Happiness is a common goal that everyone strives to attain. Philosophers, intellectuals, doctors and artists alike have all strived in search of the causes of happiness and ways to escape anxiety.
The reality is, however, that the proposed solutions achieve only partial or superficial happiness. They are more or less like drugs which only provide temporary relief; when their effect wares off, anxieties return two fold.
The following words invite you to ultimate happiness and will lead you to true success. But before you begin reading, I hope that you to take a moment to try to open your heart and mind - as the intelligent one is he who searches for the truth no matter where it lies.
An undeniable reality is that permanent happiness cannot be achieved except by believing in God - The Creator - and following His guidance. Since it is He who created mankind, He is the one who knows what pleases and benefits them, just as he knows what saddens and harms them. A number of psychologists have affirmed that only a religious person lives with true content and serenity. So if believing in God leads to ultimate happiness, then how can this be achieved?
There are numerous religions and a variety of creeds. However, their critical differences in core issues make it impossible for all of them to be correct. So which is the correct religion? What is the correct creed that God requires us to believe in and in the end pleases Him? And which one of these creeds guarantees us happiness in this life and in the hereafter?
Before answering these questions, a criterion must first be established to be used as a basis for correctly determining the true religion. I firmly believe that all sensible people will agree that a religion is not deemed correct simply due to the fact that one was raised in that religion, had parents that adhered to it, or lived in a society that practiced it. Rather a religion's accuracy and authenticity are based upon substantial evidence and firm intellectual proofs. Intellect, the distinguishing factor between mankind and animals, must be applied when studying the issue of religion, which is undeniably the most important and gravest of all matters.
A short journey into the world of religions and sifting through various creeds could prove to be a good method in arriving at the desired conclusion. In order to save you the time and effort, I say with full conviction and confidence that no matter how much you investigate this issue, you will only arrive at one reality: that the true and correct religion is Islam and that true happiness and content lies within it.
Before you hastily rebut this statement and stop reading, please realize that completing the rest would not harm you at all, and it may in fact benefit you. Also, remember that you have an intellect by which you can distinguish things and determine truth from falsehood.
Why Islam?
This is an important question, indicating that the questioner is mature and enlightened. In response I say:
Islam is a religion that includes a number of merits and characteristics that are absent from other religions. These characteristics, alone, serve as convincing evidence that Islam is the true religion of God. You can determine the authenticity of this statement by contemplating them.
Islam's many merits and characteristics make it impossible to elaborate on all of them. However, some of the most important can be summarized as follows:
1. Amongst the greatest merits of Islam is that it fulfills the spiritual aspects of the human being and enables those who embrace it to have an ongoing connection with God. This makes it possible for them to be at ease spiritually. It shields them from chaos, being lost or feeling (spiritually) empty, and protects from mental instability.
2. Another of Islams merits is that it coincides totally with common sense. All of the Islamic legislation and its rulings are acceptable intellectually and are never contradictory. One man who embraced Islam was asked why he did so and replied, "Islam never ordered me to do anything that I later wished wasn't obligated, and it never forbade me from anything that I later wished wasnt forbidden."
Much of what is readily accepted in other religions causes great confusion. This confusion makes it difficult to believe many of the fundamental tenets/doctrines that these religions are based upon. On the other hand, we find that Islam respects the intellect, prohibits ignorance, and condemns blind following.
3. Islam is an all-inclusive way of life attending to both spiritual and physical needs. Practicing Islam does not mean that one has to be secluded or that he is prohibited from the finer things in life. Rather, according to Islam, a person can be religious and still enjoy a normal life - attaining prestigious ranks/positions and achieving the highest academic degrees.
4. Among the merits of Islam is that it is a comprehensive religion. Every aspect of a persons life is managed by Islam. There is not a problem except that a solution for it lies in Islam, which makes it possible to embrace and practice in every time and place. How can this not be the case in such a well organized religion that has guidelines and positive instruction for every aspect of life including: conflict resolution, buying and selling, social and marital relations, greetings, public etiquettes, and even how a person eats, sleeps and dresses. These practices have not been addressed generally, but rather in precise detail, causing the mind to wonder in amazement. Know that Islam even provides direction on how to wear and remove footwear. It encourages people to use their right hand when eating, drinking, shaking hands, and when giving and receiving items. As for disliked affairs such as using the bathroom, the left hand is to be used.
Islam also has wonderful instructions regarding going to sleep and waking up. When two Muslims meet, Islam directs them on how they should greet each other; a rider should initiate greeting the pedestrian, the youth should initiate greeting the elderly, and a small group should initiate greeting a larger group. These are but a few of Islams many comprehensive guidelines for all aspects of life.
5. Another of Islams merits is that it establishes good for mankind in all its regulations and safeguards them from evil. It is man himself who benefits from these regulations. Islam's prohibition of alcohol and drugs for example is only because of the great harm they cause to a person's physical and mental health. You can witness the state of a drunken man, no longer human except in appearance. A lot of murders, disputes, traffic accidents and rapes would not have taken place were it not for consuming these mind-altering products.
Islam's prohibition of premarital sex relieves societies of destructive diseases (such as AIDS and other STDs), immoral behavior, and the existence of a generation of illegitimate children. This generation is often deprived of a mothers love and a fathers upbringing which can lead them to become burdensome on society. Islam prohibits women from displaying themselves publicly. This is because Islam considers women to be valued, preserved pearls; not some cheap merchandise to be displayed for all to see. It does so to protect them from the wolves of mankind - those who are only concerned with satisfying their lusts, even if it is at the cost of a womans honor, nobility, status, and purity.
On the other hand, Islam permits all harmless and beneficial drinks. It also permits married couples to enjoy one another within a happy home.
In summary, Islam has not eliminated freedoms and desires. Rather, it regulates them for the benefit of mankind and the society at large.
6. A radiant aspect of Islam is that it pays a great deal of attention to values, character, and praiseworthy manners, while prohibiting mankind from oppression, transgression and bad character. Islam is a religion of love, unity and mercy. It defines an individuals relationship with his parents, relatives, neighbors, friends and all people. Islam embeds the best of manners in those who embrace it and prevents them from living selfishly. It encourages its followers to help others and take others' feelings into consideration - especially the poor, orphans, elderly and widows. They all have rights in Islam that must not be taken lightly by Muslims. Muslims shouldnt feel like they are bestowing favors upon others when giving them their due rights, rather these rights are obligations upon Muslims. It is considered to be a great sin in Islam for one to go to sleep with a full stomach knowing that his neighbor is hungry.
Islam even prohibits two people from whispering to each other in the presence of a third, taking his feelings into consideration. Islam goes even further than that, obligating kind treatment to animals and prohibiting harming them. More specifically, Islam prohibits slaughtering an animal while another watches, or sharpening a knife while it is watching, so that it is not tormented along with being slaughtered.
Truthfulness, trustworthiness, bravery, generosity, humility, abiding by promises, visiting the sick, attending funerals, being dutiful to parents, visiting relatives and neighbors, and striving to help others are all etiquettes that are encouraged by Islam.
On the other hand, Islam strictly prohibits oppression, lying, conceitedness, envy, and insulting or betraying others. It is impermissible in Islam to speak ill of a person in his absence, even if what is being said is true. Islam encourages people to moderate in spending, being neither excessive nor misers.
During times when a lot of societies complain about cold heartedness, materialism, selfishness and so on, we find that Islam has proven remedies for all of these problems.
This summarized introduction should make it clear that Islam is a logical religion that can be easily understood by all people. The doors to Islam are wide open and do not shut for anyone looking to enter.
Understanding all of Islam's teachings in a short article is impossible. However, briefly discussing some of its fundamental tenets should assist in further clarifying the religion for those who are interested.
All of Islams regulations and teachings are important, but some have precedence over others. There are six essential articles of faith that one must believe in, and five pillars that one's faith must be built upon.
As for the six articles that must be believed in:
1. Believing in Allah (God) alone, associating no partners unto Him in worship. This is done by believing that Allah alone is the Creator of this universe and everything that is within it, and that it is He alone who disposes its affairs as He sees fit. Consequently, worship can only be offered to Him alone. Worship is implementing the teachings of Islam and its legislation while believing that all other religions are false.
2. Believing in the angels. Angels were created by Allah but we can not see them. They worship Allah and never disobey Him. Allah orders them to carry out many of the universe's affairs. The angel Gabriel, for example, (peace be upon him) delivers Allahs revelation to the messengers. Another is Mikayeel (peace be upon him), who is entrusted with the affairs of rain. Still there are other angels responsible for writing the deeds of mankind - deeds which they will be held accountable for on the Day of Resurrection. It is essential to believe that all of the angels act solely upon the order of Allah and do only what He wills.
3. Believing in the Books of Revelation. This means to believe that Allah revealed books to His servants comprising of His words. These books contain bliss for mankind by clarifying what Allah is pleased with as well as what He dislikes. The Angel charged with delivering revelation to the Prophets is Gabriel (peace be upon him) - the greatest of angels. A prophet then conveys the revelation to the rest of mankind.
