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Muhammad Danish Mahboob Khan
Danish Khan MCP, CompTIA A+ & CompTIA Network+ Certified Professional (webmaster@mdanishkhan.tk)'s Friends
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Defrauding, The Cheats, Cheating (Translation of the Holy Quran)
About the book: "The Holy Quran"


Surah 83. Defrauding, The Cheats, Cheating
1. Woe to those that deal in fraud,-
2. Those who, when they have to receive by measure from men,
exact full measure,
3. But when they have to give by measure or weight to men, give
less than due.
4. Do they not think that they will be called to account?-.5. On a Mighty Day,
6. A Day when (all) mankind will stand before the Lord of the Worlds?
7. Day! Surely the record of the wicked is (preserved) in Sijjin.
8. And what will explain to thee what Sijjin is?
9. (There is) a Register (fully) inscribed.
10. Woe, that Day, to those that deny-
11. Those that deny the Day of Judgment.
12. And none can deny it but the Transgressor beyond bounds the
Sinner!
13. When Our Signs are rehearsed to him, he says, "Tales of the
ancients!"
14. By no means! but on their hearts is the stain of the (ill) which
they do!
15. Verily, from (the Light of) their Lord, that Day, will they be veiled.
16. Further, they will enter the Fire of Hell.
17. Further, it will be said to them: "This is the (reality) which ye
rejected as false!
18. Day, verily the record of the Righteous is (preserved) in 'Illiyin.
19. And what will explain to thee what 'Illiyun is?
20. (There is) a Register (fully) inscribed,
21. To which bear witness those Nearest (to Allah..
22. Truly the Righteous will be in Bliss:
23. On Thrones (of Dignity) will they command a sight (of all things):
24. Thou wilt recognise in their faces the beaming brightness of Bliss.
25. Their thirst will be slaked with Pure Wine sealed:
26. The seal thereof will be Musk: And for this let those aspire, who
have aspirations:.27. With it will be (given) a mixture of Tasnim:
28. A spring, from (the waters) whereof drink those Nearest to Allah.
29. Those in sin used to laugh at those who believed,
30. And whenever they passed by them, used to wink at each other
(in mockery);
31. And when they returned to their own people, they would return
jesting;
32. And whenever they saw them, they would say, "Behold! These
are the people truly astray!"
33. But they had not been sent as keepers over them!
34. But on this Day the Believers will laugh at the Unbelievers:
35. On Thrones (of Dignity) they will command (a sight) (of all
things).
36. Will not the Unbelievers have been paid back for what they did?

October 30, 2009 | 4:45 PM Comments  0 comments

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Why is polygamy allowed in Islam?
Translations available in: English (original) | French | Spanish | Italian | German | Portuguese | Swedish | Russian | Dutch | Arabic

POLYGAMY

Question: Why is a man allowed to have more than one wife in Islam? i.e. why is polygamy allowed in Islam?

Answer:

1. Definition of Polygamy
Polygamy means a system of marriage whereby one person has more than one spouse. Polygamy can be of two types. One is polygamy where a man marries more than one woman, and the other is polyandry, where a woman marries more than one man. In Islam, limited polygamy is permitted; whereas polyandry is completely prohibited.
Now coming to the original question, why is a man allowed to have more than one wife?

2. The Qur’an is the only religious scripture in the world that says, “marry only one”.
The Qur’an is the only religious book, on the face of this earth, that contains the phrase ‘marry only one’. There is no other religious book that instructs men to have only one wife. In none of the other religious scriptures, whether it be the
Vedas, the Ramayan, the Mahabharat, the Geeta, the Talmud or the Bible does one find a restriction on the number of wives. According to these scriptures one can marry as many as one wish. It was only later, that the Hindu priests and the Christian Church restricted the number of wives to one.
Many Hindu religious personalities, according to their scriptures, had multiple wives. King Dashrat, the father of Rama, had more than one wife. Krishna had several wives.
In earlier times, Christian men were permitted as many wives as they wished, since the Bible puts no restriction on the number of wives. It was only a few centuries ago that the Church restricted the number of wives to one.
Polygamy is permitted in Judaism. According to Talmudic law, Abraham had three wives, and Solomon had hundreds of wives. The practice of polygamy continued till Rabbi Gershom ben Yehudah (960 C.E to 1030 C.E) issued an edict against it. The Jewish Sephardic communities living in Muslim countries continued the practice till as late as 1950, until an Act of the Chief Rabbinate of
Israel extended the ban on marrying more than one wife.
(*Interesting Note: - As per the 1975 census of India Hindus are more polygynous than Muslims. The report of the ‘Committee of The Status of
Woman in Islam’, published in 1975 mentions on page numbers 66 and 67 that the percentage of polygamous marriages between the years 1951 and 1961 was 5.06% among the Hindus and only 4.31% among the Muslims. According to Indian law only Muslim men are permitted to have more than one wife. It is illegal for any non-Muslim in India to have more than one wife. Despite it being illegal, Hindus have more multiple wives as compared to Muslims. Earlier, there was no restriction even on Hindu men with respect to the number of wives allowed. It was only in 1954, when the Hindu Marriage Act was passed that it became illegal for a Hindu to have more than one wife. At present it is the Indian Law that restricts a Hindu man from having more than one wife and not the Hindu scriptures.)
Let us now analyze why Islam allows a man to have more than one wife.

3. Qur’an permits limited polygamy
As I mentioned earlier, Qur’an is the only religious book on the face of the earth that says ‘marry only one’. The context of this phrase is the following verse from Surah Nisa of the Glorious Qur’an:
“Marry women of your choice, two, or three, or four; but if ye fear that
ye shall not be able to deal justly (with them), then only one.”
[Al-Qur’an 4:3]
Before the Qur’an was revealed, there was no upper limit for polygamy and many men had scores of wives, some even hundreds. Islam put an upper limit of four wives. Islam gives a man permission to marry two, three or four women, only on the condition that he deals justly with them.
In the same chapter i.e. Surah Nisa verse 129 says:
“Ye are never able to be fair and just as between women....”
[Al-Qur’an 4:129]
Therefore polygamy is not a rule but an exception. Many people are under the misconception that it is compulsory for a Muslim man to have more than one wife.
Broadly, Islam has five categories of Do’s and Don’ts:
(i) ‘Fard’ i.e. compulsory or obligatory
(ii) ‘Mustahab’ i.e. recommended or encouraged
(iii) ‘Mubah’ i.e. permissible or allowed
(iv) ‘Makruh’ i.e. not recommended or discouraged
(v) ‘Haraam’ i.e. prohibited or forbidden
Polygamy falls in the middle category of things that are permissible. It cannot be said that a Muslim who has two, three or four wives is a better Muslim as compared to a Muslim who has only one wife.

4. Average life span of females is more than that of males
By nature males and females are born in approximately the same ratio. A female child has more immunity than a male child. A female child can fight the germs and diseases better than the male child. For this reason, during the pediatric age itself there are more deaths among males as compared to the females.
During wars, there are more men killed as compared to women. More men die due to accidents and diseases than women. The average life span of females is more than that of males, and at any given time one finds more widows in the world than widowers.
5. India has more male population than female due to female feticide and infanticide
India is one of the few countries, along with the other neighbouring countries, in which the female population is less than the male population. The reason lies in the high rate of female infanticide in India, and the fact that more than one million female fetuses are aborted every year in this country, after they are identified as females. If this evil practice is stopped, then India too will have more females as compared to males.

6. World female population is more than male population
In the USA, women outnumber men by 7.8 million. New York alone has one million more females as compared to the number of males, and of the male population of New York one-third are gays i.e. sodomites. The U.S.A as a whole has more than twenty-five million gays. This means that these people do not wish to marry women. Great Britain has four million more females as compared to males. Germany has five million more females as compared to males. Russia has nine million more females than males. God alone knows how many million more females there are in the whole world as compared to males.

7. Restricting each and every man to have only one wife is not practical
Even if every man got married to one woman, there would still be more than thirty million females in U.S.A who would not be able to get husbands (Considering that America has twenty five million gays). There would be more than four million females in Great Britain, 5 million females in Germany and nine million females in Russia alone who would not be able to find a husband.
Suppose my sister happens to be one of the unmarried women living in USA, or suppose your sister happens to be one of the unmarried women in USA. The only two options remaining for her are that she either marries a man who already has a wife or becomes 'public property'. There is no other option. All those who are modest will opt for the first.
Most women would not like to share their husband with other women. But in
Islam when the situation deems it really necessary Muslim women in due faith could bear a small personal loss to prevent a greater loss of letting other Muslim sisters becoming 'public properties'.

8. Marring a married man preferable to becoming 'public property'
In Western society, it is common for a man to have mistresses and/or multiple
Extra-marital affairs, in which case, the woman leads a disgraceful, unprotected life. The same society, however, cannot accept a man having more than one wife, in which women retain their honourable, dignified position in society and lead a protected life.
Thus the only two options before a woman who cannot find a husband is to marry a married man or to become 'public property'. Islam prefers giving women the honourable position by permitting the first option and disallowing the second.
There are several other reasons, why Islam has permitted limited polygamy, but it is mainly to protect the modesty of women.


Regards:
Danish Khan

June 7, 2009 | 12:25 AM Comments  0 comments

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PROHIBITION OF ALCOHOL IN ALL MAJOR RELIGIONS
Translations available in: English (original) | French | Spanish | Italian | German | Portuguese | Swedish | Russian | Dutch | Arabic

Question: Why is the consumption of alcohol prohibited in all Major Religions?

Answer:Alcohol has been the scourge of human society since time immemorial. It
continues to cost countless human lives, and causes terrible misery to millions
throughout the world. Alcohol is the root cause of several problems facing
society. The statistics of soaring crime rates, increasing instances of mental
illnesses and millions of broken homes throughout the world bear mute
testimony to the destructive power of alcohol.

1. Prohibition of alcohol in the Qur’an
The Glorious Qur’an prohibits the consumption of alcohol in the following verse:
“O ye who believe! Intoxicants and Gambling, (dedication of) stones,
and (divination by) arrows, are an Abomination – of Satan’s handiwork;
eschew such (abomination), that ye may prosper.” [Al-Qur’an 5:90]

2. Prohibition of alcohol in the Bible
The Bible prohibits the consumption of alcohol in the following verses:
a. “Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging; and whosoever is
deceived thereby is not wise.” [Proverbs 20:1]
b. “And be not drunk with wine.” [Ephesians 5:18]

3. Alcohol inhibits the inhibitory centre
The human beings possess an inhibitory centre in their brains. This inhibitory
centre prevents the person from doing things that he considers wrong. For
instance a person does not normally use abusive language while addressing his
parents or elders. If he has to answer the call of nature, his inhibitory centre will
prevent him from doing so in public. Therefore he uses the toilet.
When a person consumes alcohol, the inhibitory centre itself is inhibited. That
is precisely the reason that an inebriated person is often found to be indulging
in behaviour that is completely uncharacteristic of him. For instance the
intoxicated person is found to use abusive and foul language and does not
realize his mistake even if he is addressing his parents. Many even urinate in
their clothes. Neither do they talk nor walk properly. They even misbehave.

4. Cases of adultery, rape, incest and AIDS are found more among
alcoholics
According to National Crime Victimization Survey Bureau of Justice (U.S.
Department of Justice) in the year 1996 alone everyday on an average 2,713
rapes took place. The statistics tell us that the majority of the rapists, were
intoxicated while committing the crime. The same is true in cases of
molestation.
According to statistics, 8% of Americans commit incest i.e. one in every twelve
to thirteen persons in America is involved in incest. Almost all the cases of
incest are due to intoxication of one or both the persons involved.
One of the major factors associated with the spread of AIDS, the most dreaded
disease, is alcoholism.

5. Every alcoholic was initially a social drinker
Many may argue in favour of liquor by calling themselves ‘social drinkers’. They
claim that they only have one or two pegs and they have self-control and so
never get intoxicated. Investigations reveal that every alcoholic started as a
social drinker. Not a single alcoholic or drunkard initially starts drinking with the
intention of becoming an alcoholic or a drunkard. No social drinker can say that
I have been having alcohol for several years and that I have so much selfcontrol
that I have never been intoxicated even a single time.

6. If a person is intoxicated just once and commits something
shameful, it will remain with him for a lifetime.
Suppose a ‘social drinker’ loses his self-control just once. In a state of
intoxication he commits rape or incest. Even if the act is later regretted, a
normal human being is likely to carry the guilt throughout his life. Both the
perpetrator and the victim are irreparably and irreversibly damaged.

7. Alcohol is prohibited in the Hadith
The Prophet of Islam Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
a. In Sunan Ibn-I-Majah Volume 3, Book of Intoxicants, Chapter 30 Hadith No.
3371.
“Alcohol is the mother of all evils and it is the most shameful of evils.”
b. In Sunan Ibn-I-Majah Volume 3, Book of Intoxicants, Chapter 30 Hadith No.
3392
“Anything which intoxicates in a large quantity, is prohibited even in a small
quantity.”
Thus there is no excuse for a nip or a tot.
c. Not only those who drink alcohol are cursed but also those who deal with
them directly or indirectly are cursed by Allah.
According to Sunan Ibn-I-Majah Volume 3, Book of Intoxicants, Chapter 30
Hadith No. 3380.
It was reported by Anas (may Allah be pleased with him), that Prophet
Muhammad (pbuh) said:
“God’s curse falls on ten groups of people who deal with alcohol. The one who
distills it, the one for whom it has been distilled, the one who drinks it, the one
who transports it, the one to who it has been brought, the one whom serves it,
the one who sells it, the one who utilizes money from it, the one who buys it and
the one who buys it for someone else.”

8. Diseases associated with alcoholism
There are several scientific reasons for the prohibition of consumption of
intoxicants i.e. alcohol. The maximum number of deaths in the world related to
any one particular cause is due to the consumption of alcohol. Millions of people
die every year only because of intake of alcohol. I need not go into the details
of all the ill-effects of alcohol since most of them are commonly known. Below
is a simple list of few of the alcohol related illnesses:

1. Cirrhosis of Liver is the most well known alcohol associated disease.

2. Others are Cancer of Oesophagus, Cancer of Head and Neck, Cancer of
Liver (Hepatoma), Cancer of Bowel, etc.

3. Oesophagitis, Gastritis, Pancreatitis and Hepatitis are linked with alcohol
consumption.

4. Cardiomyopathy, Hypertension, Coronary Artherosclerosis, Angina and
Heart Attacks are linked with heavy alcohol intakes.

5. Strokes, Apoplexy, Fits and different types of Paralysis are linked with
alcohol intake.

6. Peripheral Neuropathy, Cortical Atrophy, Cerebellar Atrophy are well-known
syndromes caused by alcohol consumption.

7. Wernicke – Korsakoff syndrome with amnesia of recent events,
confabulations and retainment of memory to old events with different types
of paralysis are mainly due to thiamine deficiency due to excessive alcohol
intake.

8. Beriberi and other deficiencies are not uncommon among alcoholics. Even
Pellagra occurs in alcoholics.

9. Delerium Tremens is a serious complication that may occur during recurrent
infection of alcoholics or post operatively. It also occurs during abstention as
a sign of withdrawal effect. It is quite serious and may cause death even if
treated in well equipped centres.

10. Numerous Endocrine Disorders have been associated with alcoholism
ranging from Myxodema to Hyperthyroidism and Florid Cushing Syndrome.

11. Hematological ill effects are long and variable. Folic acid deficiency,
however, is the most common manifestation of alcoholic abuse resulting in
Macrocytic Anemia. Zeive’s syndrome is a triad of Hemolytic Anemia,
Jaundice and Hyperlipaedemia that follows alcoholic binges.

12. Thrombocytopenia and other platelet abnormalities are not rare in
alcoholics.

13. The commonly used tablet metronidazole (flagyl) interacts badly with
alcohol.

14. Recurrent infection is very common among chronic alcoholics. The
resistance to disease and the immunological defense system are
compromised by alcohol intake.

15. Chest infections are notorious in alcoholics. Pneumonia, Lung Abcess,
Emphysema and Pulmonary Tuberculosis are all common in alcoholics.

16. During acute alcoholic intoxication, the drunk person usually vomits, the
cough reflexes which are protective are paralysed. The vomitus thus easily
pass to the lung causing Pneumonia or Lung Abscess. Occasionally it may
even cause suffocation and death.

17. The ill effects of alcohol consumption on women deserves special mention.
Females are more vulnerable to alcohol-related Cirrhosis than men. During
pregnancy alcohol consumption has a severe detrimental effect on the
foetus. Foetal Alcohol Syndrome is being recognised more and more in the
medical profession.

18. Skin diseases are also related to alcohol indulgence.

19. Eczema, Alopecia, Nail Dystrophy, Paronychia (infection around the nails)
and Angular Stomatitis (inflammation of the angle of the mouth) are
common diseases among alcoholics.

9. Alcoholism is a ‘disease’
Medical doctors have now turned liberal towards alcoholics and call alcoholism
a disease rather than an addiction.
The Islamic Research Foundation has published a pamphlet that says:
If alcohol is a disease, it is the only disease that:
- Is sold in bottles
- Is advertised in newspapers, magazines, on radio and television
- Has licensed outlets to spread it
- Produces revenue for the government
- Brings violent deaths on the highways
- Destroys family life and increases crime
- Has no germs or viral cause

ALCOHOLISM IS NOT A DISEASE – IT IS SATAN’S HANDIWORK
Allah (swt) in His Infinite Wisdom has warned us against this snare of Satan.
Islam is called the “Deen-ul-Fitrah” or the natural religion of Man. All its
injunctions are aimed at preserving the natural state of man. Alcohol is a
deviation from this natural state, for the individual as well as for society. It
degrades man to a level below that of the beasts he claims to be superior to.
Hence the consumption of alcohol is prohibited in Islam.


Research by:
Danish Khan
Pakistan

April 9, 2009 | 12:44 AM Comments  4 comments

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My 3 years complete with TIG
Translations available in: English (original) | French | Spanish | Italian | German | Portuguese | Swedish | Russian | Dutch | Arabic

Dear All,

My three year with TIG completed on March 14 2009. It is being a great experience.



March 16, 2009 | 1:08 AM Comments  2 comments

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Stop violence in Gaza
Translations available in: English (original) | French | Spanish | Italian | German | Portuguese | Swedish | Russian | Dutch | Arabic

The new year bodes ill for prospects of Middle East peace going by the current happenings in Gaza with Israeli fighter planes bombarding this tiny strip of land killing over 300 people and maiming several hundreds while causing massive destruction to Palestinian settlements.

The unfolding mayhem as shown on satellite TV of mangled bodies and devastated buildings has once again raised the spectre of a dangerous conflagration in this most volatile corner of the earth where enmities date back to biblical times.

Israel says it was responding to Hamas rocket attacks into Israel territory. Whatever the provocation it is apparent that Israel has overreacted and overreached itself judging by the scale of the carnage and the destruction wrought.

The attacks and the violence coming as it does in the teeth of attempts by the international community to end the Israel Arab conflict is alarming to say the least particularly in the midst increasing tensions in the region.

It is certainly going to affect the prospects of peace negotiations which were painstakingly put to together by countries such as France and the EU. That is why the UN in an emergency session has called for an immediate end to violence in the Gaza and Southern Israel.

UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has expressed his "deep alarm' by the worsening situation in Gaza and Southern Israel and called for an immediate halt to all violence.

While recognising Israel's security concerns regarding the continued firing of rockets from Gaza, the UN Chief has reiterated Israel's obligation to uphold International Humanitarian and Human rights Law and condemned excessive use of force leading to killing and injuring of civilians.

That Israel has been flouting UN resolutions with impunity is plain for all to see. What is worse is that it has been allowed to get away with it all this time and spared those sanctions that would normally have visited lesser nations that flouted such resolutions with much less frequency.

It is therefore incumbent on the UN to intervene speedily to bring a halt to this massacre and put in place a mechanism for an enduring peace in the Middle East which at the moment is a powder keg with foreign powers manipulating the situation.

What is even more alarming is the danger of the situation degenerating into a full blown conflagration given the proliferation of modern military hardware and its fall out on the rest of the world. The developing scenario in the Gaza was the result of a chain of events that undermined the authority of the Hamas regime that was elected by its own people.

It was plain to all that the new Hamas regime that was elected by popular vote at a referendum was thwarted at every turn in attempts to forge a peace, by the insidious designs of interested parties. All ceasefires called became non starters and it was apparent that these extraneous forces were only desirous of fomenting conflict.

This is why it is hoped that the UN would take into account all the ramifications that has led to current state of play in approaching the situation. It is also hoped that the world body would play a more assertive role in bringing about a peaceful resolution to the conflict, giving full play to the radical reforms that has blown through the world body in recent times.

The latest development in the Gaza would no doubt be a major issue that will confront the new American President Barack Obama who is due to be sworn in on January 20. He will doubtless be in the world spot- light vis-a-vis his handling this first major challenge of his Presidency. So far all US President's who intervened to forge a negotiated settlement had failed in their bid.

It is expected that the new US President would comply and abide by the UN resolutions unlike his immediate predecessor who overrode the UN particularly in the Iraqi invasion. Because any open defiance of the UN at this stage can only make the situation more combustible leading to escalation of the conflict.

This, at a time when the world economy is in it's worst recession since the great depression of the 1930s and the financial edifices of many developing nations crumbling before their eyes driving people into penury. A full blown conflict in the Middle East is therefore a harrowing prospect which the world powers should come to grips with before it is too late. Hence the need for treading cautiously without plunging into any precipitate action that could only worsen the overall situation. This is why the UN which is the only credible world body in the area of conflict resolution between states should be allowed to act without impediments to douse the raging flames and revive the peace process in the Middle East which was stymied by vested interests all these years.

Sri Lanka has every reason to be concerned by the plight of the Palestinian people in Gaza. Lankan-Palestine relations go a long away and was reinforced by the recent visit of Palestinian leader Mahaumud Abbas to the country. Also being a country stalked by a different kind of terror all Sri Lankans no doubt would empathise with suffering of the hapless civilians in the Gaza. Sri Lanka has already added her voice to the sea of condemnations pouring from nations against the genocide and for the immediate intervention of the UN to quell the anarchy. It is hoped that this collective voice would carry enough resonance for the perpetrators of this atrocity to realise their folly and call a halt to the carnage and sit down for talks.



January 5, 2009 | 11:53 PM Comments  9 comments

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The Disbelievers, Atheists
Translations available in: English (original) | French | Spanish | Italian | German | Portuguese | Swedish | Russian | Dutch | Arabic

Translation of the Glorious Holy Quran:

Versus No 1 to 6,

Surah 109. The Disbelievers, Atheists
1. Say: O ye that reject Faith!
2. I worship not that, which ye worship,
3. Nor will ye worship that which I worship.
4. And I will not worship that, which ye have been wont to worship,
5. Nor will ye worship that which I worship.
6. To you be your Way, and to me mine.


January 5, 2009 | 11:48 PM Comments  2 comments

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H A P P Y N E W Y E A R !
Translations available in: English (original) | French | Spanish | Italian | German | Portuguese | Swedish | Russian | Dutch | Arabic

Dear All Friends!

I wish you Health...
So you may enjoy each day in comfort.

I wish you the Love of friends and family...
And Peace within your heart.

I wish you the Beauty of nature...
That you may enjoy the work of God.

I wish you Wisdom to choose priorities...
For those things that really matter in life.

I wish you Generousity so you may share...
All good things that come to you.

I wish you Happiness and Joy...
And Blessings for the New Year.

I wish you the best of everything...
That you so well deserve.


HAPPY NEW YEAR MEANS TO ME!


H ours of happy times with friends and family
A bundant time for relaxation
P rosperity
P lenty of love when you need it the most
Y outhful excitement at lifes simple pleasures

N ights of restful slumber (you know - dont' worry be happy)
E verything you need
W ishing you love and light

Y ears and years of good health
E njoyment and mirth
A angels to watch over you
R embrances of a happy years!


Regards:
Danish Khan

December 28, 2008 | 11:28 PM Comments  0 comments

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Merry Christmas to All
Translations available in: English (original) | French | Spanish | Italian | German | Portuguese | Swedish | Russian | Dutch | Arabic

Dear All!

Merry Christmas to all of you as well as your family. May God give you and your family all cheers of life...Aameen!


Regards:
Danish Khan
www.danishkhan.tk
www.mdanishkhan.tk

December 25, 2008 | 4:41 AM Comments  0 comments

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Who are you waiting for?
Translations available in: English (original) | French | Spanish | Italian | German | Portuguese | Swedish | Russian | Dutch | Arabic

“Who are you waiting for? I am here now”

“Just one look, I am here now”

“Who are you waiting for? I am here now”

“Just one look, I am here now”

“Why are you quiet, why the heavy brow?

“If its endless love you wish, ask for it aloud”

“And you shall receive it, for I am here now”

“Who are you waiting for? I am here now”

“Just one look, I am here now”

“When you think, when you see…”

“How much I love you…”

“Do not stay silent”

“Tell me, you have that special friend…”

“Who will give you his heart, give up his soul”

“And I will say, true, for I am here now”

“Who are you waiting for? I am here now”

“Just one look, I am here now”

“Why are you quiet, why the heavy brow?

“If its endless love you wish, ask for it aloud”

“And you shall receive it, for I am here now”

“Who are you waiting for? I am here now”

“If there is something in your heart…”

“Tell me”

“No matter what time of day or night…”

“Tell me”

“If problem plague you…”

“Or you feel down and out…”

“Tell me”

“If you have a wish, a little want…”

“Don’t ever be apprehensive, for I am here now…”

“Who are you waiting for? I am here now”

“Just one look, I am here now”

“Why are you quiet, why the heavy brow?

“If its endless love you wish, ask for it aloud”

“And you shall receive it, for I am here now”


Best Regards:
Danish

December 17, 2008 | 11:30 PM Comments  1 comments

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Happy Eid Greetings to all!
Translations available in: English (original) | French | Spanish | Italian | German | Portuguese | Swedish | Russian | Dutch | Arabic

Dear All Salam!

Happy Eid Greetings to all of you and your family members.


May God give you all cheers of life.


Take Care and have a nice life... Aameen


Regards:
Danish

December 6, 2008 | 3:43 AM Comments  5 comments

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My Love, you are the one
Translations available in: English (original) | French | Spanish | Italian | German | Portuguese | Swedish | Russian | Dutch | Arabic

My Love, you are the one

My heart beats for…

You are the one who lives
In every pore of my being…

My heart , I had already
Given away to you…

But my life too,
I shall lay down for you

When you come to meet me
This full Moon night…

I have decided to what we will do

I will lay my heart
At your feet…

With my eyes,
I shall offer you a worship

When you come to meet me
This full Moon night…

I know you are a killer…
But you are the one
Who give succour to my heart…

You are a river
In which flows poison…
But you are still precious to me

Those that lack courge,
Cannot stand by you
Come to me as my life…
I shall spend it with you

When you come to meet me
This full Moon night…

When you come to meet me
This full Moon night…


Regards:
Danish Khan

November 2, 2008 | 5:52 AM Comments  16 comments

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Glourious Quran Translation
Translations available in: English (original) | French | Spanish | Italian | German | Portuguese | Swedish | Russian | Dutch | Arabic

Translation of Glourious Quran (Surah Fateha)

In the name of Allah (God), Most Gracious, Most Merciful

Surah 1. The Opening
Verses no 1 to 7,

1. In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.
2. Praise be to Allah, the Cherisher and Sustainer of the worlds;
3. Most Gracious, Most Merciful;
4. Master of the Day of Judgment.
5. Thee do we worship, and Thine aid we seek.
6. Show us the straight way,
7. The way of those on whom Thou hast bestowed Thy Grace, those
whose (portion) is not wrath, and who go not astray.


Presented by:
Muhammad Danish Mahboob Khan,
Saudi Arabia.

June 19, 2008 | 4:50 AM Comments  7 comments

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Happy Christmas, Eid Mubarik and Happy New Year Friends
Translations available in: English (original) | French | Spanish | Italian | German | Portuguese | Swedish | Russian | Dutch | Arabic

Happy Christmas, Eid Mubarik and Happy New Year to all of my friends,

Please work hard to be successful in life!

May God give you all cheers of life...
Aameen



Best Regards:
Muhammad Danish Mahboob Khan

December 25, 2007 | 4:25 AM Comments  0 comments

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WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS ABOUT MUHAMMAD (PEACE BE UPON HIM) THE PROPHET OF ISLAM

WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS ABOUT MUHAMMAD (PEACE BE UPON HIM) THE PROPHET OF ISLAM
A lecture by Ahmed Deedat

SAY: "DO YOU SEE? WHETHER THIS MESSAGE BE FROM ALLAH (God Almighty), AND YET YOU REJECT IT, AND A WITNESS FROM AMONG THE CHILDREN OF ISRAEL1 BORE WITNESS OF ONE LIKE HIM..." (SURA AHQAF) Holy Qur’ân 46:10.
1. This refers to Moses. See Yusuf Ali's commentaries Nos. 4783/4 to this verse.

Mr. Chairman, Ladies and Gentlemen, The subject of this evening's talk* - "What the BIBLE says about MUHAMMAD (Peace be upon him)" - will no doubt come as a surprise to many of you because the speaker is a Muslim. How does it come about that a Muslim happens to be expounding prophecies from the Jewish and Christian Scriptures?
As a young man, about 30 years ago, I attended a series of religious lectures by a Christian theologian, a certain Rev. Hiten, at the "Theatre Royal", Durban in South Africa.
* This is the text of a lecture delivered by the author in the early 1970's.
Pope or Kissinger?
This Reverend gentleman was expounding Biblical prophecies. He went on to prove that the Christian Bible foretold the rise of Soviet Russia, and the Last Days. At one stage he went to the extent of proving that his Holy Book did not leave even the Pope out of its predictions. He expatiated vigorously in order to convince his audience that the "Beast 666" mentioned in the Book of Revelation the last book of the New Testament was the POPE, who was the Vicar of Christ on earth. It is not befitting for us Muslims to enter into this controversy between the Roman Catholics and the Protestants. By the way, the latest Christian exposition of the "Beast 666" of the Christian Bible is Dr. Henry Kissinger1. Christian scholars are ingenious and indefatigable in their efforts to prove their case.
Rev. Hiten's lectures led me to ask that if the Bible foretold so many things - not even excluding the "Pope" and "Israel" - then surely it must have something to say about the greatest benefactor of mankind 2, the Holy Prophet Muhammed (may the peace of Allah be upon him).
As a youngster I set out to search for an answer. I met priest after priest, attended lectures, and read everything that I could lay my hands relating to the fields of Bible prophecies. Tonight I am going to narrate to you one of these interviews with a dominee3 of the Dutch Reformed Church.
1. Christian exegesists give progressive numerical values by sixes, to the English alphabet and add up to get the total 666. i.e. A=6,B=12,C=18, D=24 and so on. Progression by 6's because the number of the Beast in the Bible is "666". Try it for Dr.Kissinger.
2. The writer has just delivered another talk in the City Hall, Durban on the 10th December 1975 on the subject "Muhammad the Greatest".
3. "Dominee" is the Afrikaans equivalent of priest, parson and predikant.
Lucky Thirteen
I was invited to the Transvaal1 to deliver a talk on the occasion of Birthday celebration of the Holy Prophet Muhammed. Knowing that in that province of the Republic, the Afrikaans language is widely spoken, even by my own people, I felt that I ought to acquire a smattering of this language so a s to feel a little "at home" with the people. I opened the telephone directory and began phoning the Afrikaans-speaking Churches. I indicated my purpose to the priests that I was interested in having a dialogue with them, but they all refused my request with "Plausible" excuses. No.13 was my lucky number. The thirteenth call brought me pleasure and relief. A dominee Van Heerden agreed to meet me at his home on the Saturday afternoon that I was to leave for Transvaal.
He received me on his verandah with a friendly welcome. He said if I did not mind, he would like his father-in-law from the Free State (a 70 year old man) to join us in the discussion. I did not mind. The three of us settled down in the dominee's library.
1. One of the Provinces of the Republic of South Africa.
Why Nothing?
I posed the question: "What does the Bible say about Muhammed?" Without hesitation he answered, "Nothing!" I asked: "Why nothing? According to your interpretation the Bible have so many things to say about the rise of Soviet Russia and about the Last Days and even about the Pope of the Roman Catholics?" He said, "Yes, but there was nothing about Muhammed!" I asked again, "Why nothing? Surely this man Muhammed who had been responsible for the bringing into being a worldwide community of millions of Believers who, on his authority, believe in:
(1) The miraculous birth of Jesus,
(2) that Jesus is the Messiah, 1
(3) that he gave life to the dead by God's permission, and that he healed those born blind and the lepers by God's permission.
Surely this book (the Bible) must have something to say about this great Leader of men who spoke so well of Jesus and his mother Mary?" (Peace be upon them both).
The old man from the Free State replied. "My son, I have been reading the Bible for the past 50 years, and if there was any mention of him, I would have known it."
1. The word "Messiah" comes from the Arabic and Hebrew word masaha, which means to rub, to massage, to anoint. The religious significance is "the one who is anointed" - priests and kings were anointed in consecration to their offices. Messiah translated Christ does not mean God. Even the heathen Cyrus is called "Christ" in the Bible, (Isaiah 45:1)
Not one by name!
I enquired: "According to you, are there not hundreds of prophecies regarding the coming of Jesus in the Old Testament." The dominee interjected: "Not hundreds, but thousands!" I said, "I am not going to dispute the 'thousand and one' prophecies in the Old Testament regarding the coming of Jesus Christ, because the whole Muslim-world has already accepted him without the testimony of any Biblical prophecy. We Muslims have accepted the de facto Jesus on the authority of Muhummed alone, and there are in the world today no less than 900,000,0001 followers of Muhummed who love, respect and revere this great Messenger of God -Jesus Christ- without having the Christians to convince them by means of their Biblical dialectics. Out of the 'thousands' of prophecies referred to, can you please give me just one single prophecy where Jesus is mentioned by name? The term 'Messiah', translated as 'Christ', is not a name but a title. Is there a single Prophecy where it says that the name of the Messiah will be JESUS, and that his mother's name will be MARY, that his supposed father will be JOSEPH THE CARPENTER; that he will be born in the reign of HEROD THE KING, etc. etc.? No! There are no such details! Then how can you conclude that those 'thousand' Prophecies refer to Jesus (Peace be upon him)?"
1. This was first written in 1976.
What is Prophecy?
The dominee replied: "You see, prophecies are word-pictures of something that is going to happen in the future. When that thing actually comes to pass, we see vividly in these prophecies the fulfillment of what had been predicted in the past." I said: "What you actually do is that you deduce, you reason, you put two and two together." He said: "Yes." I said: "If this is what you have to do with a 'thousand' prophecies to justify your claim with regards to the genuineness of Jesus, why should we not adopt the very same system for Muhummed?"1 The dominee agreed that it was a fair proposition, a reasonable way of dealing with the problem.
I asked him to open up Deuteronomy, chapter 18, verse 18, which he did. I read from memory the verse in Afrikaans, because this was my purpose in having a little practice with the language of the ruling race in South Africa.2
'N PROFEET SAL EK VIR HULLE VERWEK UIT DIE MIDDE VAN HULLE BROERS, SOOS JY IS, EN EK SAL MY WOORDE IN SY MOND LE, EN HY SY SAL AAN HULLE SE ALLE WAT EK HOM BEVEEL. Deut.18: 18.
The English translation reads as follows:-
"I will raise them up a Prophet from among their brethren, like unto thee, and I will put my words in his mouth; and he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him."
(HOLY BIBLE) Deuteronomy 18:18.
1. Muhummed is mentioned by name in the Song of Solomon 5:16. The Hebrew word used there is Muhammuddim. The end letters IM is plural of respect majesty and grandeur. Minus "im" the name would be Muhamud translated as "altogether lovely" in the Authorised Version of the Bible or 'The Praised One' 'the one worthy of Praise' i.e. MUHUMMED! (P.B.U.H)
2. If this booklet is translated into any language, please change the Afrikaans words into the local dialect; and do not try a free hand translation of the Biblical quotation. Obtain a Bible in the language in which translation is being made and transcribe exactly as the words occur in that Bible.
Prophet Like Moses
Having recited the verse in Afrikaans, I apologised for my uncertain pronunciation, The dominee assured me that I was doing fine. I enquired: "To whom does this prophecy refer?" Without the slightest hesitation he answered: "JESUS!" I asked: "Why Jesus?... his name is not mentioned here." The dominee replied: "Since prophecies are word-pictures of something that is going to happen in the future, we find that the wordings of this verse adequately describe him. You see the most important words of this prophecy are 'SOOS JY IS' (like unto thee), - LIKE YOU - like Moses, and Jesus is like Moses. I questioned: "In which way is Jesus like Moses?" The answer was: "In the first place Moses was a JEW and Jesus was also a JEW; secondly, Moses was a PROPHET and Jesus was also a PROPHET - therefore Jesus is like Moses and that is exactly what God had foretold Moses - "SOOS JY IS". "Can you think of any other similarities between Moses and Jesus?" I asked. The dominee said that he could not think of any. I replied: "If these are the only two criteria for discovering a candidate for this prophecy of Deuteronomy 18:18, then in that case the criteria could fit any one of the following Biblical personages after Moses:- Solomon, Isaiah, Ezekiel, Daniel, Hosea, Joel, Malachi, John the Baptist etc., because they were also ALL "Jews" as well as "Prophets". Why should we not apply this prophecy to any one of these prophets, and why only to Jesus? Why should we make fish of one and fowl of another?" The dominee had no reply. I continued: "You see, my conclusions are that Jesus is most unlike Moses, and if I am wrong I would like you to correct me."
Three Unlikes
So saying, I reasoned with him:
"In the FIRST place Jesus is not like Moses, because, according to You - 'JESUS IS A GOD', but Moses is not God. Is this true?" He said: "Yes." I said: "Therefore, Jesus is not like Moses!
"SECONDLY, according to You - 'JESUS DIED FOR THE SINS OF THE WORLD', but Moses did not have to die for the sins of the world. Is this true?" He again said: "Yes." I said: "Therefore Jesus is not like Moses!"
"THIRDLY, according to You - 'JESUS WENT TO HELL FOR THREE DAYS', but Moses did not have to go there. Is this true?" He answered meekly: "Y-e-s." I concluded: "Therefore Jesus is not like Moses!"
"But dominee," I continued: "these are not hard facts, solid facts, they are mere matters of belief over which the little ones can stumble and fall. Let us discuss something very simple, very easy that if your little ones are called in to hear the discussion, would have no difficulty in following it, shall we?" The dominee was quiet happy at the suggestion.

CHAPTER TWO
Eight Irrefutable Arguments
Father and Mother
(1) "Moses had a father and a mother. Muhummed also had a father and a mother. But Jesus had only a mother, and no human father. Is this true?" He said: "Yes." I said: "DAAROM IS JESUS NIE SOOS MOSES NIE, MAAR MUHUMMED IS SOOS MOSES!" Meaning: "Therefore Jesus is not like Moses, but Muhummed is like Moses!" (By now the reader will realise that I was using the Afrikaans language only for practice purposes. I shall discontinue its use in this narration).
Miraculous Birth
(2) "Moses and Muhummed were born in the normal, natural course, i.e. the physical association of man and woman; but Jesus was created by a special miracle. You will recall that we are told in the Gospel of St. Matthew 1:18 ".....BEFORE THEY CAME TOGETHER,(Joseph the Carpenter and Mary) SHE WAS FOUND WITH CHILD BY THE HOLY GHOST." And St. Luke tells us that when the good news of the birth of a holy son was announced to her, Mary reasoned: "...HOW SHALL THIS BE, SEEING I KNOW NOT A MAN? AND THE ANGEL ANSWERED AND SAID UNTO HER, THE HOLY GHOST SHALL COME UPON THEE, AND THE POWER OF THE HIGHEST SHALL OVERSHADOW THEE..." (Luke 1:35). The Holy Qur’ân confirms the miraculous birth of Jesus, in nobler and sublimer terms. In answer to her logical question:
" O MY LORD! HOW SHALL I HAVE A SON WHEN NO MAN HATH TOUCHED ME? "
The angel says in reply: "EVEN SO: ALLAH CREATETH WHAT HE WILLETH:
WHEN HE HATH DECREED A PLAN, HE BUT SAITH TO IT "BE,"
AND IT IS " 1 (HOLY QUR'AN, 3:47).
It is not necessary for God to plant a seed in man or animal. He merely wills it and it comes into being. This is the Muslim conception of the of birth of Jesus. (When I compared the Qur’ân and the Biblical versions of the birth of Jesus to the head of the Bible Society in our largest City, and when I enquired: "Which version would you prefer to give your daughter, the QUR'ANIC version or the BIBLICAL version?" The man bowed his head and answered: "The Qur’ânic.") In short, I said to the dominee: "Is it true that Jesus was born miraculously as against the natural birth of Moses and Muhummed?" He replied proudly: "Yes!" I said: "Therefore Jesus is not like Moses, but Muhummed is like Moses. And God says to Moses in the Book of Deuteronomy 18:18 "LIKE UNTO THEE" (Like You, Like Moses) and Muhummed is like Moses."
1. Please open the Holy Qur’ân 3:42 and 19:16 where the birth of Jesus is spoken about; read it with the commentary, note the high position which Jesus and his mother occupy in Islam.
Marriage Ties
(3) "Moses and Muhummed married and begat children, but Jesus remained a bachelor all his life. Is this true?" The dominee said: "Yes." I said: "Therefore Jesus is not like Moses, but Muhummed is like Moses."
Jesus Rejected by his People
(4) "Moses and Muhummed were accepted as prophets by their people in their very lifetime. No doubt the Jews gave endless trouble to Moses and they murmured in the wilderness, but as a nation, they acknowledged that Moses was a Messenger of God sent to them. The Arabs too made Muhummed's life impossible. He suffered very badly at their hands. After 13 years of preaching in Mecca, he had to emigrate from the city of his birth. But before his demise, the Arab nation as a whole accepted him as the Messenger of Allah. But according to the Bible: 'He (Jesus) CAME UNTO HIS OWN, BUT HIS OWN RECEIVED HIM NOT.' (John 1:11). And even today, after two thousand years, his people- the Jews, as a whole, have rejected him. Is this true?" The dominee said: "Yes." I said: "THEREFORE JESUS IS NOT LIKE MOSES, BUT MUHUMMED IS LIKE MOSES."
"Other-Wordly" Kingdom
(5) "Moses and Muhummed were prophets as well as kings. A prophet means a man who receives Divine Revelation for the Guidance of Man and this Guidance he conveys to God's creatures as received without any addition or deletion. A king is a person who has the power of life and death over his people. It is immaterial whether the person wears a crown or not, or whether he was ever addressed as king or monarch: if the man has the prerogative of inflicting capital punishment - HE IS A KING. Moses possessed such a power. Do you remember the Israelite who was found picking up firewood on Sabbath Day, and Moses had him stoned to death? (Numbers- 15:13). There are other crimes also mentioned in the Bible for which capital punishment was inflicted on the Jews at the behest of Moses. Muhummed too, had the power of life and death over his people.
There are instances in the Bible of persons who were given gift of prophecy only, but they were not in a position to implement their directives. Some of these holy men of God who were helpless in the face of stubborn rejection of their message, were the prophets lot, Jonah, Daniel, Ezra, and John the Baptist. They could only deliver the message, but could not enforce the Law. The Holy Prophet Jesus (Peace p.b.u.h) also belonged to this category. The Christian Gospel clearly confirms this: when Jesus was dragged before the Roman Governor, Pontius Pilate, Charged for sedition, Jesus made a convincing point in his defence to refute the false charge: JESUS ANSWERED, "MY KINGDOM IS NOT OF THIS WORLD': IF MY KINGDOM WERE OF THIS WORLD, THEN WOULD MY SERVANTS FIGHT, THAT I SHOULD NOT BE DELIVERED TO THE JEWS; BUT NOW IS MY KINGDOM NOT FROM HENCE" (John 18:36) This convinced Pilate (A Pagan) that though Jesus might not be in full possession of his mental faculty, he did not strike him as being a danger to his rule. Jesus claimed a spiritual Kingdom only; in other words he only claimed to be a Prophet. Is this true?" The dominee answered: "Yes." I said: "Therefore Jesus is not like Moses but Muhummed is like Moses."
No New Laws
(6) "Moses and Muhummed brought new laws and new regulations for their people. Moses not only gave the Ten Commandments to the Israelites, but a very comprehensive ceremonial law for the guidance of his people. Muhummed comes to a people steeped in barbarism and ignorance. They married their step-mothers; they buried their daughters alive; drunkenness, adultery, idolatry, and gambling were the order of the day. Gibbon describe the Arabs before Islam in his "Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire", THE HUMAN BRUTE, ALMOST WITHOUT SENSE, IS POORLY DISTINGUISHED FROM THE REST OF THE ANIMAL CREATION.' There was hardly anything to distinguish between the "man" and the "animal" of the time; they were animals in human form.
"From this abject barbarism, Muhummed elevated them, in the words of Thomas Carlysle, "into torch-bearers of light and learning.' 'TO THE ARAB NATION IT WAS AS A BIRTH FROM DARKNESS INTO LIGHT. ARABIA FIRST BECAME ALIVE BY MEANS OF IT. A POOR SHEPHERD PEOPLE, ROAMING UNNOTICED IN ITS DESERTS SINCE THE CREATION OF THE WORLD. SEE, THE UNNOTICED BECOMES WORLD NOTABLE, THE SMALL HAS GROWN WORLD-GREAT. WITHIN ONE CENTURY AFTERWARDS ARABIA WAS AT GRANADA ON ONE HAND AND AT DELHI ON THE OTHER. GLANCING IN VALOUR AND SPLENDOUR, AND THE LIGHT OF GENIUS, ARABIA SHINES OVER A GREAT SECTION OF THE WORLD. ..." The fact is that Muhummed gave his people a Law and Order they never had before.
As regards Jesus, when the Jews felt suspicious of him that he might be an impostor with designs to pervert their teachings, Jesus took pains to assure them that he had not come with a new religion - no new laws and no new regulations. I quote his own words: 'THINK NOT THAT I AM COME TO DESTROY THE LAW, OR THE PROPHETS: I AM NOT COME TO DESTROY, BUT TO FULFIL. FOR VERILY I SAY UNTO YOU, TILL HEAVEN AND EARTH PASS, ONE JOT OR ONE TITLE SHALL IN NO WISE PASS FROM THE LAW, TILL ALL BE FULFILLED.'(Mathew 5:17-18). In other words he had not come with any new laws or regulation he came only to fulfil the old law. This what he gave the Jews to understand- unless he was speaking with the tongue in his cheek trying to bluff the Jews into accepting him as a man of God and by subterfuge trying to ram a new religion down their throats. No! This Messenger of God would never resort to such fo ul means to subvert the Religion of God. He himself fulfilled the laws. He observed the commandments of Moses, and he respected the Sabbath. At no time did a single Jew point a finger at him to say, 'why don't you fast' or 'why don't you wash your hands before you break bread',which charges they always levied against his disciples, but never against Jesus. This is because as a good Jew he honoured the laws of the prophets who preceded him. In short, he had created no new religion and had brought no new law like Moses and Muhummed. Is this true?" I asked the dominee, and he answered: "Yes." I said: "Therefore, Jesus is not like Moses but Muhummed is like Moses."
How they Departed
(7) "Both Moses and Muhummed died natural deaths, but according to Christianity, Jesus was violently killed on the cross.1 Is this true?" The dominee said: "Yes." I averred: "Therefore Jesus is not like Moses but Muhummed is like Moses."
Heavenly Abode
(8) "Moses and Muhummed both lie buried in earth, but according to you, Jesus in heaven. Is this true?" The dominee agreed. I said: "Therefore Jesus is not like Moses but Muhummed is like Moses."
1. For a full exposition of this topic, see "CRUCIFIXION OR CRUCI-FICTION?".

CHAPTER THREE
Further Proofs
Ishmael The First Born
Since the dominee was helplessly agreeing with every point, I said, "Dominee, so far what I have done is to prove only one point out of the whole prophecy- that is proving the phrase 'LIKE UNTO THEE' - 'Like You' - 'Like Moses'. The Prophecy is much more than this single phrase which reads as follows : "I WILL RAISE THEM UP A PROPHET FROM AMONG THEIR BRETHREN LIKE UNTO THEE......." The emphasis is on the words- "From among their brethren." Moses and his people, the Jews, are here addressed as a racial entity, and as such their 'brethren' would undoubtedly be the Arabs. You see, the Holy Bible speaks of Abraham as the "Friend of God". Abraham had two wives - Sarah and Hagar. Hagar bore Abraham a son - HIS FIRST-BORN- '......And Abraham1 called HIS SON'S name, which Hagar bare Ishmael.' (Genesis 16:15). 'And Abraham took Ishmael HIS SON......" (Genesis 17:23). 'And Ishmael HIS SON was thirteen years old, when he was circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin.'(Genesis 17:25). Up to the age of THIRTEEN Ishmael was the ONLY son and seed of Abraham, when the covenant was ratified between God and Abraham. God grants Abraham another son through Sarah, named Isaac, who was very much the junior to his brother Ishmael.
1. According to the Bible, Abraham's name was Abram before it was changed by God to Abraham.
Arabs and Jews
If Ishmael and Isaac are the sons of the same father Abraham, then they are brothers. And so the children of the one are the BRETHREN of the children of the other. The children of Isaac are the Jews and the Children of Ishmael are the Arabs - so they are BRETHREN to one another. The Bible affirms, 'AND HE (ISHMAEL) SHALL DWELL IN THE PRESENCE OF ALL HIS BRETHREN.' (Genesis 16:12). 'AND HE (ISHMAEL) DIED IN THE PRESENCE OF ALL HIS BRETHREN.(Genesis 25:18). The children of Isaac are the brethren of the Ishmaelites. In like manner Muhummed is from among the brethren of the Israelites because he was a descendant of Ishmael the son of Abraham. This exactly as the prophecy has it- 'FROM AMONG THEIR BRETHREN'.(Deut.18:18). There the prophecy distinctly mentions that the coming prophet who would be like Moses, must arise NOT from the 'children of Israel' or from 'among themselves', but from among their brethren. MUHUMMED THEREFORE WAS FROM AMONG THEIR BRETHREN!
Words in the Mouth
"The prophecy proceeds further:'.......AND I WILL PUT MY WORDS INTO HIS MOUTH.......' What does it mean when it is said 'I will put my words in your mouth'? You see, when I asked you (the dominee) to open Deuteronomy chapter 18, verse 18, at the beginning, and if I had asked you to read, and if you had read: would I be putting my words into your mouth?" The dominee answered: "No." "But," I continued: "If I were to teach you a language like Arabic about which you have no knowledge, and if I asked you to read or repeat after me what I utter i.e.

(I read them in Arabic )
Would I not be putting these unheard words of a foreign tongue which you utter, into your mouth?" The dominee agreed that it was indeed so. In an identical manner, I said, the words of the Holy Qur’ân, the Revelation vouchsafed by the Almighty God to Muhummed, were revealed.
History tells us that Muhummed was forty years of age. He was in a cave some three miles north of the City of Mecca. It was the 27th night of the Muslim month of Ramadaan. In the cave the Archangel Gabriel commands him in his mother tongue: 'IQRA' which means READ! or PROCLAIM! or RECITE! Muhummed is terrified and in his bewilderment replies " MA ANA BEQARA which means I AM NOT LEARNED! The angel commands him a second time with the same result. For the third time the angel continues.

Now Muhummed, grasps, that what was required of him was to repeat! to rehearse! And he repeats the words as they were put into his mouth:

These are the first five verses, which were revealed to Muhummed, which now occupy the beginning of the 96th chapter of the Holy Qur’ân.
The Faithful Witness
Immediately the angel had departed, Muhummed rushed to his home. Terrified and sweating all over he asked his beloved wife Khadija to 'cover him up!' He lay down, and she watched by him. When he had regained his composure, he explained to her what he had seen and heard. She assured him of her faith in him and that Allah would not allow any terrible thing to happen to him. Are these the confessions of an impostar? Would impostars confess that when an angel of the Lord confronts them with a Message from on High, they get fear-stricken, terrified, and sweating all over, run home to their wives? Any critic can see that his reactions and confessions are that of an honest, sincere man, the man of Truth- 'AL-AMIN' - THE Honest, the Upright, the Truthful.
During the next twenty-three years of his prophetic life, words were 'Put into his mouth', and he uttered them. They made an indeliable impression on his heart and mind: and as the volume of the Sacred Scripture (Holy Qur’ân) grew, they were recorded on palm-leaf fibre, on skins and on the shoulder-blades of animals; and in the hearts of his devoted disciples. Before his demise these words were arranged according to his instructions i n the order in which we find them today in the Holy Qur’ân.
The words (revelation) were actually put into his mouth, exactly as foretold in the prophecy under discussion: 'AND I WILL PUT MY WORDS IN HIS MOUTH.' (Deut. 18:18).
Un-lettered Prophet
Muhummed's experience in the cave of Hira, later to be known as Jabal-un Noor - The Mountain of Light, and his response to that first Revelation is the exact fulfillment of another Biblical Prophecy. In the Book of Isaiah, Chapter 29, verse 12, we read: "AND THE BOOK" (al-Kitaab, al-Qur’ân the 'Reading', the 'Recitation') "IS DELIVERED TO HIM THAT IS NOT LEARNED," (Isaiah 29:12) "THE UNLETTERED PROPHET " (Holy Qur’ân 7:158) and the biblical verse continues : "SAYING, READ THIS, I PRAY THEE:" (the words "I pray thee", are not in the Hebrew manuscripts; compare with the Roman Catholics' "Douay Version and also with the "Revised Standard Versions") "AND HE SAITH, I AM NOT LEARNED." ("I am not learned." is the exact translation of the Arabic words MA ANA BEQARA which Muhummed uttered twice to the Holy Ghost - the Archangel Gabriel, when he was commanded : IQRAA "READ!").
Let me quote the verse in full without a break as found in the "King James Version," or the "Authorised version" as it is more popularly known "AND THE BOOK IS DELIVERED TO HIM THAT IS NOT LEARNED, SAYING, READ THIS I PRAY THEE: AND HE SAITH, I AM NOT LEARNED." (Isaiah 29:12).
Important note:
It may be noted that there were no Arabic Bibles in existence in the 6th Century of the Christian Era when Muhummed lived and preached! Besides, he was absolutely unlettered and unlearned. No human had ever taught him a word. His teacher was his Creator:

Without any human learning, 'he put to shame the wisdom of the learned'."
(12) There are today Arabic Bibles in Fourteen different scripts and dialects for the Arabs alone. See "The Gospels in many tongues".
Grave Warning
"See!" I told the dominee, "how the prophecies fit Muhummed like a glove. We do not have to stretch prophecies to justify their fulfillment in Muhummed."
The dominee replied, "All your expositions sound very well, but they are of no real consequence, because we Christians have Jesus Christ the "incarnate" God, who has redeemed us from the Bondage of Sin!"
I asked, "Not important?" God didn't think so! He went to a great deal of trouble to have His warnings recorded. God knew that there would be people like you who will flippantly, light-heartedly discount his words, so he followed up Deuteronomy 18:18 with a dire warning: "AND IT SHALL COME TO PASS, " (it is going to happen) "THAT WHOSOEVER WILL NOT HEARKEN UNTO MY WORDS WHICH HE SHALL SPEAK IN MY NAME, I WILL REQUIRE IT OF HIM. (in the Catholic Bible the ending words are - "I will be the revenger", I will take vengeance from him - I will take revenge!) "Does not this terrify you? God Almighty is threatening revenge! We shake in our pants if some hoodlum threatens us, yet you have no fear of God's warning?"
"Miracle of Miracles! in the verse 19 of Deuteronomy chapter 18, we have a further fulfillment of the prophecy in Muhummed! Note the words-'.....MY WORDS WHICH HE SHALL SPEAK IN MY NAME," In whose name is Muhummed speaking?" I opened Yusuf Ali's translation of the Holy Qur’ân, at chapter 114- 'Sura Nas', or Mankind - the last chapter, and showed him the formula at the head of the chapter:

And the meaning: "IN THE NAME OF GOD, MOST GRACIOUS, MOST MERCIFUL." And the heading of chapter 113:

And the meaning: "IN THE NAME OF GOD, MOST GRACIOUS, MOST MERCIFUL". And every chapter downwards 112, 111, 110...was the same formula and the same meaning on every page, because the end SURAS (chapters) are short and take about a page each.
"And what did the prophecy demand?' ...WHICH HE SHALL SPEAK IN MY NAME and in whose name does Muhummed speak? 'IN THE NAME OF GOD, MOST GRACIOUS MOST MERCIFUL.' The Prophecy is being fulfilled in Muhummed to the letter
"Every chapter of the Holy Qur’ân except the 9th begin with the formula:

IN THE NAME OF GOD, MOST GRACIOUS, MOST MERCIFUL.' The Muslim begins his every lawful act with the Holy formula. But the Christian begins: "In the name of the Father, son and Holy Ghost.'"1
Concerning Deuteronomy chapter eighteen, I have given you more than 15 reasons as to how this prophecy refers to Muhummed and NOT to Jesus.
1. The Christian theologians are ignorant of even the "name of God. Because "God" is not a name, and "Father" is also not a name. See "WHAT IS HIS NAME?"

