How to say "Happy Birthday"
Afrikaans
Veels geluk met jou verjaarsdag!
Albanian
Urime ditelindjen!
Alsatian
Gueter geburtsdaa!
Amharic
Melkam lidet!
Arabic
Eid milaad saeed! or Kul sana wa inta/i tayeb/a! (masculine/feminine)
Armenian
Taredartzet shnorhavor! or Tsenund shnorhavor!
Assyrian
Eida D'moladukh Hawee Brikha!
Austrian-Viennese
Ois guade winsch i dia zum Gbuadsdog!
Aymara (Bolivia)
Suma Urupnaya Cchuru Uromankja!
Azerbaijani
Ad gununuz mubarek! -- for people older than you
Ad gunun mubarek! -- for people younger than you
Basque
Zorionak!
Belauan-Micronesian
Ungil el cherellem!
Bengali (Bangladesh/India)
Shuvo Jonmodin!
Bicol (Philippines)
Maogmang Pagkamundag!
Bislama (Vanuatu)
Hapi betde! or Yumi selebretem de blong bon blong yu!
Brazil
Parab?ns a voc !
Parab?ns a voc ,
nesta data querida muitas felicidades e muitos anos de vida.
Breton
Deiz-ha-bloaz laouen deoc'h!
Bulgarian
Chestit Rojden Den!
Cambodian
Som owie nek mein aryouk yrinyu!
Catalan
Per molts anys! or Bon aniversari! or Moltes Felicitats!
Chamorro
Biba Kumplianos!
Chinese-Cantonese
Sun Yat Fai Lok!
Chinese Fuzhou
San Ni Kuai Lo!
Chiness-Hakka
Sang Ngit Fai Lok!
Chinese-Mandarin
qu ni sheng er kuai le
Chinese-Shanghaiese
San ruit kua lok!
Chinese-Tiociu
Se Jit khuai lak!
Chronia Polla
NA ZHSHS
Croatian
Sretan Rodendan!
Czech
Vsechno nejlepsi k Tvym narozeninam!!
Danish
Tillykke med fodselsdagen!
Dutch-Antwerps
Ne gelukkege verjoardach!
Dutch-Bilzers
Ne geleukkege verjoardoag!
Dutch-Drents
Fellisiteert!
Dutch-Flemish
Gelukkige verjaardag! or Prettige verjaardag!
Dutch-Frisian
Fan herte lokwinske!
Dutch-Limburgs
Proficiat! or Perfisia!
Dutch-Spouwers
Ne geleukkege verjeurdoag!
Dutch-Twents
Gefeliciteard met oen'n verjoardag!
Dutch
Hartelijk gefeliciteerd! or Van harte gefeliciteerd met je verjaardag!
English
Happy Birthday!
Esperanto
Felichan Naskightagon!
Estonian
Palju onne sunnipaevaks!
Euskera
Zorionak zure urtebetetze egunean!
Faroes ( Faroe island )
Tillukku vid fodingardegnum!
Farsi
Tavalodet Mobarak!
Finnish
Hyvaa syntymapaivaa!
French (Canada)
Bonne Fete!
French
Joyeux Anniversaire!
Frisian
Lokkiche jierdei!
Gaelic (Irish)
L‡ breithe mhaith agat!
Gaelic (Scottish)
Co` latha breith sona dhuibh!
Galician (Spain)
Ledicia no teu cumpreanos!
Georgian
Gilotcav dabadebis dges!
German-Badisch
Allis Guedi zu dim Fescht!
German-Bavarian
Ois Guade zu Deim Geburdstog!
German-Berlinisch
Allet Jute ooch zum Jeburtstach! or Ick wuensch da allet Jute zum Jeburtstach!
German-Bernese
Es Muentschi zum Geburri!
German-Camelottisch
Ewllews Gewtew zewm Gewbewrtstewg. Mew!
German-Frankonian
Allmecht! Iich wuensch Dir aan guuadn Gebuardsdooch!
German-Lichtenstein
Haerzliche Glueckwuensche zum Geburtstag!
German-Moselfraenkisch
Haezzlische Glickwunsch zem Gebordsdach!
German-Plattdeutsch
Ick wuensch Di allns Gode ton Geburtsdach!
German-Rhoihessisch
Ich gratelier Dir aach zum Geburtstag!
German-Ruhr
Allet Gute zum Gebuatstach!
German-Saarlaendisch
Alles Gudde for dei Gebordsdaach!
German-Saechsisch
Herzlischen Gliggwunsch zum Geburdsdaach!
German-Schwaebisch
Aelles Guade zom Gebordzdag!
German-Wienerisch
Ois Guade zum Geburdsdog!
German
Alles Gute zum Geburtstag!
Greek
Eytyxismena Genethlia! or Chronia Pola!
Greenlandic
Inuuinni pilluarit!
Gronings (Netherlands)
Fielsteerd mit joen verjoardag!
Gujarati (India)
Janma Divas Mubarak!
Gujrati (Pakistan)
Saal Mubarak!
Guarani (Paraguay Indian)]
Vy-Apave Nde Arambotyre!
Hawaiian
Hau`oli la hanau!
Hebrew
Yom Huledet Same'ach!
Hiligaynon (Philippines)
Masadya gid nga adlaw sa imo pagkatawo!
Hindi (India)
Janam Din ki badhai! or Janam Din ki shubkamnaayein!
Hungarian
Boldog szuletesnapot! or Isten eltessen!
Icelandic
Til hamingju med afmaelisdaginn!
Indonesian
Selamat Ulang Tahun!
