ISLAM AN INTRODUCTION

The Meaning Of Muslim And Momin

2008-07-30T10:25:00.000+05:30

The Meaning Of Muslim And Momin
The word ‘Islam’ is an Arabic word, which is derived from the word ‘Salima’ or ‘Salaamati’ in the same way as the word ‘Iman’ is derived from ‘Amn’ (peace). Of course, Allah has promised eternal peace and security for every person who enters into the folds of Islam.
The literal meaning of ‘Islam’ is ‘submission, surrender and obedience’ to God. In religious terms, ‘Momin’ means an individual who believes in his Creator and Sustainer, accepts it by tongue and does not attach anybody else with Him, while a Muslim is one who surrenders and subjugates himself in toto, to the will of God.
In other words, ‘Iman’ means putting one’s trust in Allah, his an infinite array of traits, characteristics and powers, and believing and accepting it by tongue and heart. Subsequently, pledging to lead one’s entire life in accordance with the instructions of Allah alone and submitting oneself to His will is nothing but Islam. Aesthetically speaking, where ‘Iman’ is related to heart, ‘Islam’ is related to the body. However, these words are used inter-changeably nowadays. This book also uses both the words inter- changeably at different places.
There are two connotations of submission to God i.e. Islam. One, for which man is helpless, such as to take food, Allah has made the mouth; for speaking, He has given a tongue; for hearing, He has blessed us with ears; and He has made eyes for seeing. Needless to say, man cannot help using them in order to survive; that is to say, even if a person is a Kafir (atheist) or a Mushrik (polytheist), he is a Muslim since all his organs work as per the will of Allah. Similarly, each and every creation is a Muslim since it works and behaves obediently to Allah. The second aspect of Islam is obedience, where man has been given the free will either to believe in Allah and thus prepare himself for the Akhirah (Day of Judgement) by subjugating himself to the Supreme will or to destroy his future in Akhirah by letting himself go astray in the process of getting influenced by Satan and evil. In this perspective, man is certainly not bound by fixed laws so far as obedience to Almighty is concerned. This very aspect of obedience is called Islam both from the point of Islamic Shariah as well as in terms of the present world terminology. A person who follows this connotation of Islam is a Muslim.

The Meaning of Kafir and Mushrik

2008-07-29T10:34:00.000+05:30

The Meaning of Kafir and Mushrik
The literal meaning of ‘Kufr’ is ‘to conceal’ or ‘to hide’. It also means ‘disobedience’ or ‘thanklessness’. Similarly, ‘Shirk’ means ‘to make someone the associate or partner of someone’. In terms of Islamic Shariah, whosoever does not believe in Allah together with all His attributes, conceals the Ultimate truth about Tawheed (oneness of God), declines to have faith in it and fails to obey the instructions of Allah, has committed ‘Kufr’ and thus, he is nothing but a ‘Kafir’ and whosoever makes someone the associate or partner of Allah in His traits, powers and characteristics in some way or the other; does not believe that He is the Creator and Sustainer of the entire universe, has committed Shirk and he is nothing short of being a ‘Mushrik’. In the light of the above-mentioned appreciation, it is not only possible but extremely simple and straight to believe in Allah, the Almighty in all His entirety, by all human beings using their own intellect as well as pondering over His creations. This aspect has been dealt in detail in the following pages.
Distinction between Islam and non-Islam

As per the details in the previous pages, whosoever came on this earth since Hazrat Adam up till now, spent his life in accordance with the instructions of Allah, was a Muslim. In other words, in the Ummat gone by, those people who stood by the Ultimate Truth and traversed the righteous path were definitely Muslims, inspite of being Christians, Jews or followers of any other religion. However, as per the terminology of Quran, Islam is the name of the final religion preached by Hazrat Muhammad (SAW) in the sixth century A.D. It was the message of Allah for the entire mankind. People who follow the Prophet are called Muslims. Besides, all the followers of non-Islamic religions at present are non-Muslims and can be termed as Kafir or Mushrik as per the terminology of Quran.

Islam’s prominence over other contemporary religions

2008-07-27T10:39:00.000+05:30

Islam’s prominence over other contemporary religions
The first and foremost point of distinctive prominence of Islam over other contemporary religions is that it is present in its original form without any modifications or distortions whatsoever, as it sprang forth some fourteen hundred years back. On the contrary, Judaism and Christianity preserved their originality and authenticity only during the lifetime of Hazrat Musa and Hazrat Isa respectively. Thereafter, some of the followers modified the original religion by manipulating and adding incorrect notions, taking a toll of its originality itself.
Similarly, other religions and beliefs have also got restructured and distorted over the epochs. The second most prominent distinction of Islam is that it is not attributed to any human being, not even Hazrat Muhammad (SAW), the most beloved and obedient creation who preached the words of Allah to the entire mankind. On the other hand, it is not so among other religions. To cite some examples, Judaism is attributed to Yahudah (Judah), one of the sons of Hazrat Yaqub, Christianity to Hazrat Isa (A), Buddhism to Gautam Buddha. In this perspective, it would be highly ignoramus to call the revealed words of Allah, preached by Hazrat Muhammad (SAW) as Mohammadi or Mohammedan Laws, the way the Europeans termed them. Infact, these are Islamic Laws, since Prophet Muhammad (SAW) is not the founder of this religion. He was only a means, a messenger in bringing the words of the Almighty to the mankind. In the Quran, Allah says about the Prophet (SAW) that he did not utter a single word in the name of Islamic teachings and guidance from Allah, on his own or as per his own wishes, without the instructions of Allah. It suggests, that whatever were his preaching and sayings, they were spoken by him in accordance with the instructions of Allah. Therefore, it is incumbent on every Muslim to follow them just like the Quran.
Furthermore, the third distinctive feature of Islam is that the name ‘Islam’ and ‘Iman’ itself give a fair idea about its essence, which suggests the existence of real peace and security for its followers, unlike other contemporary religions of the world.

The foundation stone of Islam

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The foundation stone of Islam
The fundamental basis of Islam and Iman is that man should accept wholeheartedly and affirm his belief in the fact that Allah alone is worthy of worship. This ultimate truth should pervade his mind and senses like an unquestionable fact. It should not be let off his mind and conscience at any stage in life that the entire unfathomable, ever-expanding, enormous universe has been created by Allah the Almighty alone, He Himself is the driving force behind it and shall continue to sustain in future also, all by Himself. Nobody is sharing his omnipotence, neither does he require anybody nor shall require anybody in future too. He has created each and every thing, all of which is perishable and prone to declination. It is He alone who is ever lasting and has lasted all along. He has not borne anybody, nor anybody was borne him. Neither he has a wife nor any other relative. His soul does not transfuse in anybody and he does not adopt the shape of human beings or that of any other creation. He is limitless and without any boundations. He is aware of each and every act or deed of all of his creations, whatsoever. Not only does He see all of his creations at the same time, He is also aware of their feelings, thinking and deeds more than they themselves are and much earlier than they come to know about it. He also knows what goes on in the heart, even when it has not been delivered by tongue. He listens to one and all and fulfils the needs of the seekers, if it is good for them. There is no need for any intermediary or intercession for invoking Him. Each and every work of Allah embodies wisdom and beneficence. He is Omnipotent, Omniscient and Omnipresent. None is like Him and He is not governed by anyone, whosoever. Moreover, his instructions cannot be left unheeded. Nobody can challenge Him. He is just and fair in His judgements. He does not even oppress any Mushrik or Kafir, one bit.
He is the master of life and death. He has already pre-determined the moment of death for each and every human being and certainly, there shall not be a moment’s procrastination in this matter. He is the one who sustains the entire universe. All such activities of man like worshipping, bowing, supplication, asking for help, making a vow, hoping, fearing – are directed towards Him alone. He is the one who alone is worthy of worship and obedience in all-possible forms. He is Omniscient and His knowledge pervades the entire universe.
All the qualities mentioned above, fall into His domain alone and nobody other than Him. No one is a party to His unique traits and qualities. In a nutshell, He is the master of all qualities and His existence is entirely immaculate.