CHAPTER FOUR
New Testament Also Confirms
Baptist Contradicts Jesus
In New Testament times, we find that the Jews were still expecting the fulfilment of the prophecy of 'ONE LIKE MOSES', refer John 1:19-25. When Jesus claimed to be the Messiah of the Jews, the Jews began to enquire as to where was Elias? The Jews had a parallel prophecy that before the coming of the Messiah, Elias must come first in his second coming. Jesus confirms this Jewish belief:
"...ELIAS TRULY SHALL FIRST COME, AND RESTORE ALL THINGS. BUT I SAY UNTO YOU, THAT ELIAS IS COME ALREADY, AND THEY KNEW HIM NOT...THEN THE DISCIPLES UNDERSTOOD THAT HE SPAKE UNTO THEM OF JOHN THE BAPTIST." (Matthew 17:11-13).
According to the New Testament the Jews were not the ones to swallow the words of any would-be Messiah. In their investigations they underwent intense difficulties in order to find their true Messiah. And this the Gospel of John confirms: "AND THIS IS THE RECORD OF JOHN,"(the Baptist) "WHEN THE JEWS SENT PRIESTS AND LEVITES FROM JERUSALEM TO ASK HIM, WHO ART THOU? AND HE CONFESSED AND DENIED NOT; BUT CONFESSED, I AM NOT THE CHRIST." (This was only natural because there can't be two Messiahs1 at the same time. If Jesus was the Christ then John couldn't be the Christ!) "AND THEY ASKED HIM, WHAT THEN? ART THOU ELIAS? AND HE SAITH, I AM NOT." (Here John the Baptist contradicts Jesus! Jesus says that John is "Elias" and John denies that he is what Jesus ascribes him to be. One of the TWO (Jesus or John), God forbid!, is definitely not speaking the TRUTH! On the testimony of Jesus himself, John the Baptist was the greatest of the Israelite prophets: "VERILY I SAY UNTO YOU, AMONG THEM THAT ARE BORN OF WOMEN THERE HAS NOT RISEN A GREATER THAN JOHN THE BAPTIST:... "(Matthew 11:11).
We Muslims know John the Baptist as Hazrut YAHYAA Alai-his-salaam (peace be upon him). We revere him as a true prophet of Allah. The Holy Prophet Jesus known to us as Hazrut ISAA Alai-his-salaam (peace be upon him), is also esteemed as one of the mightiest messenger of the Almighty. How can we Muslims impute lies to either of them? We leave this problem between Jesus and John for the Christians to solve, for their "sacred scriptures" abound in discrepancies which they have been glossing over as the "dark sayings of Jesus"(15). We Muslims are really interested in the last questions posed to John the Baptist by the Jewish elite- "ART THOU THAT PROPHET? AND HE ANSWERED, NO." (John 1:21)
1. The Jews were expecting a single Messiah not two.
2. See the "TIMES" Magazine December 30th, 1974, article "How true is the Bible?" And also see "50,000 Errors in the Bible?" a reproduction from the Christian Magazine "AWAKE!" September 8, 1957.
Three Questions!
Please note that three different and distinct questions were posed to John the Baptist and to which he gave three emphatic "NO'S" as answers. To recapitulate:-

1) ART THOU THE CHRIST?
2) ART THOU ELIAS?
3) ART THOU THAT PROPHET?
But the learned men of Christendom somehow only see two questions implied here. To make doubly clear that the Jews definitely had T-H-R-E-E separate prophecies in their minds when they were interrogating John the Baptist, let us read the remonstrance of the Jews in the verses following:
"AND THEY ASKED HIM, AND SAID UNTO HIM, WHY BAPTIZEST THOU THEN, IF THOU BE
a) NOT THAT CHRIST,
b) NOR ELIAS,
c) NEITHER THAT PROPHET?" (John 1:25)
The Jews were waiting for the fulfillment of THREE distinct prophecies: One, the coming of CHRIST. Two the coming of ELIAS, and Three, the coming of THAT PROPHET.
"That Prophet"
If we look up any Bible which has a concordance or cross-references, the we will find in the marginal note where the words "the Prophet", or "that Prophet" occur in John 1:25, that these words refer to the prophecy of Deuteronomy 18:15 and 18. And that 'that prophet' - 'the prophet like Moses' - "LIKE UNTO THEE", we have proved through overwhelming evidence that he was MUHUMMED and not Jesus!
We Muslims are not denying that Jesus was the "Messiah", which word is translated as "Christ".1 We are not contesting the "thousand and one prophecies" which the Christians claim abound in the Old Testament foretelling the coming of the Messiah. What we say is that Deuteronomy 18:18 does NOT refer to Jesus Christ but it is an explicit prophecy about the Holy Prophet MUHUMMED!"
The dominee, very politely parted with me by saying that it was a very interesting discussion and he would like me very much to come one day and address his congregation on the subject. A decade and half has passed since then but I am still awaiting that privilege.
I believe the dominee was sincere when he made the offer, but prejudices die hard and who would like to loose his sheep?
1. How the word Messiah was transmuted to Christ?. See "Christ in Islam"
The Acid Test
To the lambs of Christ I say, why not apply that acid test which the Master himself wanted you to apply to any would be claimant to Prophethood? He had said: "BY THEIR FRUITS YE SHALL KNOW THEM. DO MEN GATHER GRAPES FROM THE THORNS, OR FIGS FROM THE THISTLES? EVERY GOOD TREE WILL BEAR GOOD FRUIT AND EVERY EVIL TREE WILL BEAR EVIL FRUIT.... BY THEIR FRUITS YE SHALL KNOW THEM. (Matthew 7:16-20).
Why are you afraid to apply this test to the teachings of Muhummed? You will find in the Last Testament of God - the Holy Qur’ân - the true fulfillment of the teachings of Moses and Jesus, which will bring to the world the much-needed peace and happiness. "IF A MAN LIKE MOHAMED WERE TO ASSUME THE DIC TATORSHIP OF THE MODERN WORLD, HE WOULD SUCCEED IN SOLVING ITS PROBLEMS THAT WOULD BRING IT THE MUCH NEEDED PEACE AND HAPPINESS." (George Bernard Shaw)
The Greatest!
The Weekly Newsmagazine "TIME" dated July 15, 1974, carried a selection of opinions by various historians, writers, military men, businessmen and others on the subject: "Who Were History's Great Leaders?" Some said that it was Hitler; others said - Gandhi, Buddha, Lincoln and the like. But Jules Masserman, a United States psychoanalyst put the standards straight by giving the correct criteria wherewith to judge. He said:
"LEADERS MUST FULFIL THREE FUNCTIONS:-
(1) Provide for the well-being of the led,
(2) Provide a social organization in which people feel relatively secure and
(3) Provide them with one set of beliefs."
With the above three criteria he searches history and analyses - Hitler, Pasteur, Gaesar, Moses, Confucius and the lot, and ultimately concludes:
"PEOPLE LIKE PASTEUR AND SALK ARE LEADERS IN THE FIRST SENSE. PEOPLE LIKE GANDHI AND CONFUCIUS, ON ONE HAND, AND ALEXANDER, CAESAR AND HITLER ON THE OTHER, ARE LEADERS IN THE SECOND AND PERHAPS THE THIRD SENSE. JESUS AND BUDDHA BELONG IN THE THIRD CATEGORY ALONE. PERHAPS THE GREATEST LEADER OF ALL TIMES WAS MOHAMMED, WHO COMBINED ALL THREE FUNCTIONS. To a lesser degree, MOSES DID THE SAME."
According to the objective standards set by the Professor of the Chicago University, whom I believe to be Jewish, - JESUS and BUDDHA are now - here in the picture of the "Great Leaders of Mankind", but by a queer coincidence groups Moses and Muhummed together thus adding further weight to the argument that JESUS is not like MOSES, but MUHUMMED is like MOSES: Deut.18:18 "LIKE UNTO THEE" - Like MOSES!
Reverend James L. Dow in Collins Dictionary of the Bible gives further proof, that JESUS is not like MOSES, but MUHUMMED is like Moses: "AS A STATESMAN AND LAWGIVER MOSES IS THE CREATOR OF THE JEWISH PEOPLE. HE FOUND A LOOSE CONGLOMERATION OF SEMITIC PEOPLE, NONE OF ......

*Also in "THE ENCYCLOPAEDIA OF RELIGION", Moses is looked upon in the different traditions. Under Moses in Islam; we read
"MOSES IS HIGHLY REGARDED IN ISLAM AS THE GREAT PROPHET WHO FORETOLD THE COMING OF MUHAMMAD, HIS SUCCESSOR...THERE IS MUCH IN THE LIFE OF MUHAMMAD THAT IS IMPLICITLY REMINISCENT OF THE MOSES TRADITION.

P121, THE ENCYCLOPAEDIA OF RELIGION, Mircea Eliade (EDITOR IN CHIEF)
Volume 10, Macmillean Publishing Company
In conclusion, I end with a quotation of a Christian Reverend the commentator of the Bible, followed by that of his Master:
"THE ULTIMATE CRITERION OF A TRUE PROPHET IS THE MORAL CHARACTER OF HIS TEACHING." (Prof. Dummelow.)
"BY THEIR FRUITS YE SHALL KNOW THEM." (Jesus Christ)


COME LET US REASON TOGETHER
SAY:"O PEOPLE OF THE BOOK! COME TO COMMON TERMS AS BETWEEN US AND YOU: THAT WE WORSHIP NONE BUT GOD; THAT WE ASSOCIATE NO PARTNERS WITH HIM; THAT WE ERECT NOT, FROM AMONG OURSELVES, LORDS AND PATRONS OTHER THAN GOD." IF THEN THEY TURN BACK,
SAY: "BEAR WITNESS THAT WE (AT LEAST) ARE MUSLIMS (BOWING TO GOD'S WILL)." (SURA AL-I-'IMRAN) Holy Qur’ân 3:64
"PEOPLE OF THE BOOK" is the respectful title given to the Jews and the Christians in the Holy Qur’ân. The Muslims is here commanded to invite - "O People of the Book!" - O Learned People! O People who claim to be the recipients of Divine Revelation, of a Holy Scripture; let us gather together onto a common platform - "that we worship none but God", because none but God is worthy of worship, not because "THE LORD THY GOD IS A JEALOUS GOD VISITING THE INIQUITY OF THE FATHERS UPON THE CHILDREN UNTO THE THIRD AND FOURTH GENERATION OF THEM THAT HATE ME." (Exodus 20:25). But because He is our Lord and Cherisher, our Sustainer and Evolver, worthy of all praise, prayer and devotion.
In the abstract the Jews and the Christians would agree to all the three propositions contained in this Qur’ânic verse. In practice they fail. Apart from doctrinal lapses from the unity of the One True God, (ALLAH Subhanahu wa ta-ala) there is the question of a consecrated Priesthood (among the Jews it was hereditary also), as if a mere human being - Cohen or Pope, or Priest, or Brahman, - could claim superiority apart from his learning and the purity of his life, or could stand between man and God in some special sense. ISLAM DOES NOT RECOGNISE PRIESTHOOD!
The Creed of Islam is given to us here in a nutshell from Holy Qur’ân:
Say ye: "We believe in Allah, And the revelation given to us, And to Abraham, Isma'il, Isaac, Jacob, and the Tribes, And that given to Moses and Jesus And that given to (all) Prophets from their Lord: We make no difference Between one and another of them: And we bow to Allah (in Islam)." (SURA BAQARA) Holy Qur’ân 2:136.
The Muslim position is clear. The Muslim does not claim to have a religion peculiar to himself. Islam is not a sect or an ethnic religion. In its view all Religion is one, for the Truth is one. IT WAS THE SAME RELIGION PREACHED BY ALL THE EARLIER PROPHETS. (Holy Qur’ân 42:13). It was the truth taught by all the inspired Books. In essence it amounts to a consciousness of the Will and Plan of God and a joyful submission to that Will and Plan. IF ANYONE WANTS A RELIGION OTHER THAN THAT, HE IS FALSE TO HIS OWN NATURE, AS HE IS FALSE TO GOD'S WILL AND PLAN. Such a one cannot expect guidance, for he has deliberately renounced guidance.

All rights reserved by,
IRF (Islamic Research Foundation, India)
www.irf.net

Presented By.
Muhammad Danish Mahboob Khan,
Pakistan.

August 11, 2007 | 2:22 AM Comments  1 comments

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I lost my sister 'Farayha' on 18th of November 2006.

I love my sister 'Farayha Mahboob Khan' very much. I really missing her very badly.


My message to all people of the world is that,

Please remember her is your prayers. I shall remain thanksful to you in this temporary and also next permanent life.


Thanking you,

Muhammad Danish Mahboob Khan,
Pakistan.

May 31, 2007 | 6:34 PM Comments  9 comments

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COMPARATIVE STUDY BETWEEN ISLAM AND HINDUISM PART Ist

COMPARATIVE STUDY BETWEEN ISLAM AND HINDUISM
Part1:
PRESENTING ISLAM TO HINDUS
Arabic Recitation (3:64)
I. Introduction
A. Introduction of Hinduism
1. Definition of a Hindu
2. Definition of Hinduism
B. Introduction of Islam
1. Definition of Islam
2. Definition of a Muslim
3. Misconception about Islam
II. Pillars of Faith (Imaan)
(i) Pillars of Hinduism - Pillars of Faith in Hinduism are not defined
(ii) Pillars of Faith (Imaan) in Islam
A. Tawheed
1. 2:177
2. Hadith of six pillars of Imaan - Sahih Muslim, Vol. 1, Kitabul Imaan, Chapter 2, Hadith 6
3. Concept of God in Islam (112:1-4) (3:64)
4. Concept of God in Hinduism
a) Common concept of God in Hinduism
b) Difference between Islam and Hinduism is ‘S’
c) Bhagavad Geeta 7:20
d) Upanishad
Chandogya Upanishad, Ch. 6, Section 2, Verse 1
Svetasvatara Upanishad 6: 9
Svetasvatara Upanishad 4: 19
Svetasvatara Upanishad 4: 20
e) Yajurveda
Yajurveda 32: 3
Yajurveda 40: 8
Yajurveda 40: 9
f) Atharvaveda 20 : 58 : 3
g) Rigveda
Rigveda 1: 64: 46
Rigveda 2: 1
B. Angels
1. Angels in Islam
2. Angels in Hinduism
C. Books
(i) Books of Islam
1. Several revelations of Allah (13:38)
2. By name four are mentioned
3. Qur’an is the last and final revelation
4. All previous revelation meant for particular group of people and for a particular group of people and for a particular period of time
5. Qur’an revealed for whole humankind (14:52) (2:185) (39:41)
(ii) Books of Hinduism
Introduction
1. Vedas
2. Upanishads
3. Puranas
4. Itihas
5. Can Hindu scriptures be considered the word of God

D. Messengers
Messengers in Islam
1. Messengers sent to every nation (35:24) (13:7)
2. 25 prophets mentioned by name in the Qur’an
3. Stories of only some prophets mentioned in the Qur’an (4:164) (40:78)
4. Several hundreds of messengers sent to the world according to Hadith
5. All previous messengers were only sent for their people and nation and their complete message was meant for that period of time
6. Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) last and final messenger (33:40)
7. Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) sent for whole of humankind (21:107) (34:28) Sahih Bukhari, Vol. 1, Book of Salaah, Chapter 56, Hadith 429
8. Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) prophesied in Hindu scriptures
a) Bhavishya Purana, Parv 3, Khand 3, Adhaya 3, Shloka 5-8
b) Bhavishya Purana, Parv 3, Khand 3, Adhaya 3, Shloka 10-27
c) Atharvaveda, Book 20, Hymn 127, Verses 1-113 (kuntap sukla)
d) Atharvaveda, Book 20, Hymn 21, Verse 6
e) Atharvaveda, Book 20, Hymn 21, Verse 7
f) Samveda, Book 2, Hymn 6, Verse 8
9. Avtaars and Messengers in Hinduism
10. Anthropomorphism
11. Which prophet was sent to India, can we consider Ram and Krishna to be the messengers of Allah?
12. Hadith sayings and tradition of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh)

E. Life after Death - hereafter
(i) Life after death in Islam
1. Life after death (2:28)
2. This life is the test for the hereafter (67:2)
3. Full recompense on the day of judgement (3:185)
4. Paradise - Al Jannah
5. Hell - Jahannam

(ii) Life after death in Hinduism

1. Concept of Rebirths in Hinduism - Reincarnation or Transmigration of the souls
a) Bhagavad Geeta, Chapter 2, Verse 22
b) Brhadaranyaka Upanishad, Part 4, Chapter 4, Verse 3
2. Karma - the law of cause and effect
3. Dharma - righteous duties
4. Moksha - liberation from the cycle of rebirths
5. Rebirths not mentioned in the Vedas
6. Punarjanam is not cycle of rebirth but life after death
7. Life after death in the Vedas
a) Rigveda, Book 10, Hymn 16, Verse 4
b) Rigveda, Book 10, Hymn 16, Verse 5
8. Paradise - Swarga in the Vedas
a) Atharvaveda, Book 4, Hymn 34, Verse 6
b) Atharvaveda, Book 4, Hymn 34, Verse 2
c) Atharvaveda, Book 2, Hymn 34, Verse 5
d) Atharvaveda, Book 6, Hymn 122, Verse 3
e) Rigveda, Book 10, Hymn 95, Verse 18
9. Hell - Nark in the Vedas - Rigveda, Book 4, Hymn 5, Verse 4
F. Destiny
1. Concept of Destiny - Qadr in Islam
2. Logical concept for differences in different individuals (67:2)
3. Present conditions in Islam is a test (2:214) (29:2) (21:35) (2:155) (8:28)

III. Pillars of Islam
1. Islamic Creed
a) Sahih Bukhari, Vol. 1, Book of Imaan, Chapter 1, Hadith 8
b) To testify that ‘Ash-hadu-al-lailaha illallah wa anna Muhammadar Rasulullah’

2. Salaah
a) Not merely prayers but programming (5:90) (2:188)
b) Prayers restrains you from unjust and shameful deeds (29:45)
c) Five times Salaah for healthy souls
d) Idol worship is prohibited in Hinduism
e) Common Hindus use idols for worshipping for concentration
f) Muslims do not worship Kaaba while offering Salaah

3. Zakat
a) Meaning purification and growth
b) Description 2.5% charity of the saving above nisab every lunar year (9:60)
c) If every human being gives Zakat, not a single human being will die of hunger
d) Wealth does not circulate only among the wealthy and rich
e) Charity in Hinduism
4. Saum - Fasting
a) Description - Abstain from food and drink from dawn to sunset for one lunar month in Ramazan
b) (2:183) Learn self-restraint. If you control your hunger you can control almost of all your desires
c) Discourages smoking, alcoholism and other addictions
d) Medical benefits, increases absorption of intestine
e) Decreases cholesterol level
f) Fasting in Hinduism
5. Hajj - pilgrimage
a) Description - Pilgrimage atleast once in life time if you can afford it
b) Universal brotherhood - 2.5 million people from all over the world gather, wear 2 pieces unsewn preferably white cloth - can’t differentiate
c) Pilgrimage in Hinduism
IV. Commandments of Allah
1. Five pillars do not constitute the complete religion of Islam
2. Islam is not merely a religion but complete way of life it caters to the body as well as the soul

3. (51:56)
(1) Abstaining from prohibited food is submitting your will to Allah (SWT) e.g. Alcohol (5:90) - Alcohol prohibited in Veda (Rigveda 8:2:12) (Rigveda 8:21:14)
(2) Prohibition of gambling in Qur’an (5:90) - Prohibition of gambling in Veda (Rigveda 10:34:3-13)
(3) Prohibition of Interest in the Qur’an (3:130) (4:161) (30:39) (2:275) (2:276) (2:278) - Prohibition of Interest in the Veda (Rigveda 3:35:14)
(4) Dressing modestly (24:31) + six criteria’s in hijab - Dressing modestly in Hinduism (Rigveda 10:33:19) Men forbidden to wear female dress (Rigveda 10:85:30)
V. Hindu Reformers
1. Sri Ramakrishna
2. Swami Vivekananda
3. Swami Dayanand Saraswati
4. Raja Ram Mohan Roy
5. Mahatma Gandhi
VI. Conclusion
1. No reforms required in Islam (5:3)


COMPARATIVE STUDY BETWEEN ISLAM AND HINDUISM

PRESENTING ISLAM TO HINDUS
Arabic Recitation (3:64)
I. Introduction
A. Introduction of Hinduism
1. Definition of a Hindu
The word Hindu has geographical significance and was used originally for those people who lived beyond the river Sindhu or the region watered by the river Indus. Some historians say that it was first used by the Persians who came to India through the north western passes of the Himalayas. The word Hindu is no where mentioned in Indian literature or scriptures before the advent of Muslims to India, according to the Encyclopedia of Religion and Ethics. According to Jawaharlal Nehru in the book Discovery of India on page 74-75, he writes that the earliest reference to the word Hindu can be traced to a tantrik of the 8th Century CE, where it means a people and not a follower of a particular religion. The use of the word Hindu in connection with a particular religion is of late occurrence.
In short Hindu is a geographical definition used for the people living beyond the river Indus or those living in India
2. Definition of Hinduism
a) Hinduism has been derived from the word Hindu. Hinduism was a name given in English language in the Nineteenth Century by the English people to the multiplicity of the beliefs and faith of the people of the Indus land. According to New Encyclopedia Britannica 20:581. The British writers in 1830 gave the word Hinduism to be used as the common name for all the beliefs of the people of India excluding the Muslims and converted Christians.
b) The term Hinduism is misleading because though it suggests the unified system of beliefs and ideas, it is certainly not the case. Hinduism is too broad a phenomenon to be confined to a usual definitions of religions. It does not owe its origin, formation or finalization to any historical person or a prophet since there is no uniformly accepted belief sacraments, rituals and practices in Hinduism, there are no criteria for establishing rules in Hinduism. In short a person who calls himself a Hindu becomes a true practicing Hindu irrespective who he worships and what ever may be his beliefs and practice.
c) According to the Hindu scholars Hinduism is a misnomer and it should be referred a Sanatana Dharma, meaning eternal religion or Vedic Dharma meaning religion of the Veda. According to Swami Vivekananda the followers of this religion is referred as Vedantist.
B. Introduction of Islam
1. Definition of Islam
Islam is an Arabic word which comes from the word ‘Salaam’ which means ‘Peace’. It also means submitting your will to Allah - the Almighty God. In short Islam means peace acquired by submitting your will to Allah (SWT).
2. Definition of a Muslim
A Muslim is a person who submits his will to Allah - the Almighty God.
3. Misconception about Islam
Many people have a misconception that Islam is a new religion which came into existence 1400 years ago and Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) is the founder of the religion of Islam. Infact Islam is there since time immemorial, since man set foot on the earth. Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) is not the founder of the religion of Islam but he is the last and final messenger of Islam.
II. Pillars of Faith (Imaan) - Pillars of Hinduism
Pillars of Faith in Hinduism are not defined. As mentioned earlier that Hinduism does not have a set of unified or codified beliefs. Neither does it have any fixed pillars or principles which are obligatory for its followers to practice. A Hindu has a freedom to practice whatever he pleases, there is no such thing as compulsory or prohibited for him thus no act committed by a person can make him a non-Hindu. Neither omission of any act can make him a non-Hindu. However there are certain beliefs which are common to most of the Hindus. Even though it may not be agreed upon 100% by all the Hindus, we shall discuss some of them while discussing the pillars of Islam.

CONCEPT OF GOD IN HINDUISM

The most popular amongst the Aryan religion is Hinduism
1. Common concept of God in Hinduism:
If you ask a common Hindu that how many Gods he believe in, some may say three some may say thirty three, some may say a thousand while some may say thirty three crore i.e. 330 millions. But if you ask this question to a Hindu learned man who is well Versed with the Hindu scriptures, he will reply that the Hindu should actually believe and worship only one God.
2. Difference between Islam and Hinduism is ‘s’
(Everything is ‘God’s’ - everything is ‘God’):
The major difference between the Hindu and the Muslim is that the common Hindu believes in philosophy of Pantheism i.e. everything is God, the tree is God, the sun is God, the moon is God, the snake is God, the monkey is God, the human being is God.
The Muslims believe that everything is God’s. God with and apostrophe ‘s’. Everything belongs to God, the tree belongs to God, the sun belongs to God, the moon belongs to God, monkey belongs to God, the human being belongs to God.
Thus the major difference between the Hindus and the Muslims is the apostrophe ‘s’. The Hindu says everything is God. The Muslim says everything is God’s, God with an apostrophe ‘s’. If we can solve the difference of the apostrophe ‘s’, the Hindus and the Muslims will be united.
The Holy Qur’an says, “Come to common terms as between us and you”, which is the first term? “That we worship none but Allah”, so lets come to common terms by analyzing the scripture of the Hindus and the Muslim.
3. Bhagwad Geeta 7:20
The most popular amongst all the Hindu scriptures is the Bhagwad Geeta. Bhagwad Geeta mentions in Chapter 7, Verse 20, “Those whose intelligence has been stolen by material desires worship demigods” that is “Those who are materialistic, they worship demigods” i.e. besides the true God.
4. Upanishad
Upanishad are also one of the sacred scriptures of the Hindus.
(i) Chandogya Upanishad, Chapter 6, Section 2, Verse 1
It is mentioned in the Chandogya Upanishad, Prapathaka(Chapter) 6, Khanda(Section)2, Shloka(Verse) “Ekam evaditiyam”, “He is one only without a second”.
The principal Upanishad by S. Radhakrishnan, page 447 and 448(sacred books of the east Volume 1 the Upanishads, part I, page 93)
a) (ii) Similar to what is mentioned in the Holy Qur’an in Surah Ikhlas, Chapter 112, Verse 1, “Say he is Allah one and only”.
b) (i) Svetasvatara Upanishad, Chapter 6, Verse 9
It is mentioned in the Svetasvatara Upanishad, Adhyaya(Chapter) 6, Shloka(Verse) 9, “Na casya kascij janita na cadhipah” “Of him there is neither parents nor lord”.
“na tasya kascit patir asti loke, na cesita naiva ca tasya lingam, na karanam karanadhipadhipo na casya kascij janita na cadhipah”.
“Of him there is no master in the world, no ruler, nor is there any mark of him. He is the cause, the lord of the lords of the sense organs; of him there is neither progenitor nor lord”.
(The principal Upanishad by S. Radhakrishnan page 745 and in sacred books of the east Volume 15, the Upanishads, part II, page 263)
(ii) Similar message is given in Holy Qur’an in Surah Ikhlas, Chapter 112, Verse 3,
“He begets not, nor is he begotten”.
(i) In Svetasvatara Upanishad, Chapter 4, Verse 19
It is mentioned in Svetasvatara Upanishad, Adhyaya(Chapter) 4, Shloka(Verse) 19,
“Na tasya pratima asti” “There is no likeness of him”.
“nainam urdhvam na tiryancam na madhye na parijagrabhat na tasya pratima asti yasya nama mahad yasah” “There is no likeness of him whose name is great glory”.
(The principal Upanishad by S. Radhakrishnan page 736 & 737 and in sacred books of the east Volume 15, the Upanishad, part II, page 253)
c) (ii) Similar message is given in the Holy Qur’an in Surah Ikhlas, Chapter 112, Verse 4,
“And there is none like unto him”.
c) (iii) Surah Shura, Chapter 42, Verse 11 and also in Surah Shura, Chapter 42, Verse 11,
“There is nothing whatever like unto him”.
d) (i) In Svetasvatara Upanishad, Chapter 4, Verse 20
It is mentioned in Svetasvatara Upanishad, Adhyaya(Chapter) 4, Shloka(Verse) 20,
“na samdrse tishati rupam asya, na caksusa pasyati kas canainam” “his form cannot be seen, no one sees him with the eye”
“nasamdrse tishati rupam asya, na caksusa pasyati kas canainam. Hrda hrdistham manasa ya enam, evam vidur amrtas te bhavanti”
“His form is not to be seen; no one sees him with the eye. Those who through heart and mind know him as abiding in the heart become immortal”.
(The principal Upanishad by S. Radhakrishnan page 737 & in sacred books of the east Volume 15, the Upanishad part II, page 253)
e) (ii) Similar message is given in the Holy Qur’an in Surah Anam, Chapter 6, Verse 103,
“No vision can grasp him. But his grasp is over all vision: he is above all comprehension, yet is acquainted with all things”.
5. Yajurveda
Vedas are the most sacred amongst all the Hindu scriptures, there are principally 4 Vedas, Rigved, Yajurved, Samved and Atharvaved.
a) Yajurveda, Chapter 32, Verse 3
It is mentioned in Yajurved, Chapter 32, Verse 3
“na tasya pratima asti” “There is no image of Him”
It further says as “He is unborn, He deserves our worship”
“There is no image of him whose glory verily is great. He sustains within himself all luminous objects like the sun etc. may he not harm me, this is my prayer. As he is unborn, he deserves our worship”.
(The Yajurveda by Devi Chand M.A. page 377)
b) Yajurveda, Chapter 40, Verse 8
It is mentioned in Yajurved, Chapter 40, Verse 8, “He is body less and pure”
“He hath attained unto the bright, bodiless, woundless, sinewless, the pure which evil hath not pierced. Far-sighted wise, encompassing, he self existent hath prescribed aims as propriety demands unto the everlasting years”
(Yajurveda Samhita by Ralph I.H. Griffith page 538)
c) Yajurveda, Chapter 40, Verse 9
It is mentioned in Yajurved, Chapter 40, Verse 9
“Andhatma pravishanti ye asambhuti mupaste”
“They enter darkness, those who worship natural things” For e.g. air, water, fire etc.
It further continues and says, “They sink deeper in darkness those who worship Sambhuti i.e. created things”, For example table, chair, idol etc.
“Deep into shade of blinding gloom fall asambhuti’s worshippers. They sink to darkness deeper yet who on sambhuti are intent”
(Yajurveda Samhita by Ralph T.H. Griffith page 538)
6. Atharvaveda
a) (i) Atharvaveda, Book 20, Hymn (Chapter) 58, Verse 3
It is mentioned in Atharvaveda, Book 20, Hymn (Chapter) 58, Verse 3
“Dev maha osi” “God is verily great”
“Verily, surya, thou art great; truly, aditya, thou art great. As thou art great indeed thy greatness is admired: yea, verily, great art thou, O God”
(Atharvaveda Samhiti Volume 2, William Dwight Whitney page 910)
a) (ii) Surah Rad, Chapter 13, Verse 9
A similar message is given in Qur’an Surah Rad, Chapter 13, Verse 9,
“He is the Great, the most High.”
7. Rigveda
The most oldest and sacred amongst all the Vedas is Rigveda.
a) Rigveda, Book No.1, Hymn No. 164, Verse 46
It is mentioned in Rigveda Book no.1, Hymn no.164 Verse 46
“Sages (learned Priest) call one God by many names”
“They have styled (Him, God or the sun) indra (the resplendent), mitra (the surveyor), varuna (the venerable), agni (the adorable), and he is the celestial, well-winged garutmat (the great), for learned priests call one by many names as they speak of the adorable as yama (ordainer) and matarisvan (cosmic breath)”.
b) (i) Rigveda, Book 2, Hymn 1
Rigveda gives no less than 33 different attributes to Almighty God several of these attributes are mentioned in Rigveda, Book 2, Hymn 1
b) (ii) Brahma - Creator - Khaliq, Rigveda Book 2, Hymn 1, Verse 3
Amongst the various attributes given in Rigveda one of the beautiful attributes for Almighty God is ‘Brahma’. ‘Brahma’ means ‘the creator’. If you translate into Arabic it means ‘Khaliq’. We Muslims have got no objection if you call Almighty God a ‘Khaliq’ or ‘Creator’ or ‘Brahma’ but if someone says that ‘Brahma’ is Almighty God who has got 4 heads and on each head is a crown and he has got 4 hands. We Muslims take strong except to it because you are giving an image to Almighty God. Moreover you are going against Yajurveda, Chapter 32, Verse 3, which says,
“Na tasya pratima asti” ‘”There is no image of him”
b) (iii) Vishnu - Sustainer - Rabb: Rigveda, Book II, Hymn 1, Verse 3
Another beautiful attribute mentioned in the Rigveda, Book II, Hymn 1, Verse 3, is Vishnu, ‘Vishnu’ means ‘the Sustainer’. If you translate into Arabic it means ‘Rabb’, we Muslims have no objection if anyone call Almighty God as ‘Rabb’ or ‘Sustainer’ or ‘Vishnu’ but if someone says Vishnu is Almighty God who has got 4 arms. One of the right arm holding the ‘Chakra’ i.e. a discus and one of the left arms holding a ‘Conch shell’ and he is riding on a bird or reclining on a snake couch. We Muslims take strong exception to this, because you are giving an image to Almighty God. Moreover you are going against Yajurveda, Chapter 40, Verse 8.
c) Rigveda, Book 8, Hymn 1, Verse 1
It is mentioned in Rigveda, Book 8, Hymn 1, Verse 1
“Ma Chidanyadia Shansata”
“Do not worship anybody but Him, the divine one Praise Him alone”
“Ma cid anyad vi sansata sakhayo ma rishanyata in dram it stota vrishanam saca sute muhaur uktha ca sansata”.
“O friends, do not worship anybody but Him, the divine one. Let no grief perturb you. Praise Him alone, the radiant, the showerer of benefits. During the course of self-realization, go on repeatedly uttering Hymns in His honour”.
(Rigveda Samhiti, Volume IX, page 1 and 2 by Swami Satyaprakash Sarasvati and Satyakam Vidhya Lankar)
d) (i) Rigveda, Book 5, Hymn 81, Verse 1
It is mentioned in Rigveda, Book 5, Hymn 81, Verse 1,
“Verily great is the glory of the divine creator”
(Rigveda Samhiti, Volume 6, page 1802 and 1803 by Swami Satya Prakash Saraswati and Satyakam Vidhyalanka)
d) (ii) Surah Fateha, Chapter 1, Verse 2
Similar message is given in the Holy Qur’an In Surah Fateha, Chapter 1, Verse 2,
“Praise be to Allah, the Cherisher and Sustainer of the worlds”.
e) (i) Rigveda, Book 3, Hymn 34, Verse 1
It is mentioned in Rigveda, Book 3, Hymn 34, Verse 1
“The bounteous giver”
(Hymns of Rigveda, Volume 2, page 377, by Ralph T.H. Griffith)
e) (ii) Surah Fateha, Chapter 1, Verse 3
Same as Surah Fateha, Chapter 1, Verse 3, “Most Gracious, most merciful”
f) (i) Yajurveda, Chapter 40, Verse 160
It is mentioned in Yajurveda, Chapter 40, Verse 16
“Lead us to the good path and remove the sin that makes us stray and wonder”
“By goodly path lead us to riches, Agni, thou God who knowest all our works and wisdom. Remove the sin that makes us astray and wander: most ample adoration will we bring thee”
(The Yajurveda Samhiti by Ralph T.H Griffith Page 541)
f) (ii) Surah Fateha, Chapter 1, Verse 6 and 7
Similar message is given in Surah Fateha, Chapter 1, Verse 6 and 7
“Show us the straight way, the way of those on whom thou has bestowed thy grace, those whose (portion) is not wrath. And who go not astray”.

g) Rigveda, Book No VI, Hymn 45, Verse 16
It is mentioned in Rigveda, Book VI, Hymn 45, Verse 16
“Ya eka ittamushtuhi”
“Praize Him who is the matchless and alone.”
(Hymns of Rigveda by Ralph T.H. Griffith page 648)
8. Brahma Sutra of Hindu Vedanta
The Brahma Sutra of Hindu Vedanta is:
“Ekam Brahm, dvitiya naste nen na naste kinchan”
“Bhagwan ek hi hai dusara nahi hai, nahi hain nahi hai zara bhi nahi hai.”
“There is only one God, not the second, not at all, not in the least bit.”
Therefore only if you read the Hindu Scripture will you understand the correct concept of God in Hinduism.

II B Angels

1. Angels in Islam
Angels are creation of Allah (SWT) which are normally unseen and has been created from light. They do not have their own free will and always obey the commandments of Almighty Allah. Different angels have been appointed by Almighty Allah for different activity e.g. Arch Angel Gabriel (Jibreel) was appointed to bring the Revelation of Allah (SWT) to the prophets.

2. Angels in Hinduism
There is no concept of Angels in Hinduism. However there are certain super beings which perform acts which cannot be done by a normal human being. These too are worshipped as deities by some Hindus.


II C (ii) Books of Hinduism
Introduction:
There are two kinds of sacred writings in Hinduism Sruti and Smrti. Sruti means that which has been heard perceived understood or revealed. It is the oldest and the most sacred of the Hindu’s scriptures. The Sruti is divided into two main parts. The Vedas and the Upanishads and are considered to be of divine origin.
Smrti is not as sacred as the Sruti, but it is yet considered to be important and is popular with the Hindus today. Smrti means memory or remembered. This Hindu literature is easier to understand because it speaks about the truths of the uniVerse through symbolism and mythology. The Smrti are not considered to be of divine origin but are human composition which regulate and guide individuals in their daily conduct and lists rules governing the actions of the individual, the community and the society. They are also known as Dharma Shastra Smrtis consists of many writings including the Puranas and Itihas.

II Muhammad (pbuh) in the Hindu Scriptures
1. Introduction
There are several Holy Scriptures of the Hindus among them are the Vedas, Upanishads & the Puranas.
a) (i)Vedas: It is derived from ‘Vid’, to know, means knowledge par excellence, sacred wisdom. There are 4 principal divisions of the Vedas (Although according to their number, they amount to 1131 out of which about a dozen are available. According to Maha Bhashya of Patanjali there are 21 branches of Rigveda, 9 types of Atharvaveda, 101 branches of Yajurveda and 1000 of Samveda)
(ii) The Rigveda, the Yajurveda and Samveda are considered to be more ancient books and are known as ‘Trai Viddya’ or the ‘Tripple Sciences’. The Rigveda is the oldest and has been compiled in 3 long and different periods of time. The 4th Veda is the Atharvaveda which is of a later date.
(iii) There is no unanimous opinion regarding the date of compilation or revelation of the 4 Vedas. According to Swami Dayanand, who is the founder of the Arya Samaj, the Vedas were revealed 1310 millions of years ago and according to other scholars they are not more than 4000 years old.
(iv) Similarly there is a difference of opinion regarding the places where these books were revealed and the Rishis to whom these Scriptures were given. Inspite of these differences the Vedas are the most authentic of the Hindu Scriptures and the real foundations of the Hindu Dharma.

b) Upanishads:
(i) The word Upanishads is derived from ‘Upa’ meaning near, ‘ni’ which means down and ‘shad’ means to sit, therefore Upanishads means sitting down near groups of pupils sit near the teacher to learn from him the secret doctrines.
According to Samkara Upanishad is derived from the root word ‘Sad’ which means ‘to loosen’, ‘to reach’ or ‘to destroy’, with ‘Upa’ and ‘ni’ as prefix, therefore Upanishad means Brahma-knowledge by which ignorance is loosened or destroyed.
(ii) The number of Upanishads exceeds 200 though the Indian tradition puts it at 108. There are 10 principal Upanishads however some consider them to be more than 10, while other 18.
(iii) The Vedanta meant originally the Upanishads, though the word is now used for the system of philosophy based on the Upanishad. Literally, Vedanta means the end of the Veda, Vedasya-antah, the conclusion as well as the goal of Vedas. The Upanishads are the concluding portion of the Vedas and chronologically they come at the end of the Vedic period.
(iv) Some Pandits consider the Upanishad to be more superior to the Vedas.

c) Puranas
Next in order of authenticity are the Puranas which are the most widely read scriptures. The Purana contains the history of the creation of the uniVerse, history of the early Aryan tribes and life stones of the devines and deities of the Hindus. The Puranas are revealed books like the Vedas which were revealed simultaneously with the Vedas or somewhere close to it.
Maharishi Vyasa has divided the Puranas into 18 voluminous parts. He also arranged the Vedas under various heads. The Gita and Mahabharata were productions of his masterly pen.
Chief among the Puranas is a book known as Bhavishya Purana. It is called so because it gives an account of future event. The Hindus consider it to be the word of God. Maharishi Vyasa was just the compiler of the book. The real author being God himself.
Muhammad (pbuh) prophesized in Bhavishya Purana
According to Bhavishya Purana in the Prati Sarag, Parv III, Khand 3, Aday 3, Shaloka 5 to 8
“A malechha (belonging to a foreign country and speaking foreign language) spiritual teacher will appear with his companions. His name will be Mohammad. Raja (Bhoj) after giving this Maha Dev Arab (of angelic disposition) a both in the ‘Panchgavya’ and the Ganges water (i.e. purging him of all time) offered him the presents of his sincere devotion and showing him all reverence said, “I make obeisance to thee, ‘Oye! The pride of mankind, the dweller in Arabia, Ye have collected a great force to kill the Devil and you yourself have been protected from the malechha opponents.”
The Prophecy clearly states:
(i) The name of the Prophet as Muhammad
(ii) He will belong to Arabia. The Sanskrit word ‘Marusthal’ means a sandy track of land or a desert.
(iii) Special mention is made of the companions of the Prophet i.e. the Sahabas. No other Prophet had as many companions as Prophet Muhammad (pbuh).
(iv) He is referred as the pride of mankind (Parbatis nath). The Holy Qur’an reconfirms this in Surah Al-Qalam, Chapter 68, Verse 4
“And thou (standest) on an exalted standard of character” and in Surah Al-Ahzab Chapter 33, Verse 21
“Ye have indeed in the messenger of Allah, a beautiful pattern (of conduct)”
(v) He will kill the devil i.e. abolish idol worship and all sorts of vices.
(vi) The Prophet will be given the protection against his enemy.
Some people may argue that Raja Bhoj mentioned in the prophecy lived in the 11th century CE 500 years after the advent of Prophet Muhammad and was the descendant in the 10th generation of Raja Shalivahan. These people fail to realize that there was not only one Raja of the name Bhoj. The Egyptian Monarchs were called as Pharaoh and the Roman kings were known as Caesar’s, similarly the Indian Rajas were given the tittle of Bhoj. There were several Raja Bhoj who came before the one in 11th Century CE.
The Prophet did not physically take a bath in Panchgavya and the water of Ganges. Since the water of Ganges is considered holy, taking bath in the Ganges is an idem meaning washing away or making immune from all sorts of sins. Here the prophecy implies that the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) was sinless i.e. ‘Maasoom’.
3. Muhammad (pbuh) prophesized in Bhavishya Purana
According to Bhavishya Purana in the Pratisarag, Parv III, Khand 3, Shloka 10 to 27 Maharishi Vyas has prophesized.
“The Malechha have spoiled the well known land of the Arabs. Arya Dharma is not to be found in the country. Before also there appeared a misguided friend whom I had killed; he has now again appeared being sent by a powerful enemy. To show these enemies the right path and to give them guidance the well-known Mohamad (Muhammad), who has been given by me the epithet of Brahma, is busy in bringing the ‘Pishachas’ to the right path. O Raja, you need not go to the land of the foolish Pishachas, you will be purified through my kindness even where you are at night, he of the angelic disposition, the shrewd man, in the guise of a Pischacha said to Raja Bhoj, O Raja! Your Arya Dharma has been made to prevail over all religions, but according to the commandment of Ishwar Parmatma, I shall enforce the strong need of the meat eaters. My follower will be a man circumcised, without a tail (on his head), keeping beard, creating a revolution announcing Adhan (call for prayer) and will be eating all lawful things. He will eat all sorts of animals except swine. They will not seek purification from the holy shrubs, but will be purified through warfare. On account of their fighting the irreligious nations, they will be known as ‘Musalmans’. I shall be the originator of the religion of the meat-eating nation”

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COMPARATIVE STUDY BETWEEN ISLAM AND HINDUISM PART IInd

COMPARATIVE STUDY BETWEEN ISLAM AND HINDUISM Part II
The Prophecy states that:
(i) The evil doers have corrupted the Arab land.
(ii) Arya Dharma is not found in that land.
(iii) The present enemies will be destroyed just as the previous enemies like Abraha had perished. Qur’an speaks about these sort of previous enemies in Surah Al-Feel, Chapter No. 105, Verse No. 1 to 5.
“Seest thou not how thy word dealt with the companions of the elephant? Did we not make their treacherous plan go astray? And He sent against them flights of Birds sticking them with stones of baked day then did He make them like an empty field of stalk and straw, (of which the corn) has been eaten up”.
(iv) Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) has been given the title Brahma to guide the opponents of truth.
(v) The Indian Raja need not go to Arab land since his purification will take place in India after the Musalman will arrive in India.
(vi) The coming Prophet will atlest the truth of the Aryan faith i.e. Monotheism and will reform the misguided people.
(vii) The Prophets followers will be circumcised without a tail on the head being a beard and will create a great revolution.
(viii) Will announce the Adhan i.e. ‘call for prayer’.
(ix) He will only eat lawful things and animals but will not eat pork. Qur’an confirms this is no less than 4 different places.
In Surah Al-Baqarah, Chapter 2, Verse 173
In Surah Al-Maidah, Chapter 5, Verse 3
In Surah Al-Anam, Chapter 6, Verse 145
In Surah Al-Nahl, Chapter 16, Verse 115
“Forbidden for you for food are dead meat, blood, flesh of swine, and that on which had been invoked the name of other than Allah”.
(x) They will not purify with grass like the Hindus but by means of sword they will fight their irreligious people.
(xi) They will be called as Musalman.
(xii) They will be a meat eating nation.
Qur’an confirms the eating of herbivorous animals in,
Surah Maidah, Chapter 5, Verse No. 1 &
Surah Moominoon, Chapter 23, Verse No. 21

Commentary
According to Bhavishya Purana, Parv III, Khand 1, Aday 3, Shloka 21-23,
Corruption and persecution are in seven sacred cities of Kashi etc. India is inhabited by Rakshas, Shabar, Bhil and other foolish people. In the land of ‘Malechhas’, the followers of the ‘Malechha dharma’ (Islam) are wise and brave people. All good qualities are found in Musalmans and all sorts of vices have accumulated in the land of the Aryas. Islam will rule in India and its islands. Having known these facts O Muni, glorify the name of thy Lord”.
Qur’an conforms this in,
Surah Taukah, Chapter 9, Verse 33 &
Surah Al-Saf, Chapter 61, Verse 9,
“It is the who hath sort His Messenger with guidance and the Religion of Truth, to proclaim it over all religion, even though the pagan may detect (it)” and a similar message is given in, Surah Fatah Chapter 48, Verse 28,
Ending with ‘And enough is Allah as a witness’.
4. Muhammad (pbuh) prophesized in Bhavishya Purana
In the 20th Book of Atharvaveda, Hymn 127. Some Suktas (Chapters) are known as Kuntap Sukt. Kuntap means the consumer of misery and troubles. Thus meaning the message of peace and safety and if translated in Arabic means Islam.
Kuntap also means hidden glands in the abdomen. These mantras are called so probably because their true meaning was hidden and was to be revealed in future. Its hidden meaning is also connected with the navel or the middle point of this earth. Mecca is called the ‘Ummul Qur’an’ the mother of the towns or the naval of the earth in many revealed books it was the first house of divine worship where God Almighty gave spiritual nourishment to the world. The Holy Qur’an says in Surah Ale-Imran, Chapter 3, Verse 95.
“The first house (of worship) appointed for men was that at Bakka (Mecca) full of blessings and of guidance and for all kinds of beings”.
Another name for Mecca is ‘Becca’. Thus Kuntap stands for Mecca or Becca.
Several people have translated these Kuntap Suktas like M. Blomfield, Prof. Ralph Griffith, Pandith Rajaram, Pandit Khem Karan, etc.
The main points mentioned in the Kuntap Suktas that is Atharvaved, Book XX, Hymn 127, Verses 1-13 are:
Mantra 1:
He is narashansah or the praised one (Muhammad).
He is Kaurama the prince of peace or the emigrant, who is safe, even amongst a host of 60,090 enemies.
Mantra 2:
He is a camel-riding Rishi, whose chariot touches the heaven.
Mantra 3:
He is Mamah Rishi who is given a hundred gold coins, ten chaklets (necklaces), three hundred good steeds and ten thousand cows.
Mantra 4:
Vachyesv rebh, ’Oh! ye who glorifies’
Mantra 5:
The praying ones with their prayers hurry on like powerful bulls.
Mantra 6:
O you who praises hold fast the wisdom which earns cows and good things. Disseminate this among the divine.
Mantra 7:
He is the king of the worlds, the best of men and guide for the entire mankind.
Mantra 8-9:
He has procured a secure dwelling for the people, gives protection to every body and has spread peace in the world.
Mantra 10:
People thrive happily end prosper under his rule and from the depth of degradation they rise to the height of glory.
Mantra 11:
He is asked to wake up and warn the world.
Mantra 12:
He is extremely bountiful and very generous.
Mantra 13:
(His followers) have been saved from the hostility and robbery of the enemy and May the Master not be harmed.
Mantra 14:
We Glorify and praise the great hero with a song of praise and a prayer. Please accept this praise so that evil may not befall us.

(i) The Sanskrit word ‘Narashansah’ means ‘the praised one’ which is the literal translation of the Arabic word Muhammad (pbuh).
The Sanskrit word ‘Kaurama’ means ‘one who spreads and promotes peace’ the holy Prophet was the ‘Prince of Peace’ and he preached equality of human kind and universal brotherhood. ‘Kaurama’ also means an emigrant. The Prophet migrated from Mecca to Medina and was thus also an Emigrant. He will be protected from 60,090 enemies which was the population of Mecca.
(ii) The Prophet would ride a camel, this clearly indicates that, it cannot be an Indian Rishi since it is forbidden for a Brahman to ride a camel, sacred Books of the east, Volume 25, Laws of Manu page 472 according to Manu Smriti, Chapter 11, Verse 202.
“A Brahman is prohibited from riding a camel or an ass and to bath naked. He should purify himself by suppressing his breath”.
(iii) (a) This Mantra gave the Rishis name as Mamah. No rishi in India or any other Prophet had this name ‘Mamah’ is derived from ‘Mah’ which means to esteem highly, on a revere, to exalt, etc. Some Sanskrit books give the Prophets name as ‘Mahamad’, but this word according to Sanskrit grammar can also be used in the bad sense. It is incorrect to apply grammar to an Arabic word. Actually Mamah has the some meaning and somewhat similar pronunciation as the word Muhammad (pbuh).
(b) He is given 100 gold coins, which refers to the believers and the earlier companions of the Prophet during his turbulent Meccan life. Later on due to persecution they migrated from Mecca to Abyssinia later when Prophet migrated to Madina all of them joined him in Madinah.
(c) The 10 chaplets or necklaces were the 10 best companions of the Holy Prophet (pbuh) known as ‘Ashra – Mubbashshira’ (10 bestowed with good news). These were fore told in this world of their salvation in the hereafter i.e. they were given the good news of entering paradise by Prophets own lips and after naming each one he said (in Paradise). They were Abu Baker, Umer, Uthman, Ali, Talha, Zubair, Abdur Rahman Ibni Auf, Sad Bin Abi Waqqar, Sad Bin Zaid and Abu Ubeidah (May God be well-pleased with them).
(d) The third gift was 300 good steeds. These horses belonged to the Arab breed. The Sanskrit word ‘Arvah’ means swift Arab horse, The 300 steeds refers to the 300 companions of the Holy Prophet who fought at the battle of Badar and came back victorious even though the enemies were thrice the number.
(e) The Sankrit word ‘Go’ is derived from ‘Gaw’ which means ‘to go to war’. A cow is also called ‘Go’ and is a symbol of war as well as peace, the 10,000 cows refers to the 10,000 companious of who accompanied the Prophet (Pubh) when he entered Mecca during Fateh Mecca which was a unique victory in the history of mankind in which there was no blood shed. The 10,000 companions were pious and compassionate like a cow and were at the same time strong and fierce and are described in the Holy Qur’an in Surah Fatah, Chapter 48, Verse 29,
“Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah, and those who are with him are strong against unbelievers, (but) compassionate amongst each other”.
(iv) This mantra calls the Prophet as ‘Rebh’ which means one who praises which when translated into Arabic is Ahmed which is another name for the Holy Prophet (pbuh).
(v) He and his followers are always mindful of their prayers even in the battlefield. The Holy Qur’an says in Surah Baqarah, Chapter 2, Verse 45,
“Nay, seek (Allah’s) help with patience, perseverance and prayer”
The Holy Qur’an says in Surah Nisa, Chapter 4, Verse 102,
“When thou (O Messenger) act with them, and standest to lead them in prayer, Let one party of them stand up (in prayer) with thee, taking their arms with them. When they finish their prostations, let them take their position in the rear. And let the other party come up which hath not yet prayed and let them pray with thee, taking all precautions, and bearing arms.”
(vi) The wisdom mentioned in this mantra refer to the Holy Qur’an. The Holy Qur’an earns good not only in this world but also in the here after. The Prophet (pbuh) is asked to propagate amongst his companions. Many of whom memorized the Qur’an.
(vii) All the attributes in this mantra apply to the Holy Prophet (pbuh)
In Surah Al-Anbiya, Chapter 21, Verse 107
“We sent thee not, but as a mercy for all creatures”
In Surah Saba, Chapter 34, Verse 28
“We have not sent thee but as a universal (Messenger) to men, giving them glad tidings, and warning them (against sin), but most men understand not.”
In Surah Al-Qalam, Chapter 68, Verse 4
“And thou (standest) on an exalted standard of character.”
In Surah Al-Ahzab, Chapter 33, Verse 21
“We have indeed in the Messenger of Allah a beautiful pattern (of conduct)”.
(viii) & (ix) During the reconstruction of Kaaba, the Prophet (pbuh) Through his wisdom prevented a war between the Arab tribe. The Prophet not only gave peace to the Arab land but also to the whole world. Even during the conquest of Mecca, the Prophet established peace without shedding a single drop of blood. He gave peace, shelter to the bitterest enemies and let them go by saying, “There shall be no reproof against you this day.”
(x) The Arabs were the most ignorant people 1400 years ago and it was referred to as ‘Youmul Jahiliya’. The Prophet with his message brought prosperity and raised these ignorant people and made them the torchbearers.
(xi) This Mantra gives the translation of the Holy Qur’an Surah Al-Mudaththir, Chapter 74, Verses 1-3
“O thou wrapped up (in a mantle)! Arise and deliver thy warning!
And thy Lord do thou magnify!” The Prophet arose and warned the people and glorified the Lord.
(xii) The Holy Qur’an says in Surah Ale-Imran, Chapter 3, Verse 159
“It is part of the Mercy of Allah that thou don’t deal gently with them.
Wert thou severe or harsh hearted, They would have broken away from about thee.”
It was due to the Prophets (pbuh) kind-heartedness; mercy and generosity that people flocked around him otherwise the stubborn Arabs could never have been won.
(xiii) This Mantra is a prayer of the Rishi for the Prophet (pbuh) a similar prayer is found in the last Chapter of the Holy Qur’an i.e. Surah Nas, Chapter 114, Verses 1-3.
“Say, I seek refuge with Lord and Cherisher of mankind, The King (or Ruler) of mankind, the God (or Judge) of mankind from the mischief of the Whisperer (of Evil), who withdraws (after his whisper) - (the same) who whispers into the hearts of mankind – Among Jinns and among Men.”
(xiv) In this last Mantra, the Rishi of the Veda makes it compulsory for the followers of the Veda to praise the Holy Prophet (pbuh) land follow him so that they will be saved from the evil of this world.
5. Battle of the Allies described in the Vedas.
It is mentioned in Atharvaveda, Book XX, Hymn 21, Verse 6, “Lord of the truthful! These libatrous drinks these feats of bravery and the inspiring songs gladdened thee in field of battle. When thou renders vanquished without fight the ten thousand opponents of the praying one, the adoring one.”
(i) This Prophecy of the Veda describes the well-known battle of Ahzab or the battle of the Allies during the time of Prophet Muhammad. The Prophet was victorious without an actual conflict which is mentioned in the Qur’an in Surah Ahzab, Chapter 33, Verse 22, “When the believers saw the confederate forces they said, This is what Allah and His Messenger had promised us and Allah and His Messenger told us what was true”.
And it only added to their faith and their zeal in obedience.
(ii) The Sanskrit word karo in the Mantra means the ‘praying one’ which when translated into Arabic means Ahmed, the second name of Prophet Muhammad.
(iii) (Pbuh) The 10,000 opponents mentioned in the mantra were the enemies of the Prophet and the Muslims were only 3000 in numbers.
(iv) The last words of the Mantra ‘aprati ni bashayah’ means the defeat was given to the enemies without an actual fight.
6. The enemies defeat in the conquest of Mecca
It is mentioned in Atharvaveda, Book 20, Hymn 21, Verse No. 7
“You have O India, overthrown 20 Kings and 60,099 men with an outstripping Chariat wheel who came to fight the praised one or far famed (Muhammad) orphan.”
(i) The Population of Mecca at the time of Prophet advent was nearly 60,000.
(ii) There were several clans in Mecca each having its own chief. Totally there were about 20 chiefs to rule the population of Mecca.
(iii) An Abandhu meaning a helpless man who was far famed and ‘Praised one’ Muhammad (pbuh) overcame his enemies with the help of God.
A similar prophecy is also found in Rigveda, Book I, Hymn 53, Verse 9
The Sanskrit word used is ‘Sushrana’ which means praise worthy or well praised which in Arabic means Muhammad (pbuh).
7. Muhammad (pbuh) prophesized in Samveda
Book II, Hymn 6, Verse 8
“Ahmed acquired from his Lord the knowledge of eternal law I received light from him just as from the sun”. The Prophecy confirms.
(i) The name of the Prophet as Ahmed since Ahmed is an Arabic name; many translators misunderstood it to be Ahmat and translated the mantra as I alone have acquired the real wisdom of my father.
(ii) Prophet was given external law i.e. Shariah
(iii) The Rishi was enlightened by the Shariah of Prophet Muhammad. The Holy Qur’an says in Surah Saba, Chapter 34, Verse 28
“We have not sent thee but as a universal (messenger) to men, giving them glad tidings and warning them (against sin), but most men understand not.”

II Common Questions Asked By Hindus About Islam

10. ARE THE VEDAS A REVELATION OF GOD?
Question:
If Allah has sent his books and revelations in every period, then which revelation was sent to India? Can we consider the Vedas and other Hindu scriptures to be word of God?
Answer:
1. Revelation sent in every period.
The Glorious Qur’an mentions in Surah Rad, Chapter 13, Verse 38
“For each period is a book (revealed).”
[Al-Qur’an 13:38]
2. Four revelations of God mentioned by name in Qur’an
By name, only four revelations of God are mentioned in the Qur’an i.e. Torah, Zaboor, Injeel and the Qur’an
Torah is the revelation, which was given to Moses (pbuh)
Zaboor is the revelation, which was given to David (pbuh)
Injeel is the revelation, which was given to Jesus (pbuh) and
Qur’an is the last and final revelation which was given to the last and final Messenger Muhammad (pbuh).
3. All the previous revelations sent only for their people
All the revelations that came before Qur’an were only sent for their own people and were to be followed only for a particular time period.
4. The Qur’an sent for whole humankind
Since the Qur’an is the last and final revelation, it was not sent only for the Muslims or the Arabs but it was sent for the whole of humankind. It is mentioned in:
a. Surah Ibrahim, Chapter 14, Verse 1
“Alif Lam Ra. A book which We have revealed unto thee, in order that thou mightiest lead mankind out of the depths of darkness into light…”
[Al-Qur’an 14:1]

b. A similar message is repeated in Surah Ibrahim, Chapter 14, Verse 52
“Here is a Message for mankind: let them take warning therefrom, and let them know that He is (no other than) One God: let men of understanding take heed”.
[Al-Qur’an 14:52]
c. Qur’an mentions in Surah Baqarah, Chapter 2, Verse 185
“Ramadan is the (month) in which was sent down the Qur’an, as a guide to mankind, also clear (Signs) for guidance and judgement (between right and wrong).” [Al-Qur’an 2:185]
c. d. A similar message is repeated in Surah Zumur, Chapter 39, Verse 41
“Verily We have revealed the Book to thee in Truth, for (instructing) mankind.” [Al-Qur’an 39:41]
5. Which revelation sent to India?
The question that arises is “which revelation of God was sent to India and whether we can consider the Vedas and the other Hindu Scriptures to be the revelations of God?” There is no text in the Qur’an or Sahih Hadith mentioning the name of the revelation that was sent to India. Since the name of the Vedas or other Hindu scriptures are no where to be found in Qur’an and Sahih Hadith, one cannot say for sure that they were the revelations of God. They may be the revelation of God or may not be the revelation of God.
6. Even if the Veda was the word of God today you have to follow the Qur’an
Even if the Vedas and the other scriptures were the revelations from God, they were only meant for people of that time and were to be followed only for that particular period of time. Today all human beings through out the world including India should only follow the last and final Revelation of God, i.e. the Qur’an. Moreover since all the previous revelations were not meant to be followed for eternity, Almighty God did not preserve them in their original form. There is not a single religious scripture of any of the major religions, which claims to be the word of God and has maintained its pure original text and is free from alteration, adulteration and interpolation. Since the Glorious Qur’an is to be followed for eternity, Allah (SWT) has taken upon Himself to maintain its original purity and guard it from corruption. Allah says in Glorious Qur’an.