Irish-gaelic
La-breithe mhaith agat! or Co` latha breith sona dhut! Or Breithla Shona Dhuit!
Italian
Buon Compleanno!
Italian (Piedmont)
Bun Cumpleani!
Italian (Romagna)
At faz tent avguri ad bon cumplean!
Japanese
Otanjou-bi Omedetou Gozaimasu!
Javaans-Indonesia
Slamet Ulang Taunmoe!
Jerriais
Bouon Anniversaithe!
Kannada (India)
Huttida Habba Subashayagalu!
Kapangpangan (Philippines)
Mayap a Kebaitan
Kashmiri (India)
Voharvod Mubarak Chuy!
Kazakh (Kazakstan)
Tughan kuninmen!
Klingon
Quchjaj qoSlIj!
Korean
Saeng il chuk ha ham ni da!
Kurdish
Rojbun a te piroz be!
Kyrgyz
Tulgan kunum menen!
Latin
Fortuna dies natalis!
Latvian
Daudz laimes dzimsanas diena!
Lithuanian
Sveikinu su gimtadieniu! or Geriausi linkejimaigimtadienio progal
Luganda
Nkwagaliza amazalibwa go amalungi!
Luxembourgeois
Vill Gleck fir daei Geburtsdaag!
Macedonian
Sreken roden den!
Malayalam (India)
Pirannal Aasamsakal! or Janmadinasamsakal!
Malaysian
Selamat Hari Jadi!
Maltese
Nifrahlek ghal gheluq sninek!
Maori
Kia huritau ki a koe!
Marathi (India)
Wadhdiwasachya Shubhechha!
Mauritian Kreol
mo swet u en bonlaniverser!
Mbula (Umboi Island, Papua New Guinea)
Leleng ambai pa mbeng ku taipet i!
Mongolian
Torson odriin mend hurgee!
Navajo
bil hoozho bi'dizhchi-neeji' 'aneilkaah!
Niederdeutsch (North Germany)
Ick gratuleer di scheun!
Nepali
Janma dhin ko Subha kamana!
Norwegian
Gratulerer med dagen!
Oriya (India)
Janmadina Abhinandan!
Papiamento (lower Dutch Antilles)
Masha Pabien I hopi aña mas!
Pashto (Afganistan)
Padayish rawaz day unbaraksha!
Persian
Tavalodet Mobarak!
Pinoy (Philippines)
Maligayang kaarawan sa iyo!
Polish
Wszystkiego Najlepszego! or Wszystkiego najlepszego zokazji urodzin!
wszystkiego najlepszego z okazji urodzin
Portuguese (Brazil)
Parabens pelo seu aniversario! or Parabenspara voce! or Parabens e muitas felicidades!
Portuguese
Feliz Aniversario! or Parabens!
Punjabi (India)
Janam din diyan wadhayian!
Rajasthani (India)
Janam ghaanth ri badhai, khoob jeeyo!
Romanian
La Multi Ani!
Rosarino Basico (Argentina)
Feneligiz Cunumplegeanagonos!
Russian
S dniom razhdjenia! or Pazdravliayu s dniom razhdjenia!
Sami/Lappish
Lihkos Riegadanbeaivvis!
Samoan
Manuia lou aso fanau!
Sanskrit (India)
Ravihi janmadinam aacharati!
Sardinian (Italy)
Achent'annos! Achent'annos!
Schwyzerduetsch (Swiss German)
Vill Glück zum Geburri!
Serbian
Srecan Rodjendan!
Slovak
Vsetko najlepsie k narodeninam!
Slovene
Vse najboljse za rojstni dan!
Sotho
Masego motsatsing la psalo!
Spanish
Feliz Cumplea–os!
Sri Lankan
Suba Upan dinayak vewa!
Sundanese
Wilujeng Tepang Taun!
Surinamese
Mi fresteri ju!
Swahili
Hongera! or Heri ya Siku kuu!
Swedish
Grattis pŒ fšdelsedagen
Syriac
Tahnyotho or brigo!
Tagalog (Philippines)
Maligayang Bati Sa Iyong Kaarawan!
Taiwanese
San leaz quiet lo!
Tamil (India)
Piranda naal vaazhthukkal!
Telugu (India)
Janmadina subha kankshalu!
Telugu
Puttina Roju Shubakanksalu!
Thai
Suk San Wan Keut!
Tibetan
Droonkher Tashi Delek!
Tulu(Karnataka - India)
Putudina dina saukhya!
Turkish
Dogum gunun kutlu olsun!
Ukrainian
Mnohiya lita! or Z dnem narodjennia!
Urdu (India)
Janam Din Mubarak
Urdu (Pakistan)
Saalgirah Mubarak!
Vietnamese
Chuc Mung Sinh Nhat!
Visayan (Philippines)
Malipayong adlaw nga natawhan!
Welsh
Penblwydd Hapus i Chi!
Xhosa (South Afican)
Imini emandi kuwe!
Yiddish
A Freilekhn Gebortstog!
Yoruba (Nigeria)
Eku Ojobi!
Zulu (South Afican)
A message in its most general meaning is an object of communication. It is something which provides information or message; it can also be this information or message itself.
Monday, August 30, 2010
Prophets of Islam
Why has God sent prophets?:
Islam teaches that God has sent prophets to humanity, in different times and places, to communicate His message. Since the beginning of time, God has sent His guidance through these chosen people. They were human beings who taught the people around them about faith in One Almighty God, and how to walk on the path of righteousness. Some prophets also revealed God's Word through books of revelation.
