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A Comprehensive Guide About Islam - naqshbandios_limra - 10-20-2009 08:48 AM What is Islam ? ---------------- Islam is to submit to Allah in His Oneness (Monotheism) to be subservient to Him in obedience, and to shun associating any partners, rivals, and intercessors with Him. It is a religion of tolerance and ease. Allah says: Allah intends for you ease and does not intend for you hardship.(2:185) Islam is a religion through which one would be spiritually contented and would have peace of heart. Allah says: Those who believe, and whose hearts find their rest in the remembrance of Allah - for, verily, in the remembrance of Allah hearts do find their rest. (13:28) Islam is a religion of mercy and compassion. The Messenger of Allah said: "The All-Merciful shows mercy to those who show mercy. Show mercy to those on Earth, and you will be shown mercy by the One above the heavens." (Tirmidhi) Islam is a religion of love and loving good for others. The Messenger of Allah said: "The most beloved of people to Allah are those who are most beneficial to others." (Tabaraani) Islam is a religion which has no confusion or ambiguity associated with it. Allah says: "And We sent not before you except men to whom We revealed [Our message]. So ask the people of the message [i.e. former scriptures] if you do not know." (16:43) Islam is a religion for all, for it is a call directed to mankind at large, not to a specific race or people. Allah says: And We have not sent you except to all of humanity, as a herald of glad tidings and a warner. But most of the people do not know. (34:28) Islam is a religion which effaces all previous sins. The Prophet said: "Islam effaces all (sins) committed before it." (Muslim) Islam is a complete and perfect religion which abrogated all revelations, and it is the last religion. Allah says: This day I have perfected for you your religion and completed My favor upon you and have chosen for you Islam as your religion. (5:3) Islam comprises a number of acts of worship, among which are verbal, physical and creedal acts of worship. These acts of worship play an important role in refining one's manners, purifying one's soul, reforming an individual, and maintaining the integrity and unity of Muslim society. RE: A Comprehensive Guide About Islam - naqshbandios_limra - 10-20-2009 08:55 AM What do they say about Islam? ----------------------------- W. Montgomery Watt in his book: 'What is Islam?' said: 'Prejudice is only one of the difficulties to be met by the European or American student of Islam. As soon as he begins to describe Islam as 'the religion of the Quran', or 'the religion of the four hundred million Muslims of today', he introduces a category which does not fit, the category of 'religion'. For what does 'religion' now mean to the occidental? At best, for the ordinary man, it means a way of spending an hour or so on Sundays in practices which give him some support and strength in dealing with the problems of daily life, and which encourages him to be friendly towards other persons and to maintain the standards of sexual propriety; it has little or nothing to do with commerce or economics or politics or industrial relationships. At worst it fosters an attitude of complacency in the more prosperous individuals and breeds smugness. The European may even look at religion as an opiate developed by exploiters of the common people in order to keep them in subjection. How different from the connotations to the Muslim of the verse (3:19): 'the true religion with God is Islam!' The word translated as 'religion' is Deen, which, in Arabic, commonly refers to a whole way of life. It is not a private matter for individuals, touching only the periphery of their lives, but something which is both private and public, something which permeates the whole fabric of society in a way of which men are conscious. It is all in one theological dogma, forms of worship, political theory, and a detailed code of conduct, including even matters which the European would classify as hygiene or etiquette. RE: A Comprehensive Guide About Islam - naqshbandios_limra - 10-20-2009 08:58 AM The Pillars Of Islam ------------------- Physical and verbal acts of worship are called the Pillars of Islam. These are as follows: 1. The Testimony of Faith (Shahaadatayn) This is the testimony that "none has the right to be worshipped but Allah, and that Muhammad is His slave and messenger". This testimony is the key with which one becomes a Muslim. The meaning of the first part of the testimony, 'none has the right to be worshipped but Allah', is: Allah is the Creator of all that exists. Allah is the Proprietor of all that exists and the Disposer of all affairs. Allah is the One Who deserves to be worshipped alone. There is no other God worthy of worship except Allah, and Mohammad is his messenger. The meaning of the second part of the testimony, 'Muhammad is His slave and messenger' contains the following meanings: To obey the Prophet in what he ordered. To believe in everything he said. To refrain from what he prohibited and warned against. And that you do not worship Allah except by what he legislated. 2. The Prayer (Salah) The Prayer is a means through which a slave maintains relationship between himself and his Lord. In it, he privately converses with his Lord, seeking His forgiveness and asking Him for help and guidance. There are five prayers which must be performed daily. Men must observe them in the Masjid (mosque) in congregation, except for those who have a valid excuse. Through this, Muslims come to know one another, and the bonds of love and unity which hold them together are built, maintained and strengthened. They come to know of the condition of their fellow Muslims on a daily basis. If someone is not present and thought to be sick, they visit him, and if it seems that he is falling short in some of his obligations, they advise him. All social differences, such as class, race, and lineage are disregarded, for Muslims line up side by side in straight rows, all facing one direction (Makkah) all at the same time. All are rendered equal in regards to their subservience to Allah and standing before Him. 3. The Obligatory Charity (Zakaah) This charity is a small percentage of wealth which a rich Muslim gives to his poor and needy brothers. There are certain conditions under which it is to be given. A Muslim gives it willingly and fulfills the command of Allah when giving it out. The goal behind the obligation of this charity is to revive mutual and social support among Muslims, as well as to eradicate poverty and put an end to the dangers which result from it. Through it, the hearts of the rich are cleansed from greed, and the hearts of the poor are cleansed from hate and jealousy which they may feel towards the rich. They see the rich giving from their wealth that which Allah decreed, continuously giving them money and caring for their needs. 4. The Fast of Ramadan (Siyaam) It is obligatory upon every muslim to fast once every year, Known as the month of Ramadan. From the break of dawn until the sun sets, Muslims must abstain from anything that breaks the fast, whether it is food, drink, or sexual intercourse. Fasting is an act of worship in Islam and was an obligation legislated in the previous religions as well. Allah says: (O you who have believed, fasting has been decreed for you as it was decreed upon those before you that you may become righteous.) (2:183) 5. The Pilgrimage (Hajj) Hajj is the pilgrimage one makes to the Sacred House of Allah (the Kabah) in order to perform certain rites at specific places and times. This pillar of Islam is obligatory upon every Muslim, male or female, who is sane and has reached the age of puberty once in a lifetime, if they have the physical and financial capability to perform it. Pilgrims circumambulating the Kabah during the Hajj season. This Mosque can accommodate over two million people at one time Allah says: (Pilgrimage to the House is a duty owed to Allah by all people who are able to undertake it. And as for those who deny the truth - verily, Allah does not stand in need of anything in all the worlds.) (3:97) Hajj is the largest Islamic gathering. Muslims from all over the world come together at one place and one time; they all call upon the same Lord, wear the same clothes, and perform the same rituals. No difference is made between rich and poor, noble and ignoble, white and black, Arab and non-Arab; all are equal in front of Allah. There is no difference between them except in piety (taqwaa). The Hajj is an event which emphasizes the brotherhood of all Muslims and the unity of their hopes and feelings. RE: A Comprehensive Guide About Islam - naqshbandios_limra - 10-20-2009 09:01 AM Who is the Messenger of Islam? ----------------------------- He is Abul-Qasim, Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him), the son of Abdullah, the son of Abdul- Muttalib, the son of Hashim. He belonged to the Arab tribe of Quraish whose ancestry traces back to 'Adnaan, one of the children of Ishmael, the Prophet of Allah. Ishmael was the son of Abraham, who was the messenger of Allah, may Allah praise him. He was born in the year 571 C.E. in the honored city of Makkah. Makkah was the religious center of the Arabian Peninsula, as it housed the Honored Kabah, which was built by Abraham and his son, Ishmael. Even before he received revelation, he was known amongst his people as 'The Trustworthy', and they would entrust him with their possessions when they intended to go on a journey. He was also known as 'The Truthful" due to what they knew of him from truthfulness. He never lied or acted treacherously. He always desired good for others. He received his first revelation at the age of forty and informed his wife, Khadeejah, may Allah be pleased with her, apprehensively: "Indeed I fear for myself." Khadeejah replied, "No, by Allah! Allah will never humiliate you. Indeed you maintain ties of kinship, you bear the problems of others, you give wealth to those who do not have it, you honor and feed your guests, and you give support in times of true calamity." (Bukhari) He remained in Makkah for thirteen years thereafter, calling people to believe in the Oneness of Allah. He then migrated to the city of Medina and called its inhabitants to Islam, which they accepted. There, Allah revealed to him the remaining legislations of the religion. He returned and conquered Makkah eight years after his migration, and died at the age of 63 after Allah revealed to him the entire Quran. All the legislations of the religion were perfected and completed and majority of the Arab nation accepted Islam. What Do They Say About Muhammad? George Bernard Shaw in The Genuine Islam said: "I have always held the religion of Muhammad in high estimation because of its wonderful vitality. It is the only religion which appears to possess that assimilating capability to the changing phases of existence which make itself appeal to every age - I have prophesized about the faith of Muhammad that it would be acceptable tomorrow as it is beginning to be acceptable to the Europe of today. Medieval ecclesiastics, either through ignorance or bigotry, painted Mohammedanism in the darkest colors. They were, in fact, trained to hate both the man Muhammad and his religion. To them, Muhammad was an anti-Christ. I have studied him, the wonderful man, and in my opinion, far from being an anti-Christ, he must be called the Savior of humanity."2 Annie Besant3 in The Life and Teachings of Mohammad, said: It is impossible for anyone who studies the life and character of the great Prophet of Arabia, who knew how he taught and how he lived, to feel anything but reverence for the mighty Prophet, one of the great messengers of the Supreme. And although in what I put to you I shall say many things which may be familiar to many, yet I myself feel, whenever I reread them, a new way of admiration, a new sense of reverence for that mighty Arabian teacher. RE: A Comprehensive Guide About Islam - naqshbandios_limra - 10-20-2009 09:03 AM Pillars of Faith ---------------- Creedal acts of worship are called the Pillars of Faith (Iman); and they are as follows: 1. Belief in Allah Belief in Allah entails belief in His existence, and that He is the only One Who deserves to be worshipped, and He has no partners, equals or rivals in His Ruboobiyah4 , Uloohiyah5 , and His beautiful names and attributes6. He is the Creator of this existence, its Proprietor and the One Who disposes of all its affairs. Only that which He wishes comes to pass and He is the only One who deserves to be worshipped. Allah says: (Say, 'He is Allah, [who is] One. * Allah As-Samadh (the Self-Sufficient Master, Whom all creatures need). * He neither begets nor is born. * Nor is there to Him any equal. ) (112:1-4) 2. Belief in Allah's Angels This is to believe that the angels exist. No one knows their exact number except Him (Allah). He created them to worship Him. Allah says: (Never would the Messiah disdain to be a slave of Allah, nor would the angels near [to Him]. ) (4:172) The angels do not share any of Allah's specific qualities, nor are they His children. Rather, Allah created them to perform certain tasks. Allah says: (And they say, 'The Most Merciful has taken a son.' Exalted is He! Rather, they (Those they claim to be 'children' of Allah, such as the angels, Ezra, Jesus, etc.) are [but] honored slaves. They cannot precede Him in word, and they act by His command ) (21:26-27) 3. Belief in Allah's Books It is to believe that Allah revealed Divine Books to His Messengers in order for them to convey to mankind. These Books contained nothing but the truth at the time of revelation. All these Books called people to the Oneness of Allah, and that He is the Creator, Proprietor and Owner, and to Him belong the Beautiful Names and Attributes. Some of these Books are as follows: The Suhuf (Scriptures of Abraham): The Suhuf is the Sacred Scripture which was revealed to Prophet Abraham . The Torah: The Torah is the Sacred Book which was revealed to Prophet Moses . The Zaboor (Psalms): The Zaboor is the Sacred Book which was revealed to Prophet David . The Injeel (Gospel): The Injeel is the Sacred Book which was revealed to Prophet Jesus . The Noble Quran: One must believe that the Quran is the Speech of Allah which Angel Gabriel brought to Muhammad and that it is the last of the Divine Books which abrogated all previous Books. 