Monday, March 28, 2011
Muslims' America - Women in Islam
There's no sensationalism in just saying, 'Oh, look at this Muslim. Look! She's going out and feeding the homeless,'" says Khadijah Rivera and Jill Mraida of Tampa. "We're not getting that message out."
Until now.
VOA's "Muslims' America" heads to Florida to find out how women are reaching out to help not only their sisters in Islam, but also their community at large as well as people of other faiths.
Piedad (http://hispanicmuslims.com/piedad/) began as a support group for Spanish-speaking converts to Islam. But the group's mission soon expanded to accommodate all Muslim women, and then the entire community, regardless of faith.
Khadijah Rivera is one of the bonding forces behind Piedad, she's not just a social activist, community worker but is also a mother. And when she's done teaching at a local school in Tampa bay, she teaches English to Burmese immigrant children.
Khadijah says, "When you are helping the needy for food, clothing or shelter, then faith, does not matter, we are all children of God".
"When you first come to Islam, you are leaving one world behind, but you're not fully comfortable in the new world yet," says Jill Mraida who is also trying to maintain balance between her faith and her obligations as a community worker and a mother.
Imran Siddiqui visits with the women of Piedad to learn about their experiences as Muslims, as mothers, and as Americans.
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Summary Text by Gary Butterworth
VOA News Urdu service
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Alot of the credit for this story goes to Sherri Day from SP Times, without her this story would not have been possible - Here is why:
http://www.sptimes.com/2008/02/09/Hillsborough/America_s_Muslim_popu.shtml
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Excellence and Etiquette of Sincere love for the sake of Allah
Asalamu Alaykum Wa RahmatuLLAAHi Wa Barakatuh
Excellence and Etiquette of Sincere love for the sake of Allaah [Brotherhood]
Allaah, the Exalted, says:
"Muhammad (PBUH) is the Messenger of Allaah. And those who are with him are severe against disbelievers, and merciful among themselves. You see them bowing and falling down prostrate (in prayer), seeking bounty from Allaah and (His) Good Pleasure. The mark of them (i.e., of their Faith) is on their faces (foreheads) from the traces of prostration (during prayers). This is their description in the Taurat (Torah). But their description in the Injeel (Gospel) is like a (sown) seed which sends forth its shoot, then makes it strong, and becomes thick and it stands straight on its stem, delighting the sowers, that He may enrage the disbelievers with them. Allaah has promised those among them who believe (i.e., all those who follow Islamic Monotheism, the religion of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) till the Day of Resurrection) and do righteous good deeds, forgiveness and a mighty reward (i.e., Jannah).'' (48:29)
"And those who, before them, had homes (in Al-Madinah) and had adopted the Faith, - love those who emigrate to them...'' (59:9)
Anas bin Malik (May Allaah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (PBUH) said, "There are three qualities whoever has them, will taste the sweetness of Iman: To love Allaah and His Messenger (PBUH) more than anyone else; to love a slave (of Allaah) only for (the sake of) Allaah; and to abhor returning to infidelity after Allaah has saved him from it as he would abhor to be thrown into the fire (of Hell)".
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].
Commentary:
1. In this Hadith, the love of Allaah signifies the sweetness of Iman.
2. The love of Allaah and His Prophet (PBUH) is the cornerstone of the Faith. When it is said that this love should exceed one's love for everything else in the universe, it means that what is enjoined by Allaah and His Prophet (PBUH) must be given preference over everything else, whether it is love for the wife, children, worldly interests, desires or whims. When there is a clash between the two, the former should be given preference over the latter.
Abu Hurairah (May Allaah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (PBUH) said, "Seven are (the persons) whom Allaah will give Shade of His Thrown on the Day when there would be no shade other than His Throne's Shade: A just ruler; a youth who grew up worshipping Allaah; a man whose heart is attached to mosques; two persons who love and meet each other and depart from each other for the sake of Allaah; a man whom an extremely beautiful woman seduces (for illicit relation), but he (rejects this offer by saying): `I fear Allaah'; a man who gives in charity and conceals it (to such an extent) that the left hand does not know what the right has given; and a person who remembers Allaah in solitude and his eyes well up". [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].