What message have the prophets brought?:
Muslims believe that all prophets gave guidance and instruction to their people about how to properly worship God and live their lives. Since God is One, His message has been one and the same throughout time. In essence, all prophets taught the message of Islam - to find peace in your life through submission to the One Almighty Creator; to believe in God and to follow His guidance.
What does the Qur'an say about the prophets?:
"The Messenger believes in what has been revealed to him from his Lord, as do the men of faith. Each one of them believes in God, His angels, His books, and His Messengers. They say: 'We make no distinction between one and another of His Messengers.' And they say: 'We hear, and we obey. We seek Thy forgiveness, Our Lord, and to Thee is the end of all journeys.'" (Al-Baqarah, 2:285)
What prophets are named in the Qur'an?: There are 25 prophets mentioned by name in the Qur'an, although Muslims believe that there were many more in different times and places. Among the prophets that Muslims honor are:
Adam
Idris (Enoch)
Nuh (Noah) Hud Saleh Ibrahim (Abraham)
Isma'il (Ishmael)
Ishaq (Isaac) Lut (Lot)
Ya'qub (Jacob)
Yousef (Joseph)
Shu'aib
Ayyub (Job)
Musa (Moses)
Harun (Aaron)
Dhu'l-kifl (Ezekiel)
Dawud (David)
Sulaiman (Solomon)
Ilias (Elias)
Al-Yasa (Elisha)
Yunus (Jonah)
Zakariyya (Zechariah)
Yahya (John) 'Isa (Jesus) Muhammad
How do Muslims honor the prophets?:
Muslims read about, learn from, and respect all of the prophets. Many Muslims name their children after them. In addition, when mentioning the name of any of God's prophets, a Muslim adds these words of blessing and respect: "upon him be peace" (alayhi salaam in Arabic).
Islam teaches that God has sent prophets to humanity, in different times and places, to communicate His message. Since the beginning of time, God has sent His guidance through these chosen people. They were human beings who taught the people around them about faith in One Almighty God, and how to walk on the path of righteousness. Some prophets also revealed God's Word through books of revelation.
What message have the prophets brought?:
Muslims believe that all prophets gave guidance and instruction to their people about how to properly worship God and live their lives. Since God is One, His message has been one and the same throughout time. In essence, all prophets taught the message of Islam - to find peace in your life through submission to the One Almighty Creator; to believe in God and to follow His guidance.
What does the Qur'an say about the prophets?:
"The Messenger believes in what has been revealed to him from his Lord, as do the men of faith. Each one of them believes in God, His angels, His books, and His Messengers. They say: 'We make no distinction between one and another of His Messengers.' And they say: 'We hear, and we obey. We seek Thy forgiveness, Our Lord, and to Thee is the end of all journeys.'" (Al-Baqarah, 2:285)
What prophets are named in the Qur'an?: There are 25 prophets mentioned by name in the Qur'an, although Muslims believe that there were many more in different times and places. Among the prophets that Muslims honor are:
Adam
Idris (Enoch)
Nuh (Noah) Hud Saleh Ibrahim (Abraham)
Isma'il (Ishmael)
Ishaq (Isaac) Lut (Lot)
Ya'qub (Jacob)
Yousef (Joseph)
Shu'aib
Ayyub (Job)
Musa (Moses)
Harun (Aaron)
Dhu'l-kifl (Ezekiel)
Dawud (David)
Sulaiman (Solomon)
Ilias (Elias)
Al-Yasa (Elisha)
Yunus (Jonah)
Zakariyya (Zechariah)
Yahya (John) 'Isa (Jesus) Muhammad
How do Muslims honor the prophets?:
Muslims read about, learn from, and respect all of the prophets. Many Muslims name their children after them. In addition, when mentioning the name of any of God's prophets, a Muslim adds these words of blessing and respect: "upon him be peace" (alayhi salaam in Arabic).
Myths about Islam
Islamic prayer is just a ritualized performance with no heartfelt meaning :
Prayer is a time to stand before God and express faith, give thanks for blessings, and seek guidance and forgiveness. During Islamic prayer, one is modest, submissive and respectful to God. By bowing and prostrating ourselves to the ground, we express our utmost humility before the Almighty.
How To Perform the Muslim Prayers
Five times each day, Muslims bow down to Allah in prayer. If you are learning how to pray, or are just curious about what Muslims do during prayers, follow along with these general guidelines.
Difficulty: Easy
Time Required: 10 minutes
Here's How:
Make sure your body and place of prayer are clean. Perform ablutions if necessary. Make the intention to perform your obligatory prayer.
Standing, raise hands up and say "Allahu Akbar" (God is Most Great).
Standing with hands folded over chest, recite the first chapter of the Qur'an in Arabic. Then recite any other verses of the Qur'an that you would like.
Raise hands up, saying "Allahu Akbar." Bow, reciting three times, "Subhana rabbiyal adheem" (Glory be to my Lord Almighty).
Rise to standing while reciting "Sam'i Allahu liman hamidah, Rabbana wa lakal hamd" (God hears those who call upon Him; Our Lord, praise be to You).
Raise hands up, saying "Allahu Akbar." Prostrate on the ground, reciting three times "Subhana Rabbiyal A'ala" (Glory be to my Lord, the Most High).
Rise to a sitting position, saying "Allahu Akbar." Prostrate again in the same manner.
Rise to a standing position, saying "Allahu Akbar."
This concludes one rak'a (cycle or unit of prayer). Begin again from Step 3 for the second rak'a.
After two rak'as, one remains sitting after the prostrations and recites the first part of the Tashahhud in Arabic.