Tawheed is indispensable for the entire mankind

2008-07-25T20:04:00.001+05:30

Tawheed is indispensable for the entire mankind
It is a human need to have firm belief in Tawheed, which stands for having faith in Allah, accepting that He alone is the Creator and Sustainer of mankind and thus have, trust in Him. Further, such an undiluted faith caters to his nature as well as his intellect. According to one of the greatest think tanks of the Islamic World on the current century, Hazrat Maulana Syed Abul Hasan Ali Nadvi said: Man has always been dependent on others for the fulfillment of his needs. His needs and requirements have gradually exceeded the limits. Also, he has innumerable enemies in this world. Thus, He cannot live depending on someone whose strength, power, information capacity and awareness is limited despite being enormous. He needs someone who can protect him in every way, at every juncture, fulfill his gargantuan needs, which keep on augmenting, one who has absolute control and supremacy over the universe, one who can create and create everything and one who loves His creations more than an affectionate mother does. Such an entity belongs to none other than Allah, the Almighty. Unfortunately, man’s perception and cognitive power takes a beating in such matters and he accepts powerless and helpless entities as his saviours or masters, despite all their shortcomings.

Basis of Shirk (polytheism) and Kufr (Infidelity)

2008-07-24T20:09:00.000+05:30

Basis of Shirk (polytheism) and Kufr (Infidelity)
When we understood the foundation stones of Tawheed, Islam and Iman, we also got an idea about the basis of Shirk and Kufr. It is so because whatever is contrary to Tawheed and Iman is Shirk and Kufr. In other words, the way fire and water cannot come together, Iman and Kufr or Islam and Shirk also cannot get together. Putting in simpler words, Shirk can be broadly defined as the belief of man, that somebody else is an associate of Allah in terms of His qualities and powers or that Allah’s soul can pervade into any creation or that He can adopt some kind of worldly form or that somebody else is running the universe along with Him or that somebody else might be having the knowledge of the unseen and unknown or that he can solve the problems of the people and give happiness to the world or that he can prolong the life - spans or can delay the moment of death or he is dependent on any sort of intercession for fulfilling the needs and requirements of His creations.
If a person harbours such unrealistic views and beliefs about some creation, be it a prophet or messenger, he shall be disowned from Islam and shall fall under the purview of Shirk and Kufr.
Incorrect interpretation of Shirk
Nowadays, Shirk exists in such forms in which the person neither denies the existence of Allah nor does he negate Him as his Creator and Sustainer. Instead, although he accepts the fact that Allah as the Creator and Sustainer of the World, yet he includes others, making them His partners in his powers and possessions. He makes excuses that he worships others as a means to get closer to Allah and that, basically, he worships Allah alone. However, even this aspect falls under the category of Shirk because a similar belief was harboured by Mushrikeen for Allah, in the times of Prophet Muhammad (SAW). Regarding them, Allah says in the Quran: O Mohd. (SAW), if you ask these Mushrikeen and Kuffar as to who has created the skies and earth, they will promptly say that it is Allah. However, they were disowned from Islam by Allah since they believed in Allah yet they did not believe in Allah alone. Islam stands for having belief in Allah alone, not Allah also. Islam extended the message of pure Tawheed without an iota bit of Shirk. It emphasises that man does not need any means or leverage to approach Allah.
Root cause of Shirk
The underlying basic reason behind Shirk is that man has not recognized Allah, the Almighty in totality along with all of His real characteristics, powers and traits. Moreover, he presumed Him like those rulers and kings, who themselves seek help and guidance from their ministers and aides. He made Allah’s existence comparable and synonymous with the likes of those rulers who can be won over by appeasing their ministers. He believed that God forbid, even Allah could be appeased by means of idols, prophets, angels and saints. They conceived this illogical notion that the way in which the recommendations of the loved ones of the kings are not turned down in his court, the commendations by statues and prophets will also not be turned down in the court of Allah. When man begins to believe in Allah in totality with all of His real attributes and qualities, the beliefs pertaining to Shirk, themselves, vanish away.
Basically, Shirk got imbued in human beings by the influence of Satan or Iblees upon them or losing control over their desires or emulating blindly the traditions of their ancestors and forefathers. This is evident because we find several instances in history where the rationality of men scored over worshipping and bowing before mere idols, Their conscience used to oppose their deeds now and then, however they kept denying the perfectly rational concept of Tawheed as mentioned in the Quran by simply quoting their ancestors and forefathers, despite the fact that their hearts used to decried that their inappropriate deeds were laid upon the bedrock of ignorance. Whoever thinks a little bit, is aware of the history and background of Satan’s enmity with man and realizes that the Satan is seeking vengeance from man by distracting him to Shirk, spoiling, thereby, his Akhirah (the life hereafter) and thus making him destined for the Fire of Hell. Such a person shall not even imagine about Shirk and Kufr, the least bit.

Beginning of Shirk
We know that all the human beings on this planet today are the progeny of Hazrat Adam (A). He was the first man to be created by Allah and the entire lineage of man has been derived from him. After coming into existence, Hazrat Adam along with his wife Hazrat Hawwa, were kept in the Heavens, where Iblees was already staying. He had been bestowed extraordinary knowledge by Allah. After creating man, Allah declared him as the most superior amongst all the creations. It was made known to all the angels as well as Iblees. They were also enjoined to bow before Hazrat Adam (A) as a gesture of respect. They bowed down except Iblees. He refused to comply with the orders out of haughtiness and made an excuse that he himself was created from Fire, while Adam was created from clay and since fire is superior to clay, he will not bow down. Because of such defiance, Allah expelled him from the Heavens forever. He was also deprived of Allah’s grace. Albeit, he was given certain powers as per his request and desire, that he could modify his form, disguise himself even as human beings and divert them from the Righteous path of Allah by means of his tricks and deceits to make them condemnable and disgraced. Moreover, he could sway them away from Tawheed and make them indulge in Shirk and Kufr. In this way, he can vest his ire on man and can take several others along with himself to Hell. With such powers, Allah also foretold him that his influence shall only work on those who would listen to him whereas the virtuous and righteous people would not heed to him at all. Because of his affection, Allah told man straightway, while expelling him out of the Heaven: look, Satan is your real enemy. He would try to divert you from the Righteous path. He would not let go any available opportunity. Beware of him. Never fall prey to his deceitful tactics. In view of such clear instructions from Allah for human beings, the Satan could no longer assume his original form and divert people from the Righteous path. Since, the Satan was very shrewd and knew Allah’s promise to human beings that He might excuse all their sins and follies except Shirk which is absolutely unpardonable. Hence, the Satan made a last-ditch attempt by bringing the true Muslims or followers of Allah out of the folds of Tawheed and Iman towards the swamps of Shirk and Kufr. He started off his wily campaign soon after Hazrat Adam arrived into this world. However, his misleading campaign could cut no ice on man for a long period of time. The Satan could not persuade the human beings not to worship Allah and not to include someone else along with Him. Therefore, he devised a plan that whenever any pious and virtuous person died, he used to assume form of a human being and tell the bereaved people: The virtues and qualities of the deceased are such that they should be remembered forever. Moreover, one should try to follow his steps. For this purpose, you can keep a picture of him in your home so that you cannot forget him. At first, some innocent people got misled by him. They could not comprehend his wily tricks. The process continues for long such that a time came when he exhorted them to replace the pictures of those saintly souls with her statues. These statues were sculpted with pure intentions. In order to preserve the memories of these saints, intact, a large number of statues were sculpted and began to be place in homes and places of worship. Consequently, whenever a virtuous man died, his statue was made and kept inside the places of worship. The statue was known by the deceased person’s name. The hundreds of statues belonging to the polytheists of Makkah and the infidels of Arab, such as the famous statues of Late Uzza and Manat were also linked with their forefathers. Initially, the people had made these statues for remembering their pious and righteous deceased people only. Later on, the oncoming generations started kissing them onto of respect. Even later, the most generations began to bun before them and much later, prostrating before them, sacrificing in their names, making vows to them, and seeking help from them.
Some even started to make them a means of reaching Allah. Finally, a generation emerged which began regarding them as gods. They even failed to know why did their ancestors sculpt their statues and place them in their homes and places of worship and what was the underlying objective. Those statues of pious men, which made people remember their virtues and propel them to follow their steps, had lost all meaning. Rather, they themselves were being worshipped. In this way, the elusive and shrewd Satan managed to imbue Shirk in human beings by means of covert trickery. The process continued for long to the extent that man started worshipping anything, which could benefit him. Some started to worship the Sun and Moon because of their characteristic luminance, some others worshipped the Trees on account of their productivity; some people worshipped the cow for its milk while others started worshipping the snake or fire for it’s pernicious potential.
Under the guidance of the messengers sent by Allah, some civilizations regretted and sought forgiveness for their misdemeanor in adopting Shirk. They reaffirmed their faith in Tawheed but the oncoming generations distorted the religious teachings on their own and added certain facts, which they had not said at all. Consequently, the further generations could hardly distinguish between the right and wrong. The Truth got concealed with the inter-mixing of the Falsehood with the Truths. Thereafter, an epoch came when their Prophets and Messengers themselves were regarded as gods. God forbid! some called a Prophet as the son of Allah like the Christians and some regarded a prophet as some regarded a prophet as some deity or incarnation, like the Jews.

