabs and although they go through the ritual, they don't understand what they are saying other than a few short memorized suras.

Then we read that the Salat must not be too loud or too soft. Why then we go through two silent prayers in the masjid?

I have always wondered why the Muslims, in the sitting position greet the Messenger as if was alive sitting near us.

Kindly comment. Thanks.

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General Discussions / Re: PROOFS we are living the End Times and MAHDI (and DAJJAL) will appears shortly

« on: May 30, 2016, 08:57:21 AM »

Did prophet Muhammad know the future?

Answer from The Quran:

The Day God will gather the messengers and He will say: "What was the response you received?"; they said: "We have no knowledge, You are the Knower of all the unseen." [5:109]

Say: "I do not say to you that I possess God's treasures, nor do I know the unseen, nor do I say to you that I am an angel. I merely follow what is inspired to me." Say: "Are the blind and the seer the same? Do you not think?" [6:50]

Say: "I do not possess for myself any benefit or harm, except what God wills. And if I could know the unseen, then I would have increased my good fortune, and no harm would have come to me. I am but a warner and a bearer of good news to a people who believe." [7:188]

And they say: "If only a sign was sent down to him from His Lord." Say: "Indeed, the unseen is for God, so wait, and I will wait with you." [10:20]

"Nor do I say to you that I have the treasures of God, nor do I know the unseen, nor do I say that I am an angel, nor do I say to those whom your eyes look down upon that God will not grant them any good. God is more aware of what is in their souls; in such case I would be among the wicked." [11:31]

Say, "I am but a human being like you, being inspired that your god is One god. So whoever looks forward to meeting his Lord, then let him do good works and not set up any partner in the service of his Lord." [18:110]

Say: "None in the heavens or the Earth know the unseen except God. And they do not perceive when they will be resurrected."[27:65]

Say: "I am no different from the other messengers, nor do I know what will happen to me or to you. I only follow what is inspired to me. I am no more than a clear warner" [46:9]

Read Quran verses here www.quranix.net


Only God knows the future and this knowledge can be attained only through divine revelations/signs (3:44, 3:179, 11:49, 12:102, 30:2, 72:26-28).


And for those who follow the Traditional Ahadith, Sahih Bukhari:
Volume 9, Book 93, Number 477:
Narrated Masruq:

'Aisha said, "If anyone tells you that Muhammad has seen his Lord, he is a liar, for Allah says: 'No vision can grasp Him.' (6.103) And if anyone tells you that Muhammad has seen the Unseen, he is a liar, for Allah says: "None has the knowledge of the Unseen but Allah."

More articles: http://mypercept.co.uk/articles/

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General Discussions / Re: PROOFS we are living the End Times and MAHDI (and DAJJAL) will appears shortly

« on: May 30, 2016, 08:55:53 AM »

We have a whole "industry" running on future predictions of the blessed Nabi (S). Does the Quran support him having knowledge of future events?

We have people waiting for Mehdi and Eesa, Mujaddids at the start of each century; prediction of wayward scholars misleading the Ummah; Arabs building skyscrapers; Quran aloners, Dajjal, etc. etc. A new sect of Ahmedis claiming to be true and only Muslims was born based on such predictions. Each sect including ISIS find something in predictions to justify their existence.

Can someone provide evidence from the Quran proving that the blessed Nabi had knowledge of future events?


They ask you, [O Muhammad], about the Hour: when is its arrival? Say, "Its knowledge is only with my Lord. None will reveal its time except Him. It lays heavily upon the heavens and the earth. It will not come upon you except unexpectedly." They ask you as if you are familiar with it. Say, "Its knowledge is only with Allah , but most of the people do not know."

Say, "I hold not for myself [the power of] benefit or harm, except what Allah has willed. And if I knew the unseen, I could have acquired much wealth, and no harm would have touched me. I am not except a warner and a bringer of good tidings to a people who believe."....


..And when you, [O Muhammad], do not bring them a sign, they say, "Why have you not contrived it?" Say, "I only follow what is revealed to me from my Lord. This [Qur'an] is enlightenment from your Lord and guidance and mercy for a people who believe." [7: 187-203]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Please check the following verses !