If the prayer is to be longer than these two rak'as, one now stands up and begins again to complete the prayer, sitting again after all rak'as have been completed.
Recite the second part of the Tashahhud in Arabic.
Turn to the right and say "Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullah" (Peace be upon you and God's blessings).
Turn to the left and repeat the greeting. This concludes the formal prayer.
Tips:
There are five daily prayer timings. Formal prayers can be done during a window of time between the start of one prayer and the start of the following prayer.
If Arabic is not your native tongue, learn the meanings in your language while trying to practice the Arabic.
Software programs are available that can help you learn the correct positions and Arabic pronunciations. Better yet, pray with other Muslims to learn.
What You Need:
The heart-felt intention to perform the prayer
A clean body with correct ablutions
A clean place to pray
A prayer rug (optional)
Islamic Prayer Timings
Muslims observe five formal prayers each day. The timings of these prayers are spaced fairly evenly throughout the day, so that one is constantly reminded of God and given opportunities to seek His guidance and forgiveness.
Muslims observe the formal prayers at the following times:
Fajr (pre-dawn): This prayer starts off the day with the remembrance of God; it is performed before sunrise.
Dhuhr (noon): After the day's work has begun, one breaks shortly after noon to again remember God and seek His guidance.
'Asr (afternoon): In the late afternoon, people are usually busy wrapping up the day's work, getting kids home from school, etc. It is an important time to take a few minutes to remember God and the greater meaning of our lives.
Maghrib (sunset): Just after the sun goes down, Muslims remember God again as the day begins to come to a close.
'Isha (evening): Before retiring for the night, Muslims again take time to remember God's presence, guidance, mercy, and forgiveness.
In Muslim communities, people are reminded of the daily prayer times through the calling of the adhan. For those in Muslim-minority communities, computerized adhan programs are available.
Azan
Muslims use the human voice to announce the times of prayer to the community. The adhan is the call to prayer itself, and the person who calls it is called the muadhan.
The following is the Arabic transliteration and the English translation of what you hear:
Allahu AkbarGod is Great(said four times)
Ashhadu an la ilaha illa AllahI bear witness that there is no god except the One God.(said two times)
Ashadu anna Muhammadan Rasool AllahI bear witness that Muhammad is the messenger of God.(said two times)
Hayya 'ala-s-SalahHurry to the prayer (Rise up for prayer)(said two times)
Hayya 'ala-l-FalahHurry to success (Rise up for Salvation) (said two times)
Allahu AkbarGod is Great[said two times]
La ilaha illa AllahThere is no god except the One God
For the pre-dawn (fajr) prayer, the following phrase is inserted after the fifth part above, towards the end:
As-salatu Khayrun Minan-nawmPrayer is better than sleep(said two times)
Islam promotes "Jihad" to spread Islam by the sword and and kill all unbelievers:
The word Jihad stems from an Arabic word which means "to strive." Other related words include "effort," "labor," and "fatigue." Essentially Jihad is an effort to practice religion in the face of oppression and persecution. The effort may come in fighting the evil in your own heart, or in standing up to a dictator. Military effort is included as an option, but as a last resort and not "to spread Islam by the sword." The word Jihad stems from the Arabic root word J-H-D, which means "strive." Other words derived from this root include "effort," "labor," and "fatigue."
Essentially Jihad is an effort to practice religion in the face of oppression and persecution. The effort may come in fighting the evil in your own heart, or in standing up to a dictator. Military effort is included as an option, but as a last resort and not "to spread Islam by the sword" as the stereotype would have one believe. The Qur'an describes Jihad as a system of checks and balances, as a way that Allah set up to "check one people by means of another." When one person or group transgresses their limits and violates the rights of others, Muslims have the right and the duty to "check" them and bring them back into line. There are several verses of the Qur'an that describe jihad in this manner. One example: "And did not Allah check one set of people by means of another,the earth would indeed be full of mischief;but Allah is full of Bounty to all the worlds"-Qur'an 2:251 Islam never tolerates unprovoked aggression from its own side; Muslims are commanded in the Qur'an not to begin hostilities, embark on any act of aggression, violate the rights of others, or harm the innocent. Even hurting or destroying animals or trees is forbidden. War is waged only to defend the religious community against oppression and persecution, because the Qur'an says that "persecution is worse than slaughter" and "let there be no hostility except to those who practice oppression" (Qur'an 2:190-193). Therefore, if non-Muslims are peaceful or indifferent to Islam, there is no justified reason to declare war on them.
The Qur'an describes those people who are permitted to fight: "They are those who have been expelled from their homesin defiance of right, for no cause except that they say,'Our Lord is Allah.'Did not Allah check one set of people by means of another,there would surely have been pulled down monasteries, churches,synagogues, and mosques, in which the name of God is commemoratedin abundant measure..."-Qur'an 22:40 Note that the verse specifically commands the protection of all houses of worship. Finally, the Qur'an also says, "Let there be no compulsion in religion" (2:256). Forcing someone at the point of a sword to choose death or Islam is an idea that is foreign to Islam in spirit and in historical practice. There is absolutely no question of waging a "holy war" to "spread the faith" and compel people to embrace Islam; that would be an unholy war and the people's forced conversions would not be sincere.
Suicide Bombers
"And fight in the way of Allah those who fight you. But do not transgress limits. Truly Allah loves not the transgressors."
- Qur'an, Surah Al-Baqarah (2:190)
The dangerous escalation of violence in the world is disturbing to all people of conscience, from September 11 to the Middle East battles, and other random acts of violence perpetrated at innocent civilians.
