Salam,
In the Quran it is stated in the following that:
Those who believe (in the Quran), those who follow the Jewish (scriptures), and the Christians and the Sabian; any who believe in God and the Last Day, and work righteousness, shall have their reward with the Lord, on them shall be no fear nor shall they grieve. (Surah 2:62)
According to the above verse of the Quran the category of the groups mentioned above must first submit themselves to the basic principles in order to reap their reward with their Lord. It is stated that they must believe in God and the Last Day and work righteousness. The belief in God must be confined to the belief in One God and none other is to be His partner or associate. He is the Unseen God and thus it is incumbent to believe in the hereafter of the heaven and hell after we are all being judge on the Day of Judgment.
Believe in the Unseen God Who has no partners
And your Lord is One God: there is no god but He, Most Gracious, Most Merciful. (Surah 2:163) God had said: “Take not two gods: for He is Just One God: Then fear Me and Me alone”. (Surah 16:51)
“Verily I am God: there is no god but Me: so worship Me and establish regular prayer for celebrating My praise.” (Surah 20:14)
When the Prophet Muhammad was to teach the people to believe in One God, there is no god but God it also means there is no partner whatsoever is to be associated to God. The Jews, the Christians and others claimed they worship the One God but lack of clean association.
And the Jews said: “Uzair is the son of God.” And the Christians say: Christ is the son of God.” Such are the unfounded things they utter with their mouths following in the footsteps of the unbelievers before them. God’s curse be on them: how they are deluded away from the truth! (Surah 9:30)
To Him is due the primal origin of the heavens and the earth: how can He have a son when He has no consort? He created all things and He has full knowledge of all things. (Surah 6:101)
“And exalted is the Majesty of our Lord: He has taken neither a wife nor a son.” (Surah 72:3)
God is the One to Whom belongs the Dominion of the heavens and the earth, and He has never begotten a son nor has He any partner in His Dominion, and He created all things and ordained them in due proportion. (Surah 25:2)
Believe in the Last Day and Day of Judgment
And those who believe in the unseen God will also believe in the hereafter of being judged on the Day of Judgment to be rewarded and punished with heaven and hell respectively. And the Prophet was inspired:
It is God Who gives you life then gives you death; then He will gather you together for the Day of Judgment about which there is no doubt.” But most men do not understand. (Surah 45:26)
Not one of the beings in the heavens and the earth but must come to God Most Gracious as a servant. He does take an account of them all, and has numbered them all exactly. And every one of them will come to Him singly on the Day of Judgment. Of those who believe and work deeds of righteousness, will God Most Gracious bestow love. (Surah 19:93-96)
Believing in One God must be accompanied with the work of righteousness whether male or female and doing righteousness is clearly defined in the Quran:
If any do deeds of righteousness; be they male of female and have faith, they will enter heaven and not the least injustice will be done to them. (Surah 4:124)
It is not righteousness that you turn your faces towards East or West; but it is righteousness – to believe in God and the Last Day, and the Angels, and the Book, and the Messengers, to spend of your sustenance out of love of Him, for your kin, for orphans, for the needy, for the wayfarer, for those who ask, and for the ransom of slaves; to be steadfast in prayer, and practice regular charity; to fulfill the contracts which you have made; and to be firm and patient in suffering and adversity, and through all periods of panic. Such are the people of truth, the God fearing. (Surah 2:177)
O you who believe! Stand out firmly for God, as witness to fair dealing, and let not the hatred of others to you make you swerve to wrong and depart from justice. Be just: that is next to piety: and fear God: For God is well acquainted with all that you do. (Surah 5:8)
To Him will be your return of all of you. The promise of God is true and sure. It is He Who begin the process of creation, then repeats it, that He may reward with justice those who believe and work righteousness, but those who reject Him will have droughts of boiling fluids, and a penalty grievous, because they did reject Him. (Surah 10:4)
Whoever works righteousness, man and woman and have faith verily, to him will We give a new life that is good and pure and We will bestow on such their reward according to the best of their actions. (Surah 16:97)
Some of the Jews and the Christians are believers in One God and the Last Day. They do things as what has been stated in the Quran which are righteous and surely they will be in the category of those who shall have their reward with the Lord, on them shall be no fear nor shall they grieve as stated in Surah 2:62.
But those among them (Jews) who are well grounded in knowledge and the believers, believe in what has been revealed to you (O Muhammad) and what was revealed before you: And those who establish regular prayers and practice regular charity and believe in God and the Last Day: To them shall We soon give them a great reward. (Surah 4:162)
And when they (Christians) listened to the Revelation received by the Apostle, you will see their eyes overflowing with tears, for they recognized the truth; they pray: “Our Lord! we believe, write us down among the witnesses.(Surah 5:83)
And finally follow the example of the prophets in the Quran if you believe in God and the Last Day who wish to be in the category of those who shall not fear nor shall they grieve as in Surah 2:62.
You have indeed in The Apostle of God a beautiful pattern of conduct for any one whose hope is in God and the Last Day and who engage much in the praise of God (Surah 33:21)
“God speak the Truth: follow the religion of Abraham the sane in faith; he was not of the pagan.” (Surah 3:95)
Those are they (the prophets) whom God has guided, so follow their guidance and say: “I ask no reward of you for it, this is no less than a message for the worlds.” (Surah 6:90).
And the Prophet Muhammad said: “I am only a man like you; it is revealed to me that your God is One God. So whoever seeks to meet his Lord then let him do righteous deeds, and never associate any other in worship with his Lord.” (Surah 18:110)
Asar
Monday, March 28, 2011
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Salawaatun from God
Salam,
Salawat or blessing from God is not restricted to the Prophets only but those who are believers will also be sent blessing from God and His angels.
O you who believe! Celebrate the praises of God, and do this often, and glorify Him morning and evening. He it is Who sends blessing (yusalli) on you as do His angels, that He may bring you out from the depth of darkness into light: And He is full of mercy to the believers. And the salutation on the Day they meet Him will be “Peace” (Salam), and He has prepared for them a generous rewards. (Surah 33:41-44)
And in another example given in the Quran, any one who is being tested by God and he patiently persevere he will also receive blessing from God.
Be sure We shall test you with something of fear and hunger, some loss of goods or lives or the fruits of your toil, but give glad tidings to those who patiently persevere, who say, when affected with calamity: “To God we belong, and to him is our return.” They are those on whom will receive blessing (Salawatun) from God, and mercy, and they are the ones that receive guidance. (Surah 2:155-157)
The only different between the Prophet and the believers is that although both the Prophet and the believers received blessing from God and His angels, the believers was to send him blessing when he was alive but now since he is dead we are to salute his with a worthy greeting when his name is being mentioned.
God and His angels send blessing on the Prophet, O you who believe! Send blessings on him and salute him with a worthy greeting. (Surah 33:56)
When he was living with his followers the above verse was applicable for the believers to send their blessing in term of prayer and help (or yusallu) and salute him with a worthy greeting but he is dead now so we cannot pray or help him any more.
However being a Prophet like any other prophet he and the prophets were best to be remembered and due respect is to be given to them.
When the Prophet Muhammad was alive he was told of the stories of Abraham, Ismail, Moses, Jesus and other prophets and when their names were being mentioned God commanded the Prophet Muhammad to give the word of respect; He commanded the Prophet Muhammad to
……Say: Praise be to God, and Peace on His servants Whom He has chosen..(Surah 27:59)
This mean Prophet Muhammad was commanded by God to give the word of respect to all the prophets and all the messengers who were being chosen by God and this words of respect is given to those chosen people who have passed away during the Prophet’s time.
By doing this to all the servants chosen by God, The Prophet Muhammad did not breach his covenant with God that he will not differentiate among all the apostles of God that God sent to this world
…….The Apostle (Prophet Muhammad) believes on what has been revealed to him from his Lord, as do the men of faith. Each one believes in God, His angels, His books and His apostles. “We make no distinction between one and another of His apostles.” And they say: “We hear and we obey: we seek your forgiveness, our Lord, and to you is the end of all journeys.” (Surah 2:285).