مَا كَانَ اللَّهُ لِيُطْلِعَكُمْ عَلَى الْغَيْبِ
ALLAH does not informs you of the unseen
3:179

عَالِمُ الْغَيْبِ فَلَا يُظْهِرُ عَلَىٰ غَيْبِهِ أَحَدًا

The Knower of the unseen! so He does not reveal His secrets to any
72:26

قُل لَّا أَقُولُ لَكُمْ عِندِي خَزَائِنُ اللَّهِ وَلَا أَعْلَمُ الْغَيْبَ
Say: I do not say to you, I have with me the treasures of Allah, nor do I know the unseen
6:50

قُل لَّا أَمْلِكُ لِنَفْسِي نَفْعًا وَلَا ضَرًّا إِلَّا مَا شَاءَ اللَّهُ وَلَوْ كُنتُ أَعْلَمُ الْغَيْبَ لَاسْتَكْثَرْتُ مِنَ الْخَيْرِ وَمَا مَسَّنِيَ السُّوءُ إِنْ أَنَا إِلَّا نَذِيرٌ وَبَشِيرٌ لِّقَوْمٍ يُؤْمِنُونَ

Say: I do not control any benefit or harm for my own soul except as Allah please; and had I known the unseen I would have had much of good and no evil would have touched me; I am nothing but a warner and the giver of good news to a people who believe.

وَلَوْ كُنتُ أَعْلَمُ الْغَيْبَ لَاسْتَكْثَرْتُ مِنَ الْخَيْرِ وَمَا مَسَّنِيَ السُّوءُ
and had I known the unseen I would have had much of good and no evil would have touched me
7:188

So if the prophets are not acquainted to the unseen(GHAIB), then how can any of us be
It's just that we have to keep things straight so that none of us may start considering the one close to ALLAH on one's ...

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General Discussions / Re: Does this mid-shaban or shab e barat have any authenticity?

« on: May 30, 2016, 08:51:04 AM »

Salam

Not sure if you can understand Urdu, but here is an expose on Shab e Baraat by G A Parwez:

https://www.facebook.com/allamaghulamahmedparvaiz/videos/652165834926692/

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General Discussions / Re: Two versions of Islam ?

« on: December 26, 2015, 01:57:47 AM »

Thanks for your responses, dear friends.

Funny thing is that there are some Muslim priests who readily endorse the alleged two versions of Islam. The Islam of peace [when weak] and and Islam of domination [When strong]! Needless to say that if such are the priests, then God bless the congregation !

The links you have provided should provide a thought provoking version of Islam that is based on reason and wisdom.

Seasons greetings with respect to all brothers and sisters of this forum which helps us to present to the world what real Islam is.

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Islamic Duties / Has anybody watched this? Kindly comment. Thanks.

« on: December 23, 2015, 12:42:28 AM »

Ablution in the Quran and the importance of Surah Fateha

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3C0Nq1vhh6w

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General Discussions / Re: Two versions of Islam ?

« on: December 22, 2015, 08:46:02 AM »

Thanks for your reply.  You made an excellent point:

(Quote).......Also, I want to address a mistranslation of verse 2:193: The word "deen" is not only used for religion, it's also used for a system or form of  government. This verse is not saying to convert everyone to Islam, it's saying to establish God's system, which includes freedom of religion for everyone.....(End quote)


This is how I understand the verses under discussion once we keep their context in mind:

The charge [verses quoted out of context to prove a point]:

"...Koran is a political book of Mohammed and his companions, people of 7th century.
In politics soft language is adopted during period of weakness and same people change their tone when they get power.

Down below is an example from that political book.

During weak period:

2:256 There is no compulsion in religion.
109:6 To you be your religion, and to me my.

Statements on the same subject during  powerful Period:

3:85 Whose desires another religion than Islam, it shall not be accepted of him; in the next world he shall be among the losers."
2:193 Fight them on until there is no more tumult and religion becomes that of Allah..."
-----------------------------------------------

The response [self explanatory]

3:83 Do they seek, perchance, a faith other than in God, although it is unto Him that whatever is in the heavens
and on earth surrenders itself, willingly or unwillingly, since unto Him all must return?

3:84 Say: "We believe in God, and in that which has been bestowed from on high upon us, and that which has been
bestowed upon Abraham and Ishmael and Isaac and Jacob and their descendants, and that which has been
vouchsafed by their Sustainer unto Moses and Jesus and all the [other] prophets: we make no distinction
between any of them.68 And unto Him do we surrender ourselves."

3:85 For, if one goes in search of a religion other than self-surrender unto God, it will never be accepted from him,
and in the life to come he shall be among the lost.
----
2:190 AND FIGHT in God's cause against those who wage war against you, but do not commit aggression - for,
verily, God does not love aggressors (2:191) And slay them wherever you may come upon them, and drive
them away from wherever they drove you away - for oppression is even worse than killing. And fight not
against them near the Inviolable House of Worship unless they fight against you there first; but if they fight
against you, slay them: such shall be the recompense of those who deny the truth.

2:192 But if they desist - behold, God is much-forgiving, a dispenser of grace.

2:193 Hence, fight against them until there is no more oppression and all obedience is devoted to God alone;
but if they desist, then all hostility shall cease, save against those who [wilfully] do wrong