In Islam, several things are clear:
Suicide is forbidden. "O ye who believe!... [do not] kill yourselves, for truly Allah has been to you Most Merciful. If any do that in rancour and injustice, soon shall We cast him into the Fire..." (Qur'an 4:29-30).
The taking of life is allowed only by way of justice (i.e. the death penalty for murder), but even then, forgiveness is better. "Nor take life - which Allah has made sacred - except for just cause..." (17:33).
In pre-Islamic Arabia, retaliation and mass murder was commonplace. If someone was killed, the victim's tribe would retaliate against the murderer's entire tribe. This practice was directly forbidden in the Qur'an (2:178-179). Following this statement of law, the Qur'an says, "After this, whoever exceeds the limits shall be in grave chastisement" (2:178). No matter what wrong we perceive as being done against us, we may not lash out against an entire population of people.
The Qur'an admonishes those who oppress others and transgress beyond the bounds of what is right and just. "The blame is only against those who oppress men with wrongdoing and insolently transgress beyond bounds through the land, defying right and justice. For such there will be a chastisement grievous (in the Hereafter)" (42:42).
Harming innocent bystanders, even in times of war, was forbidden by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). This includes women, children, noncombatant bystanders, and even trees and crops. Nothing is to be harmed unless the person or thing is actively engaged in an assault against Muslims.
The predominant theme in the Qur'an is forgiveness and peace. Allah (God) is Merciful and Forgiving, and seeks that in His followers. Indeed, most people who spend time on a personal level with ordinary Muslims have found them to be peaceful, honest, hard-working, civic-minded people.
"O ye who believe! Remain steadfast for Allah, bearing witness to justice. Do not allow your hatred for others make you swerve to wrongdoing and turn you away from justice. Be just; that is closer to true piety."
- Qur'an, Surah al-Maidah (5:8)
Myths about Islam
Islam is intolerant of other faiths
Throughout the Qur'an, Muslims are reminded that they are not the only ones who worship God. Jews and Christians are called "People of the Book," meaning people who have received previous revelations from the One Almighty God that we all worship. The Qur'an also commands Muslims to protect from harm not only mosques, but also monasteries, synagogues, and churches -- because "God is worshipped therein."
In the Qur'an, Christians are often referred to as among the "People of the Book," i.e. people who have received and believed in previous revelation from God's prophets. There are verses that highlight the commonalities between Christians and Muslims, and other verses that warn Christians against sliding towards polytheism in their worship of Jesus Christ.
Commonalities:
"Surely those who believe, and those who are Jews, and the Christians, and the Sabians -- whoever believes in God and the Last Day and does good, they shall have their reward from their Lord. And there will be no fear for them, nor shall they grieve" (2:62, 5:69, and many other verses).
"...and nearest among them in love to the believers will you find those who say, 'We are Christians,' because amongst these are men devoted to learning and men who have renounced the world, and they are not arrogant" (5:82).
"O you who believe! Be helpers of God -- as Jesus the son of Mary said to the Disciples, 'Who will be my helpers in (the work of) God?' Said the disciples, 'We are God's helpers!' Then a portion of the Children of Israel believed, and a portion disbelieved. But We gave power to those who believed, against their enemies, and they became the ones that prevailed" (61:14).
Warnings:
"If only they [i.e. Christians] had stood fast by the Law, the Gospel, and all the revelation that was sent to them from their Lord, they would have enjoyed happiness from every side. There is from among them a party on the right course, but many of them follow a course that is evil" (5:66).
"Oh People of the Book! Commit no excesses in your religion, nor say of God anything but the truth. Christ Jesus, the son of Mary, was (no more than) a messenger of God, and His Word which He bestowed on Mary, and a spirit proceeding from Him. So believe in God and His messengers. Say not, 'Trinity.' Desist! It will be better for you, for God is One God, Glory be to Him! (Far exalted is He) above having a son. To Him belong all things in the heavens and on earth. And enough is God as a Disposer of affairs" (4:171).
"The Jews call 'Uzair a son of God, and the Christians call Christ the son of God. That is but a saying from their mouth; (in this) they but imitate what the unbelievers of old used to say. God's curse be on them; how they are deluded away from the Truth! They take their priests and their anchorites to be their lords in derogation of God, and (they take as their Lord) Christ the son of Mary. Yet they were commanded to worship but One God: there is no god but He. Praise and glory to Him! (Far is He) from having the partners they associate (with Him)" (9:30-31).
Throughout the Qur'an, Muslims are reminded that they are not the only ones who worship God. Jews and Christians are called "People of the Book," meaning people who have received previous revelations from the One Almighty God that we all worship. The Qur'an also commands Muslims to protect from harm not only mosques, but also monasteries, synagogues, and churches -- because "God is worshipped therein."
In the Qur'an, Christians are often referred to as among the "People of the Book," i.e. people who have received and believed in previous revelation from God's prophets. There are verses that highlight the commonalities between Christians and Muslims, and other verses that warn Christians against sliding towards polytheism in their worship of Jesus Christ.
Commonalities:
"Surely those who believe, and those who are Jews, and the Christians, and the Sabians -- whoever believes in God and the Last Day and does good, they shall have their reward from their Lord. And there will be no fear for them, nor shall they grieve" (2:62, 5:69, and many other verses).
"...and nearest among them in love to the believers will you find those who say, 'We are Christians,' because amongst these are men devoted to learning and men who have renounced the world, and they are not arrogant" (5:82).