Commentary: This Hadith mentions seven types of people whom Almighty Allaah provides special protection or His Throne's Shade. In some Ahadith this blessing has also been promised for some noble actions over and above those which have been mentioned here. Some `Ulama' including As-Sakhkhawi and Al-Hafiz Ibn Hajar have given a list of seventy such actions. Imam As-Suyuti said: "The (present) Hadith mentions only seven qualities to bring into prominence their importance and also the importance of acting upon them'.
Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allaah (PBUH) said, "On the Day of Resurrection, Allaah, the Exalted, will say: `Where are those who have mutual love for the sake of My Glory? Today I shall shelter them in My Shade when there will be no shade except Mine". [Muslim].
Commentary: It should be borne in mind that the shade referred to in the Hadith is the shade of Allaah's Throne. Referring to this shade in the Arabic text as the Shade of Allaah, is similar to the `she camel of Allaah,' the `land of Allaah' `the house of Allaah' that are mentioned in the Qur'an. (Editor's Note)
Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allaah (PBUH) said, "By Him in Whose Hand my soul is! You will not enter Jannah until you believe, and you shall not believe until you love one another. May I inform you of something, if you do, you love each other. Promote greeting amongst you (by saying As-salamu `alaikum to one another)". [Muslim].
Commentary: In this Hadith, Islam has been regarded as the medium of mutual love. This is the reason Muslims have been enjoined to greet each other regardless of acquaintance. It does not, however, mean that a Muslim will be a true believer or entitled to Jannah, by mere greeting. What it really means is that his Faith will become meaningful only when it is supported by actions. Greeting is an Islamic custom and a practical form and demonstration of it. The combination of Faith and its practice will take a Muslim to Jannah.
Abu Hurairah (May Allaah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (PBUH) said, "A man set out to visit a brother (in Faith) in another town and Allaah sent an angel on his way. When the man met the angel, the latter asked him, "Where do you intend to go?'' He said, "I intend to visit my brother in this town". The angel said, "Have you done any favour to him?'' He said, "No, I have no desire except to visit him because I love him for the sake of Allaah, the Exalted, and Glorious.'' Thereupon the angel said, "I am a messenger to you from Allaah (to inform you) that Allaah loves you as you love him (for His sake)".[Muslim].
Al-Bara' bin `Azib (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: The Prophet (PBUH) said about the Ansar: "Only a believer loves them, and only a hypocrite hates them. Allaah loves him who loves them and Allaah hates him who hates them". [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].
Commentary: The way the Ansar or Helpers, faithfully served Islam, Muslims and the Prophet (PBUH), constitutes not only one of the brightest chapters of Islamic history but also makes them a model of excellent conduct and character. Almighty Allaah rewarded them for their devotion to Islam with immense love for Faith - the love which became a symbol of their Faith and love for Allaah. Not only that, because of this devotion of the Ansar, everyone who entertained jealousy and hatred against them was declared a hypocrite by Allaah. There were two famous tribes, namely Al-Aus and Al-Khazraj in Al-Madinah. In the pre-Islamic days they were enemies to each other. When they embraced Islam, they became close brothers. They welcomed the Muhajirun (the Emigrants) with open arms and rendered every possible assistance to them. For this reason they were named Ansar. May Allaah be pleased with them and they be pleased with Him.
Mu`adh (bin Jabal) (May Allaah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allaah (PBUH) said, "Allaah, the Exalted, has said: `For those who love one another for the sake of My Glory, there will be seats of light (on the Day of Resurrection), and they will be envied by the Prophets and martyrs".
[At-Tirmidhi].
Commentary: This Hadith tells us that Allah will grant an exalted position to such people who love one another for His sake. "They will be envied by the Prophets and martyrs'' does not mean that they will be granted a place higher than even the Prophets because the highest position will be granted to the Prophets, as these are the best of Allaah's creation. These words simply draw our attention to the superiority and the exalted position those who love one another for Allaah's sake will have on the Day of Resurrection.