So by saying the above pledge to make no distinction on the messengers of God we are following the way of Prophet Muhammad how he pay respect to all the prophets and messengers before him and since he is dead we are to follow his example he did and say the same words of respect due to him as stated in Surah 27:59
“Praise be to God and Salam to His servants whom He has chosen.”
But the Muslims today give a salutation different from that which was taught by the Prophet Muhammad instead of saying the above the Muslims without realizing it they say in Arabic which insinuate a command to God to bless the Prophet saying “O Allah send Your Blessing on Muhammad”. Yet the Surah 33:56 command the Muslim to give their due respect or salutation to the Prophet.
So the Quran through the example of the Prophet Muhammad provides a neat way consistence with other verses to do the “Salaawat” to obey the command of God at Surah 33:56 sending blessing and salutation to the Prophet or any prophet for that matter based on their status as the chosen servants of God.
So if the Prophet’s name is being mentioned or any other prophet, one should exclaim by saying the content in the Surah 27:59 above which the Prophet Muhammad did when other prophet names were being mentioned during his time
Asar
Salawat or blessing from God is not restricted to the Prophets only but those who are believers will also be sent blessing from God and His angels.
O you who believe! Celebrate the praises of God, and do this often, and glorify Him morning and evening. He it is Who sends blessing (yusalli) on you as do His angels, that He may bring you out from the depth of darkness into light: And He is full of mercy to the believers. And the salutation on the Day they meet Him will be “Peace” (Salam), and He has prepared for them a generous rewards. (Surah 33:41-44)
And in another example given in the Quran, any one who is being tested by God and he patiently persevere he will also receive blessing from God.
Be sure We shall test you with something of fear and hunger, some loss of goods or lives or the fruits of your toil, but give glad tidings to those who patiently persevere, who say, when affected with calamity: “To God we belong, and to him is our return.” They are those on whom will receive blessing (Salawatun) from God, and mercy, and they are the ones that receive guidance. (Surah 2:155-157)
The only different between the Prophet and the believers is that although both the Prophet and the believers received blessing from God and His angels, the believers was to send him blessing when he was alive but now since he is dead we are to salute his with a worthy greeting when his name is being mentioned.
God and His angels send blessing on the Prophet, O you who believe! Send blessings on him and salute him with a worthy greeting. (Surah 33:56)
When he was living with his followers the above verse was applicable for the believers to send their blessing in term of prayer and help (or yusallu) and salute him with a worthy greeting but he is dead now so we cannot pray or help him any more.
However being a Prophet like any other prophet he and the prophets were best to be remembered and due respect is to be given to them.
When the Prophet Muhammad was alive he was told of the stories of Abraham, Ismail, Moses, Jesus and other prophets and when their names were being mentioned God commanded the Prophet Muhammad to give the word of respect; He commanded the Prophet Muhammad to
……Say: Praise be to God, and Peace on His servants Whom He has chosen..(Surah 27:59)
This mean Prophet Muhammad was commanded by God to give the word of respect to all the prophets and all the messengers who were being chosen by God and this words of respect is given to those chosen people who have passed away during the Prophet’s time.
By doing this to all the servants chosen by God, The Prophet Muhammad did not breach his covenant with God that he will not differentiate among all the apostles of God that God sent to this world
…….The Apostle (Prophet Muhammad) believes on what has been revealed to him from his Lord, as do the men of faith. Each one believes in God, His angels, His books and His apostles. “We make no distinction between one and another of His apostles.” And they say: “We hear and we obey: we seek your forgiveness, our Lord, and to you is the end of all journeys.” (Surah 2:285).
So by saying the above pledge to make no distinction on the messengers of God we are following the way of Prophet Muhammad how he pay respect to all the prophets and messengers before him and since he is dead we are to follow his example he did and say the same words of respect due to him as stated in Surah 27:59
“Praise be to God and Salam to His servants whom He has chosen.”
But the Muslims today give a salutation different from that which was taught by the Prophet Muhammad instead of saying the above the Muslims without realizing it they say in Arabic which insinuate a command to God to bless the Prophet saying “O Allah send Your Blessing on Muhammad”. Yet the Surah 33:56 command the Muslim to give their due respect or salutation to the Prophet.
So the Quran through the example of the Prophet Muhammad provides a neat way consistence with other verses to do the “Salaawat” to obey the command of God at Surah 33:56 sending blessing and salutation to the Prophet or any prophet for that matter based on their status as the chosen servants of God.
So if the Prophet’s name is being mentioned or any other prophet, one should exclaim by saying the content in the Surah 27:59 above which the Prophet Muhammad did when other prophet names were being mentioned during his time
Asar
Thursday, March 17, 2011
How to choose your Imam
Salam,
The Sunni Imam
In Sunni Islam an Imam is a religious leader, often the worship leader of a mosque and the Muslim community. Similar as spiritual leaders, the imam is the one who leads Islamic worship services. The community will normally turns to the mosque imam if they have a religious function or to manage a funeral. In smaller communities, an imam could also be the community leader. The Sunni branch of Islam, whereto approximately 90% of Muslims adhere, does not have a clergy and therefore an imam is not a cleric like that of a Christian priest. The Sunni branch of Islam does not have imams in the same sense as the Shia. In every day terms, the imam for Sunni Muslims is the one who leads congregational Islamic worship and prayers, and the Friday sermon is most often given by an appointed imam.
The term Imam is also used for a recognized religious scholar or authority in Islam, often for the founding scholars of the four Sunni Madhhabs, or schools of jurisprudence (fiqh) It may also refer to the Muslim scholars who created the analytical sciences related to Hadith. The four main Madhhabs with their imams were Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi’i and Hanbali Schools of Thought.
The Shia Imam
Imāmah is the Shia doctrine of religious, spiritual and political leadership of the Ummah. The Shīa believe that the A'immah ("Imams") are the true Caliphs or rightful successors of Muhammad, and Twelve Imams and Ismaill Shiah further claimed that Imams are possessed of divine knowledge, authority, and infallibility (‘Iṣmah) as well as being part of the Ahl al-Bayt, the family of Muhammad.
And their reputed religious leaders use the title of Ayatollah (meaning the words of God) as a high-ranking Shiite religious authority regarded as worthy of imitation in matters of religious law and interpretation. Both beliefs distinguish the Shīa from Sunni.
Islam holds that Muhammad was the last Prophet of God. The Shīa believes that humanity is in need of sustained spiritual guidance, provided by the "Imām of the Time", prophets of the time, who is the Guardian and guide of all Muslims politically and spiritually. They hold that Muhammad explicitly designated his cousin and son-in-law ‘Ali as his Khalifah "Successor". Thus the Shīa believes Muhammad designated ‘Ali and his direct descendants to serve as the Imams (leaders) of the Muslim community. This assertion implies that, while the cycle of Nubuwwah (Prophethood) ended with Muhammad, the cycle of Imāmah began with Ali and continues amongst his direct descendants. For Shiah Muslims, an Imam is a leader whose guidance extends to spiritual and temporal matters. In other words, an Imam can sanction new laws because he has direct contact with God. This direct contact makes an Imam infallible and invests in him the prerogative of interpreting the Qur'an, thereby gradually revealing its esoteric meaning. Sunnis reject this doctrine of infallibility.
The Shiah further believe only these A'immah have the right to be Caliphs, meaning that all other caliphs, whether elected by consensus Ijma or not, are usurpers of the Caliphate.
The Quranic Imam
In the Quran there were imams appointed by God, the inspired Books from God are imam and the normal man can also pray to God that they become imam. As such there is no restriction to become imam but one has to fulfill many conditions to become an imam according to the Quran. The main basic conditions will be that they follow the examples of the Imam in the Quran and take the Quran as the guidance to lead mankind to the path of the righteousness in this world and the hereafter. Let’s take a look at an example whether imam are hereditary
And when Abraham was tested by his Lord, with commands which he fulfilled, God said: “I will make you an imam to the people.” He prayed, “And from my off springs.” God said, “But My Covenant does not extend to wrongdoers.” (Surah 2:124)
This clearly shows that imam are not hereditary and to become one he must be of the pious doing his duty in the service of God for the good of the community teaching knowledge from the Inspired message of the Quran and must restrain from doing wrong or evil deeds.