"O you who believe! Be helpers of God -- as Jesus the son of Mary said to the Disciples, 'Who will be my helpers in (the work of) God?' Said the disciples, 'We are God's helpers!' Then a portion of the Children of Israel believed, and a portion disbelieved. But We gave power to those who believed, against their enemies, and they became the ones that prevailed" (61:14).
Warnings:
"If only they [i.e. Christians] had stood fast by the Law, the Gospel, and all the revelation that was sent to them from their Lord, they would have enjoyed happiness from every side. There is from among them a party on the right course, but many of them follow a course that is evil" (5:66).
"Oh People of the Book! Commit no excesses in your religion, nor say of God anything but the truth. Christ Jesus, the son of Mary, was (no more than) a messenger of God, and His Word which He bestowed on Mary, and a spirit proceeding from Him. So believe in God and His messengers. Say not, 'Trinity.' Desist! It will be better for you, for God is One God, Glory be to Him! (Far exalted is He) above having a son. To Him belong all things in the heavens and on earth. And enough is God as a Disposer of affairs" (4:171).
"The Jews call 'Uzair a son of God, and the Christians call Christ the son of God. That is but a saying from their mouth; (in this) they but imitate what the unbelievers of old used to say. God's curse be on them; how they are deluded away from the Truth! They take their priests and their anchorites to be their lords in derogation of God, and (they take as their Lord) Christ the son of Mary. Yet they were commanded to worship but One God: there is no god but He. Praise and glory to Him! (Far is He) from having the partners they associate (with Him)" (9:30-31).
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Myths about Islam
Muslims are violent, terrorist extremists :
Terrorism cannot be justified under any valid interpretation of the Islamic faith. The entire Qur'an, taken as a complete text, gives a message of hope, faith, and peace to a faith community of one billion people. The overwhelming message is that peace is to be found through faith in God, and justice among fellow human beings. Muslim leaders and scholars do speak out against terrorism in all its forms, and offer explanations of misinterpreted or twisted teachings.
The entire Qur'an, taken as a complete text, gives a message of hope, faith, and peace to a faith community of one billion people. The overwhelming message is that peace is to be found through faith in God, and justice among fellow human beings.
At the time the Qur'an was revealed (7th century A.D.), there was no United Nations or Amnesty International to keep the peace or expose injustice. Inter-tribal violence and vengeance was commonplace. As a matter of survival, one must have been willing to defend against aggression from all sides. Nevertheless, the Qur'an repeatedly urges forgiveness and restraint, and warns believers not to "transgress" or become "oppressors." Some examples:
If anyone slays a person- unless it be for murder or for spreading mischief in the land -it would be as if he slew all people.And if anyone saves a life,it would be as if he saved the life of all people.Qur'an 5:32
Invite all to the way of your Lordwith wisdom and beautiful preaching.And argue with themin ways that are best and most gracious...And if you punish,let your punishment be proportionalto the wrong that has been done to you.But if you show patience, that is indeed the best course.Be patient, for your patience is from God.And do not grieve over them,or distress yourself because of their plots.For God is with those who restrain themselves,and those who do good.Qur'an 16:125-128
Oh you who believe!Stand out firmly for justice, as witnesses to God,even against yourselves, or your parents, or your kin,and whether it be against rich or poor,for God can best protect both.Follow not the cravings of your hearts, lest you swerve,and if you distort justice or decline to do justice,verily God is well acquainted with all that you do.Qur'an 4:135
The recompense for an injuryis an injury equal thereto (in degree),but if a person forgives and makes reconciliation,his reward is due from God,for God loves not those who do wrong.But indeed, if any do help and defend themselvesafter a wrong done to them,against such there is no cause of blame.The blame is only against those who oppress menwith wrongdoing and insolently transgressbeyond bounds through the land,defying right and justice.For such there will be a penalty grievous (in the Hereafter).But indeed, if any show patience and forgive,that would truly be an affair of great resolution.Qur'an 42:40-43
Goodness and evil are not equal.Repel evil with what is better.Then that person with whom there was hatred,may become your intimate friend!And no one will be granted such goodnessexcept those who exercise patience and self-restraint,none but people of the greatest good fortune.Qur'an 41:34-35
The Qur'an commands Muslims to stick up for themselves in a defensive battle -- i.e. if an enemy army attacks, then Muslims are to fight against that army until they stop their aggression. All of the verses that speak about fighting/war in the Qur'an are in this context.
There are some specific verses that are very often "snipped" out of context, either by critics of Islam discussing "jihadism," or by misguided Muslims themselves who wish to justify their aggressive tactics.
"Slay Them" - If They Attack You First
For example, one verse (in its snipped version) reads: "slay them wherever you catch them" (Qur'an 2:191). But who is this referring to? Who are "they" that this verse discusses? The preceding and following verses give the correct context:
"Fight in the cause of God those who fight you, but do not transgress limits; for God loves not transgressors. And slay them wherever you catch them, and turn them out from where they have turned you out; for tumult and oppression are worse than slaughter... But if they cease, God is Oft-forgiving, Most Merciful... If they cease, let there be no hostility except to those who practice oppression" (2:190-193).
It is clear from the context that these verses are discussing a defensive war, when a Muslim community is attacked without reason, oppressed and prevented from practicing their faith. In these circumstances, permission is given to fight back -- but even then Muslims are instructed not to transgress limits, and to cease fighting as soon as the attacker gives up. Even in these circumstances, Muslim are only to fight directly against those who are attacking them, not innocent bystanders or non-combatants.