Abu Idris Al-Khaulani (May Allaah have mercy upon him) reported: I once entered the mosque in Damascus. I happened to catch sight of a young man who had bright teeth (i.e., he was always seen smiling). A number of people had gathered around him. When they differed over anything they would refer it to him and act upon his advice. I asked who he was and I was told that he was Mu`adh bin Jabal (May Allaah be pleased with him) The next day I hastened to the mosque, but found that he had arrived before me and was busy in performing Salat. I waited until he finished, and then went to him from the front, greeted him with Salam and said to him, "By Allaah I love you.'' He asked, "For the sake of Allaah?'' I replied, "Yes, for the sake of Allaah". He again asked me, "Is it for Allaah's sake?'' I replied, "Yes, it is for Allaah's sake.'' Then he took hold of my cloak, drew me to himself and said, "Rejoice,! I heard Messenger of Allaah (PBUH) saying, `Allaah, the Exalted, says: My love is due to those who love one another for My sake, meet one another for My sake, visit one another for My sake and spend in charity for My sake". [Malik].
Commentary: Besides the merit of mutual affection, contact and co-operation for the pleasure of Allaah, this Hadith tells us that one should disclose one's affection to him whom one loves. It also tells us that when a person is engaged in worship or daily round of recitation, his visitor should not sit before him so that his concentration is not affected. He should sit behind him and wait till he has finished his prayer. The Hadith also teaches us to approach someone from the front so as not to scare him.
Abu Karimah Al-Miqdad bin Ma`dikarib (May Allaah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (PBUH) said, "When a man loves his brother (for Allaah sake) let him tell him that he loves him".
[At-Tirmidhi and Abu Dawud].
Commentary: The wisdom behind informing someone that one loves him for the sake of Allaah, is to make him aware of the regard shown to him so that this will turn into mutual affection and will, therefore, promote cooperation with each other.
Mu`adh (bin Jabal) (May Allaah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allaah (PBUH) held my hand and said, "O Mu`adh, By Allah, I love you and advise you not to miss supplicating after every Salat (prayer) saying: `Allahumma a`inni `ala dhikrika wa shukrika, wa husni `ibadatika,' (O Allaah, help me remember You, expressing gratitude to You and worship You in the best manner)".
[Abu Dawud and An-Nasa'i].
Commentary: We learn from this Hadith the following:
1. It is commendable to inform those whom one loves for Allaah's sake, of this love.
2. The superiority of Mu`adh.
3. It is commendable to say this Du`a after each obligatory Salat.
4. It is commendable to seek Allaah's Help in order to discharge one's duties towards Allaah in the best possible manner.
Anas bin Malik (May Allaah be pleased with him) reported: A man was with the Prophet (PBUH) when another man passed by and the former said: "O Messenger of Allaah! I love this man (for Allaah's sake)". Messenger of Allaah (PBUH) asked, "Have you informed him?'' He said, "No". Messenger of Allaah (PBUH) then said, "Tell him (that you love him)". So he went up to the man and said to him, "I love you for the sake of Allaah;'' and the other replied, "May Allaah, for Whose sake you love me, love you.''
[Abu Dawud].
http://www.witness-pioneer.org/vil/hadeeth/riyad/00/chap046.htm
Excellence and Etiquette of Sincere love for the sake of Allaah [Brotherhood]
Allaah, the Exalted, says:
"Muhammad (PBUH) is the Messenger of Allaah. And those who are with him are severe against disbelievers, and merciful among themselves. You see them bowing and falling down prostrate (in prayer), seeking bounty from Allaah and (His) Good Pleasure. The mark of them (i.e., of their Faith) is on their faces (foreheads) from the traces of prostration (during prayers). This is their description in the Taurat (Torah). But their description in the Injeel (Gospel) is like a (sown) seed which sends forth its shoot, then makes it strong, and becomes thick and it stands straight on its stem, delighting the sowers, that He may enrage the disbelievers with them. Allaah has promised those among them who believe (i.e., all those who follow Islamic Monotheism, the religion of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) till the Day of Resurrection) and do righteous good deeds, forgiveness and a mighty reward (i.e., Jannah).'' (48:29)
"And those who, before them, had homes (in Al-Madinah) and had adopted the Faith, - love those who emigrate to them...'' (59:9)
Anas bin Malik (May Allaah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (PBUH) said, "There are three qualities whoever has them, will taste the sweetness of Iman: To love Allaah and His Messenger (PBUH) more than anyone else; to love a slave (of Allaah) only for (the sake of) Allaah; and to abhor returning to infidelity after Allaah has saved him from it as he would abhor to be thrown into the fire (of Hell)".