One of the most important criteria to be imam from the guidance of the Quran is the appointment is a voluntary work, there should be no rewards for his religious and social services. His income should be earned from sources and skill as any other normal Muslim would do to provide for himself and his family. The best example is shown by the Prophet Muhammad as he was sent as a Warner and giver of glad tiding and an Imam, he never profit from it and he says
“I do not ask you any reward for it (the message) but this: only that whoever pleases may take a straight path to his Lord.” (Surah 25:57)
“No reward do I ask of you: it all in your interest: my reward is only due from God: And He is witness to all things.” (Surah 34:47)
The other criteria of one who volunteer to be imam is one who should take the Inspired Book of God as his guidance and these books were referred to as imam and Moses took his Book as his guidance (imamam) and so the Prophet Muhammad took the Quran as his.
Is he then who has with him clear proof from his Lord, and a witness from Him recites it and before it (is) the Book of Musa, a guide (imamam) and a mercy? These believe in it; and whoever disbelieves in it of the factions, his promised place is the fire. So be not in doubt. It is the Truth from your Lord; but most of the people do not believe. (Surah 11:17)
Nevertheless there is also the “other kind of Imam” which should be avoided those of the kind of Pharaoh and his hosts
So We seizes him and his hosts, and We flung them into the sea, and see how was the end of the evildoers! And We made them leaders (immatan) inviting to the fire; and on the Day of Judgment no help shall they find. (Surah 28:40-41)
However for those who are being depressed or exploited by the like of Pharaoh in this world there is hope and mercy from God He will answer our prayers when we call on Him as He promised and make such surety in His Quran if we are reminded and responsive of His Message
And We wish to be gracious to those who were depressed in the land, to make them leaders (immatan) and make them inheritors. (Surah 28:5)
And those who when they are reminded of the revelations of their Lord, pass not at them as if they were deaf and blind; but those who pray: “Our Lord, grant us wives and off spring who will be a joy to our eyes and make us imam to the righteous. (Surah 25:74)
Those are the ones who will be rewarded with the highest place in heaven, because of their patient constancy; therein shall they be met with salutation and peace, dwelling therein forever; how beautiful an abode and place of rest!
(Surah 25:75-76)
Asar
The Sunni Imam
In Sunni Islam an Imam is a religious leader, often the worship leader of a mosque and the Muslim community. Similar as spiritual leaders, the imam is the one who leads Islamic worship services. The community will normally turns to the mosque imam if they have a religious function or to manage a funeral. In smaller communities, an imam could also be the community leader. The Sunni branch of Islam, whereto approximately 90% of Muslims adhere, does not have a clergy and therefore an imam is not a cleric like that of a Christian priest. The Sunni branch of Islam does not have imams in the same sense as the Shia. In every day terms, the imam for Sunni Muslims is the one who leads congregational Islamic worship and prayers, and the Friday sermon is most often given by an appointed imam.
The term Imam is also used for a recognized religious scholar or authority in Islam, often for the founding scholars of the four Sunni Madhhabs, or schools of jurisprudence (fiqh) It may also refer to the Muslim scholars who created the analytical sciences related to Hadith. The four main Madhhabs with their imams were Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi’i and Hanbali Schools of Thought.
The Shia Imam
Imāmah is the Shia doctrine of religious, spiritual and political leadership of the Ummah. The Shīa believe that the A'immah ("Imams") are the true Caliphs or rightful successors of Muhammad, and Twelve Imams and Ismaill Shiah further claimed that Imams are possessed of divine knowledge, authority, and infallibility (‘Iṣmah) as well as being part of the Ahl al-Bayt, the family of Muhammad.
And their reputed religious leaders use the title of Ayatollah (meaning the words of God) as a high-ranking Shiite religious authority regarded as worthy of imitation in matters of religious law and interpretation. Both beliefs distinguish the Shīa from Sunni.
Islam holds that Muhammad was the last Prophet of God. The Shīa believes that humanity is in need of sustained spiritual guidance, provided by the "Imām of the Time", prophets of the time, who is the Guardian and guide of all Muslims politically and spiritually. They hold that Muhammad explicitly designated his cousin and son-in-law ‘Ali as his Khalifah "Successor". Thus the Shīa believes Muhammad designated ‘Ali and his direct descendants to serve as the Imams (leaders) of the Muslim community. This assertion implies that, while the cycle of Nubuwwah (Prophethood) ended with Muhammad, the cycle of Imāmah began with Ali and continues amongst his direct descendants. For Shiah Muslims, an Imam is a leader whose guidance extends to spiritual and temporal matters. In other words, an Imam can sanction new laws because he has direct contact with God. This direct contact makes an Imam infallible and invests in him the prerogative of interpreting the Qur'an, thereby gradually revealing its esoteric meaning. Sunnis reject this doctrine of infallibility.
The Shiah further believe only these A'immah have the right to be Caliphs, meaning that all other caliphs, whether elected by consensus Ijma or not, are usurpers of the Caliphate.
The Quranic Imam
In the Quran there were imams appointed by God, the inspired Books from God are imam and the normal man can also pray to God that they become imam. As such there is no restriction to become imam but one has to fulfill many conditions to become an imam according to the Quran. The main basic conditions will be that they follow the examples of the Imam in the Quran and take the Quran as the guidance to lead mankind to the path of the righteousness in this world and the hereafter. Let’s take a look at an example whether imam are hereditary
And when Abraham was tested by his Lord, with commands which he fulfilled, God said: “I will make you an imam to the people.” He prayed, “And from my off springs.” God said, “But My Covenant does not extend to wrongdoers.” (Surah 2:124)
This clearly shows that imam are not hereditary and to become one he must be of the pious doing his duty in the service of God for the good of the community teaching knowledge from the Inspired message of the Quran and must restrain from doing wrong or evil deeds.
One of the most important criteria to be imam from the guidance of the Quran is the appointment is a voluntary work, there should be no rewards for his religious and social services. His income should be earned from sources and skill as any other normal Muslim would do to provide for himself and his family. The best example is shown by the Prophet Muhammad as he was sent as a Warner and giver of glad tiding and an Imam, he never profit from it and he says
“I do not ask you any reward for it (the message) but this: only that whoever pleases may take a straight path to his Lord.” (Surah 25:57)
“No reward do I ask of you: it all in your interest: my reward is only due from God: And He is witness to all things.” (Surah 34:47)
The other criteria of one who volunteer to be imam is one who should take the Inspired Book of God as his guidance and these books were referred to as imam and Moses took his Book as his guidance (imamam) and so the Prophet Muhammad took the Quran as his.
Is he then who has with him clear proof from his Lord, and a witness from Him recites it and before it (is) the Book of Musa, a guide (imamam) and a mercy? These believe in it; and whoever disbelieves in it of the factions, his promised place is the fire. So be not in doubt. It is the Truth from your Lord; but most of the people do not believe. (Surah 11:17)
Nevertheless there is also the “other kind of Imam” which should be avoided those of the kind of Pharaoh and his hosts
So We seizes him and his hosts, and We flung them into the sea, and see how was the end of the evildoers! And We made them leaders (immatan) inviting to the fire; and on the Day of Judgment no help shall they find. (Surah 28:40-41)
However for those who are being depressed or exploited by the like of Pharaoh in this world there is hope and mercy from God He will answer our prayers when we call on Him as He promised and make such surety in His Quran if we are reminded and responsive of His Message
And We wish to be gracious to those who were depressed in the land, to make them leaders (immatan) and make them inheritors. (Surah 28:5)
And those who when they are reminded of the revelations of their Lord, pass not at them as if they were deaf and blind; but those who pray: “Our Lord, grant us wives and off spring who will be a joy to our eyes and make us imam to the righteous. (Surah 25:74)
Those are the ones who will be rewarded with the highest place in heaven, because of their patient constancy; therein shall they be met with salutation and peace, dwelling therein forever; how beautiful an abode and place of rest!