"Fight the Pagans" -
If They Break TreatiesA similar verse can be found in chapter 9, verse 5 -- which in its snipped, out of context version could read: "fight and slay the pagans wherever ye find them, and seize them, beleaguer them, and lie in wait for them in every stratagem (of war)." Again, the preceding and following verses give the context.
This verse was revealed during a historical period when the small Muslim community had entered into treaties with neighboring tribes (Jewish, Christian, and pagan). Several of the pagan tribes had violated the terms of their treaty, secretly aiding an enemy attack against the Muslim community. The verse directly before this one instructs the Muslims to continue to honor treaties with anyone who has not since betrayed them, because fulfilling agreements is considered a righteous action. Then the verse continues, that those who have violated the terms of the treaty have declared war, so fight them... (as quoted above).
Directly after this permission to fight, the same verse continues, "but if they repent, and establish regular prayers and practice regular charity, then open the way for them... for God is Oft-forgiving, Most Merciful." The subsequent verses instruct the Muslims to grant asylum to any member of the pagan tribe/army who asks for it, and again reminds that "as long as these stand true to you, stand ye true to them: for God loves the righteous."
Conclusion
Any verse that is quoted out of context misses the whole point of the message of the Qur'an. Nowhere in the Qur'an can be found support for indiscriminate slaughter, the killing of non-combatants, or murder of innocent persons in 'payback' for another people's alleged crimes.
The Islamic teachings on this subject can be summed up in the following verses (Qur'an 60:7-8):
"It may be that God will grant love (and friendship) between you and those whom ye (now) hold as enemies. For God has power (over all things), and God is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.
God does not forbid you, with regard to those who fight you not for (your) faith nor drive you out of your homes, from dealing kindly and justly with them: for God loves those who are just."
Terrorism cannot be justified under any valid interpretation of the Islamic faith. The entire Qur'an, taken as a complete text, gives a message of hope, faith, and peace to a faith community of one billion people. The overwhelming message is that peace is to be found through faith in God, and justice among fellow human beings. Muslim leaders and scholars do speak out against terrorism in all its forms, and offer explanations of misinterpreted or twisted teachings.
The entire Qur'an, taken as a complete text, gives a message of hope, faith, and peace to a faith community of one billion people. The overwhelming message is that peace is to be found through faith in God, and justice among fellow human beings.
At the time the Qur'an was revealed (7th century A.D.), there was no United Nations or Amnesty International to keep the peace or expose injustice. Inter-tribal violence and vengeance was commonplace. As a matter of survival, one must have been willing to defend against aggression from all sides. Nevertheless, the Qur'an repeatedly urges forgiveness and restraint, and warns believers not to "transgress" or become "oppressors." Some examples:
If anyone slays a person- unless it be for murder or for spreading mischief in the land -it would be as if he slew all people.And if anyone saves a life,it would be as if he saved the life of all people.Qur'an 5:32
Invite all to the way of your Lordwith wisdom and beautiful preaching.And argue with themin ways that are best and most gracious...And if you punish,let your punishment be proportionalto the wrong that has been done to you.But if you show patience, that is indeed the best course.Be patient, for your patience is from God.And do not grieve over them,or distress yourself because of their plots.For God is with those who restrain themselves,and those who do good.Qur'an 16:125-128
Oh you who believe!Stand out firmly for justice, as witnesses to God,even against yourselves, or your parents, or your kin,and whether it be against rich or poor,for God can best protect both.Follow not the cravings of your hearts, lest you swerve,and if you distort justice or decline to do justice,verily God is well acquainted with all that you do.Qur'an 4:135
The recompense for an injuryis an injury equal thereto (in degree),but if a person forgives and makes reconciliation,his reward is due from God,for God loves not those who do wrong.But indeed, if any do help and defend themselvesafter a wrong done to them,against such there is no cause of blame.The blame is only against those who oppress menwith wrongdoing and insolently transgressbeyond bounds through the land,defying right and justice.For such there will be a penalty grievous (in the Hereafter).But indeed, if any show patience and forgive,that would truly be an affair of great resolution.Qur'an 42:40-43
Goodness and evil are not equal.Repel evil with what is better.Then that person with whom there was hatred,may become your intimate friend!And no one will be granted such goodnessexcept those who exercise patience and self-restraint,none but people of the greatest good fortune.Qur'an 41:34-35
The Qur'an commands Muslims to stick up for themselves in a defensive battle -- i.e. if an enemy army attacks, then Muslims are to fight against that army until they stop their aggression. All of the verses that speak about fighting/war in the Qur'an are in this context.
There are some specific verses that are very often "snipped" out of context, either by critics of Islam discussing "jihadism," or by misguided Muslims themselves who wish to justify their aggressive tactics.
"Slay Them" - If They Attack You First
For example, one verse (in its snipped version) reads: "slay them wherever you catch them" (Qur'an 2:191). But who is this referring to? Who are "they" that this verse discusses? The preceding and following verses give the correct context:
"Fight in the cause of God those who fight you, but do not transgress limits; for God loves not transgressors. And slay them wherever you catch them, and turn them out from where they have turned you out; for tumult and oppression are worse than slaughter... But if they cease, God is Oft-forgiving, Most Merciful... If they cease, let there be no hostility except to those who practice oppression" (2:190-193).
It is clear from the context that these verses are discussing a defensive war, when a Muslim community is attacked without reason, oppressed and prevented from practicing their faith. In these circumstances, permission is given to fight back -- but even then Muslims are instructed not to transgress limits, and to cease fighting as soon as the attacker gives up. Even in these circumstances, Muslim are only to fight directly against those who are attacking them, not innocent bystanders or non-combatants.