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].
Commentary:
1. In this Hadith, the love of Allaah signifies the sweetness of Iman.
2. The love of Allaah and His Prophet (PBUH) is the cornerstone of the Faith. When it is said that this love should exceed one's love for everything else in the universe, it means that what is enjoined by Allaah and His Prophet (PBUH) must be given preference over everything else, whether it is love for the wife, children, worldly interests, desires or whims. When there is a clash between the two, the former should be given preference over the latter.
Abu Hurairah (May Allaah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (PBUH) said, "Seven are (the persons) whom Allaah will give Shade of His Thrown on the Day when there would be no shade other than His Throne's Shade: A just ruler; a youth who grew up worshipping Allaah; a man whose heart is attached to mosques; two persons who love and meet each other and depart from each other for the sake of Allaah; a man whom an extremely beautiful woman seduces (for illicit relation), but he (rejects this offer by saying): `I fear Allaah'; a man who gives in charity and conceals it (to such an extent) that the left hand does not know what the right has given; and a person who remembers Allaah in solitude and his eyes well up". [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].
Commentary: This Hadith mentions seven types of people whom Almighty Allaah provides special protection or His Throne's Shade. In some Ahadith this blessing has also been promised for some noble actions over and above those which have been mentioned here. Some `Ulama' including As-Sakhkhawi and Al-Hafiz Ibn Hajar have given a list of seventy such actions. Imam As-Suyuti said: "The (present) Hadith mentions only seven qualities to bring into prominence their importance and also the importance of acting upon them'.
Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allaah (PBUH) said, "On the Day of Resurrection, Allaah, the Exalted, will say: `Where are those who have mutual love for the sake of My Glory? Today I shall shelter them in My Shade when there will be no shade except Mine". [Muslim].
Commentary: It should be borne in mind that the shade referred to in the Hadith is the shade of Allaah's Throne. Referring to this shade in the Arabic text as the Shade of Allaah, is similar to the `she camel of Allaah,' the `land of Allaah' `the house of Allaah' that are mentioned in the Qur'an. (Editor's Note)
Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allaah (PBUH) said, "By Him in Whose Hand my soul is! You will not enter Jannah until you believe, and you shall not believe until you love one another. May I inform you of something, if you do, you love each other. Promote greeting amongst you (by saying As-salamu `alaikum to one another)". [Muslim].
Commentary: In this Hadith, Islam has been regarded as the medium of mutual love. This is the reason Muslims have been enjoined to greet each other regardless of acquaintance. It does not, however, mean that a Muslim will be a true believer or entitled to Jannah, by mere greeting. What it really means is that his Faith will become meaningful only when it is supported by actions. Greeting is an Islamic custom and a practical form and demonstration of it. The combination of Faith and its practice will take a Muslim to Jannah.
Abu Hurairah (May Allaah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (PBUH) said, "A man set out to visit a brother (in Faith) in another town and Allaah sent an angel on his way. When the man met the angel, the latter asked him, "Where do you intend to go?'' He said, "I intend to visit my brother in this town". The angel said, "Have you done any favour to him?'' He said, "No, I have no desire except to visit him because I love him for the sake of Allaah, the Exalted, and Glorious.'' Thereupon the angel said, "I am a messenger to you from Allaah (to inform you) that Allaah loves you as you love him (for His sake)".[Muslim].
Al-Bara' bin `Azib (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: The Prophet (PBUH) said about the Ansar: "Only a believer loves them, and only a hypocrite hates them. Allaah loves him who loves them and Allaah hates him who hates them". [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].
Commentary: The way the Ansar or Helpers, faithfully served Islam, Muslims and the Prophet (PBUH), constitutes not only one of the brightest chapters of Islamic history but also makes them a model of excellent conduct and character. Almighty Allaah rewarded them for their devotion to Islam with immense love for Faith - the love which became a symbol of their Faith and love for Allaah. Not only that, because of this devotion of the Ansar, everyone who entertained jealousy and hatred against them was declared a hypocrite by Allaah. There were two famous tribes, namely Al-Aus and Al-Khazraj in Al-Madinah. In the pre-Islamic days they were enemies to each other. When they embraced Islam, they became close brothers. They welcomed the Muhajirun (the Emigrants) with open arms and rendered every possible assistance to them. For this reason they were named Ansar. May Allaah be pleased with them and they be pleased with Him.