(Surah 25:75-76)
Asar
Monday, March 14, 2011
How to become Muslims
Salam,
Many of us think that to become a Muslim one has to follow the procedure below which is considered simple but this is not what is ordained in the Quran. According to the procedure, the first of the five pillars of Islam is the profession of faith in pronouncing of the words that " I bear witness there is no God but Allah and Muhammad is His Messenger". This Shahadah, or testimony, when recited by a person of sincerity, sound capacity and without any mental reservations, constitutes the first major requirement for being a Muslim. Through this public profession of faith, the individual becomes part of the Islamic community. To become a Muslim, one need only repeat the Shahadah three times before witnesses.
However in the Quran God showed us how the prophets become Muslim and He expect us to also become Muslim by following the examples of the prophets and others who become Muslim in the same way. He said “Certainly whoever sincerely submits in devotion to God and is the doers of good, he will get his reward from his Lord, on such shall be no fear nor shall they grieve (Surah 2:112)
The earlier example in the Quran of a person who became a Muslim was the Prophet Abraham: When his Lord said to him: “Be Muslim” (Submit to My Will), he said: ”I submit my will to the Lord of the Worlds.” (Surah 2:131).
And this was the advice of Abraham to his sons, and of Jacob, “O my sons God have ordained the religion for you, and then die not except in submission to God (as Muslims). (Surah 2:132)
To be Muslims we are expected to follow the example by declaring the same as they did “I submit my will to the Lord of the Worlds” or Aslamtu Lirabbil aalamin.
Have you done so? If not it is still not too late to make the declaration which Abraham did and so was his sons who follow his advise and so is the Prophet Muhammad! If we are truly the followers of Prophet Muhammad we would be declaring the same words as he did
If they argue with you (O Muhammad), say: "I have submitted my whole self to God (Aslamtu whghiya Lillah), and so does whoever follow me.” (Surah 3:20)
Please ponder the above verse the Prophet Muhammad clearly said whoever follow me will say the same words “I have submitted my whole self to God” and the Prophet Muhammad also said the same words as the Prophet Abraham declared "I submit my will to the Lord of the Worlds” because he was commanded by God to follow the examples of Prophet Abraham
Then We revealed to you (O Muhammad): “Follow the ways of Abraham, the true in faith; and who was never of the polytheists.” (Surah 16:123)
Without doubt among men, the nearest of kin to Abraham, are those who follow him, and are also this apostle (Prophet Muhammad) and those who believe. (Surah 3:68)
The Queen of Saba when she was with Solomon and he diverted her from the worship of others besides God for she was of the people which have no faith (Surah 27:43). She became a Muslim by declaring the words similar to that of Abraham and Muhammad
She said: “O my Lord! I have wronged myself, and I now Muslim and have submitted (Aslamtu) together with Solomon, to the Lord of the Worlds (lillahi rabbil aalamin). (Surah 27:44)
And we are also commanded by God to say the same words if we are to become Muslims as ordained in the Quran
“Shall we indeed call on others besides God; things that can do us neither good nor harm; and turn on our heels after receiving guidance from God? Like one whom the evil ones have made into a fool, wandering bewildered through the earth, his friends calling, come to us vainly guiding him to the path.” Say: “God Guidance is the only guidance, and we have been commanded to submit ourselves to the Lord o the Worlds. (Surah 6:71)
Thus that is how we become Muslims by declaring to submit to the Lord of the Worlds and to obey all that He commanded us to do as ordained in the Quran.
Asar
Many of us think that to become a Muslim one has to follow the procedure below which is considered simple but this is not what is ordained in the Quran. According to the procedure, the first of the five pillars of Islam is the profession of faith in pronouncing of the words that " I bear witness there is no God but Allah and Muhammad is His Messenger". This Shahadah, or testimony, when recited by a person of sincerity, sound capacity and without any mental reservations, constitutes the first major requirement for being a Muslim. Through this public profession of faith, the individual becomes part of the Islamic community. To become a Muslim, one need only repeat the Shahadah three times before witnesses.
However in the Quran God showed us how the prophets become Muslim and He expect us to also become Muslim by following the examples of the prophets and others who become Muslim in the same way. He said “Certainly whoever sincerely submits in devotion to God and is the doers of good, he will get his reward from his Lord, on such shall be no fear nor shall they grieve (Surah 2:112)
The earlier example in the Quran of a person who became a Muslim was the Prophet Abraham: When his Lord said to him: “Be Muslim” (Submit to My Will), he said: ”I submit my will to the Lord of the Worlds.” (Surah 2:131).
And this was the advice of Abraham to his sons, and of Jacob, “O my sons God have ordained the religion for you, and then die not except in submission to God (as Muslims). (Surah 2:132)
To be Muslims we are expected to follow the example by declaring the same as they did “I submit my will to the Lord of the Worlds” or Aslamtu Lirabbil aalamin.
Have you done so? If not it is still not too late to make the declaration which Abraham did and so was his sons who follow his advise and so is the Prophet Muhammad! If we are truly the followers of Prophet Muhammad we would be declaring the same words as he did
If they argue with you (O Muhammad), say: "I have submitted my whole self to God (Aslamtu whghiya Lillah), and so does whoever follow me.” (Surah 3:20)
Please ponder the above verse the Prophet Muhammad clearly said whoever follow me will say the same words “I have submitted my whole self to God” and the Prophet Muhammad also said the same words as the Prophet Abraham declared "I submit my will to the Lord of the Worlds” because he was commanded by God to follow the examples of Prophet Abraham
Then We revealed to you (O Muhammad): “Follow the ways of Abraham, the true in faith; and who was never of the polytheists.” (Surah 16:123)
Without doubt among men, the nearest of kin to Abraham, are those who follow him, and are also this apostle (Prophet Muhammad) and those who believe. (Surah 3:68)
The Queen of Saba when she was with Solomon and he diverted her from the worship of others besides God for she was of the people which have no faith (Surah 27:43). She became a Muslim by declaring the words similar to that of Abraham and Muhammad
She said: “O my Lord! I have wronged myself, and I now Muslim and have submitted (Aslamtu) together with Solomon, to the Lord of the Worlds (lillahi rabbil aalamin). (Surah 27:44)
And we are also commanded by God to say the same words if we are to become Muslims as ordained in the Quran
“Shall we indeed call on others besides God; things that can do us neither good nor harm; and turn on our heels after receiving guidance from God? Like one whom the evil ones have made into a fool, wandering bewildered through the earth, his friends calling, come to us vainly guiding him to the path.” Say: “God Guidance is the only guidance, and we have been commanded to submit ourselves to the Lord o the Worlds. (Surah 6:71)
Thus that is how we become Muslims by declaring to submit to the Lord of the Worlds and to obey all that He commanded us to do as ordained in the Quran.
Asar
Friday, March 11, 2011
Qiblah facing towards the Sacred Mosque
Salam,
When the Prophet Muhammad were ordained to establish the Salat there were no common focal point as they were facing all over the direction according to where their dwellings were, and that the only common direction they have was towards the directions of their houses They were in the situation as the people of Moses. And the Prophet at one stage was even facing the sky as stated in the Quran
We inspired Moses and his brother with this Message:” Provide dwellings for your people in Egypt and make your dwellings into a Qiblah (direction) and establish Salat and gives glad tidings to those who believe!” (Surah 10:87)
“We have seen you turning your face towards the sky, now We shall turn towards a Qiblah which pleases you. Turn then your face in the direction of the Sacred Mosque and wherever you are turn your faces towards it, and those who were given earlier scriptures, know most surely that this is the Truth from their Lord, and God is not unaware of what they are doing.” (Surah 2:144)
The command to face the Sacred Mosque was formalized and God command was inspired to the Prophet Muhammad in the Quran by the followings verses:-
And from wherever you come, turn your face towards the Sacred Mosque; that is indeed the Truth from your Lord, and God is not unaware of what you are doing. And from wherever you come, turn your face towards the Sacred Mosque, and wherever you will be, turns your faces towards it, so that the people shall have no argument against you, except such that they are wrongdoers, so do not fear them but fear Me, so that I may perfect My Blessing on you and you may be guided. (Surah 2:149-150)
Those who were obedient to the Prophet follow his example by facing towards the direction of the Sacred Mosque and not towards their houses but the people of the Books they still clings to their ways.
