Messages

91

Discussions / Assalamu Alaykum brother :) - From Australia

« on: August 15, 2014, 05:06:44 AM »

Salamun alaykum my brother is Islam,

How are you brother Joseph? Alhamdullillah, I'm a brother from Australia who's had the pleasure of reading many of the wonderful articles on your website. I come from a typical traditionalist Muslim family and have been asking many questions about our beautiful religion. Over time I began to question my beliefs and some of the widely known practices of our Deen. Alhamdullillah, I've had the honor and pleasure of reading the Holy Qur'an both in arabic and english without all those huge volumes of Tafseers, Fiqh books, and Hadeeth. And Allah (Sunhannahu Wa Ta'alaa) has proven to me without a shadow of a doubt that this book is indeed from Him! But unfortunately I cannot say the same about the world of Hadeeth literature.

I've had so many troubles, difficulties and confusion regarding hadeeth! Especially of those found in Bukhari, Muslim, Ibn Majah, Tirmidhi, bu Dawood, etc. Although, I personally find the so-called science of hadeeth as a praiseworthy thing. I understand that these great scholars of the passed have dedicated their lives to collecting these sayings of the prohpet (pbuh) but I find so many flaws in these books and they are too many to list here. For a long time I've had these questions in the back of my mind which I wouldn't dare ask our local Imams or even talk about them with my friends.

Some examples are: stoning an adulterer to death, executing an apostate, abrogation of Quranic verses, having sexual relations with slaves, the idea of a Dajjal, the Mehdi, and the return of Jesus (AS). But I personally cannot find anything in the Holy Qur'an that relates to these matters! Of course I'm no scholar and I don't know that arabic language but it doesn't take a rocket scientist to realize that if these matters mentioned above are so important and is a matter of us going to hell or paradise, then why aren't these things mentioned in the Qur'an? it's reported that the prophet (pbuh) said: "all the prophets warned their people about the Dajjal" but the Qur'an never mentions it! I find this very strange indeed.

Anyway, I don't want to take up to much of your time brother Joseph but I must admit, your articles have really opened up my mind and made me think in a different light. May Allah bless you and your family. And by the way, I've also been reading some articles from another web sight by a brother named of Louay Fatoohi. MashaAllah he is also a very open minded and intelligent brother.

Keep up the great work brother and Baarak Allahu Feek

Salaam

92

Discussions / From Your Nr.1 Fan in the Balkans (Kosovo)!

« on: August 12, 2014, 03:32:33 AM »

Peace be with you my dear brother in faith,

I am a muslim young woman who lives in Balkans (Kosovo, to be precise), and as a thirsty-for-knowledge person I've had the chance to read the works of many authors, but it was only when I read your works and studies that I felt I love Allah, I love Islam, I love the prophets, and so on. I'm not saying I didn't love them before, but there were many theories that kept me confused and whom my logic always told me they contradict the Koran, and which prevail in the so-called Islamic states. (like for example the Rabia-ruled Egypt, or Isis state, and similar - what is your opinion on them being 'islamic'? I'd appreciate it so much!)

I don't know where you're from, and I don't know much about you (as you don't reveal much about yourself), but that much I know is enough to feel an immense admiration and respect and affection for you. I feel blessed by Allah to have been put to contact with your beautiful work. I don't know how much are you famous in Kosovo or Balkans, but I can guarantee you that I'm your number-one fan in both of them may Allah bless you the same way he blessed us through you, and please, never let us without your help and guidance regarding the deen!

93

Discussions / Great - Your Website

« on: August 01, 2014, 11:32:12 AM »

Great website Joseph -
 
Loved your analysis of the hadith literature...concluded the same thing a while back - but at the same time it being conceptually necessary since after all - we know what was Qur'an and not Qur'an through 'hadith.'
 
Also - with a mind perverted through the absurdities of second wave feminism...I see much apology for the hadith and qur'anic verses  that are considered 'gender discriminatory.' 
 
I have concluded that most modern muslim interpreters have a perverted /dysfunctional view of gender relations and carry what is best called an  quantitative egalitarian prejudice- and then are forced to apologize for verses in  the qur'an and some select hadith (that may be authentic)  that have as their touchstone a correct ontological perspective of gender phenomenon and meaning (aside from difference in physiologic and cognitive capabilities).  This correct perspective seems to run counter to the subtle but very flawed paradigms that influence the analysis which is done by 'reform' minded individuals who are raised in the current milieu of academia and post modern secular humanism and its medley of ideology. 
 
The issue of a clearly theocentrically defined 'awraa'  (clothing which does not hug the form and the covering of the hair) is an important one, and more than a matter of prevailing custom or etiquette.   - and in my mind the matter is clear based on empirical evidence alone.  Furthermore - it is intuitively understood  (albeit not always practiced) in those regions which still have in its cultural fabric the ethos of a Sacred tradition - be it Vedic or Biblical. 
 
Clearly those (texts or interpretations)  that promote what any sane mind would consider  abusive cannot be authentic. 
 