Surah Hijr, Chapter 15, Verse 9
“We have without doubt, sent down the Message; and We will assuredly guard it (from corruption).”
[Al-Qur’an 15:9]

Common Questions Asked By Hindus About Islam
9. ARE RAM AND KRISHNA PROPHETS OF GOD?
Question:
If according to Islam, messengers or prophets were sent to each and every ntion of the world, then which prophet was sent to India? Can we consider Ram and Krishna to be messengers of God?
Answer:
1. Prophets sent to every nation
a) The Glorious Qur’an mentions in Surah Fatir, Chapter 35, Verse 24
“…And there never was a people, without a warner having lived among them (in the past)”.[Al-Qur’an 35:24]
b) A similar message is repeated in Surah, Chapter 13, Verse 7
“…and to every people a guide”.[Al-Qur’an 13:7]
2. Stories only of some prophets narrated in the Qur’an
a) Allah (SWT) says in Surah Nisa, Chapter 4, Verse 164
“Of some messengers We have already told thee the story; of others we have not.”
[Al-Qur’an 4:164]
b) A similar message is repeated in Surah Ghafir, Chapter 40, Verse 78
“We did aforetime send messengers before thee: of them there are some whose story We have related to thee, and some whose story We have not related to thee...”
[Al-Qur’an 40:78]

3. 25 Prophets of God are mentioned by name in the Qur’an
By name, only 25 Prophets of God are mentioned in the Qur’an e.g. Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus, Muhammad (pbuh)
4. More than 1,24,000 prophets of God
According to Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), there were more than 1,24,000 prophets sent to this world.
5. All previous prophets sent only for their people
All the prophets that came before Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) were only sent for their own people and were to be followed only for a particular period of time.
Surah Ali Imran, Chapter 3, Verse 49
“And (appoint him) a messenger to the Children of Israel,…”
[Al-Qur’an 3:49]
6. Muhammad (pbuh), the last messenger of God
Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) is the last and final messenger of Almighty God. It is mentioned in
Surah Ahzab, Chapter 33, Verse 40
“Muhammad is not the father of any of your men, but (he is) the Messenger of Allah, and the seal of the Prophets: and Allah has full knowledge of all things.”
[Al-Qur’an 33:40]
7. Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), sent for whole Humankind
Since Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) is the last and final messenger, he was not sent only for the Muslims or the Arabs, but he was sent for the whole of humankind.
a. It is mentioned in
Surah Anbiya, Chapter 21, Verse 107
“We sent thee not, but as a mercy for all creatures.”
[Al-Qur’an 21:107]
b. A similar message is repeated in
Surah Saba, Chapter 34, Verse 28
“We have not sent thee but as a universal (Messenger) to men, giving them glad tidings, and warning them (against sin), but most men understand not.”
[Al-Qur’an 34:28]
c. It is mentioned in
Sahih Bukhari, Volume 1, Book of Salaah, Chapter 56, Hadith no. 429
Narrated Jabir bin Abdullah: Allah’s Messenger said,
“Every Prophet used to be sent to his nation only but I have been sent to all mankind.”
8. Which prophet was sent to India?
Regarding the question of which prophet was sent to India, and can we consider Ram or Krishna to be prophets of God, there is no text in the Qur’an or Sahih Hadith mentioning the name of the prophet that was sent to India. Since the names of Ram and Krishna are nowhere to be found in the Qur’an and Sahih Hadith, one cannot say for sure whether they were prophets of God or not. Some Muslims, especially certain Muslim politicians who try to appease the Hindus, say Ram Alai-his-salaam, i.e. Ram, may peace be on him. This is totally wrong, since there is no authentic proof from the Qur’an and Sahih Hadith that he was a prophet of God. However, a person may say that perhaps they may have been the prophets of God.
9. Even if Ram and Krishna were prophets, today we have to follow the last Prophet of God i.e. Muhammad (pbuh)
Even if Ram and Krishna were prophets of God, they were only meant for people of that time and were to be followed only for that particular period of time. Today, all the human beings throughout the world, including India should only follow the last and final prophet and Messenger of God-prophet Muhammad (pbuh).


D 9. Avtaars and Messengers in Hinduism
There is no concept of Messengers of God in Hinduism. However they have a concept of Avtaar. Avtaar is the Sanskrit term where ‘Av’ means down and ‘tr’ means passover. Thus Avtar means to descend down or to come down. The meaning of Avtaar in the oxford Dictionary is, “(In Hindu Mythology) the descent of a diety of a released soul to earth in bodily form”. In simple words, Avtaar means God Almighty coming down to earth in bodily form.
In Hinduism, It is believed that God Almighty comes down to the earth in some bodily form to protect the religion or to set an example or set the rules for the human beings.
There is no reference of Avtaars anywhere in the Vedas. The most sacred of the Hindu Scriptures i.e. Sruti. However it is found in the Smrti i.e. the Puranas and the Itihasas.
It is mentioned in the most popular and widely read book of Hinduism.
Bhagavad Geeta, Chapter 4, Verse 7-8
“Whenever and wherever there is a decline in religious practice, O descendent of Bharata, and a predominant rise of irreligion at that time I descend Myself”.
“To deliver the Pious and to annihilate the miscreants, as well as to reestablish the principles of religion, I myself appear, millenium after millennium”.
Thus according to Bhagavad Geeta, God takes Avtaar to deliver the pious and annihilate miscreants and to reestablish the principles or religion.
According to the Puranas there are hundreds of Avtaars, but the Vishnu the sustainer has 10 Avtaars.
1. Matsya-avatar, in the form of a fish
2. Kurm-avatar, in the form of a tortoise
3. Varah-avatar, in the form of a boar or a pig
4. Narasimha-avatar, in the form of a monster, half man half lion
5. Vamana-avatar, in the form of a Brahmin dwarf named Vamana
6. Parashuaram-avatar, in the form of Parashurama
7. Rama-avatar, in the form of Rama, the hero of Ramayana
8. Krishna-avatar, in the form of Krishna, the hero of Gita
9. Buddha-avatar, in the form of Gautam Buddha
10. Kalki-avatar, in the form of Kalki
(Rigveda Samhiti, Volume XII, page 4309 by Swami Satyaprakash Saraswati and Satyakam Vidhyalank)
All these Scriptures are telling its reader that though the things are made so clear yet they divert away from the truth.

4. ANTHROPOMORPHISM
a. God need not take human form to understand human being.
Most of the other religions some time or the other believes in the philosophy of anthropomorphism i.e. God take human form. They have a very good logic for it Almighty God is so pure and Holy the he is unaware of the hardships, shortcomings, difficulties feelings etc. of the human being. He does not know how does a person feel when he is hurt or when he is in trouble etc. Therefore in order to set the rules for the human beings. He came down to the earth in the form of a human being. On the face of it, it seems to be a very good logic.
b. Creator prepares an instruction manual.
Suppose I manufacture a tape recorder. Do I have to become a tape recorder to know what is good or what is bad for the tape recorder. I writer an instruction manual. In order to listen to the audiocassette, insert the cassette and press the play button. In order to stop, press the stop button. If you want to fast-forward press the FF. button. Do not drop it from a height it will get damaged. Do not immerse it in water it will get spoilt. I write an instruction manual. The dos and don’ts for the machine.
c. Holy Qur’an is the instruction manual for the human being.
In the similar fashion our lord and creator Allah (SWT) need not come in the form of a human being to know what is good or bad for the human being. He only has to reveal the instruction manual the last and final instruction manual of the human beings is the Holy Qur’an.
The dos and don’ts for the human beings is mentioned in the Holy Qur’an.
d. Allah chooses messengers:
Allah (SWT) need not come down personally for writing the instruction manual. He chooses a man amongst men to deliver the message and communication with him at a higher level through the revelation. Such chosen men are called as messengers and prophets of God.

I E LIFE AFTER DEATH-HEREAFTER
1. Its mentioned in the Qur’an Surah Baqarah, Chapter 2, Verse 28
“How can ye reject the faith in Allah? Seeing that ye were without life, And He gave you life; Then will He cause you to die, And will again bring you to life; And again to Him Will ye return”.
In Islam a human being comes into this world only once and after he dies, he is again resurrected on the day of judgement and depending upon the deeds he has done he will either dwell in heaven i.e. Paradise or in hell.
2. This life is the test for the here after
Its mentioned in the Qur’an
Surah Al Mulk, Chapter 67, Verse 2
“He who created Death and Life, that He May try which of you is best in deed; and He is the exalted in Might, oft forgiving.
This life that we lead in this world is a test for the here after. If we follow the commandment of the creator Almighty Allah and we pass the test, We shall enter Paradise i.e. Eternal Bliss. If you do not follow the commandments of our creator and fail the test then we shall be put into Hell.
3. Full Recompense on the Day of Judgement
Its mentioned in the Qur’an Surah Ali Imran, Chapter 3, Verse 185
“Every soul shall have a taste of death And only on the Day of Judgement shall you be paid your full recompense. Only he who is saved far from the fire and admitted to the Garden will have attained the object (of life). For the life of this world is but goods and chattels of deception”.
4. Paradise – Al-Jannah
Al-Jannah i.e. Paradise is a place of Perpetual bliss, in Arabic it literally means the Garden. The Qur’an describes the Jannah in great detail, such as Paradise, underneath which rivers run. It contains rivers of milk unchanging in flavor and rivers of honey purified. In it is fruit of every kind. No fatigue shall be fell neither shall they hear idle talk. There shall be no cause of sin except Peace and Peace.
5. Hell – Jahannam
Hell is a place of torment where the people undergo suffering most often described as fire, a fire whose fuel is men and stones.
6. Purnjanam is not cycle of Rebirth but life after death.
The common word used for the Doctrine of Rebirth is ‘Punarjanam’. In Sanskrit Punar or Puna means ‘next time’ or ‘again’ and Janam means ‘life’. Therefore Punarjanam means next life or the life here after. It does not means coming to life again and again. Most of the reference for Punarjanam in the other Hindu Scriptures besides the Vedas if read keeping life hereafter in mind including the quotation of Bhagavad Gita and Upanishad it give us a concept of next life or life again but not life again and again. This concept of Rebirth again and again was developed later on after the vedic period to rationalize the indifferences found in different individuals at birth and different surrounding in which people live. Since the creator Almighty can not be unjust.
Islam has a rational answer to this which we shall discuss later Insha Allah.
7. Life after death in the Vedas
There is reference to life after death in the Vedas. It’s mentioned in
a. Rigveda Book No. 10, Hymn No. 16, Verse No. 4
“The unborn portion; burn that, AGNI, with thy heat; let thy flame, thy splendour, consume it; with those glorious members which thou has given him, JATAVEDAS, bear him to the world (of the virtuous)”
The Sanskrit word Sukritam u Lokam means the world of the virtuous or region of the pious, referring to the hereafter. The next Verse i.e.
b. Rigveda, Book 10 Hymn 16, Verse 5 says.
“…Putting on (celestial) life, let the remains (of bodily life) depart let him, JATAVEDAS be associated with a body.”
This Verse too refers to a second life i.e. life after death.
8. Paradise-Swarga in the Vedas.
Swarg i.e. Paradise is described in several places in the Vedas including
Atharvaveda, Book 4, Hymn 34, Verse 6 (Devichand)
a. “May all these streams of butter, with their banks of honey, flowing with distilled water, and milk and curds and water reach thee in domestic life enhancing thy pleasure. May thou acquire completely these things strengthening the soul in diverse ways.”
It’s mentioned in
a. Atharvaveda, Book 4, Hymn 34, Verse 6 (Ved pra.)
“Having pools of clarified butter, stocks of sweet honey, and having exhilarating drinks for water, full of milk and curds, may all these streams flew to us in the world of happiness swelling sweetly. May our lakes full of Lotuses be situated near us”.
b. Its mentioned in
Atharvaveda, Book 4, Hymn 34, Verse 2
“Bereft of physical bodies, pure, cleansed with the wind, brilliant, they go to a brilliant world. The fire does not cause burning in their male organ. In the world if happiness they get plenty of women”.
c. Its mentioned in
Atharvaveda, Book 2, Hymn 34, Verse 5
May the realized ones, first of all, take the vital breath under their control from the limbs in which it has been circulating. Go to heaven, stay firm with all the parts of your body Attain the world of light and emancipation, following the path of the enlightened ones, (your predecessors).
d. It is mentioned in
Atharvaveda, Book 6, Hymn 122, Verse 3.
“O both of you, start to accomplish it; make determined effort to accomplish it. Those having unflinching faith attain this abode of happiness. Whatever ripe offerings you have made in fire of sacrifice may both, the husband and wife, stand united to guard them with care”.
8 e. It is mentioned in
Rigveda, Book 10, Hymn 95, Verse 18
“O Aila, the loud-sounding clouds, these divines say to you, since you are indeed subject to death, let your progeny propitiate your revered cosmic forces with oblations, then alone you shall rejoice (with me) in heaven”
9. Hell-Nark in the vedas
Nark or Hell is also described in the Vedas and the Sanskrit word used is ‘Narakasthanam’.
It is mentioned in
Rigveda, Book 4, Hymn 5, Verse 4
“May the bounteous fire-divine, consume them with his fiercely glowing sharp jaws like flames, who disregard the commandments and steadfast laws of most venerable and sagacious lord”.

F. DESTINY
1. Concept of Destiny – Qadr in Islam
Qadr is the concept of Destiny. Certain aspects of human life is predestined by our creator Almighty Allah for e.g. where and when will a person be born. The Surround and condition in which he will be born, how long will he live and where will he die.
2. Logical concept for differences in different Individuals.
In Hinduism the differences in two individual at birth e.g. one child is healthy while the other is handicapped, one child is born in a rich family and the other in a poor family is based on past karma i.e. actions of the previous life. There is no scientific or logical proof of the cycle of Rebirths. The Islamic concept for these differences in different Individual is given in Surah Mulk, Chapter 67, Verse 2
“He who created Death and life, that He may try which of you is best in deed; And He is the Exalted In Might; oft-forgiving”.
This life that we live is the test for the hereafter.
3. Present Conditions in Islam is a test
There are several Verses in the Qur’an which clearly specify that Our Creator Almighty Allah tests us in several different ways
a. It is mentioned in the Qur’an.
Surah Baqarah, Chapter 2, Verse 214
“Or do ye think that ye shall enter the Garden (of Bliss) without such (trials) as came to those who passed away before you?
They encountered suffering and adversity, And were so shaken in Spirit that even the messenger and those of faith who were with him cried. “When (will come) the help of Allah” Ah! Verily, the help of Allah is (always) near!”
b. It is mentioned in the Qur’an
Surah Ankabut, Chapter 29, Verse 2
“Do men think that they will be left a lone on saying, “we believe”, And that they will not be tested?”
c. It is mentioned in the Qur’an
Surah Anbiya, Chapter 21, Verse 35
“Every Soul shall have a taste of death. And we test you by evil and by good by way of trial to us must ye return.”
d. It is mentioned in the Qur’an
Surah Baqarah, Chapter 2, Verse 155
“Be sure we shall test you with something of fear and hunger, some loss in goods or lives or the fruits (of your tail), but give Glad tidings to those who patiently persevere.”
e. It is mentioned in the Qur’an
Surah Anfal, Chapter 8, Verse 28
“And know ye that your possession and your progeny are but a trial; And it is Allah with whom lies your highest reward”.

II Life after Death in Hinduism
1. Concept of Rebirths in Hinduism-Reincarnation or Transmigration of the souls.
Hinduism believe in the cycle of birth, death and Rebirth, which is called as samsara. Samsara or the doctrine of Rebirth is also called as the theory of Reincarnation or the transmigration of the Soul and is considered to be the basic tenet of Hinduism. According to doctrine of Rebirth the difference found between one individual and the other even at birth like one child is healthy the other is handicapped or blind is due to their part karma i.e. actions done in the past birth. Similarly all actions may not bear fruit in this life, thus there has to be another life.
a. Its mentioned in Bhagavad Geeta in Chapter 2, Verse 22
“As a person puts on new garments, giving up old ones the Soul similarly accepts new material bodies, giving up the old and useless.”
b. The doctrine of Rebirth in also described in Brhadaranyaka Upanishad, Part 4 Chapter 4, Verse 3
“As a caterpillar which has wriggled to the top of a blade of grass draws itself over to a new blade, so does the Soul, after it has put aside its body draw itself over to a new existence.


2. Karma – the law of Cause and Effect
Karma means act, action or activity and refers not only to action undertaken by the body but also to those undertaken by the mind Karma is actually action and reaction or the law of cause and effect. It is explained by the saying,
“As we sow so shall we reap”
A Farmer cannot sow wheat and expect Rice. Similarly every good thought word or deed begets a similar reaction which affects our next life and every unkind thought harsh word and evil deed comes back to harm us in this life or in the next life.
3. Dharma – righteous duties
Dharma means what is right or Righteous duties. This includes what is right for the individual, family, the class or cast and also for the universe itself in order to achieve good Karma life should be lived according to Dharma, otherwise its will result in bad Karma. Dharma besides affecting the present life can also affect the future.
4. Moksha – liberation from the cycle of Rebirth
Moksha means liberation from the cycle of Rebirth i.e. Samsara. The ultimate aim of every Hindu is that one-day the cycle of Rebirth will be over and he will not have to reborn again. This can only happen if there is no Karma to cause an individual to reborn i.e. it looses its good and bad Karma.
5. Rebirth not mentioned in the Vedas
The Doctrine of rebirth is not mentioned anywhere in the Vedas. There is no concept of transmigration of the Souls.

GOD IS UNJUST AS SOME ARE BORN HEALTHY WHILE OTHERS ARE BORN WITH DEFECTS
Question:
If God is just then why are some people born healthy while some are born with defects and are deaf and dumb, some are born in rich families while other in poor families?
Answer:
1. This life is a test for the Hereafter
According to Qur’an in
Surah Mulk, Chapter 67, Verse 2


2. Allah tests different human being in different ways
Every year the question paper in an examination keeps on changing. It does not remain the same. Similarly Allah tests different human beings in different ways. He gives health to some people while others are born with defects or are handicap. To some people He gives wealth while others are poor.
3. Judgement will be based upon the difficulty of the test
Depending upon what facilities and qualities Allah has provided to each human being Allah (SWT) will judge him accordingly If the test is difficult then Allah will be lenient while judging. If the test is simple then Allah will be lenient while judging e.g. A poor person does not have to give Zakah. He gets full marks where Zakat is concerned on the other hand a rich person is supposed to give Zakat. Many rich people give much less than what they actually are supposed to give, thus getting less marks where Zakat is concerned.
4. Allah makes human being with congenital defects, some are deaf and dumb while other are handicap. The infant is not responsible for the defect. In such cases may be Allah is testing the parents, whether they yet have faith in Allah after this calamity.
Allah says in the Qur’an in
Surah Anfal, Chapter 8, Verse 28

IDOL USED FOR CONCENTRATION
Question:
The Hindu Pandits and Scholars agree that the Vedas and other Hindu religions scriptures prohibit idol worship but initially because the mind may not be matured an idol is required for concentration while worshipping. After the mind reaches higher consciousness, the idol is not required for concentration.
Muslims have reached the higher level of consciousness
Answer:
1. If Idol is required for concentration only in the initial stages and not later on when the mind reaches higher consciousness then I would like to say that the Muslims have already reached the state of higher consciousness because when we worship Allah (SWT) we do not require any idol or statue.
2. Child asks why does it thunder?
When I was discussing with a Swami in I.R.F. He said that when our child asks us, why does the sky thunder? We reply that ‘aaee ma chhakki pees rahi hai’, the grandmother is grinding flour in the heaven, because he is too young to understand, similarly in the initial stages people require idol for concentration.
In Islam we don’t believe in talking a lie even if it’s a while lie. I will never give such wrong answer to my child because later on where he goes to school and learns that the thundering sound after lightening is due to the expansion of rapid heated air, he will either think that the teacher is lying or later on when he understand the fact he will conclude that the father is a liar. If you feel that the child may not understand certain difficult they you should simplify the answer but never give a wrong fictitious reply. If you, yourself do not know the answer, you should have the guts to be truthful and say ‘I don’t know’. Many children will not be satisfied with such a simple but yet truthful and if this answer is given to my son, he will say ‘Abba why you don’t know answer, that it will compel you to do your homework and thus educate yourself as well as your child’.
3. Those in standard one require idol for concentration 2+2=4 will remain same in standard one and ten)
Some pandits while trying to convince me regarding idol worship said that in standard one the student is initially taught to worship God by concentrating with the help of an idol but later on when he graduates he no longer requires the idol to concentrate while worshipping the God.
A very important fact to be noted is that only if the fundamentals of any particular subject is strong, then only will he be able to excel in future for e.g. Teacher of mathematics in standard I teaches the students that 2+2=4 irrespective whether the student parses school or does graduation, or does a Ph.D. in mathematics the basics of 2+2=4, will yet remain the same, it will not change to 5 or 6. In higher standards the students, besides addition may learn about Algebra, trigonometry, logarithm etc. but the fundamental of addition will yet remain the same. If the teacher in standard I itself teaches the fundamentals wrong, how can expect the student to excel in future?
It is the fundamental principle of the Vedas regarding the concept of God that he has got no image so how can the scholars even after knowing this fact keep silent at the wrong practice being done by people.
Will you tell your son who is in standard I that 2+2=4 is not equal to 4 but 5 or 6 and only confirm the truth after he passes school. Infact if he makes a mistake you will correct him, and say it is 4 and not wait till he graduates if you don’t correct him initial you will his future.

Muslims do not worship the Kaaba
Question:
Many non-Muslims allege when Islam is against idol worship why do the Muslims worship and bow down to the Kaaba in their prayer.
Answer:
1. Kaaba is the Qibla i.e. the direction:
Muslims do not worship the Kaaba in the Salaah. Kaaba is the Qibla that is the direction we face towards and we worship & bow down to no one but Allah towards in the Salaah, Islam always believes in unity for e.g. If Muslims want to offer Salaah some may say lets face north, some may say lets east for the sake of unity Muslims are asked to face only in one direction i.e. towards the Kaaba. If they live in the west they face the east, if they live in the east they face the west, if they live in the north they face the south, if they live in the south they face the north.
2. Kaaba in center of earth
The Muslims were the first people to draw the map of the world and they drew it with the south on top and north down and the Kaaba was in the center. Later on the westerners drew the map upside down with north on top and south down but yet Alhamdullilah the Kaaba is in the center of the world map.


3. Tawaaf around Kaaba for indicating one God:
When the Muslims go to Masjid-e-Haram in Mecca we do tawaf round the Kaaba i.e. circumambulate round the Kaaba to indicate that as every circle has one center, similarly there is only one Allah (SWT) worthy of Worship.
Hadith of Hazrat Umar:
According to Sahih Bukhari Vol. II Book of Hajj, Ch. 56, V. No. 675, Hazrat Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) said “I know that you are a stone, can neither benefit nor harm. Had I not seen the Prophet (pbuh) touching & kissing) you, I would never have touched (& Kissed) you”.
This statements of Hazrat Umar (RA) the second caliph of Islam is sufficient proof that we Muslims do not worship the Kaaba.
People stood on Kaaba and gave the Adhan.
At the time of the Prophet people even stood on the Kaaba and gave the Adhan which idol worshipper will ever stand on the idol he worships.

May 31, 2007 | 4:42 PM Comments  0 comments

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WOMENS’ RIGHTS IN ISLAM MODERNISING OR OUTDATED?

WOMENS’ RIGHTS IN ISLAM
– MODERNISING OR OUTDATED? – PART 1

There are many social traumas, problems and conflicts… women in society face today, and we sincerely need to find viable holistic and humanistic solutions to them.
In this context, the subject of ‘Women’s Rights’ is of much contemporary analytical relevance, and human interest.
A reason enough, for all of us to have gathered here today, inspite of options of other pre occupations.
On behalf of the Islamic Research Foundation… I, Dr. Mohammed Naik, the co-ordinator for the programs, today welcome you all with earnest pleasure, and sincere appreciation from the heart.
We begin today’s program formally with the Qiraat by Brother Ashraf Mohammey, which will be followed by the reading of its English translation.
(Ashraf Mohammedy) Asalamu Alaikum Wa Rahmatullahai Wabarakatuhu.
(Arabic)…
The translation … ‘I seek refuge with Allah from Satan the accursed
In the name of Allah Most Gracious Most Merciful’.
‘O Humankind reverence your Guardian Lord who created you from a single person, created of like nature his mate and from them twain scattered like seeds countless men and women, Reverence God through whom you demand your mutual rights and reverence the wombs that bore you.
For God ever watches over you
To orphans restore their property when they reach their age nor substitute your worthless things for their good ones and devour not their substance by mixing it up with your own, for this is indeed a great sin.
Verily Allah speaks the Truth’.
(Dr. Mohammed) Assalaamu Alaikum… Thank, you brother Ashraf.
For those who may be introduced new to the IRF and its activities, I would like to briefly outline the IRF, and its work.
The IRF was initially started in February 1991, to cater to the need for proper Islamic knowledge amongst the educated Muslim youth - Youth who may be ignorant about Islamic teachings, youth who may tend to be wrongly apologetic about Islam, and youth who may not know how to properly present and practice Islam, for the whole world at large, to appreciate and look up to.
Now the IRF has been growing in many other deserving areas of its other objectives, specially in humanitarian relief activities and educational upliftment.
Amongst its popular services, IRF has a collection of more than 1,300 Video cassettes and more than 4,000 Audio cassettes, on Islam and Comparative Religion, available for free hire in Bombay.
It also has to its credit, more then 50 publications on Islam and Comparative Religion, which are available free on request, all over India.
To promote education, the need of the day, amongst our people, the IRF Educational Trust was established 1½ year back of which Dr. Zakir happens to be the chairman.
Today Dr. Zakir will be speaking on the topic… ‘Women’s Rights in Islam – Modernizing or Outdated?’
This would be followed by a Question and Answer session, in which you all have a right to question and cross examine him, on the topic and the matter presented in a very open format.
When we consider the rights and justice for women in this open court of ours today, in context of Islamic laws and views, it is very befitting, and our esteemed pleasure to have amongst us the eminent Judge, Honorable Justice Muhammad Mujeebuddin Qazi, to preside over this programme.
Justice Qazi has been for 13 years from 1968 to 1981, the government pleader at the Nagpur Branch of the Bombay High Court, being the highest law officer of the Government of Maharashtra, there of.
Then, Justice Qazi became the first Muslim, after Justice M. C. Chagra to be elevated from the Bar to the Bench, as a Judge of the Bombay High Court, where he has been delivering judgment, from 1981 till 1992.
On the eve of his retirement in 1992, a very leading Newspaper of Central India ‘The Hitwada’, had this to say about him… ‘Justice Qazi belongs to the fast vanishing breed of gentlemen Judges’.
Justice Qazi, is at present a member of the Minorities Commission, and earlier has been a member of the advisory board Islamic and Comparative Law Journal, in New Delhi.

After his retirement as a high court Judge, Justice Qazi has been fortunate, and been honoured with the elevation, to the position of Chairman, Maharashtra Administrative Tribunal, opposed equal to that of the rank of the Chief Justice of the Bombay High Court.
This high powered Tribunal, is the substitute and bifurcation of the Bombay High Court for all government service matters.
To top it all, his hand bill… ‘Demeanor’ and manners as well as a deep anguish and care for real human progress, make him an make him an apt personality, to precede… to preside over today’s proceedings.
He would be introducing the importance and significance of the topic for the day, as well as introduce Dr. Zakir Naik, who he is well acquainted with.
Brothers and sisters… Justice M. M. Qazi
(Justice M.M. Qazi) The distinguished speaker Dr. Zakir Naik, Dr. Mohammed Naik, former Governor and Ambassador Mr. Talyar Khan, the foreign dignitaries, ladies and gentlemen.
At the outset, I would like to thank the organizers of Islamic Research Foundation, for having invited me to preside over this function.
I would also like to thank Dr. Mohammed Naik, for having said few good words about me.
As you are already aware, the subject of the talk this morning is… ‘Women’s Rights in Islam - Modernizing or Outdated?’
Modernizing means… ‘Something which is not antiquated, but in the context of the subject it would mean - the rights given to women in Islam, fourteen centuries back, are relevant even today’.
The debate, on the position of women in social spectrum, has been going on since centuries - but of late, it has assumed somewhat alarming proportions in certain matters.
Issues such as Talaq, Polygamy, participation of Muslim women in
Socio-political activities, are subject of regular comment and discussion in the media.
There may have been problems, but at the same, time it is a fact that some of the issues were over played by the Media.
No doubt, the Western woman has today obtained, Socio-economic and
Lego-political rights, through hectic struggle, which was carried on for over 200 years.
But friends, I would like to tell you, that in the struggle, in the process, she has lost everything.
She has lost, if you have closely observed the Western society… you will agree with me that she has lost her family life, she has lost peace of mind, she has lost even her honour and womanhood.
On the contrary… Islam has given, has bestowed on women innumerable rights, fourteen centuries back, when contemporary civilizations were still considering whether women could be regarded as a human being.
We are therefore to examine objectively, dispassionately and coolly, whether the rights, so given in Islam are really adequate, and therefore relevant even today.
You are fortunate to have an eminent speaker Dr. Zakir Naik, who is going to deal with the subject exhaustively, and therefore it is not necessary for me to refer to all those verses in the Holy Qur’an, and the number of traditions of the holy… of the Prophet of Islam, pertaining to the rights of women.
However I will refer to the two verses, in order to demonstrate that woman has been given a dignified position in Islam - Verse No. 228, Chapter 2, Surah Baqarah, as translated by Abdullah Yusuf Ali, whose work is supposed to be the most standard work, reads as under….
‘And Women shall have rights, similar to the rights against them, according to what is equitable, but men have a degree of advantage over them’.
I would like you to bear in mind, every word of this Verse - It has unequivocally being declared, that men and women have similar rights against each other.
These words… this part of the verse has no where been diluted anywhere in the Qur’an, however the verse further says that men have a degree of advantage over women.
It is really these words which we have to be… we have to be sure about, because it is here that most of the people have faltered, and even some of the commentators have misconceived these words.
But at the outset I would like to tell you, that these words have nothing to do with the rights between the parties… rights as I have already… we have already seen just now, have been unequivocally declared in the earlier portion of this Verse that… ‘Men and women have similar rights against each other’.
In order to fully appreciate this Verse, these words namely that… ‘Men have a degree of advantage over women’, we will have to refer also to another Verse - Verse No. 34, Chapter 4, Surah Nisa.
It reads… its translation reads as under… ‘Men are the protectors and maintainers of women, because Allah has given the one (more) into bracket (strength) bracket close than the other, and because they support them for their means’.
This Verse… Verse again lays down that… ‘Men are the protectors and maintainers of women’.
It further says that… ‘God has given one more than the other’.
Admittedly, a woman is a weaker sex and she has got to be given special protection in certain matters.
Anthropologically, man is stronger and also different, which is also a biological truth.
No doubt nature has given him this advantage, for which no credit goes to man, and no discredit to women on that account - But I would like to tell you that this advantage, is also being given to men in order, so that he is.. he is able to effectively discharge his functions.
Honorees task has been cast on him, that of a protector and maintainer and therefore this advantage which has been given to him, has nothing to do with the rights, as I have already said earlier.
In fact this advantage, in no way reduces the rights of women … nor it, her importance.

Therefore the real question that would arise, would be… I would request you to ponder over, and think about the state of affair, in the social set up today.
According to me, this is one of the most important and delicate function of the men… to give protection to women.
It is in a very… you see, in a very deep sense, which has to be understood - It is not wholly an ordinary protection, in the sense of saving one’s life - Please try to understand and appreciate.
I would request you to… to think over, whether men are discharging their functions… and if you closely examine, I have no doubt, you will come to this conclusion, that… that… that men have abdicated their most important function… that of giving protection to women, and therefore have neglected their… their elementary duty.
I do not want to enter into a dialogue or a debate at this time, because there is no time at my at my disposal, as to who is responsible for bringing about this tragic situation.
May be that women may… may have also been responsible for this… bringing about this situation.
But the fact remains, that this has exposed women to forces of crime and oppression, leading to widespread cases of violation of her honour and dignity. *** 16 Sec
In the back drop of Indian ethos, we shall sanctify womanhood.
No woman would like to bargain for such liberty, and no man would like to give up his… agree to give up his role as a ‘protector’.
This extremely delicate aspect of relationship between man and woman, has been explained by one of the great thinkers and the… and Poet… Doctor Iqbal, in a poem titled - ‘Women’s Protection’.
Of course the poem is in Urdu – It … it consists of three couplets… but I will translate them… these three couplets… there after I have recited these three couplets.
Iqbal says… ‘Ek Zinda Haqiqat Mere Seene Mein Hai Mastoor, Ek Zinda Haqiqat Mere Seene Mein Hai Mastoor, Kya Jaanega Woh Jiske Ragon Main Hai Lahoo Sard, Kya Janega Woh Jiske Ragon Main Hai Lahoo Sard, Na parda Na Taleem, Nai Ho Ke Purani, Nisfaniyat E Zan Ka NigeBaan Hai Faqat Mard, Jis Kaum Ne Zinda Haqi Jis Qaum Ne Is Zinda Haqiqat Ko Na Paya, Us Qaum Ka Kursheed Bahut Jald Huwa Zard’.
The translation would be that… ‘Jis Kaum Ne Ye Zinda haqiqat Kon Na Paya’ - The nation which has not realised this truth …sorry.
‘Ek Zinda haqiqat Mere Seene Mein Hain Mastoor’ - a living truth lies deep into my heart.
‘Kya Samjhegan Woh Jiske Ragon Mein Hai Lahoo Sard’- It is not for those whose senses are frozen.
‘Na Parda Na Taleem, Nai Ho Ke Puranee’ - It is neither veil nor education… new or old.
‘Niswaniyat e Zan Ka Nigeban Hai Faqat Mard’ - The protector of the dignity of women, is man alone.
‘Jis Qaum Ne Ye Zinda Haqiqat Ko Na Paya’ - A nation which has not discovered this… this truth.
‘Us us Kaum ka Kurshid Bahot Jald Huwa Zard’ - It’s sun is bound to fade away.

Friends, as I have already said… that I have extremely limited time at my disposal, and Dr. Zakir is already there, who is going to deal with the subject exhaustively… exhaustively, sufficiently suffice.
I have… non the less; I would like to tell you, that woman has been given a very dignified position, in Qur’an.
And the real problem is only, one of our own ignorance, of Quran’s real spirit
Therefore the real solution would be, to educate and enlighten the people.

May I remind you at this moment, the great words of Thomas Jefferson that… ‘A nation which expects… which expects to be ignorant and also free, it expects what never was, and never will be’.
‘Wo Mauzis The Zamane Mein Musalman Hokar, Aur Tum Khwar Piye Tarike Qur’an Hokar’.
Ladies and gentlemen, we have amids’t us, Bombay’s young but brilliant and irradiate speaker, Dr. Zakir Naik.
Though he is a doctor by profession, but he has dedicated himself to the cause of propagation… propagation of Islam, in it’s right perspective.
He is founder General Secretary of Islamic Research Foundation, which was established in 1991.
He is… he has widely traveled within and outside country, and has delivered number of lectures.
At such a young age, he has developed deep insight into Qur’an - which reminds us what Tagore has said that… ‘A lamp cannot light another lamp, unless it continues to burn it’s own flame’.
It would be most unfair, if on this occasion, I ignore, I do not mention the distinguished parents of Dr. Zakir Naik, but for whose guidance and blessings, he would not have been what he is today.
I once again thank you very much - Thank you very much.
(Clapping)...
(Dr. Mohammad) The talk by Dr. Zakir Naik, on today’s topic - Dr. Zakir Naik.
(Dr. Zakir) (Arabic
Honorable Justice M. M. Qazi, respected elders and my dear brothers and sisters, I welcome all of you with the Islamic greetings… ‘As-salaamu Alaikum Warahamatullahi Wabarakatuhu’… meaning… ‘May peace blessing and mercy of Almighty Allah, be on all of you’.
The topic of today’s day is - ‘The Women’s Rights in Islam - Modernising or Outdated?’
According to the Oxford dictionary, ‘Women’s Rights are the rights, that promote a position of social and legal equality, of women to men’
According to the Oxford dictionary, ‘they are the rights, claimed for the women, equal to those of men, as regards to suffrage that right to vote, as regards to property, etc’.
‘Modernising’, according to the Oxford dictionary means, ‘to make modern, to adapt to modern needs or habits’.
And according to the Webster’s dictionary it means… ‘To make modern, or to give a new character or appearance - e.g., to modernise ones ideas’.
In short, modernising is a process of updating or opting for the betterment of the present status itself - It is not the present modern status itself.
Can we modernise ourselves, to master our problems, and to realize a new way of life, for the whole human race?
I am not concerned about the modern ideas, the conclusions and the categorical statements made by scientists and inexperienced armchair experts, as how a life should be lived by a woman.
I am going to base my conclusions and considerations on truth, which can be proved by experience
Experience and unbiased factual holistic analysis, are the sure test, between the gold of truth, and the glitter of theory.
We have to check our thinking against reality, otherwise many a times, our mental process will go astray - Indeed the great brains of one time, believed that the world was flat.
If we agree with the ‘Women’s rights in Islam’, as portrayed by the Western media, you have no option, but to agree that the ‘Women’s rights in Islam’ are outdated.
The Western talk of women’s liberation, is actually a disguised form of exploitation of her body, deprivation of her honour and degradation of her soul.*** 10 Sec
The Western society which speaks of upgrading the status of women in Islam, have actually reduced her status to concubines, to mistresses, to society butterflies, which are mere tools in the hands of sex marketers and pleasure seekers, which are disguised behind the colorful screen of art and culture.
Islam’s radical revolutionary support, gave women their due right and status in the days of ignorance… 1,400 years ago.
Islam’s objective was and continues to be, to modernise our thinking, our living, our seeing, our hearing, our feeling and striving for the women’s upliftment and emancipation in the society.
Before I dwell further with the topic, I would like you to make note of a few points.
The first point is that, ‘approximately one fifth of the world’s population, consists of Muslims’
There are different Muslim societies - Some may be close to Islam, some may be far away from Islam
The ‘Women’s rights in Islam’ should judged according to the authentic sources, and not what individual Muslims do, or what the Muslim society does.

The authentic sources of Islam, are the Qur’an, which is the word of God, and the authentic Sunnah, and the traditions of our beloved Prophet (may peace be upon him).
Point number four - the Qur’an will never contradict itself, nor will the Shahih Hadith contradict itself… neither will these two authentic sources, contradict each other.

Point number five – ‘Sometimes the scholars differ, and many a times, these differences can be removed by analyzing the Qur’an as a whole, and not just by quoting one particular Verse’.
Because if one particular verse of the Qur’an if its ambiguous many a times the answer is given somewhere else in the Qur’an - Some people quote one source and neglect all the other sources.
And the last point is – ‘It is the duty of every Muslim, male or female, to seek the pleasure of Allah (SWT), and to act as His trustee on this world, and not to try and gain fame or satisfy one’s own ego.
Islam believes in equality of men and women – ‘Equality’ does not mean ‘Identicality’.
In Islam, the role of a man and woman… it is complimentary, it is not conflicting - It is that of a partnership - it is not contradictory, so as to strive for supremacy.
Where ‘Women’s rights in Islam’ is concerned, I have divided into 6 broad categories.
The first are ‘the Spiritual rights’, second are ‘the Economical rights’, third are ‘the Social rights’, fourth are ‘the Educational rights’, fifth are ‘the Legal rights’, and last are ‘the Political rights’.
Let us analyze ‘the Spiritual rights’ of women in Islam
The greatest misconception that the West has about Islam, is that they think… ‘Paradise in Islam, is only meant for the male - it is not meant for the female’.
This misconception can be removed by quoting from Surah Nisa, Ch. No. 4, Verse No 124, which says.
(Arabic)...
Which means – ‘If any of you do deeds of righteousness, whether it be male or a female and has faith, they shall surely enter Paradise and not the least injustice shall be done to them’
A similar thing is… a similar thing is repeated in Surah Nahl, Ch.16, Verse No.97 which says… ‘If any of you perform good deeds, be it a man or a women and is a believer, We shall give you good life and We should reward you for all your good works’ .
Just because in Islam, sex is not the criteria to enter Paradise… will you call such rights in Islam as modernising or outdated?
Another misconception is that, which the Western media has, that… ‘The woman has no soul’.
In fact, it was in the seventeenth century, when the Council of wise men… when they gathered at Rome, and they unanimously agreed that the woman had no soul.
In Islam, man and woman have the same spiritual nature, and that was clarified by our young Qari, Brother Ashraf Mohammedy, who recited the Verse from Surah Nisa, Ch.4, Verse No.1.
(Arabic)…
Which that… ‘O humankind reverence your guardian lord, who has created you from a single person and created like nature his mate’ .*** 15 Sec
A similar thing is mentioned in Surah Nahl, Ch.16, Verse No.72, which says that… ‘We have made for you companions and mates of your own nature’
Again in Surah Al-Shura, Ch.42, Verse No.11, it says… (Arabic)…
‘He is the one who has created the heavens and the earth and has made for you pairs from among yourselves’
Just because the spiritual nature of a man and woman is the same in Islam, will you call such rights in Islam, as modernizing or outdated?
The Qur’an clearly mentions that… ‘Allah (SWT) has breathed somewhat of His spirit into the human beings’.
If you read Surah Hijr, Ch.15, Verse No.29, it says… ‘When I have fashioned you in due proportion and have breathed into you something of my spirit, fall ye down in obeisance’
A similar thing is repeated in the Qur’an, in Surah Sajdah, Ch. 32, Verse No.9, which says...
( Arabic)…
Means… ‘We have fashioned you in due proportion and have breathed into you something of My spirit’ .
Here, when Allah (SWT) refers to… ‘As something of My Spirit, is breathed into the human beings’ - it does not mean, a sort of incarnation or a pantheistic form.
It means that Allah has given to every human being something of His spiritual Nature, and the Knowledge of God Almighty, and coming closer towards Him
Here it refers to both Adam and Eve (may peace be upon them) - Both were breathed something of Allah (SWT)’S Spirit.
Again we read in the Qur’an, that Allah has appointed the human being as His vicegerent, as His trustee, as is mentioned in Surah Isra, Ch.17, Verse No.70, which says….
(Arabic)…
That… ‘We have honoured the children of Adam and bestowed on them special favours’.
Sorry… Here all the children of Adam have been honoured, male as well as female.
There are some Religious scriptures, for example the Bible, which puts the blame on Eve for the downfall of humanity.
In fact if you read the Qur’an in Surah Araf, Ch.7, Verse No.19 to 27, Adam and Eve (may peace be upon them both) are addressed, more than a dozen of times.
Both disobeyed God, both asked for forgiveness, both repented, and both were forgiven.
In the Bible, if you read Genesis, Ch. 3, only Eve is held responsible (May peace be upon her) for the downfall of humanity.
And according to the doctrine of ‘Original Sin’, because of Eve (may peace be upon her) the whole of humanity is born in sin.
If you read the Bible in Genesis, Ch. 3, Verse No.16, it states that the God of… ‘the Bible’ it is saying ‘Unto the woman you shall bear in conception and in sorrow shall you give birth and your desire shall be of your husband and he shall rule over you’

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May 22, 2007 | 8:19 PM Comments  0 comments