And if you were to show those who were given earlier scripture every sign, they will not follow your Qiblah. Neither would you follow their Qiblah, nor would any of them follow each other’s Qiblah. And if you were to follow their desire after what has come to you of knowledge, then you would be among the wrongdoers. (Surah 2:145)
The rationale of having a common direction
When there is a common direction it will result into a self organized, self disciplined and a systematic arrangement whenever men were call to assemble themselves for prayers. Thus wherever there is a call to prayer everybody knows where to assemble and where to face their direction to.
All the mosques around the world will be built towards the direction of the Sacred Mosque in Makkah. There will be no difficulty in synchronizing the rows of believers praying in the mosques as there is already a common direction and it needs only the leader of the prayer or the Imam to say “yasthoun!” or “be equal!” and every body will be assembled in perfect straight rows in an orderly manner. This is the case in situation even in the largest mosque like the Sacred Mosque in Makkah, or in other mosques all over the world.
But most important this common direction to face the Sacred Mosque is a command by God to the believers. Had it not for God instruction to face towards “His House” the “Kaabah” many would have tried to enforce others to face towards the directions of their choices. This will never happen to Muslims because it is clearly stated in the Quran that the command is only towards the direction of the Sacred Mosque and there should not be any competition whatsoever to upgrade other places to that of the status of the Sacred Mosque in Makkah.
Although some have made religious edict to put the Mosques in Medina and that of Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem as sacred, they could not match it to that of the Sacred Mosque in Makkah. It is in the one and only blessed area of Bakkata where pilgrims perform their duty of pilgrimage to God.
And facing the direction to the Sacred Mosque is not only when performing the prayer, God said whatever you do and wherever you are, you start by facing that direction:
So from where ever you start, turn your face in the direction of the Sacred Mosque;’ and where ever you are, turn your face thither: that there is no ground of dispute against you among the people , except those of them that are bent on wickedness; so fear them not , but fear Me; and that I may complete My favors on you, and you may be guided. (Surah 2:150)
To God belong the East and the West in whatever direction you turn, there is the presence of God. For God is All Pervading, All Knowing. (Surah 2:115)
The common focal point facing toward the direction of the Sacred Mosque thus gives the sign that God is Infinite, His presence is every where. The people in the Western world will be facing towards the east when they pray, while the people of the East will face some where westward, the people of the north will face south and the people of the south will have to face some where to the north where the Sacred Mosque is and this is proof that God is infinite, His presence will be felt every where, from the north, or south, or east and west, all belongs to God!
Asar
When the Prophet Muhammad were ordained to establish the Salat there were no common focal point as they were facing all over the direction according to where their dwellings were, and that the only common direction they have was towards the directions of their houses They were in the situation as the people of Moses. And the Prophet at one stage was even facing the sky as stated in the Quran
We inspired Moses and his brother with this Message:” Provide dwellings for your people in Egypt and make your dwellings into a Qiblah (direction) and establish Salat and gives glad tidings to those who believe!” (Surah 10:87)
“We have seen you turning your face towards the sky, now We shall turn towards a Qiblah which pleases you. Turn then your face in the direction of the Sacred Mosque and wherever you are turn your faces towards it, and those who were given earlier scriptures, know most surely that this is the Truth from their Lord, and God is not unaware of what they are doing.” (Surah 2:144)
The command to face the Sacred Mosque was formalized and God command was inspired to the Prophet Muhammad in the Quran by the followings verses:-
And from wherever you come, turn your face towards the Sacred Mosque; that is indeed the Truth from your Lord, and God is not unaware of what you are doing. And from wherever you come, turn your face towards the Sacred Mosque, and wherever you will be, turns your faces towards it, so that the people shall have no argument against you, except such that they are wrongdoers, so do not fear them but fear Me, so that I may perfect My Blessing on you and you may be guided. (Surah 2:149-150)
Those who were obedient to the Prophet follow his example by facing towards the direction of the Sacred Mosque and not towards their houses but the people of the Books they still clings to their ways.
And if you were to show those who were given earlier scripture every sign, they will not follow your Qiblah. Neither would you follow their Qiblah, nor would any of them follow each other’s Qiblah. And if you were to follow their desire after what has come to you of knowledge, then you would be among the wrongdoers. (Surah 2:145)
The rationale of having a common direction
When there is a common direction it will result into a self organized, self disciplined and a systematic arrangement whenever men were call to assemble themselves for prayers. Thus wherever there is a call to prayer everybody knows where to assemble and where to face their direction to.
All the mosques around the world will be built towards the direction of the Sacred Mosque in Makkah. There will be no difficulty in synchronizing the rows of believers praying in the mosques as there is already a common direction and it needs only the leader of the prayer or the Imam to say “yasthoun!” or “be equal!” and every body will be assembled in perfect straight rows in an orderly manner. This is the case in situation even in the largest mosque like the Sacred Mosque in Makkah, or in other mosques all over the world.
But most important this common direction to face the Sacred Mosque is a command by God to the believers. Had it not for God instruction to face towards “His House” the “Kaabah” many would have tried to enforce others to face towards the directions of their choices. This will never happen to Muslims because it is clearly stated in the Quran that the command is only towards the direction of the Sacred Mosque and there should not be any competition whatsoever to upgrade other places to that of the status of the Sacred Mosque in Makkah.
Although some have made religious edict to put the Mosques in Medina and that of Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem as sacred, they could not match it to that of the Sacred Mosque in Makkah. It is in the one and only blessed area of Bakkata where pilgrims perform their duty of pilgrimage to God.
And facing the direction to the Sacred Mosque is not only when performing the prayer, God said whatever you do and wherever you are, you start by facing that direction:
So from where ever you start, turn your face in the direction of the Sacred Mosque;’ and where ever you are, turn your face thither: that there is no ground of dispute against you among the people , except those of them that are bent on wickedness; so fear them not , but fear Me; and that I may complete My favors on you, and you may be guided. (Surah 2:150)
To God belong the East and the West in whatever direction you turn, there is the presence of God. For God is All Pervading, All Knowing. (Surah 2:115)
The common focal point facing toward the direction of the Sacred Mosque thus gives the sign that God is Infinite, His presence is every where. The people in the Western world will be facing towards the east when they pray, while the people of the East will face some where westward, the people of the north will face south and the people of the south will have to face some where to the north where the Sacred Mosque is and this is proof that God is infinite, His presence will be felt every where, from the north, or south, or east and west, all belongs to God!
Asar
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Proof Abraham did his pilgrimage in Makkah
Salam,
There are many proofs stated in the Quran that the Prophet Abraham did his pilgrimage in Makkah. Although he did not stayed permanently there after doing his pilgrimage, he left some of his off springs to dwell in the valley by God’s Sacred House in Makkah. In the Quran God confirmed that He gave the site for Prophet Abraham to call people to do the pilgrimage those who can afford by sacrificing their time to visit the Holy Place.
Behold! We gave the Site to Abraham, of the Sacred House, saying: “Associate not anything in worship with Me; and sanctify My House for those who compass it round, stand up and bow to prostrate themselves therein in prayer. And proclaim the Pilgrimage among men; that they will come to you on foot and mounted on every kind of camel, lean on account of journeys through deep and distant mountain highways; that they may witness the benefits provided for them, and celebrate the Name of God, through the Days appointed, over the cattle which He has provided for them for sacrifice, then eat you thereof and feed the distressed ones in want. (Surah 22:26-28)
The first House appointed for the people was that at Bakkata: full of blessing and of guidance for all kinds of beings: in it are sign manifest; the station of Abraham; whoever enters it (Bakkata) attains security; pilgrimage thereto is a duty men owe to God; those who can afford the journey; but if any deny faith, God stands not in need of any of His creatures.
(Surah 3:96-97)
How do we know the Sacred House in the blessed area of Bakkata is actually in Makkkah?