4. Belief in the Messengers of Allah It is to believe that Allah chose the finest amongst mankind to be Messengers whom He sent to His creation with specific legislations; to worship and obey Him, and to establish His religion and His Tawheed (oneness). Allah ordered His Messengers to convey the Message to people, so that they would not have any proof against Him after He sent them. Allah says: (And We sent not before you, [O Muhammad] except men to whom We revealed [the message] so ask the people of the message [i.e., former scriptures] if you do not know. ) (21:7) The first Messenger was Noah and the last was Muhammad. 5. Belief in the Last Day It is to believe that the life of this world will come to an end. Allah says: (Everyone upon it [i.e., the earth] will perish. And there will remain the Face of your Lord, Owner of Majesty and Honor.) (55:26-27) Following this, Allah will resurrect all creation, take them to account and reward those who did well, due to their righteous deeds, belief (in Allah) and adherence to their Prophets and Messengers with an everlasting life in Jannah (The Heavenly Gardens). He will punish those who committed evil deeds, disbelief, and were disobedience to their messengers, with an everlasting life in Hell. 6. Belief in Qada and Qadar (Predestination) It is to believe that Allah knew everything before it came into being, and what will happen to it afterwards. He then brought them into existence, all in accordance to His Knowledge and Measure. Allah said: ( and [Allah] has created each thing and measured it with [precise] measure. ) (25:2) This belief does not contradict the fact that one must strive to attain things. Belief in Divine Measure results in the following: Belief in Qadaa´ and Qadar results in a clear conscience and peace of heart. No room is left for one to feel sad about what results or does not come to be. It encourages knowledge and exploration of what Allah created in this universe. Afflictions, such as diseases drive humans to seek a cure, and this is done by searching for the sources of medicine which Allah, the Most High, created in this universe. It increases one's dependence upon Allah and removes fear of the creation. Ibn 'Abbaas said "I was behind the Messenger of Allah one day and he said to me: 'O young boy, I will teach you some words: Guard Allah's commandments and He will guard you. Guard Allah's commandments, you will find Him in front of you. If you ask, then ask Allah, and if you seek help, then seek help from Allah and know that if the whole world was to gather to help you, they would never be able to help you except with something which Allah has already preordained for you. And if the whole world gathered to cause you some harm, they would not be able to harm you except with something which Allah has already preordained for you. The pens have been lifted, and the scrolls have dried." (Tirmidhi) RE: A Comprehensive Guide About Islam - naqshbandios_limra - 10-20-2009 09:04 AM What is the Quran? --------------------- The Quran is the constitution of the Muslims from which they derive the teachings which organize both their religious and everyday affairs. It differs from the previous Divine Books in the following ways: It is the last Divine Book which was revealed, and for that reason, Allah, the Exalted, promised to protect it from any distortion until the Last Day. Allah says: (Indeed, it is We who have sent down this Reminder [i.e., the Quran] and indeed, it is We who are its Guardian. ) (15:9) The Quran includes all the legislations which reform society and guarantees happiness for all in its implementation. The Quran has documented the stories of the Prophets and Messengers, and what happened between them and their peoples, from Adam till Muhammad, may Allah exalt his mention. It was revealed to all of mankind so that they would live a life of peace and happiness, and to take them out of darkness and bring them into the light. Reciting, memorizing and teaching it are acts of worship. What Do They Say About the Quran? Maurice Bucaille said in his Book: The Quran, and Modern Science: 'A totally objective examination of it [the Quran] in the light of modern knowledge, leads us to recognize the agreement between the two, as has been already noted on repeated occasions. It makes us deem it quite unthinkable for a man of Muhammad's time to have been the author of such statements, on account of the state of knowledge in his day. Such considerations are part of what gives the Quranic Revelation its unique place, and forces the impartial scientist to admit his inability to provide an explanation which calls solely upon materialistic reasoning.' RE: A Comprehensive Guide About Islam - naqshbandios_limra - 10-20-2009 09:05 AM Islam And Wealth ------------------ In Islam, all wealth is the possession of Allah with which humans are entrusted. It is a responsibility; it must be earned through permissible means and spent in permissible ways, such as spending on one's self and those for whom he is responsible for, without extravagance or waste. The Messenger of Islam, Muhammad said: "A slave will not be able to take a step further on the Day of Requital until he is taken to account for [the following things]: his time and how he spent it, his knowledge and how he used it, his money and how he earned and spent it, and his youth and how he passed it. (Tirmidhi) It must also be spent in good ways. Allah says: (Righteousness is not that you turn your faces toward the east or the west, but [true] righteousness is [in] one who believes in Allah, the Last Day, the Angels, the Book, and the prophets and gives wealth, in spite of love for it, to relatives, orphans, the needy, the traveler, those who ask [for help], and for freeing slaves." ) (2:177) RE: A Comprehensive Guide About Islam - naqshbandios_limra - 10-20-2009 09:07 AM Islam And Women -------------------- In Islam, men and women are different from each other and each has their respective roles. Honoring and respecting women in Islam is a sign of a good, wholesome character and an unadulterated nature. The Messenger of Islam, Muhammad said: "The best of you are the best of you towards their wives." (Tirmidhi) The woman is also the first person to whom a man must act righteously, maintain ties with, and treat well. When a man asked the Messenger of Islam, Muhammad to whom he should show the best companionship, he replied: "Your mother." He said, "Then who?" He said, "Your mother." He said, "Then who?" He said, "Your mother." He said, "Then who?" He said, "Your father." (Bukhari) The Messenger of Islam, Muhammad said: "Women are the twin halves of men." (Abu Dawud) Women are equal to men in their humanity. They are not the source of sin nor are they the reason Adam was expelled from Jannah (Heavenly Gardens). Women are equal to men in their individuality. They neither lose their names nor the names of their family upon marriage. They do not fade away and blend into the identity of men. Women are equal to men in regards to reward and punishment in this life as well as the next. Women are equal to men in that Islam seeks to maintain and uphold their honor and chastity. Women are equal to men in that they have a right to inheritance, as do men. Women are equal to men in that they have full right to do as they please with their wealth. Women are equal to men in regards to the obligation of shouldering the responsibility of social reform. Women are equal to men in their right to receive an education and proper upbringing. Woman and man have an equal share of rights in matters pertaining to good rearing, proper teaching and caring. Islam assures that when applying these rights of women they would be put at a higher position. • Women have the right to provisions from her husband for all her needs and more. If she’s not married then she has the right to provisions from her brother(s). If she doesn’t have brothers then the closest of kin to her. • A woman has the right to keep all of her own money. She is not responsible for maintaining the family financially. • Women have the right to get sexual satisfaction from her husband. • A woman has the right to get custody of her children in case of divorce unless she is unable to raise them for a valid reason. • Women have the right to re-marry after divorce or after becoming a widow. The Prophet of Allah said: "Whoever has three daughters or three sisters, and fears Allah in their guardianship, will be together with me in Paradise like this." He indicated with his index and second fingers. RE: A Comprehensive Guide About Islam - naqshbandios_limra - 10-20-2009 09:08 AM Islam And Non-Muslims ------------------------ Islam protects the blood, wealth and honor of non-Muslims who have a pact with an Islamic nation. They may not be oppressed nor transgressed against; they may not be deprived of their rights, nor ill-treated in dealings. Allah says: (Allah does not forbid you from those who do not fight you because of religion and do not expel you from your homes - from being righteous toward them and acting justly toward them. Indeed, Allah loves those who act justly). (60:8) The Messenger of Islam, Muhammad said: "Indeed whoever oppresses one with whom we have a pact, deprives him of his rights, burdens him with more than he can bear, or takes something from him without his consent, then I will dispute with him on the Day of Requital." He then pointed with his finger to his chest. "Indeed whoever kills one with whom we have a pact, who is under the responsibility of Allah and His Messenger, Allah will forbid him from smelling the fragrance of Jannah (Heavenly Gardens), and indeed the fragrance of Jannah may be perceived from a distance of seventy years." (Baihaqi) The Messenger of Islam, Muhammad said: "My Lord has commanded me that we should not oppress the ones whom we have a pact with (i.e. non-muslims whom reside in the lands of the muslims) and neither other them. " (Baihaqi) RE: A Comprehensive Guide About Islam - naqshbandios_limra - 10-20-2009 09:09 AM Islam And Other Divine Religions ------------------------------ Islam deems it compulsory upon its followers to believe in the previous divine Messages and in all the Prophets and Messengers. Muslims must love them all, and respect them. Allah says: (And that was Our [conclusive] argument which We gave Abraham against his people. We raise by degrees whom We will. Indeed, your Lord is Wise and Knowing. And We gave to him [i.e. Abraham] Isaac and Jacob - all [of them] We guided. And Noah, We guided before; and among his descendants, David and Solomon and Job and Joseph and Moses and Aaron. Thus do We reward the doers of good. And Zechariah and John and Jesus and Elias - and all were of the righteous. And Ishmael and Elisha and Jonah and Lot - and all [of them] We preferred over the worlds. And [some] among their fathers and their descendants and their brothers - and We chose them and We guided them to a Straight Path. ) (6:83-87) What the Quran says about Moses Allah says: (And mention in the Book, Moses. Indeed, he was chosen, and he was a Messenger and a Prophet.) (19:51) Allah says: ( O Moses, I have chosen you over the people with My messages and My words [to you]. So take what I have given you and be among the grateful.)