Allah alone is the Creator and Sustainer

2008-07-23T20:18:00.000+05:30

Allah alone is the Creator and Sustainer
If man ponders only over the extremities of the enormous, ever-expanding universe created by Allah, the visible sky and all that is underneath it, that has been discovered by man through scientific breakthroughs, he will definitely conclude that the entire universe is not the handwork of any human being or any other creation but of Allah and Allah alone. If he ponders for a while over the beauty of the universe, the ever-so-successful system and it’s functioning which can mind-boggle anybody, his heart and conscience would surely be convinced of the fact that Allah alone is infusing life into the system functioning as a unified whole. Time and again, he would be astonished by the uniqueness, miraculous powers and superb craftsmanship of the Creator such that the irrational man-created twin concepts of Shirk and Kufr along with other illogical imagination shall vanish into thin air. Even in a latent state of mind, he would never even dream of including anybody else with Allah.
The vast expanse of universe
In the twenty - first century, the discoveries made by man because of scientific advancements and the mind-boggling information that has been gathered by him, presents an amazing picture, which makes the task of believing in the unity of Allah, His Omniscience and Omnipotence, a much simpler task than ever before.
First of all, we should know that the Earth, the world and the universe are three different terminology and each of them have a distinct connotation. ‘Earth’ is the planet on which we live. ‘World’ denotes all those things under the lowermost sky, which are visible to us. It also includes the sun, the moon, the billion of stars and galaxies as well as the myriad creations of Allah while ‘Universe’ refers to an agglomeration of all the creations of Allah, as a whole, which is inclusive of the seven skies, the earth, the heaven and hell and Allah’s empyrean among others.
The vast expense of the universe, the estimated of which has been put at no less than 50 billion years by the scientists, can be gauged from the fact that the earth, which is home of about 6 billion human beings and over 10 million species of flora and fauna, is comparable to a negligible speck of dust in the world itself, leave alone the universe. Let’s have a glimpse of the speck of dust – our earth that completes a revolution around the sun covering an orbital distance of about 190 miles. Its statistics are as follows; At a distance of nearly 150 million kilometres from the sun, rotating at about 1000 miles/hour around it’s axis, the surface area of the earth is of a magnitude of 510 million square kilometres. About 71 per cent of the earth, that is 360 million square kilometres of the earth’s surface is watery, which suggests that merely 29 per cent of the earth comprises of land. Startlingly enough, nearly 6 billion people and millions of species of animals are packed on just 10 per cent of the land which again points to the fact that the remaining 90 percent of the area consists of forests, deserts and mountains. There are five huge oceans on this planet. The description of one of them, the Pacific Ocean is itself worth mentioning. It’s total area is spread over 1652 million square kilometres, even more than the total land area. The average depth of the ocean is approximately 17 thousand feet, that is to say, a huge edifice of 17 hundred storeys can be made to stand on it to touch the sea level. The whale, a mammal that lives in these oceans itself is about 150 feet long or a 15 storeyed building. Such is the width of its mouth that 20 to 25 people can stand altogether easily. Millions of such creatures are fund in a single ocean only. A fair estimate of the number of such fishes is an ocean can be had from a fish - catching competition that took place in Scotland some years back, in which over a billion fishes were caught altogether. One can guess the worth of gold and other minerals lying on the ocean bed from the fact that over 50-lakh rupees worth of gold is available in the particles of sand in just one square mile of oceanic bed. It is worth mentioning that water is preset over 320 million square kilometers in the oceans. These oceans have close to 7 lakh islands. Greenland, just one of these numerous islands has a total area of 2.175 million square kilometers, that is over two-thirds of India can comfortably fit into this piece of land. This was a short description of our huge Earth. Now we shall see as to how small this is. The Sun, which is the nucleus of our solar system, is so enormous that about 1.3 million planets of the size of the Earth can get accommodated in it whereas the Sun itself is much smaller as compared to other Suns, such that over 1 thousand such Suns equivalent to 1.3 billion planets of Earth’s dimensions can fit into it. Till now, scientists have captured photographs of about 30 billions stars with the help of telescopes and sophisticated spacecrafts. It is noteworthy to mention that at one given time, man can see at the most 5 thousand stars and meteors with his naked eyes. Using an average telescope, one can see more than 2.2 million stars whereas our vision gets increased manifold using the American Hubble telescope by which we can see several billion stars in the open space.
Our solar system, which comprises the Sun, the Earth and other heavenly bodies, has a planet called Pluto, which is nearly 586 billion kilometers away from the Earth. There are a number of such solar system in the universe, the collection of which is known as Galaxy. Its vast expanse can be estimated from the fact that light, approximately 3 lakh kilometers per second takes nearly one lakh years to travel from one end of the galaxy to the other. The average distance of this galaxy is nearly 800 billion kilometers. So far, about five hundred million galaxies have been discovered in the universe. Moreover, each of the galaxies has nearly a billion stars like our Sun. Another way of estimating the enormous expanse of our universe could be from the distance of the Earth from the Sun, that is 150 million kilometres, from where light takes about 8 minutes to reach the Earth. The Sun itself revolves at a speed of 6 lakh kilometres per hour. Also, there are certain other stars in our proximity whose light takes over 15 million years to reach us. The famous American expert of astronomy and mathematics, Einstein who had a German origin and died in 1955, revealed his thoughts about the expanse of the world discovered until 50 years back in the following words: The world is so gargantuan that if a place is built which has the speed of light, that in 3 lakh kilometer per second, it would take a billion years to circumambulate around the world. Even this was merely guesswork. The reality could be much more enormous than this revelation.
If the question keeps propping up with you as to how was the distance of these planets and stars known without man travelling to them, it should be mentioned that such powerful astronomical telescopes have been built which can measure millions of kilometres with tremendous accuracy. To cite an example, using these telescopes man could find out the exact distance from the Moon to the Earth, that is 364 thousand kilometres. Also, it was discovered that its diameter is 3475 kilometres wide; that is to say, it is 50 times smaller than the Earth. For the first time, when man landed on the moon on 16 July 1969 by the Apollo 11 spacecraft sent by NASA (National Aeronautics & Space Administration), the claims of measuring accurate distance between the two bodies were found perfectly true – not even a kilometre mismatching!