Allah has revealed many books, amongst them: The Torah, revealed to Moses (peace be upon him), The Psalms, revealed to David (peace be upon him), The Gospel, sent down to Jesus (peace be upon him) and the Quran, which was revealed to Muhammad (peace be upon him).
One must believe that the Quran has abrogated all books prior to it, meaning that - after the Prophet (Muhammad) was sent - it is the only book that can be acted upon, especially since the Quran combines all the merits of past books and further supplements them.
Know that the Quran is from the greatest evidences that this religion is the truth revealed by Allah (God) the Most High. The Quran was revealed over 1400 years ago. Since then till this day, no contradictions or mistakes have been found in the Quran, not even in a single word. Many of the scientific discoveries of modern times were mentioned in the Quran. Since that time until today, nothing has been added to or subtracted from the Quran, while previous revelations have been tampered with and altered.
It is for this reason that you can pick up a copy of the Quran in the far East and find it to be exactly the same as one you pick up in the far West. If you were to come across a copy of the Quran that is hundreds of years old, you would also find that it is exactly the same as the one being printed currently - you wouldnt be able to find even one letter that is different. This is because of Allahs protection of this Book, the Book of the religion that sealed all other religions.
Speaking about the Quran would take a lot of time. However, it is enough for you to know that there is nothing like it whatsoever; not by way of (literary) style, its effect on people, nor its information about the unseen.
4. Believing in the Prophets. This is done by believing that Allah has chosen the best of mankind to be recipients of His revelation and ordered them to convey His religion to the people. There are numerous Prophets, among them are: Noah, Abraham, David, Solomon, Lot, Joseph, Moses and others (peace be upon all of them). Also from them is Jesus. It is imperative to believe that he is among the best of Prophets and to love and respect him. Whoever despises him or denies his prophethood is not Muslim. Likewise it is compulsory to believe that Allah created him from a mother only, with no father, just as Allah created Adam with neither a mother nor a father.
Having mentioned this, we now know that Jesus is a noble messenger and not God, nor is he a son of God. He foretold the coming of a prophet to come after him; Muhammad ibn (the son of) Abdullah, the last of the prophets.
Muhammad ibn Abdullah (peace be upon him) was sent 1400 years ago. It is compulsory for everyone who comes after him until the Day of Judgment to believe in him and his message, and obey his orders and prohibitions.
All those who studied the biography of this messenger have agreed that he is a great personality who has been bestowed with the best of manners and most noble etiquettes. He had characteristics which were not present in anyone before him and will not be present in anyone after him. Anything that you read about him, no matter how small it is, confirms what I am saying.
Allah has also granted him proofs and evidences that establish the authenticity of his prophethood, thus having doubt in this fact is intellectually impossible. Having been given such proofs and evidences of his prophethood, whoever denies his truthfulness, would make it impossible for that individual to establish the truthfulness of any other prophet.
5. The Last Day. This is fulfilled firmly believing that after this life of ours is over, there is another more complete life. In it, there are immense rewards and magnificent luxuries, as well as punishment. Luxury is in Heaven and punishment in Hell. So whoever is righteous and believes in the religion of Islam enters Heaven, a place that contains untold pleasure and unimagined bliss. All the luxuries on earth cannot be compared to it at all. Whoever enters Heaven will continue to live in such luxuries for eternity as death does not exist therein.
As for those who act upon evil and do not believe in Islam, they would end up in Hell, which contains fires and punishment that can not be imagined, all of the fires of earth and forms of punishment cannot be compared to the punishment of the hellfire at all.
The existence of punishment and reward after this life is an issue that is intellectually acknowledged, because it is impossible for this world to exist and then just diminish into nothingness. This is trifling about, and our Lord, the Creator, does not engage in such activities.
6. Believing in Divine Decree. This is to believe that everything that happens in this world is due to Allahs knowledge and will. Nothing except what He wills takes place, and what He does not will, does not take place. Allah has written everything in a great book (The Preserved Tablet). Believing in divine decree also includes believing that Allah created everything.
As for the five pillars that must be practiced:
1. Uttering a phrase that is the key to entering into Islam. It is a contract between a servant and his Lord, signifying that he is upon this religion:
Ashhadu an la ilaha ila Allah, wa ashadu ana Muhammad abduhu wa rasuluhu.
I bear witness that there is no deity worthy of worship except Allah, and that Muhammad is His servant and Messenger.
This testimony signifies the acceptance, admission, and adherence to the fact that worship must be offered to Allah alone. It also includes the acceptance of Islam as the only correct religion, Allah as the only true deity deserving worship, and that all other deities and religions are false. The second part of the testimony entails an affirmation that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah and that he is to be obeyed and believed in all that he says.
2. The Prayer. It is a combination of statements, actions and invocations carried out in a specific manner. It is performed five times daily and doesnt take much time at all. In fact, a prayer may not take more than five minutes. Prayer is the link between a servant and his Lord. It enables a Muslim to be confident, mentally and spiritually at rest, calm and untroubled.
3. The Zakaat. A wealthy Muslim must give a small portion of his money to the poor, 2.5% of his wealth to be exact. Even though it is a small amount, it enables the Muslim community to be conciliated and merciful amongst each other. It propagates brotherhood, love and concern amongst Muslims. And again, Zakaat is only to be given out by the wealthy, not the poor.
4. Fasting. What is meant by fasting is that a person withholds from eating, drinking and sexual relations during the month of Ramadan [which is the 9th month of the lunar calendar] between dawn and sunset. The sick, travelers, and those with valid excuses are pardoned from fasting. They are permitted to eat and drink but must make up the missed days once they become able.
Fasting has many health, personal, and social benefits. Amongst them are: giving the digestive system a break, allowing Muslims to grow spiritually and practice good mannerisms. It enables Muslims to be conscious of their needy brothers and sisters, those who are unable to find enough food to satisfy their needs throughout the year. Consequently, the Muslims humble themselves and strive to help them.
5. Hajj. It is a form of worship that must be performed only once in a lifetime, in Makkah. Those who are physically incapable or not financially able to perform it are pardoned from doing so.
Hajj contains many magnificent benefits; the gathering of Muslims from all around the globe in one place getting to know each other and displaying love for one another, not to mention what a Muslim achieves by way of spiritual purification and character refinement due to experiencing such a spiritual environment in the shade of Hajj.
Hopefully what has preceded is sufficient in clarifying - in a summarized fashion - some of the merits of Islam. I invite all who have not yet entered into the fold of Islam to listen to a sincere invitation from one who only wants good for you: save yourself before death takes you by surprise, and thus you die upon other than Islam - what a great loss that is!
Do you know what dying upon other than Islam means? It means that you would enter the Hellfire, abiding therein for eternity. This is what Allah has warned all those who die without embracing Islam. So why would you take a chance with an issue as grave as this?
Im going to ask you a question that I want you to answer honestly:
What would you lose if you embraced Islam?
If you embrace Islam, you can continue living your normal ordinary life, but in a more spiritual, organized, and pleasant fashion地nd after death, tremendous delight and eternal pleasure await you.
If you have reached a level of conviction, believing that Islam is the true religion, but fear that embracing Islam would prevent you from enjoying pleasures that you cannot live without, then compare these temporary pleasures with eternal pleasure. Which of the two should be given preference?
Furthermore, you can embrace Islam and then gradually try to reduce such pleasures. And if you were to honestly invoke Allah, He would surely aid you in leaving them. In any case, embracing Islam and having shortcomings is better than not embracing Islam at all.
If the barrier between you and Islam is due to having a weak personality, the inability to make such a big decision, or because you fear that people may talk about you or mock you, know that these are just unrealistic thoughts. You would not be the first person to embrace Islam; a lot of others have made the decision to do so. They did not lose anything, their lives were not ruined, nor do they have any regrets. Furthermore, does it make sense that you sacrifice your own well being and happiness in this life and in the hereafter just because you fear mockery or admonishment?
This affair is worthy of your time. Contemplate upon it deeply.
My last words: Do not lose yourself! I ask Allah to bless you with true guidance.
1.
Deep and inner peace of mind and heart is called "Sakinah" according to
the Qur'an. The Qur'an has declared that "Sakinah" descends from the sky on to the hearts of true Mu'mineen (Believers).
This shows that true peace of mind is not related in any way to the material things of this world. Therefore, people with lots of wealth and
material comforts are not always the happiest people on earth. The poorest people are not always the most unhappy because Allah has not placed success in material things. 2. Any person who wishes to be happy and full of peace of mind and tranquility must work towards attaining "Sakinah".
3. Since "Sakinah" comes from Allah alone, it is very important that every
effort must be made to please Him, keep Him happy and be obedient to Him. Thereafter, a person asks Allah to grant "Sakinah", and Allah will grant this "Sakinah" to such a person. Then if the person has nothing or
little of the world, Allah will still grant him this special peace of mind just as he had done for our Nabi (sallallahu-alayhi-wasallam) and his friends.
4.
The way to please Allah is to follow all of Allah's orders, big and small. The more a person becomes obedient, the closer he will be to Allah, the more will be the peace of mind and happiness of this person.
5.