Mu`adh (bin Jabal) (May Allaah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allaah (PBUH) said, "Allaah, the Exalted, has said: `For those who love one another for the sake of My Glory, there will be seats of light (on the Day of Resurrection), and they will be envied by the Prophets and martyrs".
[At-Tirmidhi].
Commentary: This Hadith tells us that Allah will grant an exalted position to such people who love one another for His sake. "They will be envied by the Prophets and martyrs'' does not mean that they will be granted a place higher than even the Prophets because the highest position will be granted to the Prophets, as these are the best of Allaah's creation. These words simply draw our attention to the superiority and the exalted position those who love one another for Allaah's sake will have on the Day of Resurrection.
Abu Idris Al-Khaulani (May Allaah have mercy upon him) reported: I once entered the mosque in Damascus. I happened to catch sight of a young man who had bright teeth (i.e., he was always seen smiling). A number of people had gathered around him. When they differed over anything they would refer it to him and act upon his advice. I asked who he was and I was told that he was Mu`adh bin Jabal (May Allaah be pleased with him) The next day I hastened to the mosque, but found that he had arrived before me and was busy in performing Salat. I waited until he finished, and then went to him from the front, greeted him with Salam and said to him, "By Allaah I love you.'' He asked, "For the sake of Allaah?'' I replied, "Yes, for the sake of Allaah". He again asked me, "Is it for Allaah's sake?'' I replied, "Yes, it is for Allaah's sake.'' Then he took hold of my cloak, drew me to himself and said, "Rejoice,! I heard Messenger of Allaah (PBUH) saying, `Allaah, the Exalted, says: My love is due to those who love one another for My sake, meet one another for My sake, visit one another for My sake and spend in charity for My sake". [Malik].
Commentary: Besides the merit of mutual affection, contact and co-operation for the pleasure of Allaah, this Hadith tells us that one should disclose one's affection to him whom one loves. It also tells us that when a person is engaged in worship or daily round of recitation, his visitor should not sit before him so that his concentration is not affected. He should sit behind him and wait till he has finished his prayer. The Hadith also teaches us to approach someone from the front so as not to scare him.
Abu Karimah Al-Miqdad bin Ma`dikarib (May Allaah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (PBUH) said, "When a man loves his brother (for Allaah sake) let him tell him that he loves him".
[At-Tirmidhi and Abu Dawud].
Commentary: The wisdom behind informing someone that one loves him for the sake of Allaah, is to make him aware of the regard shown to him so that this will turn into mutual affection and will, therefore, promote cooperation with each other.
Mu`adh (bin Jabal) (May Allaah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allaah (PBUH) held my hand and said, "O Mu`adh, By Allah, I love you and advise you not to miss supplicating after every Salat (prayer) saying: `Allahumma a`inni `ala dhikrika wa shukrika, wa husni `ibadatika,' (O Allaah, help me remember You, expressing gratitude to You and worship You in the best manner)".
[Abu Dawud and An-Nasa'i].
Commentary: We learn from this Hadith the following:
1. It is commendable to inform those whom one loves for Allaah's sake, of this love.
2. The superiority of Mu`adh.
3. It is commendable to say this Du`a after each obligatory Salat.
4. It is commendable to seek Allaah's Help in order to discharge one's duties towards Allaah in the best possible manner.
Anas bin Malik (May Allaah be pleased with him) reported: A man was with the Prophet (PBUH) when another man passed by and the former said: "O Messenger of Allaah! I love this man (for Allaah's sake)". Messenger of Allaah (PBUH) asked, "Have you informed him?'' He said, "No". Messenger of Allaah (PBUH) then said, "Tell him (that you love him)". So he went up to the man and said to him, "I love you for the sake of Allaah;'' and the other replied, "May Allaah, for Whose sake you love me, love you.''