Allah is capable of producing even the tiniest particle

2008-07-22T20:26:00.000+05:30

Allah is capable of producing even the tiniest particle
The way this gigantic universe is a perfect evidence of the unity of Allah, the way He is capable of creating such enormous heavenly bodies and the massive distances between them, He can also create the tiniest of particles, with each particle revealing the truth about the unity of Allah.
So far, according to scientific researches, the tiniest of particle in this world is the Atom, which cannot be seen by man even through those powerful microscopes which are able to magnify the objects several million times. Surprisingly, even these tiny atoms have a well - structured and functional revolving system having it’s own orbits and distances. Now, man has come to discover the massive powers and strength concealed within these tiny by the Creator, which are themselves not visible even with the most powerful microscopes known to man. Gradually, he has realised that the most dangerous things in the universe, are these minuscule particles, which are potent enough to destroy millions of people within a fraction of a second. An example of the deadly power of these atoms was witnessed by the world with the dropping of the Atom Bomb on Hiroshima (Japan) on 6 August 1945 by America during the Second World War from an altitude of 18 hundred feet. Within a matter of just minutes, over 1,36,900 people perished and an endless destruction was seen all around. Out of a total of seventy - five thousand houses in this city, nearly 50 thousand had got razed to the ground. The destruction spread over an area of 18 thousand square miles. The gigantic dust-clouds, which emerged from the atomic explosion, rose to a height of 50 thousand feet. A similar atomic explosion within matter of just three days on 9th August 1945 completely destroyed the population of the Japanese port city of Nagasaki, taking a toll of over 73,804 people and injuring about 76 thousand people. Man discovered the atom within 100 years only, however, Allah the almighty not only revealed about it over fourteen hundred years back, He also foretold that many a more miniscule particles than the atom could also be found in the world and that they are also very much before Our eyes.
Allah says, ‘O mankind! We keep an eye on even the most trivial of your activities. Our vision is so powerful and dynamic that it can keep track of the minutest of the particles such as the atom, which is invisible to naked eye as well as the mighty heavenly bodies and the gigantic galaxies. It should be noted that an atom is called ‘Zarra’ in Arabic.
"And nothing is hidden from your Lord (so much as) the weight of an atom (or small ant) on the earth or in the heaven. Not what is less that or what is greater than that but is (written) in a Clear Record." (10:61)
The recent advancements in medical sciences have found out why blood is reddish in colour. It’s because it contains such minute particles (Zarrat) which measure up to one part in seven thousand parts of an inch and cannot be seen even through an ordinary microscope.

Is the huge universe within the bounds of any creature?

2008-07-21T20:28:00.000+05:30

Is the huge universe within the bounds of any creature?
The above-mentioned discussion entails that leave alone the vast universe, even creating a particle billion and trillion times smaller is out of bounds of human beings or any other entity whatsoever barring Allah. When it is established that the Creator and Sustainer of one and all is none other than Allah, a question comes up that for whom has this universe been created and why so. Moreover, who is running it so smoothly, systematically in a well-organized way. Profoundly speaking, Islam or Iman is the name of having faith in such true facts, accepting them, acknowledging them and leading a life in consonance with Allah’s instructions by realizing His greatness. If someone like the atheists claims that these things came into existence on their own, they ought to prove how did it really happen. Man came into existence from a mother’s womb out of sperms. The womb was developed out of human diet. The diet originated from tiny seedling, then from where did the seedling originate? The mystery would keep on going intricate as one goes further. Everything developed from some other thing – this fact needs to be registered in the minds of human beings. When such a tiny object cannot earn it’s own existence, how can this mighty universe come into existence by itself? Alternatively, if someone claims that it is the hard work of his statues and self-made gods, in such a case, the Quran throws an open challenge that, do they have the powers to infuse life even into a tiny housefly?
Surprisingly, even the Kafirs and Mushriks believe that the creator of one and all is Allah alone. However, they have been termed so because they claim that some of His creations assist him in running the universe although they have no role to play in creating it. Islam., on the other hand, asserts that Allah alone has created the universe and He alone runs it, all by Himself. In this process, He shall never require anybody’s help, neither He has required in the past nor in the present.
The well-knit system of the universe is an evidence of the unity of Allah
If a Kafir or Mushrik ponders seriously for a while over the entire system of the universe, which is highly, well structured and organized, he would renounce his misdemeanors and have faith in the oneness of Allah at that very instant. In the Quran, Allah asks the mankind, "O mankind, who has created the sprawling skies which stand by themselves without any support? Do you notice any fault or lacuna in it? Not once, look at it again and again. Looking at it will exhaust you but you shall never find any shortcoming. Who is preventing it from falling upon you, within whose bounds does it lie, except that of Allah?
The sky is so distant from us, so high above us and so vast, an idea can be had from the fact that man has been able to locate such stars beyond the Sun whose light reaches the Earth in 15 million years despite travelling at an electrifying speed of 300 thousand meters per second. However, despite locating such distant stars, it has been virtually impossible to calculate the distance of the sky from the Earth.
All the stars and the planets underneath the sky move around the fixed orbits. Such is the fine balance existing between them, that they have not moved an inch out of their pre-determined paths even in thousands of years and there has not been a delay of a fraction of a second in their period of revolution, else the whole system would go haywire. Because of such high levels of precision, scientists are able to make accurate predictions about forthcoming solar or lunar eclipses even years before the event. In a similar way, the time period of each star or heavenly body is also fixed.
Allah, the Almighty says, " Each running (its course) for a term appointed." (13:2)
That is, all objects move as per the stipulated time - frame only. There is no collision or mis-management in this system, whatsoever. Take the example of the Sun, which has been destined by Allah to be a source of energy for Earth and other planets. It is basically a ball of fire having a temperature around a million degree Celsius at the core. The temperature is sufficient to melt the Earth several times over. It rotates at a speed of a million kilometres per hour around its axis while moving at a speed of 12 miles per second on it’s infinite, fixed orbit.
It has been referred to as "And the sun runs on its fixed course for a term (appointed)." (36:28) in the Quran, which suggests that the Sun is moving swiftly towards its destination. Despite running away at such an awe-inspiring speed, it nevertheless, takes 250 million years to complete one revolution around its galaxy alone. If the distance between the Sun and the Earth is reduced, the heat generated would be certainly unbearable for the life on the Earth.
On the contrary, if it pushed further away, the cold would threaten the very existence of man on this planet. Similarly, if any other energy-emitting star replaces over Sun, still the Earth would be incapable of braving the intense heat generated. To protect the Earth dwellers from the excessive temperature of the Sun and to reduce the intensity of heat, Allah has enveloped the planet with an invisible layer of Ozone, beyond which life cannot be sustained naturally, despite all efforts by man in terms of scientific advancements. Thus, Allah had already told the mankind some 14 hundred years back itself that inspite of the infinite vastness of the universe, the ideal conditions for existence of the life are present on the blue planet alone.
" On Earth will be a dwelling place for you and an enjoyment for a time." (2:36)
The outcome has been clear. Man’s efforts to find the possibility of life in the universe has not borne fruit up till now. If he finds oxygen on one planet, there is no water and if water exists then there is no oxygen on the other. Without doubt, they shall never be able to find a star or planet like Earth in the entire universe until eternity, in the light of the Quran.
Furthermore, if man examines the vast, infinite and deep stretches of called Oceans closely, the oceanic system would be sufficient enough to comprehend the greatness of Allah. To start with, we can take Water. We know, water starts rotting and smelling if kept for a long time. However, the ocean water has not become smelly even after millions of years by virtue of the magnificent system of the waves and the flux and reflux created by Allah. As per fair estimates, if the ocean water we re to be transferred to any other place, it would require a stretch of over 323 million and 722 thousand cubic miles about 1.5 kilometres wide and deep. The water in oceans is s saline that if all the salt could be extracted from it and spread out, an area of nearly seven million square kilometres of this Earth could have been covered by it with a thickness of about a mile. Let’s look at another miracle. There happens to be an island in the high seas. The island is surrounded by saline water from all sides and beneath, however when a well is dug on it, it gives fresh potable water.
Allah says: "And the two seas (kinds of water) are not alike: this is fresh sweet and pleasant to drink and that is salt and bitter." (35:12)
Similarly, we know that one of the primary characteristics of water is that is cannot exist along with any substance retaining it’s own properties. Either it dominates or is subdued by the substance. If it is in a lesser quantity, it acquires the characteristics and color of the solvent and in case it is in a larger quantity, it forces the soluble to part with its characteristics. To elaborate it further, if we mix a little bit of gravy or syrup to water, they tend to lose their existence in it. On the other hand, if more of them are added to less water, the water simply becomes a part of them. Similar is the behaviour of fresh or salty water. It suggests that, water or other liquids having different colors or taste cannot exist together retaining their characteristic features. However, contrary to this logic, several such places have been found in the oceans by man where water of different colors are flowing together bearing their distinctive features such as colors. A similar panoramic view can be seen even in our own country at Allahabad in Uttar Pradesh, at Sangam, the confluence of the rivers Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati. Similar features have also been observed at places in the sea adjoining Bahrain, a country in the Arabian Peninsula, the Bay of Bengal as well as the Persian Gulf. After all, what would be the hindering force or substance, which prevents the water having different, tastes and colors from retaining their original properties. Modern Science is virtually incapable of solving the mystery, however Allah unfolds the mystery behind it, in the glorious Quran itself, saying that He Himself has kept the oceans from not mixing together by a thin invisible barrier between them, which prevents them from inter - mingling.
" He has let loose the two seas (the salt and fresh water) meeting together. Between them is a barrier which none of them can transgress." (55:19,20)
During the summer season, the saline water of the oceans gets evaporated and takes the form of clouds at higher attitudes. Surprisingly, it itself gets condensed into water and freshwater falls on Earth. Needless to say, is there anybody else other than Allah, who is capable of converting the saline water going up into freshwater pouring down?