(7:144) Allah says: (Then We gave Moses the Scripture, making complete [Our favor] upon the one who did good [i.e. Moses] and as a detailed explanation of all things and as guidance and mercy that perhaps [the matter of] the meeting with their Lord they would believe.) (6:154) Allah says: (And We certainly sent Moses with Our signs, [saying], "Bring out your people from darkness into the light and remind them of the days of Allah." Indeed in that are signs for everyone patient and grateful.) (14:5) What the Quran says about Jesus and his Mother, Mary, may Allah praise them. Allah says: (And [mention] when the angels said, "O Mary, indeed Allah has chosen you and purified you and chosen you above the women of the worlds.) (3:42) Allah says: (Indeed the example of Jesus to Allah is like that of Adam. He created him from dust; then He said to him, "Be," and he was.) (3:59) Allah says: (O People of the Scripture do not commit excess in your religion or say about Allah except the truth. The Messiah, Jesus, the son of Mary, was but a messenger of Allah and His word which He directed to Mary and a soul [created at a command] from Him. So believe in Allah and His messengers. And do not say, "Three"; desist - it is better for you. Indeed, Allah is but one God. Exalted is He above having a son. To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth. And sufficient is Allah as Disposer of affairs.) (4:171) RE: A Comprehensive Guide About Islam - naqshbandios_limra - 10-20-2009 09:11 AM Islam And War ------------------ One of the most misunderstood terms in Islam is Jihad. Unfortunately the word ‘jihad’ has been misused and as a result many people associate it with war and terrorism. Linguistically Jihad means striving, whether for good or for evil. Its general meaning signifies resisting and opposing the self, oppression, persecution or standing up to a dictator. Jihad can also denote military effort. This is seen as a last attempt to end the violation of rights of others or any act of aggression. Even during times of war Muslims are commanded to uphold morality. Acts of torture are strictly forbidden. Hurting civilians, women, children and the elderly during times of war are also strictly forbidden. The Messenger of God said: “Fight in the name of God, and for the cause of God… do not break treaties, do not mutilate, and do not kill young children.” (Muslim) Islam also prohibits the destroying or desecrating of places of worship, killing or hurting of animals and destroying trees. At the time of fighting between Muslims and non-Muslims, Abu Bakr, the first Caliph after the Prophet, would advise his commanders saying: “I command you ten things. Learn them by heart: Don’t betray, defraud (by stealing the spoils of war), or break treaties. Don’t mutilate, kill women, young children, or the elderly. Do not uproot or burn palm trees. Do not cut down fruitful trees, slaughter sheep, cows or camels except for eating. You will come across people secluded in monasteries, so leave them and what they are devoted to.” (Tabari, Vol.3) The Prophet told his companions that the greatest jihad (struggle) is the jihad against the ego. RE: A Comprehensive Guide About Islam - naqshbandios_limra - 10-20-2009 09:12 AM Islam is the Faith of Peace ------------------------------ Islam is the Faith of Peace Islam means to submit to Allah, adhere to obeying Him, and be free from worshipping any others besides Allah. There is no good except that which Islam ordered for it to be done, and there is no evil except that which it prohibited. Applying Islam guarantees everyone to be able to live in security and peace in light of its system, which safeguards rights for all. Allah said: ((Say, “Come, I will recite what your Lord has prohibited to you. He commands that you not associate anything with Him, and to parents, good treatment, and do not kill your children out of poverty; We will provide for you and them; and do not approach immoralities- what is apparent of them and what is concealed; and do not kill the soul which Allah has forbidden to be killed except by legal right. This has He instructed you that you may use reason;” and do not approach the orphan’s property except in a way that is best until he reaches maturity; and give full measure and weight in justice. We do not charge any soul except with that within its capacity; and when you speak be just, even if it concerns a near relative; and the Covenant of Allah fulfill. This has He instructed you that you may remember.)) (6:151 - 152) Allah also said: ((Indeed, Allah orders justice and good conduct and giving to relatives and forbids immorality and bad conduct and oppression. He admonishes you that perhaps you will be reminded.)) (16: 90) Hence, the Faith of Islam is a comprehensive Faith of peace in all meanings of this word. This applies to the internal level of Muslim society as Allah said: «And those who harm believing men and believing women for something other than what they have earned have certainly born upon themselves a slander and manifest sin.» (33: 58) The one upon whom be Allah's Blessing and Peace said: “A Muslim is a person whose tongue and hand is safeguarded against, and an emigrant is a person who has left that which Allah prohibited!.” (Agreed upon) He also said: “A believer is a person whom people trust!” Islam also provides peace on an international level and it is established on forming friendly relationships that are founded on security, stability and establishing the foundations of Islam. Moreover, it is when a Muslim society does not transgress against another society, especially those that do not play with the Faith nor set up enmity against its adherents. This is according to the Words, ((O you who have believed, enter into Islam completely and perfectly and do not follow the footsteps of Shayttaan. Indeed, he is to you a clear enemy.)) (2: 208) The Faith of Islam enjoins Justice and non-oppression, even with those who set up enmity against them. Allah said: ((O you who have believed, be persistently standing firm for Allah, witnesses in Justice, and do not let the hatred of a people prevent you from being just. Be just; that is nearer to Righteousness; and fear Allah; indeed, Allah is Acquainted with what you do.)) (5: 8) As-Salaam, The Peaceful, is one of the All Praised’s Names. Allah said: ((He is Allah, other than whom there is no deity, the Sovereign, the Pure, the Perfection, the Bestower of Faith, the Overseer, the Exalted in Might, the Compeller, the Superior. Exalted is Allah above whatever they associate with Him.)) (59: 23) As-Salaam is one of the names of Allah's Garden, jannah. Allah the All High said: ((For them will be the Home of Peace with their Lord, and He will be their protecting Friend because of what they used to do.)) (6: 127) As-Salaam is the greeting of the people of jannah. Allah said: ((Their greeting the Day they meet Him will be, ‘Peace,’ and He has prepared for them a noble Reward.)) (33: 44) As-Salaam is also the greeting of Muslims among themselves, As-Salaamu ‘Alaykum! It is a greeting which adds tranquility, calmness and ease for the greeting and the greeted person. This is because of the expression of security and safety within this greeting. This, the Prophet (may Allah's Blessing and Peace be upon him) established as one of the perfecting actions of a person’s belief. He said: “You will not enter jannah until you believe, and you will not believe until you love each other. Shall I not guide you towards a thing, that if you do, you would love each other? Spread the Salaam! greeting among you!” (Reported by Muslim) The one upon whom be Allah's Blessing and Peace established that this was one of the best actions. This is because the greeting brings hearts closer and softens them when it is given or heard. It also removes differences ands hatred. When the Prophet (may Allah's Blessing and Peace be one upon him) was asked, ‘ Which part of Islam is best?,’ he replied, “To feed people and give the Salaam! greeting to those you know and those you do not know!” (Agreed upon) Hence, the Faith of Islam brought regulations and Legislations at times of dealings, war, marriage, economy, politics, worship etc. It was for an ideal, virtuous society to implement and regulate a Muslim’s relationship with his/her Lord, society and surrounding world, whether the human world or environment. The whole of humanity is unable to produce the like of Islam. A Faith of this Perfection and comprehensiveness is deserving of being embraced, invited towards, care to be taken to spread it, and not to set up enmity against it. RE: A Comprehensive Guide About Islam - naqshbandios_limra - 10-20-2009 09:13 AM Islam And Society ---------------------- Islam commands that one's environment must be cared for and protected and forbids polluting it in any way. It does so through the following means: It encourages planting beneficial plants and trees. The Messenger of Islam, Muhammad said: "No Muslim plants a tree or crop, and its fruit is eaten by birds, people, or animals, except that it will be regarded as charity for him." (Bukhari) It encourages the removal of anything that may inflict harm. The Messenger of Islam said: "Removing harm from the path is charity." (Bukhari) It encourages quarantining those afflicted with diseases and epidemics in order to prevent its spread to other societies and protecting the lives of others. The Messenger of Islam said: "If you hear of a plague in a certain location, then do not enter it, and if it strikes a place where you are, then do not leave it." (Bukhari) It forbids random killing of animals and birds. The Messenger of Islam, Muhammad said: "Whoever kills a sparrow for no reason, it will cry to Allah on the Day of Requital, 'O Allah, so and so killed me without reason or benefit!' " (Nasa'i) It forbids polluting the society in any way. The Messenger of Islam, Muhammad said: "Fear two things for which people curse others for." [His Companions] asked: "What are the two things for which people will curse others for, O Messenger of Allah?" He replied: "That he relieves himself in places where people walk or where they seek shade." (Muslim) RE: A Comprehensive Guide About Islam - naqshbandios_limra - 10-20-2009 09:15 AM Islam And Cleanliness ------------------------ Islam is a religion of Cleanliness. Allah says: (O children of Adam, take your adornment at every Masjid (mosque), and eat and drink, but do not waste: verily He does not love the wasteful.) (7:31) It is a religion of purity. Allah says: (Indeed, Allah loves those who are constantly repentant and loves those who purify themselves. ) (2:222) Purity is a condition for the Prayer to be regarded valid, and the Prayer is an act of worship which a Muslim performs at least five times throughout his daily routine. Islam also requires that one bathe after ejaculation or sexual intercourse, and highly encourages taking a bath before performing those types of worship which are manifest symbols of Islam, such as the Friday Prayer and the Greater and Lesser Pilgrimage to Makkah. Allah says in the Glorious Quran: (O you who believe! When you rise up for prayer, wash your faces, and your hands up to the elbows, and wipe your heads (with wet hands), and (wash) your feet up to the ankles. And if you are in a state of major ritual impurity (janaba), purify yourselves (by taking a bath). And if you are sick or on a journey, or one of you comes from the answering of call of nature, or you have had contact with women, and you find no water, then go to clean earth and wipe your faces and hands with some of it. Allah does not want to place you in difficulty, but He wants to purify you and to perfect His grace upon you that you may give thanks.) (Al-Maidah :6) Islam also encourages that one wash his hands prior and subsequent to meals. The Messenger of Islam, Muhammad said: "Food is blessed when one washes his hands before and after it." (Tirmidhi) It encourages that one keep his mouth and teeth clean. The Messenger of Islam said: "Had I not found it difficult for my followers, I would have ordered them to cleanse their teeth before every prayer." (Bukhari) It encourages that one cleanse and purify those places that may become a breeding ground for germs and filth. The Messenger of Islam, The Messenger of Islam, Muhammad said: "There are five acts which are from the innate nature with which Allah created humans: circumcision, removing the pubic hair, plucking the hair of the armpits, shortening the moustache, and clipping the nails." (Bukhari) RE: A Comprehensive Guide About Islam - naqshbandios_limra - 10-20-2009 09:17 AM Islam And Knowledge ----------------------- The religion of Islam