There are hundreds of things to do and scores of things to stay away from to please Allah, but a few important ones are being mentioned here as it is not possible to go into details.
5.1. Most important of all is to hold true and correct Aqeedah and Beliefs in one's heart. Even one incorrect belief is absolutely deadly.
5.2. Next is Salaah 5 times a day. This is non-negotiable. For the validity of Salaah, there are some rules that have to be followed and this requires some basic knowledge.
5.3. So knowledge of all the basics of Islam is extremely important to acquire from reliable scholars or their books.
5.4. A person has to spare time to read the Quran daily and to remember Allah through Zikr as this leads to peace of mind.
5.5.
One has to stay away from all sins, as these will nullify the effect of
any good deeds done and will bring great misery; drinking alcohol, eating Haram, earning forbidden livelihood, using interest, listening to music, backbit
Islam, a religion of mercy, does not permit terrorism. In the Quran, God has said:
God
does not forbid you from showing kindness and dealing justly with those
who have not fought you about religion and have not driven you out of your homes. God loves just dealers. (Quran, 60:8)
The Prophet Muhammad used to prohibit soldiers from killing women and children,1 and he would advise them: {...Do not betray, do not be excessive, do not kill a newborn child.} And
he also said: {Whoever has killed a person having a treaty with the Muslims shall not smell the fragrance of Paradise, though its fragrance is found for a span of forty years.} Also, the Prophet Muhammad has forbidden punishment with fire.
He once listed murder as the second of the major sins, and he even warned that on the Day of Judgment, {The first cases to be adjudicated between people on the Day of Judgment will be those of bloodshed. }
Muslims are even encouraged to be kind to animals and are forbidden to hurt them. Once the Prophet Muhammad said: {A
woman was punished because she imprisoned a cat until it died. On account of this, she was doomed to Hell. While she imprisoned it, she did not give the cat food or drink, nor did she free it to eat the insects of the earth.}
He also said that a man gave a very thirsty dog a drink, so God forgave his sins for this action. The Prophet was asked, Messenger of God, are we rewarded for kindness towards animals? He said: {There is a reward for kindness to every living animal or human.} Additionally,
while taking the life of an animal for food, Muslims are commanded to do so in a manner that causes the least amount of fright and suffering possible. The Prophet Muhammad said: {When you slaughter an animal, do so in the best way. One should sharpen his knife to reduce the suffering of the animal.}
In
light of these and other Islamic texts, the act of inciting terror in the hearts of defenseless civilians, the wholesale destruction of buildings and properties, the bombing and maiming of innocent men, women, and children are all forbidden and detestable acts according to Islam and the Muslims. Muslims follow a religion of peace, mercy, and forgiveness, and the vast majority have nothing to do with the violent events some have associated with Muslims. If an individual Muslim were to commit an act of terrorism, this person would be guilty of violating the laws of Islam.
According to the Bible, God said to Moses, on whom be peace: "
I will raise upfor them a prophet like you from among their brothers, I
will put my words inhis mouth, and he will tell them 'everything I command him" (The Holy Bible, NewInternational Version, Deuteronomy chapter 18, verse 18).
The prophet described in the above verse must have the following threecharacteristics: 1. He will be like Moses. 2. He will come from the brothers of theIsraelites, i.e. the Ishmaelites. 3. God will put his words in the mouth ofthe prophet and he will declare what God commanded him. Let ussee which prophet God was speaking of.
1. The prophet like Moses Some
people feel that thisprophecy refers to the prophet Jesus, on whom be peace. But, although Jesus(peace be upon him and all of God's prophets and messengers) was truly a prophetof God, he is not the prophet spoken of here. He was born miraculously, andfinally God raised him up miraculously. On the other hand, Muhammad is more likeMoses; both were born in a natural way and both died natural deaths.
2.From among the Ishmaelite Abraham
had two sons, Ishmael andIsaac (Genesis, chapter 21). Ishmael became the grandfather of the Arab nation.And Isaac became the grandfather of Jewish nation. The prophet spoken of was tocome not from among the Jews themselves, but from among their brothers, theIshmaelite. Muhammad a descendant of Ishmael, is indeed that prophet.
3.God will put his words in his mouth "
Neither the content of therevelation, nor its form, were of Muhammad's devising. Both were given by theangel, and Muhammad's task was only to repeat what he heard" (Word Religionsfrom Ancient history to the Present, by Geoffrey Parrinder, p.472).
God sent the angel Gabriel to teach Muhammad the exact wordsthat he should repeat to the people. The words are therefore not his own; theydid not come from his own thoughts, but were put into his mouth by the angel.These are written
down in the Qur'an word for word, exactly as they came fromGod.
Now
that we know that prophet we must listen to him,for, according to the Bible, God says: 'I will punish anyone who refuses to obeyhim' (Good News Bible, Deut. 18:19).
Living
in societies, where spiritual life gets neglected, money becomes the master, being under pressure all the time, crimes are spread in a way that no religion or morals can prevent. All these circumstances make people start thinking, Then What??????
Someone wants to feel his real spiritual life.So he will find Islam as the solution But how is he taken to this way ?????
Some obvious features of Islam let people wonder about this religion.What
is that religion? What is this religion that unites people in praying and doing the pilgrims around Kaba full of respect fear and love to the only creator? What is this religion in which people worship only one
God with no boundaries?What is this religion in which the whole family sits around the same table after a long fasting day?More and more questions drive those wonderers to get to know more about Islam
Things
start getting clear, and the special features of Islam become obvious. The features of good behaviors, the way of worshipping and dealing with others, and all what makes the soul finds the real serenity. The serenity that everyone is looking for in this material world.
Moreover, when getting deep inside Islam and its teachings, one will find more and more information.This article is not enough to explain all reasons that cause this increasing attraction towards Islam.
In
addition to the spiritual comfort that a human finds due to the direct relation with Allah, there are many other reasons causing the increasing
attraction towards Islam. Purity in worships, having faith in dealing with others, and all amazing Islamic morals, one finds himselfattracted
to all what is really missed in his society; such as the family relations, respecting women especially the mother- in spite of all the
deformation made by the Western media in showing a bad picture either of Muslims in general or of Muslim women, as if being under lock and key behind their headand body covering. But when getting deep inside, one realizes the truth.
Muhammad was born in Makkah in the year
570. Since his father died before his birth and his mother died shortly
thereafter, he was raised by his uncle who was from the respected tribe
of Quraysh. He was raised illiterate, unable to read or write, and remained so till his death. His people, before his mission as a prophet,
were ignorant of science and most of them were illiterate. As he grew up, he became known to be truthful, honest, trustworthy, generous, and sincere. He was so trustworthy that they called him the Trustworthy. Muhammad was very religious, and he had long detested the decadence and idolatry of his society. At the age of forty, Muhammad received his first revelation from God through the Angel Gabriel. The revelations continued for twenty-three years, and they are collectively known as the
Quran. As soon as he began to recite the Quran and to preach the truth which God had revealed to him, he and his small group of followers
suffered persecution from unbelievers. The persecution grew so fierce that in the year 622 God gave them the command to emigrate. This emigration from Makkah to the city of Madinah, some 260 miles to the north, marks the beginning of the Muslim calendar. After several years, Muhammad and his followers were able to return to Makkah, where they forgave their enemies. Before Muhammad died, at the age of sixty-three, the greater part of the Arabian Peninsula had become Muslim, and within a century of his death, Islam had spread to Spain in the West and as far East as China. Among the reasons for the rapid and peaceful spread of Islam was the truth and clarity of its doctrine. Islam calls for faith in only one God, Who is the only one worthy of worship. The Prophet Muhammad was a perfect example of an honest, just, merciful, compassionate, truthful, and brave human being. Though he was a man, he was far removed from all evil characteristics and strove solely for the sake of God and His reward in the Hereafter. Moreover, in all his actions and dealings, he was ever mindful and fearful of God
If we compare the life of Muhammad before his mission as a prophet and his life after he began his mission as a prophet, we will conclude that it is beyond reason to think that Muhammad was a false prophet, who claimed prophethood to attain material gains, greatness, glory, or power.
Before
his mission as a prophet, Muhammad had no financial worries. As a successful and reputed merchant, Muhammad drew a satisfactory and comfortable income. After his mission as a prophet and because of it, he
became worse off materially. To clarify this more, let us browse the following sayings on his life: Aaisha, Muhammads wife, said, O my nephew, we would sight three new moons in two months without lighting a
fire (to cook a meal) in the Prophets houses. Her nephew asked, O Aunt, what sustained you? She said, The two black things, dates and water, but the Prophet had some Ansar neighbors who had milk-giving she-camels and they used to send the Prophet some of its milk.
Sahl
Ibn Saad, one of Muhammads companions, said, The Prophet of God did
not see bread made from fine flour from the time God sent him (as a prophet) until he died.
Aaisha, Muhammads wife, said, The mattress of the Prophet , on which he slept, was made of leather stuffed
with the fiber of the date-palm tree.