Allah’s omnipotence in creation

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Allah’s omnipotence in creation
Not only is Allah the Almighty the sole Creator and Sustainer of one and Allah, He also has unparalleled skills in creating in each an every thing. He did not claim that He can create these particular objects, rather He declared: ‘What is that, which I cannot create, in fact I can create everything.’
"Allah is able to do all things" (2:109)
His omnipotence can be estimated from the unique attributes of His creations as well as their unimaginable balance and temperance, dynamic equilibrium, strength and might. Let us consider the birth of a Child growing in mother’s womb. Out of the millions of sperms, Allah creates such a wonderful and beautiful entity called Man, when just one of them is successful in fertilization. Time and again, Allah urges the mankind, in the Holy Quran, to ponder over the intricacies of Nature. How wonderfully He creates a clean and pure entity in the form of man by fertilizing a dirty drop of water in the Mother’s womb! Further, one gets over awed by the way in which He gives him a foetal form with the help of clotted blood and then bestows a bony structure to this foetus, then how He adds flesh to the structure and then creates the tiny functional systems or organs in the process. Finally, He puts a soul into the assembly and then very easily sends off this living creature into the outside world after a period of 9 months. Leave alone creating a functional living entity in the form of a man from a miniscule particle called sperm, is any human being capable of sending back the child into the Mother’s womb, after the birth? Is it possible with the best of technology available to man? Despite the great advancements in the field of medicine and science, man still is helpless. Then let us just ponder for a while, as to how does Allah put a soul into the tiny frame after 6 months and then lets it grow further for 3 months within a special bag-like structure in the mother’s body, called the womb. Moreover, he enables the foetus to get adequate nutrition in the form of blood. For three months, it sustains itself with blood. On the contrary, can we ever imagine the child to survive by drinking even a few drops of this blood, having taken birth in this world. Also, it is quite unimaginable to believe as to how could this living infant survive in the mother’s womb for 3 months without having any opening in it for breathing. How could he survive having been submerged in the fluid present in this little bag for so long? On the other hand, can he survive even for a few minutes, if all the passages of breathing are shut down or say, he is drowned in a bucketful of water?
As a matter of fact, those who do not believe in Allah could only know about the process of development, that is the fertilization of the sperm and the egg resulting in a zygote that develops into a clot of blood called foetus which further develops bones, then flesh and finally a soul put into the structure, with the recent advancements in the 20th century. However, the Muslim had already come to know about these stages of growth 14 hundred years ago through the Quran. Was it possible for anybody to describe the whole process accurately without observing it closely? Who else but Allah can describe it. Of course He is the Creator of one and all. Many a non-Muslim scientists and physicians were left aghast to know that the Quran had precisely described about it, some 14 hundred years erstwhile. They readily embraced Islam. In a similar way, He created human beings as the most beautiful and astounding of all species in the universe. Obviously, man is certainly incapable of creating such wonderful entries. In fact, he cannot even get rid of an imperfection given to him by the Almighty. For example, if He left somebody bereft of eyesight, the whole world with all its might, wealth and intellect could not restore his eyesight. If someone was born dumb, they could not give back his voice. Allah reiterates that, ‘ It is We who not only create human-beings but also bestow them with charming and exquisite faces.’
Allah, the Almighty has so far, created billions of human beings from similar type of sperm and a similar organ. Surprisingly, the features of all of them are different from each other. There did exist some or the other physical difference in the appearance even though twins were also born from the same womb of the mother and the same sperm of the father. Are not the fruits growing on trees or developing from a single seed at the same time on the same tree at the same place under the same climatic conditions different in size, colour and taste? Can any human being produce varied types of items at the same time from the same raw materials using the same machines in the same factory? Have not the human beings seen the babies of such huge animals like elephants and camels come out through such a small opening.
Do we not see those tiniest of tiny insects that can comfortably accommodate in dozens even in a speck of mustard seed. When seen through the microscope, scientists could even identify and classify their outward features as the eye, the ears, the mouth, the nose, the limbs, the stomach and the back as well as their internal organs like the liver, the kidneys, the heart, the lungs, the intestines and the brain. Who else but Allah can demonstrate His miraculous skills even in such miniscule creatures. Man developed a robot and programmed it to obey his order. But, could he put a soul into it and was he able to lend it the heart and the prowess of intelligence. Now. When man has deeply annualized the brilliant creative prowess of Allah within himself and the astounding universe outside and when his heart and mind have also accepted the rationale and logic underlying the fact that it is Allah alone who is capable of such miraculous creations, what stops him from having faith in Allah. Allah Himself answers: "These people, basically, are blind and their hearts are concealed behind curtains. That is why, they are not embracing the Righteous Path and all are not embracing faith by accepting the truth."

Islam is the greatest boon of the world

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The greatest rewards bestowed by Allah on his creations is that of Islam and Iman, which is commonly referred to as ‘Guidance’, to which all others of the world stand inferior and insignificant. This is the wealth bestowed by Allah on those he pleases. Receiving this wealth of Allah certainly indicates that Allah has special love for him. Allah does not get influenced by lineage and nobility; family prestige, any honour or exaltation in the society, academic wisdom, financial status and other such criteria in bestowing this supreme wealth. At times, even the children, parents or closest relatives of Allah’s most beloved creations – the prophets and messengers, have been denied it, although the messengers and prophets keep praying for them before Allah. Allah, the Almighty addresses Prophet Muhammad (SAW) in the Quran and says’ “O Muhammad (SAW), you cannot impart Guidance to anyone you desire to; in fact, it is the sole prerogative of Allah to bestow Guidance upon those whom He intends to.”

By this, Allah merely wants to emphasize that it is He who decides whom to reward with this wealth and whom to deny. To this end, Allah even, often, rejects the plea of his beloved creations and prophets. To cite some examples, Hazrat Nooh’s son, Hazrat Ibrahim’s father and Hazrat Lut’s wife had been denied this blessing. Even Prophet Muhammad (SAW) own uncle, Hazrat Abu Taalib, who had nurtured the Prophet since childhood and had treated him as his own child, could not have access to it. On the contrary, the strongest enemies of Islam in those days of the likes of Hazrat Umar, Ikramah, the son of Abu Jahl as well as the wife of Pharoah, the extremely tyrant ruler of Egypt, were bestowed with the exquisite guidance.