encourages all people to seek and increase their knowledge, and it disparages and warns against ignorance. Allah says: (Allah will exalt in degree those of you who believe and those who have been granted knowledge.) (58:11) It regards striving to seek, learn, and teach knowledge as a means which leads to Jannah (paradise). The Messenger of Islam, Muhammad said: "Whoever seeks a path in search of knowledge, Allah would make easy for him a path leading to Jannah (paradise)." (Abu Dawud) He forbade that knowledge be concealed, as it is an obligation for each person to seek it. The Messenger of Islam, Muhammad said: "Whoever conceals knowledge would be muzzled on the Day of Resurrection with a muzzle of Fire." (Ibn Hibbaan) Islam regards scholars with high esteem and demands that they be paid their due respect. The Messenger of Islam, Muhammad said: "He is not from my followers, he who does not respect his elders, who does not show mercy to the young, and does not give due right to a scholar." (Ahmed) The Messenger, Muhammad informed us of the status of the scholar in his sayings: "The excellence of a scholar over a layman is like my excellence over the least of you." (Tirmidthi) RE: A Comprehensive Guide About Islam - naqshbandios_limra - 10-20-2009 09:20 AM Islamic Perspective on Sex --------------------------- Islam considers sex an essential human need which need not be suppressed, rather satisfied in a proper manner. It is not something looked down upon disdainfully and a thing a person must refrain from. Islam has set certain laws by which it is controlled and through which one can satisfy this need. One is not to satisfy this in an animalistic or lustful uncontrolled manner; it should be satisfied through marriage. The ultimate goal of marriage in Islam is to achieve psychological and emotional stability for both spouses. Allah says: (They are Libas (i.e. body cover, or screen or Sakan [i.e. you enjoy the pleasure of living with them]) for you and you are the same for them.) (2:187) Islam safeguards the individual and society by forbid- ding everything which excites the sexual desire for fear that a person would commit fornication or sodomy either willingly or forcefully (i.e. rape). This of course would result in illegitimate children proliferating in society, who have no parents to raise them morally. They would then emerge in society as a group who harbor animosity and hate towards others. Also, diseases would spread across society. Allah says: (And come not near to the unlawful sexual intercourse. Verily it is a Fahishah (a great sin and an evil way that leads one to Hell).) (17:32) RE: A Comprehensive Guide About Islam - naqshbandios_limra - 10-20-2009 09:21 AM Muslims Love Jesus And His Mother ----------------------------------- Isa peace be upon him was explicitly mentioned in the Holy Quran on sixteen different occasions. On one occasion Allah the Exalted said in Surat Al-Maidah verse 110 ( (remember) when Allah will say( on the day of resurrection )."O Isa(Jesus), son of Mariyam(Mary)! Remember my favor to you and to your mother when I supported your with ruh -u- qudus [ Jibrail (Gabril)] so that you spoke to the people in the cradle and in maturity; and when I taught you writing, Al Hikmah(the power of understanding), the Taurat(Torah) and the Ingil( Gospel); and when you made out of the clay, a figure like that of a bird, by my permission, and you breathed into it, and it became a bird by my permission, and you healed those born blind, and the lepers by my permission, and when you brought forth the dead by my permission; and when I restrained the children of Israel from you ( when they resolved to kill you) as you came unto them with clear proofs and the disbelievers among them said: "This is nothing but evident magic" ﴿ ) On the other hand Prophet Mohammad peace be upon him was explicitly mentioned in the Holy Quran four times While the Virgin Mary (peace be upon her) the mother of Jesus(Isa) was mentioned eight times and has a complete Sura (chapter) named after her. On one occasion Allah the All Mighty said in Surat Al- Imran verse 145: ( (remember) when the angles said: " Oh Mariyam (Mary)! Verily, Allah gives you the glad tidings of a word["Be!"- and he was! i.e.' Isa ( Jesus) the son of Mariyam( Mary) ] From him his name will be the Messiah 'Isa (Jesus) the son of Mary ( Mariyam), held in honor in this world and in the hereafter, and will be one of those who is near to Allah.) As a family they have been mentioned in the Holy Quran three times and they have been privileged by having a complete Sura(chapter) named after them(Al Imran). Which is imprinted in the hearts and minds of the believers forever. RE: A Comprehensive Guide About Islam - naqshbandios_limra - 10-20-2009 09:25 AM Effect of Islamic Civilization on Modern Science -------------------------------------------- The one who contemplates the reason modern science and technology have taken giant steps and advanced to the present state would certainly agree that it is due to Islamic civilization which transmitted and introduced vast amounts of knowledge and produced many scholars. C.H. Haskins7 said: 'The broad fact remains that the Arabs of Spain were the principal source of the new learning for Western Europe.' They are the ones who placed the fundamentals from which modern civilization advanced. Whoever reviews the 'Dictionary of Technical Terms for Aerospace' 8 would certainly conclude that sixty percent of the known stars are given names that are derived from Arabic. The books and works of early Muslim scholars were the main resource texts which the West benefited from, especially the Europeans who used these works during the Renaissance period. Many of these texts were used in European universities. Marquis of Dufferin and Ava said: 'It is to Mussulman science, to Mussulman art, and to Mussulman literature that Europe has been in a great measure indebted for its extrication from the darkness of the Middle Ages.' 9 Scientific knowledge that originated in India, China and the Hellenistic world was sought out by Muslim scholars and then translated, refined, synthesized and augmented at different centers of learning in the Islamic world from where the knowledge spread to Western Europe. (History of Medicine, Arab roots of European Medicine, David W. Tschanz, MSPH, PhD. Also see: http://www.hmc.org.qa/hmc/heartviews/H-V-v4%20N2/9.htm ) J.H. Denison said: 'In the fifth and sixth centuries the civilized world stood on the verge of a chaos. The old emotional cultures that had made civilization possible, since they had given to men a sense of unity and of reverence for their rulers, had broken down and nothing had been found adequate to take their place. It seemed then the great civilization which it had taken four thousand years to construct was on the verge of disintegration, and that mankind was likely to return to that condition of barbarism where every tribe and sect was against the next, and law and order was unknown. The old tribal sanctions had lost their power. The new sanctions created by Christianity were working division and destruction instead of unity and order. It was a time fraught with tragedy. Civilization, like a gigantic tree whose foliage had overarched the world and whose branches had borne the golden fruits of art and science and literature, stood tottering rotted to the core. Was there any emotional culture that could be brought in to gather mankind once more into unity and to save civilization? It was among these people that the man (Muhammad) was born who was to unite the whole known world of the east and south.10 Muslims had advanced in all technical, scientific and intellectual fields. Here we will mention a few of the outstanding scholars in various fields. Al-Khawarizmi (780-850CE) was a great scholar in the fields of mathematics, algebra, logarithms and geometry. He was perhaps one of the greatest mathematicians who ever lived, as, in fact, he was the founder of several branches and basic concepts of mathematics. He was also the founder of Algebra. Al-Biruni (973-1050AD) was a great scholar in many fields. He wrote on topics ranging from astronomy to mathematics, mathematical geography to mechanics, pharmacology and history. Al-Biruni discussed the theory of the earth rotating on its own axis six hundred years before Galileo! The German Orientalist E. Sachau said about al-Biruni: 'He was the greatest intellectual known to man.' As Muslims we say that the greatest intellectual known to man is our Prophet Muhammad. In the field of medicine and pharmacy, Muslim scholars left behind a wealth of knowledge in their works, which were used to advance modern day medicine. Among these scholars were: Ibn Rushd (Averroes 1126-1198 CE) was an Andalusian philosopher and physician, a master of philosophy and Islamic law, mathematics and medicine. Ibn an-Nafees (1213-1288 CE) was a physician who is mostly famous for being the first to describe the pulmonary circulation of the blood. He discovered blood circulation before the Englishman Harvey and the Spaniard Michael Servetus by hundreds of years. Am'maar b. Ali al-Mo'sili b. Eesa al-Kah'haal was highly skilled in ophthalmology. He invented specialized instruments used in operations, such as the "injection syringe", a hollow needle. Al-Hasan b. al-Haitham (Alhazen 965- 1040AH) was a great mathematician. He was a pioneer in optics, engineering and astronomy. According to Giambattista della Porta, Al-Hasan was the first to explain the apparent increase in the size of the moon and sun when near the horizon. His seven volume treatise on optics Kitab al- Manadhir (Book of Optics) is possibly the earliest work to use the scientific method. He used the results of experiments to test theories. Al-Mansoori and Abu Bakr ar-Razi were renowned, versatile physicians. They made fundamental and enduring contributions to the fields of medicine and philosophy. Muwaf'faq al-Baghdadi and Abul-Qasim az-Zahrawi were renowned in dental practices. They wrote books concerning this, and put illustrative pictures of the tools used in surgical operations and how to use the tools. In the field of geography and geology many notable scholars can be mentioned, among whom are: Shareef al-Idrisi (1100-1165H) was a cartographer, geographer and traveler. He was renowned for his excellent maps of the world. He also invented navigational instruments. There are many Muslim scholars who participated and took part in advancing civilization. Whoever wants to know more, should review books that are written specifically on this topic. Numerous times, researches written by Muslims were plagiarized and wrongfully attributed to others. Major Arthur Glyn Leonard said: Do not we, who now consider ourselves on the topmost pinnacle ever reached by culture and civilization, recognize that, had it not been for the high culture, the civilization and intellectual, as the social splendors of the Arabs and soundness of their system, Europe would to this day have remained sunk in the darkness of ignorance?11 The Virtues of Islamic Civilization ------------------------------- Seeking knowledge is a religious duty, which Islam encourages Muslims to fulfill. Muslim scholars in the past used their knowledge to strengthen people's belief in contrast to the scholars of this age, who use their knowledge to weaken people's belief. Muslim scholars in the past used their knowledge to serve mankind, in contrast to most of the scholars today who use their knowledge for exploitive and selfish ends. Scientists during this era invented the atom and hydrogen bomb and other weapons of mass destruction; thereafter they prevented others from owning these weapons, in an attempt to control and exploit the riches of the world. Muslim scholars of the past spread their knowledge so that people could benefit from it, in contrast to the scholars of today who withhold knowledge for themselves or for their own country and prevent others from accessing it. Muslim scholars of the past aimed to attain the mercy of Allah and His reward, in contrast to the scholars of today who try their best to benefit materialistically from their discoveries. RE: A Comprehensive Guide About Islam - naqshbandios_limra - 10-20-2009 09:27 AM Scientific Points in a Few Verses of the Quran -------------------------- Allah says: (Verily, in the creation of the heavens and the earth, and in the alternation of night and day, and the ships which sail through the sea with that which is of use to mankind, and the water (rain) which Allah sends down from the sky and makes the earth alive therewith after its death, and the moving (living) creatures of all kinds that He has scattered therein, and in the veering of winds and clouds which are held between the sky and the earth, are indeed Ayat (proofs, evidences, signs, etc.) for