[Abu Dawud].
http://www.witness-pioneer.org/vil/hadeeth/riyad/00/chap046.htm
The Qur'an and the Bible in the Light of Science?
How does the Qur'an and the Bible approach to science?
Is there a conflict between Islam and science?
Is there a conflict between Christianity and science?
What should Muslim and Christian attitude be toward science and technology?
Unique and Victorious Debate in Chicago!!
Dr. Zakir Naik had a unique public debate with Dr. William Campbell on the topic "The Qur'an and the Bible in the light of Science" on April 1, 2000 in Chicago, United States of America.
Dr. William Campbell, a medical doctor and a Christian Missionary, is the author of the book "The Qu'ran and the Bible in the light of history and science" which is a reply to the famous book " The Bible, the Qu'ran and Science" by Dr. Maurice Bucaille. Dr. William Campbell in his book, which is also on the internet, had pointed out several "scientific errors" in the Qu'ran. His book and his contentions were unanswered for several years, and were used by Christian Missionaries to harass the Muslims.Alhamdulillah, the debate proved to be victorious event from the Islamic perspective. Dr. Zakir Naik gave logical and convincing replies to each and every of the alleged scientific error in the Qu'ran pointed out by Dr. William Campbell.
This historic event organised by the 'Islamic Circle of North America', U.S.A., had Dr. William Campbell conceding that he had difficulties in replying to many of the scientific errors in the Bible pointed out by Dr. Zakir Naik.
Video cassettes of this debate were released on September 3, 2000, at the Patkar Hall in Mumbai, where a recording of this unique and historic debate and its question and answer session was screened for the benefit of a packed and over flowing audience of more than a thousand people.
Those who witnessed this recording were extremely pleased with this event, Alhamdulillah. Several positive comments were received as feedback after the programme. One young Muslim stated, "After having seen this programme, for the first time in my life I felt proud of being a Muslim".
The Topic of Debate: The Qur'an and the Bible in the light of Science?
Dr. Zakir Naik (www.Irf.net)
http://ql4u.blogspot.com/2011/02/quran-and-bible-in-light-of-science.html
Is there a conflict between Islam and science?
Is there a conflict between Christianity and science?
What should Muslim and Christian attitude be toward science and technology?
Unique and Victorious Debate in Chicago!!
Dr. Zakir Naik had a unique public debate with Dr. William Campbell on the topic "The Qur'an and the Bible in the light of Science" on April 1, 2000 in Chicago, United States of America.
Dr. William Campbell, a medical doctor and a Christian Missionary, is the author of the book "The Qu'ran and the Bible in the light of history and science" which is a reply to the famous book " The Bible, the Qu'ran and Science" by Dr. Maurice Bucaille. Dr. William Campbell in his book, which is also on the internet, had pointed out several "scientific errors" in the Qu'ran. His book and his contentions were unanswered for several years, and were used by Christian Missionaries to harass the Muslims.Alhamdulillah, the debate proved to be victorious event from the Islamic perspective. Dr. Zakir Naik gave logical and convincing replies to each and every of the alleged scientific error in the Qu'ran pointed out by Dr. William Campbell.
This historic event organised by the 'Islamic Circle of North America', U.S.A., had Dr. William Campbell conceding that he had difficulties in replying to many of the scientific errors in the Bible pointed out by Dr. Zakir Naik.
Video cassettes of this debate were released on September 3, 2000, at the Patkar Hall in Mumbai, where a recording of this unique and historic debate and its question and answer session was screened for the benefit of a packed and over flowing audience of more than a thousand people.
Those who witnessed this recording were extremely pleased with this event, Alhamdulillah. Several positive comments were received as feedback after the programme. One young Muslim stated, "After having seen this programme, for the first time in my life I felt proud of being a Muslim".
The Topic of Debate: The Qur'an and the Bible in the light of Science?
Dr. Zakir Naik (www.Irf.net)
http://ql4u.blogspot.com/2011/02/quran-and-bible-in-light-of-science.html
Muslim Scientists, Scholars, Polymaths and Renaissance Men: Islam Exposed
During the Islamic Golden Age, usually dated from the middle of the 8th century to the middle of the 13th century, scholars and engineers of the Islamic world contributed enormously to the arts, literature, philosophy, sciences, and technology, both by preserving and building upon earlier traditions and by adding their own inventions and innovations.