Amr Ibn Al-Hareth, one of Muhammads companions, said that when the Prophet died, he left neither money nor anything else except his white riding mule, his arms, and a piece of land which he left to charity. Muhammad lived this hard life till he died although the Muslim treasury was at his disposal,
the greater part of the Arabian Peninsula was Muslim before he died, and the Muslims were victorious after eighteen years of his mission. Is
it possible that Muhammad might have claimed prophet hood in order to attain status, greatness, and power? The desire to enjoy status and power is usually associated with good food, fancy clothing, monumental palaces, colorful guards, and indisputable authority. Do any of these indicators apply to Muhammad ? A few glimpses of his life that may help answer this question follow. Despite his responsibilities as a prophet, a teacher, a statesman, and a judge, Muhammad used to milk his goat, mend his clothes, repair his shoes, help with the household work, and visit poor people when they got sick. He also helped his companions in digging a trench by moving sand with them. His life was an amazing model of simplicity and humbleness.
Muhammads followers loved him, respected him, and trusted him to an amazing extent. Yet he continued to emphasize that deification should be directed to God and not to him personally. Anas, one of Muhammads companions, said that there was no person whom they loved more than the Prophet Muhammad , yet
when he came to them, they did not stand up for him because he hated their standing up for him, as other people do with their great people.
Long
before there was any prospect of success for Islam and at the outset of
a long and painful era of torture, suffering, and persecution of Muhammad and his followers, he received an interesting offer. An envoy of the pagan leaders, Otba, came to him saying, ...If you want money, we will collect enough money for you so that you will be the richest one
of us. If you want leadership, we will take you as our leader and never
decide on any matter without your approval. If you want a kingdom, we will crown you king over us... Only one concession was required from Muhammad in return for that, to give up calling people to Islam and worshipping God alone without any partner. Wouldnt this offer be tempting to one pursuing worldly benefit? Was Muhammad hesitant when the
offer was made? Did he turn it down as a bargaining strategy leaving the door open for a better offer? The following was his answer: {In the Name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful} And he recited to Otba the verses of the Quran 41:1-38. The Following are some of these verses: A revelation from (God), the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful; a Book whereof the verses are explained in detail; a Quran in Arabic, for people who know, giving good news and warning, yet most of them turn away, so they do not listen. (Quran, 41:2-4)
On another
occasion and in response to his uncles plea to stop calling people to Islam, Muhammads answer was as decisive and sincere: {I swear by the name of God, O Uncle!, that if they place the sun in my right-hand and the moon in my left-hand in return for giving up this matter (calling people to Islam), I will never desist until either God makes it triumph or I perish defending it}
Muhammad and his few followers did not only suffer from persecution
for thirteen years but the unbelievers even tried to kill Muhammad several times. On one occasion they attempted to kill him by dropping a large boulder, which could barely be lifted, on his head. Another time they tried to kill him by poisoning his food. What could justify such a life of suffering and sacrifice even after he was fully triumphant over his adversaries? What could explain the humbleness and nobility which he
demonstrated in his most glorious moments when he insisted that success
is due only to Gods help and not to his own genius? Are these the characteristics of a power-hungry or a self-centered man?
Have
you ever said or done something hurtful or wrong to someone and then wished you could grab those words or that action back and have a second chance? Have you ever had someone look you in the eye and say, "How could you say that?" or "How could you do that?" And you are left feeling awful and helpless.
If
this never happened to you, you can be sure you are very fortunate. When we make mistakes in our lives, they not only affect ourselves but also the people we care about. Sometimes it's easier to bear a hurt yourself than to see someone suffering for what you yourself have said or done. The awful feeling that is so real and strong that you could almost touch it is called regret.
Regret
is a very hard thing to live with. Feeling guilty can eat away at your soul and render you weak and spiritually low. Remember that the Day of Judgment is also called the Day of Regrets. What a day that will be! When all mankind is gathered and gets to see his or her life played back
just like watching a movie but this is a real story your story! Your life! All the words you spoke and hoped no one would ever hear they'll be plain for all ears that day! All the actions you tried to forget you did will be made known! It is also called the Day of Humiliation. The Day of Regret. The Day of Account. The Day of Judgment.
It is also the day of justice remember all those criminals, cruel, heartless tyrants who harmed others and couldn't care less about what they did thinking they would get away with it? Well, they'll get their
just deserts on that day.
So
is there a way to avoid all those regrets, all that humiliation, and the fact that our words and actions will catch up with us? The simple answer is yes, there is. But it requires some effort, constancy, and determination.
Allah
is the All-Forgiving and All-Merciful. Sometimes people hurt or offend us and we find it hard to overlook their mistakes sometimes we hold grudges and begin to really dislike some people; but Allah the All-Merciful is much more merciful than you or me. He turns to us when we turn to Him and forgives us when we ask for forgiveness.
So
knowing that, why don't we ask for forgiveness all the time? The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) was the most perfect human being and yet asked for forgiveness from Allah more than 70 times a day.
So what about you and me?
When
you sincerely ask Allah to forgive you, He will wipe clean all the evil
deeds you said or did. When you pray, the sins you did between each prayer are wiped out, and when you fast in Ramadan, the sins you did from one Ramadan to the next are also wiped out. Also the Prophet (peace
and blessing be upon him) said that if you do a bad deed, then you should wipe it out with a good deed. So when you come to the Day of Judgment, just like everyone else, and look at your book of deeds, you just might be pleasantly surprised to see your book with more good deeds
than bad.
The
problem is that we don't know for sure until we're there. So in the meantime, it's much better and much wiser to do the following:
Pray all your prayers on time and use the chance while in prostration to ask Allah to forgive you and turn your bad deeds into good deeds. Keep wudu at all times and remember Allah often.
Sharpen your conscience by reading the Qur'an everyday and doing daily dhikr. If you hear yourself saying a bad word, an unkind word, gossiping, or being rude, say "astaghfir Allah" and try to stop what you were doing.
If
the people you are mixing with influence you to do bad deeds and use bad words, start mixing with better people who have more Islamic habits.
Most of all, remember that on the Day of Judgment or the Day of Regret,
you'll be on your own no parents, no friends, no one beside you. Just
you and Allah there will be no excuses and in sha Allah no regrets!
**Latiefa Achmat is an Islamic counselor and social worker in Cape Town, South Africa. She can be contacted at youth_campaign@....
Happiness is a common goal that everyone strives to attain. Philosophers, intellectuals, doctors and artists alike have all strived in search of the causes of happiness and ways to escape anxiety.
The reality is, however, that the proposed solutions achieve only partial or superficial happiness. They are more or less like drugs which only provide temporary relief; when their effect wares off, anxieties return two fold.
The following words invite you to ultimate happiness and will lead you to true success. But before you begin reading, I hope that you to take a moment to try to open your heart and mind - as the intelligent one is he who searches for the truth no matter where it lies.
An undeniable reality is that permanent happiness cannot be achieved except by believing in God - The Creator - and following His guidance. Since it is He who created mankind, He is the one who knows what pleases and benefits them, just as he knows what saddens and harms them. A number of psychologists have affirmed that only a religious person lives with true content and serenity. So if believing in God leads to ultimate happiness, then how can this be achieved?
There are numerous religions and a variety of creeds. However, their critical differences in core issues make it impossible for all of them to be correct. So which is the correct religion? What is the correct creed that God requires us to believe in and in the end pleases Him? And which one of these creeds guarantees us happiness in this life and in the hereafter?
Before answering these questions, a criterion must first be established to be used as a basis for correctly determining the true religion. I firmly believe that all sensible people will agree that a religion is not deemed correct simply due to the fact that one was raised in that religion, had parents that adhered to it, or lived in a society that practiced it. Rather a religion's accuracy and authenticity are based upon substantial evidence and firm intellectual proofs. Intellect, the distinguishing factor between mankind and animals, must be applied when studying the issue of religion, which is undeniably the most important and gravest of all matters.
A short journey into the world of religions and sifting through various creeds could prove to be a good method in arriving at the desired conclusion. In order to save you the time and effort, I say with full conviction and confidence that no matter how much you investigate this issue, you will only arrive at one reality: that the true and correct religion is Islam and that true happiness and content lies within it.
Before you hastily rebut this statement and stop reading, please realize that completing the rest would not harm you at all, and it may in fact benefit you. Also, remember that you have an intellect by which you can distinguish things and determine truth from falsehood.
Why Islam?
This is an important question, indicating that the questioner is mature and enlightened. In response I say:
Islam is a religion that includes a number of merits and characteristics that are absent from other religions. These characteristics, alone, serve as convincing evidence that Islam is the true religion of God. You can determine the authenticity of this statement by contemplating them.
Islam's many merits and characteristics make it impossible to elaborate on all of them. However, some of the most important can be summarized as follows:
1. Amongst the greatest merits of Islam is that it fulfills the spiritual aspects of the human being and enables those who embrace it to have an ongoing connection with God. This makes it possible for them to be at ease spiritually. It shields them from chaos, being lost or feeling (spiritually) empty, and protects from mental instability.
2. Another of Islams merits is that it coincides totally with common sense. All of the Islamic legislation and its rulings are acceptable intellectually and are never contradictory. One man who embraced Islam was asked why he did so and replied, "Islam never ordered me to do anything that I later wished wasn't obligated, and it never forbade me from anything that I later wished wasnt forbidden."