people of understanding.) (2:164) The Quran was revealed to Muhammad who was unlettered; he could neither read nor write. His people were generally unlettered as well. Therefore, how can a man bring forth a Scripture which stunned the most eloquent of people! Allah says: (Say, "If mankind and the jinn were to be gathered in order to produce the like of this Quran, they could not produce the like of it, even if they were to each other assistants.") (17:88) The Prophet and many of his companions were destitute, and he would recite to them verses from the Quran which have mention of scientific facts. Over 1400 years after the Quran was revealed, modern science discovered these very facts with advanced equipment! Thomas Carlyle said: 'A false man found a religion? Why, a false man cannot build a brick house! If he does not know and follow truly the properties of mortar, burnt clay and what else be works in, it is no house that he makes, but a rubbish-heap. It will not stand for twelve centuries, to lodge a hundred and eighty millions; it will fall straightway.'12 RE: A Comprehensive Guide About Islam - naqshbandios_limra - 10-20-2009 09:29 AM Quran and the Beginning of the World --------------------------------------- Allah says: (Allah creates the creation in the first instance, and then brings it forth anew: and, in the end, to Him you all will re- turn.) (30:11) Allah clearly states in this verse that He is the One Who created and brought into existence all creatures in this universe from nothing. This is stated in the Quran, which is divine revelation from Allah. Allah describes the be- ginning of the universe saying: (The Originator of the heavens and the earth: and when He decrees a matter, He only says to it, "Be," and it is.) (2:117) Allah informs us in this verse that the universe was created from nothing, all that took place before it's creation is from the knowledge of the unseen world, which only Allah knows. Human intellect is incapable of realizing and grasping what the substance matter of the first creation was, for Allah did not inform us of this knowledge. Man can only produce hypothesis and the- theories concerning ecological systems. Allah says: (I did not make them witnesses of the creation of the heavens and the earth, nor of the creation of their own selves; and I would not have taken the misguiders as assistants.) (18:51) Allah says: (Have those who disbelieved not considered that the heavens and the earth were one single entity, which We then parted asunder and made from water every living thing? Will they not, then, believe?) (21:30) This verse makes unmistakable reference to the fact that Allah created the universe from a single entity, and He is All-Capable over all things. Allah then ordered this 'single entity' to split, which it did, and turned into a cloud of smoke. From this cloud of smoke Allah created the heavens and earth. This is mentioned in the words of Allah: (Say, "Do you indeed disbelieve in He who created the earth in two days and attribute to Him equals? That is the Lord of the Worlds. And He placed on it [i.e., the earth] firmly set mountains over its surface, and He blessed it and determined therein its [creatures'] sustenance in four days without distinction - for [the information of] those who ask. And He completed them as seven heavens within two days and inspired [i.e. made known] in each heaven its command. And We adorned the nearest heaven with lights [i.e. stars for beauty] and as protection: such is the ordaining of the Almighty, the All-Knowing) (41:9-12) Modern astrophysicists assert that the entire universe originated from one entity, the result of what is known today as the 'Big Bang'.13 Allah says: (Then He (rose over) the heavens while it was something like smoke, and said to it and to the earth: 'Come both of you willingly or unwillingly.' They said, 'We come willingly.) (41:11) This verse affirms that the sky, during its early stages- was like smoke; this is also affirmed by modern science. James H. Jeans said: 'We have found that, as Newton first conjectured, a chaotic mass of gas of approximately uniform density and of very great extent would be dynamically unstable; nuclei would tend to form in it, around which the whole of matter would ultimately condense.'14 RE: A Comprehensive Guide About Islam - naqshbandios_limra - 10-20-2009 09:31 AM Quran on the Expansion of the Universe ---------------------------------------- Allah says: (And We have built the heavens with Our own hands; and, verily, it is We who are steadily expanding it.) (51:47) Allah says: (On that Day We shall roll up the skies as written scrolls are rolled up; [and] as We brought into being the first creation, so We shall bring it forth anew - a promise binding upon Us; for, behold, We are able to do [all things]!!) (21:104) Allah says: (On the day when this earth will be changed into another earth, as shall be the heavens and they will all appear before Allah, the One, the Most Supreme) (14:48) These verses confirm that the universe we live in is continuously expanding in space. If we go back in time, we would find that the entire universe emerged from a primeval atom or cosmic egg. It then exploded by Allah's command and transformed into a cloud of smoke from which the earth and heavens were formed. The universe is continuously expanding in space and will finally stop expanding by Allah's command. Thereafter the universe will collapse upon itself and fuse once more into a primeval atom. The explosion and formation will once more occur, and a heaven, unlike our heaven, and an earth, unlike our earth, will be formed. At this stage, worldly life will come to an end, and life of the Hereafter will commence. All these stages are mentioned in the Quran. No matter how one tries to expound on this topic all the details discovered through modern science have been mentioned in the Quran which was revealed 1400 years ago! This alone affirms the fact that the Quran can only be the words of Allah and that Muhammad received divine revelation and taught people these facts at a time when no one knew these facts. These facts were not known to man except after many centuries. Astronomers have discovered that the universe is in continuous motion, and that it is expanding. This was discovered by studying the galaxies and distant celestial bodies. The American astronomer Vesto M. Slipher, who studied the spectra of galaxies, noticed that the spectral lines of a few nearby systems were shifted toward longer wavelengths. This shift in wave-length showed that most galaxies were receding from the Milky Way at several hundred kilometers per second! 15 The American astronomer Edwin Hubble confirmed that the universe was expanding and that the more remote the galaxy the higher was its recession velocity; and that its recession velocity was proportional to its distance.16 With this we see that scholars in astronomy have affirmed that the universe is ever expanding. This expansion will continue until gravity loses its pull and the planets will spread out in the universe, which will result in the end of the world. Allah says: (When the sky breaks apart, and when the stars are scattered.) (82:1-2) RE: A Comprehensive Guide About Islam - naqshbandios_limra - 10-20-2009 09:32 AM Quran on Celestial Bodies ------------------------- Allah says: (Allah is He Who raised the heavens without any pillars that you can see.) (13:2) Modern day studies of the universe affirm that there is great energy in matter, its components and celestial bodies. Allah can destroy it and recreate it. Scientists have discovered different forms of powerful energy which flow in the heavens and earth. These energies are: Strong nuclear energy: This energy holds subatomic particles together; which includes protons, electrons and neutrons. Weak nucleon energy: This nuclear energy causes certain forms of radioactive decay 17. Electromagnetic energy: This is the energy which ties the atoms together within matter, and which also gives each its respective traits. Gravity: It is the weakest form of energy known to us, but in the long run, is a focal form of energy, since it keeps all the celestial bodies in their respective positions18. Allah says: (And it is He Who has created the night and the day and the sun and the moon - all of them floating through space (in their orbits).) (21:33) Allah says: (And the sun runs in a fixed course of for a term (appointed). That is the Decree of the All-Mighty, the All-Knowing. And the moon, for which We have determined phases [which it must traverse] till it becomes like an old dried curved date stalk. And neither may the sun overtake the moon, nor can the night usurp the time of the day. They all float, each in an orbit.) (36:38-40) In these verses Allah states that the sun is traveling towards a certain direction. Previously, it was perceived that the sun was motionless. Modern day cosmologists and astronomers have affirmed that the sun moves in a certain direction. All planets in this solar system move, like satellites. The Earth's orbit is concentric to the orbits of the planets. Allah says: (By the heaven full of starry paths.) (51:7) In Arabic the word 'Hubuk' (i.e. starry paths) has more than one meanings: Perfection in creation: Astronomers calculate that there are two hundred billion galaxies in the universe (known to man) and about seventy billion trillion stars.19 Each galaxy varies in its size, shape, density, speed at which it is traveling on its axis, its distance from us, and the distance each is from the other, the stages it went through, and its number of stars, and the life of each of their stars. It also refers to a thing which is perfectly combined and integrated. These awesome numbers regarding the number of galaxies and stars in the known portion of the universe is only 10% of the entire universe. There must be a power which keeps it all together, otherwise it would collapse and fall into chaos. Far removed is Allah from every imperfection, Who said: (Indeed, Allah holds the heavens and the earth, lest they deviate from their orbits. And if they should ever deviate from their orbits, no one could hold them [in place] after Him. Indeed, He is forbearing and forgiving.) (35:41) It also refers to the orbits each celestial body floats in: of the amazing thing which has baffled scientists is the vast number of galaxies in the known portion of the universe. This proves that this universe is running in a perfect system. Allah says: (It is He who made the sun a [source] of radiant light and the moon a light [reflected], and has determined for it phases so that you may know the number of years and to measure time. Allah has not created this except in truth. He details the signs for a people who know.) (10:5) The perfect distinction made between light given off by a luminous, fiery body and light reflected from the sun by a dark, cold body (i.e. the moon), which is then reflected in a constant and steady manner (upon the earth) has been mentioned in the Quran over fourteen hundred years ago! This proves that Quran is Divine Revelation from Allah. RE: A Comprehensive Guide About Islam - naqshbandios_limra - 10-20-2009 09:34 AM Quran on Air Pressure ------------------------ Allah says: (And whomsoever Allah wills to guide, He opens his breast to Islam, and whomsoever He wills to send astray, He makes his breast closed and constricted, as if he is climbing up to the sky. Thus Allah puts the wrath on those who believe not.) (6:125) It can be concluded from this verse that the more one ascends into the atmosphere the harder it is for him to breathe. This is due to the reduction in pressure and low oxygen levels. This matter cannot be proven by anyone unless the person ascends up into the sky! This fact was discovered only after humans learnt how to fly and reach heights. When a person ascends into the sky beyond eight kilometers above sea level he/she would encounter breathing problems due to the lack of oxygen and low air pressure. A problem frequently encountered is hypoxia, which is a low amount of oxygen reaching body tissues. Another problem one may encounter is dysbarism, which is a complex of symptoms resulting from exposure to excessively low or rapidly changing air pressure.20 These two problems would interfere with the normal body functions; therefore, the difficulty in breathing at high elevations can be explained simply as steps taken by the body to protect itself. RE: A Comprehensive Guide About Islam - naqshbandios_limra - 10-20-2009 09:35 AM Quran on the Darkness and Upper levels of Space -------------------------------------------------- Allah says: (And even if We had opened to them a gateway to heaven and they had ascended, on and on, up to it, they would surely say (in the evening): "Our eyes have