Be well
 
[Name Removed] MD

94

Discussions / Debates with Joseph Islam / Re: Sam Shamoun (Islam Critic)

« on: July 19, 2014, 10:10:04 PM »

Response from Joseph Islam


From: Joseph A. Islam [mailto:josephislam1@gmail.com]
Sent: 07 May 2014 17:57
To: 'answeringmuhammad1 .'
Subject: RE: Your article on Gabriel and the Spirit

Dear Sir,
 
Thank you for your kind comments and feedback.
 
With respect to your mail, I only mentioned that there was 'an overlap of a narrative with the Quran which concerns Mary and where Gabriel is mentioned by name'. I did not claim that the Bible supported the Quran’s position in its entirety.
 
In fact, I quoted Luke 1:26 and highlighted 'angel Gabriel' which clearly shows that there was no intent to show complete support to the argument that Gabriel = Holy Spirit from a Biblical perspective which clearly speaks of Gabriel as an ‘angel’.
 
As you will note, before I quoted 19:17-21 of the Quran, I actually made it clear that in the Quran, one does 'not find any reference to an 'angel' in that narrative. This once again in my humble view, highlights the difference.
 
More importantly the synonymy of Gabriel with the Holy Spirit was elucidated with many Quranic references (2:97, 16:102 and 26:192-195).
 
Finally I made it absolutely clear that there was a difference between the Quranic and Biblical position by stating:
 
"This is 'possibly' with a view to depart from the Christian understanding that Gabriel was in fact an angel."
 
As you may already know, I have great respect for the Bible and have often ‘entered the fray’ (attempting to remain civil and courteous of course) with Muslim masses who I find at times show very little respect for the extant scripture of the people of the Book.
 
Here is one example of my perspective:
 
Lambasting the Bible:
http://quransmessage.com/forum/index.php?topic=146.msg370#msg370
 
I can only kindly suggest that notwithstanding some (or many) of the differences we ‘may’ have, that we attempt to reach common ground especially at a time, when misconceptions that oft lead to turmoil remain prevalent. I trust that you will appreciate this.
 
I hope that clarifies my position, God willing,
 
Regards,
Joseph
 
[minor edits and italic emphasis]

95

Discussions / Debates with Joseph Islam / Sam Shamoun (Islam Critic)

« on: July 19, 2014, 10:04:26 PM »

Site: http://www.answering-islam.org/authors/shamoun/contact.html
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SamShamoun

----------------------------------

From: answeringmuhammad1 . [mailto:sammy.shmn@gmail.com]
Sent: 07 May 2014 16:50
To: josephislam1@gmail.com
Subject: Your article on Gabriel and the Spirit
 
Hello,
 
Before I comment on your article I do want to say that I enjoy reading your articles since it is obvious you try your best to allow the Quran speak for itself and are not afraid to buck tradition when necessary. However, it is precisely this reason that I was greatly disappointed with what you did here in your article: http://quransmessage.com/articles/gabriel%20FM3.htm
 
You quote Luke 1:26-34 and compare it with Q. 19:17-21 to establish your contention that Gabriel is the Holy Spirit. I am very disappointed that you conveniently did not quote Luke 1:35 which refutes your position since Gabriel clearly distinguishes and differentiates himself from the Holy Spirit who would come upon Mary in order to cause her to supernaturally conceive Jesus without any sexual intercourse:
 
"THE ANGEL SAID TO HER, 'The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be holy; he will be called Son of God.'" New Revised Standard Version
 
Since this verse follows immediately after verse 34 I find it hard to believe that you did not see it. Therefore, why did you omit this text which refutes your entire premise? Moreover, I think that the only honest thing you can do is to correct your article to accurately reflect what the context of Luke 1:26-35 says since it does not support your contention that Gabriel is the Holy Spirit or Spirit.

96

Discussions / From Cape Town, South Africa

« on: June 25, 2014, 06:32:34 PM »

I just wanted to say shukran to you for your website quraansmessage.com. I have been in a terrible state for many years questioning what I have been taught about Islam whilst living in a culture and community that does not allow that. Finding your site has strengthened me and my faith. I can now proudly say again that this is MY Islam. May Allah reward you for your efforts, insha-Allah.

Brother Joseph. Every night I read new articles on your website and I cry for the many years Ive lost and for not being able to share this experience with my parents (out of fear). My commitment this Ramadaan is to start to study the Quran to my best ability.  Have a blessed and rewarding Ramadaan.

97

Discussions / Islam

« on: June 19, 2014, 07:27:56 AM »

Hello Joseph, my name is [name removed], i've been reading the articles on your website and i'm very impressed by how objective you are when you judge between matters in our religion. This is a something i rarely see muslim academics or even scholars do. This is very important as you of course want to follow a way that is right, rather than what you prefer. Thank you very much for having shared your ideas/interpretations on your website it has helped me so much, as i am trying to search for the truth. I come from a Sunni family and i question a lot of what my family follow however i don't judge it without posessing knowledge so hopefully one day i will start to educate myself about islam, the quran and secondary islamic sources.