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FOCUS ON ISLAM

FOCUS ON ISLAM
By Dr. Zakir Niak

In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful. The purpose of this blog is to give all our Non-Muslims friends here, an opportunity to learnsomething about Islam, from one who is competent and knowledgeable in the subject, with a view to dispelling wrong ideas from notions, and prejudices. The distinguished speaker we have this evening, is Dr. Zakir Naik, to my right. Dr. Zakir Naik hails from Bombay; he is a doctor and a medical practitioner by training, by education, and by profession. But for the last several years, Dr. Zakir Naik has specialized in the mission of speaking, on various aspects of Islam. He has distinguished himself in this work, and he has spoken in several places all over the world, and his tapes, his talks, his lectures, his cassettes, are very much in demand. You can secure some of them over here. He is the founder of Islamic Research Foundation of Bombay, an organization which does a great deal, to spread the true knowledge of Islam, among Non-Muslims and Muslims too, with a view to dispelling as I said earlier... false ideas, prejudices and wrong notions, perpetuated and propagated, against Islam and Muslims with a view to disrupting communal harmony. The programme for this evening will be as follows. The meeting proper will open with recitation by the Master Kabeel Abdullah. It will be followed... it will be followed, by our President, the honorable Mr. Justice Laxmanan’s address, followed by our brother Mohammed Abdul Ali... principal in talks and remarks, and thereafter Dr. Zakir Naik will speak. Before Dr. Zakir Naik speaks, I shall spell out, as desired by the organizers, the rules and knobs, whereby this meeting will conduct itself. Now, with permission of the President, I now request Master Kabeel Abdullah, to recite verses from the Holy Qur’an. (Arabic)... I now request the honorable Mr. Justice Laxmanan, of the Madras High Court, to deliver his address. His highness, Nawab Mohammed Abdul Ali, Dr. Zakir Abdul Karim Naik, President of Islamic Research Foundation, Mumbai, Mr. Muhammed Abdullah Badshah, Mr. Nizam A. Erris, my revered friend Mr. Faizur Rehman, other dignitaries, ladies and gentlemen... at the outset I thank the organizers of this function, for having given me the opportunity to be in your midst and preside over this evenings function. The preannual to our Constitution of India provides that we are secular in nature and character. The word ‘secular’ has been introduced by our Constitution’s 42nd amendment, with effect from 3rd January 1997. Our secularism has always meant the concept of equal respect, for all faiths and Religion. It is also provided in the constitution of India, that no citizen shall be discriminated, inter believed. On the basis of the Religion... right of Religions, minority has been recognized in the article 30 of the Constitution. Right of belief and propagation of Religion, has been given to the citizen, in article 25 of Constitution. Thus our Constitution recognizes the concept of equality, integrity and unity of Religious peace. I am sure the conference like this, would go a long way in bringing about mutual respects and regard, for persons following different Religions in the longer interest of the great nation. Before I resume, I once again thank the organizers, for having given me this opportunity to be in your midst, this evening. When I was in Mysore, I was asked to be there by our highness, Nawab Mohammed Abdul Ali. I was asked to be the chief guest. He as my revered good friend immediately agreed. He told me that... ‘Our Dr. Zakir Abdul Karim Naik will speak on ‘Focus on Islam, and Universal brotherhood’. I have to this morning... I told him, that I have another commitment by 8 o’clock - so I told him, that I have to deny the pleasure of hearing his speech on ‘Focus on Islam and Universal brotherhood’. Please pardon me Dr. Zakir Naik, and my friend Faizur Rehman, and our Mohammed Abdul Ali, for not being able to be present here, till the meeting is over. Any how, I have requested our Dr. Zakir Naik and I am told, he is one of the very excellent, and very fine speaker on Islam and he is going to make his speech... Focus on Islam and Universal brotherhood. I have requested him to give me an audiocassette so that I can hear the speech and give my opinion on that, with this few words I thank the organizers for having given me this opportunity and the people who are present here in this evening’s function. Thank you all. We thank the honorable Mr. Justice Laxmanan, for a thought provoking and insight full speech, which gives us much food for thought and reflection. On behalf of the organizers I should like to make a request to our Muslims friends if they could please kindly cooperate and please make room for our non-Muslims friends and guests. This seminar intended primarily for them if they could cooperate and make available some seats for our Non-Muslims friends to comfortably sit down please. Thank you very much. The purpose of this meeting this evening is to promote inter Religious understanding. India being a country where many different kinds of people with different Religious faith live. It is of the utmost important we at the very minimum understand each other. The purpose of this evenings meeting is to enable our non-Muslims friends at least some of them to understand what exactly Muslims believe why they believe in what they believe and why their action are to be explained very largely in terms of their Religion belief. The distinguished speaker Dr. Zakir Naik will speak very shortly on the topic being Focus on Islam and Universal brotherhood. His talk will be followed by a Question and Answer session. This Question and Answer session is intended exclusively for our non-Muslims friends. To our Muslims friends I apologize for this, this is due to the extreme shortage of time. You have had opportunities in the past, when Dr. Zakir Naik visited, and God willing you will have opportunities again, when Dr. Zakir Naik will visit again. But this evenings meeting…Question and Answer session is exclusive, for the benefit of our non-Muslims friends, who are free to ask the questions they wish. With these words, I now request Dr. Zakir Naik to please deliver his speech, on Islam and Universal brotherhood.
(Dr. Zakir) Auz Billahi Minash Shaitan Ir Rajim, Bismillahi Ar Rahman Ar Raheem…. (Arabic)… 49:13) (Arabic)… 20:25-27) Honorable Mr. Justice Laxmanan, Nawab Mohammed Ali, brother Fayyaz, my respected elders, and my dear brothers and sisters, I welcome you all with the greeting of peace… Islamic greetings: Assalam Alaikum, Wa Rahmatullahi, Wa Barakatuhu… May Peace, Blessings, and Mercy of Almighty Allah, be on all of you. The topic of this evening is - Focus On Islam. ‘Islam’ comes from the root word ‘Salam’, which means peace. Islam also means… Submitting your will, to Almighty God. Any one who submits his or her will, to Almighty God, is called Muslims. Many people have a misconception that Islam is a new Religion, which was founded by Prophet Muhammed (Peace be upon him). In fact, Islam is there, for time immemorial -since man first put foot on earth. Prophet Muhammed (Peace be upon him), is not the founder of the Religion of Islam. In fact, Qur’an says in Surah Fatir, Ch. 35, Verse 24... (Arabic)... ‘There is not a nation or a tribe…there has never been a nation or a people, to whom a warner has not been sent’. The Qur’an says in Surah Raad, Ch.13, Verse 7 ... ‘And to every nation and to every people have we sent a guide’. That means, there were messengers and guides, send to all the nations of the world. But by name, only 25 Prophets of Almighty God are mentioned in the Holy Qur’an by name. For example Adam, Noah, Moses, Abraham, Isaac, Ishmael, David, Solomon, Jesus, Muhammed (Peace be upon him). By name, only 25 Messengers are mentioned in the Holy Qur’an. But our beloved Prophet Muhammed (Peace be upon him), is mentioned in the Hadith, has said that… ' There were more than 1,24,000 Messengers sent on the face of the earth.' By name, only 25 are mentioned in the Qur’an. But all the messengers that came before Prophet Muhammed (Peace be upon him) -they were only sent for their people, and their message was only meant for a particular time period. The messengers that came were sent for their own people, and their message was meant for a particular time period. But Holy Qur’an says in Surah Ahzab, Ch. 33, Verse 40... (Arabic)... ‘Muhammed is not the father of any of your men, but he is the messenger of Allah (SWT). He is the messenger of Almighty God, and the seal of the Prophets - and Allah is all knowing and full of knowledge’. Holy Qur’an says... ‘Muhammed (Peace be upon him) is last and final messenger, sent on the face of the earth, and Muhammed (Peace be upon him) was not sent, only for the Muslims or the Arabs’. But the Holy Qur’an says in Surah Ambiya, Ch. 21,Verse 107...(Arabic)... ‘That We have sent thee… that is, Prophet Muhammed, as a mercy to all the creatures’ -As a mercy to all the world, as a mercy to the whole of humanity. The Holy Qur’an says in Surah Saba, Ch. 34, Verse 28...(Arabic)... ‘That We have sent thee…that is, Prophet Muhammed (Peace be upon him), as a universal Messenger giving them glad tidings, and warning them against sin. But most of the human kind do not know Muhammed (Peace be upon him) were only sent for their people, and their message was only meant for a particular time period. The messengers that came were sent for their own people -their message was meant for a particular time period. But the Holy Qur’an says in Surah Ahzaab, Ch. 33, Verse 40... (Arabic)… Muslims or the Arabs. But the Holy Qur’an says in Surah Ambiya, Ch. 21, Verse 107... (Arabic)... ‘That We have sent thee Muhammed (Peace be upon him) as a mercy to all the creatures, as a mercy to all the world, as a mercy to the whole of humanity’. The Holy Qur’an says in Surah Sabah, Ch. 34, Verse 28... (Arabic)... ‘That we have sent thee…that is Prophet Muhammed (Peace be upon him), as a universal messenger, giving glad tidings and warning them against sin -But most of the human kind yet do not know. So, Prophet Muhammed (Peace be upon him) was not only sent for the Muslims or the Arabs, but was sent for the whole of humanity’. Many Non-Muslims they give another name for Islam - which they think is synonymous, and they say the word… Muhammedanism, for Islam, and they call the Muslims as Muhammedans. Islam and Muhammedanism… is not the same. The Religion of Islam, cannot be as Muhammedanism…because, it was not a Religion, that was brought by Prophet Muhammed (Peace be upon him) - As I said it was there since time immemorial. The first Prophet, was Prophet Adam (Peace be upon him) -Muhammed (Peace be upon him) was not the first Prophet, but he was the last Prophet. And the word Muhammedan means, a person who worships Muhammed (Peace be upon him). We Muslims, we respect him -but there is not a single Muslims, who worships Prophet Muhammed (Peace be upon him) - It is not allowed in Islam. So the word Muhammedan, is a misnomer. The right word for the Religion, is Islam…and the people, who follow the Religion of Islam, is one called as Muslims. Muslims means, a person who submits his will, to Almighty God -We worship Almighty God, and no one else. There were several Revelations sent on the face of the earth to various nations and people - By name, only 4 are mentioned in the Holy Qur’an…the Torah, the Zaboor, the Injeel and the Furqan. Furqan, is the Holy Qur’an. The Torah is the Waheeh…the Revelation, which was given to Prophet Moses (Peace be upon him). The Zaboor is the Waheeh…the Revelation, which was given to Prophet David (Peace be upon him). The Injeel is the Waheeh…the Revelation, which was given to Prophet Jesus (Peace be upon him). And Furqan …that is Qur’an, is the last and the final Revelation, which was revealed to Prophet Muhammed (Peace be upon him), who was the last and final Messenger to the whole of human kind. By name, only 4 are mentioned in the Holy Qur’an. However, the Qur’an says that... ' There were several Revelations sent down, on the face of the earth.' - For example, Sauf-e-Ebrahim. Several…By name, only 4 are mentioned in the Holy Qur’an. All the Revelations that came before the Holy Qur’an, they were only meant for a particular group of people, and the message was supposed to be followed only for a particular time period. But the Holy Qur’an, it is mentioned in… it is in Surah Ibrahim, Ch. 14, Verse 52,' There is a message for the whole of humankind.' Let them take warning there from, and let them know that there is only one God, and let the man of understanding take heed . The Qur’an says in Surah Baqarah, Ch. 2, Verse 185... ‘Ramadhan was the month in which the Qur’an was revealed, as a guidance to the whole of human kind, as a criteria to judge right from wrong’. The Qur’an says in Surah Zumur, Ch. 39, Verse 41... ‘We have revealed to thee this book, that is, Prophet Muhammed (Peace be upon him), to instruct the human kind’. The Holy Qur’an does not say, to instruct only the Muslims or the Arabs, but the Qur’an says...' It was revealed for the whole of human kind. This is the last and final Revelation, of Almighty God.' But there are many people who may not agree, that the Holy Qur’an is the Revelation, from the God Almighty. The Qur’an says in Surah Nisa, Ch. 4, Verse 82... (Arabic)... ‘Do they not consider the Qur’an with care. Had it been from any other besides Allah (SWT)... Had it been from any other besides Almighty God, there would surely have been contradictions in it.' And I have given a talk in Bombay, ‘Is the Qur’an the Word of God’. And it is available for sale outside…where I have proved to Muslims andNon-Muslims alike, that the Holy Qur’an is the Word of Almighty God. Even to an Atheist, I have proved it, scientifically. But since an Atheist does not believe in God Almighty, how will he agree that Qur’an is the Word of God Almighty? If he does not believe in God, where does the question arise, whether he believes that Qur’an is the Word of God. Normally when an Atheist comes and tells me, that I do not believe in Almighty God, the first thing I do is, I congratulate him. I congratulate the Atheist…you know why? -Because he is not thinking, like the other people. The Christians…most of the Christians, are Christians, because their parents are Christians - he is a Muslims because his father is a Muslims, he is a Hindu because his father is a Hindu. They are just following blindly, the Religion of their fathers -this Atheist is thinking. What he thinks…'That see - what is the concept of the God, told by my father, is not right.' So he does not believe God Almighty. I congratulate him, because he said the first part of Islamic creed…the first part of the Islamic Shahada…‘La ilaha’ -That, there is no god. He has agreed with the first part of the Islamic creed, which says... ‘La ilaha’ - That, there is no god. Now my job, is to convince him on the other part, ‘Ill Allaah’ - but Allah. Islamic creed is ‘Lailaha-Ill Allaah - Muhammed-ur-Rasull Allah’. That… 'There is no god, but Allah and Prophet Muhammed (Peace be upon him) is the messenger of Allah(SWT). And since the Athiest has said the first part, I congratulate him. Now it is my job, to convince him about the second part…about Almighty God - which I shall do InshaAllah. When you ask a person who does not believe in God Almighty, that if an object…a machine is brought in front of him, which no human being in the world have ever seen…an unidentified machine, which no one in the world has seen before, is brought in front of him. And if he is asked that…'Who is the first person, who will be able to tell the mechanism, of that machine? What is the answer, that Atheist will give. Some Atheists will say that… ' The first person, who will be able to tell you the mechanism of the unidentified machine, which no one in this world has seen…is the Creator, some may say Manufacturer, some may say Producer, some may say Maker -whatever they say, keep it in mind…it will be somewhat similar. The first person who will be able to tell you the mechanism of this machine, which no one in this world has seen, is the Creator or the Maker or Manufacturer or Producer… it will be somewhat similar. If you ask the question to an Atheist, who believes that science is ultimate, that…' How did our world came into existence? He will tell you that…' According to the Big Bang Theory, first the whole universe was primary nebula. Later on there was a secondary separation, which gave rise to galaxies, the planets, the sun, the moon, and the earth that we live in. In a nut shell, the theory is called as the Big bang theory. The same message is given in the Holy Qur’an in Surah Al-Ambiya, which says that ... (Arabic)...Do not the unbelievers see, that the heavens and the earth were joined together, and We clove them as under’. So when you ask the Atheist, that…' Who could have written this Big bang theory, which we have discovered yesterday - in the Holy Qur’an 1400 years ago?' He may say…' It is a guess'. Can be possible that someone guessed, or some intelligent man has wrote it. No problem. Today science tells us that…' The Universe… initially the celestial matter was in the form of gas.' The Qur’an says in Surah Fussilat, Ch. 41, Verse 11, that... ‘Allah (SWT) had turned to the heavens, when it was smoke, and He said to it, and the earth… Come together, willingly or unwillingly, and they came together in willing obedience’. So Qur’an says...' First the celestial matter was in the form of Dukhan. The Arabic word Dukhan means, smoke… which science today tells us that smoke is the more appropriate word then so as who could have mentioned that initially the celestial matter was in the form of smoke. The Atheist will say… 'Okay, someone has guessed it'. No problem. Previously, we thought the world we live in, it was flat -and people were afraid to venture too far, lest they would fall over. You ask the Atheist, that…' What is the shape of the earth.' So he will tell you…' The shape of the earth is spherical.' If you ask him when did you come to know about this? He will tell you just 50 years back… 100 years back… means, yesterday in science. 50 years means, yesterday in science. Who was the first person? If he has good knowledge about science he will tell you that…'The first person who discovered, that the world spherical, was Sir Francis Dave, in 1597… when he sailed around the earth, and he proved that it was spherical.' The Qur’an says in Surah Luqman, Ch. 31, Verse 29, and in Surah Al-Zumur, Ch. 39, Verse 5, that…' Allah merges the nights into the day, and merges the days into the night’. Allah overlaps the days into the night, and overlaps the night into the day. This overlapping and merging, which is a gradual slow process, of day changing to night and night changing to day is only possible if the shape of the earth is spherical. It is not possible if it is flat, otherwise there would have been a sudden change. So Qur’an speaks about the spherical nature of the earth, 1,400 years ago. Qur’an further says in Surah Naziat, Ch. 79, Verse 30... (Arabic)... ‘And thereafter We have made the earth, egg shaped’.
The Arabic word dahaha, also means expand -and it comes from the root word dohea, which means egg. It does not refer to a normal egg -It refers to the egg of an Ostrich and if analyse the shape of the earth… it is not round like a ball -it is flattened from the top, and bulging from the centre. Similar to the egg of an Ostrich, which is too flattened from the top, and bulging from the centre. It is geo spherical in shape. So if you ask the Atheist, that…' Who could have mentioned, that the earth is geo spherical… 1400 years ago -which we discovered just 300 or 400 years ago? The person will say that…' May be your Prophet… he was an intelligent man -he wrote it. Do not argue - Continue. Previously we thought that the light of the moon, was its own light. It is recently discovered that the light of the moon, is reflected light. Qur’an says in Surah Furqan, Ch. 25, Verse 61, that... ‘Blessedth is He, who has made the constellation in the sky, and therein placed a lamp, a sun having a light of its own, and a moon having borrowed light. So the Qur’an says that... ‘The light of the sun, is its own light - but the moonlight, the light of the moon, is not its own light’. The light of the moon is described as muneer, or noor, which means, borrowed light or reflection of light. The sunlight is described as siraj, or wahaj, or duja, which means the light of its own, meaning a torch, or a glowing lamp. Always moonlight is described as muneer, or noor. Imagine, we discovered it just yesterday in science, 50 years back…100 years back, and the Qur’an mentions this 1400 years ago. When I was in school I had learnt, that the sun was stationary… it did not rotate about its own axis -whereas the moon and the earth, they rotate about their own axis. But there is a verse in Holy Qur’an, in Surah Al-Ambiya, Ch. 21, Verse 33… (Arabic)…‘It is Allah who has created the night and the day, the sun and the moon, each one travelling in the orbit, with its own motion’. So Qur’an says... ‘The sun and the moon, besides revolving, they also rotate about their own axis’. While later on, we come to know recently after I passed school, that science has discovered that the sun rotates about its own axis -which was mentioned in the Holy Qur’an, 1,400 years ago. Who could have mentioned it? Now he will hesitate to say… 'It is a fluke, or it is just by chance.' The Qur’an speaks about the water cycle. The person to describe the coherent water cycle, was Sir Bernard Plassey, in 1580. Qur’an describes the details of water cycle in Surah Al-Zumur, Ch. 39, Verse 21; in Surah Rum, Ch. 30, Verse 24; in Surah Mominun, Ch. 23, Verse 18… Holy Qur’an, in Surah Hijr, Ch. 15, Verse 22. In several places, the Qur’an describes the water cycle in great detail. How does the water evaporate? How does it form in to the clouds? How does the clouds move into the interior, and how does it fall down as rains? And goes back into the ocean? The water cycle has been described in great detail, in the Holy Qur’an -which was just discovered yesterday. Previously we did know that there were two types of water… salty and sweet water. The Holy Qur’an tells us in Surah Furqan, Ch. 25, Verse 53, that... ‘It is Allah, who has created two bodies of flowing water, one sweet and palpable… the other sweet and bitter. Between them is the barrier, which is forbidden to be trespassed.' The same message is repeated in Surah Rehman, Ch. 55, Verse 19 and 20, that …(Arabic)... ‘It is Allah who has led flow two bodies of flowing water, and between them is a barrier, which is forbidden to be trespassed’. Today science tells us that... ‘The sweet and salt water, though they meet, they do not mix’. There is a slanting barrier between them, which the Qur’an describes 1,400 years ago. Then you ask the Atheist…' Who could have mentioned this? He will hesitate to say, that it is a fluke. The Qur’an speaks about Biology. It says in Surah Al-Ambiya, Ch. 21, Verse 30, that ...(Arabic).... ‘We have created every living thing from water’. Will you not imagine… in the deserts of Arabia, where there is scarcity of water, the Qur’an says... ‘Every living thing is made from water’. Who would have believed in this fairy tale? Where there was scarcity of water, the Qur’an says... ‘every living thing is made from water’. Today we have come to know, that the basic unit of cell… the cytoplasm, it consists of 80% water. Every living creature contain 50 to 90% water. Qur’an says that... ‘The plants were created in males and females, in sexes’…which we discovered today. Qur’an speaks about Zoology…about the lifestyles of the birds, lifestyle of the ants, of the spider, of the bees…which we discovered today. Qur’an speaks about medicine in the honey -there is a healing, which we discovered today. Qur’an speaks about Embryology, the various stages of embryological development of the human being, which we discovered today. Qur’an speaks about genetics. If you ask the Atheist, that…' Who could have mentioned all this?… he cannot say…' It is by chance'… because there is a theory, known as theory of Probability. The chances of it being a guess work, it becomes less… the moment you give more correct answers - Theory of Probability. So surely, the only answer that is remaining, is the first answer. He gave… Who can tell the mechanism of the universe?… is ‘The Creator’, is the Manufacturer, is the Producer, is the Maker. You can call him by any name, but there is a Creator, which we call as Allah (SWT), or Almighty God. How to prove that Qur’an is the revelation of Allah (SWT)? How to prove scientifically the existence of Allah (SWT). You can refer to my Video cassette ‘Qur’an and Modern Science - Conflict or Conciliation?’, where I have spoken in detail. Our beloved Muhammed(Peace be upon him) said -It is mentioned in Sahih Bukhari Vol. 1, Hadith No.2, that... ‘Islam is based on five principals, five pillars. The first is the Tawheed: ‘La ilaha Ill Allah, Muhammed ur Rasulullah’ -that… There is no god but Allah, and Prophet Muhammed(Peace be upon him) is the messenger. The Holy Qur’an says in Surah Al-Baqarah, Ch. 2, Verse 177... ‘It is not righteous that you turn your face to the east or west, but it is righteousness that you believe in Allah (Almighty God), you believe in the hereafter, you believe in the angels, you believe in the messengers, and you believe in the Books’. The best definition that a Muslims can give you of Almighty God… Allah (SWT), is in the Holy Qur’an Surah Ikhlas, Ch. 112, Verse 1 to 4, which says... (Arabic)... ‘Say: Allah, He is one and only’...(Arabic)... ‘Allah, the absolute and eternal’...(Arabic)... ‘He begets not, nor is He begotten’...(Arabic)... ‘And there is nothing like Him’. This is a four line definition of Allah (SWT)… of Almighty God. What we Muslims say…. 'If any person, any entity who claims him to be Almighty God, if he fits in this four line definition of God, then we Muslims have no objection in accepting that candidate, as Almighty God. But the Holy Qur’an also says in Surah Isra, Ch. 17, Verse 110, it says... (Arabic)... ‘Say, call upon Him, by Allah or by Rahman, by whichever name you call upon Him, to Him belongs the most beautiful names’. That means you can call Allah (SWT)… Almighty God by any name, but it should be a beautiful name. It should not conjure up a mental picture, and the Qur’an gives not less than 99 different attributes to Almighty God…. Ar Rahim, Ar Rahman, Al Jabbar, Al Kahar, Al Kuddus, no less than 99 attributes to Almighty God. He is Merciful, He is Beneficient and, etc. But the crowning one is, The Allah. Now, why we Muslims prefer calling Almighty God by the Arabic word Allah, instead of the English word God... the reason we Muslims prefer calling Allah (SWT) by the Arabic word Allah, because the English word God -it can be played around with. You can play mischief with the English word God. For example, if you add an ‘s’ to the God, it becomes Gods. In Islam, there is nothing like Allahs, there is no plural of Allah. Ch 112, Verse 1...(Arabic)... ‘Say He is Allah, one and only’. If you add ‘dess’ to god, it becomes goddess… meaning a female god. In Islam, there is nothing like male Allah, or female Allah. Allah (SWT) has got no gender. He is unique. If you add father to god, it becomes godfather -that he is my godfather, he is my guardian. There is nothing like Allah-father, or Allah-abba, in Islam. Allah, is a unique word. If you add a mother, to Allah… to God, it becomes godmother. There is nothing like Allah- ammi, or Allah-mother, in Islam. If you prefix a tin before God, it becomes tin-god… meaning fake. There is nothing like tin Allah, in Islam. We Muslims prefer calling Allah (SWT), by the Arabic word Allah… than by the English word God. Otherwise Qur’an says... ‘You call Him by any name besides’ Surah Isra, Ch. 17, Verse 110. It is also mentioned in Surah Araf, Ch. 7, Verse 180, in Surah Taha, Ch. 20, Verse 20, and Surah Al-Hashr, Ch. 59, Verse 24, that... ‘You can call Allah, by any name but to Him belongs the most beautiful name’. It should be a beautiful name. It should not conjure up a mental picture, and the Holy Qur’an further says in Surah Anam, Ch. 6, Verse 108, that... ‘Revile not those who worship God besides Allah’, that means… Abuse not these who worship gods besides Allah, lest in their ignorance, they will revile they will abuse Allah (SWT). So a Muslims is prohibited from abusing those people who worship gods besides Allah, lest in their ignorance they will abuse Allah (SWT). The second pillar of Islam, is Salaah. Many people translate the word Salaah, as ‘prayer’. To pray, is to ask for help… to beseech -how a person beseeches in the court of law, to ask for help. Prayer does not denote the complete meaning of the Arabic word, Salaah, because in Salaah… besides asking for help, we also praise Allah (SWT), we also get guidance in the Salaah, so therefore the English word prayer, does not denote the complete meaning of the Arabic word Salaah. The more appropriate meaning that I say, I verily prefer calling it as programming, because we Muslims… we are programmed in our Salaah. We are programmed in what is wrong, and what is right -do the good things, do not do the bad things, do not rob, do not cheat, do the good things, love your neighbour, etc, etc. We are being programmed. Out if someone tells…' Where am I going'… and if I say….' I am going for programming, I am going for brain washing'… it may sound odd. So if someone uses the word prayer, for Salaah… I have no objection, though it does not denote the Arabic word, Salaah. But if someone says… 'Where are you going? 'And instead of saying…' For prayers' -I am going for programming, I am going for brain washing, it might sound a bit odd. So if any one uses the word prayer, for Salaah… I have got no objection. We Muslims are supposed to pray 5 times a day -in the morning before sunrise, it is the Fajr Salaah -the Zohar Salaah, after the sun reaches highest, that is early in the afternoon -the Asr Salaah, late in the afternoon… that is before the sunsets -the Maghrib Salaah, after the sun sets immediately, and the Isha Salaah, that is late in the evening or the early in the night. We have to pray minimum 5 times a day. How… for a healthy body, the doctor will tell you -You should have three meals a day. Similarly for a spiritual soul, you should offer Salaah, 5 times a day, minimum. And whenever we offer Salaah, when we enter the Mosque, we remove our footwear -this was the commandment given to prophet Moses (Peace be upon him). It is mentioned in the Holy Qur’an in Surah Taha, Ch. 20, Verse 11 and 12, that…'' When he approached the fire he heard a voice... ‘Oh! Moses verily I am your Lord ; take off thy shoes for thou art in the sacred valley of Dua’. This was the commandment given to Moses(Peace be upon him) which we Muslims follow -We take off our footwear when we offer Salaah. Besides that, we are hygienic people, who want to see our place of worship is clean. And since we do prostration, we do not want to prostate in mud, dirt and filth which comes along with the footwear -We are hygienic people. Before offering Salaah, the Holy Qur’an says in Surah Maidah, Ch. 5, Verse 5...(Arabic)... ‘O ye believe, when you prepare yourself for Salaah, when you prepare yourself for prayers, wash your face, and your hands, and arms, up to the elbow -rub your head with water, wash your feet upto the ankle’. It is the ablution -In Arabic, it is called as wudhu. It is compulsory that before we offer Salaah, we should do ablution, we should wash ourselves. Because we are hygienic people, we want to be clean before we appear in front of the Lord. And besides that, it is also a mental preparation -that mentally we are being prepared, that now we are going to appear in front of Allah (SWT), in front of Almighty Lord. Our believed Prophet said -it is mentioned in Sahih Bukhari, Vol. No. 1, in the Book of Adhan, Ch. No. 75, Hadith No. 692. Our prophet said... ‘When you stand for Salaah, stand shoulder to shoulder’. In another Hadith, it says that... ‘When you stand for Salaah, stand shoulder to shoulder, so that the devil does not come in between you’. Our prophet was not talking about the devil which you see in the Onida T.V. add. You Know the Onida T.V. add it has the devil with two horn and a tail. Our Prophet was not talking about the devil which you see in the Onida T.V. add or in the comic strip with two horns and a tail. He was referring to the devil of rascism, devil of casteism, devil of colour, of wealth mean irrespective of whether you are rich or poor, whether you are black or white, whether you are from America or from China or from India or from Pakistan, whether you are from a noble family, or you are not from a noble family. When you offer Salaah, stand shoulder to shoulder, so that it shows the best Universal brotherhood, five times a day. Five times a day when we offer Salaah, irrespective from which ever part he is coming, whether he is rich or poor, whether he is black or white, when they stand for Salaah, we Muslims, we stand shoulder to shoulder. Universal brotherhood… the best example, practical example …so that the devil of racsism, the devil of colour, the devil of cast, the devil of wealth does not come in between the brothers. And the best part of the Salaah, is the sujud… is the prostration. The Arabic word sujud, is mentioned in the Qur’an, no less than 92 different times. And the Psychologists, they tell us, that the mind is not directly under our control. The body, it is directly under our control but our mind, keeps on wandering. It is not directly under our control… It keeps on wandering -the body is under our control. So to humble the mind, you have to humble your body -And which is the better way, than the way we Muslims do. We put the highest part of the body… that is the forehead, to the lowest part of the ground, and then say…' Glory be to Allah (SWT), Who is the most greatest, glory be to Allah, Who is the most highest. And if you analyse, that when we offer Salaah there various benefits of the Salaah (i.e. prayers). Normally, throughout the day, there are electrostatic charges given out from the brain. When we do sujud, these charges get grounded -there is grounding of the frontal lobe, there is grounding of these charges. How, we have a three pin plug and a two pin plug... Three pin plug grounds. That does not mean, that if you put your hand below the head you will find, you will get a shock. It is not that grounding as the electric grounding, but it is dominance of the frontal lobe. Normally when you live, you always stand erect -blood is being pumped by the heart to the brain, but it is not sufficient for a very healthy brain. So when you do sujud, extra blood flows from the heart to the brain, due to gravity. This extra flow of blood, is a requirement for a very healthy brain. So when we do sujud, extra blood flows in to the brain, which is very good for a healthy brain. When we do sujud, there is extra blood supply to the skin of the face, which prevents ‘Chill bane’. When we do sujud, the secretion of the synuses… the ‘Aismodal’ synus, Magniotal synus, they get drained- there are less chances of a person suffering from Synusitis. Normally when you breath, only 2/3rd of your lungs capacity is utilised. The remaining 1/3rd is known as residual air. But when we do the sujud, and when your breath in the sujud, the abdominal vicra, it presses against the diaphram. The diaphram presses against the lower part of the lungs, and even the residual air… the 1/3rd air is exhaled out, so more fresh air enters in to the lungs, in which there are less chances of that person suffering from lung diseases. When we do sujud, there is drainage of secretion of the Brocheal tree, in which there are less chances of a person suffering from Bronchitis. When we so sujud, there is increased vynus return, to the Abdominal vicra… when we do sujud there is less chances of having Hamroid. There are several benefits. When you do kayaam, ruku, sujud… when you stand up, and when you get up from the sitting position, the calf muscles are being activated. The calf muscles are referred to as peripheral heart, because they supply blood to the lower part of the body. So when you do kayaam, ruku, sujud… when you stand up, sit up, prostate, get up… the calf muscles are activated, and it increases the blood supply to the lower part of the body when you stand up bow down and prostrate the vertebrae is being exercised you have less chances of having disease of vertebrae. There are several medical benefits only of salah -You can give a talk only on that. But we Muslims, we do not offer salah, for these medical benefits -these are only side dishes. We offer salah, to praise Allah (SWT) to thank…Allah (SWT). That is our main dish…that is a biryani. The medical benefits are side dishes -we do not pray for these medical benefits. It may attract a person, who does not believe in Islam -that okay, you get medical benefits… he may come closer to salah. But we Muslims offer salah, to thank Allah (SWT)… to praise Him -That is our main biryani. This is the additional benefit that Allah (SWT) gives us. The third pillar is Zakah. The Arabic words Zakah, means purification… it means growth. In Islam every rich person who has a saving of more than the nesaab level, more than the minimum wealth, that is seven and a half tola of gold. He should give 2.5% of that saving every lunar year, in charity -and the criteria to do the charity is given in Surah Tauba Ch. 9, Verse 60, which says... ‘It can be given to the fukra, to the poor people, to the masakeen who are needy, whose heart is bent towards Islam, to those who are in debt, those in freeing of slave, a way farer who gets scanted in a foreign land, and those who spend in the way of Allah(SWT)’. These are 8 categories given in Surah Tauba, Ch.9,V 60, to whom this Zakat can be given. It is compulsory for every rich Muslim, who has saving of more than the nisaab level, he should give 2.5% of that saving, every lunar year, in charity. I ask a question, that if every human being in the world gives Zakat, gives 2.5 % of his excess wealth in charity… poverty will be eradicated form this world. There will not be a single human being who will die of hunger. That is why the Holy Qur’an says, in Surah Hashr, in Ch. 59, Verse 7, that... ‘It prevents the wealth from circulating among the rich -is that, that the rich will not become more richer’. It prevents the wealth from circulating amongst the rich. The Holy Qur’an says in Surah Taubah, Ch. 9 Verse 34, that... ‘Those who bury gold and silver, and spend it not in the way of Allah (SWT), do not give charity, announce to them a grievous penalty. That on the day of Judgement, heat will be produced from this wealth, from fire of hell, and they will be branded on their fore heads, on their flanks, and on their back. And it will be told to them, that you hoarded the wealth- now have a taste of your wealth’. Hoarding of wealth, is prohibited in the Holy Qur’an -You cannot hoard wealth. The fourth pillar is Hajj. Every Adult Muslim who has the means to perform Hajj, that is pilgrimage to the Holy city of Makkah, should at least do it once in his life time. And I say that the Hajj is the best practical example in the world, of Universal brotherhood -There is not a better example. In Hajj, there are 2.5 million Muslims who gather in Mecca. In Mina, in Arafat… the holy land, 2.5 million Muslims from various part of the world, from America, England, Japan, India, Pakistan, Malaysia, Singapore and various part of the world. And the men, they dress up in two pieces of unsewen cloth preferably white -so that the person standing next to you, when he is performing the pilgrimage, you cannot make out whether the person standing in front of you is a king or a popper. You cannot come to know, whether he is rich or poor. All of the Muslims from various parts of the world …they collect -It is the biggest annual gathering of the world. 2.5 million Muslims, 25 lakhs Muslims, they gather there and they perform their pilgrimage, and they are dressed in the same simple unsewen pieces of cloth -Best example of Universal brotherhood. I started my talk by quoting a Verse from the Holy Qur’an, Surah Hujurah, Ch.49, Verse 13, which says... (Arabic)... ‘O human kind, We have created you from a single pair of a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that ye shall recognize one another, and not that you shall despise one another’. And the most honoured in the sight of Allah (SWT) is the one who has taqwaa, who has righteousness, who has God-consciousness, who has piety. The Holy Qur’an says that... ‘The whole of the human kind, has been created from a single pair of a male and a female’. And God Almighty has divided them into nations and tribes, so that they shall recognise each other not that they shall despise each other -That I am superior to you… or you are superior to me. And the Prophet said that... ‘No Arab is superior to a Non-Arab, neither a Non-Arab superior to an Arab, neither a White superior to a Black, nor a Black superior to a White’. The Qur’an says -the only criteria for judgement in Surah Hujrat, Ch. 49, Verse 13... ‘The only criteria for judgement in the sight of Allah (SWT) is not sex, it is not caste, it is not colour, it is not wealth, it is not age, it is taqwaa, it is God-consciousness, it is peity, it is righteousness, it is by God-consciousness… not by wealth, colour or nobility’. These are the guidance given by the Holy Qur’an, for Universal brotherhood. The fifth pillar in Ramadhan, is saum. That every adult Muslims should fast, should abstain from having food and drink, from sunrise to sunset, in the complete lunar month of Ramadhan. The Holy Qur'an says in Surah Al-Baqarah, Ch. 2, Verse 183, that... ‘Ramadhan has been prescribed to you, as it was prescribed earlier, to the people who came early before you, so that you may learn self restrain’. The reason for fasting has been described in the Holy Qur’an, for self restraint. And the Psychologists, they tell us today, that if you can control your hunger, you can control almost all your desires. That is what Qur’an says, that... ‘Ramadan has been prescribed to you, so that you may learn self restrain, you may control your desire. If you can control your hunger, you can control almost all your desires. And there are various benefits, that if a person can abstain from having alcohol, from sunrise to sunset, he can very well abstain from having alcohol, from the cradle to the grave. If he can abstain from smoking from sunrise to sunset, he can very well abstain from smoking, from the cradle to the grave. It gives an opportunity to improve yourself. I call it the over hauling -like how your machine requires servicing…like you service your car every three months, every four months… your motor cycle every five month, etc. If you allow me to call the human being a machine, I would say… It is the most complicated machine on the face of the earth. Ramadhan is a servicing of the human body -one lunar month, every lunar year… servicing. There are several medical benefits even of the Salaah. I would not like to go in to detail. But it also improve, increases the intestinal absorption when you fast, it increases your intestinal absorption. These were in a nutshell the five pillars of Islam. If you remember the Prophet said these are the pillars of Islam, these are the principles of Islam. This does not constitute the complete Islam. Many people have a misunderstanding that if they do these 5 things they become very good Muslims. These are only the 5 pillars, and any engineer will tell you, that if the pillar is strong, then hopefully the structure will be strong. If the foundation is strong, then the structure will be strong, so if we follow these 5 pillars correctly, then InshaAllah the structure will be correct. And the other structure, the do’s and dont’s are mentioned in the Holy Qur’an. How a person should lead his life, is mentioned in the Holy Qur’an. The Holy Qur’an says in Surah Dhariyat, Ch. 51, Verse 56...(Arabic)... ‘That We have created the jinn and the men, not but to worship Me’. That means, God Almighty created the jinn and the men, only to worship Him. What is the meaning of the Arabic word Ibadah? It comes from the root word ‘Abd’ which means, following His commandment. Many people have a misconception that Salaah… prayer is the only form of Ibadah. Salaah is one of the high forms of Ibadah -But it is the not the only form of Ibadah. Whatever commandments of Allah (SWT) -if you are following them you are doing Ibadah. If you abstain from prohibited food like Alcohol, Qur’an says in Surah Al-Maidah, Ch. 5, Verse 90, that... ‘Alcohol is prohibited’. You are doing Ibadah of Allah (SWT) Almighty God, if you are honest in your business, you are doing Ibadah… you are doing worship of Allah(SWT). If you love your neighbours, as the Qur’an says in Surah Al-Maun, Ch. 107, Verse 127... ‘Provide neighbourly needs', you are doing Ibadah of Allah (SWT). If you abstain from back biting, speaking ill about people behind their back, you are doing worship of Allah (SWT). Qur’an says in Surah Al-Humuza, Ch. 104...(Arabic)... ‘Woe to every kind of scandal, monger and backbiter. Qur’an says in Surah Hujurat, Ch. 49, Verse 11 to 12, that... ‘Do not defame others, do not be sarcastic, do not call others by nickname, avoid suspicion for suspicion in many cases is a crime. Do not speak ill about others behind their back, are you ready to eat the dead meat of your brother, means if you backbite, if you speak ill about any body else it is as though your are eating the dead meat of your brother.' What does it mean? -Eating dead meat had been prohibited in the Holy Qur’an. Eating dead meat of your brother, is double crime. Even the animals that eat human being, they do not the dead meat of their own brother. So the Qur’an says... ‘If you backbite, if you speak ill about other people behind their back, it is a double crime. First speaking ill about any one without proof is a crime… speaking ill about any one without proof, behind their back is double crime, because he cannot support himself. Eating dead meat is a crime, eating dead meat of your brother is a double crime. The Qur’an says that... ‘If you backbite… are you ready to eat the dead meat of your brother’? And Allah gives the reply… "Nay, you will abhor it?' So if you abstain from backbiting, you are doing worship of Allah (SWT)… you are doing Ibadah. Qur’an says in Surah Isra, Ch. 17, Verse 23 to 24, that... ‘I have ordained for you that you should worship none but Me, and that you should be kind to your parents’. After worshipping Allah (SWT) -Allah says... ‘We should be kind to our parents. And if any one of them, or both of them reach their old age, do not say a word of contempt -do not even say uff to your parents. But lower to them your wings of humility, and address them with honour, and pray to Almighty God, that… Bless them, as they cherished me in childhood’. You have to love and respect your parents... If you love and respect your parents, you are doing worship of Allah (SWT). Monasticism, celibacy is prohibited in Islam. Our beloved Prophet said in Sahih Bukhari, Vol. 7, Ch. 3, in the Book of Nikaah, Hadith No. 4... ‘Oh young people whoever has the means to get married, should get married. That will help to lower your gaze, and guard your modesty’. The Prophet said... ‘Whoever does not marry, is not of me’. It is compulsory in Islam, to marry. If you are marrying, you are doing worship of Allah (SWT). If you have sex with your wife, and abstain from adultery, you are doing worship of Allah (SWT). Because Qur’an says in Surah Isra, Ch. 17, Verse 32, that... ‘Come not close to adultery, for it is an evil deed, an unjust deed, and an evil opening roads to other evils. It is a shameful deed, an evil opening roads to other evils, so if you have sex with your wife and abstain from adultery, you are doing Ibadah. The Holy Qur’an says in Surah Nisa, Ch. 4, Verse 19, that... ‘Treat your wives on a footing of equity and kindness, even if you dislike her’. That even if you dislike your wife. Qur’an says... ‘You should love her and treat her with equity’. If you dress up modestly, that is Ibadah, that is worship of Allah (SWT). In short, any commandments you follow of Allah (SWT), that is worship of Almighty God. If you abstain from those things that Allah has prohibited, you are doing Ibadah, you are doing worship of Allah (SWTsss). Islam has got a dual role -It caters to the body as well as the soul. There is not a single teaching of Islam, which is against humanity. People may think… 'This teaching of Islam is wrong' -due to lack of knowledge. They may have less information either about Islam, or about the statistics of the world. Therefore they may think this teaching of Islam that marrying more than one wife okay it is a wrong teaching. But if you have the correct information, correct knowledge of Islam and the correct statistics of the world, there is not a single teaching of Islam which is against humanity. Every teaching of Islam, is either beneficial to the body or to the soul, of the being. The Holy Qur’an says in Surah Mulk, Ch. 67, Verse 2... ‘Allah has created death and life to test which of you is good is deed’. This life that you are leading, is a test for the Hereafter. It is a test that we are undergoing -If we fail, you go to hell. And the criteria for salvation, was recited by our young Kari, brother Kaamil, in beginning of the talk. He recited Surah Al-Asr, Ch. 103, Verse 1 to 3... (Arabic)... ‘By the token of time, man is verily in a state of loss, except for those who have faith, who have righteous deeds, those who exhort people to the truth… that do dawah and islaah… those who exhort to patience, and perseverance’. These are the minimum 4 criteria for any human being, to go to heaven. He should have faith, he should have righteous deeds, he should exhort people to the truth, and should exhort people to patience and perseverance. Only having for two or three of these criteria, will not transport you to the heaven -you should have all the four criteria, for a human being to enter Jannah. Holy Qur’an says in Surah Al-Baqarah, Ch. 2, Verse 25... (Arabic)... ‘There is no compulsion in Religion’. But many people quote this and stop. The complete verse says... ‘There is no compulsion in Religion, truth stands out clear from error’. You have to present the truth. You cannot force anyone on the point of sword, at the point of the gun -that is not allowed in Islam. You have to present the truth -if he agrees Alhamdolillah, well and fine. If he does not agree, you can not force anyone. Truth stands out clear from error. But we have to present the truth to them. I was asked by the organiser… 'As far as possible to give a short talk, and spend more time for the Question and Answer session -there are many misconceptions of Islam, amongst Non-Muslims… even among the Muslims.' Today, the gathering is specially for the Non-Muslims -so whatever misconceptions they have, however stupid it may sound, however illogical it may sound, however offensive it may sound… No problem, I can take it. You are most welcome to ask any question about Islam… You are welcome to criticize Islam -No problem. I will only ask you… 'Why do you… why do you say that the Qur’an is wrong?' If you know something about the Qur’an, you are most welcome to clarify any doubts -this is your opportunity. Normally we do not have Religious gatherings, after which there is an open Question and Answer session. I normally prefer having a Question and Answer session… whatever doubts are there. Some people may think -Why do Muslims have more than one wife?… Why do not they have pork?… Why are they circumcised?… Why do they have Non-Veg., etc.,etc. Whichever doubts they may have, this is an opportunity to clarify -Believe me, I will not get offended. You are most welcome to ask any question. If you feel that this teaching of Islam is not right, speak it up. You are most welcome to ask any question, clarify any doubts. This is your best opportunity… so that even if you want to criticize, I can take it. I am young, but I can take it -that is my job… it is my field. I would like to end my talk, with the Verse from the Holy Qur’an from Surah Nahl, Ch. 16, Verse 125...(Arabic)... ‘Invite all to the way of thy Lord, with wisdom and beautiful teachings, and argue with them, and reason with them, in ways that are best and most gracious'.

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Presented By:
Muhammad Danish Mahboob Khan,
Pakistan.

May 22, 2007 | 8:09 PM Comments  0 comments

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WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS ABOUT MUHAMMAD (PEACE BE UPON HIM) THE PROPHET OF ISLAM

WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS ABOUT MUHAMMAD (PEACE BE UPON HIM) THE PROPHET OF ISLAM
A lecture by Ahmed Deedat

SAY: "DO YOU SEE? WHETHER THIS MESSAGE BE FROM ALLAH (God Almighty), AND YET YOU REJECT IT, AND A WITNESS FROM AMONG THE CHILDREN OF ISRAEL1 BORE WITNESS OF ONE LIKE HIM..." (SURA AHQAF) Holy Qur’ân 46:10.
1. This refers to Moses. See Yusuf Ali's commentaries Nos. 4783/4 to this verse.

Mr. Chairman, Ladies and Gentlemen, The subject of this evening's talk* - "What the BIBLE says about MUHAMMAD (Peace be upon him)" - will no doubt come as a surprise to many of you because the speaker is a Muslim. How does it come about that a Muslim happens to be expounding prophecies from the Jewish and Christian Scriptures?
As a young man, about 30 years ago, I attended a series of religious lectures by a Christian theologian, a certain Rev. Hiten, at the "Theatre Royal", Durban in South Africa.
* This is the text of a lecture delivered by the author in the early 1970's.
Pope or Kissinger?
This Reverend gentleman was expounding Biblical prophecies. He went on to prove that the Christian Bible foretold the rise of Soviet Russia, and the Last Days. At one stage he went to the extent of proving that his Holy Book did not leave even the Pope out of its predictions. He expatiated vigorously in order to convince his audience that the "Beast 666" mentioned in the Book of Revelation the last book of the New Testament was the POPE, who was the Vicar of Christ on earth. It is not befitting for us Muslims to enter into this controversy between the Roman Catholics and the Protestants. By the way, the latest Christian exposition of the "Beast 666" of the Christian Bible is Dr. Henry Kissinger1. Christian scholars are ingenious and indefatigable in their efforts to prove their case.
Rev. Hiten's lectures led me to ask that if the Bible foretold so many things - not even excluding the "Pope" and "Israel" - then surely it must have something to say about the greatest benefactor of mankind 2, the Holy Prophet Muhammed (may the peace of Allah be upon him).
As a youngster I set out to search for an answer. I met priest after priest, attended lectures, and read everything that I could lay my hands relating to the fields of Bible prophecies. Tonight I am going to narrate to you one of these interviews with a dominee3 of the Dutch Reformed Church.
1. Christian exegesists give progressive numerical values by sixes, to the English alphabet and add up to get the total 666. i.e. A=6,B=12,C=18, D=24 and so on. Progression by 6's because the number of the Beast in the Bible is "666". Try it for Dr.Kissinger.
2. The writer has just delivered another talk in the City Hall, Durban on the 10th December 1975 on the subject "Muhammad the Greatest".
3. "Dominee" is the Afrikaans equivalent of priest, parson and predikant.
Lucky Thirteen
I was invited to the Transvaal1 to deliver a talk on the occasion of Birthday celebration of the Holy Prophet Muhammed. Knowing that in that province of the Republic, the Afrikaans language is widely spoken, even by my own people, I felt that I ought to acquire a smattering of this language so a s to feel a little "at home" with the people. I opened the telephone directory and began phoning the Afrikaans-speaking Churches. I indicated my purpose to the priests that I was interested in having a dialogue with them, but they all refused my request with "Plausible" excuses. No.13 was my lucky number. The thirteenth call brought me pleasure and relief. A dominee Van Heerden agreed to meet me at his home on the Saturday afternoon that I was to leave for Transvaal.
He received me on his verandah with a friendly welcome. He said if I did not mind, he would like his father-in-law from the Free State (a 70 year old man) to join us in the discussion. I did not mind. The three of us settled down in the dominee's library.
1. One of the Provinces of the Republic of South Africa.
Why Nothing?
I posed the question: "What does the Bible say about Muhammed?" Without hesitation he answered, "Nothing!" I asked: "Why nothing? According to your interpretation the Bible have so many things to say about the rise of Soviet Russia and about the Last Days and even about the Pope of the Roman Catholics?" He said, "Yes, but there was nothing about Muhammed!" I asked again, "Why nothing? Surely this man Muhammed who had been responsible for the bringing into being a worldwide community of millions of Believers who, on his authority, believe in:
(1) The miraculous birth of Jesus,
(2) that Jesus is the Messiah, 1
(3) that he gave life to the dead by God's permission, and that he healed those born blind and the lepers by God's permission.
Surely this book (the Bible) must have something to say about this great Leader of men who spoke so well of Jesus and his mother Mary?" (Peace be upon them both).
The old man from the Free State replied. "My son, I have been reading the Bible for the past 50 years, and if there was any mention of him, I would have known it."
1. The word "Messiah" comes from the Arabic and Hebrew word masaha, which means to rub, to massage, to anoint. The religious significance is "the one who is anointed" - priests and kings were anointed in consecration to their offices. Messiah translated Christ does not mean God. Even the heathen Cyrus is called "Christ" in the Bible, (Isaiah 45:1)
Not one by name!
I enquired: "According to you, are there not hundreds of prophecies regarding the coming of Jesus in the Old Testament." The dominee interjected: "Not hundreds, but thousands!" I said, "I am not going to dispute the 'thousand and one' prophecies in the Old Testament regarding the coming of Jesus Christ, because the whole Muslim-world has already accepted him without the testimony of any Biblical prophecy. We Muslims have accepted the de facto Jesus on the authority of Muhummed alone, and there are in the world today no less than 900,000,0001 followers of Muhummed who love, respect and revere this great Messenger of God -Jesus Christ- without having the Christians to convince them by means of their Biblical dialectics. Out of the 'thousands' of prophecies referred to, can you please give me just one single prophecy where Jesus is mentioned by name? The term 'Messiah', translated as 'Christ', is not a name but a title. Is there a single Prophecy where it says that the name of the Messiah will be JESUS, and that his mother's name will be MARY, that his supposed father will be JOSEPH THE CARPENTER; that he will be born in the reign of HEROD THE KING, etc. etc.? No! There are no such details! Then how can you conclude that those 'thousand' Prophecies refer to Jesus (Peace be upon him)?"
1. This was first written in 1976.
What is Prophecy?
The dominee replied: "You see, prophecies are word-pictures of something that is going to happen in the future. When that thing actually comes to pass, we see vividly in these prophecies the fulfillment of what had been predicted in the past." I said: "What you actually do is that you deduce, you reason, you put two and two together." He said: "Yes." I said: "If this is what you have to do with a 'thousand' prophecies to justify your claim with regards to the genuineness of Jesus, why should we not adopt the very same system for Muhummed?"1 The dominee agreed that it was a fair proposition, a reasonable way of dealing with the problem.
I asked him to open up Deuteronomy, chapter 18, verse 18, which he did. I read from memory the verse in Afrikaans, because this was my purpose in having a little practice with the language of the ruling race in South Africa.2
'N PROFEET SAL EK VIR HULLE VERWEK UIT DIE MIDDE VAN HULLE BROERS, SOOS JY IS, EN EK SAL MY WOORDE IN SY MOND LE, EN HY SY SAL AAN HULLE SE ALLE WAT EK HOM BEVEEL. Deut.18: 18.
The English translation reads as follows:-
"I will raise them up a Prophet from among their brethren, like unto thee, and I will put my words in his mouth; and he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him."
(HOLY BIBLE) Deuteronomy 18:18.
1. Muhummed is mentioned by name in the Song of Solomon 5:16. The Hebrew word used there is Muhammuddim. The end letters IM is plural of respect majesty and grandeur. Minus "im" the name would be Muhamud translated as "altogether lovely" in the Authorised Version of the Bible or 'The Praised One' 'the one worthy of Praise' i.e. MUHUMMED! (P.B.U.H)
2. If this booklet is translated into any language, please change the Afrikaans words into the local dialect; and do not try a free hand translation of the Biblical quotation. Obtain a Bible in the language in which translation is being made and transcribe exactly as the words occur in that Bible.
Prophet Like Moses
Having recited the verse in Afrikaans, I apologised for my uncertain pronunciation, The dominee assured me that I was doing fine. I enquired: "To whom does this prophecy refer?" Without the slightest hesitation he answered: "JESUS!" I asked: "Why Jesus?... his name is not mentioned here." The dominee replied: "Since prophecies are word-pictures of something that is going to happen in the future, we find that the wordings of this verse adequately describe him. You see the most important words of this prophecy are 'SOOS JY IS' (like unto thee), - LIKE YOU - like Moses, and Jesus is like Moses. I questioned: "In which way is Jesus like Moses?" The answer was: "In the first place Moses was a JEW and Jesus was also a JEW; secondly, Moses was a PROPHET and Jesus was also a PROPHET - therefore Jesus is like Moses and that is exactly what God had foretold Moses - "SOOS JY IS". "Can you think of any other similarities between Moses and Jesus?" I asked. The dominee said that he could not think of any. I replied: "If these are the only two criteria for discovering a candidate for this prophecy of Deuteronomy 18:18, then in that case the criteria could fit any one of the following Biblical personages after Moses:- Solomon, Isaiah, Ezekiel, Daniel, Hosea, Joel, Malachi, John the Baptist etc., because they were also ALL "Jews" as well as "Prophets". Why should we not apply this prophecy to any one of these prophets, and why only to Jesus? Why should we make fish of one and fowl of another?" The dominee had no reply. I continued: "You see, my conclusions are that Jesus is most unlike Moses, and if I am wrong I would like you to correct me."
Three Unlikes
So saying, I reasoned with him:
"In the FIRST place Jesus is not like Moses, because, according to You - 'JESUS IS A GOD', but Moses is not God. Is this true?" He said: "Yes." I said: "Therefore, Jesus is not like Moses!
"SECONDLY, according to You - 'JESUS DIED FOR THE SINS OF THE WORLD', but Moses did not have to die for the sins of the world. Is this true?" He again said: "Yes." I said: "Therefore Jesus is not like Moses!"
"THIRDLY, according to You - 'JESUS WENT TO HELL FOR THREE DAYS', but Moses did not have to go there. Is this true?" He answered meekly: "Y-e-s." I concluded: "Therefore Jesus is not like Moses!"
"But dominee," I continued: "these are not hard facts, solid facts, they are mere matters of belief over which the little ones can stumble and fall. Let us discuss something very simple, very easy that if your little ones are called in to hear the discussion, would have no difficulty in following it, shall we?" The dominee was quiet happy at the suggestion.

CHAPTER TWO
Eight Irrefutable Arguments
Father and Mother
(1) "Moses had a father and a mother. Muhummed also had a father and a mother. But Jesus had only a mother, and no human father. Is this true?" He said: "Yes." I said: "DAAROM IS JESUS NIE SOOS MOSES NIE, MAAR MUHUMMED IS SOOS MOSES!" Meaning: "Therefore Jesus is not like Moses, but Muhummed is like Moses!" (By now the reader will realise that I was using the Afrikaans language only for practice purposes. I shall discontinue its use in this narration).
Miraculous Birth
(2) "Moses and Muhummed were born in the normal, natural course, i.e. the physical association of man and woman; but Jesus was created by a special miracle. You will recall that we are told in the Gospel of St. Matthew 1:18 ".....BEFORE THEY CAME TOGETHER,(Joseph the Carpenter and Mary) SHE WAS FOUND WITH CHILD BY THE HOLY GHOST." And St. Luke tells us that when the good news of the birth of a holy son was announced to her, Mary reasoned: "...HOW SHALL THIS BE, SEEING I KNOW NOT A MAN? AND THE ANGEL ANSWERED AND SAID UNTO HER, THE HOLY GHOST SHALL COME UPON THEE, AND THE POWER OF THE HIGHEST SHALL OVERSHADOW THEE..." (Luke 1:35). The Holy Qur’ân confirms the miraculous birth of Jesus, in nobler and sublimer terms. In answer to her logical question:
" O MY LORD! HOW SHALL I HAVE A SON WHEN NO MAN HATH TOUCHED ME? "
The angel says in reply: "EVEN SO: ALLAH CREATETH WHAT HE WILLETH:
WHEN HE HATH DECREED A PLAN, HE BUT SAITH TO IT "BE,"
AND IT IS " 1 (HOLY QUR'AN, 3:47).
It is not necessary for God to plant a seed in man or animal. He merely wills it and it comes into being. This is the Muslim conception of the of birth of Jesus. (When I compared the Qur’ân and the Biblical versions of the birth of Jesus to the head of the Bible Society in our largest City, and when I enquired: "Which version would you prefer to give your daughter, the QUR'ANIC version or the BIBLICAL version?" The man bowed his head and answered: "The Qur’ânic.") In short, I said to the dominee: "Is it true that Jesus was born miraculously as against the natural birth of Moses and Muhummed?" He replied proudly: "Yes!" I said: "Therefore Jesus is not like Moses, but Muhummed is like Moses. And God says to Moses in the Book of Deuteronomy 18:18 "LIKE UNTO THEE" (Like You, Like Moses) and Muhummed is like Moses."
1. Please open the Holy Qur’ân 3:42 and 19:16 where the birth of Jesus is spoken about; read it with the commentary, note the high position which Jesus and his mother occupy in Islam.
Marriage Ties
(3) "Moses and Muhummed married and begat children, but Jesus remained a bachelor all his life. Is this true?" The dominee said: "Yes." I said: "Therefore Jesus is not like Moses, but Muhummed is like Moses."
Jesus Rejected by his People
(4) "Moses and Muhummed were accepted as prophets by their people in their very lifetime. No doubt the Jews gave endless trouble to Moses and they murmured in the wilderness, but as a nation, they acknowledged that Moses was a Messenger of God sent to them. The Arabs too made Muhummed's life impossible. He suffered very badly at their hands. After 13 years of preaching in Mecca, he had to emigrate from the city of his birth. But before his demise, the Arab nation as a whole accepted him as the Messenger of Allah. But according to the Bible: 'He (Jesus) CAME UNTO HIS OWN, BUT HIS OWN RECEIVED HIM NOT.' (John 1:11). And even today, after two thousand years, his people- the Jews, as a whole, have rejected him. Is this true?" The dominee said: "Yes." I said: "THEREFORE JESUS IS NOT LIKE MOSES, BUT MUHUMMED IS LIKE MOSES."
"Other-Wordly" Kingdom
(5) "Moses and Muhummed were prophets as well as kings. A prophet means a man who receives Divine Revelation for the Guidance of Man and this Guidance he conveys to God's creatures as received without any addition or deletion. A king is a person who has the power of life and death over his people. It is immaterial whether the person wears a crown or not, or whether he was ever addressed as king or monarch: if the man has the prerogative of inflicting capital punishment - HE IS A KING. Moses possessed such a power. Do you remember the Israelite who was found picking up firewood on Sabbath Day, and Moses had him stoned to death? (Numbers- 15:13). There are other crimes also mentioned in the Bible for which capital punishment was inflicted on the Jews at the behest of Moses. Muhummed too, had the power of life and death over his people.
There are instances in the Bible of persons who were given gift of prophecy only, but they were not in a position to implement their directives. Some of these holy men of God who were helpless in the face of stubborn rejection of their message, were the prophets lot, Jonah, Daniel, Ezra, and John the Baptist. They could only deliver the message, but could not enforce the Law. The Holy Prophet Jesus (Peace p.b.u.h) also belonged to this category. The Christian Gospel clearly confirms this: when Jesus was dragged before the Roman Governor, Pontius Pilate, Charged for sedition, Jesus made a convincing point in his defence to refute the false charge: JESUS ANSWERED, "MY KINGDOM IS NOT OF THIS WORLD': IF MY KINGDOM WERE OF THIS WORLD, THEN WOULD MY SERVANTS FIGHT, THAT I SHOULD NOT BE DELIVERED TO THE JEWS; BUT NOW IS MY KINGDOM NOT FROM HENCE" (John 18:36) This convinced Pilate (A Pagan) that though Jesus might not be in full possession of his mental faculty, he did not strike him as being a danger to his rule. Jesus claimed a spiritual Kingdom only; in other words he only claimed to be a Prophet. Is this true?" The dominee answered: "Yes." I said: "Therefore Jesus is not like Moses but Muhummed is like Moses."
No New Laws
(6) "Moses and Muhummed brought new laws and new regulations for their people. Moses not only gave the Ten Commandments to the Israelites, but a very comprehensive ceremonial law for the guidance of his people. Muhummed comes to a people steeped in barbarism and ignorance. They married their step-mothers; they buried their daughters alive; drunkenness, adultery, idolatry, and gambling were the order of the day. Gibbon describe the Arabs before Islam in his "Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire", THE HUMAN BRUTE, ALMOST WITHOUT SENSE, IS POORLY DISTINGUISHED FROM THE REST OF THE ANIMAL CREATION.' There was hardly anything to distinguish between the "man" and the "animal" of the time; they were animals in human form.
"From this abject barbarism, Muhummed elevated them, in the words of Thomas Carlysle, "into torch-bearers of light and learning.' 'TO THE ARAB NATION IT WAS AS A BIRTH FROM DARKNESS INTO LIGHT. ARABIA FIRST BECAME ALIVE BY MEANS OF IT. A POOR SHEPHERD PEOPLE, ROAMING UNNOTICED IN ITS DESERTS SINCE THE CREATION OF THE WORLD. SEE, THE UNNOTICED BECOMES WORLD NOTABLE, THE SMALL HAS GROWN WORLD-GREAT. WITHIN ONE CENTURY AFTERWARDS ARABIA WAS AT GRANADA ON ONE HAND AND AT DELHI ON THE OTHER. GLANCING IN VALOUR AND SPLENDOUR, AND THE LIGHT OF GENIUS, ARABIA SHINES OVER A GREAT SECTION OF THE WORLD. ..." The fact is that Muhummed gave his people a Law and Order they never had before.
As regards Jesus, when the Jews felt suspicious of him that he might be an impostor with designs to pervert their teachings, Jesus took pains to assure them that he had not come with a new religion - no new laws and no new regulations. I quote his own words: 'THINK NOT THAT I AM COME TO DESTROY THE LAW, OR THE PROPHETS: I AM NOT COME TO DESTROY, BUT TO FULFIL. FOR VERILY I SAY UNTO YOU, TILL HEAVEN AND EARTH PASS, ONE JOT OR ONE TITLE SHALL IN NO WISE PASS FROM THE LAW, TILL ALL BE FULFILLED.'(Mathew 5:17-18). In other words he had not come with any new laws or regulation he came only to fulfil the old law. This what he gave the Jews to understand- unless he was speaking with the tongue in his cheek trying to bluff the Jews into accepting him as a man of God and by subterfuge trying to ram a new religion down their throats. No! This Messenger of God would never resort to such fo ul means to subvert the Religion of God. He himself fulfilled the laws. He observed the commandments of Moses, and he respected the Sabbath. At no time did a single Jew point a finger at him to say, 'why don't you fast' or 'why don't you wash your hands before you break bread',which charges they always levied against his disciples, but never against Jesus. This is because as a good Jew he honoured the laws of the prophets who preceded him. In short, he had created no new religion and had brought no new law like Moses and Muhummed. Is this true?" I asked the dominee, and he answered: "Yes." I said: "Therefore, Jesus is not like Moses but Muhummed is like Moses."
How they Departed
(7) "Both Moses and Muhummed died natural deaths, but according to Christianity, Jesus was violently killed on the cross.1 Is this true?" The dominee said: "Yes." I averred: "Therefore Jesus is not like Moses but Muhummed is like Moses."
Heavenly Abode
(8) "Moses and Muhummed both lie buried in earth, but according to you, Jesus in heaven. Is this true?" The dominee agreed. I said: "Therefore Jesus is not like Moses but Muhummed is like Moses."
1. For a full exposition of this topic, see "CRUCIFIXION OR CRUCI-FICTION?".

CHAPTER THREE
Further Proofs
Ishmael The First Born
Since the dominee was helplessly agreeing with every point, I said, "Dominee, so far what I have done is to prove only one point out of the whole prophecy- that is proving the phrase 'LIKE UNTO THEE' - 'Like You' - 'Like Moses'. The Prophecy is much more than this single phrase which reads as follows : "I WILL RAISE THEM UP A PROPHET FROM AMONG THEIR BRETHREN LIKE UNTO THEE......." The emphasis is on the words- "From among their brethren." Moses and his people, the Jews, are here addressed as a racial entity, and as such their 'brethren' would undoubtedly be the Arabs. You see, the Holy Bible speaks of Abraham as the "Friend of God". Abraham had two wives - Sarah and Hagar. Hagar bore Abraham a son - HIS FIRST-BORN- '......And Abraham1 called HIS SON'S name, which Hagar bare Ishmael.' (Genesis 16:15). 'And Abraham took Ishmael HIS SON......" (Genesis 17:23). 'And Ishmael HIS SON was thirteen years old, when he was circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin.'(Genesis 17:25). Up to the age of THIRTEEN Ishmael was the ONLY son and seed of Abraham, when the covenant was ratified between God and Abraham. God grants Abraham another son through Sarah, named Isaac, who was very much the junior to his brother Ishmael.
1. According to the Bible, Abraham's name was Abram before it was changed by God to Abraham.
Arabs and Jews
If Ishmael and Isaac are the sons of the same father Abraham, then they are brothers. And so the children of the one are the BRETHREN of the children of the other. The children of Isaac are the Jews and the Children of Ishmael are the Arabs - so they are BRETHREN to one another. The Bible affirms, 'AND HE (ISHMAEL) SHALL DWELL IN THE PRESENCE OF ALL HIS BRETHREN.' (Genesis 16:12). 'AND HE (ISHMAEL) DIED IN THE PRESENCE OF ALL HIS BRETHREN.(Genesis 25:18). The children of Isaac are the brethren of the Ishmaelites. In like manner Muhummed is from among the brethren of the Israelites because he was a descendant of Ishmael the son of Abraham. This exactly as the prophecy has it- 'FROM AMONG THEIR BRETHREN'.(Deut.18:18). There the prophecy distinctly mentions that the coming prophet who would be like Moses, must arise NOT from the 'children of Israel' or from 'among themselves', but from among their brethren. MUHUMMED THEREFORE WAS FROM AMONG THEIR BRETHREN!
Words in the Mouth
"The prophecy proceeds further:'.......AND I WILL PUT MY WORDS INTO HIS MOUTH.......' What does it mean when it is said 'I will put my words in your mouth'? You see, when I asked you (the dominee) to open Deuteronomy chapter 18, verse 18, at the beginning, and if I had asked you to read, and if you had read: would I be putting my words into your mouth?" The dominee answered: "No." "But," I continued: "If I were to teach you a language like Arabic about which you have no knowledge, and if I asked you to read or repeat after me what I utter i.e.

(I read them in Arabic )
Would I not be putting these unheard words of a foreign tongue which you utter, into your mouth?" The dominee agreed that it was indeed so. In an identical manner, I said, the words of the Holy Qur’ân, the Revelation vouchsafed by the Almighty God to Muhummed, were revealed.
History tells us that Muhummed was forty years of age. He was in a cave some three miles north of the City of Mecca. It was the 27th night of the Muslim month of Ramadaan. In the cave the Archangel Gabriel commands him in his mother tongue: 'IQRA' which means READ! or PROCLAIM! or RECITE! Muhummed is terrified and in his bewilderment replies " MA ANA BEQARA which means I AM NOT LEARNED! The angel commands him a second time with the same result. For the third time the angel continues.