Muslim philosophers and poets, artists and scientists, princes and laborers, created a unique culture that has influenced societies on every continent. Scientific and intellectual achievements blossomed during the Islamic Golden Age.
The Islamic Golden Age was inaugurated by the ascension of the Abbassid Caliphate and the transfer of the capital from Damascus to Baghdad. The Abbassids were influenced by the Quranic injunctions and hadith such as "the ink of scientists is equal to the blood of martyrs" stressing the value of knowledge. During this period the Muslim world became the unrivaled intellectual center for science, philosophy, medicine and education as the Abbasids championed the cause of knowledge and established a "House of Wisdom" in Baghdad; where both Muslim and non-Muslim scholars sought to translate and gather all the world's knowledge into Arabic.
Many classic works of antiquity that would otherwise have been lost were translated into Arabic and later in turn translated into Turkish, Persian, Hebrew and Latin. During this period the Muslim world was a cauldron of cultures which collected, synthesized and advanced the works collected from the Chinese, Persian, Egyptian, North African, Greek, Spanish, Sicilian and Byzantine civilizations.
Many vicious allegations have been made against Islam as being a violent and barbaric way of life.
Insha'Allah I hope that my video can act as part rebuttal to those who have amnesia or ignorance towards what Muslims and the Islamic way of life have done for the world.
Watch Video
Muslim philosophers and poets, artists and scientists, princes and laborers, created a unique culture that has influenced societies on every continent. Scientific and intellectual achievements blossomed during the Islamic Golden Age.
The Islamic Golden Age was inaugurated by the ascension of the Abbassid Caliphate and the transfer of the capital from Damascus to Baghdad. The Abbassids were influenced by the Quranic injunctions and hadith such as "the ink of scientists is equal to the blood of martyrs" stressing the value of knowledge. During this period the Muslim world became the unrivaled intellectual center for science, philosophy, medicine and education as the Abbasids championed the cause of knowledge and established a "House of Wisdom" in Baghdad; where both Muslim and non-Muslim scholars sought to translate and gather all the world's knowledge into Arabic.
Many classic works of antiquity that would otherwise have been lost were translated into Arabic and later in turn translated into Turkish, Persian, Hebrew and Latin. During this period the Muslim world was a cauldron of cultures which collected, synthesized and advanced the works collected from the Chinese, Persian, Egyptian, North African, Greek, Spanish, Sicilian and Byzantine civilizations.
Many vicious allegations have been made against Islam as being a violent and barbaric way of life.
Insha'Allah I hope that my video can act as part rebuttal to those who have amnesia or ignorance towards what Muslims and the Islamic way of life have done for the world.
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Tolerance in the Qur’an - Mercy to mankind
Forgive and show indulgence to them!
(Qur’an, 2:109)
Among various prolific misconceptions concerning the religion of Islam, one cannot miss the oft-quoted “Kill them wherever you find them,” characterization of religious intolerance in the Qur’an. This bloodthirsty depiction of Islam is far, far from the truth. Yet, with so much media attention shone on “Muslim terrorists”, contradictory Islamic ideals of religious tolerance might be difficult for Western audiences to believe.
The best solution is to read the Qur’an. Verses granting permission to fight in war, when attacked, can then be read in context. Ideological mud slinging on the internet is rife with quotes like, “Kill them wherever you find them.” If that is the first phrase you read from the Qur’an, of course it sounds like a horrible, unholy book. Yet its beginning is this:“In the name of God, The Beneficent, The Merciful” (1:1).
In the following sections, I will attempt to express the Qur’anic attitude toward religious tolerance. To dispel myths surrounding “kill them wherever you find them”, I first address religious tolerance under conditions of war. Then, what is hopefully the usual state of affairs, part 2 presents a few points from the Qur’an promoting religious tolerance during periods of peace.
Part 1: Conditions of War
“Fight in the way of God against those who fight against you, but begin not hostilities. Lo! God loveth not aggressors.”