From several evidences shown in the Quran it gave indication that Abraham was a foreigner to the local area of Bakkata. When he and his son was in the area of the Holy Place and God gave him the responsibility to raise the foundation of the House for people to do the pilgrimage he also pray to God to send to the local area an apostle of their own to rehearse God’s signs, he prays
“Our Lord, send among them an apostle of their own, who shall rehearse your signs to them and instruct them in scripture and wisdom, and sanctity them: for You are the Exalted in Might, The Wise (Surah 2:129)
If Abraham was a local there, he would have prayed “send among us an apostle of our own” but he did not; and instead he prayed for the local and showed that he was a foreigner in a foreign land and this place is in Bakkata. Furthermore he also prayed to God to leave some of his off springs to dwell in the Valley by God’s Sacred House which again showed he was not a local but a foreigner visiting the place to do pilgrimage, when he said
Our Lord, I have settled some of my offspring in a valley where there is no sown land, by Your Sacred House, our Lord, that they may establish regular prayers, so that the hearts of people yearn towards them, and provide them with sustenance, that they may be grateful.
(Surah 14:37)
The above evidence not only mentioned there is a valley, which is normally a big area hollow between hills but it also showed that the location of the Sacred House is in the same valley. Since God mentioned that the First House for men is at Bakkata, it can be deduced that Bakkata is in the same valley. However Bakkata is part of the valley and not the valley itself as the name of this valley was mentioned in the following verse
And God is the One Who restrained their hands from you, and your hands from them, in the Valley Makkah, after that He granted you victory over them. And God sees well all that you do. (Surah 48:24)
Thus it is without any reasonable doubt that pilgrimage by Abraham was done at Bakkata which is the blessed area by God and its location is in the bigger area of the Valley of Makkah. To add to the authenticity of the place is Makkah the command to Abraham to do the circumambulating and prayers by standing, bowing and prostrating around the Sacred House can be seen only in Makkah and no other area is seen doing similar pilgrimage in any part of the world and the following verses confirmed these rituals
Behold! We gave the Site to Abraham, of the Sacred House, saying: “Associate not anything in worship with Me; and sanctify My House for those who compass it round, stand up and bow to prostrate themselves therein in prayer. (Surah 22:26)
Behold! Safa and Marwa are among the Symbols of God. So if those who visit the House in the seasons or at other times should compass them round, it is no sin in them. And if any one obeys his own impulse to good; be sure that God is He Who recognize and know. (Surah 2:158)
And Moses was not unfamiliar with the pilgrimage seasons as when he escaped from Pharaoh to the land of Madyan he was married to the woman whom he helped to water the animals and the father married him to his daughter with a contract which he said:
“I intend to wed one of these my daughters to you, on condition that you serve me for eight pilgrimage seasons (hijaji); but if you complete ten, it will be grace from you. But I intent not to place you under a difficulty: you will find me, indeed, if God wills, one of the righteous. (Surah 28:27)
And finally the Sacred House is located in the land of the Quraish the Arab tribe who used to overseer the pilgrims in Makkah.
For the tradition of Quraish;
Their tradition of travelling in winter and summer;
So let them worship the Lord of this House;
Who provide them with food lest they should go hungry,
and with security lest they should live in fear. (Surah 116)
Asar
There are many proofs stated in the Quran that the Prophet Abraham did his pilgrimage in Makkah. Although he did not stayed permanently there after doing his pilgrimage, he left some of his off springs to dwell in the valley by God’s Sacred House in Makkah. In the Quran God confirmed that He gave the site for Prophet Abraham to call people to do the pilgrimage those who can afford by sacrificing their time to visit the Holy Place.
Behold! We gave the Site to Abraham, of the Sacred House, saying: “Associate not anything in worship with Me; and sanctify My House for those who compass it round, stand up and bow to prostrate themselves therein in prayer. And proclaim the Pilgrimage among men; that they will come to you on foot and mounted on every kind of camel, lean on account of journeys through deep and distant mountain highways; that they may witness the benefits provided for them, and celebrate the Name of God, through the Days appointed, over the cattle which He has provided for them for sacrifice, then eat you thereof and feed the distressed ones in want. (Surah 22:26-28)
The first House appointed for the people was that at Bakkata: full of blessing and of guidance for all kinds of beings: in it are sign manifest; the station of Abraham; whoever enters it (Bakkata) attains security; pilgrimage thereto is a duty men owe to God; those who can afford the journey; but if any deny faith, God stands not in need of any of His creatures.
(Surah 3:96-97)
How do we know the Sacred House in the blessed area of Bakkata is actually in Makkkah?
From several evidences shown in the Quran it gave indication that Abraham was a foreigner to the local area of Bakkata. When he and his son was in the area of the Holy Place and God gave him the responsibility to raise the foundation of the House for people to do the pilgrimage he also pray to God to send to the local area an apostle of their own to rehearse God’s signs, he prays
“Our Lord, send among them an apostle of their own, who shall rehearse your signs to them and instruct them in scripture and wisdom, and sanctity them: for You are the Exalted in Might, The Wise (Surah 2:129)
If Abraham was a local there, he would have prayed “send among us an apostle of our own” but he did not; and instead he prayed for the local and showed that he was a foreigner in a foreign land and this place is in Bakkata. Furthermore he also prayed to God to leave some of his off springs to dwell in the Valley by God’s Sacred House which again showed he was not a local but a foreigner visiting the place to do pilgrimage, when he said
Our Lord, I have settled some of my offspring in a valley where there is no sown land, by Your Sacred House, our Lord, that they may establish regular prayers, so that the hearts of people yearn towards them, and provide them with sustenance, that they may be grateful.
(Surah 14:37)
The above evidence not only mentioned there is a valley, which is normally a big area hollow between hills but it also showed that the location of the Sacred House is in the same valley. Since God mentioned that the First House for men is at Bakkata, it can be deduced that Bakkata is in the same valley. However Bakkata is part of the valley and not the valley itself as the name of this valley was mentioned in the following verse
And God is the One Who restrained their hands from you, and your hands from them, in the Valley Makkah, after that He granted you victory over them. And God sees well all that you do. (Surah 48:24)
Thus it is without any reasonable doubt that pilgrimage by Abraham was done at Bakkata which is the blessed area by God and its location is in the bigger area of the Valley of Makkah. To add to the authenticity of the place is Makkah the command to Abraham to do the circumambulating and prayers by standing, bowing and prostrating around the Sacred House can be seen only in Makkah and no other area is seen doing similar pilgrimage in any part of the world and the following verses confirmed these rituals
Behold! We gave the Site to Abraham, of the Sacred House, saying: “Associate not anything in worship with Me; and sanctify My House for those who compass it round, stand up and bow to prostrate themselves therein in prayer. (Surah 22:26)
Behold! Safa and Marwa are among the Symbols of God. So if those who visit the House in the seasons or at other times should compass them round, it is no sin in them. And if any one obeys his own impulse to good; be sure that God is He Who recognize and know. (Surah 2:158)
And Moses was not unfamiliar with the pilgrimage seasons as when he escaped from Pharaoh to the land of Madyan he was married to the woman whom he helped to water the animals and the father married him to his daughter with a contract which he said:
“I intend to wed one of these my daughters to you, on condition that you serve me for eight pilgrimage seasons (hijaji); but if you complete ten, it will be grace from you. But I intent not to place you under a difficulty: you will find me, indeed, if God wills, one of the righteous. (Surah 28:27)
And finally the Sacred House is located in the land of the Quraish the Arab tribe who used to overseer the pilgrims in Makkah.
For the tradition of Quraish;
Their tradition of travelling in winter and summer;
So let them worship the Lord of this House;
Who provide them with food lest they should go hungry,
and with security lest they should live in fear. (Surah 116)
Asar
Saturday, March 5, 2011
No Intercession on the Day of Judgment
Salam,
No intercession on the Day of Judgment
There is a common belief that the prophet Muhammad and other pious people can intercede on their behalf to God on the Day of Judgment. The Quran teaches believers that what they do in this world is entirely for the good or the evil of their own soul and none can help them except God on the Day of Judgment.
“To God belongs all intercession, His is the Dominion of the heavens and the earth, and to Him you shall return. (Surah 39:44)
And fear the Day when no soul will stand in stead of another, nor shall intercession be accepted for it, nor shall reparation be taken from it, nor shall they be helped. (Surah 2:48)
The Prophet Muhammad was told by God that he is not responsible for the evils that others do and he is only a Warner and a Giver of glad tidings to those who believe.