Now Muhummed, grasps, that what was required of him was to repeat! to rehearse! And he repeats the words as they were put into his mouth:

These are the first five verses, which were revealed to Muhummed, which now occupy the beginning of the 96th chapter of the Holy Qur’ân.
The Faithful Witness
Immediately the angel had departed, Muhummed rushed to his home. Terrified and sweating all over he asked his beloved wife Khadija to 'cover him up!' He lay down, and she watched by him. When he had regained his composure, he explained to her what he had seen and heard. She assured him of her faith in him and that Allah would not allow any terrible thing to happen to him. Are these the confessions of an impostar? Would impostars confess that when an angel of the Lord confronts them with a Message from on High, they get fear-stricken, terrified, and sweating all over, run home to their wives? Any critic can see that his reactions and confessions are that of an honest, sincere man, the man of Truth- 'AL-AMIN' - THE Honest, the Upright, the Truthful.
During the next twenty-three years of his prophetic life, words were 'Put into his mouth', and he uttered them. They made an indeliable impression on his heart and mind: and as the volume of the Sacred Scripture (Holy Qur’ân) grew, they were recorded on palm-leaf fibre, on skins and on the shoulder-blades of animals; and in the hearts of his devoted disciples. Before his demise these words were arranged according to his instructions i n the order in which we find them today in the Holy Qur’ân.
The words (revelation) were actually put into his mouth, exactly as foretold in the prophecy under discussion: 'AND I WILL PUT MY WORDS IN HIS MOUTH.' (Deut. 18:18).
Un-lettered Prophet
Muhummed's experience in the cave of Hira, later to be known as Jabal-un Noor - The Mountain of Light, and his response to that first Revelation is the exact fulfillment of another Biblical Prophecy. In the Book of Isaiah, Chapter 29, verse 12, we read: "AND THE BOOK" (al-Kitaab, al-Qur’ân the 'Reading', the 'Recitation') "IS DELIVERED TO HIM THAT IS NOT LEARNED," (Isaiah 29:12) "THE UNLETTERED PROPHET " (Holy Qur’ân 7:158) and the biblical verse continues : "SAYING, READ THIS, I PRAY THEE:" (the words "I pray thee", are not in the Hebrew manuscripts; compare with the Roman Catholics' "Douay Version and also with the "Revised Standard Versions") "AND HE SAITH, I AM NOT LEARNED." ("I am not learned." is the exact translation of the Arabic words MA ANA BEQARA which Muhummed uttered twice to the Holy Ghost - the Archangel Gabriel, when he was commanded : IQRAA "READ!").
Let me quote the verse in full without a break as found in the "King James Version," or the "Authorised version" as it is more popularly known "AND THE BOOK IS DELIVERED TO HIM THAT IS NOT LEARNED, SAYING, READ THIS I PRAY THEE: AND HE SAITH, I AM NOT LEARNED." (Isaiah 29:12).
Important note:
It may be noted that there were no Arabic Bibles in existence in the 6th Century of the Christian Era when Muhummed lived and preached! Besides, he was absolutely unlettered and unlearned. No human had ever taught him a word. His teacher was his Creator:

Without any human learning, 'he put to shame the wisdom of the learned'."
(12) There are today Arabic Bibles in Fourteen different scripts and dialects for the Arabs alone. See "The Gospels in many tongues".
Grave Warning
"See!" I told the dominee, "how the prophecies fit Muhummed like a glove. We do not have to stretch prophecies to justify their fulfillment in Muhummed."
The dominee replied, "All your expositions sound very well, but they are of no real consequence, because we Christians have Jesus Christ the "incarnate" God, who has redeemed us from the Bondage of Sin!"
I asked, "Not important?" God didn't think so! He went to a great deal of trouble to have His warnings recorded. God knew that there would be people like you who will flippantly, light-heartedly discount his words, so he followed up Deuteronomy 18:18 with a dire warning: "AND IT SHALL COME TO PASS, " (it is going to happen) "THAT WHOSOEVER WILL NOT HEARKEN UNTO MY WORDS WHICH HE SHALL SPEAK IN MY NAME, I WILL REQUIRE IT OF HIM. (in the Catholic Bible the ending words are - "I will be the revenger", I will take vengeance from him - I will take revenge!) "Does not this terrify you? God Almighty is threatening revenge! We shake in our pants if some hoodlum threatens us, yet you have no fear of God's warning?"
"Miracle of Miracles! in the verse 19 of Deuteronomy chapter 18, we have a further fulfillment of the prophecy in Muhummed! Note the words-'.....MY WORDS WHICH HE SHALL SPEAK IN MY NAME," In whose name is Muhummed speaking?" I opened Yusuf Ali's translation of the Holy Qur’ân, at chapter 114- 'Sura Nas', or Mankind - the last chapter, and showed him the formula at the head of the chapter:

And the meaning: "IN THE NAME OF GOD, MOST GRACIOUS, MOST MERCIFUL." And the heading of chapter 113:

And the meaning: "IN THE NAME OF GOD, MOST GRACIOUS, MOST MERCIFUL". And every chapter downwards 112, 111, 110...was the same formula and the same meaning on every page, because the end SURAS (chapters) are short and take about a page each.
"And what did the prophecy demand?' ...WHICH HE SHALL SPEAK IN MY NAME and in whose name does Muhummed speak? 'IN THE NAME OF GOD, MOST GRACIOUS MOST MERCIFUL.' The Prophecy is being fulfilled in Muhummed to the letter
"Every chapter of the Holy Qur’ân except the 9th begin with the formula:

IN THE NAME OF GOD, MOST GRACIOUS, MOST MERCIFUL.' The Muslim begins his every lawful act with the Holy formula. But the Christian begins: "In the name of the Father, son and Holy Ghost.'"1
Concerning Deuteronomy chapter eighteen, I have given you more than 15 reasons as to how this prophecy refers to Muhummed and NOT to Jesus.
1. The Christian theologians are ignorant of even the "name of God. Because "God" is not a name, and "Father" is also not a name. See "WHAT IS HIS NAME?"

CHAPTER FOUR
New Testament Also Confirms
Baptist Contradicts Jesus
In New Testament times, we find that the Jews were still expecting the fulfilment of the prophecy of 'ONE LIKE MOSES', refer John 1:19-25. When Jesus claimed to be the Messiah of the Jews, the Jews began to enquire as to where was Elias? The Jews had a parallel prophecy that before the coming of the Messiah, Elias must come first in his second coming. Jesus confirms this Jewish belief:
"...ELIAS TRULY SHALL FIRST COME, AND RESTORE ALL THINGS. BUT I SAY UNTO YOU, THAT ELIAS IS COME ALREADY, AND THEY KNEW HIM NOT...THEN THE DISCIPLES UNDERSTOOD THAT HE SPAKE UNTO THEM OF JOHN THE BAPTIST." (Matthew 17:11-13).
According to the New Testament the Jews were not the ones to swallow the words of any would-be Messiah. In their investigations they underwent intense difficulties in order to find their true Messiah. And this the Gospel of John confirms: "AND THIS IS THE RECORD OF JOHN,"(the Baptist) "WHEN THE JEWS SENT PRIESTS AND LEVITES FROM JERUSALEM TO ASK HIM, WHO ART THOU? AND HE CONFESSED AND DENIED NOT; BUT CONFESSED, I AM NOT THE CHRIST." (This was only natural because there can't be two Messiahs1 at the same time. If Jesus was the Christ then John couldn't be the Christ!) "AND THEY ASKED HIM, WHAT THEN? ART THOU ELIAS? AND HE SAITH, I AM NOT." (Here John the Baptist contradicts Jesus! Jesus says that John is "Elias" and John denies that he is what Jesus ascribes him to be. One of the TWO (Jesus or John), God forbid!, is definitely not speaking the TRUTH! On the testimony of Jesus himself, John the Baptist was the greatest of the Israelite prophets: "VERILY I SAY UNTO YOU, AMONG THEM THAT ARE BORN OF WOMEN THERE HAS NOT RISEN A GREATER THAN JOHN THE BAPTIST:... "(Matthew 11:11).
We Muslims know John the Baptist as Hazrut YAHYAA Alai-his-salaam (peace be upon him). We revere him as a true prophet of Allah. The Holy Prophet Jesus known to us as Hazrut ISAA Alai-his-salaam (peace be upon him), is also esteemed as one of the mightiest messenger of the Almighty. How can we Muslims impute lies to either of them? We leave this problem between Jesus and John for the Christians to solve, for their "sacred scriptures" abound in discrepancies which they have been glossing over as the "dark sayings of Jesus"(15). We Muslims are really interested in the last questions posed to John the Baptist by the Jewish elite- "ART THOU THAT PROPHET? AND HE ANSWERED, NO." (John 1:21)
1. The Jews were expecting a single Messiah not two.
2. See the "TIMES" Magazine December 30th, 1974, article "How true is the Bible?" And also see "50,000 Errors in the Bible?" a reproduction from the Christian Magazine "AWAKE!" September 8, 1957.
Three Questions!
Please note that three different and distinct questions were posed to John the Baptist and to which he gave three emphatic "NO'S" as answers. To recapitulate:-

1) ART THOU THE CHRIST?
2) ART THOU ELIAS?
3) ART THOU THAT PROPHET?
But the learned men of Christendom somehow only see two questions implied here. To make doubly clear that the Jews definitely had T-H-R-E-E separate prophecies in their minds when they were interrogating John the Baptist, let us read the remonstrance of the Jews in the verses following:
"AND THEY ASKED HIM, AND SAID UNTO HIM, WHY BAPTIZEST THOU THEN, IF THOU BE
a) NOT THAT CHRIST,
b) NOR ELIAS,
c) NEITHER THAT PROPHET?" (John 1:25)
The Jews were waiting for the fulfillment of THREE distinct prophecies: One, the coming of CHRIST. Two the coming of ELIAS, and Three, the coming of THAT PROPHET.
"That Prophet"
If we look up any Bible which has a concordance or cross-references, the we will find in the marginal note where the words "the Prophet", or "that Prophet" occur in John 1:25, that these words refer to the prophecy of Deuteronomy 18:15 and 18. And that 'that prophet' - 'the prophet like Moses' - "LIKE UNTO THEE", we have proved through overwhelming evidence that he was MUHUMMED and not Jesus!
We Muslims are not denying that Jesus was the "Messiah", which word is translated as "Christ".1 We are not contesting the "thousand and one prophecies" which the Christians claim abound in the Old Testament foretelling the coming of the Messiah. What we say is that Deuteronomy 18:18 does NOT refer to Jesus Christ but it is an explicit prophecy about the Holy Prophet MUHUMMED!"
The dominee, very politely parted with me by saying that it was a very interesting discussion and he would like me very much to come one day and address his congregation on the subject. A decade and half has passed since then but I am still awaiting that privilege.
I believe the dominee was sincere when he made the offer, but prejudices die hard and who would like to loose his sheep?
1. How the word Messiah was transmuted to Christ?. See "Christ in Islam"
The Acid Test
To the lambs of Christ I say, why not apply that acid test which the Master himself wanted you to apply to any would be claimant to Prophethood? He had said: "BY THEIR FRUITS YE SHALL KNOW THEM. DO MEN GATHER GRAPES FROM THE THORNS, OR FIGS FROM THE THISTLES? EVERY GOOD TREE WILL BEAR GOOD FRUIT AND EVERY EVIL TREE WILL BEAR EVIL FRUIT.... BY THEIR FRUITS YE SHALL KNOW THEM. (Matthew 7:16-20).
Why are you afraid to apply this test to the teachings of Muhummed? You will find in the Last Testament of God - the Holy Qur’ân - the true fulfillment of the teachings of Moses and Jesus, which will bring to the world the much-needed peace and happiness. "IF A MAN LIKE MOHAMED WERE TO ASSUME THE DIC TATORSHIP OF THE MODERN WORLD, HE WOULD SUCCEED IN SOLVING ITS PROBLEMS THAT WOULD BRING IT THE MUCH NEEDED PEACE AND HAPPINESS." (George Bernard Shaw)
The Greatest!
The Weekly Newsmagazine "TIME" dated July 15, 1974, carried a selection of opinions by various historians, writers, military men, businessmen and others on the subject: "Who Were History's Great Leaders?" Some said that it was Hitler; others said - Gandhi, Buddha, Lincoln and the like. But Jules Masserman, a United States psychoanalyst put the standards straight by giving the correct criteria wherewith to judge. He said:
"LEADERS MUST FULFIL THREE FUNCTIONS:-
(1) Provide for the well-being of the led,
(2) Provide a social organization in which people feel relatively secure and
(3) Provide them with one set of beliefs."
With the above three criteria he searches history and analyses - Hitler, Pasteur, Gaesar, Moses, Confucius and the lot, and ultimately concludes:
"PEOPLE LIKE PASTEUR AND SALK ARE LEADERS IN THE FIRST SENSE. PEOPLE LIKE GANDHI AND CONFUCIUS, ON ONE HAND, AND ALEXANDER, CAESAR AND HITLER ON THE OTHER, ARE LEADERS IN THE SECOND AND PERHAPS THE THIRD SENSE. JESUS AND BUDDHA BELONG IN THE THIRD CATEGORY ALONE. PERHAPS THE GREATEST LEADER OF ALL TIMES WAS MOHAMMED, WHO COMBINED ALL THREE FUNCTIONS. To a lesser degree, MOSES DID THE SAME."
According to the objective standards set by the Professor of the Chicago University, whom I believe to be Jewish, - JESUS and BUDDHA are now - here in the picture of the "Great Leaders of Mankind", but by a queer coincidence groups Moses and Muhummed together thus adding further weight to the argument that JESUS is not like MOSES, but MUHUMMED is like MOSES: Deut.18:18 "LIKE UNTO THEE" - Like MOSES!
Reverend James L. Dow in Collins Dictionary of the Bible gives further proof, that JESUS is not like MOSES, but MUHUMMED is like Moses: "AS A STATESMAN AND LAWGIVER MOSES IS THE CREATOR OF THE JEWISH PEOPLE. HE FOUND A LOOSE CONGLOMERATION OF SEMITIC PEOPLE, NONE OF ......

*Also in "THE ENCYCLOPAEDIA OF RELIGION", Moses is looked upon in the different traditions. Under Moses in Islam; we read
"MOSES IS HIGHLY REGARDED IN ISLAM AS THE GREAT PROPHET WHO FORETOLD THE COMING OF MUHAMMAD, HIS SUCCESSOR...THERE IS MUCH IN THE LIFE OF MUHAMMAD THAT IS IMPLICITLY REMINISCENT OF THE MOSES TRADITION.

P121, THE ENCYCLOPAEDIA OF RELIGION, Mircea Eliade (EDITOR IN CHIEF)
Volume 10, Macmillean Publishing Company
In conclusion, I end with a quotation of a Christian Reverend the commentator of the Bible, followed by that of his Master:
"THE ULTIMATE CRITERION OF A TRUE PROPHET IS THE MORAL CHARACTER OF HIS TEACHING." (Prof. Dummelow.)
"BY THEIR FRUITS YE SHALL KNOW THEM." (Jesus Christ)


COME LET US REASON TOGETHER
SAY:"O PEOPLE OF THE BOOK! COME TO COMMON TERMS AS BETWEEN US AND YOU: THAT WE WORSHIP NONE BUT GOD; THAT WE ASSOCIATE NO PARTNERS WITH HIM; THAT WE ERECT NOT, FROM AMONG OURSELVES, LORDS AND PATRONS OTHER THAN GOD." IF THEN THEY TURN BACK,
SAY: "BEAR WITNESS THAT WE (AT LEAST) ARE MUSLIMS (BOWING TO GOD'S WILL)." (SURA AL-I-'IMRAN) Holy Qur’ân 3:64
"PEOPLE OF THE BOOK" is the respectful title given to the Jews and the Christians in the Holy Qur’ân. The Muslims is here commanded to invite - "O People of the Book!" - O Learned People! O People who claim to be the recipients of Divine Revelation, of a Holy Scripture; let us gather together onto a common platform - "that we worship none but God", because none but God is worthy of worship, not because "THE LORD THY GOD IS A JEALOUS GOD VISITING THE INIQUITY OF THE FATHERS UPON THE CHILDREN UNTO THE THIRD AND FOURTH GENERATION OF THEM THAT HATE ME." (Exodus 20:25). But because He is our Lord and Cherisher, our Sustainer and Evolver, worthy of all praise, prayer and devotion.
In the abstract the Jews and the Christians would agree to all the three propositions contained in this Qur’ânic verse. In practice they fail. Apart from doctrinal lapses from the unity of the One True God, (ALLAH Subhanahu wa ta-ala) there is the question of a consecrated Priesthood (among the Jews it was hereditary also), as if a mere human being - Cohen or Pope, or Priest, or Brahman, - could claim superiority apart from his learning and the purity of his life, or could stand between man and God in some special sense. ISLAM DOES NOT RECOGNISE PRIESTHOOD!
The Creed of Islam is given to us here in a nutshell from Holy Qur’ân:
Say ye: "We believe in Allah, And the revelation given to us, And to Abraham, Isma'il, Isaac, Jacob, and the Tribes, And that given to Moses and Jesus And that given to (all) Prophets from their Lord: We make no difference Between one and another of them: And we bow to Allah (in Islam)." (SURA BAQARA) Holy Qur’ân 2:136.
The Muslim position is clear. The Muslim does not claim to have a religion peculiar to himself. Islam is not a sect or an ethnic religion. In its view all Religion is one, for the Truth is one. IT WAS THE SAME RELIGION PREACHED BY ALL THE EARLIER PROPHETS. (Holy Qur’ân 42:13). It was the truth taught by all the inspired Books. In essence it amounts to a consciousness of the Will and Plan of God and a joyful submission to that Will and Plan. IF ANYONE WANTS A RELIGION OTHER THAN THAT, HE IS FALSE TO HIS OWN NATURE, AS HE IS FALSE TO GOD'S WILL AND PLAN. Such a one cannot expect guidance, for he has deliberately renounced guidance.

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IRF (Islamic Research Foundation, India)
www.irf.net

Presented By.
Muhammad Danish Mahboob Khan,
Pakistan.

May 22, 2007 | 8:04 PM Comments  0 comments

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FASTEST GROWING RELIGION TODAY

Chapter 3
FASTEST GROWING RELIGION TODAY
THE SWORD OF THE INTELECT

The enemy, the sceptic, the missionary and their passive camp followers will not stop bleating that "lslam was spread at the point of the sword!" but they will not venture to answer our question -- "WHO BRIBED CARLYLE!?" In 1840 when Carlyle defended Muhammad (pbuh) and refuted the allegation about the sword, there was nobody around to bribe. The whole Muslim world was in the gutters. The countries of Islam were all under subjugation by the Christians, except for a few like Persia, Afghanistan and Turkey who were only nominally independent. There were no riches to flaunt and no petro-dollars to bribe with!

That was yesterday and many yesterdays ago, but what about today, in modern times? It is claimed that "Islam is the fastest growing religion in the world." The overall increase of all the sects and denominations of Christianity was a staggering 138 per cent with the incredible increase of Islam by 235 per cent in the same period of time of half-a-century. It is further affirmed that in Britain and the United States of America, Islam is the fastest growing faith. It is said that in Britain "There are more Muslims than Methodists in the country." You have a right to ask, "What sword?" The answer is, "THE SWORD INDEED!" {Thomas Carlyle}1 It is the sword of intellect? It is the fulfillment of yet another prophecy; IT IS HE (God Almighty) WHO HAS SENT HIS MESSENGER (Muhammad) WITH GUIDANCE AND THE RELIGION OF TRUTH (Islam) THAT HE MAY MAKE IT PREVAIL OVER ALL RELIGIONS, AND ENOUGH IS GOD FOR A WITNESS.
Holy Qur'an 48:28
The destiny of Islam is spelt out here in the clearest terms. Islam is to master, overcome and supersede every other faith - That He (God Almighty) make it (Islam) prevail over all religions … In Arabic the word is Deen [Usually translated as Religion, which literally Islam is not.] (literally meaning "Way of Life",), to supersede all, whether it be Hinduism, Buddhism, Christianism, [In the time of Thomas Carlyle this was the team applied to Christianity. ] Judaism, Communism or any other "ism." This is the destiny of Allah's Deen. The same Qur'anic Verse is repeated in chapter 61 verse 9 which ends with this slight variation - (Never mind) Though the unbelievers might be averse to it (Islam).

TRIUMPH OF ISLAM
Islam will prevail. It is the promise of God, and His Promise is true. But how? With the sword? Not even if we had the laser gun! Could we use it? The Holy Qur'an forbids us to use force as a means of converting! Yet the verse prophesies that Islam would be the most dominant of religions. The triumphs of its doctrines have already started and is gaining hold over the religious ideology and doctrines of the various schools of thought in the world. Though not in the name of Islam, but in the name of reformation and amendments, the doctrines of Islam are being fastly grafted into the various religious orders. Many things which are exclusively Islamic and which were formerly unknown, or which were being opposed before with tooth and nail by the other creeds, are now part of their believes. The Brotherhood of man The abolition of the Caste system and untouchability The right of women to inherit Opening the places of worship to all. Prohibition of all intoxicants The true concept of the Unity of God etc. etc.
Just one word on the last subject above, before we proceed further. Ask any theist, polytheist, [. Polytheist: One who believes in many gods] pantheist, [Pantheist: The one who believes that everything is god. Of course the "trinitarian,'' you already know ] or trinitarian: how many Gods he believes in? He will shudder to say anything other than ONE! This is the EFFECT of the strict monotheism of Islam.

THE CREED OF MOHAMED IS FREE FROM THE SUSPICIONS OF AMBIGUITY AND THE KORAN IS A GLORIOUS TESTIMONY TO THE UNITY OF GOD.
Gibbon in his "Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire.''
VERDICT OF NON-MUSLIM ORIENTALS
Almost all the defenders of Muhammad (phuh) who spoke out against the false theory that he spread his religion at the point of the sword, were Westerners. Let us now hear what some non-Muslim Easterners have to say on the subject:

8a. THE MORE I STUDY THE MORE I DISCOVER THAT THE STRENGTH OF ISLAM DOES NOT LIE IN THE SWORD.
Mahatma Gandhi - the father of modern India, in "Young India."
b. THEY {Muhammad's critics} SEE FIRE INSTEAD OF LIGHT, UGLINESS INSTEAD OF GOOD. THEY DISTORT AND PRESENT EVERY GOOD QUALITY AS A GREAT VICE. IT REFLECTS THEIR OWN DEPRAVITY... THE CRITICS ARE BLIND. THEY CANNOT SEE THAT THE ONLY ‘SWORD' MUHAMMAD WIELDED WAS THE SWORD OF MERCY, COMPASSION, FRIENDSHIP AND FORGIVENESS - THE SWORD THAT CONQUERS ENEMIES AND PURIFIES THEIR HEARTS. HIS SWORD WAS SHARPER THAN THE SWORD OF STEEL.
Pandit Gyanandra Dev Sharma Shastri, at a meeting in Gorakhpur lndia). 1928
c. HE PREFERRED MIGRATION TO FIGHTING HIS OWN PEOPLE, BUT WHEN OPPRESSION WENT BEYOND THE PALE OF TOLERANCE HE TOOK UP HIS SWORD IN SELF-DEFENCE. THOSE WHO BELIEVE RELIGION CAN BE SPREAD BY FORCE ARE FOOLS WHO NEITHER KNOW THE WAYS OF RELIGION NOR THE WAYS OF THE WORLD. THEY ARE PROUD OF THIS BELIEF BECAUSE THEY ARE A LONG, LONG WAY AWAY FROM THE TRUTH.
A Sikh journalist in "Nawan Hindustan," Delhi, 17 November 1947.
It was Rudyard Kipling who said, "East is East and West Is West, never the twain shall meet!" He was wrong! In the defence of Muhammad {pbuh}, all, who are not blinded by prejudice will converge.

THREE OTHER STANDARDS
Fourteen years after Thomas Carlyle had delivered his lecture on his Hero Prophet, a Frenchman by the name of Lamartine wrote the history of the Turks. Incidentally, the Turks being Muslims, Lamartine touched on some aspects of Islam and its founder. Like our Jules Wasserman (see page 10) of current times, who had conceived three objective standards for discovering greatness of leadership; Lamartine had over 2 century ago thought of three other objective standards for conferring GREATNESS. We must give credit to the Westemer for this type of insight. Lamartine opines:
9. IF GREATNESS OF PURPOSE, SMALLNESS OF MEANS AND ASTOUNDING RESULTS [The full quotation from Lamartine's book will be found in appendix''B" page 61. ] ARE THE THREE CRITERIA OF HUMAN GENIUS, WHO COULD DARE TO COMPARE ANY GREAT MAN IN MODERN HISTORY WITH MUHUMMED? {Lamartine ends his lengthy segment of literary masterpiece with the words): . . . PHILOSOPHER, ORATOR, APOSTLE, LEGISLATOR, WARRIOR, CONQUEROR OF IDEAS, RESTORER OF RATIONAL BELIEFS, OF A CULT WITHOUT IMAGES: THE FOUNDER OF TWENTY TERRESTRIAL EMPIRES AND OF ONE SPIRITUAL EMPIRE, THAT IS MUHUMMED. AS REGARDS ALL STANDARDS BY WHICH HUMAN GREATNESS MAY BE MEASURED, WE MAY WELL ASK, IS THERE ANY MAN GREATER THEN HE? Lamartine, "Historie de la Turquie," Paris 1854
The answer to his question, "Is there any man greater than he?" is reposed in the question itself. By implication he is saying . . . "there is no man greater than Muhammad. Muhammad is the greatest man that ever lived!" And have We not raised high the esteem (in which) thou (O Muhammad are held)?

MOST CERTAINLY THOU HAST, O MY LORD! Holy Quran 94:4
Before we absolve Lamartine of any favouritism, partiality, or of the charge of being bribed, we will scrutinize his three standards, and whether they can be justified in the case of Muhammad {pbuh).

1. GREATNESS OF PURPOSE
History of the time will tell you that it was the darkest period in the history of mankind when Muhammad {pbuh} was commanded to declare his mission. The need was for the raising of prophets in every corner of the world, or the sending of one Master Messenger for the whole of mankind, to deliver them from falsehood, superstition, selfishness, polytheism, wrong and oppression. It was to be the reclamation of the whole of humanity. And God Almighty in His wisdom chose His prophet from the backwaters of Arabia as His universal Messenger. Thus He records in His Noble Book
AND WE SENT THEE NOT {O Mubammad}, BUT AS A MERCY UNTO {all} THE WORLDS. Holy Quran 21:107
"There is no question now of race or nation, of a "chosen people" or the "seed of Abraham," or the "seed of David": or of Hindu Arya varta; of Jew or Gentile. Arab or 'Ajam {Persian), Turk or Tajik, European or Asiatic, White or Coloured; Aryan, Semitic, Mongolian, or African: or American, Australian, or Polynesian. To all men and creatures who have any spiritual responsibility, the principles universally apply."
Abdulbh Yusut Ali [Get your copy now of Yusuf Ali's English translation and cornrnentary, with over 6000 annotations. Obtain a copy for your non-Muslim friend, also.]

JESUS {PBUH) DlSCRIMINATES
Muhammad's (pbuh) immediate predecessor advised his disciples, "Give not that which is holy unto the dogs" (meaning non-Jews}, "Neither cast ye your pearls before swine" (meaning non-Jews, Matthew 7:6). The Gospel writers are unanimous in recording that Christ lived by the precepts which he preached. In his lifetime he did not preach to a single non-Jew. In fact he spurned a gentile woman who sought his spiritual blessings {"the woman was a Greek'' Mark 7:26). Then during the "Passover" season in Jerusalem when the master with his disciples had congregated for the occasion, certain Greeks hearing of his reputation sought an audience with him for spiritual enlightenment, but Jesus {pbuh} gave them the "cold shoulder'' [Means a deliberately unkind or unfriendly treatment; a slight; a snub.] as narrated by St.
John:
And there were certain Greeks among them that came up to worship at the feast:

The same came therefore to Philip . . . and desired him saying, Sir, we would see Jesus.
Philip cometh and telleth Andrew: and again Andrew and Philip tell Jesus.
John 12:20-22


SELF GLORIFICATION
The verses that follow do not even record the courtesy of "Yea,yea;" or "Nay, nay;" (Yes, yes or no, no of Matthew 5:37). They continue with his own praise
And Jesus answered them (Andrew and Philip), saying, The hour is come, that the son of man (referring to himself} should be glorified. John 12:23

HIGHEST STANDARDS
Muhammad (pbuh) could never afford any such latitudes. Remember, how the Almighty reminded him of the
highest etiquette required from him. Even the thought of being ruffled by the untimely intrusion of a blind man, was not accepted from him {see page 22 "He frowned']. As a universal Messenger, God set for him the most lofty standards: And Most Certainly, Thou (O Muhammad) Are of most sublime And Exalted Character. Holy Quran 68:4
And his diocese, his field of mission? The whole of mankind!
And We sent thee not (O Muhammad), but as a mercy unto (all) the worlds. Holy Quran 21:107
UNIVERSAL MESSENGER
These are not mere platitudes; beautiful sentiments bereft of action. Muhammad (pbuh) practised what he preached. Among his first Sahabas (companions) and converts, beside the Arabs can be counted Bilal the Abyssinian, Salman the Persian and Abdullah Bin-Salaam the Jew. The sceptics may say that his outreach was simply incidental but what can they say about the historical fact that before his demise, he sent out five epistles, one to each of the five surrounding countries, inviting them to accept the religion of Islam.
1. The Emperor of Persia
2. The King of Egypt
3. The Negus of Abyssinia
4. The Emperor Hiraclius at Constantinople, and
5. The King of Yemen
Thus he set the example for the fulfilment of his impelling mission, his "greatness of purpose," the reclamation of the whole of humanity into the Master's fold. Is there another example of such universality in another religion? Muhammad (pbuh) was not out to set or to break any records, he was simply carrying out the trust that was reposed in him by the Lord of Creation!
1. SMALLNESS OF MEANS
Muhammad (pbuh) was born with no silver spoon in his mouth. His life begins with infinitesimal support. His father had died before he was bom. His mother dies by the time he was six years old. He was doubly-orphaned at this tender age, his grandfather Abdul-Muttalib takes charge of the child, but within three years he also died. As soon as he was able, he began to look after his uncle Abu Talib's sheep and goats for his keep. Contrast this poor, double-orphaned Arab child with some of the great religious personalities that preceded him, and you must marvel at what Destiny had in store for him!
Abraham (pbuh) the spiritual father of Moses, Jesus and Muhammad (May the peace of God be upon them all), was the son of a very successful businessman of his time. Moses (pbuh) was reared in the house of Pharoah. Jesus (pbuh) though described as "a carpenter and the son of a carpenter," was well endowed with learning as well as material means. Peter, Philip, Andrew, etc. all downed tools and followed him to be at his beck and call, not because he had any halo [Halo.- An imaginary luminous ring or disc surrounding the head of saintly men and women in religious paintings.] on his head; there was no such thing, but because of his affluent attire and princely bearing. He could command mansions in Jerusalem for himself and his disciples even during the height of the festive season; and have sumptuous suppers arranged; and you could hear him reproach the materialistic Jews -
And when they found him (Jesus) on the other side of the sea, they said to him, "Rabbi, when did you come here?"
Jesus answered them and said, "most assuredly, I say to you, you seek me, not because you saw the signs, [The veracity of the Messiah's message and his mission.] but because you ate of the loaves and were filled. John 6:25-26
NOTHING TO OFFER
Muhammad (pbuh) had no bread nor meat to offer, no sugar-plums of any kind, in this world or the next! The only thing he could offer his bedraggled, poor shepherd people was trial and tribulations and the strait-jacketing of their lives here on earth and the good pleasures of God in the Hereafter. The life of the Prophet was an open book before them. He had shown them as to what he was; the nobility of his character, his integrity of purpose, his earnestness and fiery enthusiasm for the truth he had come to preach revealed the hero; and they followed him. Mr. Stanley Lane Poole's estimate of our hero is so beautiful and yet so truthful that I cannot resist the temptation of quoting it here:
HE WAS AN ENTHUSIAST IN THAT NOBLEST SENSE WHEN ENTHUSIASM BECOMES THE SALT OF THE EARTH, THE ONE THING THAT KEEPS MEN FROM ROTTING WHILST THEY LIVE.
ENTHUSIASM IS OFTEN USED DESPITEFULLY, BECAUSE IT IS JOINED TO AN UNWORTHY CAUSE, OR FALLS UPON BARREN GROUND AND BEARS NO FRUIT. SO WAS IT NOT WITH MOHAMMED. HE WAS AN ENTHUSIAST WHEN ENTHUSIASM WAS THE ONE THING NEEDED TO SET THE WORLD AFLAME, AND HIS ENTHUSIASM WAS NOBLE FOR A NOBLE CAUSE. HE WAS ONE OF THOSE HAPPY FEW WHO HAVE ATTAINED THE SUPREME JOY OF MAKING ONE GREAT TRUTH THEIR VERY LIFE-SPRING.
HE WAS THE MESSENGER OF THE ONE GOD, AND NEVER TO HIS LIFE'S END DID HE FORGET WHO HE WAS, OR THE MESSAGE WHICH WAS THE MARROW OF HIS BEING. HE BROUGHT HIS TIDINGS TO HIS PEOPLE WITH A GRAND DIGNITY SPRUNG FROM THE CONSCIOUSNESS OF HIS HIGH OFFICE, TOGETHER WITH A MOST SWEET HUMILITY, WHOSE ROOTS LAY IN THE KNOW-LEDGE OF HIS OWN WEAKNESS."
It may easliy be conceded that Muhammad (pbuh) was blessed with the flimsiest of human resources. In fact the odds were loaded against him. But what about his fortune towards the end of his earthly sojourn? He was the overlord of the whole of Arabia! What about the endless means at his disposal then? We will allow a Christian missionary to answer that -
HE WAS CAESAR AND POPE IN ONE, BUT HE WAS POPE WITHOUT THE POPE'S PRETENTIONS, AND CAESAR WITHOUT THE LEGIONS OF CAESAR: WITHOUT A STANDING ARMY, WITHOUT A BODYGUARD, WITHOUT A PALACE, WITHOUT A FIXED REVENUE; IF EVER ANY MAN HAD THE RIGHT TO SAY THAT HE RULED BY THE RIGHT DIVINE, IT WAS MOHAMMAD, FOR HE HAD ALL THE POWERS WITHOUT ITS INSTRUMENTS AND WITHOUT ITS SUPPORTS." R. Bosworth Smith -Mohammad and Mohammadanism", London 1874, p. 92
HIS HANDICAPS
His "weakness" was his strength. The very fact that he had no material means of support made him to put his entire trust in God, and God the Merciful did not forsake him. His success was all the more staggering. May not the Muslims justly say, the entire work was the work of God? And Muhammad (pbuh) his Instrument?

OUTSTANDING RESULTS
In the words of Thomas Carlyle - "One man against all men," [See full quotation by Thomas Carlyle on page 31.] to a hundred and twenty four thousand at the Farewell pilgrimage alone. How many were left behind of men, women and children, believers all?
On the 12th of RABI I., in the 11 th year after the Hijra, [Hijra literally means Migration.] approximating to the 8th of June 632 of the Christian Era, whilst praying earnestly in whisper, the spirit of the great Prophet took flight to the "blessed companion-ship on high" (Ibn Hisham).
Hazrat Omar (May Allah be pleased with him), on receiving the sad news of the demise of the Holy Prophet, lost his bearings. He was so shocked that he blurted out "if anyone says that Muhammad is dead, I will chop off his head!" Hazrat Abu Bakr As-Siddiq presently verified that the Master had indeed departed from this world; and coming out from the Prophet's apartment announced to the gathering throng outside, that, "Muhammad (pbuh) had indeed passed away. Those that worshipped Muhammad," he said, "'Let them know that Muhammad is dead, but those who worship Allah, let them know that Allah lives for ever!"
This brought Omar al-Farooq (R.A.) back to his senses. Could this man who was to become the second great Khaleefah of Islam at this moment imagine that fourteen hundred years later there would be a thousand million followers of Muhammad (pbuh) at one time? Could he have visualized that the religion of the Prophet would be the fastest growing religion in the world?1
Christianity had a 600-year start on Islam. Numerically the Christians claim to outnumber the followers of any other faith; this is true but let us look at the picture in its true perspective -
THERE ARE MORE PROFESSING CHRISTIANS IN THE WORLD THAN PROFESSING MUSLIMS, BUT THERE ARE MORE PRACTISING MUSLIMS IN THE WORLD THAN PRACTISING CHRISTIANS.
(Emphasis added) R.V.C. Bodley (the American) in "The Messenger: The Life of Mohammed." U.S.A. 1969
1 understand from the above that Mr. Bodley is trying to tell us that there are people in the world who, when filling their census forms, will tick off the term Christian under "Religion." It is not necessarily that they believe in the dogmas of Christianity. They could actually be atheists or bush-Baptists, [Bush-Baptist: There are forty different Baptist Churches in the United States of America. But bush-Baptists are people with strong religious feelings yet will not go to any Church; and will not affiliate with any sect or denomination.]as opposed to being a Jew or Hindu or Muslim; coming from a Christian background they would for the purpose of convenience label themselves "Christian." From that point of view, and from the point of view that a person who practises what he believes, there would be more Muslims in the world than Christians. Chronologically, Islam is six hundred years behind Christianity, but amazingly it is at least a very close second, and is catching up fast - the fastest growing religion in the world today (see chart on page 34). "One Billion!" The figure is outstanding and the sincerity and practise of the Believers astonishing!
Taking into account his own three objective standards: (a) "greatness of purpose;" (b) "smallness of means;" and (c) "outstanding results;" does Lamartine dare to produce another candidate greater than Muhammad (pbuh)? He further awes his readers with the multifarious roles of Muhammad (pbuh) in which he excelled, ie. Philosopher, Orator, Apostle, Legislator, Warrior, Conqueror of Ideas, the Restorer of Rational Beliefs, of a Cult without Images, the Founder of twenty Terrestrial Empires and of one Spiritual Empire, that Is Muhammad. As regards ALL standards (I repeat "ALL") by which Human Greatness may be measured, we may well ask, "IS THERE ANY MAN GREATER THAN HE?" (Emphasis added).
No! Muhammad (pbuh) was the greatest man that ever lived! According to Lamartine the French historian. And God Almighty questions –
And Have We not raised high the esteem (in which) thou (O Muhammad) are held?
MOST ASSUREDLY THOU HAST, O MY LORD! Holy Quran 94:4
THE QUALITY OF MERCY
The Christian propagandists make the wild boast that there is nothing in the history of mankind to compare with the merciful and forgiving cry of Jesus (pbuh) on the cross ... "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do."
Luke 23:34
Amazing as it may sound, of the four writers of the Canonical Gospels, only St. Luke was inspired by the Holy ghost (?) to pen these words. The other three - Matthew, Mark and John never heard these words or they felt them to be too insipid or not important enough for recording. St. Luke was not even one of the twelve disciples selected by Jesus (pbuh). According to the revisers of the Revised Standard Version (RSV) of the Bible, these words are not in the most ancient manuscripts which by implication means that they are an interpolation.
In "The New King James Version," (Copyrighted by the Thomas Nelson Publishers inr 1984), we are told that these words are "not in the original text" of the Greek manuscripts of St. Luke. In other words they have been fabricated by some pious gentleman. Although the quotation is unauthentic, we will still entertain it because it demonstrates great piety of loving one's enemies and of unsurpassed forgiveness as preached by the Master himself.
For forgiveness to be of any worth, the forgiver must be in a position to forgive. If the victim of injustice is still in the clutches of his enemies; in that helpless position and he would cry out, "I FORGIVE YOU!" it would be meaningless. But if the aggrieved party had turned the tables on his enemies and was in a position of taking revenge or exact retribution, and yet say "I forgive you!", only then would it mean something!
MUHAMMAD'S (PBUH) CLEMENCY
Contrast the alleged forgiveness from the "cross" with the historical bloodless conquest of Makkah by Muhammad (pbuh) at the head of ten thousand "saints" [A fulfilment of another prophecy in Muhammad (pbuh). "...He came from mount Paran (that is in Arabia), and he came with ten thousand saints..." Deuteronomy 33:2.] (his companions).

"THE CITY WHICH HAD TREATED HIM SO CRUELLY, DRIVEN HIM AND HIS FAITHFUL BAND FOR REFUGE AMONGST STRANGERS, WHICH HAD SWORN HIS LIFE AND THE LIVES OF HIS DEVOTED DISCIPLES, LAY AT HIS FEET. HIS OLD PERSECUTERS RELENTLESS AND RUTHLESS, WHO HAD DISGRACED HUMANITY BY INFLICTING CRUEL OUTRAGES UPON INOFFENSIVE MEN AND WOMEN, AND EVEN UPON THE LIFELESS DEAD, WERE NOW COMPLETELY AT HIS MERCY. BUT IN THE HOUR OF HIS TRIUMPH EVERY EVIL SUFFERED WAS FORGOTTEN, EVERY INJURY INFLICTED WAS FORGIVEN, AND A GENERAL AMNESTY WAS EXTENDED TO THE POPULATION OF MAKKAH ..." Sayed Amir Ali in "The Spirit of Islam"
Calling before him the populace of the vanquished city, he addressed them with "What do you expect at my hands today?" His people had known him too well, even from his childhood so they replied, "Mercy, 0 generous brother and nephew!" Tears came into the eyes of the Prophet, and he said, "I will speak to you as Joseph spoke unto his brethren, I will not reproach you today: go you are free!"
And now a scene was enacted of which there is really no parallel in the history of the world. Hosts upon hosts came forward and adopted the religion of Islam. God Almighty testifies as to the lofty and exalted behaviour of His Messenger - Ye have indeed in the Messenger of Allah a beautiful pattern (of conduct). Holy Quran 33:21
How well has Lamartine1 unknowingly echoed these sentiments -
"AS REGARDS ALL STANDARDS BY WHICH HUMAN GREATNESS MAY BE MEASURED, WE MAY WELL ASK, IS THERE ANY MAN GREATER THAN HE?"
In reply, we too can say once more, "No! there is no man greater than Muhammad (pbuh). Muhammad (pbuh) was the greatest man that ever lived!"
So far, our hero has earned the unsolicited and ungrudging tributes from many non-Muslims of different religious persuasions and from varying intellectual fields of endeavour. But all this still remains incomplete without the Master's verdict; Muhammad's (pbuh) predecessor - Jesus Christ, (pbuh). We will now apply his own standard for evaluating greatness.
JOHN THE BAPTIST
1. John the Baptist, ["JOHN- not to be confused with John the disciple of Jesus (pbuh). A very common name among the Jews and Arabs, even today, like Tarik Aziz the recent Iraqi Minister of Foreign Affairs. Real name Tarik Hanna Aziz; Hanna short for Yuhanna meaning John. No one in the non-Arab Muslim world knowing that our friend is a Christian Marxist.] Known throughout the Muslim world as Hazrat Yahya Alaihis-salaam (Peace be upon him) was a contemporary prophet of the Messiah. They were also cousins. Here is what the Master has to say of him:
2. Full quotation of Larmartine will be found in Appendix "B" on page 61.
Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist:Matthew 11:11
Every son of man is "born of women." By this very fact John the Baptist is greater than Moses, David, Solomon, Abraham or Isaiah; none of the Israelite prophets excluded. What gives John this ascendancy over every other prophet? It could not be any miracle, because the Bible records none to his credit. It could not be his teachings, because he brought no new laws or regulations. Then what makes him the greatest? Simply because he was the heralder, a pre-cursor, a harbinger of the happy news of the coming of the Messiah. This is what made John the greatest, but Jesus (pbuh) claims that he himself was even greater than the greatest (ie. John). Why?
But I have greater witness than that of John (the Baptist): For The Works which the Father hath given me to finish: (Emphasis added) John 5:36
It is the "witness," the commission which God Almighty had entrusted him with, which makes Jesus (pbuh) greater than even John. Applying these very standards as enunciated by the Master, we find that -
1. John the Baptist was the greatest of all the Israelite prophets, because he heralded the mighty Messiah (Jesus pbuh). Similarly Jesus (pbuh) would be greater than even John because he heralded "The Spirit of Truth, the Comforter," who was to guide mankind into all Truth (of the Gospel of St. John, chapter 16). [ For a detalted explanation about this prophecy, obtain today your FREE copy of the book -MUHUMMED (pbuh) the Natural Successor to CHRIST (pbuh) from the IPCI.]
2. The diocese, the mission of Jesus (pbuh), or "the works which God had given him to accomplish," was limited to the Lost sheep of the House of Israel (Matthew 15:24), whereas the mission of Muhammad (pbuh) was universal. He had been told -
And we have sent thee not (O Muhammad), but as a Mercy unto (all) the worlds. Holy Quran 21:107
In keeping with his grand commission, Muhammad (pbuh) consistently delivered his Message to one and all who would hear, irrespective of race, class or creed, He welcomed them all in the religion of God, without any discrimination. He had no thought of dividing the creatures of God into "dogs and pigs" (Matthew 7:6) or into "sheep and goats" (Matthew 25:32). He was the Messenger of the One True God, who was sent as a Mercy unto all mankind, nay, unto the whole universe (H.Q. 21:107 above). And, he never forgot this mission even right up to his dying day.
Towards the end of his earthly sojourn, when he could look back to a hectic and dangerous past, now crowned with success; he now feels that he could sit back and enjoy the fruits of his toil; he dreams of a life free from turmoil and full of satisfaction and relaxation. Not for him! There is no time to rest or relax. There is work still to be done. God Almighty reminds him - - WE HAVE NOT SENT THEE (O MUHAMMAD) BUT TO THE WHOLE OF MANKIND.
AS A GIVER OF GLAD TIDINGS AND AS A WARNER,
BUT MOST OF MANKIND STILL DO NOT KNOW.
Holy Quran 34:28 [This is your last chance to memorize the text and the translation of this verse. It you are lackadaisical, we can only mourn your loss.]
How was he to respond to this new challenge in his ripening old age? There were no electronic gadgets of modern communication methods at his disposal; there were no telex and fax machines which he could exploit. What could he do? Being an ummi (unlettered), he called the scribes and dictated five letters, one each to the Emperor at Constantinople, the King of Egypt, the Negus of Abyssinia, the King of Yemen and to the Emperor in Persia. He called forth five Sahaaba (his holy companions) with five Arab steeds and set them out in five different directions inviting the nations of the world to the universal religion of God.
I had the good fortune of seeing one of those holy epistles in the Topkapi Museum in Istanbul (old Constantinople) Turkey. That letter is collecting dust! Materially the Turks have preserved the parchment. But the Message is collecting dust, as I have said.
The letter begins, "From Muhammad the Messenger of God, to Heraclius the Emperor at Constantinople:
Accept Islam and be benefited." followed by this exhortation from the Book of God - -
SAY: "O PEOPLE OF THE BOOK! ["People of the Book," stands for the Jews and the Christians. You will never have it so good for learning Allah's Kalaam. Don't ignore this opportunity. Memorize the verses as they occur.]
COME TO COMMON TERMS AS BETWEEN US AND YOU:
THAT WE WORSHIP NONE BUT GOD;
THAT WE ASSOCIATE NO PARTNERS WITH HIM;
THAT WE ERECT NOT, FROM AMONG OURSELVES, LORDS AND PATRONS OTHER THAN GOD."
IF THEN THEY TURN BACK, SAY YE: "BEAR WITNESS THAT WE (AT LEAST) ARE MUSLIMS (BOWING TO GOD'S WILL) Holy Quran 3:64
After the above Quranic insertion in the letter, it is concluded with felicitation in the Prophet's own words, ending with a seal on which is inscribed - "There is no other object of worship but Allah, and Muhammad is His Messenger."
The letter in Turkey arouses our curiosity; and interest with regards to its preservation, but the preservation itself is lost upon the sightseer. The same Quranic Message is in almost every Muslim home; being read and re-read a thousand times over without the reader being moved to deliver its Message to the addressees!
Glance once more at the above verse. It is addressed to the "ahle-Kitaab," - the People of the Book, the Jews and the Christians. But, for over a thousand years we have utterly ignored that great directive at our own peril. We are sitting on that Message like a cobra on a pile of wealth, keeping the rightful heirs at bay. This utter neglect will continue to inflict untold suffering to the Ummah for generations to come.
After over fourteen hundred years of our reading, and chanting the Quran in every rhythmic style, we still hear this poignant cry:
But Most of mankind still do not know. Holy Quran 34:28
This is the concluding phrase of the verse revealed fourteen hundred years ago. It was the factual situation of the then religious world. The question which must be asked is if it is any different today? Not at all! There are today more Mushriks in the world than there are believers in the One True God.
Is there any hope of changing this situation? Allah commanded His Prophet then as He is commanding us now through the first seven verses of Sura Muddaththir (chapter 74).
1. 0 THOU WRAPPED UP (IN A MANTLE)! "As usual, there is these wonderful early mystical verses (including the ones that follow), a triple thread of thought:
(a) A particular occasion or person is referred to
(b) a general spiritual lesson is taught, and
(c) a more profound mystical reverie is suggested.
As to (a), the Prophet was now past the stage of personal contemplation. Wearing his mantle; he was now to go forth and boldly deliver his Message and publicly proclaim Allah The One True God. His heart had always been purified, but now all his outward doings must be dedicated to God, and conventional respect for ancestral customs or worship must be thrown aside. The work of his Messengership was the most generous that could flow from his personality, but no reward or appreciation was to be expected from his people, but quite the contrary, there would be much call on his patience, but his contentment would arise from the good pleasure of God.
As to (b), similar stages arise in a minor degree in the life of every good man, for which the Prophet's life is to be a universal pattern.
As to (c), the Sufis understand, by the mantle and outward wrappings, the circumstances of our phenomenal existence, which are necessary to our physical comfort up to a certain stage; but we soon outgrow them, and our inner nature should then boldly proclaim itself, not that it brings any credit or reward with men; the very hope of expectation of such would be inconsistent with our higher nature, which should bear all checks and rejoice in the favour of God."
2. ARISE AND DELIVER THY WARMING!
3. AND THY LORD DO THOU MAGNIFY!
4. AND THY GARMENTS KEEP FREE FROM STAIN!
5. AND ALL ABOMINATION SHUN!
"(a) Rujz or Rijz means abomination and is usually understood to mean idolatry. It is even possible that there was an idol called RUJZ. But these days it has a wider significance as including a mental state opposed to true worship, a state of doubt or indecision."
6. NOR EXPECT, IN GIVING, ANY INCREASE (FOR THYSELF)!
"(b) The legal and commercial formula is that you give in order to receive what is worth to you a little more than you give, but expect nothing from the receiver. You serve God and God's creatures."
7. BUT, FOR THY LORD'S (CAUSE) BE PATIENT AND CONSTANT! (c) [Remember to memorize Allah's Kalaam with its meaning]
Holy Quran 74:1-7
"(c) Our zeal for God's Cause itself requires that we should not be impatient, and that we should show constancy in our efforts for His Cause. For we have faith, and we know that He is All-Good, All-Wise, and All-Powerful, and everything will ultimately be right." AbdullahYusuf Ali [The English translation and the commentaries were by Abdullah Yusuf Ali. Obtain your volume from the IPCI at a specially subsidised price. Ako order a volume for your non-Muslim friends.]
To the Arabs in general and to our Holy Prophet in particular "a mantle" was the protective covering used for protection against the sun, wind and sand. He was so to say girding himself, rolling up his sleeves, to accomplish his task. Although most of the Muslims in the world do not cover themselves with shawls (mantles), in their day to day living, they carry a host of mantles in the way of inferiority complexes.

WHAT CAN WE DO TO MAKE GOD'S LIGHT SHINE FORTH THROUGH THE DARKNESS AROUND US?
WE MUST FIRST LET IT SHINE IN OUR OWN TRUE SELVES WITH THAT LIGHT IN THE NICHE OF OUR INMOST HEARTS WE CAN WALK WITH STEPS BOTH FIRM AND SURE: WE CAN HUMBLY VISIT THE COMFORTLESS AND GUIDE THEIR STEPS. NOT WE, BUT THE LIGHT WILL GUIDE! BUT OH! THE JOY OF BEING FOUND WORTHY TO BEAR THE TORCH, AND TO SAY TO OUR BRETHREN- "I TOO WAS IN DARKNESS, COMFORTLESS, AND BEHOLD, I HAVE FOUND COMFORT AND JOY IN THE GRACE DIVINE!" THUS SHOULD WE PAY THE DUES OF BROTHERHOOD, - - BY WALKING HUMBLY SIDE BY SIDE, IN THE WAYS OF THE LORD, WITH MUTUAL AID AND COMFORT, AND HEARTFELT PRAYER,
BACKED BY ACTION, THAT GOD'S GOOD PURPOSE MAY BE ACCOMPLISHED, IN US ALL TOGETHER!
BUT MOST OF MANKIND STILL DO NOT KNOW
Thus spake, inspired our Holy prophet, Muhammad (pbuh) on whom we invoke God's blessings for ever and ever - AAMEEN!
APPENDIX "A"
He attained the height of eminence by his perfection;
He dispelled the darkness (of the world) by his grace;
Excellent were all his qualities,
Pray for blessings on him and his descendants.
Shaikh Sa'di Sheeraazi (RA)

APPENDIX "B"
"If greatness of purpose, smallness of means and astounding results are the three criteria of human genius, who could dare to compare any great man in modern history with Muhammad?
The most famous men created arms, laws and empires only. They founded, if anything at all, no more than material powers which often crumbled away before their eyes. This man Muhammed moved not only armies, legislations, empires, peoples nd dynasties, but millions of men; and more than that the altars, the gods, the religions, the ideas, the beliefs and the souls. On the basis of a Book, every letter of which has become law, he created a spiritual nationality which blended together peoples of every tongue and of every race ... The idea of the unity of God, proclaimed amidst the exhaustion of fabulous theologies, was in itself such a miracle that upon its utterance from his lips it destroyed all the ancient superstitions ... His endless prayers, his mystic conversations with God, his death and his triumph after death: all these attest not to an imposture but to a firm conviction which gave him the power to restore a dogma. This dogma was twofold, the unity of God and the Immateriality of God; the former telling what God is, the latter telling what God is not ...
... "PHILOSOPHER, ORATOR, APOSTLE, LEGISLATOR, WARRIOR, CONQUEROR OF IDEAS, RESTORER OF RATIONAL BELIEFS, of a cult without images; the founder of twenty terrestrial empires and of one spiritual empire, that is Muhammed. AS REGARDS ALL STANDARDS BY WHICH HUMAN GREATNESS MAY BE MEASURED, WE MAY WELL ASK, IS THERE ANY MAN GREATER THAN HE?"
(Lamartine, Historie de la Turquie, Paris 1854, Vol II pp.276-277).

APPENDIX "C"
JULES MASSERMAN, U.S. psychoanalyst
TIME, JULY 15, 1974
Leaders must fulfil three functions - - - provide for the well-being of the led, provide a social organization in which people feel relatively secure, and provide them with one set of beliefs. People like Pasteur and Salk are leaders in the first sense.
People like Gandhi and Confucius, on one hand, and Alexander, Caesar and Hitler on the other, are leaders in the second and perhaps the third sense. Jesus and Buddha belong in the third category alone. PERHAPS THE GREATEST LEADER OF ALL TIMES WAS MOHAMMED, WHO COMBINED ALL THREE FUNCTIONS. To a lesser degree Moses did the same. (Emphasis added)

APPENDIX "D"
Fidelity is said to be a human attribute,
Which makes the modern gentleman distinguished from the brute,
But that supreme fidelity, inborn in every hound, Which is the mark of man's best friend, In man, it's rarely found!
A South African Poet.