Much of what is readily accepted in other religions causes great confusion. This confusion makes it difficult to believe many of the fundamental tenets/doctrines that these religions are based upon. On the other hand, we find that Islam respects the intellect, prohibits ignorance, and condemns blind following.
3. Islam is an all-inclusive way of life attending to both spiritual and physical needs. Practicing Islam does not mean that one has to be secluded or that he is prohibited from the finer things in life. Rather, according to Islam, a person can be religious and still enjoy a normal life - attaining prestigious ranks/positions and achieving the highest academic degrees.
4. Among the merits of Islam is that it is a comprehensive religion. Every aspect of a persons life is managed by Islam. There is not a problem except that a solution for it lies in Islam, which makes it possible to embrace and practice in every time and place. How can this not be the case in such a well organized religion that has guidelines and positive instruction for every aspect of life including: conflict resolution, buying and selling, social and marital relations, greetings, public etiquettes, and even how a person eats, sleeps and dresses. These practices have not been addressed generally, but rather in precise detail, causing the mind to wonder in amazement. Know that Islam even provides direction on how to wear and remove footwear. It encourages people to use their right hand when eating, drinking, shaking hands, and when giving and receiving items. As for disliked affairs such as using the bathroom, the left hand is to be used.
Islam also has wonderful instructions regarding going to sleep and waking up. When two Muslims meet, Islam directs them on how they should greet each other; a rider should initiate greeting the pedestrian, the youth should initiate greeting the elderly, and a small group should initiate greeting a larger group. These are but a few of Islams many comprehensive guidelines for all aspects of life.
5. Another of Islams merits is that it establishes good for mankind in all its regulations and safeguards them from evil. It is man himself who benefits from these regulations. Islam's prohibition of alcohol and drugs for example is only because of the great harm they cause to a person's physical and mental health. You can witness the state of a drunken man, no longer human except in appearance. A lot of murders, disputes, traffic accidents and rapes would not have taken place were it not for consuming these mind-altering products.
Islam's prohibition of premarital sex relieves societies of destructive diseases (such as AIDS and other STDs), immoral behavior, and the existence of a generation of illegitimate children. This generation is often deprived of a mothers love and a fathers upbringing which can lead them to become burdensome on society. Islam prohibits women from displaying themselves publicly. This is because Islam considers women to be valued, preserved pearls; not some cheap merchandise to be displayed for all to see. It does so to protect them from the wolves of mankind - those who are only concerned with satisfying their lusts, even if it is at the cost of a womans honor, nobility, status, and purity.
On the other hand, Islam permits all harmless and beneficial drinks. It also permits married couples to enjoy one another within a happy home.
In summary, Islam has not eliminated freedoms and desires. Rather, it regulates them for the benefit of mankind and the society at large.
6. A radiant aspect of Islam is that it pays a great deal of attention to values, character, and praiseworthy manners, while prohibiting mankind from oppression, transgression and bad character. Islam is a religion of love, unity and mercy. It defines an individuals relationship with his parents, relatives, neighbors, friends and all people. Islam embeds the best of manners in those who embrace it and prevents them from living selfishly. It encourages its followers to help others and take others' feelings into consideration - especially the poor, orphans, elderly and widows. They all have rights in Islam that must not be taken lightly by Muslims. Muslims shouldnt feel like they are bestowing favors upon others when giving them their due rights, rather these rights are obligations upon Muslims. It is considered to be a great sin in Islam for one to go to sleep with a full stomach knowing that his neighbor is hungry.
Islam even prohibits two people from whispering to each other in the presence of a third, taking his feelings into consideration. Islam goes even further than that, obligating kind treatment to animals and prohibiting harming them. More specifically, Islam prohibits slaughtering an animal while another watches, or sharpening a knife while it is watching, so that it is not tormented along with being slaughtered.
Truthfulness, trustworthiness, bravery, generosity, humility, abiding by promises, visiting the sick, attending funerals, being dutiful to parents, visiting relatives and neighbors, and striving to help others are all etiquettes that are encouraged by Islam.
On the other hand, Islam strictly prohibits oppression, lying, conceitedness, envy, and insulting or betraying others. It is impermissible in Islam to speak ill of a person in his absence, even if what is being said is true. Islam encourages people to moderate in spending, being neither excessive nor misers.
During times when a lot of societies complain about cold heartedness, materialism, selfishness and so on, we find that Islam has proven remedies for all of these problems.
This summarized introduction should make it clear that Islam is a logical religion that can be easily understood by all people. The doors to Islam are wide open and do not shut for anyone looking to enter.
Understanding all of Islam's teachings in a short article is impossible. However, briefly discussing some of its fundamental tenets should assist in further clarifying the religion for those who are interested.
All of Islams regulations and teachings are important, but some have precedence over others. There are six essential articles of faith that one must believe in, and five pillars that one's faith must be built upon.
As for the six articles that must be believed in:
1. Believing in Allah (God) alone, associating no partners unto Him in worship. This is done by believing that Allah alone is the Creator of this universe and everything that is within it, and that it is He alone who disposes its affairs as He sees fit. Consequently, worship can only be offered to Him alone. Worship is implementing the teachings of Islam and its legislation while believing that all other religions are false.
2. Believing in the angels. Angels were created by Allah but we can not see them. They worship Allah and never disobey Him. Allah orders them to carry out many of the universe's affairs. The angel Gabriel, for example, (peace be upon him) delivers Allahs revelation to the messengers. Another is Mikayeel (peace be upon him), who is entrusted with the affairs of rain. Still there are other angels responsible for writing the deeds of mankind - deeds which they will be held accountable for on the Day of Resurrection. It is essential to believe that all of the angels act solely upon the order of Allah and do only what He wills.
3. Believing in the Books of Revelation. This means to believe that Allah revealed books to His servants comprising of His words. These books contain bliss for mankind by clarifying what Allah is pleased with as well as what He dislikes. The Angel charged with delivering revelation to the Prophets is Gabriel (peace be upon him) - the greatest of angels. A prophet then conveys the revelation to the rest of mankind.
Allah has revealed many books, amongst them: The Torah, revealed to Moses (peace be upon him), The Psalms, revealed to David (peace be upon him), The Gospel, sent down to Jesus (peace be upon him) and the Quran, which was revealed to Muhammad (peace be upon him).
One must believe that the Quran has abrogated all books prior to it, meaning that - after the Prophet (Muhammad) was sent - it is the only book that can be acted upon, especially since the Quran combines all the merits of past books and further supplements them.
Know that the Quran is from the greatest evidences that this religion is the truth revealed by Allah (God) the Most High. The Quran was revealed over 1400 years ago. Since then till this day, no contradictions or mistakes have been found in the Quran, not even in a single word. Many of the scientific discoveries of modern times were mentioned in the Quran. Since that time until today, nothing has been added to or subtracted from the Quran, while previous revelations have been tampered with and altered.
It is for this reason that you can pick up a copy of the Quran in the far East and find it to be exactly the same as one you pick up in the far West. If you were to come across a copy of the Quran that is hundreds of years old, you would also find that it is exactly the same as the one being printed currently - you wouldnt be able to find even one letter that is different. This is because of Allahs protection of this Book, the Book of the religion that sealed all other religions.
Speaking about the Quran would take a lot of time. However, it is enough for you to know that there is nothing like it whatsoever; not by way of (literary) style, its effect on people, nor its information about the unseen.
4. Believing in the Prophets. This is done by believing that Allah has chosen the best of mankind to be recipients of His revelation and ordered them to convey His religion to the people. There are numerous Prophets, among them are: Noah, Abraham, David, Solomon, Lot, Joseph, Moses and others (peace be upon all of them). Also from them is Jesus. It is imperative to believe that he is among the best of Prophets and to love and respect him. Whoever despises him or denies his prophethood is not Muslim. Likewise it is compulsory to believe that Allah created him from a mother only, with no father, just as Allah created Adam with neither a mother nor a father.
Having mentioned this, we now know that Jesus is a noble messenger and not God, nor is he a son of God. He foretold the coming of a prophet to come after him; Muhammad ibn (the son of) Abdullah, the last of the prophets.
Muhammad ibn Abdullah (peace be upon him) was sent 1400 years ago. It is compulsory for everyone who comes after him until the Day of Judgment to believe in him and his message, and obey his orders and prohibitions.
All those who studied the biography of this messenger have agreed that he is a great personality who has been bestowed with the best of manners and most noble etiquettes. He had characteristics which were not present in anyone before him and will not be present in anyone after him. Anything that you read about him, no matter how small it is, confirms what I am saying.
Allah has also granted him proofs and evidences that establish the authenticity of his prophethood, thus having doubt in this fact is intellectually impossible. Having been given such proofs and evidences of his prophethood, whoever denies his truthfulness, would make it impossible for that individual to establish the truthfulness of any other prophet.