98

Discussions / Thank you for your site!

« on: June 05, 2014, 12:33:43 AM »

Salaam, I have visited your website and I am only so pleased that you make sense of everything and use Quraan proofs to substantiate everything you say. I pray that you continue educating people and steering us all in the right direction. i am extremely inspired Alhamdulillah.

99

Discussions / Translations into German

« on: May 15, 2014, 01:02:38 AM »

As-salamou alaikoum Dear Joseph,
 
I am glad to have found your site on the internet and i thank you for open my eyes by using the quran to give me an insight of my corupted understanding of Islam,which i was tought by mainstream scholars and other sects.
 
There is a german group of only-Quran people but i do not feel that these 19 code is to be taken serious ,so i post mainly on your Forum.
 
I would like to open an Facebook account to translate your post in German to bring the message of the Quran to an german speaking Audience.
 
I would like to hear your opinion about it .
 
Regards wa salam alaikoum

100

Discussions / From USA

« on: March 14, 2014, 09:58:33 PM »

Salaams to you kind sir!

Thank you for your website I am finding it beautiful and very educational. I am muslim, only years revert. I am a white male in **** USA in my 40s, when I accepted Islam, I was eager to learn but the Masjid seemed to not be very receptive to me in the town it was in. I live 32 miles away from the nearest one. I have been trying to learn from different people and folks online but all are confusing not really teaching Quran but always Hadith or Sunna. Anyway thank you for helping me learn. May Allah guide you and make this easy for you.

All the best.

101

Discussions / Your Article on Suffering

« on: March 13, 2014, 02:15:40 AM »

Dear brother Joseph,

Salam Alaykum.

I am a regular reader of your articles, posts on your forum and Facebook posts. I also always keep an eye on your recent articles update section. I have read each and every article that you have written so far and have on your website. Alhamdulillah, I am very happy to say that I agree with 99 percent of your understanding of all the subjects that you have shared through your articles and forum posts. I am blessed to have your works accessible on your website, and your works are more worth than gold.

In this email I just want to ask you a simple question regarding one of your articles titled 'Suffering and Adversity' which really touched my heart a lot.

Article link - http://quransmessage.com/articles/suffering%20FM3.htm

I really want to know, if you do not mind sharing, what was the relationship of you with the person that you talked about in the above article, the person who died due to cancer.

Regards,

102

Discussions / From India

« on: March 10, 2014, 09:49:30 PM »

Dear brother Joseph. Can you give me a contact of your consultant in India. I love reading your articles and I want to work with your organization. If you have such an organization in India, please kindly inform me.

103

Discussions / Your Articles in Arabic

« on: March 03, 2014, 02:02:54 AM »

Asalamu Alaykum my dear brother Joseph

I was curious if any of your articles are translated in the arabic language. Its strange I ask this question as the Quran is in the arabic language.  It just seems that from people I know who speak that language have a hard time understanding and using the Quran alone to clarify things.

I find lots of people dont really understand or ever seen how the Quran actually is consistent within its self and so perfect.

And to be honest I think a person only qualified should be in a position to explain. And I find it reading a articles like yours where one can see all the ayat and go over them is much more convincing. Than a non qualified person trying to just explain bits and parts.  At the end Allah(swt) guides who he wills.

I thank God and say Alhamdulila that we have someone who has worked very hard to share his wisdom and  his works with us in the English language. Im shy to even ask of this because I can see what kind of work that was put in and would not expect anything more from one man.   But I thought I would ask just in case.

May God bless you and your family always Inshallah

You brother in faith

104

Discussions / From Brazil

« on: February 15, 2014, 08:36:13 AM »

Salamun Alaykum, thanks for the work site. Congratulations! Helped me a lot, I also have a blog: leosalah.blogspot.com.br,'m Brazilian reversed.

105

Discussions / Your Website

« on: February 10, 2014, 03:53:54 AM »

Assalamu alaikum brother Joseph.

I would like to share with you my immense gratitude and appreciation for all your efforts and enlightening words.

In recent years I have started to doubt my faith (around the age of 23, I am soon to turn 26) and I fully blame that on the fact that I blindly followed,  never questioned, never doubted.

And after spending a good deal of these years lost, and in despair...I have finally made it my responsibility and mission to find the truth and resolve these matters. To end this internal battle that has been wearing me down.

I was in so much distress and agony (still am) but slowly I see that I am on the right path of enlightenment.

I heard a quote by the Imam Ghazali recently, the exact wording escapes me right now but the meaning of the saying was in line with "I don't fear those who question or doubt...but the biggest tragedy are those who blindly follow...for they are like feathers , swaying in whatever way the wind blows them to"

I was like that feather...and I desperately want to stay rooted..stay firm..believe.

Your website and efforts have helped clarify a great deal of things that I had trouble agreeing with.

Thank you.

[A sister]