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Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) the Greatest:

Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) the Greatest
by Ahmad Deedat
Chapter 1
"And most certainly, thou (O Muhammad) are of most sublime and exalted character."
(The Holy Qur’ân, 68:4)
How the Topic Arose About ten years ago, a distant cousin of mine - Mr. Mohamed Mehtar Farooki gave me a typed quotation by the French historian, Lamartine. The quotation [A detailed exposition of the quotation will be found on page 38 ] purported to prove that Muhammad (pbuh), the prophet of Islam, was the greatest man that ever lived. Mr. Mehtar was in the habit of passing information on to me, believing that I might put the same to some good use at the proper time and place. Before this he had presented me with "The Call of the Minaret," an expensive book written by (Bishop Kenneth Cragg). By analysing this book I discovered the masterful deceit of the Christian Orientalists. Lamartine's tribute to our prophet inspired me and I had a great desire to share his thoughts about our Nabee with my Muslim brethren. The opportunity to do so was not long in coming.
I received a phone call from the Muslim community in Dannhauser, a small town in Northern Natal,, who were organising a birthday celebration of the Holy Prophet. They invited me to give a lecture on that auspicious occasion. So I deemed it an honour and a privilege, I readily agreed. When they inquired, in view of their advertising needs, as to the subject of my lecture, I suggested on the inspiration from Lamartine, "Muhammad (pbuh) the Greatest."
REPEATED LET-DOWNS
On my arrival in Dannhauser, I noticed a lot of posters advertising the meeting which in essence said that Deedat would be lecturing on the subject "MUHAMMAD THE GREAT." I was somewhat disheartened and, on inquiring was told that the change in the title was due to a printer's error.
Some two months later, I got another, similar invitation. This time from the Muslim community of Pretoria the administrative capital of South Africa. The subject I had mooted was the same - "Muhammad (pbuh) the Greatest." To my dismay the topic was again changed to "MUHAMMAD THE GREAT." Identical reasons and excuses were given. Both these incidences happened in South Africa, my own country. But, let me give you one more example of our inferiority complex - so much part of the sickness of the Ummah.
USA NO DIFFERENT
On my lecture tour of the mighty United States in 1977, 1 discovered that our soldiers in the New World also had feet of clay. Out of the many sad experiences I have had, I think that this one will suffice to prove the point. The Muslims of Indianapolis were advised to organise a lecture for me on the subject "What the Bible says about Muhammad (pbuh)" T'hey agreed to advertise just that, but their timidity did not permit them to do so. They thought the topic was too provocative, so they, in their wisdom (?), toned it down to "A PROPHET IN THE BIBLE." A lifeless, insipid title you will no doubt agree. Which Hindu, Muslim, Christian or Jew would be intrigued to attend? What does "A PROPHET" mean? To most A PROPHET means ANY PROPHET, and who would be interested in attending a meeting where just any prophet in the Bible was debated?
Job, Joel, Jonah, Ezra, Elisha, Ezekiel are just a few of the many mentioned in the Bible. As was to be expected the attendance left much to be desired.
INFERIORITY COMPLEX
What is the cause of this sickness? This inferiority complex? "Yes!" We are an emasculated people. Dynamism has been wringed out of us, not only by our enemies but by our own spiritless friends. We even dare not repeat Allah's Own testimony regarding his beloved -
And Most Certainly, Thou (O Muhammad) Are of most sublime And Exalted Character.
Holy Qur’ân 68:4
THE MOST INFLUENTIAL
Normally, it is quite, natural for anyone to love, praise, idolize or hero-worship ones leader, be it a guru, saint or prophet: and very often we do.
However, if I were to reproduce here what great Muslims have said or written about our illustrious prophet, it could be played down as exaggeration, fancy or idolization by the sceptics and the opponents of Islam. Therefore, allow me to quote unbiased historians, friendly critics and even avowed enemies of that mighty Messenger of God - Muhammad (pbuh). If the tributes of the non-Muslims do not touch your hearts, then you are in the wrong faith. Opt out of Islam! There is already too much deadwood on the "ship" of Islam.
In recent times, a book has been published in America titled "The 100," or the Top One hundred, or the Greatest Hundred in History. A certain Michael H. Hart, described as a historian, mathematician and astronomer has written this novel book. He has searched history, seeking for men who had the greatest influence on mankind. In this book he gives us The hundred most influential men, including Asoka, Aristotle, Buddha, Confucius, Hitler, Plato, and Zoroaster. He does not give us a mere chart of the topmost "one hundred" from the point of view of their influence on people, but he evaluates the degree of their influence and rates them in order of their excellence from No. 1, through to No. 100. He gives us his reasons for the placing of his candidates. We are not asked to agree with him, but we cannot help admire the man's research and honesty.
The most amazing thing about his selection is that he has put our Nabee-e-Kareem, the Holy Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) as No. 1, the first of his "100!" Thus confirming, unknowingly, God's Own testimony in His Final Revelation to the World:
MOST CERTAINLY, YOU HAVE IN THE MESSENGER OF ALLAH AN EXCELLENT PATTERN (OF BEHAVIOUR)
Holy Qur’ân 33:21
JESUS (PBUH) No. 3!
Hart placing the Prophet of Islam as No. 1, has naturally pleased the Muslims. But his choice as shocked the Non-Muslims, more specially the Jews and the Christians, who consider this as an affront. What? Jesus (pbuh) No. 3 and Moses (pbuh) No. 40! This is for them very difficult to stomach, but what says Hart? Let us hear his arguments –
SINCE THERE ARE ROUGHLY TWICE [The latest estimate is that there are one thousand million Muslims in the world and one thousand two hundred million Christians] AS MANY CHRISTIANS IN THE WORLD, IT MAY INITIALLY SEEM STRANGE THAT MUHAMMAD HAS BEEN RANKED HIGHER THAN JESUS. THERE ARE TWO PRINCIPAL REASONS FOR THAT DECISION.
FIRST, MUHAMMAD PLAYED A FAR MORE IMPORTANT ROLE IN THE EVELOPMENT OF ISLAM THAN JESUS DID IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF CHRISTIANITY. ALTHOUGH JESUS WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE MAIN ETHICAL AND MORAL PRECEPTS OF CHRISTIANITY (INSOFAR AS THESE DIFFERED FROM JUDAISM), ST. PAUL WAS THE MAIN DEVELOPER OF CHRISTIAN THEOLOGY, ITS PRINCIPAL
PROSELYTIZER, AND THE AUTHOR OF A LARGE PORTION OF THE NEW TESTAMENT.
MUHAMMAD, HOWEVER, WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR BOTH THE THEOLOGY OF ISLAM AND ITS MAIN ETHICAL AND MORAL PRINCIPLES. IN ADDITION, HE PLAYED THE KEY ROLE IN PROSELYTIZING THE NEW FAITH, AND IN ESTABLISHING THE RELIGIOUS PRACTICES OF ISLAM.
Michael H. Hart in his book - "THE 100"-pages 38/39
PAUL THE FOUNDER OF CHRISTIANITY
According to Hart, the honor for founding Christianity is to be shared between Jesus (pbuh) and St. Paul. The latter he believes to be the real founder of Christianity.
I cannot help agreeing with Hart. Out of the total of 27 Books of the New Testament, more than half is authored by Paul. As opposed to Paul, the Master has not written a single word of the twenty-seven books. If you can lay your hands on what is called "'A Red Letter Bible," you will find every word alleged to have been uttered by Jesus (pbuh) - in red ink and the rest in normal black ink. Don't be shocked to find that in this so called "Injeel," the Gospel of Jesus, over ninety percent of the 27 Books of the New Testament is printed in black ink!
This is the candid Christian confession on what they call the "Injeel." In actual any confrontation with Christian missionaries, you will find them quoting one hundred percent from Paul.
NO ONE FOLLOWS JESUS (PBUH) Jesus (pbuh) said, "If you love me, keep my commandments." (John 14:15)
He said further, Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven . . ." (Matthew 5:19)
Every Christian controversialist you question, "Do you keep the laws and the commandments?" will answer, "No!" If you ask further, "Why don't you?" He will if he is a Bible-thumper, invariably reply, "The law is nailed to the cross!" Meaning the law is done away with. "We are now living under grace!"
Every time you prod him with what his Lord and Master (pbuh) had said, he will confront you with something from Cornithians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, etc. If you ask, "Who are they?" You will hear, 'Paul, Paul, Paul!" "Who is your master?" you question, and he will say, "Jesus!" But he will ever and anon contradict his own Jesus (pbuh) by his Paul!
No learned Christian will ever dispute the fact that the real founder of Christianity is St. Paul. Therefore, Michael H. Hart to be fair, had to place Jesus (pbuh), in slot number three. WHY PROVOKE YOUR CUSTOMER? This placing of Christ in the number three spot by Michael H. Hart poses a very serious question for us. Why would an American publish a book of 572 pages in America and selling in America for $15 each, go out of his way to provoke his potential readers? Who will buy his books? Surely, not the Pakistanis and the Bangladeshis, neither the Arabs nor the Turks! Except for a few copies here and there, the overwhelming number of his customers will be from the 250 million Christians and the 6 million Jews of America. Then why did he provoke his customers? Did he not hear the dictum - "the customer is always right!" Of course he did. Then why his daring choice. But before I close this episode of Hart, I will allow him to make his one last apology for his "temerity."
"MY CHOICE OF MUHAMMAD TO LEAD THE LIST OF THE WORLD'S MOST INFLUENTIAL PERSONS MAY SURPRISE SOME READERS AND MAY BE QUESTIONED BY OTHERS, BUT HE WAS THE ONLY MAN IN HISTORY WHO WAS SUPREMELY SUCCESSFUL ON BOTH THE RELIGIOUS AND SECULAR LEVEL." Michael H. Hart "The 100: A Ranking of the Most Influential Persons in History", New York: Hart Publishing Company, Inc., 1978, p.33.
WHO WERE HISTORY'S GREAT LEADERS
TIME, JULY 15, 1974
The world famous "Time" carried the above rubic on its front cover. Inside the magazine were numerous essays as to 'What makes a great leader?' 'Throughout history, who qualifies?' TIME asked a variety of historians, writers, military men, businessmen and others for their selections. Each gave his candidate according to his "light" as objectively as is humanly possible, depending on one's own awareness and prejudice.
WHO KNOWS DR. SALAZAR?
It is my habit and pleasurable duty to take non-Muslims on a guided tour of the largest mosque in the Southern Hemisphere - "The Jumma Masjid" Durban.
On one occasion I was hosting a Portuguese couple, a husband and wife team. At some stage during the discussion the Portuguese gentleman said that "Dr. Salazar was the greatest man in the world!" I did not debate the point with him as I personally knew little about Dr. Salazar except that he was a one time dictator of Portugal albeit to many a great benefactor to his nation. My poor visitor was, however, speaking according to his own knowledge, point of view and prejudice.
MUHAMMAD (PBUH) AN NOT BE IGNORED!
Among the contributors to the "Time," it seems that none could ignore Muhammad (pbuh).
WILLIAM McNEILL, a United States historian, of the University of Chicago, records:
"IF YOU MEASURE LEADERSHIP BY IMPACT, THEN YOU WOULD HAVE TO NAME JESUS, BUDDHA, MOHAMMED, CONFUCIUS, THE GREAT PROPHETS OF THE WORLD ..."
McNeill does not go into details, nor does he give us any explanation as to why he placed Jesus (pbuh) first and Muhammad (pbuh) number three. Perhaps it was by force of habit. It is very likely that McNeill is a Christian. However, we will not argue with him. Then comes -
JAMES GAVIN, described as a United States army man, a retired lieutenant general. He says - "AMONG LEADERS WHO HAVE MADE THE GREATEST IMPACT THROUGH AGES, I WOULD CONSIDER MOHAMMED, JESUS CHRIST, MAYBE LENIN, POSSIBLY MAO. AS FOR A LEADER WHOSE QUALITIES WE COULD MOST USE NOW, I WOULD CHOOSE JOHN F. KENNEDY."
The General does not say much more, yet we have to salute him. It calls for tremendous fortitude to pen the name Muhammad before that of Christ (peace be upon them both). It surely, was no slip of the pen.
JULES MASSERMAN, United States psychoanalyst and professor of the Chicago University, gives us, unlike the other contributors, the basis for making his selection. He gives us his reason for choosing his greatest LEADER of all times. He wants us to find out, what we are really looking for in the man, the qualities that sets him apart. We may be looking for any sets of qualities. As in the case of Michael H. Hart, he was looking for a person wielding the MOST Influence.1
However, Masserman does not want us to depend on our fancies or prejudices: he wants to establish objective standards for judging, before we confer greatness upon anybody.
He says that "Leaders must fulfill three functions--"
No. 1 THE LEADER MUST PROVIDE FOR THE WELL-BEING OF THE LEAD ...
The leader, whoever he is, must be interested in your welfare. He must not be looking for milking cows for his own greed like the Rev. Jim Jones of Jonestown, Guyana, of the "Suicide Cult" fame. You will remember him as the man who committed suicide together with 910 of his followers, all at the same time EN MASSE!
The United States Government was on his trail and he was on the verge of being caught for certain felonies. But before they could apprehend him, he thought it wise to eliminate himself, together with all his followers, so that no one would be left to testify against him. He laced lemonade with cynide and inspired his devotees to drink it, and so they did and they all died in disgrace! In the meantime, it was discovered that the Rev. Jim Jones had salted away fifteen million dollars and stacked it in his own account in banks throughout the world. All his victims were his milking cows and he was exploiting them to satisfy his own lust and greed. Masserman's hero must be found to benefit his sheep, his flock, and not himself
No. 2 THE LEADER OR WOULD BE LEADER MUST PROVIDE A SOCIAL ORGANIZATION IN WHICH PEOPLE FEEL RELATIVELY SECURE ...
Unlike the Marxist, the Facist, the Nazi, the Neo-Nazi the Ashkenazi, [The Jews from Germany, Central Europe and Eastern Europe, mostly from Russia who are in unlawful occupation of Palestine. There is something prophetic in the name itself - the Jews are doing to the people of the occupied territories exactly what the Nazis did to them. What an irony!] the Zionist, and their fellow-travellers, Professor Masserman, in his brief essay in the TIME magazine, did not spell this out. But his beliefs and feelings are abundantly clear. He is in search of a Leader who will provide a social order free of self, and greed and racism: for all these "isms" carry within them the seeds of their own destruction.
There's still with us much sorrow and sin, Injustice, Oppression, wrong and hate. Still does Arrogance deaden Conscience Rob struggling souls of e'en the crumbs Of Pity, and make, of loathsome flesh And crumbling dust, fair-seeming Idols For worship. Still does Ignorance blow A mighty Horn and try to shame True Wisdom. Still do men drive Slaves,
- - Protesting smoothly the end of Slavery! Still does Greed devour the substance Of helpless ones within her power. Nay, more, - -
the fine Individual Voice Is smothered in the raucous din Of groups and Crowds that madly shout What they call Slogans New, - - Old Falsehoods long discredited ... Abdullah Yusuf Ali
No. 3 THAT THIS LEADER MUST PROVIDE HIS PEOPLE WITH ONE SET OF BELIEFS
It is easy to talk of the Fellowship of Faith and the Brotherhood of Man, but in South Africa today, there are a thousand different sects and denominations among the Whites (people of European descent) and three thousand among the Blacks (of African descent). The White Churches in my country are Spawning "Black" Bishops, fast, but in the first three hundred years of European conquest, they did not produce a single Black Bishop. Even now, the Black, the White, the Colored and the Indian cannot pray together in most of the Dutch Reformed Churches. The hatred between the Christian sects was aptly described by the Christian Emperor Julian, who said: "NO WILD BEASTS ARE SO HOSTILE TO MAN AS CHRISTIAN SECTS IN GENERAL ARE TO ONE ANOTHER." Sayed Amir Ali in his "Spirit of lslam,"- page 1 ii.
With the foregoing three standards, Masserman searches history and analyses Louis Pasteur, Salk, Gandhi, Confucius, Alexander the Great, Caesar, Hitler, Buddha, Jesus and the rest; finally coming to the conclusion that - PERHAPS THE GREATEST LEADER OF ALL TIMES WAS MUHAMMED, WHO COMBINED ALL THREE FUNCTIONS. (and) TO A LESSER DEGREE, MOSES DID THE SAME
We cannot help marveling at Masserman, that as a Jew he condescends to scrutinize even Adolf Hitler, the arch-enemy of his people. He considers Hitler to be a great leader. His race, the mighty German nation of 90 million people, was ready to march to destiny or destruction at his behest. Alas, he lead them to ruin. Hitler is not the question. The question is why would Masserman, as an American Jew, a paid servant of the Government proclaim to his countrymen of over two hundred million Jews and Christians that not Jesus, not Moses but Muhummed was "The greatest Leader of all times!" ACCOUNT FOR THAT!
WHAT SAY THE SCEPTICS?
Michael H. Hart put Muhammad No. 1 on his list and his own Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ (pbuh) No. 3. Why? -"He was bribed!"(?) William McNeill considers Muhammad as worthy of honour in his list of the first three names of his. Why? "He was bribed!" (?) James Gavin puts Muhammad (pbuh) before Christ (pbuh). Why? "He was bribed!" (?) James Masserman adjudges Muhammad (pbuh) No. 1 and his own hero Moses (pbuh) a close second. Why? "He was bribed!" (?) "ARE WE TO SUPPOSE THAT ALL THE GLOWING ADULATION OF MUHAMMAD (PBUH) WAS A MISERABLE PIECE OF INTELLECTUAL LEGERDEMAIN, HOCUS POCUS . . . I, FOR MY PART, CANNOT FORM ANY SUCH SUPPOSITION ... ONE WOULD BE ENTIRELY AT A LOSS WHAT TO THINK OF MANKIND AT ALL IF QUACKERY SO GREW AND FLOURISHED IN THE WORLD."1
Yet the scoffers bemoan anyone who has anything good to say about Muhammad (pbuh) or Islam AS HAVING BEEN BRIBED by the Arabs! They are giving too much credit to my brethren. I repeat: "It is possible, but it is improbable!"
During the Second World War, Norway produced only one "Quisling." He was tried for treason and executed. It is unlikely that America and the Western world have just reached puberty to spawn a breed of Quislings nurtured by hot petrodollars from the Middle East. Please do not demean your honest, courageous men, who without fear or favour are prepared to suffer obloquy for their convictions. We must all admire them! We can now justifiably conclude that the God of Mercy, Who forever recognises the sincere efforts of His servants, is only fulfilling His Promise to Muhammad (pbuh), His Chosen Messenger -
AND HAVE WE NOT RAISED HIGH THE ESTEEM (IN WHICH) THOU (ARE HELD)? Holy Qur’ân 94:4
Alternative renderings:
(a) Have We not exalted thy fame?
(b) And have We not raised thy name for thee?
(c) Have We not given you high renown?
Friends and foes alike, as if by some secret compulsion are made to pay unsolicited tributes to this mighty Messenger of God. But the Almighty commanders even the devil into His service, as He had done in the time of Jesus (pbuh), (Matthew 4:1 -11). Even the devil sometimes speaks Gospel truths. Professor K. S. Ramakrishna Rao, a Hindu philosopher in his book "MUHUMMED - The Prophet of lslam", quotes the arch-devil himself, yes, Adolf Hitler, to prove the unique greatness of Muhammad (pbuh). The Professor, like Jules Masserman who had evaluated the Prophet of Islam on three grounds (see appendix "C" on page 63) also saw in Hitler's "Mein Kamp!" a three faceted jewel, a rare commodity which he found in our hero under discussion. Quoting Hitler, he says:
"A GREAT THEORIST IS SELDOM A GREAT LEADER. AN AGITATOR IS FAR MORE LIKELY TO POSSESS THESE QUALITIES. HE WILL ALWAYS BE A BETTER LEADER. FOR, LEADERSHIP MEANS THE ABILITY TO MOVE MASSES OF MEN. THE TALENT TO PRODUCE IDEAS HAS NOTHING IN COMMON WITH THE CAPACITY FOR LEADERSHIP." HITLER CONTINUES, "THE UNION OF THE THEORIST, ORGANISER, AND LEADER IN ONE MAN IS THE RAREST PHENOMENON ON THIS EARTH; THEREIN CONSISTS GREATNESS." PROFESSOR RAO CONCLUDES, IN HIS OWN WORDS, "IN THE PERSON OF THE PROPHET OF ISLAM THE WORLD HAS SEEN THIS RAREST PHENOMENON ON EARTH, WALKING IN FLESH AND BLOOD."
SHARE THE ANGER
Before anyone assails the Professor of undue bias and "bribery," let me give them a few more names of admirers of Muhammad (pbuh).
1. "MUHUMMAD WAS THE SOUL OF KINDNESS, AND HIS INFLUENCE WAS FELT AND NEVER FORGOTTEN BY THOSE AROUND HIM." A Hindu scholar - Diwan Chand Sharma in his "The Prophets of the East," Calcutta 1935, p. 122.
2. "FOUR YEARS AFTER THE DEATH OF JUSTINIAN, A.D. 569, WAS BORN AT MAKKAH, IN ARABIA THE MAN WHO, OF ALL MEN EXERCISED THE GREATEST INFLUENCE UPON THE HUMAN RACE ... MOHAMMED ..." John William Draper, M.D., LLD., in his "A History of the lntellectual Development of Europe",- London 1875.
3. "I DOUBT WHETHER ANY MAN WHOSE EXTERNAL CONDITIONS CHANGED SO MUCH EVER CHANGED HIMSELF LESS TO MEET THEM." R. V. C. Bodley in "The Messenger,"- London 1946, p.9.
4. "I HAVE STUDIED HIM - THE WONDERFUL MAN - AND IN MY OPINION FAR FROM BEING AN ANTI-CHRIST, HE MUST BE CALLED THE SAVIOUR OF HUMANITY." George Bernard Shaw, in "The Genuine Islam,- Vol. 1, No. 81936.
5. "BY A FORTUNE ABSOLUTELY UNIQUE IN HISTORY, MOHAMMED IS A THREEFOLD FOUNDER OF A NATION, OF AN EMPIRE, AND OF A RELIGION." R. Bosworth-Smith in "Mohammed and Mohammedanism".- 1946.
6. "MOHAMMED WAS THE MOST SUCCESSFUL OF ALL RELIGIOUS PERSONALITIES." Encyclopedia Britannica, 11th Edition


Chapter 2
FROM THE HISTORICAL PAST
It is not difficult to reproduce a further dozen or more eulogies by the admirers and critics of Muhammad (pbuh). Despite all their objectivity, jaundiced minds can always conjure up some aspersions. Let me take my readers deep down in past history.
It was Friday the 8th of May, 1840, that is about a hundred and fifty years ago, at a time when it was a sacrilege to say anything good about Muhammad (pbuh), and the Christian West was rained to hate the man Muhammad (pbuh) and his religion, the same way as dogs were at one stage trained in my country to hate all black people. At that time in history, Thomas Carlyle, one of the greatest thinkers of the past century delivered a series of lectures under the theme - "Heroes and Hero-worship."
DEVELOPED SICKNESS
Carlyle exposed this blind prejudice of his people at the beginning of his talk. He made reference to one of the literary giants a Dutch scholar and statesman, by the name of Hugo Grotius, [From page 57 of the book - "On Heroes Hero-worship and the Heroic in History" by Thomas Carlyle, London 1959.] who had written a bitter and abusive invective against the prophet of Islam. He had falsely charged that the Holy Prophet had trained pigeons to pick out peas from his ears, so that he could by this trick bluff his people that the Holy Ghost in the shape of a dove was revealing God's Revelation to him, which he then had them recorded in his Bible the Qur’ân. Perhaps Grotius was inspired into this fairy-tale from his reading of his own Holy Scriptures: 'Then, Jesus, when he had been baptized (by John the Baptist in the Jordan River), came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God Descending Like A Dove and alighting upon him. (Emphasis added) Matthew 3:16
WHERE'S THE AUTHORITY
Pococke, another respected intellectual of the time, like "doubting Thomas" (John 20:25), wanted proof about Muhammad (pbuh), the pigeons, and the peas? Grotius answered "THAT THERE WAS NO PROOF!" He just felt like inventing this story for his audience. To him and his audience the "pigeons and peas" theory was more plausible than that of the Archangel dictating to Muhammad (pbuh). These falsities wringed the heart of Carlyle. He cried: "THE LIES, WHICH WELL-MEANING ZEAL HAS HEAPED ROUND THIS MAN, ARE DISGRACEFUL TO OURSELVES ONLY." Thomas Carlyle
THE HERO PROPHET
Carlyle was a man of genius and God gifted him with the art of articulation. In his own way, he wanted to put the records straight. He planned to deliver a lecture and he chose a very provocative topic "The hero as Prophet." and he chose this hero-prophet to be the most maligned man of his time, "MUHAMMAD (PBUH)!" Not Moses, david, Solomon, or Jesus but Muhammad! To placate his overwhelming Anglican (belonging to the Church of England) fellow countrymen, he apologised - "AS THERE IS NO DANGER OF OUR BECOMING, ANY OF US, MAHOMETANS, I MEAN TO SAY ALL THE GOOD OF HIM I JUSTLY CAN."
In other words he, as well as his elite audience were free from the fear of converting to Islam, and could take a chance in paying some compliments to Muhammad (pbuh). If he had any fears regarding the strength of their faith, he would not have taken that chance. In an era of hatred and spite towards evernhing Islamic and to an audience full of scepticism and cynicism, Carlyle unfolded many a glowing truth about his hero - Muhammad (pbuh). To the praise-worthy," indeed be praise. For that is what the very name Muhammad means - the Praised One - the Praiseworthy. There are times when Carlyle uses words and expressions, which might not be too pleasing to the believing Muslim, but one has to forgive him as he was walking a cultural tightrope, and he succeeded eminently. He Paid our hero many ardent and enthusiastic tribute, and defended him from the false charges and calumnies of his enemies, exactly as the Prophet had done in the case of Jesus (pbuh) and his mother.
HIS SINCERITY
l a. "THE GREAT MAN'S SINCERITY IS OF THE KIND HE CANNOT SPEAK OF: NAY, I SUPPOSE, HE IS CONSCIOUS RATHER OF INSINCERITY; FOR WHAT MAN CAN WALK ACCURATELY BY THE LAW OF TRUTH FOR ONE DAY? NO, THE GREAT MAN DOES NOT BOAST HIMSELF SINCERE, FAR FROM THAT; PERHAPS DOES NOT ASK HIMSELF IF HE IS SO: I WOULD SAY RATHER, HIS SINCERITY DOES NOT DEPEND ON HIMSELF: HE CANNOT HELP BEING SINCERE!" Heros and Hero-Worship, p.59
b. "A SILENT GREAT SOUL, HE WAS ONE OF THOSE WHO CANNOT BUT BE IN EARNEST, WHOM NATURE HERSELF HAS APPOINTED TO BE SINCERE. WHILE OTHERS WALK IN FORMULAS AND HEARSAYS, CONTENTED ENOUGH TO DWELL THERE, THIS MAN COULD NOT SCREEN HIMSELF IN FORMULAS; HE WAS ALONE WITH HIS OWN SOUL AND THE REALITY OF THINGS . . . SUCH SINCERITY, AS WE NAMED IT, HAS IN VERY TRUTH SOMETHING OF DIVINE. THE WORD OF SUCH A MAN IS A VOICE DIRECT FROM NATURE'S OWN HEART. MEN DO AND MUST LISTEN TO THAT AS TO NOTHING ELSE, - - - ALL ELSE IS WIND IN COMPARISON." Heros and Hero-Worship, p.71
In his lengthy speech, Carlyle did not have the opportunity to inform his audience about the sources of his inferences. I may furnish just one incident from the life of the Prophet. An incidence which reflects the highest degree of his sincerity in recording a Revelation in the Holy Qur’ân even if it seems to reprove him for some natural and human zeal.
ADMONITION AS REVEALED
It was in the early days of his mission in Makkah. Muhammad (pbuh) was deeply engrossed in trying to wean the leaders of the pagan Quraish to his teachings. Apparently one of them was giving him an attentive hearing when a poor blind man by the name Of Abdullah lbn Umm-1- Maktum tried to barge in into the discussion and wanting to draw attention to himself. The blessed Prophet said nothing, but a thought went through his mind (why don't you have a little patience, can't you see (sense) that because of your impatience I might lose these customers). I believe that lesser men, sinners and saints, will not be questioned for such lapses, but not so for Muhammad (pbuh). Did not God choose him and honour him with that lofty status as recorded? And Most Certainly Thou (O Muhammad) Are of Most sublime And Exalted Character.
Holy Qur’ân 68:4
HE FROWNED
Whilst in the midst of the conversation with his pagan fellow tribesmen, God Almighty sends Gabriel, the Angel of Revelation, with this admonition:
(THE PROPHET) FROWNED AND TURNED AWAY, BECAUSE THERE CAME TO HIM HE BLIND MAN (INTERRUPTING). BUT WHAT COULD TELL THEE THAT PERCHANCE HE MIGHT GROW (IN SPIRITUAL UNDERSTANDING)? OR THAT HE MIGHT RECEIVE ADMONITION, AND THE TEACHING MIGHT PRORT HIM? Holy Qur’ân 80:1-4
The holy Prophet (pbuh) had naturally disliked the interruption. Perhaps the poor man's feelings were hurt. But he whose gentle heart ever sympathised with the poor and the afflicted, got new Light (Revelation) from his Lord, and without the least hesitation, he immediately published it for all eternity! Subsequently, every time he met this blind man, he received him graciously and thanked him that on his account the Lord had remembered him. During Muhammad's (pbuh) absences from Madinah, the blind man was made the Governor of the City twice. Such was the sincerity and gratitude of Carlyle's Hero Prophet.
HIS FIDELITY
2. "IT IS A BOUNDLESS FAVOUR.HE NEVER FORGOT THIS GOOD KADIJAH. LONG AFTERWARDS, AYESHA HIS YOUNG FAVOURITE WIFE, A WOMAN WHO INDEED DISTINGUISHED HERSELF AMONG THE MOSLEMS, BY ALL MANNER OF QUALITIES, THROUGH HER WHOLE LONG LIFE; THIS YOUNG BRILLIANT AYESHA WAS, ONE DAY, QUESTIONING HIM.'NOW AM NOT I BETTER THAN KADIJAH? SHE WAS A WIDOW; OLD, AND HAD LOST HER LOOKS: YOU LOVE ME BETTER THAN YOU DID HER?' 'NO, BY ALLAH!' ANSWERED MAHOMET: 'NO, BY ALLAH! SHE BELIEVED IN ME WHEN NONE ELSE WOULD BELIEVE. IN THE WHOLE WORLD I HAD BUT ONE FRIEND, AND SHE WAS THAT!... Heros and Hero-Worship, p. 76 It would have been easier to repel the temptation of the devil than to succumb to the ego of a young, loving, brilliant and beautiful wife like lady Ayesha Siddiqa. Why not let her hear the soft soothing balm of flattery-, it will not harm anyone. Even the soul of Bibi Khadija, the mother of the Faithful, would look light-heartedly at the ruse. There is no shamming, no innocent "white lies" with Muhammad (pbuh). Traits of this kind show us the genuine man, brother of us all, brought visible through fourteen centuries, - - - the veritable son of our common mother.
'AL AMEEN. THE FAITHFUL'
3 a. "A MAN OF TRUTH AND FIDELITY; TRUE IN WHAT HE DID, IN WHAT HE SPAKE AND THOUGHT. THEY NOTED THAT HE ALWAYS MEANT SOMETHING. A MAN RATHER TACITURN IN SPEECH; SILENT WHEN THERE WAS NOTHING TO BE SAID; BUT PERTINENT WISE, SINCERE, WHEN HE DID SPEAK; ALWAYS THROWING LIGHT ON THE MATTER. THIS IS THE ONLY SORT OF SPEECH WORTH SPEAKING!" Heros and Hero-Worship, p. 69
b. "MAHOMET NATURALLY GAVE OFFENCE TO THE KOREISH, KEEPERS OF THE KAABAH, SUPERINTENDENTS OF THE IDOLS. ONE OR TWO MEN OF INFLUENCE HAD JOINED HIM:
1. “THE THING SPREAD SLOWLY, BUT IT WAS SPREADING, NATURALLY HE GAVE OFFENCE
TO EVERYBODY."[The Jews hated the Prophet: the Christians hated the Prophet: the mushriks (the Polytheists) hated the Prophet, and the Munafiqeen (the hypocrites) hated the Prophet. It is the nature of Falsehood to hate the Truth. Light dismisses Darkness, but darkness does not take kindly to light. ] Heros and Hero-Worship, p. 77 c.
"NOT A MEALYMOUTHED MAN! A CANDID FEROCITY, IF THE CASE CALLS FOR IT, IS IN HIM; HE DOES NOT MINCE MATRERS! THE WAR OF TABUC IS A THING HE OFTEN SPEAKS OF:HIS MEN REFUSED, MANY OF THEM, TO MARCH ON THAT OCCASION; PLEADED THE HEAT OF THE WEATHER, THE HARVEST, AND SO FORTH; HE CAN NEVER FORGET THAT. YOUR HARVEST? IT LASTS FOR A DAY. WHAT WILL BECOME OF YOUR HARVEST THROUGH ALL ETERNITY? HOT WEATHER? YES, IT WAS HOT; 'BUT HELL WILL BE HOTER!' SOMETIMES A ROUGH SARCASM TURNS UP: HE SAYS TO THE UNBELIEVERS, YE SHALL NOT HAVE SHORT WEIGHT!" Heros and Hero-Worship, p. 95/6.
Remember, Thomas Carlyle uttered these words, and many more to a shocked and bewildered Christian audience in England, a hundred and fifty years ago. History did not record for us the lively arguments and debates which his lecture must naturally have caused. He kept to his promise: "I mean to say all the good of him (his Hero Prophet) I justly can'" and he went on in his talk to I defend Muhammad (pbuh) against the false charges, slander and calumnies of his enemies:
CHARGE OF FALSITY
4a. "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 HE WORKS IN, IT IS NO HOUSE THAT HE MAKES, BUT A RUBBISH HEAP. IT WILL NOT STAND FOR TWELVE CENTURIES,[Now, fourteen centuries] TO LODGE A HUNDRED-AND EIGHTY MILLIONS; [A thousand million today.] IT WILL FALL STRAIGHTAWAY . SPECIOSITIES ARE SPECIOUS [Specious: Having the ring of truth or plausibility but actually false.]. . . IT IS LIKE A FORGED BANK NOTE; THEY GET IT PASSED OUT OF THEIR WORTHLESS HANDS: OTHERS, NOT THEY, HAVE TO SMART FOR IT. NATURE BURSTS-UP IN FIRE-FLAMES, FRENCH REVOLUTIONS AND SUCH-LIKE, PROCLAIMING WITH THE TERRIBLE VERACITY THAT FORGED NOTES ARE FORGED." Heros and Hero-Worship ), p.58
b."IT GOES GREATLY AGAINST THE IMPOSTER THEORY, THE FACT THAT HE LIVED IN THIS ENTIRELY UNEXCEPTIONABLE, ENTIRELY QUIET AND COMMON PLACE WAY, TILL THE HEAT OF HIS YEARS WAS DONE. HE WAS FORTY BEFORE HE TALKED OF ANY MISSION FROM HEAVEN . . ALL HIS 'AMBITION,' SEEMINGLY, HAD BEEN, HITHERTO, TO LIVE AN HONEST LIFE; HIS 'FAME,' THE MERE GOOD OPINION OF NEIGHBOURS THAT KNEW HIM..." Heros and Hero-Worship, p. 70
"AMBITION? WHAT COULD ALL ARABIA DO FOR THIS MAN; WITH THE CROWN OF GREEK HERACLIUS, OF PERSIAN CHOSROES, AND ALL THE CROWNS IN EARTH; - WHAT COULD THEY ALL DO FOR HIM? IT WAS NOT OF THE HEAVEN ABOVE AND OF THE HELL BENEATH. ALL CROWNS AND SOVEREIGNTIES WHAT- SOEVER, WHERE WOULD THEY IN A FEW BRIEF YEARS BE? TO BE SHEIK OF MAKKAH OR ARABIA, AND HAVE A BIT OF GILT WOOD PUT INTO YOUR HAND, - - - WILL THAT BE ONES SALVATION? I DECIDEDLY THINK, NOT, WE WILL LEAVE IT ALTOGETHER, THIS IMPOSTER HYPOTHESIS, AS NOT CREDIT- ABLE: NOT VERY TOLERABLE EVEN, WORTHY CHIEFLY OF DISMISSAL BY US." Heros and Hero-Worship, p. 72/3
CHARGE OF SINNING
5. "FAULTS? THE GREATEST OF FAULTS, I SHOULD SAY, IS TO BE CONSCIOUS OF NONE. READERS OF THE BIBLE ABOVE ALL, ONE WOULD THINK, MIGHT KNOW BETTER. WHO IS CALLED THERE 'THE MAN ACCORDING TO GOD'S OWN HEART'? DAVID, THE HEBREW KING HAD FALLEN INTO SINS ENOUGH; BLACKEST CRIMES; THERE WAS NO WANT OF SINS.[This is the Jewish and Christian concept of God's prophets. They charge their prophets with incest, adultery and even murder. They impure horrendous crimes to them on the authority of the Holy Bible.] AND THEREUPON THE UNBELIEVERS SNEER AND ASK, IS THIS YOUR MAN ACCORDING TO GOD'S HEART? THE SNEER, I MUST SAY, SEEMS TO ME BUT A SHALLOW ONE. WHAT ARE FAULTS, WHAT ARE THE OUTWARD DETAILS OF A LIFE; IF THE INNER SECRET OF IT, THE REMORSE, TEMPTATIONS, TRUE, OFTEN-BAFFLED, NEVER ENDED STRUGGLE OF IT BE FORGOTTEN? 'IT IS NOT IN MAN THAT WALKETH TO DIRECT HIS STEPS.' OF ALL ACTS, IS NOT, FOR A MAN, REPENTANCE THE MOST DIVINE? THE DEADLIEST SIN, I SAY, WERE THE SAME SUPERCILIOUS CONSCIOUSNESS OF NO SIN; THAT IS DEATH; THE HEART SO CONSCIOUS IS DIVORCED FROM SINCERITY, HUMILITY, AND FACT; IS DEAD: IT IS 'PURE' AS DEAD DRY SAND IS PURE." Heros and Hero-Worship. p. 61
CHARGE OF "THE SWORD"
The greatest crime, the greatest "sin" of Muhammad (pbuh} in the eyes of the Christian West is that he did not allow himself to be slaughtered, to be "crucified" by his enemies. He ably defended himself, his family and his followers; and finally vanquished his enemies. Muhammad's (pbuh} success is the Christians' gall of disappointment: he did not believe in any vicarious sacrifice for the sins of others. He believed and behaved naturally.IN THE STATE OF NATURE, EVERY ONE HAS A RIGHT TO DEFEND HIS PERSON AND POSSESSIONS, AND EXTEND HIS HOSTILITIES TO A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF SATISFACTION AND RETALIATION," says Gibbon, the master historian in his "Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire." His struggle and victory over the forces of unbelief and evil made the editors of the Encyclopedia Britannica to exclaim, Muhammad (pbuh} to be - - - "THE MOST SUCCESSFUL OF ALL RELIGIOUS PERSONALITIES."
How can the enemies of Islam account for Muhammad's phenomenal achievements except to decry that he spread his religion at the point of the sword? He forced Islam down peoples' throats!?

6a. "HISTORY MAKES IT CLEAR HOWEVER, THAT THE LEGEND OF FANATICAL MUSLIMS SWEEP- ING THROUGH THE WORLD AND FORCING ISLAM AT THE POINT OF THE SWORD UPON CONQUERED RACES IS ONE OF THE MOST FANTASTICALLY ABSURD MYTHS THAT HISTORIANS HAVE EVER REPEATED." De Lacy O'Leary in "Islam at the Crossroads'' London, 1923, p.8 You do not have to be a historian like O'Leary to know that the Muslims ruled Spain for 736 years. The longest the Christians ever ruled over Muslims was 500 years in Mozambique, a territory captured from an Arab governor by the name of Musa-bin-baique, a name they could not properly pronounce, hence the name Mozambique. Even today, after five centuries of Christian overlordship the country is still 60 percent Muslim.
However, after eight centuries in Spain the Muslims were totally eliminated from that country so that not even one man was left to give the Azan {the Muslim call to prayer}. If the Muslims had used force, military or economic there would not have been any Christian left in Spain to have kicked the Muslims out. One can blame the Muslims for exploitation if you like but one cannot charge them with using the sword to convert Spaniards to the Islamic religion.Today, Islam is still spreading all over the world and Muslims have NO sword!! The Muslims were also the masters of India for a thousand years, but eventually when the sub-continent received independence in 1947, the Hindus obtained three quarters of the country and the Muslims the balance of the one-quarter. Why? Because the Muslims did not force Islam down the Hindus' throats! In Spain and in India, the Muslims were no paragons of virtue, yet they obeyed the Qur'anic injunction to the letter
LET THERE BE NO COMPULSION IN RELIGION: FOR TRUTH STANDS OUT DISTINCT FROM ERROR. Holy Quran 2:256
The Muslim conquerors understood from this command that "compulsion" was incompatible with true religion:
because
(a} Religion depends on faith and will, and these would be meaningless if induced by force. Force can conquer but cannot convert.
(b) Truth and Error have been so clearly shown up by the Mercy of God that there should be no doubt in the minds of any person of goodwill as to the fundamentals of faith.
(c) God's protection is continuous and His Plan is always to lead us from the depths of darkness into the clearest light.[(a), (b} and (c) are Yusuf Ali's comments on verse 256. Obtain his translation with over 6000 explanatory footnotes from the IPCI. ]Except for some eccentrics here and there, the Muslims as a whole adhered to the commandment of God in the lands over which they held sway. But what can the enemy say about countries where no single Muslim soldier had set foot?
(i) INDONESIA: It is a fact that over a hundred million Indonesians are Muslim, yet no conquering Muslim army ever landed on any of its over two thousand islands.
(ii} MALAYSIA: The overwhelming number of its people in this country are Muslims yet no Muslim soldier had landed there either.
(iii} AFRICA: The majority of the people on the East coast of Africa as far down as Mozambique, as well as the bulk of the inhabitants on the West coast of the continent are Muslims, but history does not record any invading hoards of Muslims from anywhere. What sword? Where was the sword? The Muslim trader did the job. His good conduct and moral rectitude achieved the miracle of conversion. "All what you say seems incontrovertible, Mr. Deedat," says the Christian controversialist, "but we are talking about Islam at its very beginning, the way in which your prophet converted the pagans to his faith! How did he do it if not with the sword?"

ONE AGAINST ALL?
We can do no better than to allow Thomas Carlyle himself to defend his Hero Prophet against this false
charge; - - -
7. "THE SWORD INDEED: BUT WHERE WILL YOU GET YOUR SWORD! EVERY NEW OPINION, AT ITS STARTING, IS PRECISELY IN A MINORITY OF ONE. IN ONE MAN'S HEAD ALONE, THERE IT DWELLS AS YET. ONE MAN ALONE OF THE WHOLE WORLD BELIEVES IT; THERE IS ONE MAN AGAINST ALL MEN. THAT HE TAKE A SWORD, AND TRY TO PROPAGATE WITH THAT, WILL DO LITTLE FOR HIM. YOU MUST FIRST GET YOUR SWORD! ON THE WHOLE, A THING WILL PROPAGATE ITSELF AS IT CAN. WE DO NOT FIND, OF THE CHRISTIAN RELIGION EITHER, THAT IT ALWAYS DISDAINED THE SWORD, WHEN ONCE IT HAD GOT ONE. CHARLEMAGNE'S CONVERSION OF THE SAXONS WAS NOT BY PREACHING." Heroes and Hero-Worship. p. 80
At the age of forty when Muhammad {pbuh} declared his mission from heaven, there was no political party, or royalty, and certainly no family or tribe to back him up. His people - the Arabs, immersed in idol-worship and fetishism were not by any means a docile people, they were no easy meat. They were a very volatile people. given to internecine and fratricidal wars: subject to "all kinds of fierce sincerities - " {Carlyle}. One man, single-handed, to wean such a people required nothing short of a miracle. A miracle did happen. God alone could have made Islam and Muhammad {pbuh} to triumph through with flimsy, gossamer support. God fulfilling His promise:
And have We not raised high the esteem in which thou O Muhammad are held? Holy Quran 94:4
Continue....

May 22, 2007 | 2:50 PM Comments  0 comments

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THE MUSLIM AT PRAYER

THE MUSLIM AT PRAYER
by
Shaikh Ahmed Deedat

THE OPENING CHAPTER OF THE HOLY QUR'AN
In the name of Allah (God), The Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful. All praise belongs to Allah, the Lord (Who is the Creator, Sustainer and Guide) of all the worlds.
The Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful; Sovereign of the Day of Judgement.
Thee (alone) do we worship, And from thee (alone) we seek help.
Show us the straight Path, The Path of those (who fear Allah) and on whom Thou hast bestowed Thy blessings.
Not of those (committing wrongs deliberately) On whom Thou art angry, nor of those who (Having wrong opinions) go astray. Ameen
YOUR VISIT TO THE MOSQUE
We present to you this Brochure which is a Comparative Study of Muslims Prayer. It is intended to show in it, among other things, the relationship of the various aspects of Islamic prayer with the teachings of the People of the Book (i.e. the Jews and the Christians). Today, amongst some of our non-Muslims Brethren there is a strong misconception of Islam which they believe to be a mystical cult abounding in dogmas, superstitions and ritual dances.
The fact is that Islam is a simple, reasonable and practical religion and free from priestcraft and the above charges. It is a way of life for the social, moral and spiritual development of humanity. It does not demand of a man to surrender his reasoning faculties nor does it demand a blind faith in obscure and inexplicable mysteries. It teaches the purest form of Monotheism and regards Polytheisms as an unpardonable sin.
Although Islam is regarded as the youngest of all revealed religions, it is NOT A NEW RELIGION, but a continuation of the first religion of God to Man, purged and purified, time after time, from all human adulterations and restored to its original purity.
Thus all prophets from Adam to Muhummed (PEACE BE UPON THEM) came to preach the same religion; which continued to grow and grow until it reached perfection at the hands of the Holy Prophet "Muhummed".
Islam is the only religion in the world that commands its followers to respect and revere the founders of all revealed religions, such as Abraham, Moses, Noah, Jesus,etc.
Muhummed´s advent has been prophesied in religious scriptures, includung the Bible.* The New Testament says, in the words of Jesus: "And I will Pray the Father, and He shall give you another Comforter,** that he may abide with you for ever" (John 14:16); "But when the Comforter is come, whom i will send unto you, from the Father, even the Spirit of Truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me" (John 15:26); "Nevertheless I tell you the truth; it is expedient for you that I go away; for the if I go not away , the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you" (John 16:7) ; "I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now. Howbeit when he, the Spirit of Truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth : for he shall not speak of himself: but whatsoever he shall hear, that he shall speak: and he will shew you things to come. He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall show it unto you" (John 16:12-14).
THE QURAN SPEAKS! Vol. II-No. 47 GOD BEGETS NOT
It is not befitting to the (Majesty of) God that He should beget a son. Glory be to Him! When he determines a matter, he only says to it, "Be" and it is, (HOLY QURAN 19:35).
Begetting a son is a physical act and is against God´s nature. "Son of God" should NOT be taken in literal sence because God addresses His chosen servants as his "sons" - Adam (Luke 3:38) So Solomon (1 Chronicles 28:6), Jesus (Luke 3:22) Israel (Exodus 4:22) and Ephraim (Jeremiah 31:9) were "GOD´S FIRST BORNS". The new Testament also interprets "son of God" to be allegorical, vide Romans 8:14: "For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God." "... In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the Devil.." (1 John 3:9-10).

"There is no other object of worship but God; Muhummed is the Messenger of God."
"Say: He is Allah (God), the One and Only; Allah the eternally Besought of all; He begetteth not, nor is He begotten; And there is none comparable unto Him." (HOLY QURAN 112.1-4).
"..To whom then will ye liken God? Or what likeness will ye compare unto Him?"- (ISAIAH 40:18).
"Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence Satan, for it is written, thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and Him only shalt thou serve. "-(MATTHEW 4:10).
Five times a day, every day, a muezzin climbs to the minaret and calls the faithful to prayer, his voice ringing clear over the rooftops and across the streets... "O you who belive! When the call is made for prayer...hasten to the remembrance of Allah."-(HOLY QURAN 62:9).
"And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, make thee two trumpets of silver...that thou mayest use them for the calling of the assembly...And when they shall blow whit them, all the assembly shall assemble themselves to thee at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation."-(NUMBERS 10:1-3).
PRAYER
(An International anthem of some 1000 million Muslims of the world.)
Allah is Greatest.
Allah is Greatest
I bear witness that there is no other object of worship but Allah.
I bear witness that there is no other object of worship but Allah.
I bear witness that Muhummed is the Messenger of Allah.
I bear witness that Muhummed is the Messenger of Allah.
Come to prayer.
Come to prayer.
Come to Success.
Come to Success.
Allah is Greatest.
Allah is Greatest.
There is no other object of worship but Allah.


THE MUEZZIN CALLING THE FAITHFUL TO PRAYER

...the faithful come to the mosque and take off their shoes so that they may enter the house of worship in bare feet...
"When he came to the Fire, a voice was uttered: O Moses! I am thy Lord, therefore put off thy shoes, for thou art in the sacred valley of Tuwa."-(HOLY QURAN 20:11-12).
(And God said to Moses), "Draw not nigh hither: put off thy shoes from thy feet, for the place whereon thou standest is holy ground."-(EXODUS 3:5, also ACTS 7:33).

...but before entering the mosque, they make ablution, washing their faces, hands and feet...
"O you who belive! When you rise up to prayer, wash your faces and your hands as far as the elbows, and wipe your heads, and wash your feet to the ankles."-(HOLY QURAN 5:7)
"And Moses and Aaron and his sons washed their hands and their feet thereat; when they went into tent of the conregation they washed as the Lord commanded Moses."-(EXODUS 40:31-32).
"Then Paul took the men, and the next day purifying himself with them entered into the temple..."-(ACTS 21:26).

...and in the mosque, the faithful face that Great Mosque in Mecca, whether in prayer, or reciting, or seeking the blessings of God in Unisom with the faithful from all over the world...
"So turn thy face toward the Sacred Mosque, and (O Muslims), wheresoever ye may be, turn your faces toward it."- (HOLY QURAN 2:144).
"Now when Daniel...went into his house; and his window being open in his chamber towards Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and thanks before his God, as he did aforetime."-(DANIEL 6:10).

...the house is a place of peace and serenity, without images or idols of worship, and simple, with a carpet on which to stand or sit, and meditate.
"God forgiveth not (the sin of) joining other gods with Him;...one who joins other gods with God, hath strayed far, far away (from the Right)."-(HOLY QURAN 4:116).
"I am the Lord thy God...Thou shalt have no other gods before Me. Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth; Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them nor serve them."-(THE FIRST COMMANDMENT, EXODUS 20:2-5).

...and when the time of prayer is come, the faithful stand and bow before God, and make obeisance to Him, by touching the ground before them with their foreheads...
They do blaspheme who say: "God is Christ, the son of Mary." But said Christ:" O Children of Israel! Worship God, my Lord and your Lord."-(HOLY QURAN 5:75).
They do blaspheme who say: God is one of three in a Trinity: for there is no god except One God.-(HOLY QURAN 5:76).
And, behold, one came and said unto him (Jesus), "Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?" And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? There is none good but One, that is God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the Commandments.-(MATTHEW 19:16-17).

"O you who believe! Bow down and prostrate yourselves and serve your Lord, and do good that you may prosper."-(HOLY QURAN 22:77).
"And he (Jesus) went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed..."-(MATTHEW 26:39).
"And Joshua fell on his face to the earth, and did worship..."-(JOSHUA 5:14).
"And he (Elijah) cast himself down upon the earth, and put his face between his knees."-(1 KINGS 18:42).
"And they (Moses and Aaron) fell upon their faces..."-(NUMBERS 20:6).
"And Abraham fell on his face..."-(GENESIS 17:3).

...and invariably, the faithful spreads out his hands to God, asking forgiveness, seeking His blessings, beseeching His protection for mankind...
"Our Lord! Give us good in this world and good in the Hereafter, and defend us from the torment of the Fire."-(HOLY QURAN 2:201)
"...when Solomon had made an end of praying all this prayer and supplication unto the Lord, he arose from before the altar of the Lord, from kneeling on his knees with his hands spread up to heaven."-(1 KINGS 8:54).
And Jesus lifted up his eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me. And I knew that Thou hearest me always: but because of the people which stand by I said it, that they may believe that Thou hast sent me.-(JOHN 11:41-42).

...and on Fridays, before the prayer immediately after noon, the imam climbs up the pulpit to preach a sermon that the faithful may listen and heed the words of God, and so shall it be, forever.
"When the call is sounded for prayer on Fridays, hasten to the remembrance of God...but when the prayer is ended, disperse abroad in the land and seek of God´s grace and remember God, that you may be successful."-(HOLY QURAN 62:9-10).

BIRTH OF JESUS (A QURANIC CONCEPTION)
Relate in the Book (the story of) Mary, when she withdrew from her family to a place in the East.
She placed a screen (to screen herself) from them; then We sent to her Our Angel, and he appeared before her as a man in all respects.
She said: "I seek refuge from thee to (God) Most Gracious: (come not near) if thou dost fear God."
He said: "Nay, I am only a messenger from thy Lord, (to announce) to thee the gift of a holy son."
She said: "How shall I have a son, seeing that no man has touched me, and I am not unchaste?"
He said: "So (it will be): Thy Lord saith, "That is easy for Me: and (We wish) to appoint him as a Sign unto men and a Mercy from Us: It is a matter (so) decreed."
So she conceived him, and she retired with him to a remote place...
At length she brought (the babe) to her people, carrying him (in her arms). They said: "O Mary! Truly an amazing thing has thou brought!
"O sister of Aaron! Thy father was not a man of evil, nor thy mother a woman unchaste!"
But she pointed to the babe. They said: "How can we talk to one who is a child in the cradle?"
He (the babe) said: "I am indeed a servant of God; He hath given me Revelation and made me a prophet: And he hath made me blessed wheresoever I be, and hath enjoined on me Prayer and Charity as long as I live; (He) hath made me kind to my mother, and not overbearing or misrable; so Peace is on me the day I was born, the day that I die, and the day that I shall be raised up to life (again).
Such (was) Jesus the son of Mary: (it is) a statement of truth, about which they (vainly) dispute.-(HOLY QURAN 19:16-34).
THE QURAN SPEAKS VOL. 11-No.36 JESUS IS NOT GOD
And behold. God will say: "O Jesus son of Mary! Did´st thou say unto men, Worship me and my mother as gods in derogation of God?" He will say: "Glory to Thee! Never could I say what I had no right (to say). Had I said such a thing, Thou would´st indeed have known it. Thou knowest what is in my heart, though I know not what is in Thine. For thou knowest in full all that is hidden. Never said I to them aught except what Thou did´st command me to say, to wit, worship God, my Lord and your Lord." (HOLY QURAN 5:119-120).
Compare with Bible: (1) John 5:30; (2) John 12:49; (3) John 14:28; (4) Isaiah 42:8; (5) Acts 2:22.
THE QURAN SPEAKS VOL. 111-No.4 MUHUMMED IS NOT GOD
Say thou (O Muhummed to the people): "I am but a man like you: it is revealed to me by inspiration, that your God is One God: so stand true to Him, and ask for His forgiveness". And woe to those who join gods with God. (HOLY QURAN 41:6)
Some people maintain that Muslims worship Muhummed instead of God, and call them "Muhummedans". The above verse gives the lie to such an allegation as Muhummed never claimed himself to be a god. He was a prophet like any other messenger of God. The word "Muhummedanism" as applied to the Islamic religion is a misnomer. Islam means submission to the Will of God and its followers are called Muslims.
How then can man be justified with God? Or how can he be clean that is born of a woman?-(JOB 25:4).
THE FOLLOWING EXTRACTS FROM THE BIBLE BEAR TESTIMONY TO THE QURANIC TRUTH THAT JESUS IS NOT GOD
Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders ans signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know.-(ACTS 2:22).
"And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me See thou do it not: I am thy fellow servant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God...-(REVELATION 19:10)
For I have not spoken of myself; but the Father which sent me, He gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak.-(JOHN 12:49).
I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me.If I bear witness of myself, my witness is not true.-(JOHN 5:30-31).
...for my Father is greater than I.-(JOHN 14:28).
And this is life eternal, that they might know Thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom Thou hast sent.-(JOHN 17:3)
Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his Lord; neither he that is sent greater than He that sent him.-(JOHN 13:16)
John 20:17 Jesus saith unto her (Mary Magdalene)... I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God.-(JOHN 20:17)
But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father.-(MARK 13:32)
But now ye seek to kill me, a man that hath told you the truth, which I have heard of God.-(JOHN 8:40).
"It was the first religion that preached and practised democracy; for, in the mosque when the call from the Minaret is sounded and the worshippers are gathered together, the democracy of Islam is embodied five times a day when the peasant and the king kneel side by side and proclaim, "God alone is great." I have been struck over and over again by this indivisible unity of Islam that makes a man distinctively a brother."
THE LATE SIROJINI NAIDU - A GREAT HINDU POETESS, RIGHTLY DESCRIBED AS THE "NIGHTINGALE OF INDIA."
*Muhummed is mentioned by name in song of Solomon 5:16. The Hebrew word used is "Mahummudim".
**The word "comforter" is the English translation of the Greek word "Peri clytos" which is almost a literal translation of the Aramaic or Hebrew word "Mauhamana" used by Jesus himself, and which identifies with the name of Prophet Muhummed. (Refer Note 5438. - Yusuf Ali Translation of the Holy Quran).

All rights reserved by IRF (Islamic Research Foundation India)
www.irf.net

Presented By:
Muhammad Danish Mahboob Khan,
Pakistan.

May 22, 2007 | 2:44 PM Comments  0 comments

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Happy Birth Day to G. Moheyuddin

Happy Birth Day to G. Moheyuddin
Research Scholar | M.Phil Economics Student, GC University, Lahore
The man of my city:

EXPERIENCES:

I - Independent/Personal Research Activities [September 2004-Present]
Researcher | Economic Analyst | Economist
[details of research work shown in coming section (Research Work)]

II - Khushhali Bank, Bahawalnagar [August 2003 - June 2004]
Customer Services Officer
Job Profile
-Frontline microfinance sales and service function
-Customer servicing and education
-Outbound sales/business acquisition operations
-Sales team management
-Prepare and monitoring case loadings
-Documentation and policy compliances
-Cash flow based credit appraisal
-Ensuring high-quality social collateral formation
-Front-end delinquency and collection management

III - AFAQ College of Commerce, Haroonabad [March 2002 - July 2003]
Lecturer (Economics)
.Teaching the papers of:
i)Principles of Economics
ii) Economy of Pakistan

ACHIEVMENTS:

I - Gold Medallist in MA Economics. (Overall 1st Position in Islamia
University, Bahawalpur).

II - Selected for, and participated in, various Online Courses arranged by
the World Bank Institute, Washington DC, USA.

EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS:

I - GC University, Lahore
-M.Phil (Economics), 2005-2007
-course work cmpleted, working on thesis

II - Islamia University, Bahawalpur
-Masters of Arts (Economics), 1999-2001
-Gold Medalist (Overall 1st Position in Islamia University, Bahawalpur)

III - Pakistan Institute of Development Economics (PIDE), Islamabad
-Refresher Course in Economics, June 2004 - August 2004
Courses:
i) Development Finance ii)Microeconomic Theory iii)Macroeconomic Theory
iv) Mathematics for Economists v) Statistics and Econometrics

PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS:

I - World Bank Institute, Washington DC, USA (Internet Course)
-Gender, Economic Development and Poverty Reduction [Oct 31st, 2005 - Nov
25th, 2005]
-The course deals with the Gender Issues in the economic development and
poverty reduction

II - World Bank Institute, Washington DC, USA (Internet Course)
Macroeconomic Management in Oil Exporting Countries [July 1st, 2005 - July
29th,2005]
-The course deals with the Macroeconomic and Policy Issues of Oil-Exporting
Countries

III - Institute of Bankers Pakistan (IBP), Karachi
-Diploma in Banking and Finance (JAIBP) Stage II, Continue
-The Stage - II of Diploma is being continued (Six out of Twelve papers
have been passed)

IV - Nice Institute of Computer Education (NICE), Haroonabad
-A Certificate in Windows (Computer) Application, October 2002 - December
2002
-MS Windows, MS Office, Disk Operating System (DOS), Electronic Data
Processing (EDP) etc.

PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS:

I - Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI), Islamabad
-Member since March, 2005

II - Institute of Bankers Pakistan (IBP), Karachi
-Enrolled as Examinee for Junior Associate of IBP (JAIBP)

III - Pakistan Society of Development Economists (PSDE), PIDE-Islamabad
-Applied for Membership

RESEARCH WORK:

Moheyuddin, Ghulam. (2007). "Impact of Foreign Capital Inflow (FCI) on GDP
Growth in Pakistan". Journal of Independent Studies and Research (JISR). Volume 5, Issue 1, Januray 2007. pp 24-29. [Journal Available online at http://jisr.szabist.edu/pk ]

Moheyuddin, Ghulam. (2005a). "Background, Assessment and Analysis of the
Gender Issues in Pakistan". Munich Personal RePEc Archive (MPRA).
University Library of Munich, Germany. MPRA Paper No. 683. Online at
http://mpra.ub.uni-muenchen.de/683/

Moheyuddin, Ghulam. (2005b). "Incorporating Gender into Poverty Reduction
Strategies". Munich Personal RePEc Archive (MPRA). University Library of
Munich, Germany. MPRA Paper No. 684. Online at
http://mpra.ub.uni-muenchen.de/684/

Moheyuddin, Ghulam. (2005c). "Gender Inequality in Education: Impact on
Income, Growth and Development". Munich Personal RePEc Archive (MPRA).
University Library of Munich, Germany. MPRA Paper No. 685. Online at
http://mpra.ub.uni-muenchen.de/685/

Moheyuddin, Ghulam. (2005d). "Introduction to Gender, Economic Development
and Poverty Reduction". Munich Personal RePEc Archive (MPRA). University
Library of Munich, Germany. MPRA Paper No. 689. Online at
http://mpra.ub.uni-muenchen.de/689/

Moheyuddin, Ghulam. (2006). "Low-Cost Housing Solutions". The paper is
submitted in the 'Banking Research Papers Competition' arranged by the
Institute of Bankers Pakistan (IBP). [Result: Not announced]

TRAININGS/WORKSHOPS:

I - Human Development Institute, Khushhali Bank, Islamabad
-Two weeks Residential Training workshop held at NIBAF (National Institute
of Banking and Finance), Islamabad.
-The training was focused on: Microfinance, Customer Services & Sales, and
Social Mobilization

II - Khushhali Bank, Bahawalnagar
-On the Job Training (Customer Services and Micro-Financing)
-The first six months of the job as "Customer Services Officer" were as
"on-the-job training"

COMPUTER SKILLS:

i)MS Windows 95/98/2000/XP ii) MS Front Page 97/2000/XP
iii) Internet/E-Mailing iv)E-Views v) MS Office 97/2000/XP
vi) Adobe Acrobat (Reader + Writer) vii) SPSS (Statistical Package for
Social Scientists) viii) Fox Pro (for Windows):

He is a great person. I personally know him. I wish him the best of luck in rest of his future...
May God give him all cheers of life...
Aameen

April 22, 2007 | 5:42 PM Comments  2 comments

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I am still in trouble O people of the world Please help me!!!

This mouse is still working on my PC and also using me as a mouse…. He is chatting with his girl friend... I am still in trouble Please Help Help Help! Please Help me out please...

April 22, 2007 | 2:58 PM Comments  13 comments



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Help me please!

This mouse is working on my PC and also using me as a mouse…. He is chatting with his girl friend... Please Help Help Help! Please Help me out please...

April 16, 2007 | 3:21 PM Comments  12 comments



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The Complete English Translation of The Glourious Quran

Aslam-U-Alikum!
I want to dedicate this effort to my beloved parents, My sisters, My teachers and all the persons who help me in this regard.