Most certainly, We have sent you ( O Muhammad) with the truth to give glad tidings and to warn, you will not be accountable for the inhabitants of Hell. (Surah 2:119)
And extent your kindness to those who follow you of the believers; but if they disobey you, then say: “Surely I am free of what you do.” (Surah 26:215-216)
Although none can intercede on the Day of Judgment, prophets can intercede for the living when they were alive in this world. There are many examples prophets pray for the forgiveness of their people who do wrongs when they were alive and below are some examples by the Prophet Muhammad and the Prophet Jacob over his sons:
It was by God’s Mercy that you ( O Muhammad) were kind to them, had you been harsh and hard of heart, they would have dispersed from around you, so pardon them and pray for forgiveness for them, and consult them in the matter and when you reach a decision, place your trust in God, and surely God loves those who put their trust in Him. (Surah 3:159)
And We had not sent any apostle but to be obeyed in accordance with the Will of God. If they had only, when they were unjust to themselves, come unto you (O Muhammad) and asked God’s forgiveness, and the apostle had ask forgiveness for them, they would have found God indeed Oft Returning, Most Merciful. (Surah 4:64)
They said: “O our father! Ask for us forgiveness for our sins, for we were truly at fault.” He (Jacob) said: “Soon will I ask my Lord for forgiveness for you; for He is indeed Oft Forgiving, Most Merciful.” (Surah 12:97-98)
Although intercession on the Day of Judgment is solely for God there are evidences in the Quran He allow some angels to intercede but with His permission. But God warns before hand the kind of intercession should be that which is acceptable to Him.
And how many angels in the heavens, their intercession will avail nothing except after God had given leave for whom He pleases and that he is acceptable to Him. (Surah 53:26)
He knows what is before them and what is behind them, and they offer no intercession except for those who are acceptable, and they tremble for fear of Him. (Surah 21:28)
Whoever intercedes with a good cause becomes a partner therein. And whoever intercedes with an evil intercession shall receive the like of it, and God keeps strict watch over all things. (Surah 4:85)
Ultimately intercession other than God is futile and we are left to answer to God on behalf of our own soul and the Prophet can do nothing to help your soul.
And fear the Day when no soul will stand in stead of another, nor will reparation be accepted from it, nor will intercession benefit it, nor will they be helped. (Surah 2:123)
And warn with it those who fear that they shall be gathered to their Lord; except for Him they have no protector not intercessor: that they guard against evil. And do not turn away those who call upon their Lord in the morning and in the evening, they only desire His pleasure, neither are you (O Muhammad) accountable for them, nor are they accountable for you in anything. So if you turn them away you be of the unjust. (Surah 6:51-52)
Asar
No intercession on the Day of Judgment
There is a common belief that the prophet Muhammad and other pious people can intercede on their behalf to God on the Day of Judgment. The Quran teaches believers that what they do in this world is entirely for the good or the evil of their own soul and none can help them except God on the Day of Judgment.
“To God belongs all intercession, His is the Dominion of the heavens and the earth, and to Him you shall return. (Surah 39:44)
And fear the Day when no soul will stand in stead of another, nor shall intercession be accepted for it, nor shall reparation be taken from it, nor shall they be helped. (Surah 2:48)
The Prophet Muhammad was told by God that he is not responsible for the evils that others do and he is only a Warner and a Giver of glad tidings to those who believe.
Most certainly, We have sent you ( O Muhammad) with the truth to give glad tidings and to warn, you will not be accountable for the inhabitants of Hell. (Surah 2:119)
And extent your kindness to those who follow you of the believers; but if they disobey you, then say: “Surely I am free of what you do.” (Surah 26:215-216)
Although none can intercede on the Day of Judgment, prophets can intercede for the living when they were alive in this world. There are many examples prophets pray for the forgiveness of their people who do wrongs when they were alive and below are some examples by the Prophet Muhammad and the Prophet Jacob over his sons:
It was by God’s Mercy that you ( O Muhammad) were kind to them, had you been harsh and hard of heart, they would have dispersed from around you, so pardon them and pray for forgiveness for them, and consult them in the matter and when you reach a decision, place your trust in God, and surely God loves those who put their trust in Him. (Surah 3:159)
And We had not sent any apostle but to be obeyed in accordance with the Will of God. If they had only, when they were unjust to themselves, come unto you (O Muhammad) and asked God’s forgiveness, and the apostle had ask forgiveness for them, they would have found God indeed Oft Returning, Most Merciful. (Surah 4:64)
They said: “O our father! Ask for us forgiveness for our sins, for we were truly at fault.” He (Jacob) said: “Soon will I ask my Lord for forgiveness for you; for He is indeed Oft Forgiving, Most Merciful.” (Surah 12:97-98)
Although intercession on the Day of Judgment is solely for God there are evidences in the Quran He allow some angels to intercede but with His permission. But God warns before hand the kind of intercession should be that which is acceptable to Him.
And how many angels in the heavens, their intercession will avail nothing except after God had given leave for whom He pleases and that he is acceptable to Him. (Surah 53:26)
He knows what is before them and what is behind them, and they offer no intercession except for those who are acceptable, and they tremble for fear of Him. (Surah 21:28)
Whoever intercedes with a good cause becomes a partner therein. And whoever intercedes with an evil intercession shall receive the like of it, and God keeps strict watch over all things. (Surah 4:85)
Ultimately intercession other than God is futile and we are left to answer to God on behalf of our own soul and the Prophet can do nothing to help your soul.
And fear the Day when no soul will stand in stead of another, nor will reparation be accepted from it, nor will intercession benefit it, nor will they be helped. (Surah 2:123)
And warn with it those who fear that they shall be gathered to their Lord; except for Him they have no protector not intercessor: that they guard against evil. And do not turn away those who call upon their Lord in the morning and in the evening, they only desire His pleasure, neither are you (O Muhammad) accountable for them, nor are they accountable for you in anything. So if you turn them away you be of the unjust. (Surah 6:51-52)
Asar
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Abrogation
Salam,
The principle of abrogation came about when the message of Islam was presented to the Arabs as something new, and since it is different from their normal way of life, it was introduced in stages. It is believed that earlier prescription appeared to be more compromising as to appease to the situation of that society then compared to later prescription so as to allow the people to adjust themselves as time passed
The principle of Naskh (abrogation) is thus introduced but then it is referred in the Quran itself and not to a later historical development as there are two verses mentioned about abrogation.
None of Our revelations do We abrogate or cause to be forgotten, but We substitute something better or similar. Do you not know that God has power over all things? (Surah 2:106)
When We substitute one revelation for another; and God knows best what He reveals; they say: “You are a forger.” But most of them understand not.
(Surah 16:101)
The interest here is to ponder whether the views of some scholars based on the above verses, that the Quran abrogates the Quran is justifiable.
The common example cited when the Quran abrogate the Quran is concerning the drinking of wine. It was very widespread in pre-Islamic time and although it was not without its social evil it was a status symbol.
According to the example on intoxicant there are three verses which were revealed in stages and which finally led to the prohibition of intoxicated substance. The verses are quoted below:
O you who believe! Do not approach prayers (salat) while you are intoxicated until you understand all that you say, nor in the state of impurity, except when passing through until you have washed yourselves……….(Surah 4:43)
They ask you about intoxicants and gambling say: “In both of them there is grievous sin and some profit for people; but the sin is greater than the profit.”……(Surah 2:219)
O you who believe! Most certainly intoxicants and gambling and idol worship and fortune telling are abomination of Satan’s handiwork, so shun it, that you may prosper. Satan desires only to cause you with intoxicants and gambling, and to hinder you from remembrance of God and from prayer (salat), will you then desist? (Surah 5:91-92)
If the views on those who believe the Quran abrogate Quran is taken then it means that the earlier two verses Surah 4:43 and Surah 2:219 become redundant.
However the verse on abrogation specifically mentioned that whenever God abrogate, He said “None of Our revelations do We abrogate or cause to be forgotten, but We substitute something better or similar.”