Such is the charisma associated with this reward that a feeble person who dies of hunger and thirst in the state of Iman is more beloved to Allah than a ruler or emperor who reigns over the whole world and possesses uncountable wealth, yet goes from this world without Islam and Iman.

Even if man understands this reality and bows his head before Allah as a mark of gratitude for all his life on account of this reward, he shall still he unable to thank Allah completely. The benefit of being grateful towards Allah continuously is that Allah lets him keep the wealth of Islam for all his life, otherwise it would also be snatched away by Allah for some misdeed or sin. That is why, Allah familiarized the Muslims with this Dua: “Our Lord! Let not our hearts deviate” (from the truth) after you have guided us.” (3:8)
It is not necessary that the guidance bestowed on a person shall remain with him till his death. The Messengers of Allah, too, were scared that their Muslim children and their generations, may be deprived of the Divine Guidance, by Allah. As a result, at the time of his death, Hazrat Yaqub advised his children: “My sons! All of you stay firm on Islam and die on Islam”, although not only was he a Messenger, his father and grandfather also were Messengers of Allah. His children were also in the company of Messengers and well trained. When this is the state of the children of a Messenger, we can definitely imagine, how much do we have to be concerned about it and keep on praying Allah for sustaining it.

Challenging situations after embracing Islam is an indication of Allah’s love

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Allah says that no Momin should think that Allah should let him enter the Jannat before putting him in challenging situations.

Prophet Muhammad (SAW) says that the more a person is exalted before Allah, the more Allah puts him in challenging situations. Thereafter, by the grace of Allah, he does emerge successful in it. The most beloved and exalted of Allah’s creations are His Prophets and Messengers. That is why, Prophet (SAW) says that, amongst all people, the Messengers have been most tested in the way of Allah. Still further, amongst the Messengers, I was the most troubled and tested one. It was this very Dawah of Iman that culminated in the killing of Hazrat Yahya (A) – the Messenger of Bani Israel, by his people. Hazrat Zakaria was sliced open by a saw while Hazrat Ibrahim was expelled from his country Iraq and thrown into the burning fire. Prophet Muhammad (SAW) himself had to undergo many a testing times, which are rare in the course of history. He was kept besieged along with his clan for three years continuously in Shaab Abi Talib, a valley in Makkah, where he survived along with his followers on babool leaves. In addition to it, he was dragged in the streets of Taif and rogue boys and urchins pelted stones upon him. He became unconscious. His whole body became smeared with blood and covered with innumerable wounds. Blood flowed like streams of water. His beloved Sahabi Hazrat Bilal, who was native of Abyssinia, an African country, was made to lie on scorching sand bare-bodied while smouldering boulders were thrust upon his chest. He was reiteratively told to declare that Allah is not one. However, he kept on asserting that Allah is one and one alone. Hazrat Sumaiyah was hit with a spear on her private parts and she became a martyr.

The entire Islamic history is full of examples where the beloved creations of Allah, having embraced Islam, were subjected to oppressive treatment by their families, relatives and others. However, by the grace of Allah, people who embraced Islam, chose to brook all pains and oppressions and lay down their lives rather than returning back to the swamps of Shirk and Kufr. This definite picture of patience and tolerance even under the most hostile situations was simply the result of this Iman actually. In return, Allah guaranteed everlasting relief, entry into the Jannat and protection from the Fire of Hell forever for them on account of temporary and oppressions.

Four Primary duties after embracing Islam

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After having uttered the Kalimah - e - Tayyibah, ‘La Ilaha Illallah, Muhammadur Rasullallah’ and reaffirming it by the heart, following four basic duties become incumbent on every Muslim. Not following them or being callous towards them is sinful, however he shall not be expelled from Islam. But if he denies the importance of these prime duties, he shall cease to be a part of Islam anymore. In other words, these duties are fundamental pillars of Islam on which its edifice stands.

1. Namaz – Five times a day

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It is obligatory upon each and every adult Muslim and Momin to offer Namaz five times a day upto his death. Its timings are duly fixed. It is the most important worship of Islam. To this end, first of all, the body has to be cleansed. He washes his hands and feet; the process is better known as ‘Wudhu’. Thereafter, sometimes he stands before Allah, sometimes he bows down, sometimes he sits down and sometimes he prostrates down accepting and reiterating Allah as the real Lord and Master. During this period, he prays Allah to sustain him on Iman and protect him from the fire of Hell. The advantages of offering these five Namaz per day is that, however busy man is throughout the day, he does not forget Allah. He remembers Allah when he gets up in the morning. He also remembers Allah while going to sleep at night. He does not forget Him even at the peak of his business activities in the day. Another enormous benefit of offering these Namaz is that man gets cleansed of all the sins throughout the day as if the entire dirt gets removed from his body by bathing five times a day. It is the Namaz which distinguishes between a Muslim and Mushrik as well as a Momin and Kafir in this world. Man would be accountable for it the moment he dies. Whoever passes through the first stage, shall find the rest of the stages easier to get through. During one’s lifetime, a Muslim can never be exempted from Namaz at any cost, whatsoever. If he doesn’t have the energy to stand up and offer Namaz, he is permitted to sit down, if he cannot sit down, he can lie down; if cannot move his limbs, he can use his eyes for this purpose. If he cannot perform ‘Wudhu’ with water, he can perform ‘Tayammum’ (dry ablution). Nonetheless, he is bound to offer Namaz under any circumstances whatsoever. The whole concept underlying it, is to remember Allah and be in tune with Him, which is a must for everybody, whether he is healthy or unwell, although some concession has been granted in the timings and magnitude of Namaz during travels.
If there is no hindrance and he is not disabled, then he is supposed to offer Namaz collectively in Jamaat behind the Imam in the mosque of the locality. It is so because the reward for offering Namaz in Jamaat gets multiplied twenty-seven times than offering it individually. Moreover, it is obligatory upon the Muslims of the entire locality to offer Juma (Friday) prayers collectively once a week on Friday. By offering the daily and Friday prayers collectively, Muslims become abreast with the well being of their fellow brethren in every way besides fulfilling the duty of following their leader. Further, the idea of discrimination on different basis fizzles out by offering Namaz in the same row side by side.
Before the Jamaat offers prayers, ‘Adhan’ is called out, whish also declares the greatness and real Lordship of Allah, asserting that He alone is the real Master. It is the Adhan, which not only calls out Muslims to offer Namaz in Jannat but also the fellow brethren towards the soul-stirring message of Islam.

2. Fasting for one month annually

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The second obligation upon Muslims after Namaz is that of ‘Roza’ (fasting). The Roza for the whole month of Ramzan is obligatory upon each and every Muslim who is mature and healthy and stays in his house or dwelling and is not a traveller. He has the liberty of not keeping the Roza during journeys, however he is bound to fulfil the obligation later in the form of ‘Qaza’. A Muslim avoids eating and drinking anything from dawn to dusk and sexual intercourse as well.
Here, he gets adequate practice for avoiding food and coitus during Roza period for a month, then why cannot he avoid all impermissible things during his whole life. The entire exercise prepares him for patience, tolerance and self-control. Another very important benefit of Roza is that one gets to experience the same state, the agony and desperation as that of the poor and the needy as well as those who hardly get a morsel of food to satiate their hunger. As a result, he realizes the bitter truth and his sympathy and concern for the poor and the downtrodden augments manifold. Allah has promised special rewards for those who keep Roza.