been (as if) dazzled (we have not seen any angel or heaven). Nay, we are a people bewitched!) (15:14) This similitude is amazing, it presents a universal fact which man was previously ignorant of, and only discovered during the age of space exploration in the sixties. The entire universe is engulfed in darkness. Light visible on earth is observed for two hundred kilometers, beyond that, the sun appears a blue disc. Darkness is to be witnessed in every direction, due to the rarity of water vapor and dust particles. Far removed is Allah from every imperfection Who informed us of this reality. RE: A Comprehensive Guide About Islam - naqshbandios_limra - 10-20-2009 09:36 AM Quran on the Atom --------------------- Allah says: (And nothing is hidden from your Lord (so much as) the weight of an atom on the earth or in the heaven. Nor (is there) what is less than that or what is greater than that but is (written) in a Clear Record.) (10:61) In this beautiful verse Allah clarifies that nothing is hidden from Him in this universe, no matter how minute it may be. It was believed that the atom was the smallest entity in the universe. After it was split smaller entities were discovered having positive electrical properties, such as protons and negative electrical properties, such as electrons. In 1939, the German scholars Hahn and Strassmann in the University of Berlin split a uranium atom. With further research particles which are minute may be discovered. Modern sciences have reached a high level of technical development and scientific advancement in various fields of life. The future still holds for further development. This process will continue until the day of Requital. The collective efforts of all mankind in fields of knowledge will never measure up to or even come close to Allah's knowledge and ability. Allah the Exalted says "They ask you (O Muhammad) concerning the Ruh (spirit of inspiration). Say:" The Ruh (the Spirit) is one of the things, the knowledge of which is only with my Lord. And of knowledge, you (mankind) have been given only a little. The knowledge of Allah and his abilities are boundless and unmatchable. Allah in this Quranic verse has laid out a simple explanation for us so that our minds will be able to recognize and absorb the huge difference between his knowledge and ours. Glory be to Allah. RE: A Comprehensive Guide About Islam - naqshbandios_limra - 10-20-2009 09:39 AM Qur’an on Human Embryonic Phases ------------------------------------ Allah says regarding the stages the fetus goes through: ((And indeed We created man (Adam) out of an extract of clay (water and earth). Thereafter We made him (the offspring of Adam) as a Nutfah (mixed drops of the male and female sexual discharge) (and lodged it) in a safe lodging (womb of the woman). Then We made the Nutfah into a clot (a piece of thick coagulated blood), then We made the clot into a little lump of flesh, then We made out of that lump of flesh bones, then We clothed the bones with flesh, and then We brought it forth as another creation. So blessed be Allah, the Best of creators. After that, surely, you will die. Then [again], surely, you will be resurrected on the Day of Resurrection.)) (23:12-14) The stages a human passes through are: Extract of Clay: Adam the father of humankind, was created from clay. This verse does not agree with the theory of evolution which science disproves. This indicates that humans are a distinct creation. Humankind did not evolve from other species. Mixed sperm: In this stage male and female discharge mix in the womb, the result of which the egg may become fertilized or die by the will of Allah. If the egg becomes fertilized the first stages of creation would commence. Allah says: ((Indeed, We created man from a sperm-drop mixture that We may try him; and We made him hearing and seeing.)) (76:2) If the sperm fails to fertilize the ovum, it would be cast out of the womb along with it, but if it fertilizes the egg and creates a zygote, it would cling to the side of the womb in the form of a blastula. If Allah wills that it clings to the womb, it would move onto the Alaqah stage (i.e. a leech like, suspending thing). Allah says: ((O people, if you should be in doubt about the Resurrection, then [consider that] indeed, We created you from dust, then from a sperm-drop, then from a clinging clot, and then from a lump of flesh, formed and unformed – that We may show you. And We settle in the wombs whom We will for a specified term, then We bring you out as a child, and then [We develop you] that you may reach your [time of] maturity. And among you is he who is taken in [early] death, and among you is he who is returned to the most decrepit [old] age so that he knows, after [once having] knowledge, nothing. And you see the earth barren, but when We send down upon it rain, it quivers and swells and grows [something] of every beautiful kind.)) (22:5) Indeed it is but a revelation from God! • Formation of bones. • Covering of bones with flesh. • Development of the embryo into a different form, wherein the proportioning of the body takes place and life is breathed into it. The human embryo goes through a number of stages within three darknesses as Allah says: ((He created you (all) from a single person (Adam); then made from him his wife [Hawwa' (Eve)]. And He has sent down for you of cattle eight pairs (of the sheep, two, male and female; of the goats, two, male and female; of the oxen, two, male and female; and of the camels, two, male and female). He creates you in the wombs of your mothers, creation after creation in three veils of darkness, such is Allah your Lord. His is the kingdom, Lâ ilâha illa Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He). How then are you turned away?)) (39:6) This verse states that the embryo is covered in three coverings, referred to as “darknesses” in this verse. Water, air, light and heat cannot penetrate these coverings,nor can they be seen with the naked eye. Dr. Maurice Bucaille21 said: ‘Modern interpreters of the Qur’an see in this verse the three anatomical layers that protect the infant during gestation: the abdominal wall, the uterus itself, and the surroundings of the fetus (placenta, embryonic membranes, amniotic fluid).’22 The embryo is also placed in a safe place. Allah says: ((Did We not create you from a liquid disdained? And We placed it in a firm lodging [i.e. the womb] for a known extent [determined by gestation]. And We determined [it], and excellent [are We] to determine.)) (77:20-23) Dr. Gary Miller:23 ‘A reporter asked Professor Keith Moore:24 “Don’t you think that maybe the Arabs might have known about these things - the description of the embryo, its appearance and how it changes and grows? Maybe they were not scientists, but maybe they did some crude dissec-tions on their own - carved up people and examined these things.” The professor immediately pointed out to him that he [i.e., the reporter] had missed a very important point. All of the slides of the embryo that had been shown and had been projected in the film had come from pictures taken through a microscope. He said, “It does not matter if someone had tried to discover embryology fourteen centuries ago, they could not have seen it!” All of the descriptions in the Qur’an of the appearance of the embryo are of the item when it is still too small to see with the eye; therefore, one needs a microscope to see it. Since such a device had only been around for little more than two hundred years, Dr. Moore taunted: “Maybe fourteen centuries ago someone secretly had a microscope and did this research, making no mistakes anywhere. Then he somehow taught Muhammad and convinced him to put this information in his book. Then he destroyed his equipment and kept it a secret forever. Do you believe that? You really should not unless you bring some proof because it is such a ridiculous theory.” When he was asked: “How do you explain this information in the Qur’an?” Dr. Moore’s reply was: “It could only have been divinely revealed!”’ Dr. Gerald C. Goeringer25 said: “In most, if not all, instances, this description antedates by many centuries the recording of the various stages of human embryonic and fetal development recorded in the traditional scientific literature.” RE: A Comprehensive Guide About Islam - naqshbandios_limra - 10-20-2009 09:41 AM Quran on Oceans ------------------- Quran on the Barrier Between Seas Allah says: (And it is He Who has let free the two seas (kinds of water): this is palatable and sweet, and that is salty and bitter; and He has set a barrier and a complete partition between them.) (25:53) The fact that the water of the oceans do not mix with each other, has only been discovered lately by oceanographers. This is due to the physical force called "surface tension"26; therefore, waters of neighboring seas do not mix. It is caused by the difference in the density of their waters; surface tension prevents them from mingling with one another, just as if a thin wall were between them. The Amazon River's water pours into the Atlantic Ocean and yet preserves its traits even after it goes out 200 meters in the Ocean. Quran on Darkness in the Seas and Internal Waves Allah says: (Or [the state of a disbeliever] is like the darkness in a vast deep sea, overwhelmed with waves topped by waves, topped by dark clouds, (layers of) darkness upon darkness: if a man stretches out his hand, he can hardly see it! And he for whom Allah has not appointed light for him there is no light.) (24:40) It is well-known and affirmed scientifically that in the extreme depths of the ocean there is no light only darkness. The cause for this is that sunrays cannot reach it, for oceans range from a few hundred meters deep to being 11034 meters deep! The darkness in deep seas and oceans is found around a depth of 200 meters and below. At this depth, there is almost no light. Below a depth of 1000 meters there is no light at all. Therefore, most of the sun's rays are absorbed by the water at 100 meters. This portion of the sea is known as the luminous portion. Thereafter 1% of the sun's rays are visible at 150 meters, and 0.01% of the rays at 200 meters. The ozone layer in the atmosphere reflects most of the ultra-violet rays, whereas the clouds reflect 30% and absorbs 19% of these rays. Only 51% of these rays reach the sea; between 3 and 30 % of the sunlight is reflected at the sea surface. Then almost all of the seven colors of the light spectrum are absorbed one after another in the first 200 meters, except the blue light. Quran on Internal Waves Scientists have recently discovered that there are internal waves which "occur on density interfaces between layers of different densities"28. The internal waves cover the deep waters of seas and oceans because the deep waters have a higher density than the waters above them. Internal waves act like surface waves. They can also break, just like surface waves. Internal waves cannot be seen by the human eye, but they can be detected by studying temperature or salinity changes at a given location. For example, Mediterranean Sea's water is warm, saline, and less dense, compared to Atlantic Ocean's water. When Mediterranean water enters the Atlantic over the Gibraltar sill, it moves several hundred kilometers into the Atlantic at a depth of about 1000 meters with its own warm, saline, and less dense characteristics. The Mediterranean water stabilizes at this depth although there are large waves, strong currents, and tides in these seas, they do not mix or transgress this barrier. This information has only been known to us in this age, with the advanced technology and equipment available to view this. The Prophet lived in a desert climate far from the ocean, and he did not travel across any oceans and the fact that the Quran gives such detailed information on this, is in fact a firm proof of the veracity of the Quran. RE: A Comprehensive Guide About Islam - naqshbandios_limra - 10-20-2009 09:43 AM Quran on Formation of Clouds and Rain ------------------------------------ Allah says: (And it is He Who sends the winds as heralds of glad tidings, going before His Mercy (rain). Till when they have carried a heavy-laden cloud, We drive it to a land that is dead, then We cause water (rain) to descend thereon. Then We produce every kind of fruit therewith. Similarly, We shall raise up the dead, so that you may remember or take heed.) (7:57) Allah says: (And We send the winds fertilizing (to fill heavily the clouds with water), then cause the water (rain) to descend from the sky, and We give it to you to drink, and it is not you who are the owners of its stores [i.e. to give water to whom you like or to withhold it from whom you like].) (15:22) Modern science has affirmed the scientific points mentioned in this verse of the Quran. The winds carry water particles which are rich in salt up into the atmosphere; these particles which are called 'aerosols' function as water traps and form cloud drops by collecting around the water vapor themselves. The clouds are formed from water vapor that condenses around the salt crystals or dust particles in the air. Because the water droplets in these clouds are very small (with a diameter between 0.01 and 0.02 mm), the clouds are suspended in the air, and spread across the sky.29 Thus, the sky is covered in clouds. The water particles that surround salt crystals and dust particles thicken and form raindrops, so drops that become heavier than the air leave the clouds and start to fall to the ground as rain. Allah says: (See you not that Allah drives the clouds gently, then joins them together, then makes them into a heap of layers, and you see the rain comes forth from between them; and He sends down from the sky hail (like) mountains, (or there are in the heaven mountains of hail from where He sends down hail), and strikes therewith whom He wills, and averts it from whom He wills. The vivid flash of its (clouds) lightening nearly blinds the sight.) (24:43) Rain clouds are formed and shaped according to definite systems and stages. The formation stages of cumulonimbus -a type of rain cloud- are: (A) 1st Stage (b) 2nd Stage © 3rd Stage 1st stage: Being driven along: Clouds are carried along, that is, they are driven along, by the wind. 2nd stage: Joining: Then, small clouds (cumulus clouds) driven along by the wind join together, forming a larger cloud. 