Thanks and have a nice life....

April 15, 2007 | 4:51 PM Comments  0 comments

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The Opening

In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful

Surah 1. The Opening
1. In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.
2. Praise be to Allah, the Cherisher and Sustainer of the worlds;
3. Most Gracious, Most Merciful;
4. Master of the Day of Judgment.
5. Thee do we worship, and Thine aid we seek.
6. Show us the straight way,
7. The way of those on whom Thou hast bestowed Thy Grace, those
whose (portion) is not wrath, and who go not astray.

April 15, 2007 | 4:50 PM Comments  4 comments

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The Cow

Surah 2. The Cow
1. A.L.M.
2. This is the Book; in it is guidance sure, without doubt, to those who fear
Allah.
3. Who believe in the Unseen, are steadfast in prayer, and spend out of what
We have provided for them;
4. And who believe in the Revelation sent to thee, and sent before thy time,
and (in their hearts) have the assurance of the Hereafter.
5. They are on (true) guidance, from their Lord, and it is these who will
prosper.
6. As to those who reject Faith, it is the same to them whether thou warn them
or do not warn them; they will not believe.
7. Allah hath set a seal on their hearts and on their hearing, and on their eyes
is a veil; great is the penalty they (incur).
8. Of the people there are some who say: "We believe in Allah and the Last
Day;" but they do not (really) believe.
9. Fain would they deceive Allah and those who believe, but they only deceive
themselves, and realise (it) not!.10. In their hearts is a disease; and Allah has
increased their disease:
And grievous is the penalty they (incur), because they are false (to
themselves).
11. When it is said to them: "Make not mischief on the earth," they say: "Why,
we only Want to make peace!"
12. Of a surety, they are the ones who make mischief, but they realise (it) not.
13. When it is said to them: "Believe as the others believe:" They say: "Shall
we believe as the fools believe?" Nay, of a surety they are the fools, but they do
not know.
14. When they meet those who believe, they say: "We believe;" but when they
are alone with their evil ones, they say: "We are really with you: We (were)
only jesting."
15. Allah will throw back their mockery on them, and give them rope in their
trespasses; so they will wander like blind ones (To and fro).
16. These are they who have bartered Guidance for error: But their traffic is
profitless, and they have lost true direction,
17. Their similitude is that of a man who kindled a fire; when it lighted all
around him, Allah took away their light and left them in utter darkness. So they
could not see.
18. Deaf, dumb, and blind, they will not return (to the path).
19. Or (another similitude) is that of a rain-laden cloud from the sky: In it are
zones of darkness, and thunder and lightning: They press their fingers in their
ears to keep out the stunning thunder-clap, the while they are in terror of
death. But Allah is ever round the rejecters of Faith!
20. The lightning all but snatches away their sight; every time the light (Helps)
them, they walk therein, and when the darkness grows on them, they stand
still. And if Allah willed, He could take away their faculty of hearing and seeing;
for Allah hath power over all things.
21. O ye people! Adore your Guardian-Lord, who created you and those who
came before you, that ye may have the chance to learn righteousness;
22. Who has made the earth your couch, and the heavens your canopy; and
sent down rain from the heavens; and brought forth therewith Fruits for your
sustenance; then set not up rivals unto Allah when ye know (the truth)..23.
And if ye are in doubt as to what We have revealed from time to time to Our
servant, then produce a Sura like thereunto; and call your witnesses or helpers
(If there are any) besides Allah, if your (doubts) are true.
24. But if ye cannot- and of a surety ye cannot- then fear the Fire whose fuel is
men and stones,- which is prepared for those who reject Faith.
25. But give glad tidings to those who believe and work righteousness, that
their portion is Gardens, beneath which rivers flow.
Every time they are fed with fruits therefrom, they say: "Why, this is what we
were fed with before," for they are given things in similitude; and they have
therein companions pure (and holy); and they abide therein (forever).
26. Allah disdains not to use the similitude of things, lowest as well as highest.
Those who believe know that it is truth from their Lord; but those who reject
Faith say: "What means Allah by this similitude?" By it He causes many to
stray, and many He leads into the right path; but He causes not to stray, except
those who forsake (the path),-
27. Those who break Allah’s Covenant after it is ratified, and who sunder what
Allah Has ordered to be joined, and do mischief on earth:
These cause loss (only) to themselves.
28. How can ye reject the faith in Allah.- seeing that ye were without life, and
He gave you life; then will He cause you to die, and will again bring you to life;
and again to Him will ye return.
29. It is He Who hath created for you all things that are on earth; Moreover His
design comprehended the heavens, for He gave order and perfection to the
seven firmaments; and of all things He hath perfect knowledge.
30. Behold, thy Lord said to the angels: "I will create a vicegerent on earth."
They said: "Wilt Thou place therein one who will make mischief therein and
shed blood?- whilst we do celebrate Thy praises and glorify Thy holy (name)?"
He said: "I know what ye know not."
31. And He taught Adam the nature of all things; then He placed them before
the angels, and said: "Tell me the nature of these if ye are right."
32. They said: "Glory to Thee, of knowledge We have none, save what Thou
Hast taught us: In truth it is Thou Who art perfect in knowledge and wisdom.".
33. He said: "O Adam! Tell them their natures." When he had told them, Allah
said: "Did I not tell you that I know the secrets of heaven and earth, and I
know what ye reveal and what ye conceal?"
34. And behold, We said to the angels: "Bow down to Adam" and they bowed
down. Not so Iblis: he refused and was haughty: He was of those who reject
Faith.
35. We said: "O Adam! dwell thou and thy wife in the Garden; and eat of the
bountiful things therein as (where and when) ye will; but approach not this
tree, or ye run into harm and transgression."
36. Then did Satan make them slip from the (garden), and get them out of the
state (of felicity) in which they had been. We said: "Get ye down, all (ye
people), with enmity between yourselves. On earth will be your dwelling-place
and your means of livelihood - for a time."
37. Then learnt Adam from his Lord words of inspiration, and his Lord Turned
towards him; for He is Oft-Returning, Most Merciful.
38. We said: "Get ye down all from here; and if, as is sure, there comes to you
Guidance from me, whosoever follows My guidance, on them shall be no fear,
nor shall they grieve.
39. "But those who reject Faith and belie Our Signs, they shall be companions
of the Fire; they shall abide therein."
40. O Children of Israel! call to mind the (special) favour which I bestowed
upon you, and fulfil your covenant with Me as I fulfil My Covenant with you, and
fear none but Me.
41. And believe in what I reveal, confirming the revelation which is with you,
and be not the first to reject Faith therein, nor sell My Signs for a small price;
and fear Me, and Me alone.
42. And cover not Truth with falsehood, nor conceal the Truth when ye know
(what it is).
43. And be steadfast in prayer; practise regular charity; and bow down your
heads with those who bow down (in worship).
44. Do ye enjoin right conduct on the people, and forget (To practise it)
yourselves, and yet ye study the Scripture? Will ye not understand?
45. Nay, seek ((Allah)'s) help with patient perseverance and prayer: It is
indeed hard, except to those who bring a lowly spirit,-.46. Who bear in mind
the certainty that they are to meet their Lord, and that they are to return to
Him.
47. Children of Israel! call to mind the (special) favour which I bestowed upon
you, and that I preferred you to all other (for My Message).
48. Then guard yourselves against a day when one soul shall not avail another
nor shall intercession be accepted for her, nor shall compensation be taken
from her, nor shall anyone be helped (from outside).
49. And remember, We delivered you from the people of Pharaoh: They set you
hard tasks and punishments, slaughtered your sons and let your women-folk
live; therein was a tremendous trial from your Lord.
50. And remember We divided the sea for you and saved you and drowned
Pharaoh's people within your very sight.
51. And remember We appointed forty nights for Moses, and in his absence ye
took the calf (for worship), and ye did grievous wrong.
52. Even then We did forgive you; there was a chance for you to be grateful.
53. And remember We gave Moses the Scripture and the Criterion (Between
right and wrong): There was a chance for you to be guided aright.
54. And remember Moses said to his people: "O my people! Ye have indeed
wronged yourselves by your worship of the calf: So turn (in repentance) to your
Maker, and slay yourselves (the wrong-doers); that will be better for you in the
sight of your Maker." Then He turned towards you (in forgiveness): For He is
Oft- Returning, Most Merciful.
55. And remember ye said: "O Moses! We shall never believe in thee until we
see Allah manifestly," but ye were dazed with thunder and lighting even as ye
looked on.
56. Then We raised you up after your death: Ye had the chance to be
grateful.
57. And We gave you the shade of clouds and sent down to you Manna and
quails, saying: "Eat of the good things We have provided for you:" (But they
rebelled); to us they did no harm, but they harmed their own souls..
58. And remember We said: "Enter this town, and eat of the plenty therein as
ye wish; but enter the gate with humility, in posture and in words, and We shall
forgive you your faults and increase (the portion of) those who do good."
59. But the transgressors changed the word from that which had been given
them; so We sent on the transgressors a plague from heaven, for that they
infringed (Our command) repeatedly.
60. And remember Moses prayed for water for his people; We said: "Strike the
rock with thy staff." Then gushed forth there from twelve springs. Each group
knew its own place for water. So eat and drink of the
sustenance provided by Allah, and do no evil nor mischief on the (face of
the) earth.
61. And remember ye said: "O Moses! we cannot endure one kind of food
(always); so beseech thy Lord for us to produce for us of what the earth
groweth, -its pot-herbs, and cucumbers, Its garlic, lentils, and onions." He said:
"Will ye exchange the better for the worse? Go ye down to any town, and ye
shall find what ye want!" They were covered with humiliation and misery; they
drew on themselves the wrath of Allah. This because they went on rejecting the
Signs of Allah and slaying His Messengers without just cause. This because they
rebelled and went on transgressing.
62. Those who believe (in the Qur'an), and those who follow the Jewish
(scriptures), and the Christians and the Sabians,- any who believe in Allah and
the Last Day, and work righteousness, shall have their reward with their Lord;
on them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve.
63. And remember We took your covenant and We raised above you (The
towering height) of Mount (Sinai) : (Saying): "Hold firmly to what We have
given you and bring (ever) to remembrance what is therein: Perchance ye may
fear Allah."
64. But ye turned back thereafter: Had it not been for the Grace and Mercy of
Allah to you, ye had surely been among the lost.
65. And well ye knew those amongst you who transgressed in the matter of the
Sabbath: We said to them: "Be ye apes, despised and rejected."
66. So We made it an example to their own time and to their posterity, and a
lesson to those who fear Allah.
67. And remember Moses said to his people: "(Allah) commands that ye
sacrifice a heifer." They said: "Makest thou a laughing-stock of us?" He said:
"(Allah) save me from being an ignorant (fool)!".68. They said: "Beseech on
our behalf Thy Lord to make plain to us
what (heifer) it is!" He said; "He says: The heifer should be neither too old
nor too young, but of middling age. Now do what ye are commanded!"
69. They said: "Beseech on our behalf Thy Lord to make plain to us Her colour."
He said: "He says: A fawn-coloured heifer, pure and rich in tone, the admiration
of beholders!"
70. They said: "Beseech on our behalf Thy Lord to make plain to us what she
is: To us are all heifers alike: We wish indeed for guidance, if Allah wills."
71. He said: "He says: A heifer not trained to till the soil or water the fields;
sound and without blemish." They said: "Now hast thou brought the truth."
Then they offered her in sacrifice, but not with good-will.
72. Remember ye slew a man and fell into a dispute among yourselves as to
the crime: But Allah was to bring forth what ye did hide.
73. So We said: "Strike the (body) with a piece of the (heifer)." Thus Allah
bringeth the dead to life and showeth you His Signs: Perchance ye may
understand.
74. Thenceforth were your hearts hardened: They became like a rock and even
worse in hardness. For among rocks there are some from which rivers gush
forth; others there are which when split asunder send forth water; and others
which sink for fear of Allah. And Allah is not unmindful of what ye do.
75. Can ye (o ye men of Faith) entertain the hope that they will believe in
you?- Seeing that a party of them heard the Word of Allah, and perverted it
knowingly after they understood it.
76. Behold! when they meet the men of Faith, they say: "We believe": But
when they meet each other in private, they say: "Shall you tell them what Allah
hath revealed to you, that they may engage you in
argument about it before your Lord?"- Do ye not understand (their aim)?
77. Know they not that Allah knoweth what they conceal and what they reveal?
78. And there are among them illiterates, who know not the Book, but (see
therein their own) desires, and they do nothing but conjecture.
79. Then woe to those who write the Book with their own hands, and then say:”
This is from Allah," to traffic with it for miserable price!- Woe to them for what
their hands do write, and for the gain they make thereby..80. And they say:
"The Fire shall not touch us but for a few numbered days:" Say: "Have ye taken
a promise from Allah, for He never breaks His promise? or is it that ye say of
Allah what ye do not know?"
81. Nay, those who seek gain in evil, and are girt round by their sins,- they are
companions of the Fire: Therein shall they abide (For ever).
82. But those who have faith and work righteousness, they are companions of
the Garden: Therein shall they abide (For ever).
83. And remember We took a covenant from the Children of Israel (to this
effect): Worship none but Allah. treat with kindness your parents and kindred,
and orphans and those in need; speak fair to the people; be steadfast in
prayer; and practise regular charity. Then did ye turn back, except a few among
you, and ye backslide (even now).
84. And remember We took your covenant (to this effect): Shed no blood
amongst you, nor turn out your own people from your homes: and this ye
solemnly ratified, and to this ye can bear witness.
85. After this it is ye, the same people, who slay among yourselves and banish
a party of you from their homes; assist (Their enemies) against them, in guilt
and rancour; and if they come to you as captives,
ye ransom them, though it was not lawful for you to banish them. Then is it
only a part of the Book that ye believe in, and do ye reject the rest? But what is
the reward for those among you who behave like this but disgrace in this life?-
and on the Day of Judgment they shall be consigned to the most grievous
penalty. For Allah is not unmindful of what ye do.
86. These are the people who buy the life of this world at the price of the
Hereafter: their penalty shall not be lightened nor shall they be helped.
87. We gave Moses the Book and followed him up with a succession of
apostles; We gave Jesus the son of Mary Clear (Signs) and strengthened him
with the holy spirit. Is it that whenever there comes to you an apostle with
what ye yourselves desire not, ye are puffed up with pride?- Some ye called
impostors, and others ye slay!
88. They say, "Our hearts are the wrappings (which preserve Allah’s Word: we
need no more)." Nay, Allah’s curse is on them for their blasphemy: Little is it
they believe.
89. And when there comes to them a Book from Allah, confirming what is with
them,- although from of old they had prayed for victory against those without
Faith,- when there comes to them that which they.(should) have recognised,
they refuse to believe in it but the curse of Allah is on those without Faith.
90. Miserable is the price for which they have sold their souls, in that they deny
(the revelation) which Allah has sent down, in insolent envy that Allah of His
Grace should send it to any of His servants He pleases: Thus have they drawn
on themselves Wrath upon Wrath. And humiliating is the punishment of those
who reject Faith.
91. When it is said to them, "Believe in what Allah Hath sent down, "they say,
"We believe in what was sent down to us:" yet they reject all besides, even if it
be Truth confirming what is with them. Say: "Why then have ye slain the
prophets of Allah in times gone by, if ye did indeed believe?"
92. There came to you Moses with clear (Signs); yet ye worshipped the calf
(Even) after that, and ye did behave wrongfully.
93. And remember We took your covenant and We raised above you (the
towering height) of Mount (Sinai): (Saying): "Hold firmly to what We have
given you, and hearken (to the Law)": They said:" We hear, and we disobey:"
And they had to drink into their hearts (of the taint) of the calf because of their
Faithlessness. Say: "Vile indeed are the behests of your Faith if ye have any
faith!"
94. Say: "If the last Home, with Allah, be for you specially, and not for anyone
else, then seek ye for death, if ye are sincere."
95. But they will never seek for death, on account of the (sins) which their
hands have sent on before them. and Allah is well-acquainted with
the wrong-doers.
96. Thou wilt indeed find them, of all people, most greedy of life,-even more
than the idolaters: Each one of them wishes He could be given a life of a
thousand years: But the grant of such life will not save him from (due)
punishment. For Allah sees well all that they do.
97. Say: Whoever is an enemy to Gabriel-for he brings down the (revelation) to
thy heart by Allah’s will, a confirmation of what went before, and guidance and
glad tidings for those who believe,-
98. Whoever is an enemy to Allah and His angels and apostles, to Gabriel and
Michael,- Lo! Allah is an enemy to those who reject Faith.
99. We have sent down to thee Manifest Signs (ayat); and none reject them
but those who are perverse..100. Is it not (the case) that every time they
make a covenant, some party among them throw it aside?- Nay, Most of them
are faithless.
101. And when there came to them an apostle from Allah, confirming
what was with them, a party of the people of the Book threw away the
Book of Allah behind their backs, as if (it had been something) they did
not know!
102. They followed what the evil ones gave out (falsely) against the power of
Solomon: the blasphemers Were, not Solomon, but the evil ones, teaching men
Magic, and such things as came down at babylon to the angels Harut and
Marut. But neither of these taught anyone (Such things) without saying: "We
are only for trial; so do not blaspheme." They learned from them the means to
sow discord between man and wife. But they could not thus harm anyone
except by Allah’s permission. And they learned what harmed them, not what
profited them. And they knew that the buyers of (magic) would have no share
in the happiness of the Hereafter. And vile was the price for which they did sell
their souls, if they but knew!
103. If they had kept their Faith and guarded themselves from evil, far better
had been the reward from their Lord, if they but knew!
104. O ye of Faith! Say not (to the Messenger. words of ambiguous import, but
words of respect; and hearken (to him): To those without Faith is a grievous
punishment.
105. It is never the wish of those without Faith among the People of the Book,
nor of the Pagans, that anything good should come down to you from your
Lord. But Allah will choose for His special Mercy whom He will -for Allah is Lord
of grace abounding.
106. None of Our revelations do We abrogate or cause to be forgotten, but We
substitute something better or similar: Knowest thou not that Allah Hath power
over all things?
107. Knowest thou not that to Allah belongeth the dominion of the heavens and
the earth? And besides Him ye have neither patron nor helper.
108. Would ye question your Messenger as Moses was questioned of old? but
whoever changeth from Faith to Unbelief, Hath strayed without doubt from the
even way.
109. Quite a number of the People of the Book wish they could Turn you
(people) back to infidelity after ye have believed, from selfish envy, after the
Truth hath become Manifest unto them: But forgive and. overlook, Till Allah
accomplish His purpose; for Allah Hath power over all things.
110. And be steadfast in prayer and regular in charity: And whatever good ye
send forth for your souls before you, ye shall find it with Allah. For Allah sees
Well all that ye do.
111. And they say: "None shall enter Paradise unless he be a Jew or a
Christian." Those are their (vain) desires. Say: "Produce your proof if ye are
truthful."
112. Nay,-whoever submits His whole self to Allah and is a doer of good,- He
will get his reward with his Lord; on such shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve.
113. The Jews say: "The Christians have naught (to stand) upon; and the
Christians say: "The Jews have naught (To stand) upon." Yet they (Profess to)
study the (same) Book. Like unto their word is what those say who know not;
but Allah will judge between them in their quarrel on the Day of Judgment.
114. And who is more unjust than he who forbids that in places for the worship
of Allah, Allah’s name should be celebrated?-whose zeal is (in fact) to ruin
them? It was not fitting that such should themselves enter them except in fear.
For them there is nothing but disgrace in this world, and in the world to come,
an exceeding torment.
115. To Allah belong the east and the West: Whithersoever ye turn, there is the
presence of Allah. For Allah is all-Pervading, all-Knowing.
116. They say: "(Allah) hath begotten a son" :Glory be to Him.-Nay, to Him
belongs all that is in the heavens and on earth: everything renders worship to
Him.
117. To Him is due the primal origin of the heavens and the earth: When He
decreeth a matter, He saith to it: "Be," and it is.
118. Say those without knowledge: "Why speaketh not Allah unto us? or why
cometh not unto us a Sign?" So said the people before them words of similar
import. Their hearts are alike. We have indeed made clear the Signs unto any
people who hold firmly to Faith (in their hearts).
119. Verily We have sent thee in truth as a bearer of glad tidings and a warner:
But of thee no question shall be asked of the Companions of the Blazing Fire.
120. Never will the Jews or the Christians be satisfied with thee unless thou
follow their form of religion. Say: "The Guidance of Allah,-that. is the (only)
Guidance." Wert thou to follow their desires after the knowledge which hath
reached thee, then wouldst thou find neither Protector nor helper against Allah.
121. Those to whom We have sent the Book study it as it should be studied:
They are the ones that believe therein: Those who reject faith therein,- the loss
is their own.
122. O Children of Israel! call to mind the special favour which I bestowed upon
you, and that I preferred you to all others (for My Message).
123. Then guard yourselves against a-Day when one soul shall not avail
another, nor shall compensation be accepted from her nor shall intercession
profit her nor shall anyone be helped (from outside).
124. And remember that Abraham was tried by his Lord with certain
commands, which he fulfilled: He said: "I will make thee an Imam to the
Nations." He pleaded: "And also (Imams) from my offspring!" He answered:
"But My Promise is not within the reach of evil-doers."
125. Remember We made the House a place of assembly for men and a place
of safety; and take ye the station of Abraham as a place of prayer; and We
covenanted with Abraham and Isma'il, that they should sanctify My House for
those who compass it round, or use it as a retreat, or bow, or prostrate
themselves (therein in prayer).
126. And remember Abraham said: "My Lord, make this a City of Peace, and
feed its people with fruits,-such of them as believe in Allah and the Last Day."
He said: "(Yea), and such as reject Faith,-for a while will I grant them their
pleasure, but will soon drive them to the torment of Fire,- an evil destination
(indeed)!"
127. And remember Abraham and Isma'il raised the foundations of the House
(With this prayer): "Our Lord! Accept (this service) from us: For Thou art the
All-Hearing, the All-knowing.
128. "Our Lord! make of us Muslims, bowing to Thy (Will), and of our progeny
a people Muslim, bowing to Thy (will); and show us our place for the celebration
of (due) rites; and turn unto us (in Mercy); for Thou art the Oft-Returning, Most
Merciful.
129. "Our Lord! send amongst them an Messenger of their own, who shall
rehearse Thy Signs to them and instruct them in scripture and wisdom, and
sanctify them: For Thou art the Exalted in Might, the Wise.".
130. And who turns away from the religion of Abraham but such as debase
their souls with folly? Him We chose and rendered pure in this world: And he
will be in the Hereafter in the ranks of the Righteous.
131. Behold! his Lord said to him: "Bow (thy will to Me):" He said: "I bow (my
will) to the Lord and Cherisher of the Universe."
132. And this was the legacy that Abraham left to his sons, and so did Jacob;
"Oh my sons! Allah hath chosen the Faith for you; then die not except in the
Faith of Islam."
133. Were ye witnesses when death appeared before Jacob? Behold, he said to
his sons: "What will ye worship after me?" They said: "We shall worship Thy
Allah and the Allah of thy fathers, of Abraham, Isma'il and Isaac,- the one
(True) Allah. To Him we bow (in Islam)."
134. That was a people that hath passed away. They shall reap the fruit of
what they did, and ye of what ye do! Of their merits there is no question in your
case!
135. They say: "Become Jews or Christians if ye would be guided (To
salvation)." Say thou: "Nay! (I would rather) the Religion of Abraham the True,
and he joined not gods with Allah."
136. Say ye: "We believe in Allah, and the revelation given to us, and to
Abraham, Isma'il, Isaac, Jacob, and the Tribes, and that given to Moses and
Jesus, and that given to (all) prophets from their Lord: We make no difference
between one and another of them: And we bow to Allah (in Islam)."
137. So if they believe as ye believe, they are indeed on the right path; but if
they turn back, it is they who are in schism; but Allah will suffice thee as
against them, and He is the All-Hearing, the All-Knowing.
138. (Our religion is) the Baptism of Allah. And who can baptize better than
Allah. And it is He Whom we worship.
139. Say: Will ye dispute with us about Allah, seeing that He is our Lord and
your Lord; that we are responsible for our doings and ye for yours; and that We
are sincere (in our faith) in Him?
140. Or do ye say that Abraham, Isma'il Isaac, Jacob and the Tribes were Jews
or Christians? Say: Do ye know better than Allah. Ah! who is more unjust than
those who conceal the testimony they have from Allah.
but Allah is not unmindful of what ye do!.
141. That was a people that hath passed away. They shall reap the fruit of
what they did, and ye of what ye do! Of their merits there is no question in your
case:
142. The fools among the people will say: "What hath turned them from the
Qibla to which they were used?" Say: To Allah belong both east and West: He
guideth whom He will to a Way that is straight.
143. Thus, have We made of you an Ummat justly balanced, that ye might be
witnesses over the nations, and the Messenger a witness over yourselves; and
We appointed the Qibla to which thou wast used, only to test those who
followed the Messenger from those who would turn on their heels (From the
Faith). Indeed it was (A change) momentous, except to those guided by Allah.
And never would Allah Make your faith of no effect. For Allah is to all people
Most surely full of kindness, Most Merciful.
144. We see the turning of thy face (for guidance to the heavens: now Shall
We turn thee to a Qibla that shall please thee. Turn then Thy face in the
direction of the sacred Mosque: Wherever ye are, turn yourfaces in that
direction. The people of the Book know well that that is the truth from their
Lord. Nor is Allah unmindful of what they do.
145. Even if thou wert to bring to the people of the Book all the Signs
(together), they would not follow Thy Qibla; nor art thou going to follow their
Qibla; nor indeed will they follow each other's Qibla. If thou after the knowledge
hath reached thee, Wert to follow their (vain) desires,-then wert thou Indeed
(clearly) in the wrong.
146. The people of the Book know this as they know their own sons; but some
of them conceal the truth which they themselves know.
147. The Truth is from thy Lord; so be not at all in doubt.
148. To each is a goal to which Allah turns him; then strive together (as in a
race) Towards all that is good. Wheresoever ye are, Allah will bring you
Together. For Allah Hath power over all things.
149. From whencesoever Thou startest forth, turn Thy face in the direction of
the sacred Mosque; that is indeed the truth from the Lord. And Allah is not
unmindful of what ye do.
150. So from whencesoever Thou startest forth, turn Thy face in the direction
of the sacred Mosque; and wheresoever ye are, Turn your face thither: that
there be no ground of dispute against you among the people, except those of
them that are bent on wickedness; so fear them not, but fear Me; and that I
may complete My favours on you, and ye May (consent to) be guided;.151. A
similar (favour have ye already received) in that We have sent among you an
Messenger of your own, rehearsing to you Our Signs, and sanctifying you, and
instructing you in Scripture and Wisdom, and in new knowledge.
152. Then do ye remember Me; I will remember you. Be grateful to Me, and
reject not Faith.
153. O ye who believe! seek help with patient perseverance and prayer; for
Allah is with those who patiently persevere.
154. And say not of those who are slain in the way of Allah. "They are dead."
Nay, they are living, though ye perceive (it) not.
155. Be sure we shall test you with something of fear and hunger, some loss in
goods or lives or the fruits (of your toil), but give glad tidings to those who
patiently persevere,
156. Who say, when afflicted with calamity: "To Allah We belong, and to Him is
our return":-
157. They are those on whom (Descend) blessings from Allah, and Mercy, and
they are the ones that receive guidance.
158. Behold! Safa and Marwa are among the Symbols of Allah. So if those who
visit the House in the Season or at other times, should compass them round, it
is no sin in them. And if any one obeyeth his own impulse to good,- be sure
that Allah is He Who recogniseth and knoweth.
159. Those who conceal the clear (Signs) We have sent down, and the
Guidance, after We have made it clear for the people in the Book,-on them shall
be Allah’s curse, and the curse of those entitled to curse,-
160. Except those who repent and make amends and openly declare (the
Truth): To them I turn; for I am Oft-returning, Most Merciful.
161. Those who reject Faith, and die rejecting,- on them is Allah’s curse, and
the curse of angels, and of all mankind;
162. They will abide therein: Their penalty will not be lightened, nor will respite
be their (lot).
163. And your Allah is One Allah. There is no god but He, Most Gracious, Most
Merciful.
164. Behold! in the creation of the heavens and the earth; in the alternation of
the night and the day; in the sailing of the ships through the ocean for the
profit of mankind; in the rain which Allah Sends down from. the skies, and the
life which He gives therewith to an earth that is dead; in the beasts of all kinds
that He scatters through the earth; in the change of the winds, and the clouds
which they Trail like their slaves between the sky and the earth;- (Here) indeed
are Signs for a people that are wise.
165. Yet there are men who take (for worship) others besides Allah, as equal
(with Allah.: They love them as they should love Allah. But those of Faith are
overflowing in their love for Allah. If only the unrighteous could see, behold,
they would see the penalty: that to Allah belongs all power, and Allah will
strongly enforce the penalty.
166. Then would those who are followed clear themselves of those who follow
(them) : They would see the penalty, and all relations between them would be
cut off.
167. And those who followed would say: "If only We had one more chance, We
would clear ourselves of them, as they have cleared themselves of us." Thus
will Allah show them (The fruits of) their deeds as (nothing but) regrets. Nor
will there be a way for them out of the Fire.
168. O ye people! Eat of what is on earth, Lawful and good; and do not follow
the footsteps of the evil one, for he is to you an avowed enemy.
169. For he commands you what is evil and shameful, and that ye should say
of Allah that of which ye have no knowledge.
170. When it is said to them: "Follow what Allah hath revealed:" They say:
"Nay! we shall follow the ways of our fathers." What! even though their fathers
Were void of wisdom and guidance?
171. The parable of those who reject Faith is as if one were to shout Like a
goat-herd, to things that listen to nothing but calls and cries: Deaf, dumb, and
blind, they are void of wisdom.
172. O ye who believe! Eat of the good things that We have provided for you,
and be grateful to Allah, if it is Him ye worship.
173. He hath only forbidden you dead meat, and blood, and the flesh of swine,
and that on which any other name hath been invoked besides that of Allah. But
if one is forced by necessity, without wilful disobedience, nor transgressing due
limits,- then is he guiltless. For Allah is Oft-forgiving Most Merciful.
174. Those who conceal Allah’s revelations in the Book, and purchase for them
a miserable profit,- they swallow into themselves naught but Fire; Allah will not
address them on the Day of Resurrection. Nor purify them: Grievous will be
their penalty..
175. They are the ones who buy Error in place of Guidance and Torment in
place of Forgiveness. Ah! what boldness (They show) for the Fire!
176. (Their doom is) because Allah sent down the Book in truth but those who
seek causes of dispute in the Book are in a schism Far (from the purpose).
177. It is not righteousness that ye turn your faces Towards east or West; but
it is righteousness- to believe in Allah and the Last Day, and the Angels, and
the Book, and the Messengers; to spend of your substance, out of love for Him,
for your kin, for orphans, for the needy, for the wayfarer, for those who ask,
and for the ransom of slaves; to be steadfast in prayer, and practice regular
charity; to fulfil the contracts which ye have made; and to be firm and patient,
in pain (or suffering) and adversity, and throughout all periods of panic. Such
are the people of truth, the Allah. fearing.
178. O ye who believe! the law of equality is prescribed to you in cases of
murder: the free for the free, the slave for the slave, the woman for the
woman. But if any remission is made by the brother of the slain, then grant any
reasonable demand, and compensate him with handsome gratitude, this is a
concession and a Mercy from your Lord. After this whoever exceeds the limits
shall be in grave penalty.
179. In the Law of Equality there is (saving of) Life to you, o ye men of
understanding; that ye may restrain yourselves.
180. It is prescribed, when death approaches any of you, if he leave any goods
that he make a bequest to parents and next of kin, according to reasonable
usage; this is due from the Allah. fearing.
181. If anyone changes the bequest after hearing it, the guilt shall be on those
who make the change. For Allah hears and knows (All things).
182. But if anyone fears partiality or wrong-doing on the part of the testator,
and makes peace between (The parties concerned), there is no wrong in him:
For Allah is Oft-forgiving, Most Merciful.
183. O ye who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to
those before you, that ye may (learn) self-restraint,-
184. (Fasting) for a fixed number of days; but if any of you is ill, or on a
journey, the prescribed number (Should be made up) from days later. For those
who can do it (With hardship), is a ransom, the feeding of one that is indigent.
But he that will give more, of his own free will,- it is better for him. And it is
better for you that ye fast, if ye only knew..
185. Ramadhan is the (month) in which was sent down the Qur'an, as a guide
to mankind, also clear (Signs) for guidance and judgment (Between right and
wrong). So every one of you who is present (at his home) during that month
should spend it in fasting, but if any one is ill, or on a journey, the prescribed
period (Should be made up) by days later. Allah intends every facility for you;
He does not want to put to difficulties. (He wants you) to complete the
prescribed period, and to glorify Him in that He has guided you; and perchance
ye shall be grateful.
186. When My servants ask thee concerning Me, I am indeed close (to them): I
listen to the prayer of every suppliant when he calleth on Me: Let them also,
with a will, Listen to My call, and believe in Me: That they may walk in the right
way.
187. Permitted to you, on the night of the fasts, is the approach to your wives.
They are your garments and ye are their garments. Allah knoweth what ye used
to do secretly among yourselves; but He turned to you and forgave you; so now
associate with them, and seek what Allah Hath ordained for you, and eat and
drink, until the white thread of dawn appear to you distinct from its black
thread; then complete your fast Till the night appears; but do not associate with
your wives while ye are in retreat in the mosques. Those are Limits (set by)
Allah. Approach not nigh thereto. Thus doth Allah make clear His Signs to men:
that they may learn self-restraint.
188. And do not eat up your property among yourselves for vanities, nor use it
as bait for the judges, with intent that ye may eat up wrongfully and knowingly
a little of (other) people's property.
189. They ask thee concerning the New Moons. Say: They are but signs to
mark fixed periods of time in (the affairs of) men, and for Pilgrimage. It is no
virtue if ye enter your houses from the back: It is virtue if ye fear Allah. Enter
houses through the proper doors: And fear Allah. That ye may prosper.
190. Fight in the cause of Allah those who fight you, but do not transgress
limits; for Allah loveth not transgressors.
191. And slay them wherever ye catch them, and turn them out from where
they have Turned you out; for tumult and oppression are worse than slaughter;
but fight them not at the Sacred Mosque, unless they (first) fight you there; but
if they fight you, slay them. Such is the reward of those who suppress faith.
192. But if they cease, Allah is Oft-forgiving, Most Merciful..193. And fight
them on until there is no more Tumult or oppression, and there prevail justice
and faith in Allah. but if they cease, Let there be no hostility except to those
who practise oppression.
194. The prohibited month for the prohibited month,- and so for all things
prohibited,- there is the law of equality. If then any one transgresses the
prohibition against you, Transgress ye likewise against him. But fear Allah, and
know that Allah is with those who restrain themselves.
195. And spend of your substance in the cause of Allah, and make not your
own hands contribute to (your) destruction; but do good; for Allah loveth those
who do good.
196. And complete the Hajj or 'umra in the service of Allah. But if ye are
prevented (From completing it), send an offering for sacrifice, such as ye may
find, and do not shave your heads until the offering reaches the place of
sacrifice. And if any of you is ill, or has an ailment in his scalp, (Necessitating
shaving), (He should) in compensation either fast, or feed the poor, or offer
sacrifice; and when ye are in peaceful conditions (again), if any one wishes to
continue the 'umra on to the hajj, He must make an offering, such as he can
afford, but if he cannot afford it, He should fast three days during the hajj and
seven days on his return, Making ten days in all. This is for those whose
household is not in (the precincts of) the Sacred Mosque. And fear Allah, and
know that Allah Is strict in punishment.
197. For Hajj are the months well known. If any one undertakes that duty
therein, Let there be no obscenity, nor wickedness, nor wrangling in the Hajj.
And whatever good ye do, (be sure) Allah knoweth it. And take a provision
(With you) for the journey, but the best of provisions is right
conduct. So fear Me, o ye that are wise.
198. It is no crime in you if ye seek of the bounty of your Lord (during
pilgrimage). Then when ye pour down from (Mount) Arafat, celebrate the
praises of Allah at the Sacred Monument, and celebrate His praises as He has
directed you, even though, before this, ye went astray.
199. Then pass on at a quick pace from the place whence it is usual for the
multitude so to do, and ask for Allah’s forgiveness. For Allah is Oft forgiving,
Most Merciful.
200. So when ye have accomplished your holy rites, celebrate the praises of
Allah, as ye used to celebrate the praises of your fathers,- yea, with far more
Heart and soul. There are men who say: "Our Lord! Give us (Thy bounties) in
this world!" but they will have no portion in the Hereafter..
201. And there are men who say: "Our Lord! Give us good in this world and
good in the Hereafter, and defend us from the torment of the Fire!"
202. To these will be allotted what they have earned; and Allah is quick in
account.
203. Celebrate the praises of Allah during the Appointed Days. But if any one
hastens to leave in two days, there is no blame on him, and if any one stays on,
there is no blame on him, if his aim is to do right. Then fear Allah, and know
that ye will surely be gathered unto Him.
204. There is the type of man whose speech about this world's life May dazzle
thee, and he calls Allah to witness about what is in his heart; yet is he the most
contentious of enemies.
205. When he turns his back, His aim everywhere is to spread mischief through
the earth and destroy crops and cattle. But Allah loveth not mischief.
206. When it is said to him, "Fear Allah., He is led by arrogance to (more)
crime. Enough for him is Hell;-An evil bed indeed (To lie on)!
207. And there is the type of man who gives his life to earn the pleasure of
Allah. And Allah is full of kindness to (His) devotees.
208. O ye who believe! Enter into Islam whole-heartedly; and follow not the
footsteps of the evil one; for he is to you an avowed enemy.
209. If ye backslide after the clear (Signs) have come to you, then know that
Allah is Exalted in Power, Wise.
210. Will they wait until Allah comes to them in canopies of clouds, with angels
(in His train) and the question is (thus) settled? but to Allah do all questions go
back (for decision).
211. Ask the Children of Israel how many clear (Signs) We have sent them. But
if any one, after Allah’s favour has come to him, substitutes (something else),
Allah is strict in punishment.
212. The life of this world is alluring to those who reject faith, and they scoff at
those who believe. But the righteous will be above them on the Day of
Resurrection; for Allah bestows His abundance without measure on whom He
will.
213. Mankind was one single nation, and Allah sent Messengers with glad
tidings and warnings; and with them He sent the Book in truth, to judge
between people in matters wherein they differed; but the People of. The Book,
after the clear Signs came to them, did not differ among themselves, except
through selfish contumacy. Allah by His Grace Guided the believers to the
Truth, concerning that wherein they differed. For Allah guided whom He will to a
path that is straight.
214. Or do ye think that ye shall enter the Garden (of bliss) without such
(trials) as came to those who passed away before you? They encountered
suffering and adversity, and were so shaken in spirit that even the Messenger
and those of faith who were with him cried: "When (will come) the help of
Allah." Ah! Verily, the help of Allah is (always) near!
215. They ask thee what they should spend (In charity). Say: Whatever ye
spend that is good, is for parents and kindred and orphans and those in want
and for wayfarers. And whatever ye do that is good, -(Allah) knoweth it well.
216. Fighting is prescribed for you, and ye dislike it. But it is possible that ye
dislike a thing which is good for you, and that ye love a thing which is bad for
you. But Allah knoweth, and ye know not.
217. They ask thee concerning fighting in the Prohibited Month. Say: "Fighting
therein is a grave (offence); but graver is it in the sight of Allah to prevent
access to the path of Allah, to deny Him, to prevent access to the Sacred
Mosque, and drive out its members." Tumult and oppression are worse than
slaughter. Nor will they cease fighting you until they turn
you back from your faith if they can. And if any of you Turn back from their
faith and die in unbelief, their works will bear no fruit in this life and in the
Hereafter; they will be companions of the Fire and will abide therein.
218. Those who believed and those who suffered exile and fought (and strove
and struggled) in the path of Allah,- they have the hope of the Mercy of Allah.
And Allah is Oft-forgiving, Most Merciful.
219. They ask thee concerning wine and gambling. Say: "In them is great sin,
and some profit, for men; but the sin is greater than the profit."
They ask thee how much they are to spend; Say: "What is beyond your needs."
Thus doth Allah Make clear to you His Signs: In order that ye may
consider-
220. (Their bearings) on this life and the Hereafter. They ask thee concerning
orphans. Say: "The best thing to do is what is for their good; if ye mix their
affairs with yours, they are your brethren; but Allah knows the man who means
mischief from the man who means good. And if Allah had wished, He could have
put you into difficulties: He is indeed Exalted in Power, Wise.".
221. Do not marry unbelieving women (idolaters), until they believe: A slave
woman who believes is better than an unbelieving woman, even though she
allures you. Nor marry (your girls) to unbelievers until they believe: A man
slave who believes is better than an unbeliever, even though he allures you.
Unbelievers do (but) beckon you to the Fire. But Allah beckons by His Grace to
the Garden (of bliss) and forgiveness, and makes His Signs clear to mankind:
That they may celebrate His praise.
222. They ask thee concerning women's courses. Say: They are a hurt and a
pollution: So keep away from women in their courses, and do not approach
them until they are clean. But when they have purified themselves, ye may
approach them in any manner, time, or place ordained for you by Allah. For
Allah loves those who turn to Him constantly and He loves those who keep
themselves pure and clean.
223. Your wives are as a tilth unto you; so approach your tilth when or how ye
will; but do some good act for your souls beforehand; and fear Allah. And know
that ye are to meet Him (in the Hereafter), and give (these) good tidings to
those who believe.
224. And make not Allah’s (name) an excuse in your oaths against doing good,
or acting rightly, or making peace between persons; for Allah is One Who
heareth and knoweth all things.
225. Allah will not call you to account for thoughtlessness in your oaths, but for
the intention in your hearts; and He is Oft-forgiving, Most Forbearing.
226. For those who take an oath for abstention from their wives, a waiting for
four months is ordained; if then they return, Allah is Oft forgiving, Most
Merciful.
227. But if their intention is firm for divorce, Allah heareth and knoweth all
things.
228. Divorced women shall wait concerning themselves for three monthly
periods. Nor is it lawful for them to hide what Allah Hath created in their
wombs, if they have faith in Allah and the Last Day. And their husbands have
the better right to take them back in that period, if they wish for reconciliation.
And women shall have rights similar to the rights against them, according to
what is equitable; but men have a degree (of advantage) over them. And Allah
is Exalted in Power, Wise.
229. A divorce is only permissible twice: after that, the parties should either
hold Together on equitable terms, or separate with kindness. It is not lawful for
you, (Men), to take back any of your gifts (from your wives), except when both
parties fear that they would be unable to keep the limits ordained by Allah. If ye
(judges) do indeed fear that they would be unable to keep the limits ordained
by Allah, there is no blame on either
of them if she give something for her freedom. These are the limits ordained by
Allah. so do not transgress them if any do transgress the limits ordained by
Allah, such persons wrong (Themselves as well as others).
230. So if a husband divorces his wife (irrevocably), He cannot, after that, remarry
her until after she has married another husband and He has divorced
her. In that case there is no blame on either of them if they re-unite, provided
they feel that they can keep the limits ordained by Allah. Such are the limits
ordained by Allah, which He makes plain to those who understand.
231. When ye divorce women, and they fulfil the term of their ('Iddat), either
take them back on equitable terms or set them free on equitable terms; but do
not take them back to injure them, (or) to take undue advantage; if any one
does that; He wrongs his own soul. Do not treat Allah’s Signs as a jest, but
solemnly rehearse Allah’s favours on you, and the fact that He sent down to you
the Book and Wisdom, for your instruction. And fear Allah, and know that Allah
is well acquainted with all things.
232. When ye divorce women, and they fulfil the term of their ('Iddat), do not
prevent them from marrying their (former) husbands, if they mutually agree on
equitable terms. This instruction is for all amongst you, who believe in Allah and
the Last Day. That is (the course Making for) most virtue and purity amongst
you and Allah knows, and ye know not.
233. The mothers shall give such to their offspring for two whole years, if the
father desires to complete the term. But he shall bear the cost of their food and
clothing on equitable terms. No soul shall have a burden laid on it greater than
it can bear. No mother shall be Treated unfairly on account of her child. Nor
father on account of his child, an heir shall be chargeable in the same way. If
they both decide on weaning, by mutual consent, and after due consultation,
there is no blame on them. If ye decide on a foster-mother for your offspring,
there is no blame on you, provided ye pay (the mother) what ye offered, on
equitable terms. But fear Allah and know that Allah sees well what ye do.
234. If any of you die and leave widows behind, they shall wait concerning
themselves four months and ten days: When they have fulfilled their term,
there is no blame on you if they dispose of themselves in a just and reasonable
manner. And Allah is well acquainted with what ye do.
235. There is no blame on you if ye make an offer of betrothal or hold it in your
hearts. Allah knows that ye cherish them in your hearts:. But do not make a
secret contract with them except in terms Honourable, nor resolve on the tie of
marriage till the term prescribed is fulfilled. And know that Allah Knoweth what
is in your hearts, and take heed of Him; and know that Allah is Oft-forgiving,
Most Forbearing.
236. There is no blame on you if ye divorce women before consummation or
the fixation of their dower; but bestow on them (A suitable gift), the wealthy
according to his means, and the poor according to his means;- A gift of a
reasonable amount is due from those who wish to do the right thing.
237. And if ye divorce them before consummation, but after the fixation of a
dower for them, then the half of the dower (Is due to them), unless they remit
it or (the man's half) is remitted by him in whose hands is the marriage tie; and
the remission (of the man's half) is the nearest to righteousness. And do not
forget Liberality between yourselves. For Allah sees well all that ye do.
238. Guard strictly your (habit of) prayers, especially the Middle Prayer; and
stand before Allah in a devout (frame of mind).

239. If ye fear (an enemy), pray on foot, or riding, (as may be most
convenient), but when ye are in security, celebrate Allah’s praises in the
manner He has taught you, which ye knew not (before).
240. Those of you who die and leave widows should bequeath for their widows
a year's maintenance and residence; but if they leave (The residence), there is
no blame on you for what they do with themselves, provided it is reasonable.
And Allah is Exalted in Power, Wise.
241. For divorced women Maintenance (should be provided) on a reasonable
(scale). This is a duty on the righteous.
242. Thus doth Allah Make clear His Signs to you: In order that ye may
understand.
243. Didst thou not Turn by vision to those who abandoned their homes,
though they were thousands (In number), for fear of death? Allah said to them:
"Die": Then He restored them to life. For Allah is full of bounty to mankind, but
Most of them are ungrateful.
244. Then fight in the cause of Allah, and know that Allah Heareth and knoweth
all things.
245. Who is he that will loan to Allah a beautiful loan, which Allah will double
unto his credit and multiply many times? It is Allah that giveth (you) Want or
plenty, and to Him shall be your return..
246. Hast thou not Turned thy vision to the Chiefs of the Children of Israel after
(the time of) Moses? they said to a prophet (That was) among them: "Appoint
for us a king, that we May fight in the cause of Allah." He said: "Is it not
possible, if ye were commanded to fight, that that ye will not fight?" They said:
"How could we refuse to fight in the cause of Allah, seeing that we were turned
out of our homes and our families?" but whe they were commanded to fight,
they turned back, except a small band among them. But Allah Has full
knowledge of those who do wrong.
247. Their Prophet said to them: "(Allah) hath appointed Talut as king over
you." They said: "How can he exercise authority over us when we are better
fitted than he to exercise authority, and he is not even gifted, with wealth in
abundance?" He said: "(Allah) hath Chosen him above you, and hath gifted him
abundantly with knowledge and bodily prowess: Allah Granteth His authority to
whom He pleaseth. Allah careth for all, and He knoweth all things."
248. And (further) their Prophet said to them: "A Sign of his authority is that
there shall come to you the Ark of the covenant, with (an assurance) therein of
security from your Lord, and the relics left by the family of Moses and the
family of Aaron, carried by angels. In this is a symbol for you if ye indeed have
faith."
249. When Talut set forth with the armies, he said: "(Allah) will test you at the
stream: if any drinks of its water, He goes not with my army: Only those who
taste not of it go with me: A mere sip out of the hand is excused." but they all
drank of it, except a few. When they crossed the river,- He and the faithful ones
with him,- they said: "This day We cannot cope with Goliath and his forces." but
those who were convinced that they must meet Allah, said: "How oft, by Allah’s
will, Hath a small force vanquished a big one? Allah is with those who
steadfastly persevere."
250. When they advanced to meet Goliath and his forces, they prayed: "Our
Lord! Pour out constancy on us and make our steps firm: Help us against those
that reject faith."
251. By Allah’s will they routed them; and David slew Goliath; and
Allah gave him power and wisdom and taught him whatever (else) He willed.
And did not Allah Check one set of people by means of another, the earth would
indeed be full of mischief: But Allah is full of bounty to all the worlds.
252. These are the Signs of Allah. we rehearse them to thee in truth: verily
Thou art one of the apostles.
253. Those apostles We endowed with gifts, some above others: To one of
them Allah spoke; others He raised to degrees (of honour); to Jesus the son of
Mary We gave clear (Signs), and strengthened him with. The holy spirit. If Allah
had so willed, succeeding generations would not have fought among each other,
after clear (Signs) had come to them, but they (chose) to wrangle, some
believing and others rejecting. If Allah had so willed, they would not have
fought each other; but Allah Fulfilleth His plan.
254. O ye who believe! Spend out of (the bounties) We have provided for you,
before the Day comes when no bargaining (Will avail), nor friendship nor
intercession. Those who reject Faith they are the wrong-doers.
255. Allah. There is no god but He,-the Living, the Self-subsisting, Eternal. No
slumber can seize Him nor sleep. His are all things in the heavens and on earth.
Who is there can intercede in His presence except as He permitteth? He
knoweth what (appeareth to His creatures as) before or after or behind them.
Nor shall they compass aught of His knowledge except as He willeth. His Throne
doth extend over the heavens and the earth, and He feeleth no fatigue in
guarding and preserving them for He is the Most High, the Supreme (in glory).
256. Let there be no compulsion in religion: Truth stands out clear from Error:
whoever rejects evil and believes in Allah hath grasped the most trustworthy
hand-hold, that never breaks. And Allah heareth and knoweth all things.
257. Allah is the Protector of those who have faith: from the depths of darkness
He will lead them forth into light. Of those who reject faith the patrons are the
evil ones: from light they will lead them forth into the depths of darkness. They
will be companions of the fire, to dwell therein (For ever).
258. Hast thou not Turned thy vision to one who disputed with Abraham About
his Lord, because Allah had granted him power? Abraham said: "My Lord is He
Who Giveth life and death." He said: "I give life and death". Said Abraham: "But
it is Allah that causeth the sun to rise from the east: Do thou then cause him to
rise from the West." Thus was he confounded who (in arrogance) rejected faith.
Nor doth Allah Give guidance to a people unjust.
259. Or (take) the similitude of one who passed by a hamlet, all in ruins to its
roofs. He said: "Oh! how shall Allah bring it (ever) to life, after (this) its death?"
but Allah caused him to die for a hundred years, then raised him up (again). He
said: "How long didst thou tarry (thus)?" He said: (Perhaps) a day or part of a
day." He said: "Nay, thou hast tarried thus a hundred years; but look at thy
food and thy drink; they show no signs of age; and look at thy donkey: And
that We may make of thee a sign unto the people, Look further at the bones,
how We bring them. together and clothe them with flesh." When this was
shown clearly to him, he said: "I know that Allah hath power over all things."
260. Behold! Abraham said: "My Lord! Show me how Thou givest life to the
dead." He said: "Dost thou not then believe?" He said: "Yea! but to satisfy My
own undertaking." He said: "Take four birds; Tame them to turn to thee; put a
portion of them on every hill and call to them: They will come to thee (Flying)
with speed. Then know that Allah is Exalted in Power, Wise."
261. The parable of those who spend their substance in the way of Allah is that
of a grain of corn: it groweth seven ears, and each ear Hath a hundred grains.
Allah giveth manifold increase to whom He pleaseth: And Allah careth for all
and He knoweth all things.
262. Those who spend their substance in the cause of Allah, and follow not up
their gifts with reminders of their generosity or with injury,-for them their
reward is with their Lord: on them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve.
263. Kind words and the covering of faults are better than charity followed by
injury. Allah is free of all wants, and He is Most-Forbearing.
264. O ye who believe! cancel not your charity by reminders of your generosity
or by injury,- like those who spend their substance to be seen of men, but
believe neither in Allah nor in the Last Day. They are in parable like a hard,
barren rock, on which is a little soil: on it falls heavy rain, which leaves it (Just)
a bare stone. They will be able to do nothing with aught they have earned. And
Allah guideth not those who reject faith.
265. And the likeness of those who spend their substance, seeking to please
Allah and to strengthen their souls, is as a garden, high and fertile: heavy rain
falls on it but makes it yield a double increase of harvest, and if it receives not
Heavy rain, light moisture sufficeth it. Allah seeth well whatever ye do.
266. Does any of you wish that he should have a garden with date-palms and
vines and streams flowing underneath, and all kinds of fruit, while he is stricken
with old age, and his children are not strong (enough to look after themselves)-
that it should be caught in a whirlwind, with fire therein, and be burnt up? Thus
doth Allah make clear to you (His) Signs; that ye may consider.
267. O ye who believe! Give of the good things which ye have (honourably)
earned, and of the fruits of the earth which We have produced for you, and do
not even aim at getting anything which is bad, in order that out of it ye may
give away something, when ye yourselves. would not receive it except with
closed eyes. And know that Allah is Free of all wants, and worthy of all praise.
268. The Evil one threatens you with poverty and bids you to conduct
unseemly. Allah promiseth you His forgiveness and bounties. And Allah careth
for all and He knoweth all things.
269. He granteth wisdom to whom He pleaseth; and he to whom wisdom is
granted receiveth indeed a benefit overflowing; but none will grasp the Message
but men of understanding.
270. And whatever ye spend in charity or devotion, be sure Allah knows it all.
But the wrong-doers have no helpers.
271. If ye disclose (acts of) charity, even so it is well, but if ye conceal them,
and make them reach those (really) in need, that is best for you: It will remove
from you some of your (stains of) evil. And Allah is well acquainted with what
ye do.
272. It is not required of thee (O Messenger., to set them on the right path,
but Allah sets on the right path whom He pleaseth. Whatever of good ye give
benefits your own souls, and ye shall only do so seeking the "Face" of Allah.
Whatever good ye give, shall be rendered back to you, and ye shall not Be dealt
with unjustly.
273. (Charity is) for those in need, who, in Allah’s cause are restricted (from
travel), and cannot move about in the land, seeking (For trade or work): the
ignorant man thinks, because of their modesty, that they are free from want.
Thou shalt know them by their (Unfailing) mark: They beg not importunately
from all the sundry. And whatever of good ye give, be assured Allah knoweth it
well.
274. Those who (in charity) spend of their goods by night and by day, in secret
and in public, have their reward with their Lord: on them shall be no fear, nor
shall they grieve.
275. Those who devour usury will not stand except as stand one whom the Evil
one by his touch Hath driven to madness. That is because they say: "Trade is
like usury," but Allah hath permitted trade and forbidden usury. Those who
after receiving direction from their Lord, desist, shall be pardoned for the past;
their case is for Allah (to judge); but those who repeat (The offence) are
companions of the Fire: They will abide therein (for ever).
276. Allah will deprive usury of all blessing, but will give increase for deeds of
charity: For He loveth not creatures ungrateful and wicked..
277. Those who believe, and do deeds of righteousness, and establish regular
prayers and regular charity