5. The Last Day. This is fulfilled firmly believing that after this life of ours is over, there is another more complete life. In it, there are immense rewards and magnificent luxuries, as well as punishment. Luxury is in Heaven and punishment in Hell. So whoever is righteous and believes in the religion of Islam enters Heaven, a place that contains untold pleasure and unimagined bliss. All the luxuries on earth cannot be compared to it at all. Whoever enters Heaven will continue to live in such luxuries for eternity as death does not exist therein.
As for those who act upon evil and do not believe in Islam, they would end up in Hell, which contains fires and punishment that can not be imagined, all of the fires of earth and forms of punishment cannot be compared to the punishment of the hellfire at all.
The existence of punishment and reward after this life is an issue that is intellectually acknowledged, because it is impossible for this world to exist and then just diminish into nothingness. This is trifling about, and our Lord, the Creator, does not engage in such activities.
6. Believing in Divine Decree. This is to believe that everything that happens in this world is due to Allahs knowledge and will. Nothing except what He wills takes place, and what He does not will, does not take place. Allah has written everything in a great book (The Preserved Tablet). Believing in divine decree also includes believing that Allah created everything.
As for the five pillars that must be practiced:
1. Uttering a phrase that is the key to entering into Islam. It is a contract between a servant and his Lord, signifying that he is upon this religion:
Ashhadu an la ilaha ila Allah, wa ashadu ana Muhammad abduhu wa rasuluhu.
I bear witness that there is no deity worthy of worship except Allah, and that Muhammad is His servant and Messenger.
This testimony signifies the acceptance, admission, and adherence to the fact that worship must be offered to Allah alone. It also includes the acceptance of Islam as the only correct religion, Allah as the only true deity deserving worship, and that all other deities and religions are false. The second part of the testimony entails an affirmation that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah and that he is to be obeyed and believed in all that he says.
2. The Prayer. It is a combination of statements, actions and invocations carried out in a specific manner. It is performed five times daily and doesnt take much time at all. In fact, a prayer may not take more than five minutes. Prayer is the link between a servant and his Lord. It enables a Muslim to be confident, mentally and spiritually at rest, calm and untroubled.
3. The Zakaat. A wealthy Muslim must give a small portion of his money to the poor, 2.5% of his wealth to be exact. Even though it is a small amount, it enables the Muslim community to be conciliated and merciful amongst each other. It propagates brotherhood, love and concern amongst Muslims. And again, Zakaat is only to be given out by the wealthy, not the poor.
4. Fasting. What is meant by fasting is that a person withholds from eating, drinking and sexual relations during the month of Ramadan [which is the 9th month of the lunar calendar] between dawn and sunset. The sick, travelers, and those with valid excuses are pardoned from fasting. They are permitted to eat and drink but must make up the missed days once they become able.
Fasting has many health, personal, and social benefits. Amongst them are: giving the digestive system a break, allowing Muslims to grow spiritually and practice good mannerisms. It enables Muslims to be conscious of their needy brothers and sisters, those who are unable to find enough food to satisfy their needs throughout the year. Consequently, the Muslims humble themselves and strive to help them.
5. Hajj. It is a form of worship that must be performed only once in a lifetime, in Makkah. Those who are physically incapable or not financially able to perform it are pardoned from doing so.
Hajj contains many magnificent benefits; the gathering of Muslims from all around the globe in one place getting to know each other and displaying love for one another, not to mention what a Muslim achieves by way of spiritual purification and character refinement due to experiencing such a spiritual environment in the shade of Hajj.
Hopefully what has preceded is sufficient in clarifying - in a summarized fashion - some of the merits of Islam. I invite all who have not yet entered into the fold of Islam to listen to a sincere invitation from one who only wants good for you: save yourself before death takes you by surprise, and thus you die upon other than Islam - what a great loss that is!
Do you know what dying upon other than Islam means? It means that you would enter the Hellfire, abiding therein for eternity. This is what Allah has warned all those who die without embracing Islam. So why would you take a chance with an issue as grave as this?
Im going to ask you a question that I want you to answer honestly:
What would you lose if you embraced Islam?
If you embrace Islam, you can continue living your normal ordinary life, but in a more spiritual, organized, and pleasant fashion地nd after death, tremendous delight and eternal pleasure await you.
If you have reached a level of conviction, believing that Islam is the true religion, but fear that embracing Islam would prevent you from enjoying pleasures that you cannot live without, then compare these temporary pleasures with eternal pleasure. Which of the two should be given preference?
Furthermore, you can embrace Islam and then gradually try to reduce such pleasures. And if you were to honestly invoke Allah, He would surely aid you in leaving them. In any case, embracing Islam and having shortcomings is better than not embracing Islam at all.
If the barrier between you and Islam is due to having a weak personality, the inability to make such a big decision, or because you fear that people may talk about you or mock you, know that these are just unrealistic thoughts. You would not be the first person to embrace Islam; a lot of others have made the decision to do so. They did not lose anything, their lives were not ruined, nor do they have any regrets. Furthermore, does it make sense that you sacrifice your own well being and happiness in this life and in the hereafter just because you fear mockery or admonishment?
This affair is worthy of your time. Contemplate upon it deeply.
My last words: Do not lose yourself! I ask Allah to bless you with true guidance.
One who wishes only the best for you,
Dr. Saleh Abdul Azeez As Sindee.
1.
Deep and inner peace of mind and heart is called "Sakinah" according to
the Qur'an. The Qur'an has declared that "Sakinah" descends from the sky on to the hearts of true Mu'mineen (Believers).
This shows that true peace of mind is not related in any way to the material things of this world. Therefore, people with lots of wealth and
material comforts are not always the happiest people on earth. The poorest people are not always the most unhappy because Allah has not placed success in material things. 2. Any person who wishes to be happy and full of peace of mind and tranquility must work towards attaining "Sakinah".
3. Since "Sakinah" comes from Allah alone, it is very important that every
effort must be made to please Him, keep Him happy and be obedient to Him. Thereafter, a person asks Allah to grant "Sakinah", and Allah will grant this "Sakinah" to such a person. Then if the person has nothing or
little of the world, Allah will still grant him this special peace of mind just as he had done for our Nabi (sallallahu-alayhi-wasallam) and his friends.
4.
The way to please Allah is to follow all of Allah's orders, big and small. The more a person becomes obedient, the closer he will be to Allah, the more will be the peace of mind and happiness of this person.
5.
There are hundreds of things to do and scores of things to stay away from to please Allah, but a few important ones are being mentioned here as it is not possible to go into details.
5.1. Most important of all is to hold true and correct Aqeedah and Beliefs in one's heart. Even one incorrect belief is absolutely deadly.
5.2. Next is Salaah 5 times a day. This is non-negotiable. For the validity of Salaah, there are some rules that have to be followed and this requires some basic knowledge.
5.3. So knowledge of all the basics of Islam is extremely important to acquire from reliable scholars or their books.
5.4. A person has to spare time to read the Quran daily and to remember Allah through Zikr as this leads to peace of mind.
5.5.
One has to stay away from all sins, as these will nullify the effect of
any good deeds done and will bring great misery; drinking alcohol, eating Haram, earning forbidden livelihood, using interest, listening to music, backbit
Islam, a religion of mercy, does not permit terrorism. In the Quran, God has said:
God
does not forbid you from showing kindness and dealing justly with those
who have not fought you about religion and have not driven you out of your homes. God loves just dealers. (Quran, 60:8)
The Prophet Muhammad used to prohibit soldiers from killing women and children,1 and he would advise them: {...Do not betray, do not be excessive, do not kill a newborn child.} And
he also said: {Whoever has killed a person having a treaty with the Muslims shall not smell the fragrance of Paradise, though its fragrance is found for a span of forty years.} Also, the Prophet Muhammad has forbidden punishment with fire.
He once listed murder as the second of the major sins, and he even warned that on the Day of Judgment, {The first cases to be adjudicated between people on the Day of Judgment will be those of bloodshed. }
Muslims are even encouraged to be kind to animals and are forbidden to hurt them. Once the Prophet Muhammad said: {A
woman was punished because she imprisoned a cat until it died. On account of this, she was doomed to Hell. While she imprisoned it, she did not give the cat food or drink, nor did she free it to eat the insects of the earth.}
He also said that a man gave a very thirsty dog a drink, so God forgave his sins for this action. The Prophet was asked, Messenger of God, are we rewarded for kindness towards animals? He said: {There is a reward for kindness to every living animal or human.} Additionally,
while taking the life of an animal for food, Muslims are commanded to do so in a manner that causes the least amount of fright and suffering possible. The Prophet Muhammad said: {When you slaughter an animal, do so in the best way. One should sharpen his knife to reduce the suffering of the animal.}
In
light of these and other Islamic texts, the act of inciting terror in the hearts of defenseless civilians, the wholesale destruction of buildings and properties, the bombing and maiming of innocent men, women, and children are all forbidden and detestable acts according to Islam and the Muslims. Muslims follow a religion of peace, mercy, and forgiveness, and the vast majority have nothing to do with the violent events some have associated with Muslims. If an individual Muslim were to commit an act of terrorism, this person would be guilty of violating the laws of Islam.