3. Paying Zakat

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Zakah is the third obligation. It means that every Muslim, who possesses adequate amount of wealth or property, is required to give away two and a half percent of his income, business or wealth in the name of Allah positively. He is allowed to donate even above this limit in the form of Sadqat and Khairat. Allah warns in the Quran that if those persons who are supposed to pay Zakah do not do so, shall be subjected to extreme torment after death. This wealth shall become an Achilles’ Heel for him later on. The gold and silver that he had amassed and had not spent duly in the way of Allah shall be melted and he will be branded with this molten alloy over his forehead and sides.
A Muslim believes that the wealth that he possesses is only a deposit, entrusted with him by Allah. A financial crunch cannot happen by spending it in the way of Allah. It is his kindness that he has enjoined us to give away only a miniscule part of the wealth and not the total wealth to his creations like the poor and the downtrodden. Furthermore, he has even promised rewards for fulfilling this obligation.

4. Hajj

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It has been made obligatory upon every Muslim who possesses the requisite health and wealth to go on a pilgrimage to Makkah, the native place of Hazrat Muhammad (SAW) and which had been founded by Hazrat Ibrahim (A). This pilgrimage is known as Hajj. The Kaabat-ullah, which is the most revered and foremost house of the world that had been constructed solely for the purpose of worshipping Allah, is situated here. By Allah’s command, Muslims all over the world offer their Namaz in its direction. By performing Hajj, all previous sins get neutralized and one returns back as clean and fresh as if he had just been born on this planet. The Hajj is performed by both rich and poor alike clad in just a couple of white sheets. He visualizes the commitment, adversities and sacrifices of Hazrat Ibrahim and his family in the way of Allah, with his own eyes. He spends the whole day at the world’s largest congregation of Muslims in the grounds of Arafat. It is the holiest and most profound opportunity in the world for the acceptance of one’s Dua. It is also a holy day. One of the biggest benefits of performing Hajj is that Muslims from every nook and cranny of the world gather on a common platform at the global level, providing a brilliant example of Islamic brotherhood and mutual harmony at a macro-level. Here, they get acquainted with each other and get familiarized with the cultural and social conditions of one another.

Some Common Myths

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Some Common Myths

Q: Then why is the Muslim subdued today?

The profound impacts that are felt after one embraces Islam have been dealt in detail in the previous pages. However, the generalizations that all the Muslims do not seem to have undergone the sheer change and turning points and despite being Muslims, many of them are still indulged in vices and sins, should not lead to utter confusions. First and foremost, we ought to realize that the way Allah has given the option of selecting between virtue and vice, truth and untruth, guidance and misguidance as well as the inclination to accept Islam or not, similarly, Allah has let the doors of options open even after coming into the folds of Islam, with regard to vice and virtue, that is to chose between the good and the evil. The cardinal sin of Shirk and Kufr can never be committed by a Muslim. As a corollary, he does not remain a Muslim once he returns back into those swamps, notwithstanding that he keeps on understanding himself as a Muslim and the world too assents to his supposition. Before Allah, because of dilution and adulteration of his Iman, he shall always be considered as a Kafir and Mushrik, thereby deserving the Fire of Hell. In contradiction with other sins and misdeeds where the identity of being a Muslim is not hampered, the cardinal sins of Shirk and Kufr leave no room for being identified as a Muslim. As far as the other sins are concerned, if Allah wants, He can excuse the person if he seeks forgiveness in this world before his death. In the most undesirable situation, even if he does not seek so in the world and the sins are not forgiven, he would simply be subjected to temporary chastisement and then allowed to enter the Paradise, as promised by Allah. In the light of the above discussion, we ought to distinguish between Islam and Muslims. Islam, basically is a complete religion and Shariah, which has been bestowed by Allah to the entire mankind. There is no room at all for any loopholes or fissures in this epitome of perfectness. That is why, it has to be always superimposed and domineering. Allah has promised that it shall be so. The Muslims have been assured of complete relief and blessings with a definite entry into the Paradise after death. Nevertheless, the possible effects of their shortcomings, sins and misdeeds in this world shall have an impression on their lives in the world itself.
These misdeeds take the form of adversities, problems and hostilities that befall on them, as a result of which, they may even become subdued in this world. At times, as a result of their bad deeds, Allah may even make way for them to be ruled by oppressive and Kafir rulers, as a part of the worldly chastisement, as has been predicted by Prophet Muhammad (SAW).

Today, the feebleness, emasculation and subjugation that we se amongst Muslims is the result of their non-misdeeds basically. As a matter of fact, a large number of Muslims gets diverted by Satan, lose their self-control and self-discipline, fall into the trap of vices for a temporary phase, which is indubitably against the prestige of Islam. Unethical atmosphere and sinful compay also play a detrimental role. Although these vices are present amongst non-Muslims too, yet the basic underlying difference is that Muslims do tend to realize their follies in the light of their Iman and Islam and they seek forgiveness from Allah at some point or the other, as against Mushriks and Kafirs who generally never realize their mistakes under the darkness of Kufr and Shirk. Not realizing the sin is even worse than committing the sin itself, from which the Momins and Muslims are perfected by the grace of Allah. In this context, if you have a deep analysis of Islam, you would realize that Islam has never been subdued in the entire history of mankind, although at times it has preferred momentary losses keeping in view an everlasting victory rather than winning battles and losing the full-fledged war.

You would observe that whenever and wherever Muslims have become subjugated in Islamic history, Islam emerged dominant and strong. In the 7th century A.H, the Tartars attacked Baghdad, the most beautiful and enticing city those days and ravaged it. Moreover, 18 lakh Muslims were killed during the genocide. These Muslims had superceded all their ethical limits and moral turpitude, indulging in the choicest of vices and vulgarities. The whole world thought at that point, that the days of Muslims are over as they have touched their nadir. However, history stands as a mute witness to the fact that the glory of Islam was restored back over there and as time turned a new dimension, the sworn enemies of Islam – the Tartars embraced Islam. A silent transformation took place as the world watched the Tartars defeat the Muslims and Islam conquers the Tartars. In order to understand Islam and embrace it, Islamic teachings have to be the touchstone, rather than following those Muslims today who do not follow the true Islam because of weaknesses in self-discipline and inclination towards satiating their worldly desires. That is precisely why, we notice that as compared to neo-Muslims, those who have been Muslims for long, appeal more callous and wayward towards their obligations. It is because the neo-Muslims have accepted Islam out of sheer effort and commitment. They value the guidance and treasure of Islam more so after having been under the effect of misguidance. On the contrary, the Muslims by birth have received the Guidance from their fathers and forefathers as a part of legacy and they haven’t gone through the challenges in this regard.

No coercive conversion to Islam

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Since the principles and tenets of Islam are not based on shaky grounds or guesses and wild interpretations, and since they derive their essence from rationality and wisdom, therefore Allah has not coerced his creations into accepting these truths. Moreover, when the distinctions between Islam and Kufr, Iman and Shirk and the like have become so vivid and clear then where lies the need to coerce a person to have belief in Allah and forsake the path of Kufr and Shirk. Such a thing is similar to the case where the sun is shining clearly yet somebody forcibly coaxes a person to proclaim that it is day and not night. After the sun rises, if one does not accept this undiluted truth, would the world accept him as a same person?
Allah has clearly laid out the line of demarcation between Islam and Kufr from different angles before the people. Further, he has been given the right to chose and accept the Truth for his well-being, success in this life and Hereafter as well as qualify to enter the Paradise and earn eternal bliss after death or set himself firm on the path of vice and misguidance out of utter ignorance, blind judgement and irrationality to qualify for eternal degeneration and the Fire of Hell. Amongst all His creations, Allah has bestowed the right to chose between the Truth and the Falsehood, only to human beings and Jinns, not even to the Angels. He has not granted them the right to be disobedient. About the Quran, that there shall be no coercion in the matters of religion since the paths of Guidance and Misguidance have stood out without any doubt. He further says, “ O Muhammad (SAW), if people do not embrace Islam despite the Truth being crystal clear before them, tell them to stay put on their faith and we shall follow our own faith. Both of us shall be duly adjudged after our death. O Muhammad! You have not been sent as a dictator over them, that you may coercively draw them into the folds of Islam no matter what. If someone does not bring Iman, anyway, he shall have to come to Me and be accountable for each and every deed. Subsequently, I shall make him destined to the most horrifying if chastisements. You keep on with your task of reprimanding and admonition. Whoever has to understand shall understand it invariably. Only an unfortunate shall be bereft of this bounty.”
In the light of these teachings of the Quran, one finds not a single incidence of coercive conversion in the entire Islamic history. Even today, Islam does not permit anybody to be forced into Islam by coercive means. Such a person shall be deemed to be violating the teachings of Islam. On the other hand, the person who is forcibly made to do so, shall not be deemed to be a part of Islam. He shall not be recognized as a Muslim. It is so, because Islam does not entail asserting the oneness of Allah by tongue alone. Its affirmation by the heart is equally important. Let’s make it clear that faith is not the name given to reading the Kalimah by one’s tongue or simulating the Islamic practices simply.