(Qur’an, 2:190)
Contrary to popular misconception, the Qur’anic verse stating, “Kill them wherever you encounter them” (2:191) does not categorically permit (let alone promote!) killing of Non-Muslims. Rather, this verse was revealed in relation to a specific stage of persecutory war against Muslims in the history of Islam; and its ordinance is obviously confined to warfare. The fourteen-hundred-year heritage of Islamic rule in Arabia and beyond testifies to religious tolerance exhorted by the Qur’an.
And why—if there is any explanation other than deliberate mischaracterization and slander—why can’t critics who use this verse read other general decrees that place strict limits on warfare? For instance, the verse just before it, which says, “But begin not hostilities. Lo! God loveth not aggressors” (2:190). Or the verses just after it, stating, “But if they desist, then lo! God is Forgiving, Merciful” (2:192).
Scenarios under which taking a life is permissible according to the Qur’an are extremely limited. The Qur’an permits between-group killing, or “collateral damage”, during warfare in hand-to-hand combat with male, combatant enemy soldiers. In domestic affairs, Islamic law permits execution by judicial sentence in cases of premeditated manslaughter [1]; a tooth for a tooth whether Muslim or Non-Muslim.
In Islam, it is never permissible to attack or kill non-combatant enemy citizens, children, elderly, or women. Non-Muslims not waging war against Muslims possess Islamic state’s protection of their right to life, according to the Qur’an. In fact, the Qur’an enjoins forgiveness, indulgence, tolerance, and kindness toward Non-Muslims.
Source
(Qur’an, 2:109)
Among various prolific misconceptions concerning the religion of Islam, one cannot miss the oft-quoted “Kill them wherever you find them,” characterization of religious intolerance in the Qur’an. This bloodthirsty depiction of Islam is far, far from the truth. Yet, with so much media attention shone on “Muslim terrorists”, contradictory Islamic ideals of religious tolerance might be difficult for Western audiences to believe.
The best solution is to read the Qur’an. Verses granting permission to fight in war, when attacked, can then be read in context. Ideological mud slinging on the internet is rife with quotes like, “Kill them wherever you find them.” If that is the first phrase you read from the Qur’an, of course it sounds like a horrible, unholy book. Yet its beginning is this:“In the name of God, The Beneficent, The Merciful” (1:1).
In the following sections, I will attempt to express the Qur’anic attitude toward religious tolerance. To dispel myths surrounding “kill them wherever you find them”, I first address religious tolerance under conditions of war. Then, what is hopefully the usual state of affairs, part 2 presents a few points from the Qur’an promoting religious tolerance during periods of peace.
Part 1: Conditions of War
“Fight in the way of God against those who fight against you, but begin not hostilities. Lo! God loveth not aggressors.”
(Qur’an, 2:190)
Contrary to popular misconception, the Qur’anic verse stating, “Kill them wherever you encounter them” (2:191) does not categorically permit (let alone promote!) killing of Non-Muslims. Rather, this verse was revealed in relation to a specific stage of persecutory war against Muslims in the history of Islam; and its ordinance is obviously confined to warfare. The fourteen-hundred-year heritage of Islamic rule in Arabia and beyond testifies to religious tolerance exhorted by the Qur’an.
And why—if there is any explanation other than deliberate mischaracterization and slander—why can’t critics who use this verse read other general decrees that place strict limits on warfare? For instance, the verse just before it, which says, “But begin not hostilities. Lo! God loveth not aggressors” (2:190). Or the verses just after it, stating, “But if they desist, then lo! God is Forgiving, Merciful” (2:192).
Scenarios under which taking a life is permissible according to the Qur’an are extremely limited. The Qur’an permits between-group killing, or “collateral damage”, during warfare in hand-to-hand combat with male, combatant enemy soldiers. In domestic affairs, Islamic law permits execution by judicial sentence in cases of premeditated manslaughter [1]; a tooth for a tooth whether Muslim or Non-Muslim.
In Islam, it is never permissible to attack or kill non-combatant enemy citizens, children, elderly, or women. Non-Muslims not waging war against Muslims possess Islamic state’s protection of their right to life, according to the Qur’an. In fact, the Qur’an enjoins forgiveness, indulgence, tolerance, and kindness toward Non-Muslims.
Source
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