According to the Bible, God said to Moses, on whom be peace: "
I will raise upfor them a prophet like you from among their brothers, I
will put my words inhis mouth, and he will tell them 'everything I command him" (The Holy Bible, NewInternational Version, Deuteronomy chapter 18, verse 18).
The prophet described in the above verse must have the following threecharacteristics: 1. He will be like Moses. 2. He will come from the brothers of theIsraelites, i.e. the Ishmaelites. 3. God will put his words in the mouth ofthe prophet and he will declare what God commanded him. Let ussee which prophet God was speaking of.
1. The prophet like Moses Some
people feel that thisprophecy refers to the prophet Jesus, on whom be peace. But, although Jesus(peace be upon him and all of God's prophets and messengers) was truly a prophetof God, he is not the prophet spoken of here. He was born miraculously, andfinally God raised him up miraculously. On the other hand, Muhammad is more likeMoses; both were born in a natural way and both died natural deaths.
2.From among the Ishmaelite Abraham
had two sons, Ishmael andIsaac (Genesis, chapter 21). Ishmael became the grandfather of the Arab nation.And Isaac became the grandfather of Jewish nation. The prophet spoken of was tocome not from among the Jews themselves, but from among their brothers, theIshmaelite. Muhammad a descendant of Ishmael, is indeed that prophet.
3.God will put his words in his mouth "
Neither the content of therevelation, nor its form, were of Muhammad's devising. Both were given by theangel, and Muhammad's task was only to repeat what he heard" (Word Religionsfrom Ancient history to the Present, by Geoffrey Parrinder, p.472).
God sent the angel Gabriel to teach Muhammad the exact wordsthat he should repeat to the people. The words are therefore not his own; theydid not come from his own thoughts, but were put into his mouth by the angel.These are written
down in the Qur'an word for word, exactly as they came fromGod.
Now
that we know that prophet we must listen to him,for, according to the Bible, God says: 'I will punish anyone who refuses to obeyhim' (Good News Bible, Deut. 18:19).
Living
in societies, where spiritual life gets neglected, money becomes the master, being under pressure all the time, crimes are spread in a way that no religion or morals can prevent. All these circumstances make people start thinking, Then What??????
Someone wants to feel his real spiritual life.So he will find Islam as the solution But how is he taken to this way ?????
Some obvious features of Islam let people wonder about this religion.What
is that religion? What is this religion that unites people in praying and doing the pilgrims around Kaba full of respect fear and love to the only creator? What is this religion in which people worship only one
God with no boundaries?What is this religion in which the whole family sits around the same table after a long fasting day?More and more questions drive those wonderers to get to know more about Islam
Things
start getting clear, and the special features of Islam become obvious. The features of good behaviors, the way of worshipping and dealing with others, and all what makes the soul finds the real serenity. The serenity that everyone is looking for in this material world.
Moreover, when getting deep inside Islam and its teachings, one will find more and more information.This article is not enough to explain all reasons that cause this increasing attraction towards Islam.
In
addition to the spiritual comfort that a human finds due to the direct relation with Allah, there are many other reasons causing the increasing
attraction towards Islam. Purity in worships, having faith in dealing with others, and all amazing Islamic morals, one finds himselfattracted
to all what is really missed in his society; such as the family relations, respecting women especially the mother- in spite of all the
deformation made by the Western media in showing a bad picture either of Muslims in general or of Muslim women, as if being under lock and key behind their headand body covering. But when getting deep inside, one realizes the truth.
Muhammad was born in Makkah in the year
570. Since his father died before his birth and his mother died shortly
thereafter, he was raised by his uncle who was from the respected tribe
of Quraysh. He was raised illiterate, unable to read or write, and remained so till his death. His people, before his mission as a prophet,
were ignorant of science and most of them were illiterate. As he grew up, he became known to be truthful, honest, trustworthy, generous, and sincere. He was so trustworthy that they called him the Trustworthy. Muhammad was very religious, and he had long detested the decadence and idolatry of his society. At the age of forty, Muhammad received his first revelation from God through the Angel Gabriel. The revelations continued for twenty-three years, and they are collectively known as the
Quran. As soon as he began to recite the Quran and to preach the truth which God had revealed to him, he and his small group of followers
suffered persecution from unbelievers. The persecution grew so fierce that in the year 622 God gave them the command to emigrate. This emigration from Makkah to the city of Madinah, some 260 miles to the north, marks the beginning of the Muslim calendar. After several years, Muhammad and his followers were able to return to Makkah, where they forgave their enemies. Before Muhammad died, at the age of sixty-three, the greater part of the Arabian Peninsula had become Muslim, and within a century of his death, Islam had spread to Spain in the West and as far East as China. Among the reasons for the rapid and peaceful spread of Islam was the truth and clarity of its doctrine. Islam calls for faith in only one God, Who is the only one worthy of worship. The Prophet Muhammad was a perfect example of an honest, just, merciful, compassionate, truthful, and brave human being. Though he was a man, he was far removed from all evil characteristics and strove solely for the sake of God and His reward in the Hereafter. Moreover, in all his actions and dealings, he was ever mindful and fearful of God
If we compare the life of Muhammad before his mission as a prophet and his life after he began his mission as a prophet, we will conclude that it is beyond reason to think that Muhammad was a false prophet, who claimed prophethood to attain material gains, greatness, glory, or power.
Before
his mission as a prophet, Muhammad had no financial worries. As a successful and reputed merchant, Muhammad drew a satisfactory and comfortable income. After his mission as a prophet and because of it, he
became worse off materially. To clarify this more, let us browse the following sayings on his life: Aaisha, Muhammads wife, said, O my nephew, we would sight three new moons in two months without lighting a
fire (to cook a meal) in the Prophets houses. Her nephew asked, O Aunt, what sustained you? She said, The two black things, dates and water, but the Prophet had some Ansar neighbors who had milk-giving she-camels and they used to send the Prophet some of its milk.
Sahl
Ibn Saad, one of Muhammads companions, said, The Prophet of God did
not see bread made from fine flour from the time God sent him (as a prophet) until he died.
Aaisha, Muhammads wife, said, The mattress of the Prophet , on which he slept, was made of leather stuffed
with the fiber of the date-palm tree.
Amr Ibn Al-Hareth, one of Muhammads companions, said that when the Prophet died, he left neither money nor anything else except his white riding mule, his arms, and a piece of land which he left to charity. Muhammad lived this hard life till he died although the Muslim treasury was at his disposal,
the greater part of the Arabian Peninsula was Muslim before he died, and the Muslims were victorious after eighteen years of his mission. Is
it possible that Muhammad might have claimed prophet hood in order to attain status, greatness, and power? The desire to enjoy status and power is usually associated with good food, fancy clothing, monumental palaces, colorful guards, and indisputable authority. Do any of these indicators apply to Muhammad ? A few glimpses of his life that may help answer this question follow. Despite his responsibilities as a prophet, a teacher, a statesman, and a judge, Muhammad used to milk his goat, mend his clothes, repair his shoes, help with the household work, and visit poor people when they got sick. He also helped his companions in digging a trench by moving sand with them. His life was an amazing model of simplicity and humbleness.
Muhammads followers loved him, respected him, and trusted him to an amazing extent. Yet he continued to emphasize that deification should be directed to God and not to him personally. Anas, one of Muhammads companions, said that there was no person whom they loved more than the Prophet Muhammad , yet
when he came to them, they did not stand up for him because he hated their standing up for him, as other people do with their great people.
Long
before there was any prospect of success for Islam and at the outset of
a long and painful era of torture, suffering, and persecution of Muhammad and his followers, he received an interesting offer. An envoy of the pagan leaders, Otba, came to him saying, ...If you want money, we will collect enough money for you so that you will be the richest one
of us. If you want leadership, we will take you as our leader and never
decide on any matter without your approval. If you want a kingdom, we will crown you king over us... Only one concession was required from Muhammad in return for that, to give up calling people to Islam and worshipping God alone without any partner. Wouldnt this offer be tempting to one pursuing worldly benefit? Was Muhammad hesitant when the
offer was made? Did he turn it down as a bargaining strategy leaving the door open for a better offer? The following was his answer: {In the Name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful} And he recited to Otba the verses of the Quran 41:1-38. The Following are some of these verses: A revelation from (God), the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful; a Book whereof the verses are explained in detail; a Quran in Arabic, for people who know, giving good news and warning, yet most of them turn away, so they do not listen. (Quran, 41:2-4)
On another
occasion and in response to his uncles plea to stop calling people to Islam, Muhammads answer was as decisive and sincere: {I swear by the name of God, O Uncle!, that if they place the sun in my right-hand and the moon in my left-hand in return for giving up this matter (calling people to Islam), I will never desist until either God makes it triumph or I perish defending it}
Muhammad and his few followers did not only suffer from persecution
for thirteen years but the unbelievers even tried to kill Muhammad several times. On one occasion they attempted to kill him by dropping a large boulder, which could barely be lifted, on his head. Another time they tried to kill him by poisoning his food. What could justify such a life of suffering and sacrifice even after he was fully triumphant over his adversaries? What could explain the humbleness and nobility which he
demonstrated in his most glorious moments when he insisted that success
is due only to Gods help and not to his own genius? Are these the characteristics of a power-hungry or a self-centered man?