3rd stage: Stacking: When the small clouds join together, updrafts within the larger cloud increase. The updrafts near the centre of the cloud are stronger than those near the edges. These updrafts cause the cloud body to grow vertically, so the cloud is stacked up. This vertical growth causes the cloud body to stretch into cooler regions of the atmosphere, where drops of water and hail formulate and begin to grow larger and larger. When these drops of water and hail become too heavy for the updrafts to support them, they begin to fall from the cloud as rain, hail, etc. A cloud becomes electrified as hail falls through a region in the cloud of super-cooled droplets and ice crystals. As liquid droplets collide with a hailstone, they freeze on contact and release latent heat. This keeps the surface of the hailstone warmer than that of the surrounding ice crystals. When the hailstone comes in contact with an ice crystal, an important phenomenon occurs: electrons flow from the colder object toward the warmer object. Hence, the hailstone becomes negatively charged. The same effect occurs when super-cooled droplets come in contact with a hailstone and tiny splinters of positively charged ice break off. These lighter positively charged particles are then carried to the upper part of the cloud by updrafts. The hail, falls towards the bottom of the cloud, thus the lower part of the cloud becomes negatively charged. These negative charges are then discharged as lightning. We conclude from this that hail is the major factor in producing lightning.30 Allah says: (And thunder glorifies and praises Him, and so do the angels because of His Awe. He sends the thunderbolts, and therewith He strikes whom He wills, yet they (disbelievers) dispute about Allah. And He is Mighty in strength and Severe in punishment.) (13:13) RE: A Comprehensive Guide About Islam - naqshbandios_limra - 10-20-2009 09:45 AM Quran on Animals ------------------ Allah says: (And verily! In the cattle, there is a lesson for you. We give you to drink of that which is in their bodies, from between the undigested food and blood, pure milk; palatable to the drinkers.) (16:66) Maurice Bucaille said: 'From a scientific point of view, physiological notions must be called upon to grasp the meaning of this verse. The substances that ensure the general nutrition of the body come from chemical transformations which occur along the length of the digestive tract. These substances come from the contents of the intestine. On arrival in the intestine at the appropriate stage of chemical transformation, they pass through its wall and towards the systemic circulation. This passage is effected in two ways: either directly, by what are called the 'lymphatic vessels', or indirectly, by the portal circulation. This conducts them first to the liver, where they undergo alterations, and from here they then emerge to join the systemic circulation. In this way everything passes through the bloodstream. The constituents of milk are secreted by the mammary glands. These are nourished, as it were, by the product of food digestion brought to them via the bloodstream. Blood therefore plays the role of collector and conductor of what has been extracted from food, and it brings nutrition to the mammary glands, the producers of milk, as it does to any other organ. Here the initial process which sets everything else in motion is the bringing together of the contents of the intestine and blood at the level of the intestinal wall itself. This very precise concept is the result of the discoveries made in the chemistry and physiology of the digestive system. It was totally unknown at the time of Prophet Muhammad and has been understood only in recent times. I consider that the existence in the Quran of the verse referring to these concepts can have no human explanation on account of the period in which they were formulated.'31 RE: A Comprehensive Guide About Islam - naqshbandios_limra - 10-20-2009 09:46 AM Quran on Mountains ---------------------- Allah says: (Have We not made the earth as a bed, and the mountains as pegs?) (78:6-7) Scientists explain the importance of mountains as being pegs which stabilize the earth saying: 'Mountains have underlying roots. These roots are deeply embedded in the ground, thus, mountains have a shape like a peg. The earth's crust is thirty to sixty kilometers deep, this being known due to the seismograph. Also, it is known due to this machine that every mountain has an underlying root, which stabilizes the crust of the earth with the underlying layers, and prevents the earth from shaking. Therefore, the mountain is similar to a nail, which holds different pieces of wood together.'32 Allah says: (And He has affixed into the earth, mountains standing firm, lest it should shake with you; and rivers and roads, that you may guide yourselves.) (16:15) Modern science attests to the fact that mountains are distributed evenly and perfectly on earth, which also stabilizes the earth especially those mountains which the geologists call: 'Asymmetrical Mountain Range' which are to be found in every continent.33 How can an unlettered man, whose nation was mostly unlettered, know these facts! RE: A Comprehensive Guide About Islam - naqshbandios_limra - 10-20-2009 09:47 AM Quran on Water and Life ------------------------- Allah says: (Have not those who disbelieve known that the heavens and the earth were joined together as one united piece, then We parted them? And We have made from water every living thing. Will they not then believe?) (21:30) Modern science affirms clearly that water is the basic component of life, with which the cell is built. Chemists have proven that water is a necessary and active substance used in changes and reactions which occur inside the body. For this reason it is the only fluid which every living thing needs, no matter how large or small it may be, starting with micro-organisms to the largest living animals on earth. The Water which covers the earth in this day and age is approximately 71% and the remainder 29% of the earth is dry land. The main source for the human and animal body is water, as well as the plants, as it is proven by scientific analysis's showing the body of a human adult from the age of 15 years and upwards contains approximately 71% of water as for the child his body contains 93% of water, which indicates 80% of water runs through the human body and the remainder is blood, and as much as 90% water is found in animals and plants. RE: A Comprehensive Guide About Islam - naqshbandios_limra - 10-20-2009 09:49 AM Who Are Those Who Show Enmity Towards Islam? ------------------------------------------------- If we look at the religions of the world, one would realize that Islam is a religion loathed by the majority of people - what is the reason for this open enmity? If we scrutinize those who openly display their enmity towards Islam, we can categorize them into one of the following categories: 1) Polytheists and ignorant, as Islam is the religion of truth which disallows worshipping and showing humility to anything other than Allah. Allah says: Say, [O Muhammad] 'Is it other than Allah that you order me to worship, O ignorant ones? (39:64) 2) Those whose natural disposition have adulterated, as Islam is a religion which agrees with the natural disposition of man. Allah says: So direct your face (self) toward the religion, inclining to truth. [Adhere to] the natural innate state (Islamic Monotheism) in which Allah has created all people. No change should there be in the creation of Allah (by following other than that). That is the correct religion, but most of the people do not know. (30:30) 3) Unjust people, as Islam is a religion of justice and equity. Allah says: (Indeed, Allah orders justice and good conduct and giving to relatives and forbids immorality and bad conduct and oppression. He admonishes you that perhaps you will be reminded.) (16:90) 4) Those who seek to spread mischief and wrongdoing, as Islam is the religion of righteousness and reform. Allah says: ( And they [the disbelievers] strive throughout the land [causing] corruption, and Allah does not like corrupters.) (5:64) 5) Transgressors, as Islam is the religion of peace. Allah says: (Fight in the way of Allah those who fight you but do not commit aggression. Indeed. Allah does not like aggressors.) (2:190) 6) The fanatics and extremists, as Islam is a moderate religion. Allah says: (And thus we have made you a moderate and just community that you will be witnesses over the people and the Messenger will be a witness over you.) (2:143) 7) People who have animalistic and satanic desires, as Islam is a religion of chastity. Allah says: (And do not approach unlawful sexual intercourse (by avoiding all situations that might possibly lead to it). Indeed, it is ever an immorality and is evil as a way.) (17:32) 8) Those who desire worldly life, as Islam is a religion of mutual support and mercy which fights exploitation of people's needs and weaknesses. Allah says: (And do not consume one another's wealth unjustly or send it [in bribery] to the rulers in order that [they might aid] you [to] consume a portion of the wealth of the people in sin, while you know [it is unlawful].) (2:188) 9) Those who scorn and belittle humanity and deem themselves a chosen race, as Islam is a religion of equality which fights all forms of racism and prejudice. Allah says: (O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you. Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Acquainted. )(49:13) RE: A Comprehensive Guide About Islam - naqshbandios_limra - 10-20-2009 09:53 AM Why become a muslim? ------------------------- The reasons which make great number of people become Muslims. It is the last Divine Religion revealed to man. Islam recognizes previous divine revelations. On the other hand, Jews do not recognize Jesus, and the Christians do not recognize Muhammad; whereas, Muslims recognize Moses and Jesus, may Allah exalt their mention In Islam humans relates with their Lord in all matters and conditions. Islam is the only Religion which has not been distorted or changed. Harry G. Dorman said: 'It (the Quran) is literal Revelation of God, dictated to Muhammad by Gabriel, perfect in every letter. It is an ever-present miracle witnessing to itself and to Muhammad, the Prophet of God. Its miraculous quality resides partly in its style, so perfect and lofty that neither man nor jinn could produce a single chapter to compare with its briefest chapter, and partly in its content of teachings, prophecies about the future, and amazingly accurate information such as the illiterate Muhammad could never have gathered of his own accord.'34 Islam is the Religion which covers the material and spiritual aspects of life. It did not neglect even the slightest of things in a Muslim's life. Abdurrahmaan b. Zaid said that it was said to Salman: 'Your Prophet has taught you everything, even how to relieve yourselves? Salman said: 'Of course, he forbade us to face the direction of the Qiblah while defecating or urinating, or to clean oneself with his right hand, or to use less than three stones, or to use bone or dung (to clean oneself).' (Muslim) W. Thomas Arnold said: 'Sense of justice is one of the most wonderful ideals of Islam, because as I read in the Quran I find those dynamic principles of life, not mystic but practical ethics for the daily conduct of life suited to the whole world.' Islam satisfies the man's bodily and spiritual needs in equilibrium. It refuses that one aspect be given precedence over the other. Prince Charles said: 'Islam can teach us today a way of understanding and living in the world which Christianity itself is poorer for having lost. Islam refuses to separate man and nature, religion and science, mind and matter.' Islam does not conflict with man's intellect and natural disposition. Islam is the Religion for humankind at large, regardless of their education, time and place which, in contrast to previous religions were sent to a specific people during a specific time. For example, if a person wants to become a Jew, he has to be born a Jew. Jesus said about Christianity: 'I was sent to the lost sheep of the Children of Israel.' One of the proofs that Islam is a universal religion and that it is fit for all people at all times, regardless of their race or language it is the word of God: 'O you who covers himself with a garment! Arise and warn. And your Lord glorify.' (74:1-3) In these verses God commands His Prophet to openly call to Islam, so he called his people to worship God alone, and to cast aside all false deities. He was harmed by his people, yet he remained steadfast and merciful, he sent letters to the Kings of his time and invited them to accept Islam. Among those whom he wrote to were the Emperor of Rome, the Emperor of Persia, and the King of Abyssinia. If the message of Prophet Muhammad was not a universal one, he would not have invited the rulers of different kingdoms close to Arabia to accept Islam! This would possibly open more than one front with adversaries who were well equipped and great in number. Why would he venture to do something like this, if it were not but a divine Message from God, which he was ordered to convey to mankind at large! Translation : From Muhammad, the Messenger of Allah, To the Negus, King of Abyssinia. Peace be upon him who follows the Guidance. I am grateful to Allah, there is no god but Him, and I bear witness that Jesus son of Mary was no more than a spirit created by Him, and His word («Be!» - and he was) which He bestowed on Mary, the Virgin, the good, the pure, so that she conceived Jesus. Allah created Him as He created Adam by His Hand. I call you to worship Allah Alone, and not to associate any partner with Him and (I call you) to His obedience and to follow me and to believe in that which was revealed to me, for I am the Messenger of Allah. I invite you and your men to Allah, the Exalted. I bear witness that I have communicated my message. I invite you to listen and accept my advice. Peace be upon him who follows true guidance. The Messenger of God said: 'This matter (i.e. the religion of Islam) will become apparent as night and day. Every person in a city or desert area will come to know of this religion, by means of might or disgrace. Might by which Islam is honored and disgrace by which God disgraces disbelief.' (Ahmed) Translation : I begin with the name of Allah, the Compassionate, the most Merciful. From Muhammad b. Abdullah the Messenger of God, to Heraclius the Emperor of Rome (He was the Emperor of the Byzantine Empire [610-641] who captured Syria, Palestine, and Egypt from Persia [613-628] ). Peace be upon him who follows the guidance. I call you to Islam. Accept Islam and you will be safe. God will give you your reward double-fold. If you forsake the message of God, you will carry the sin of all your followers. (Say: "O People of the Book! Come to common terms between us and you: that we worship none but Allah; that we associate no partners with Him; that we erect not, from among ourselves, Lords and patrons other than Allah. If then they turn back, say you: 'Bear witness that we are Muslims (submitting to Allah's Will).) (3:64) Another later to Moqoqus: Translation : I begin with the name of Allah, the Compassionate, the most Merciful. From Muhammad b. Abdullah the Messenger of God to Moqoqas the Ruler of the Christians in Egypt. Peace be upon him who follows the guidance. I call you to Islam. Accept Islam and you will be safe. God will give you your reward double-fold. If you forsake the message of God, you will carry the sin of all your followers. (Say: "O People of the Book! Come to common terms between us and you: that we worship none but Allah; that we associate no partners with Him; that we erect not, from among ourselves, Lords and patrons other than Allah. If then they turn back, say you: 'Bear witness that we are Muslims (submitting to Allah's Will).) (3:64) RE: A Comprehensive Guide About Islam - naqshbandios_limra - 10-20-2009 09:54 AM How Does One 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 because in Islam a person has a direct relationship with his Lord without any intermediaries. By simply believing and declaring that there is only one God and that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger one thereby becomes Muslim. Upon making this statement sincerely every sin in his/her life up to that point is forgiven. God says in the Holy Qur’an Except those who repent and believe and do righteous deeds; for those, God will change their sins into good deeds, and God is Ever Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful  (25:70) You begin life again as a Muslim, one who submits to the will of God. As for non-Muslims who have accepted Islam, they will be given their reward in double, due to their belief in their messengers as well as their belief in Muhammad. Allah says: ((Those to whom We gave the Scripture [Torah and the Gospel, etc.] before it, - they believe in it (the Qur’an). * And when it is recited to them, they say: We believe in it. Verily, it is the truth from our Rubb. Indeed even before it we have been from those who submit themselves to Allah in Islam as Muslims. * These will be given their reward twice over, because they are patient, and repel evil with good, and spend (in charity) out of what We have provided them )) (28:52-54) In addition to this, Allah effaces all the sins they did before accepting Islam. The Prophet said: “Islam effaces all [the sins one did] before it?” (Muslim). RE: A Comprehensive Guide About Islam - naqshbandios_limra - 10-20-2009 09:56 AM Conclusion -------------- The Divine Religion, Islam is complete in all aspects; it is the constitution for a happy life in this world, and an eternal and everlasting one in the Hereafter. You may find some deviated manners or faults in the way Muslims deal with themselves and others, but know that Islam has nothing to do with these short comings. This may be due to their ignorance of the religion or weakness in their faith which leads them to do what you see, so do not judge Islam according to what you may experience from some of its followers. This small publication should be regarded as a key to start researching the Truth, but must be accompanied with the following traits: One should remove any individual desires or religious biases from his/her mind. One should have a true desire to reach and know the Truth and not hunt for faults and errors. One should think independently and should not merely judge with something because others have. All Praise is due to Allah alone, the Lord of the Worlds And may Allah exalt the mention of His Prophet and his household and render him safe from every derogatory thing If you would like to receive more information about Islam, do not hesitate to contact us. at http://www.dar-us-slam.com/forum RE: A Comprehensive Guide About Islam - naqshbandios_limra - 10-20-2009 09:58 AM Etiquettes, Manners, and Morals in Islam ---------------------------------------- Islam forbids all evil and licentious acts, whether in speech or deed. Allah says: (Say, 'My Lord has only forbidden immoralities - what is apparent of them and what is concealed - and sin, and oppression without right, and that you associate with Allah that which He has not sent down authority, and that you say about Allah that which you do not know.) (7:33) It orders and encourages all good morals and manners. The Prophet of Islam, Muhammad said: "I have been sent to perfect righteous and honorable manners." (Haakim) Allah the Exalted and Almighty said in the Glorious Quran: ("Say: "Come, I will rehearse what Allah has (really) prohibited you from": join not anything as equal with Him; be good to your parents; kill not your children on a plea of want - We provide sustenance for you and for them - come not nigh to shameful deeds, whether open or secret; take not life, which Allah has made sacred, except by way of justice and law: thus does He command you, that you may learn wisdom." ) [Suraat-al-An'am (Cattle) 6:151] The Messenger of Allah said: "None of you believes until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself." (Bukhari) RE: A Comprehensive Guide About Islam - naqshbandios_limra - 10-20-2009 09:59 AM Rights in Islam ----------------- Islam has prescribed that its followers give people their due rights. Parents, spouses, children, neighbors; all are given specific rights according to their specific roles in this world. Through this, mutual bonds, solidity is set and strengthened between the individuals of a Muslim society. It spreads love and unity and prevents the society from fragmenting. Allah says: (And worship Allah [alone], and do not ascribe partners to Him. And do good unto your parents and near of kin and unto orphans, and the needy, and the neighbor from among your own people, and the neighbor who is a stranger, and the friend by your side, and the wayfarer, and those whom your right hand possess. Verily, Allah does not love those who are full of self-conceit and boastful.) (4:36) The Prophet said: "Everyone of you is a guardian, and responsible for what is in his custody. The ruler is a guardian of his subjects and responsible for them; a husband is a guardian of his family and is responsible for it; a woman is a guardian of her husband's house and is responsible for it, and a servant is a guardian of his master's property and is responsible for it." (Bukhari) Also, the paths which people traverse have their rights that must be fulfilled. The Messenger of Islam, Muhammad said: "Be careful and stay away from sitting on the paths." They said, "O Messenger of Allah, we have no other place to gather and talk." So he replied, "If you must do so, then give the path its right." They said, "And what is the right of the path?" He replied, "Lowering one's gaze (not looking at members of the opposite sex), not bringing harm to others, replying to salutations, and enjoining good and forbidding evil." (Bukhari) Even animals have rights. Showing them compassion and treating them well is a means to attain forgiveness of one's sins. The Messenger of Islam, Muhammad said: "Once a man was tending to some business, and became very thirsty. He came across a well, so he descended into it and drank from it. [When he came out], he saw a dog panting and rolling his mouth in dirt (in search of water) due to thirst. The man said, 'This dog is as thirsty as I was.' So he descended [once again] filled his boot with water and gave drink to the dog. [Due to that] Allah rewarded him by forgiving his sins." They said, "O Messenger of Allah, will we be rewarded even due to our well treatment of animals?" He replied, "Yes indeed. For [the well treatment of] every fresh liver (living thing) you will receive reward." (Bukhari) Islam has made ill-treating animals, such as confining them [without food or drink] or torturing them, reasons for entering Hellfire. The Messenger of Islam, Muhammad said: "A woman was punished due to a cat. She imprisoned it until it died, so she entered the Hellfire due to it. She did not feed it nor give it drink when she kept it, nor did she let it free to eat the insects (and other things) of the earth." (Bukhari) If this is the mercy Islam shows to animals, how much more mercy would it show to humans, whom Allah has preferred and honored over all other creatures? RE: A Comprehensive Guide About Islam - ghazal - 10-20-2009 02:18 PM Masha Allah. This is a very unique and excellent guide upon Islam. I read it, and ammused it really. I am also making it a sticky so all our respected users should also read this guide and learn about Islam in a true way. I know that most of the anti Islamic websites didnot want to propagate Islamic Truth to all over the world, But Insha Allah we will propagate this by the grace of Allah Almighty. I am also clossing this thread so that If any one wants to contact further, he/she contact with the original author through PM OR through his website. Thank You very much