So those with views Quran abrogate the Quran it become questionable because first the two verses were not forgotten it is still there in the Quran. Secondly there is nothing better or similar which God had substituted in the Surah 5:91-92 against Surah 4:43 and Surah 2:219 which again dispel those views Quran abrogate Quran. In fact because of the belief of abrogation within Quran two important benefits were being overruled
O you who believe! Do not approach prayers (salat) while you are intoxicated until you understand all that you say, ……….(Surah 4:43)
With the abrogation of the above verse Muslims are only aware that they cannot pray while intoxicated by alcohol but they never realized that without understanding what they say to God is also intoxicated. So many Muslims missed the basic purpose of their prayers to say to God with the mind of understanding what they said. They became parrots.
The consequence of abrogating the verse below not only contradict the Surah 2:106 but also putting opposition to what God had said that there is some benefit in intoxicant and gambling
They ask you about intoxicants and gambling say: “In both of them there is grievous sin and some profit for people; but the sin is greater than the profit.”……(Surah 2:219)
There are also some benefit in intoxicant which is being used in medicine, food preservation, and other benefits. And there are also some benefit in gambling like the lottery draw is for social welfare which is raised for the benefit of society or the drawing of lots in a share issue to be fair because of limitation.
So the views of scholars on Quran abrogate Quran contradict the message of the Quran itself and make unnecessary small details to be important blown out of proportion in the Islamic world today.
The Surah 2:106 does not abrogate the Quran but it shows the abrogation of the message before the Quran. Some examples are during fasting in former times it was not permitted to approach the wives but the Quran abrogate the ruling with the following verse
Permitted to you on the night of the fast, is the approach to your wives. They are your garments and you are their garments. God knows what you used to do secretly among yourselves, but He turned to you and forgave you; so now associate with them, and seek what God has ordained for you, and eat and drink until the white thread of dawn appear to you distinct from its black thread; then complete your fast till the night appears; ….(Surah 2:187)
The Quran abrogate the food which the Jews used to take and make it a prohibition and He prohibit some animals for them
For the iniquity of the Jews We made unlawful for them certain food and wholesome which has been lawful for them; in that they hinder many from God’s Way. (Surah 4:160)
For those who follow the Jewish law, We forbade every animals with undivided hoof, and We forbade them that fat of ox and the sheep, except what adheres to their backs or their entrails, or is mixed up with a bone: this in recompense for their willful disobedient: For surely We are truthful. (Surah 6:146)
The abrogation of laws which was in former scriptures were not new and there is the example of Jesus in the Quran with his scripture the Gospel he used to abrogate what was in the scripture before him
“I have come to you to attest the Law which was before me. And to make lawful to you part of what was before forbidden to you; I have come to you with a sign from your Lord. Fear God and obey me. (Surah 3:50)
.
Thus from the examples there is no doubt that all the verses of the Quran is good for us to submit to and none should be made redundant as God said in the Quran
The Word of your Lord does find its fulfillment in truth and in justice: None can change His Words: for He is the One Who Hear and know All. (Surah 6:115)
Asar
The principle of abrogation came about when the message of Islam was presented to the Arabs as something new, and since it is different from their normal way of life, it was introduced in stages. It is believed that earlier prescription appeared to be more compromising as to appease to the situation of that society then compared to later prescription so as to allow the people to adjust themselves as time passed
The principle of Naskh (abrogation) is thus introduced but then it is referred in the Quran itself and not to a later historical development as there are two verses mentioned about abrogation.
None of Our revelations do We abrogate or cause to be forgotten, but We substitute something better or similar. Do you not know that God has power over all things? (Surah 2:106)
When We substitute one revelation for another; and God knows best what He reveals; they say: “You are a forger.” But most of them understand not.
(Surah 16:101)
The interest here is to ponder whether the views of some scholars based on the above verses, that the Quran abrogates the Quran is justifiable.
The common example cited when the Quran abrogate the Quran is concerning the drinking of wine. It was very widespread in pre-Islamic time and although it was not without its social evil it was a status symbol.
According to the example on intoxicant there are three verses which were revealed in stages and which finally led to the prohibition of intoxicated substance. The verses are quoted below:
O you who believe! Do not approach prayers (salat) while you are intoxicated until you understand all that you say, nor in the state of impurity, except when passing through until you have washed yourselves……….(Surah 4:43)
They ask you about intoxicants and gambling say: “In both of them there is grievous sin and some profit for people; but the sin is greater than the profit.”……(Surah 2:219)
O you who believe! Most certainly intoxicants and gambling and idol worship and fortune telling are abomination of Satan’s handiwork, so shun it, that you may prosper. Satan desires only to cause you with intoxicants and gambling, and to hinder you from remembrance of God and from prayer (salat), will you then desist? (Surah 5:91-92)
If the views on those who believe the Quran abrogate Quran is taken then it means that the earlier two verses Surah 4:43 and Surah 2:219 become redundant.
However the verse on abrogation specifically mentioned that whenever God abrogate, He said “None of Our revelations do We abrogate or cause to be forgotten, but We substitute something better or similar.”
So those with views Quran abrogate the Quran it become questionable because first the two verses were not forgotten it is still there in the Quran. Secondly there is nothing better or similar which God had substituted in the Surah 5:91-92 against Surah 4:43 and Surah 2:219 which again dispel those views Quran abrogate Quran. In fact because of the belief of abrogation within Quran two important benefits were being overruled
O you who believe! Do not approach prayers (salat) while you are intoxicated until you understand all that you say, ……….(Surah 4:43)
With the abrogation of the above verse Muslims are only aware that they cannot pray while intoxicated by alcohol but they never realized that without understanding what they say to God is also intoxicated. So many Muslims missed the basic purpose of their prayers to say to God with the mind of understanding what they said. They became parrots.
The consequence of abrogating the verse below not only contradict the Surah 2:106 but also putting opposition to what God had said that there is some benefit in intoxicant and gambling
They ask you about intoxicants and gambling say: “In both of them there is grievous sin and some profit for people; but the sin is greater than the profit.”……(Surah 2:219)
There are also some benefit in intoxicant which is being used in medicine, food preservation, and other benefits. And there are also some benefit in gambling like the lottery draw is for social welfare which is raised for the benefit of society or the drawing of lots in a share issue to be fair because of limitation.
So the views of scholars on Quran abrogate Quran contradict the message of the Quran itself and make unnecessary small details to be important blown out of proportion in the Islamic world today.
The Surah 2:106 does not abrogate the Quran but it shows the abrogation of the message before the Quran. Some examples are during fasting in former times it was not permitted to approach the wives but the Quran abrogate the ruling with the following verse
Permitted to you on the night of the fast, is the approach to your wives. They are your garments and you are their garments. God knows what you used to do secretly among yourselves, but He turned to you and forgave you; so now associate with them, and seek what God has ordained for you, and eat and drink until the white thread of dawn appear to you distinct from its black thread; then complete your fast till the night appears; ….(Surah 2:187)
The Quran abrogate the food which the Jews used to take and make it a prohibition and He prohibit some animals for them
For the iniquity of the Jews We made unlawful for them certain food and wholesome which has been lawful for them; in that they hinder many from God’s Way. (Surah 4:160)
For those who follow the Jewish law, We forbade every animals with undivided hoof, and We forbade them that fat of ox and the sheep, except what adheres to their backs or their entrails, or is mixed up with a bone: this in recompense for their willful disobedient: For surely We are truthful. (Surah 6:146)
The abrogation of laws which was in former scriptures were not new and there is the example of Jesus in the Quran with his scripture the Gospel he used to abrogate what was in the scripture before him
“I have come to you to attest the Law which was before me. And to make lawful to you part of what was before forbidden to you; I have come to you with a sign from your Lord. Fear God and obey me. (Surah 3:50)
.
Thus from the examples there is no doubt that all the verses of the Quran is good for us to submit to and none should be made redundant as God said in the Quran
The Word of your Lord does find its fulfillment in truth and in justice: None can change His Words: for He is the One Who Hear and know All. (Surah 6:115)
Asar
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