Have
you ever said or done something hurtful or wrong to someone and then wished you could grab those words or that action back and have a second chance? Have you ever had someone look you in the eye and say, "How could you say that?" or "How could you do that?" And you are left feeling awful and helpless.
If
this never happened to you, you can be sure you are very fortunate. When we make mistakes in our lives, they not only affect ourselves but also the people we care about. Sometimes it's easier to bear a hurt yourself than to see someone suffering for what you yourself have said or done. The awful feeling that is so real and strong that you could almost touch it is called regret.
Regret
is a very hard thing to live with. Feeling guilty can eat away at your soul and render you weak and spiritually low. Remember that the Day of Judgment is also called the Day of Regrets. What a day that will be! When all mankind is gathered and gets to see his or her life played back
just like watching a movie but this is a real story your story! Your life! All the words you spoke and hoped no one would ever hear they'll be plain for all ears that day! All the actions you tried to forget you did will be made known! It is also called the Day of Humiliation. The Day of Regret. The Day of Account. The Day of Judgment.
It is also the day of justice remember all those criminals, cruel, heartless tyrants who harmed others and couldn't care less about what they did thinking they would get away with it? Well, they'll get their
just deserts on that day.
So
is there a way to avoid all those regrets, all that humiliation, and the fact that our words and actions will catch up with us? The simple answer is yes, there is. But it requires some effort, constancy, and determination.
Allah
is the All-Forgiving and All-Merciful. Sometimes people hurt or offend us and we find it hard to overlook their mistakes sometimes we hold grudges and begin to really dislike some people; but Allah the All-Merciful is much more merciful than you or me. He turns to us when we turn to Him and forgives us when we ask for forgiveness.
So
knowing that, why don't we ask for forgiveness all the time? The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) was the most perfect human being and yet asked for forgiveness from Allah more than 70 times a day.
So what about you and me?
When
you sincerely ask Allah to forgive you, He will wipe clean all the evil
deeds you said or did. When you pray, the sins you did between each prayer are wiped out, and when you fast in Ramadan, the sins you did from one Ramadan to the next are also wiped out. Also the Prophet (peace
and blessing be upon him) said that if you do a bad deed, then you should wipe it out with a good deed. So when you come to the Day of Judgment, just like everyone else, and look at your book of deeds, you just might be pleasantly surprised to see your book with more good deeds
than bad.
The
problem is that we don't know for sure until we're there. So in the meantime, it's much better and much wiser to do the following:
Pray all your prayers on time and use the chance while in prostration to ask Allah to forgive you and turn your bad deeds into good deeds. Keep wudu at all times and remember Allah often.
Sharpen your conscience by reading the Qur'an everyday and doing daily dhikr. If you hear yourself saying a bad word, an unkind word, gossiping, or being rude, say "astaghfir Allah" and try to stop what you were doing.
If
the people you are mixing with influence you to do bad deeds and use bad words, start mixing with better people who have more Islamic habits.
Most of all, remember that on the Day of Judgment or the Day of Regret,
you'll be on your own no parents, no friends, no one beside you. Just
you and Allah there will be no excuses and in sha Allah no regrets!
**Latiefa Achmat is an Islamic counselor and social worker in Cape Town, South Africa. She can be contacted at youth_campaign@....
Islam, a religion of mercy, does not permit terrorism. In the Quran, God has said:
God
does not forbid you from showing kindness and dealing justly with those
who have not fought you about religion and have not driven you out of your homes. God loves just dealers. (Quran, 60:8)
The Prophet Muhammad used to prohibit soldiers from killing women and children,1 and he would advise them: {...Do not betray, do not be excessive, do not kill a newborn child.} And
he also said: {Whoever has killed a person having a treaty with the Muslims shall not smell the fragrance of Paradise, though its fragrance is found for a span of forty years.} Also, the Prophet Muhammad has forbidden punishment with fire.
He once listed murder as the second of the major sins, and he even warned that on the Day of Judgment, {The first cases to be adjudicated between people on the Day of Judgment will be those of bloodshed. }
Muslims are even encouraged to be kind to animals and are forbidden to hurt them. Once the Prophet Muhammad said: {A
woman was punished because she imprisoned a cat until it died. On account of this, she was doomed to Hell. While she imprisoned it, she did not give the cat food or drink, nor did she free it to eat the insects of the earth.}
He also said that a man gave a very thirsty dog a drink, so God forgave his sins for this action. The Prophet was asked, Messenger of God, are we rewarded for kindness towards animals? He said: {There is a reward for kindness to every living animal or human.} Additionally,
while taking the life of an animal for food, Muslims are commanded to do so in a manner that causes the least amount of fright and suffering possible. The Prophet Muhammad said: {When you slaughter an animal, do so in the best way. One should sharpen his knife to reduce the suffering of the animal.}
In
light of these and other Islamic texts, the act of inciting terror in the hearts of defenseless civilians, the wholesale destruction of buildings and properties, the bombing and maiming of innocent men, women, and children are all forbidden and detestable acts according to Islam and the Muslims. Muslims follow a religion of peace, mercy, and forgiveness, and the vast majority have nothing to do with the violent events some have associated with Muslims. If an individual Muslim were to commit an act of terrorism, this person would be guilty of violating the laws of Islam.
Clarifying the Term"JIHAD" as an Answer for the Pope's Speach Against ISLAM
Jihad
is one of the most misunderstood, and abused aspects of Islam. There are some Muslims who exploit and misuse this concept for their own political objectives. There are many non-Muslims who misunderstand it. There are some non-Muslims who misinterpret it to discredit Islam and Muslims.
What is Jihad? The word Jihad does not mean Holy War. It means struggle or striving. The word for war in the Quran is Harb or Qital.
Jihad means serious and sincere struggle on the personal as well as on the social level. It is a struggle to do good and to remove injustice, oppression and evil from the society. This struggle should be spiritual as well as social, economic and political. Jihad is to work hard to do right things. In the Quran this word is used in its different forms 33 times. It often comes with other Quranic concepts such as faith, repentance, righteous deeds and migration.
Jihad is to protect ones faith and ones human rights. Jihad is not a war always although it can take the form of war. Islam is the religion of peace, but it does
not mean that Islam accepts oppression. Islam teaches that one should do ones utmost to eliminate tension and conflict. Islam promotes non-violent means to bring change and reform. Actually, Islam urges that
one should eliminate evil through peaceful means without the use of force as much as possible. In Islamic history from the time of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) until now, Muslims most of the
time resisted oppression and struggled for liberation in non-violent and peaceful manners.
Islam teaches proper ethics in the situation of war also. The war is permissible in Islam, but only when other peaceful means such as dialogue, negotiations and treaties fail. It is a last resort and should be avoided as much as possible. Its purpose is not to convert people by force, or to colonize people or to acquire land or wealth or for self-glory. Its purpose is basically: defense of life, property, land, honor and freedom for oneself as well as defense of others from injustice and oppression.
The basic rules of war in Islam are:
1. Be strong so that your enemy fear you and should not attack you. 2. Do not begin the hostilities. Work for peace as much as possible. 3.
Fight only those who fight, no collective punishment; non-combatants should not be harmed. Weapons of mass destruction should not be used. 4. Stop hostilities as soon as the other party is inclined to peace. 5. Observe the treaties and agreements as long as the enemy observes them.
Allah says very clearly: (Fight in the cause of Allah those who fight you, but do not do aggression, for Allah loves not the aggressors.) (Al-Baqarah 2: 190)
(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.) (Al-Baqarah 2: 194)
Jihad is not terrorism:
It
is to be emphasized that terrorism against the innocent civilians, whether through aggression or suicidal means, is under no circumstances permissible in Islam. Islam encourages the oppressed people to struggle for their liberation and it commands other Muslims to help those who are
oppressed and suffering, but Islam does not allow, under any circumstance, terrorism against non-combatants and innocent people. Terrorism is not Jihad, it is Fasad (mischief). It is against the
teachings of Islam. There are some people who use their twisted arguments to justify terrorism for their causes, but it has no justification: Allah says: (When
it is said to them: 'Make not mischief on the earth,' they say: 'Why, we only want to correct things.' Indeed they are the mischief doers, but
they realize (it) not.) (Al-Baqarah 2: 11-12)
Islam
wants to establish a world order where all human beings - Muslims and non-Muslims - can live with justice in peace, harmony and good will. It gives its followers full guidelines to find peace in their personal and social lives, but it also tells them how to extend the good will on the basis of human relations towards others. Muslims worked under these principles for centuries. People of many faiths lived with them and among them. Islamic societies were known for their tolerance, generosity
and humanity.
In our modern society where we are living in a global village, where non-Muslims are living with Muslims in the Muslim countries and Muslims are living with non-Muslims in countries where non-Muslims constitute a majority, it is our duty to bring better understanding among ourselves, work for peace and justice for all people
and cooperate with each other in matters of goodness and virtue in order to stop all terrorism, aggression and violence against the innocent people. This is our Jihad today.
Send Email