April 15, 2007 | 4:50 PM Comments  0 comments

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Women

Surah 4. Women
sing
subs
they
1. O mankind! reverence your Guardian-Lord, who created you from a le
person, created, of like nature, His mate, and from them twain scattered (like
seeds) countless men and women;- reverence Allah, through whom ye demand
your mutual (rights), and (reverence) the wombs (That bore you): for Allah
ever watches over you.
2. To orphans restore their property (When they reach their age), nor titute
(your) worthless things for (their) good ones; and devour not their substance
(by mixing it up) with your own. For this is indeed a great sin.
3. If ye fear that ye shall not be able to deal justly with the orphans, Marry
women of your choice, Two or three or four; but if ye fear that ye shall not be
able to deal justly (with them), then only one, or (a captive) that your right
hands possess, that will be more suitable, to prevent you from doing injustice.
4. And give the women (on marriage) their dower as a free gift; but if , of their
own good pleasure, remit any part of it to you, Take it and enjoy it with right
good cheer..5. To those weak of understanding Make not over your property,
which Allah hath made a means of support for you, but feed and clothe them
therewith, and speak to them words of kindness and justice.
6. Make trial of orphans until they reach the age of marriage; if then ye find
sound judgment in them, release their property to them; but consume it not
wastefully, nor in haste against their growing up. If the guardian is well-off, Let
him claim no remuneration, but if he is poor, let him have for himself what is
just and reasonable. When ye release their property to them, take witnesses in
their presence: But all-sufficient is Allah in taking account.
7. From what is left by parents and those nearest related there is a share for
men and a share for women, whether the property be small or large,-a
determinate share.
8. But if at the time of division other relatives, or orphans or poor, are present,
feed them out of the (property), and speak to them words of kindness and
justice.
9. Let those (disposing of an estate) have the same fear in their minds as they
would have for their own if they had left a helpless family behind: Let them fear
Allah, and speak words of appropriate (comfort).
10. Those who unjustly eat up the property of orphans, eat up a Fire into their
own bodies: They will soon be enduring a Blazing Fire!
11. Allah (thus) directs you as regards your Children's (Inheritance): to the
male, a portion equal to that of two females: if only daughters, two or more,
their share is two-thirds of the inheritance; if only one, her share is a half. For
parents, a sixth share of the inheritance to each, if the deceased left children; if
no children, and the parents are the (only) heirs, the mother has a third; if the
deceased Left brothers (or sisters) the mother has a sixth. (The distribution in
all cases ('s) after the payment of legacies and debts. Ye know not whether
your parents or your children are nearest to you in benefit. These are settled
portions ordained by Allah. and Allah is All-knowing, All-wise.
12. In what your wives leave, your share is a half, if they leave no child; but if
they leave a child, ye get a fourth; after payment of legacies and debts. In what
ye leave, their share is a fourth, if ye leave no child; but if ye leave a child, they
get an eighth; after payment of legacies and debts. If the man or woman whose
inheritance is in question, has left neither ascendants nor descendants, but has
left a brother or a sister, each one of the two gets a sixth; but if more than two,
they share in a third; after payment of legacies and debts; so that no loss is
caused (to any one). Thus is it ordained by Allah. and Allah is All-knowing, Most
Forbearing..
13. Those are limits set by Allah. those who obey Allah and His Messenger will
be admitted to Gardens with rivers flowing beneath, to abide therein (for ever)
and that will be the supreme achievement.
14. But those who disobey Allah and His Messenger and transgress His limits
will be admitted to a Fire, to abide therein: And they shall have a humiliating
punishment.
15. If any of your women are guilty of lewdness, Take the evidence of four
(Reliable) witnesses from amongst you against them; and if they testify, confine
them to houses until death do claim them, or Allah ordain for them some
(other) way.
16. If two men among you are guilty of lewdness, punish them both. If they
repent and amend, Leave them alone; for Allah is Oft-returning, Most Merciful.
17. Allah accept the repentance of those who do evil in ignorance and repent
soon afterwards; to them will Allah turn in mercy: For Allah is full of knowledge
and wisdom.
18. Of no effect is the repentance of those who continue to do evil, until death
faces one of them, and he says, "Now have I repented indeed;" nor of those
who die rejecting Faith: for them have We prepared a punishment most
grievous.
19. O ye who believe! Ye are forbidden to inherit women against their will. Nor
should ye treat them with harshness, that ye may Take away part of the dower
ye have given them,-except where they have been guilty of open lewdness; on
the contrary live with them on a footing of kindness and equity. If ye take a
dislike to them it may be that ye dislike a thing, and Allah brings about through
it a great deal of good.
20. But if ye decide to take one wife in place of another, even if ye had given
the latter a whole treasure for dower, Take not the least bit of it back: Would ye
take it by slander and manifest wrong?
21. And how could ye take it when ye have gone in unto each other, and they
have Taken from you a solemn covenant?
22. And marry not women whom your fathers married,- except what is past: It
was shameful and odious,- an abominable custom indeed.
23. Prohibited to you (For marriage) are:- Your mothers, daughters, sisters;
father's sisters, Mother's sisters; brother's daughters, sister's daughters; fostermothers
(Who gave you suck), foster-sisters; your wives' mothers; your stepdaughters
under your guardianship, born of your wives to whom ye have gone
in,- no prohibition if ye have not gone.in;- (Those who have been) wives of your
sons proceeding from your loins; and two sisters in wedlock at one and the
same time, except for what is past; for Allah is Oft-forgiving, Most Merciful;-
24. Also (prohibited are) women already married, except those whom your
right hands possess: Thus hath Allah ordained (Prohibitions) against you:
Except for these, all others are lawful, provided ye seek (them in marriage) with
gifts from your property,- desiring chastity, not lust, seeing that ye derive
benefit from them, give them their dowers (at least) as prescribed; but if, after
a dower is prescribed, agree Mutually (to vary it), there is no blame on you, and
Allah is All-knowing, All-wise.
25. If any of you have not the means wherewith to wed free believing women,
they may wed believing girls from among those whom your right hands
possess: And Allah hath full knowledge about your faith. Ye are one from
another: Wed them with the leave of their owners, and give them their dowers,
according to what is reasonable: They should be chaste, not lustful, nor taking
paramours: when they are taken in wedlock, if they fall into shame, their
punishment is half that for free women. This (permission) is for those among
you who fear sin; but it is better for you that ye practise self-restraint. And
Allah is Oft-forgiving, Most Merciful.
26. Allah doth wish to make clear to you and to show you the ordinances of
those before you; and (He doth wish to) turn to you (In Mercy): And Allah is
All-knowing, All-wise.
27. Allah doth wish to Turn to you, but the wish of those who follow their lusts
is that ye should turn away (from Him),- far, far away.
28. Allah doth wish to lighten your (difficulties): For man was created Weak (in
flesh).
29. O ye who believe! Eat not up your property among yourselves in vanities:
But let there be amongst you Traffic and trade by mutual good-will: Nor kill (or
destroy) yourselves: for verily Allah hath been to you Most Merciful!
30. If any do that in rancour and injustice,- soon shall We cast them into the
Fire: And easy it is for Allah.
31. If ye (but) eschew the most heinous of the things which ye are forbidden to
do, We shall expel out of you all the evil in you, and admit you to a gate of
great honour.
32. And in no wise covet those things in which Allah Hath bestowed His gifts
More freely on some of you than on others: To men is allotted what they earn,
and to women what they earn: But ask Allah of His bounty. For Allah hath full
knowledge of all things..
33. To (benefit) every one, We have appointed shares and heirs to property left
by parents and relatives. To those, also, to whom your right hand was pledged,
give their due portion. For truly Allah is witness to all things.
34. Men are the protectors and maintainers of women, because Allah has given
the one more (strength) than the other, and because they support them from
their means. Therefore the righteous women are devoutly obedient, and guard
in (the husband's) absence what Allah would have them guard. As to those
women on whose part ye fear disloyalty and ill-conduct, admonish them (first),
(Next), refuse to share their beds, (And last) beat them (lightly); but if they
return to obedience, seek not against them Means (of annoyance): For Allah is
Most High, great (above you all).
35. If ye fear a breach between them twain, appoint (two) arbiters, one from
his family, and the other from hers; if they wish for peace, Allah will cause their
reconciliation: For Allah hath full knowledge, and is acquainted with all things.
36. Serve Allah, and join not any partners with Him; and do good- to parents,
kinsfolk, orphans, those in need, neighbours who are near, neighbours who are
strangers, the companion by your side, the wayfarer (ye meet), and what your
right hands possess: For Allah loveth not the arrogant, the vainglorious;-
37. (Nor) those who are niggardly or enjoin niggardliness on others, or hide the
bounties which Allah hath bestowed on them; for We have prepared, for those
who resist Faith, a punishment that steeps them in contempt;-
38. Not those who spend of their substance, to be seen of men, but have no
faith in Allah and the Last Day: If any take the Evil One for their intimate, what
a dreadful intimate he is!
39. And what burden Were it on them if they had faith in Allah and in the Last
Day, and they spent out of what Allah hath given them for sustenance? For
Allah hath full knowledge of them.
40. Allah is never unjust in the least degree: If there is any good (done), He
doubleth it, and giveth from His own presence a great reward.
41. How then if We brought from each people a witness, and We brought thee
as a witness against these people!
42. On that day those who reject Faith and disobey the apostle will wish that
the earth Were made one with them: But never will they hide a single fact from
Allah..
43. O ye who believe! Approach not prayers with a mind befogged, until ye can
understand all that ye say,- nor in a state of ceremonial impurity (Except when
travelling on the road), until after washing your whole body. If ye are ill, or on a
journey, or one of you cometh from offices of nature, or ye have been in
contact with women, and ye find no water, then take for yourselves clean sand
or earth, and rub therewith your faces and hands. For Allah doth blot out sins
and forgive again and again.
44. Hast thou not turned Thy vision to those who were given a portion of the
Book? they traffic in error, and wish that ye should lose the right path.
45. But Allah hath full knowledge of your enemies: Allah is enough for a
protector, and Allah is enough for a Helper.
46. Of the Jews there are those who displace words from their (right) places,
and say: "We hear and we disobey"; and "Hear what is not Heard"; and
"Ra'ina"; with a twist of their tongues and a slander to Faith.
If only they had said: "What hear and we obey"; and "Do hear"; and "Do look at
us"; it would have been better for them, and more proper; but Allah hath
cursed them for their Unbelief; and but few of them will believe.
47. O ye People of the Book! believe in what We have (now) revealed,
confirming what was (already) with you, before We change the face and fame
of some (of you) beyond all recognition, and turn them hindwards, or curse
them as We cursed the Sabbath-breakers, for the decision of Allah Must be
carried out.
48. Allah forgiveth not that partners should be set up with Him; but He
forgiveth anything else, to whom He pleaseth; to set up partners with Allah is to
devise a sin Most heinous indeed.
49. Hast thou not turned Thy vision to those who claim sanctity for themselves?
Nay-but Allah Doth sanctify whom He pleaseth. But never will they fail to
receive justice in the least little thing.
50. Behold! how they invent a lie against Allah. but that by itself is a manifest
sin!
51. Hast thou not turned Thy vision to those who were given a portion of the
Book? they believe in sorcery and Evil, and say to the Unbelievers that they are
better guided in the (right) way Than the believers!
52. They are (men) whom Allah hath cursed: And those whom Allah Hath
cursed, thou wilt find, have no one to help..
53. Have they a share in dominion or power? Behold, they give not a farthing to
their fellow-men?
54. Or do they envy mankind for what Allah hath given them of his bounty? but
We had already given the people of Abraham the Book and Wisdom, and
conferred upon them a great kingdom.
55. Some of them believed, and some of them averted their faces from him:
And enough is Hell for a burning fire.
56. Those who reject our Signs, We shall soon cast into the Fire: as often as
their skins are roasted through, We shall change them for fresh skins, that they
may taste the penalty: for Allah is Exalted in Power, Wise.
57. But those who believe and do deeds of righteousness, We shall soon admit
to Gardens, with rivers flowing beneath,- their eternal home: Therein shall they
have companions pure and holy: We shall admit them to shades, cool and ever
deepening.
58. Allah doth command you to render back your Trusts to those to whom they
are due; And when ye judge between man and man, that ye judge with justice:
Verily how excellent is the teaching which He giveth you! For Allah is He Who
heareth and seeth all things.
59. O ye who believe! Obey Allah, and obey the Messenger, and those charged
with authority among you. If ye differ in anything among yourselves, refer it to
Allah and His Messenger, if ye do believe in Allah and the Last Day: That is
best, and most suitable for final determination.
60. Hast thou not turned Thy vision to those who declare that they believe in
the revelations that have come to thee and to those before thee? Their (real)
wish is to resort together for judgment (in their disputes) to the Evil One,
though they were ordered to reject him. But Satan's wish is to lead them astray
far away (from the right).
61. When it is said to them: "Come to what Allah hath revealed, and to the
Messenger.: Thou seest the Hypocrites avert their faces from thee in disgust.
62. How then, when they are seized by misfortune, because of the deeds which
they hands have sent forth? Then their come to thee, swearing by Allah. "We
meant no more than good-will and conciliation!"
63. Those men,-(Allah) knows what is in their hearts; so keep clear of them,
but admonish them, and speak to them a word to reach their very souls..
64. We sent not an apostle, but to be obeyed, in accordance with the will of
Allah. If they had only, when they were unjust to themselves, come unto thee
and asked Allah’s forgiveness, and the Messenger had asked forgiveness for
them, they would have found Allah indeed Oft-returning, Most Merciful.
65. But no, by the Lord, they can have no (real) Faith, until they make thee
judge in all disputes between them, and find in their souls no resistance
against Thy decisions, but accept them with the fullest conviction.
66. If We had ordered them to sacrifice their lives or to leave their homes, very
few of them would have done it: But if they had done what they were (actually)
told, it would have been best for them, and would have gone farthest to
strengthen their (faith);
67. And We should then have given them from our presence a great reward;
68. And We should have shown them the Straight Way.
69. All who obey Allah and the apostle are in the company of those on whom is
the Grace of Allah,- of the prophets (who teach), the sincere (lovers of Truth),
the witnesses (who testify), and the Righteous (who do good): Ah! what a
beautiful fellowship!
70. Such is the bounty from Allah. And sufficient is it that Allah knoweth all.
71. O ye who believe! Take your precautions, and either go forth in
parties or go forth all together.
72. There are certainly among you men who would tarry behind: If a
misfortune befalls you, they say: "(Allah) did favour us in that we were
not present among them."
73. But if good fortune comes to you from Allah, they would be sure
to say - as if there had never been Ties of affection between you and
them - "Oh! I wish I had been with them; a fine thing should I then have
made of it!"
74. Let those fight in the cause of Allah Who sell the life of this world
for the hereafter. To him who fighteth in the cause of Allah,- whether he is
slain or gets victory - Soon shall We give him a reward of great (value).
75. And why should ye not fight in the cause of Allah and of those
who, being weak, are ill-treated (and oppressed)?- Men, women, and
children, whose cry is: "Our Lord! Rescue us from this town, whose people.are
oppressors; and raise for us from thee one who will protect; and raise
for us from thee one who will help!"
76. Those who believe fight in the cause of Allah, and those who
reject Faith Fight in the cause of Evil: So fight ye against the friends of
Satan: feeble indeed is the cunning of Satan.
77. Hast thou not turned Thy vision to those who were told to hold
back their hands (from fight) but establish regular prayers and spend in
regular charity? When (at length) the order for fighting was issued to
them, behold! a section of them feared men as - or even more than - they
should have feared Allah. They said: "Our Lord! Why hast Thou ordered us
to fight? Wouldst Thou not Grant us respite to our (natural) term, near
(enough)?" Say: "Short is the enjoyment of this world: the Hereafter is
the best for those who do right: Never will ye be dealt with unjustly in the
very least!
78. "Wherever ye are, death will find you out, even if ye are in towers
built up strong and high!" If some good befalls them, they say, "This is
from Allah.; but if evil, they say, "This is from thee" (O Prophet). Say: "All
things are from Allah." But what hath come to these people, that they fail
to understand a single fact?
79. Whatever good, (O man!) happens to thee, is from Allah. but
whatever evil happens to thee, is from thy (own) soul. and We have sent
thee as an apostle to (instruct) mankind. And enough is Allah for a
witness.
80. He who obeys the Messenger, obeys Allah. But if any turn away,
We have not sent thee to watch over their (evil deeds).
81. They have "Obedience" on their lips; but when they leave thee, a
section of them Meditate all night on things very different from what thou
tellest them. But Allah records their nightly (plots): So keep clear of them,
and put thy trust in Allah, and enough is Allah as a disposer of affairs.
82. Do they not consider the Qur'an (with care)? Had it been from
other Than Allah, they would surely have found therein Much discrepancy.
83. When there comes to them some matter touching (Public) safety
or fear, they divulge it. If they had only referred it to the Messenger, or to
those charged with authority among them, the proper investigators would
have Tested it from them (direct). Were it not for the Grace and Mercy of
Allah unto you, all but a few of you would have fallen into the clutches of
Satan..84. Then fight in Allah’s cause - Thou art held responsible only for
thyself - and rouse the believers. It may be that Allah will restrain the fury
of the Unbelievers; for Allah is the strongest in might and in punishment.
85. Whoever recommends and helps a good cause becomes a partner
therein: And whoever recommends and helps an evil cause, shares in its
burden: And Allah hath power over all things.
86. When a (courteous) greeting is offered you, meet it with a
greeting still more courteous, or (at least) of equal courtesy. Allah takes
careful account of all things.
87. Allah. There is no god but He: of a surety He will gather you
together against the Day of Judgment, about which there is no doubt. And
whose word can be truer than Allah’s?
88. Why should ye be divided into two parties about the Hypocrites?
Allah hath upset them for their (evil) deeds. Would ye guide those whom
Allah hath thrown out of the Way? For those whom Allah hath thrown out
of the Way, never shalt thou find the Way.
89. They but wish that ye should reject Faith, as they do, and thus be
on the same footing (as they): But take not friends from their ranks until
they flee in the way of Allah (From what is forbidden). But if they turn
renegades, seize them and slay them wherever ye find them; and (in any
case) take no friends or helpers from their ranks;-
90. Except those who join a group between whom and you there is a
treaty (of peace), or those who approach you with hearts restraining them
from fighting you as well as fighting their own people. If Allah had
pleased, He could have given them power over you, and they would have
fought you: Therefore if they withdraw from you but fight you not, and
(instead) send you (Guarantees of) peace, then Allah Hath opened no way
for you (to war against them).
91. Others you will find that wish to gain your confidence as well as
that of their people: Every time they are sent back to temptation, they
succumb thereto: if they withdraw not from you nor give you (guarantees)
of peace besides restraining their hands, seize them and slay them
wherever ye get them: In their case We have provided you with a clear
argument against them.
92. Never should a believer kill a believer; but (If it so happens) by
mistake, (Compensation is due): If one (so) kills a believer, it is ordained
that he should free a believing slave, and pay compensation to the
deceased's family, unless they remit it freely. If the deceased belonged to
a people at war with you, and he was a believer, the freeing of a believing
slave (Is enough). If he belonged to a people with whom ye have treaty
of.Mutual alliance, compensation should be paid to his family, and a believing
slave be freed. For those who find this beyond their means, (is prescribed)
a fast for two months running: by way of repentance to Allah. for Allah
hath all knowledge and all wisdom.
93. If a man kills a believer intentionally, his recompense is Hell, to
abide therein (For ever): And the wrath and the curse of Allah are upon
him, and a dreadful penalty is prepared for him.
94. O ye who believe! When ye go abroad in the cause of Allah,
investigate carefully, and say not to any one who offers you a salutation:
"Thou art none of a believer!" Coveting the perishable goods of this life:
with Allah are profits and spoils abundant. Even thus were ye yourselves
before, till Allah conferred on you His favours: Therefore carefully
investigate. For Allah is well aware of all that ye do.
95. Not equal are those believers who sit (at home) and receive no
hurt, and those who strive and fight in the cause of Allah with their goods
and their persons. Allah hath granted a grade higher to those who strive
and fight with their goods and persons than to those who sit (at home).
Unto all (in Faith) Hath Allah promised good: But those who strive and
fight Hath He distinguished above those who sit (at home) by a special
reward,-
96. Ranks specially bestowed by Him, and Forgiveness and Mercy.
For Allah is Oft-forgiving, Most Merciful.
97. When angels take the souls of those who die in sin against their
souls, they say: "In what (plight) Were ye?" They reply: "Weak and
oppressed Were we in the earth." They say: "Was not the earth of Allah
spacious enough for you to move yourselves away (From evil)?" Such men
will find their abode in Hell,- What an evil refuge! -
98. Except those who are (really) weak and oppressed - men,
women, and children - who have no means in their power, nor (a guide-post)
to their way.
99. For these, there is hope that Allah will forgive: For Allah doth blot
out (sins) and forgive again and again.
100. He who forsakes his home in the cause of Allah, finds in the
earth Many a refuge, wide and spacious: Should he die as a refugee from
home for Allah and His Messenger, His reward becomes due and sure with
Allah. And Allah is Oft-forgiving, Most Merciful.
101. When ye travel through the earth, there is no blame on you if
ye shorten your prayers, for fear the Unbelievers May attack you: For the
Unbelievers are unto you open enemies..102. When thou (O Messenger. art
with them, and standest to lead
them in prayer, Let one party of them stand up (in prayer) with thee,
Taking their arms with them: When they finish their prostrations, let them
Take their position in the rear. And let the other party come up which hath
not yet prayed - and let them pray with thee, Taking all precaution, and
bearing arms: the Unbelievers wish, if ye were negligent of your arms and
your baggage, to assault you in a single rush. But there is no blame on
you if ye put away your arms because of the inconvenience of rain or
because ye are ill; but take (every) precaution for yourselves. For the
Unbelievers Allah hath prepared a humiliating punishment.
103. When ye pass (Congregational) prayers, celebrate Allah’s
praises, standing, sitting down, or lying down on your sides; but when ye
are free from danger, set up Regular Prayers: For such prayers are
enjoined on believers at stated times.
104. And slacken not in following up the enemy: If ye are suffering
hardships, they are suffering similar hardships; but ye have Hope from
Allah, while they have none. And Allah is full of knowledge and wisdom.
105. We have sent down to thee the Book in truth, that thou
mightest judge between men, as guided by Allah. so be not (used) as an
advocate by those who betray their trust;
106. But seek the forgiveness of Allah. for Allah is Oft-forgiving, Most
Merciful.
107. Contend not on behalf of such as betray their own souls; for
Allah loveth not one given to perfidy and crime:
108. They may hide (Their crimes) from men, but they cannot hide
(Them) from Allah, seeing that He is in their midst when they plot by
night, in words that He cannot approve: And Allah Doth compass round all
that they do.
109. Ah! These are the sort of men on whose behalf ye may contend
in this world; but who will contend with Allah on their behalf on the Day of
Judgment, or who will carry their affairs through?
110. If any one does evil or wrongs his own soul but afterwards
seeks Allah’s forgiveness, he will find Allah Oft-forgiving, Most Merciful.
111. And if any one earns sin. he earns it against His own soul: for
Allah is full of knowledge and wisdom.
112. But if any one earns a fault or a sin and throws it on to one that
is innocent, He carries (on himself) (Both) a falsehood and a flagrant sin..113.
But for the Grace of Allah to thee and his Mercy, a party of them
would certainly have plotted to lead thee astray. But (in fact) they will
only Lead their own souls astray, and to thee they can do no harm in the
least. For Allah hath sent down to thee the Book and wisdom and taught
thee what thou Knewest not (before): And great is the Grace of Allah unto
thee.
114. In most of their secret talks there is no good: But if one exhorts
to a deed of charity or justice or conciliation between men, (Secrecy is
permissible): To him who does this, seeking the good pleasure of Allah,
We shall soon give a reward of the highest (value).
115. If anyone contends with the Messenger even after guidance has
been plainly conveyed to him, and follows a path other than that
becoming to men of Faith, We shall leave him in the path he has chosen,
and land him in Hell,- what an evil refuge!
116. Allah forgiveth not (The sin of) joining other gods with Him; but
He forgiveth whom He pleaseth other sins than this: one who joins other
gods with Allah, Hath strayed far, far away (from the right).
117. (The Pagans), leaving Him, call but upon female deities: They
call but upon satan the persistent rebel!
118. Allah did curse him, but he said: "I will take of Thy servants a
portion Marked off;
119. "I will mislead them, and I will create in them false desires; I
will order them to slit the ears of cattle, and to deface the (fair) nature
created by Allah." Whoever, forsaking Allah, takes satan for a friend, hath
of a surety suffered a loss that is manifest.
120. Satan makes them promises, and creates in them false desires;
but satan's promises are nothing but deception.
121. They (his dupes) will have their dwelling in Hell, and from it
they will find no way of escape.
122. But those who believe and do deeds of righteousness,- we shall
soon admit them to gardens, with rivers flowing beneath,-to dwell therein
for ever. Allah’s promise is the truth, and whose word can be truer than
Allah’s?
123. Not your desires, nor those of the People of the Book (can
prevail): whoever works evil, will be requited accordingly. Nor will he find,
besides Allah, any protector or helper..124. If any do deeds of righteousness,-
be they male or female - and
have faith, they will enter Heaven, and not the least injustice will be done
to them.
125. Who can be better in religion than one who submits his whole
self to Allah, does good, and follows the way of Abraham the true in Faith?
For Allah did take Abraham for a friend.
126. But to Allah belong all things in the heavens and on earth: And
He it is that Encompasseth all things.
127. They ask thy instruction concerning the women say: Allah doth
instruct you about them: And (remember) what hath been rehearsed unto
you in the Book, concerning the orphans of women to whom ye give not
the portions prescribed, and yet whom ye desire to marry, as also
concerning the children who are weak and oppressed: that ye stand firm
for justice to orphans. There is not a good deed which ye do, but Allah is
well-acquainted therewith.
128. If a wife fears cruelty or desertion on her husband's part, there
is no blame on them if they arrange an amicable settlement between
themselves; and such settlement is best; even though men's souls are
swayed by greed. But if ye do good and practise self-restraint, Allah is
well-acquainted with all that ye do.
129. Ye are never able to be fair and just as between women, even if
it is your ardent desire: But turn not away (from a woman) altogether, so
as to leave her (as it were) hanging (in the air). If ye come to a friendly
understanding, and practise self- restraint, Allah is Oft-forgiving, Most
Merciful.
130. But if they disagree (and must part), Allah will provide
abundance for all from His all-reaching bounty: for Allah is He that careth
for all and is Wise.
131. To Allah belong all things in the heavens and on earth. Verily we
have directed the People of the Book before you, and you (o Muslims) to
fear Allah. But if ye deny Him, lo! unto Allah belong all things in the
heavens and on earth, and Allah is free of all wants, worthy of all praise.
132. Yea, unto Allah belong all things in the heavens and on earth,
and enough is Allah to carry through all affairs.
133. If it were His will, He could destroy you, o mankind, and create
another race; for He hath power this to do..134. If any one desires a reward in
this life, in Allah’s (gift) is the
reward (both) of this life and of the hereafter: for Allah is He that heareth
and seeth (all things).
135. O ye who believe! stand out firmly for justice, as witnesses to
Allah, even as against yourselves, or your parents, or your kin, and
whether it be (against) rich or poor: for Allah can best protect both. Follow
not the lusts (of your hearts), lest ye swerve, and if ye distort (justice) or
decline to do justice, verily Allah is well- acquainted with all that ye do.
136. O ye who believe! Believe in Allah and His Messenger, and the
scripture which He hath sent to His Messenger and the scripture which He
sent to those before (him). Any who denieth Allah, His angels, His Books,
His Messenger., and the Day of Judgment, hath gone far, far astray.
137. Those who believe, then reject faith, then believe (again) and
(again) reject faith, and go on increasing in unbelief,- Allah will not forgive
them nor guide them nor guide them on the way.
138. To the Hypocrites give the glad tidings that there is for them
(but) a grievous penalty;-
139. Yea, to those who take for friends unbelievers rather than
believers: is it honour they seek among them? Nay,- all honour is with
Allah.
140. Already has He sent you Word in the Book, that when ye hear
the signs of Allah held in defiance and ridicule, ye are not to sit with them
unless they turn to a different theme: if ye did, ye would be like them. For
Allah will collect the hypocrites and those who defy faith - all in Hell:-
141. (These are) the ones who wait and watch about you: if ye do
gain a victory from Allah, they say: "Were we not with you?"- but if the
unbelievers gain a success, they say (to them): "Did we not gain an
advantage over you, and did we not guard you from the believers?" but
Allah will judge betwixt you on the Day of Judgment. And never will Allah
grant to the unbelievers a way (to triumphs) over the believers.
142. The Hypocrites - they think they are over-reaching Allah, but He
will over- reach them: When they stand up to prayer, they stand without
earnestness, to be seen of men, but little do they hold Allah in
remembrance;
143. (They are) distracted in mind even in the midst of it,- being
(sincerely) for neither one group nor for another whom Allah leaves
straying,- never wilt thou find for him the way..144. O ye who believe! Take
not for friends unbelievers rather than
believers: Do ye wish to offer Allah an open proof against yourselves?
145. The Hypocrites will be in the lowest depths of the Fire: no helper
wilt thou find for them;-
146. Except for those who repent, mend (their lives) hold fast to
Allah, and purify their religion as in Allah’s sight: if so they will be
(numbered) with the believers. And soon will Allah grant to the believers a
reward of immense value.
147. What can Allah gain by your punishment, if ye are grateful and
ye believe? Nay, it is Allah that recogniseth (all good), and knoweth all
things.
148. Allah loveth not that evil should be noised abroad in public
speech, except where injustice hath been done; for Allah is He who
heareth and knoweth all things.
149. Whether ye publish a good deed or conceal it or cover evil with
pardon, verily Allah doth blot out (sins) and hath power (in the judgment
of values).
150. Those who deny Allah and His apostles, and (those who) wish to
separate Allah from His apostles, saying: "We believe in some but reject
others": And (those who) wish to take a course midway,-
151. They are in truth (equally) unbelievers; and we have prepared
for unbelievers a humiliating punishment.
152. To those who believe in Allah and His apostles and make no
distinction between any of the apostles, we shall soon give their (due)
rewards: for Allah is Oft- forgiving, Most Merciful.
153. The people of the Book ask thee to cause a book to descend to
them from heaven: Indeed they asked Moses for an even greater
(miracle), for they said: "Show us Allah in public," but they were dazed for
their presumption, with thunder and lightning. Yet they worshipped the
calf even after clear signs had come to them; even so we forgave them;
and gave Moses manifest proofs of authority.
154. And for their covenant we raised over them (the towering
height) of Mount (Sinai); and (on another occasion) we said: "Enter the
gate with humility"; and (once again) we commanded them: "Transgress
not in the matter of the sabbath." And we took from them a solemn
covenant..155. (They have incurred divine displeasure): In that they broke
their
covenant; that they rejected the signs of Allah. that they slew the
Messengers in defiance of right; that they said, "Our hearts are the
wrappings (which preserve Allah’s Word; We need no more)";- Nay, Allah
hath set the seal on their hearts for their blasphemy, and little is it they
believe;-
156. That they rejected Faith; that they uttered against Mary a grave
false charge;
157. That they said (in boast), "We killed Christ Jesus the son of
Mary, the Messenger of Allah.;- but they killed him not, nor crucified him,
but so it was made to appear to them, and those who differ therein are
full of doubts, with no (certain) knowledge, but only conjecture to follow,
for of a surety they killed him not:-
158. Nay, Allah raised him up unto Himself; and Allah is Exalted in
Power, Wise;-
159. And there is none of the People of the Book but must believe in
him before his death; and on the Day of Judgment he will be a witness
against them;-
160. For the iniquity of the Jews We made unlawful for them certain
(foods) good and wholesome which had been lawful for them;- in that
they hindered many from Allah’s Way;-
161. That they took usury, though they were forbidden; and that
they devoured men's substance wrongfully;- we have prepared for those
among them who reject faith a grievous punishment.
162. But those among them who are well-grounded in knowledge,
and the believers, believe in what hath been revealed to thee and what
was revealed before thee: And (especially) those who establish regular
prayer and practise regular charity and believe in Allah and in the Last
Day: To them shall We soon give a great reward.
163. We have sent thee inspiration, as We sent it to Noah and the
Messengers after him: we sent inspiration to Abraham, Isma'il, Isaac,
Jacob and the Tribes, to Jesus, Job, Jonah, Aaron, and solomon, and to
David We gave the Psalms.
164. Of some apostles We have already told thee the story; of others
We have not;- and to Moses Allah spoke direct;-
165. Messenger. who gave good news as well as warning, that
mankind, after (the coming) of the apostles, should have no plea against
Allah. For Allah is Exalted in Power, Wise..166. But Allah beareth witness that
what He hath sent unto thee He
hath sent from His (own) knowledge, and the angels bear witness: But
enough is Allah for a witness.
167. Those who reject Faith and keep off (men) from the way of
Allah, have verily strayed far, far away from the Path.
168. Those who reject Faith and do wrong,- Allah will not forgive
them nor guide them to any way-
169. Except the way of Hell, to dwell therein for ever. And this to
Allah is easy.
170. O Mankind! The Messenger hath come to you in truth from
Allah. believe in him: It is best for you. But if ye reject Faith, to Allah
belong all things in the heavens and on earth: And Allah is All-knowing,
All-wise.
171. O People of the Book! Commit no excesses in your religion: Nor
say of Allah aught but the truth. Christ Jesus the son of Mary was (no
more than) an apostle of Allah, and His Word, which He bestowed on
Mary, and a spirit proceeding from Him: so believe in Allah and His
apostles. Say not "Trinity" : desist: it will be better for you: for Allah is
one Allah. Glory be to Him: (far exalted is He) above having a son. To Him
belong all things in the heavens and on earth. And enough is Allah as a
Disposer of affairs.
172. Christ disdaineth nor to serve and worship Allah, nor do the
angels, those nearest (to Allah.: those who disdain His worship and are
arrogant,-He will gather them all together unto Himself to (answer).
173. But to those who believe and do deeds of righteousness, He will
give their (due) rewards,- and more, out of His bounty: But those who are
disdainful and arrogant, He will punish with a grievous penalty; Nor will
they find, besides Allah, any to protect or help them.
174. O mankind! verily there hath come to you a convincing proof
from your Lord: For We have sent unto you a light (that is) manifest.
175. Then those who believe in Allah, and hold fast to Him,- soon will
He admit them to mercy and grace from Himself, and guide them to
Himself by a straight way.
176. They ask thee for a legal decision. Say: Allah directs (thus)
about those who leave no descendants or ascendants as heirs. If it is a
man that dies, leaving a sister but no child, she shall have half the
inheritance: If (such a deceased was) a woman, who left no child, Her
brother takes her inheritance: If there are two sisters, they shall have.twothirds
of the inheritance (between them): if there are brothers and
sisters, (they share), the male having twice the share of the female. Thus
doth Allah make clear to you (His law), lest ye err. And Allah hath
knowledge of all things.

April 15, 2007 | 4:49 PM Comments  0 comments

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The Family Of 'Imran, The House Of 'Imran

Surah 3. The Family Of 'Imran, The House Of 'Imran
1. A. L. M.
2. Allah. There is no god but He,-the Living, the Self-Subsisting,
Eternal.
3. It is He Who sent down to thee (step by step), in truth, the Book, confirming
what went before it; and He sent down the Law (of Moses) and the Gospel (of
Jesus) before this, as a guide to mankind, and He sent down the criterion (of
judgment between right and wrong).
4. Then those who reject Faith in the Signs of Allah will suffer the severest
penalty, and Allah is Exalted in Might, Lord of Retribution.
5. From Allah, verily nothing is hidden on earth or in the heavens.
6. He it is Who shapes you in the wombs as He pleases. There is no god but He,
the Exalted in Might, the Wise.
7. He it is Who has sent down to thee the Book: In it are verses basic or
fundamental (of established meaning); they are the foundation of the Book:
others are allegorical. But those in whose hearts is perversity follow
the part thereof that is allegorical, seeking discord, and searching for its hidden
meanings, but no one knows its hidden meanings except Allah.. And those who
are firmly grounded in knowledge say: "We believe in the Book; the whole of it
is from our Lord:" and none will grasp the Message except men of
understanding.
8. "Our Lord!" (they say), "Let not our hearts deviate now after Thou hast
guided us, but grant us mercy from Thine own Presence; for Thou art the
Grantor of bounties without measure.
9. "Our Lord! Thou art He that will gather mankind Together against a day
about which there is no doubt; for Allah never fails in His promise."
10. Those who reject Faith,- neither their possessions nor their (numerous)
progeny will avail them aught against Allah. They are themselves but fuel for
the Fire.
11. (Their plight will be) no better than that of the people of Pharaoh, and their
predecessors: They denied our Signs, and Allah called them to account for their
sins. For Allah is strict in punishment.
12. Say to those who reject Faith: "Soon will ye be vanquished and gathered
together to Hell,-an evil bed indeed (to lie on)!
13. "There has already been for you a Sign in the two armies that met (in
combat): One was fighting in the cause of Allah, the other resisting Allah. these
saw with their own eyes Twice their number. But Allah doth support with His aid
whom He pleaseth. In this is a warning for such as have eyes to see."
14. Fair in the eyes of men is the love of things they covet: Women and sons;
Heaped-up hoards of gold and silver; horses branded (for blood and
excellence); and (wealth of) cattle and well-tilled land. Such are the
possessions of this world's life; but in nearness to Allah is the best of the goals
(To return to).
15. Say: Shall I give you glad tidings of things Far better than those? For the
righteous are Gardens in nearness to their Lord, with rivers flowing beneath;
therein is their eternal home; with companions pure (and holy); and the good
pleasure of Allah. For in Allah’s sight are (all) His servants,-
16. (Namely), those who say: "Our Lord! we have indeed believed: forgive us,
then, our sins, and save us from the agony of the Fire;"-
17. Those who show patience, Firmness and self-control; who are true (in word
and deed); who worship devoutly; who spend (in the way of Allah.; and who
pray for forgiveness in the early hours of the morning..
18. There is no god but He: That is the witness of Allah, His angels, and those
endued with knowledge, standing firm on justice. There is no god but He, the
Exalted in Power, the Wise.
19. The Religion before Allah is Islam (submission to His Will): Nor did the
People of the Book dissent therefrom except through envy of each other, after
knowledge had come to them. But if any deny the Signs of Allah, Allah is swift
in calling to account.
20. So if they dispute with thee, say: "I have submitted My whole self to Allah
and so have those who follow me." And say to the People of the Book and to
those who are unlearned: "Do ye (also) submit yourselves?" If they do, they are
in right guidance, but if they turn back, Thy duty is to convey the Message; and
in Allah’s sight are (all) His servants.
21. As to those who deny the Signs of Allah and in defiance of right, slay the
prophets, and slay those who teach just dealing with mankind, announce to
them a grievous penalty.
22. They are those whose works will bear no fruit in this world and in the
Hereafter nor will they have anyone to help.
23. Hast thou not turned Thy vision to those who have been given a portion of
the Book? They are invited to the Book of Allah, to settle their dispute, but a
party of them Turn back and decline (The arbitration).
24. This because they say: "The Fire shall not touch us but for a few numbered
days": For their forgeries deceive them as to their own religion.
25. But how (will they fare) when we gather them together against a day about
which there is no doubt, and each soul will be paid out just what it has earned,
without (favour or) injustice?
26. Say: "O Allah. Lord of Power (And Rule), Thou givest power to whom Thou
pleasest, and Thou strippest off power from whom Thou pleasest: Thou enduest
with honour whom Thou pleasest, and Thou bringest low whom Thou pleasest:
In Thy hand is all good. Verily, over all things Thou hast power.
27. "Thou causest the night to gain on the day, and thou causest the day to
gain on the night; Thou bringest the Living out of the dead, and Thou bringest
the dead out of the Living; and Thou givest sustenance to whom Thou pleasest,
without measure."
28. Let not the believers Take for friends or helpers Unbelievers rather than
believers: if any do that, in nothing will there be help from Allah. except by way
of precaution, that ye may Guard yourselves from. them. But Allah cautions you
(To remember) Himself; for the final goal is to Allah.
29. Say: "Whether ye hide what is in your hearts or reveal it, Allah knows it all:
He knows what is in the heavens, and what is on earth. And Allah has power
over all things.
30. "On the Day when every soul will be confronted with all the good it has
done, and all the evil it has done, it will wish there were a great distance
between it and its evil. But Allah cautions you (To remember) Himself. And
Allah is full of kindness to those that serve Him."
31. Say: "If ye do love Allah, Follo w me: Allah will love you and forgive you
your sins: For Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful."
32. Say: "Obey Allah and His Messenger.: But if they turn back, Allah loveth
not those who reject Faith.
33. Allah did choose Adam and Noah, the family of Abraham, and the family of
'Imran above all people,-
34. Offspring, one of the other: And Allah heareth and knoweth all things.
35. Behold! a woman of 'Imran said: "O my Lord! I do dedicate unto Thee what
is in my womb for Thy special service: So accept this of me: For Thou hearest
and knowest all things."
36. When she was delivered, she said: "O my Lord! Behold! I am delivered of a
female child!"- and Allah knew best what she brought forth-"And no wise is the
male Like the female. I have named her Mary, and I commend her and her
offspring to Thy protection from the Evil One, the Rejected."
37. Right graciously did her Lord accept her: He made her grow in purity and
beauty: To the care of Zakariya was she assigned. Every time that he entered
(Her) chamber to see her, He found her supplied with sustenance. He said: "O
Mary! Whence (comes) this to you?" She said: "From Allah. for Allah Provides
sustenance to whom He pleases without measure."
38. There did Zakariya pray to his Lord, saying: "O my Lord! Grant unto me
from Thee a progeny that is pure: for Thou art He that heareth prayer!
39. While he was standing in prayer in the chamber, the angels called unto
him: "(Allah) doth give thee glad tidings of Yahya, witnessing the. truth of a
Word from Allah, and (be besides) noble, chaste, and a prophet,- of the
(goodly) company of the righteous."
40. He said: "O my lord! How shall I have a son seeing I am very old and my
wife is barren?" "Thus" was the answer "doth Allah accomplish what He willeth."
41. He said: "O my Lord! Give me a Sign!" "Thy Sign," was the answer, "Shall
be that thou shalt speak to no man for three days but with signals. Then
celebrate the praises of thy Lord again and again, and glorify Him in the
evening and in the morning."
42. Behold! the angels said: "O Mary! Allah hath chosen thee and purified theechosen
thee above the women of all nations.
43. "O Mary! worship Thy Lord devoutly: Prostrate thyself, and bow down (in
prayer) with those who bow down."
44. This is part of the tidings of the things unseen, which We reveal unto thee
(O Messenger.) by inspiration: Thou wast not with them when they cast lots
with arrows, as to which of them should be charged with the care of Mary: Nor
wast thou with them when they disputed (the point).
45. Behold! the angels said: "O Mary! Allah giveth thee glad tidings of a Word
from Him: his name will be Christ Jesus, the son of Mary, held in honour in this
world and the Hereafter and of (the company of) those nearest to Allah.
46. "He shall speak to the people in childhood and in maturity. And he shall be
(of the company) of the righteous."
47. She said: "O my Lord! How shall I have a son when no man hath touched
me?" He said: "Even so: Allah createth what He willeth: When He
hath decreed a plan, He but saith to it, 'Be,' and it is!
48. "And Allah will teach him the Book and Wisdom, the Law and the Gospel,
49. "And (appoint him) an apostle to the Children of Israel, (with this
message): "'I have come to you, with a Sign from your Lord, in that I make for
you out of clay, as it were, the figure of a bird, and breathe into it, and it
becomes a bird by Allah’s leave: And I heal those born blind, and the lepers,
and I quicken the dead, by Allah’s leave; and I declare to you what ye eat, and
what ye store in your houses. Surely therein is a Sign for you if ye did believe;.
50. "'(I have come to you), to attest the Law which was before me. And to
make lawful to you part of what was (Before) forbidden to you; I have come to
you with a Sign from your Lord. So fear Allah, and obey me.
51. "'It is Allah Who is my Lord and your Lord; then worship Him. This is a Way
that is straight.'"
52. When Jesus found Unbelief on their part He said: "Who will be My helpers
to (the work of) Allah." Said the disciples: "We are Allah’s helpers: We believe
in Allah, and do thou bear witness that we are Muslims.
53. "Our Lord! we believe in what Thou hast revealed, and we follow the
Messenger. then write us down among those who bear witness."
54. And (the unbelievers) plotted and planned, and Allah too planned, and the
best of planners is Allah.
55. Behold! Allah said: "O Jesus! I will take thee and raise thee to Myself and
clear thee (of the falsehoods) of those who blaspheme; I will make those who
follow thee superior to those who reject faith, to the Day of Resurrection: Then
shall ye all return unto me, and I will judge between you of the matters wherein
ye dispute.
56. "As to those who reject faith, I will punish them with terrible agony in this
world and in the Hereafter, nor will they have anyone to help."
57. "As to those who believe and work righteousness, Allah will pay them (in
full) their reward; but Allah loveth not those who do wrong."
58. "This is what we rehearse unto thee of the Signs and the Message of
Wisdom."
59. The similitude of Jesus before Allah is as that of Adam; He created him
from dust, then said to him: "Be". And he was.
60. The Truth (comes) from Allah alone; so be not of those who doubt.
61. If any one disputes in this matter with thee, now after (full) knowledge
Hath come to thee, say: "Come! let us gather together,- our sons and your
sons, our women and your women, ourselves and yourselves: Then let us
earnestly pray, and invoke the curse of Allah on those who lie!"
62. This is the true account: There is no god except Allah. And Allah. He is
indeed the Exalted in Power, the Wise..63. But if they turn back, Allah hath full
knowledge of those who do mischief.
64. Say: "O People of the Book! come to common terms as 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 ye: "Bear witness that we (at least) are Muslims
(bowing to Allah’s Will).
65. Ye People of the Book! Why dispute ye about Abraham, when the Law and
the Gospel Were not revealed Till after him? Have ye no understanding?
66. Ah! Ye are those who fell to disputing (Even) in matters of which ye had
some knowledge! but why dispute ye in matters of which ye have no
knowledge? It is Allah Who knows, and ye who know not!
67. Abraham was not a Jew nor yet a Christian; but he was true in Faith, and
bowed his will to Allah’s (Which is Islam), and he joined not gods with Allah.
68. Without doubt, among men, the nearest of kin to Abraham, are those who
follow him, as are also this Messenger and those who believe: And Allah is the
Protector of those who have faith.
69. It is the wish of a section of the People of the Book to lead you astray. But
they shall lead astray (Not you), but themselves, and they do not perceive!
70. Ye People of the Book! Why reject ye the Signs of Allah, of which ye are
(Yourselves) witnesses?
71. Ye People of the Book! Why do ye clothe Truth with falsehood, and conceal
the Truth, while ye have knowledge?
72. A section of the People of the Book say: "Believe in the morning what is
revealed to the believers, but reject it at the end of the day; perchance they
may (themselves) Turn back;
73. "And believe no one unless he follows your religion." Say: "True guidance is
the Guidance of Allah. (Fear ye) Lest a revelation be sent to someone (else)
Like unto that which was sent unto you? or that those (Receiving such
revelation) should engage you in argument before your Lord?" Say: "All
bounties are in the hand of Allah. He granteth them to whom He pleaseth: And
Allah careth for all, and He knoweth all things."
74. For His Mercy He specially chooseth whom He pleaseth; for Allah is the Lord
of bounties unbounded..75. Among the People of the Book are some who, if
entrusted with a
hoard of gold, will (readily) pay it back; others, who, if entrusted with a single
silver coin, will not repay it unless thou constantly stoodest demanding,
because, they say, "there is no call on us (to keep faith) with these ignorant
(Pagans)." but they tell a lie against Allah, and (well) they know it.
76. Nay.- Those that keep their plighted faith and act aright,-verily Allah loves
those who act aright.
77. As for those who sell the faith they owe to Allah and their own plighted
word for a small price, they shall have no portion in the Hereafter: Nor will Allah
(Deign to) speak to them or look at them on the Day of Judgment, nor will He
cleans them (of sin): They shall have a grievous penalty.
78. There is among them a section who distort the Book with their tongues: (As
they read) you would think it is a part of the Book, but it is no part of the Book;
and they say, "That is from Allah," but it is not from Allah. It is they who tell a
lie against Allah, and (well) they know it!
79. It is not (possible) that a man, to whom is given the Book, and Wisdom,
and the prophetic office, should say to people: "Be ye my worshippers rather
than Allah’s": on the contrary (He would say) "Be ye worshippers of Him Who is
truly the Cherisher of all: For ye have taught the Book and ye have studied it
earnestly."
80. Nor would he instruct you to take angels and prophets for Lords and
patrons. What! would he bid you to unbelief after ye have bowed your will (To
Allah in Islam)?
81. Behold! Allah took the covenant of the prophets, saying: "I give you a Book
and Wisdom; then comes to you an apostle, confirming what is with you; do ye
believe in him and render him help." Allah said: "Do ye agree, and take this my
Covenant as binding on you?" They said: "We agree." He said: "Then bear
witness, and I am with you among the witnesses."
82. If any turn back after this, they are perverted transgressors.
83. Do they seek for other than the Religion of Allah.-while all creatures in the
heavens and on earth have, willing or unwilling, bowed to His Will (Accepted
Islam), and to Him shall they all be brought back.
84. Say: "We believe in Allah, and in what has been revealed to us and what
was revealed to Abraham, Isma'il, Isaac, Jacob, and the Tribes, and in (the
Books) given to Moses, Jesus, and the prophets, from their. Lord: We make no
distinction between one and another among them, and to Allah do we bow our
will (in Islam)."
85. If anyone desires a religion other than Islam (submission to Allah., never
will it be accepted of him; and in the Hereafter He will be in the ranks of those
who have lost (All spiritual good).
86. How shall Allah Guide those who reject Faith after they accepted it and bore
witness that the Messenger was true and that Clear Signs had come unto them?
but Allah guides not a people unjust.
87. Of such the reward is that on them (rests) the curse of Allah, of His angels,
and of all mankind;-
88. In that will they dwell; nor will their penalty be lightened, nor respite be
(their lot);-
89. Except for those that repent (Even) after that, and make amends; for verily
Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.
90. But those who reject Faith after they accepted it, and then go on adding to
their defiance of Faith,- never will their repentance be accepted; for they are
those who have (of set purpose) gone astray.
91. As to those who reject Faith, and die rejecting,- never would be accepted
from any such as much gold as the earth contains, though they should offer it
for ransom. For such is (in store) a penalty grievous, and they will find no
helpers.
92. By no means shall ye attain righteousness unless ye give (freely) of that
which ye love; and whatever ye give, of a truth Allah knoweth it well.
93. All food was lawful to the Children of Israel, except what Israel Made
unlawful for itself, before the Law (of Moses) was revealed. Say: "Bring ye the
Law and study it, if ye be men of truth."
94. If any, after this, invent a lie and attribute it to Allah, they are indeed
unjust wrong-doers.
95. Say: "(Allah) speaketh the Truth: follow the religion of Abraham, the sane
in faith; he was not of the Pagans."
96. The first House (of worship) appointed for men was that at Bakka: Full of
blessing and of guidance for all kinds of beings:
97. In it are Signs Manifest; (for example), the Station of Abraham; whoever
enters it attains security; Pilgrimage thereto is a duty men owe. to Allah,- those
who can afford the journey; but if any deny faith, Allah stands not in need of
any of His creatures.
98. Say: "O People of the Book! Why reject ye the Signs of Allah, when Allah is
Himself witness to all ye do?"
99. Say: "O ye People of the Book! Why obstruct ye those who believe, from
the path of Allah, Seeking to make it crooked, while ye were yourselves
witnesses (to Allah’s Covenant)? but Allah is not unmindful of all that ye do."
100. O ye who believe! If ye listen to a faction among the People of the Book,
they would (indeed) render you apostates after ye have believed!
101. And how would ye deny Faith while unto you are rehearsed the Signs of
Allah, and among you Lives the Messenger. Whoever holds firmly to Allah will
be shown a way that is straight.
102. O ye who believe! Fear Allah as He should be feared, and die not except in
a state of Islam.
103. And hold fast, all together, by the rope which Allah (stretches out for
you), and be not divided among yourselves; and remember with gratitude
Allah’s favour on you; for ye were enemies and He joined your hearts in love,
so that by His Grace, ye became brethren; and ye were on the brink of the pit
of Fire, and He saved you from it. Thus doth Allah make His Signs clear to you:
That ye may be guided.
104. Let there arise out of you a band of people inviting to all that is good,
enjoining what is right, and forbidding what is wrong: They are the ones to
attain felicity.
105. Be not like those who are divided amongst themselves and fall into
disputations after receiving Clear Signs: For them is a dreadful penalty,-
106. On the Day when some faces will be (lit up with) white, and some faces
will be (in the gloom of) black: To those whose faces will be black, (will be
said): "Did ye reject Faith after accepting it? Taste then the penalty for
rejecting Faith."
107. But those whose faces will be (lit with) white,- they will be in (the light of)
Allah’s mercy: therein to dwell (for ever).
108. These are the Signs of Allah. We rehearse them to thee in Truth: And
Allah means no injustice to any of His creatures..
109. To Allah belongs all that is in the heavens and on earth: To Him do all
questions go back (for decision).
110. Ye are the best of peoples, evolved for mankind, enjoining what is right,
forbidding what is wrong, and believing in Allah. If only the People of the Book
had faith, it were best for them: among them are some who have faith, but
most of them are perverted transgressors.
111. They will do you no harm, barring a trifling annoyance; if they come out
to fight you, they will show you their backs, and no help shall they get.
112. Shame is pitched over them (Like a tent) wherever they are found, except
when under a covenant (of protection) from Allah and from men; they draw on
themselves wrath from Allah, and pitched over them is (the tent of) destitution.
This because they rejected the Signs of Allah, and slew the prophets in defiance
of right; this because they rebelled and transgressed beyond bounds.
113. Not all of them are alike: Of the People of the Book are a portion that
stand (For the right): They rehearse the Signs of Allah all night long, and they
prostrate themselves in adoration.
114. They believe in Allah and the Last Day; they enjoin what is right, and
forbid what is wrong; and they hasten (in emulation) in (all) good works: They
are in the ranks of the righteous.
115. Of the good that they do, nothing will be rejected of them; for Allah
knoweth well those that do right.
116. Those who reject Faith,- neither their possessions nor their (numerous)
progeny will avail them aught against Allah. They will be companions of the
Fire,- dwelling therein (for ever).
117. What they spend in the life of this (material) world May be likened to a
wind which brings a nipping frost: It strikes and destroys the harvest of men
who have wronged their own souls: it is not Allah that hath wronged them, but
they wrong themselves.
118. O ye who believe! Take not into your intimacy those outside your ranks:
They will not fail to corrupt you. They only desire your ruin: Rank hatred has
already appeared from their mouths: What their hearts conceal is far worse. We
have made plain to you the Signs, if ye have wisdom.
119. Ah! ye are those who love them, but they love you not,- though ye believe
in the whole of the Book. When they meet you, they say, "We believe": But
when they are alone, they bite off the very tips of their.fingers at you in their
rage. Say: "Perish in you rage; Allah knoweth well all the secrets of the heart."
120. If aught that is good befalls you, it grieves them; but if some misfortune
overtakes you, they rejoice at it. But if ye are constant and do right, not the
least harm will their cunning do to you; for Allah Compasseth round about all
that they do.
121. Remember that morning Thou didst leave Thy household (early) to post
the faithful at their stations for battle: And Allah heareth and knoweth all
things:
122. Remember two of your parties Meditated cowardice; but Allah was their
protector, and in Allah should the faithful (Ever) put their trust.
123. Allah had helped you at Badr, when ye were a contemptible little force;
then fear Allah. thus May ye show your gratitude.
124. Remember thou saidst to the Faithful: "Is it not enough for you that Allah
should help you with three thousand angels (Specially) sent down?
125. "Yea, - if ye remain firm, and act aright, even if the enemy should rush
here on you in hot haste, your Lord would help you with five thousand angels
Making a terrific onslaught.
126. Allah made it but a message of hope for you, and an assurance to your
hearts: (in any case) there is no help except from Allah. The Exalted, the Wise:
127. That He might cut off a fringe of the Unbelievers or expose them to
infamy, and they should then be turned back, frustrated of their purpose.
128. Not for thee, (but for Allah., is the decision: Whether He turn in mercy to
them, or punish them; for they are indeed wrong-doers.
129. To Allah belongeth all that is in the heavens and on earth. He forgiveth
whom He pleaseth and punisheth whom He pleaseth; but Allah is Oft-Forgiving,
Most Merciful.
130. O ye who believe! Devour not usury, doubled and multiplied; but fear
Allah. that ye may (really) prosper.
131. Fear the Fire, which is repaired for those who reject Faith:
132. And obey Allah and the Messenger. that ye may obtain mercy..
133. Be quick in the race for forgiveness from your Lord, and for a Garden
whose width is that (of the whole) of the heavens and of the earth, prepared for
the righteous,-
134. Those who spend (freely), whether in prosperity, or in adversity; who
restrain anger, and pardon (all) men;- for Allah loves those who do good;-
135. And those who, having done something to be ashamed of, or wronged
their own souls, earnestly bring Allah to mind, and ask for forgiveness for their
sins,- and who can forgive sins except Allah.- and are never obstinate in
persisting knowingly in (the wrong) they have done.
136. For such the reward is forgiveness from their Lord, and Gardens with
rivers flowing underneath,- an eternal dwelling: How excellent a recompense for
those who work (and strive)!
137. Many were the Ways of Life that have passed away before you: travel
through the earth, and see what was the end of those who rejected Truth.
138. Here is a plain statement to men, a guidance and instruction to those who
fear Allah.
139. So lose not heart, nor fall into despair: For ye must gain mastery if ye are
true in Faith.
140. If a wound hath touched you, be sure a similar wound hath touched the
others. Such days (of varying fortunes) We give to men and men by turns: that
Allah may know those that believe, and that He may take to Himself from your
ranks Martyr-witnesses (to Truth). And Allah loveth not those that do wrong.
141. Allah’s object also is to purge those that are true in Faith and to deprive of
blessing Those that resist Faith.
142. Did ye think that ye would enter Heaven without Allah testing those of you
who fought hard (In His Cause) and remained steadfast?
143. Ye did indeed wish for death before ye met him: Now ye have seen him
with your own eyes, (And ye flinch!)
144. Muhammad is no more than an apostle: many Were the apostle that
passed away before him. If he died or were slain, will ye then Turn back on
your heels? If any did turn back on his heels, not the least harm will he do to
Allah. but Allah (on the other hand) will swiftly reward those who (serve Him)
with gratitude..
145. Nor can a soul die except by Allah’s leave, the term being fixed as by
writing. If any do desire a reward in this life, We shall give it to him; and if any
do desire a reward in the Hereafter, We shall give it to him. And swiftly shall We
reward those that (serve us with) gratitude.
146. How many of the prophets fought (in Allah’s way), and with them (fought)
Large bands of godly men? but they never lost heart if they met with disaster in
Allah’s way, nor did they weaken (in will) nor give in. And Allah Loves those
who are firm and steadfast.
147. All that they said was: "Our Lord! Forgive us our sins and anything We
may have done that transgressed our duty: Establish our feet firmly, and help
us against those that resist Faith."
148. And Allah gave them a reward in this world, and the excellent reward of
the Hereafter. For Allah Loveth those who do good.
149. O ye who believe! If ye obey the Unbelievers, they will drive you back on
your heels, and ye will turn back (from Faith) to your own loss.
150. Nay, Allah is your protector, and He is the best of helpers.
151. Soon shall We cast terror into the hearts of the Unbelievers, for that they
joined companions with Allah, for which He had sent no authority: their abode
will be the Fire: And evil is the home of the wrong-doers!
152. Allah did indeed fulfil His promise to you when ye with His permission
Were about to annihilate your enemy,-until ye flinched and fell to disputing
about the order, and disobeyed it after He brought you in sight (of the booty)
which ye covet. Among you are some that hanker after this world and some
that desire the Hereafter. Then did He divert you from your foes in order to test
you but He forgave you: For Allah is full of grace to those who believe.
153. Behold! ye were climbing up the high ground, without even casting a side
glance at any one, and the Messenger in your rear was calling you back. There
did Allah give you one distress after another by way of requital, to teach you
not to grieve for (the booty) that had escaped you and for (the ill) that had
befallen you. For Allah is well aware of all that ye do.
154. After (the excitement) of the distress, He sent down calm on a band of
you overcome with slumber, while another band was stirred to anxiety by their
own feelings, Moved by wrong suspicions of Allah’suspicions due to ignorance.
They said: "What affair is this of ours?" Say thou: "Indeed, this affair is wholly
Allah’s." They hide in their minds what they dare not reveal to thee. They say
(to themselves): "If we had. had anything to do with this affair, We should not
have been in the slaughter here." Say: "Even if you had remained in your
homes, those for whom death was decreed would certainly have gone forth to
the place of their death"; but (all this was) that Allah might test what is in your
breasts and purge what is in your hearts. For Allah knoweth well the secrets of
your hearts.
155. Those of you who turned back on the day the two hosts Met,-it was Satan
who caused them to fail, because of some (evil) they had done. But Allah Has
blotted out (their fault): For Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Forbearing.
156. O ye who believe! Be not like the Unbelievers, who say of their brethren,