This is the reason why under an Islamic government, non-Muslims cannot be stopped from following erroneous beliefs and irrational rites and rituals. If they wish to stay put on the path of Shirk and Kufr and lend their lives peacefully living along with Muslims, they shall be allowed full freedom to practice their faith by the Islamic government, necessarily. Muslims have ruled in India for nearly 11 hundred years. Had there been any room for coercion or force in Islam, why not did the rulers use all possible strength under their command to convert the entire native population of the country to Islam, despite being ever so powerful? What could have stopped them? It was the teaching of Islam, which was restraining them to go ahead. The five hundred million population of Muslims spanning the Indian sub-continent do not have any foreign origin nor have they been coercively brought into the folds of Islam. They have been natives of this place itself. Their forefathers and ancestors had embraced Islam, having been mesmerized with the impeccable and admirable character of the Muslim saints and scholars, the foremost amongst who was Hazrat Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti and Hazrat Nizamuddin Aulia.

Although Islam refutes all concepts of self-proclaimed pseudo-gods and despite the firm belief that non-believers and polytheists are on the wrong track, their religious feelings are given due respect and consideration, such that Muslims were told straightaway in the Quran that, “ O Muslims, do not curse, vilipend or calumniate those gods whom the Kafirs and Mushriks worship leaving Allah. Because, in a fit of reaction, they may also revile Allah and you may unintentionally become the cause for it.”

The worldly comforts are not the criteria for Allah’s blessings

2006-04-19T19:54:00.000+05:30

From the detailed discussion in the previous chapters on the irrationalities associated with Shirk and Kufr, Allah’s anger and vitriolic reaction as well as the severe chastisements after death leave no room for any misconception whatsoever regarding the fact that although Allah is Omniscient and Omnipotent, hates Kufr and Shirk tremendously and has fixed severe chastisements for those who indulge in it, yet He allows them to draw all kinds of materialistic benefits to the best of their satisfaction and need. Why is it so? Further, why have they been given access to worldly luxuries and materialistic enjoyments and there appears virtually no difference between the extent of access available to those who accept Islam and those who indulge in Kufr and Shirk.
We can certainly find the answer to this question from the chapter dealing with the details of the vast expanse of the universe. We ought to know what is the worth of this seemingly vast world as compared to the sprawling universe in the eyes of Allah. The earth that we live in does not merit even the status of a speck of sand as compared to this vast ocean of Allah’s Creation. This world stands hardly any chance even if we compare the luxuries of the Jannat available to a common Muslim or a Momin after death. It would actually be ten times bigger. The worth of this world before Allah could be readily understood with the following saying of Prophet Muhammad (SAW): If the worth of this world, in the eyes of Allah, was even equivalent to that of a wing of a mosquito, He would not have let any Kafir or Mushrik to have even a drop of water.

The second most powerful evidence of the worthlessness of this world before Allah could be that, had it been of some value, Allah would have bestowed it on his most beloved creations first – the prophets and messengers. Once, Hazrat Jibraeel appeared before Prophet Muhammad (SAW) with the divine message that if he so desired, Allah can convert the Uhud Mountains of Madinah into gold. However, he refused it and chose to go hungry at times and lead an absolutely Spartan and austere life like the poor and the orphans. He always prayed the Almighty in this way: My Lord, Sustain me in this state of poverty, give me death in the state of poverty and make me accountable along with the poor. It is so because the easiest accountability would be that of the poor and the orphans, after death. The more materialistic wealth a person possesses, the more prolonged shall be the process of accountability, similar to a foreigner who is thoroughly checked by the customs officer at the airport owing to his large baggage, taking more time. After death, Allah shall make us accountable for each and every deed performed, such as the sources of income and expenditure. If there would be no wealth, what is the question of accountability?

Obviously, when this world is a testing field for Muslims with reference to the result in Akhirah, then why would Allah bestow it to His beloved creations and above all, why would the Momin or Muslim harbour any desire for it?

From the above discussion, we come to the conclusion that the abundance or scarcity of materialistic splendour is not a criterion for Allah’s pleasure. In other words of the Holy Quran: The worldly materialistic life and its glory ‘n’ glamour is nothing more than merely the recreation ground for man or simply a theatrical play. It is akin to a piece of land which is green only for a few short days and once it becomes dusty or barren, animals trample it under their feet.

Killings of Kafirs is not even permissible in Islam.

2006-04-19T19:51:00.000+05:30

Nowadays, many a wild rumours are being spread about Islam, such as, orders have been given in the Quran to kill Kafirs and Mushriks, Such an accusation is absolutely untrue and far away from reality. One cannot show even a solitary verse in the Quran or any part of the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), that is the Hadith, which together form the true essence of Islam, where even permissions have been granted, leave alone passing orders for Muslims to kill Kafirs and Mushriks just because they adhere to Kufr and Shirk. Killing is a far-fetched idea; Muslims have not even been permitted to hurt or harass anybody unnecessarily, regardless of the faith he professes.

Allah reminds that the second most heinous crime after Shirk is unjust killing of anybody by someone. The Quran declares explicitly that if somebody kills a person without any reason, it is similar to having killed the entire humanity.

The punishment for killing somebody unjustly is to kill the murderer himself in retaliation. Had Muslims been ordered to kill people at will simply because of Kufr and Shirk, then why not did Allah finish off the Kafirs and Mushriks on His own and why were they given an opportunity to survive on this planet? The Almighty Himself gave them a chance to survive in this world despite their Shirk, then how can Muslims or for that matter anybody be entitled to kill them on this account? Albeit, it has been mentioned in the Quran that an additional tax in the form of ‘Jaziya’ has to be paid by those Kafirs and Mushriks who do not accept Islam and live under an Islamic rule. Jaziya is a sort of Protection Tax, since the State then, becomes responsible for the protection of their life and property. If they deny such a payment, they can be fought with. Similarly, permission has been granted to fight off even those Kafirs and Mushrik who do not let the Muslims live in peace, pose hindrance in their following the course of Islam, obstruct others in staying firm on the righteous path as well as interfere in the process of spreading its message of truth. It is equivalent to stopping a person from adopting and following the righteous and successful path, which has been called ‘Fitna’ (mischief) by the Quran. That is why, such people are allowed to fight off. This has been called ‘Jihad’. In this way, ‘Jihad’ is also a defensive measure rather than an offensive course of action. In the first established Islamic government, Prophet Muhammad (SAW) entered into peace agreements with the Jews and various other tribes living around the city of Madinah, yet when they disregarded the agreements and conspired against the Muslims by teaming up with the foes of Muslim, then the Prophet took the last recourse of war. Such defensive measures to protect themselves were termed as ‘Jihad’. The Quran strictly exhorts the Muslims not to raise weapons against those who adhere by their peace agreements. In other words, the permission for Jihad has also been given for the sake of maintaining peace, not to superimpose one’s religion on that of others or to expand one’s political territories. In this respect, the foremost condition for Jihad is that there should not be any vested interest or ulterior motive. It should only be performed with the sole intention of standing up to the commands of Allah and spreading the Light of Guidance in the form of religion or others.