"Fight the Pagans" -
If They Break TreatiesA similar verse can be found in chapter 9, verse 5 -- which in its snipped, out of context version could read: "fight and slay the pagans wherever ye find them, and seize them, beleaguer them, and lie in wait for them in every stratagem (of war)." Again, the preceding and following verses give the context.
This verse was revealed during a historical period when the small Muslim community had entered into treaties with neighboring tribes (Jewish, Christian, and pagan). Several of the pagan tribes had violated the terms of their treaty, secretly aiding an enemy attack against the Muslim community. The verse directly before this one instructs the Muslims to continue to honor treaties with anyone who has not since betrayed them, because fulfilling agreements is considered a righteous action. Then the verse continues, that those who have violated the terms of the treaty have declared war, so fight them... (as quoted above).
Directly after this permission to fight, the same verse continues, "but if they repent, and establish regular prayers and practice regular charity, then open the way for them... for God is Oft-forgiving, Most Merciful." The subsequent verses instruct the Muslims to grant asylum to any member of the pagan tribe/army who asks for it, and again reminds that "as long as these stand true to you, stand ye true to them: for God loves the righteous."
Conclusion
Any verse that is quoted out of context misses the whole point of the message of the Qur'an. Nowhere in the Qur'an can be found support for indiscriminate slaughter, the killing of non-combatants, or murder of innocent persons in 'payback' for another people's alleged crimes.
The Islamic teachings on this subject can be summed up in the following verses (Qur'an 60:7-8):
"It may be that God will grant love (and friendship) between you and those whom ye (now) hold as enemies. For God has power (over all things), and God is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.
God does not forbid you, with regard to those who fight you not for (your) faith nor drive you out of your homes, from dealing kindly and justly with them: for God loves those who are just."
Myths about Islam
Most Muslim are Arabs :
While Islam is often associated with Arabs, they make up only 15% of the world's Muslim population. The country with the largest population of Muslims is Indonesia. Muslims make up 1/5 of the world's population, with large numbers found in Asia (69%), Africa (27%), Europe (3%) and other parts of the world.
World's Muslim Population
Statistics About the Muslim Population of the World
Nearly one-fourth of the world’s population today is Muslim. The Muslim population is a diverse community of believers spanning the globe. Over fifty countries have Muslim-majority populations, while other groups of believers are clustered in minority communities on nearly every continent.
Although Islam is often associated with the Arab world and the Middle East, fewer than 15% of Muslims are Arab.
Countries With The Largest Muslim Populations (2009):
Country
Number of Muslims
Indonesia
203 million
Pakistan
174 million
India
161 million
Bangladesh
145 million
Egypt
79 million
Nigeria
78 million
Iran
74 million
Turkey
74 million
Algeria
34 million
Morocco
32 million
Iraq
30 million
Sudan
30 million
Afghanistan
28 million
Ethiopia
28 million
Uzbekistan
26 million
Saudi Arabia
25 million
Yemen
23 million
China
22 million
Syria
20 million
Russia
16 million
It has been argued by many that the invasion of Iraq will only produce more terrorism; therefore, invading Iraq was the wrong thing to do because it undermines our efforts against terrorism. A common counter-argument to this is to point out that the leading ideological voices of Islamic extremism, like Sayyid Qutb, have relied more heavily upon Islamic tradition than Western imperialism to make their case. Thus, the driving force of Islamic extremism is Islam itself, not the acts of the West. Is this a valid argument?
In fact, it is partially correct and partially mistaken. Yes, the ideas of Qutb (and others) are more dependent upon Islamic tradition than American actions and these ideas are a significant basis for the ideologies and theologies of Muslim terrorists. All of that is true - we really can't understand modern Islamic extremists without being familiar with people like Qutb.
But that's not the end of it. The fact of the matter is, Qutb's conception of Islam is not the only one, nor is it the most logical or most reasonable or best organization of traditional Muslim doctrines. It is an Islamic path and it is not an unjustified Islamic path, but it is not the only Islamic path. Thus, the question that needs to be answered is: why has this path become popular?
As a loose analogy, consider the case of Pat Robertson. He offers a Christian path and it's not an unjustified Christian path (in that it can be reasonably derived from Christian traditions), but it is certainly not the only Christian path. Thus, we cannot explain the existence of Pat Robertson fundamentalism simply by stating that it "finds its essence in the nature of Christianity." We might be right, but we aren't answering the right question.
While it may be comforting to some to imagine that there are simple ways to connect the dots between the traditions of Islam and the modern phenomenon of Muslim terrorists, reality is much more complicated than there. There is certainly a close relationship, but it is not an automatic or necessary relationship - there is a key ingredient missing.
So, why are the ideas of Islamic extremists like Sayyid Qutb so popular? That's where Western geopolitics, including our imperialism, play a role. The Arabic world suffers from an extreme case of an inferiority complex (I'm not using this in a harshly critical sense - it just seems to be the best label). Islam was once "Number One," but now it's at the bottom of the heap when it comes to military, political, scientific, economic, and cultural influence.
Sure, we get the "0" from Arabic, but how many world-renown mathematicians and computer scientists come from the Muslim Arabic world? Sure, medieval Arab physicians were an important link in the development of modern medicine, but how many ground-breaking medical techniques are developed in the Muslim Arab world? How many of the rich and famous go to Damascus or Medina for important medical procedures?
I don't mean to suggest that Arab Muslims are not capable of rising to the highest levels of science, medicine, art, or culture. I'm also not suggesting that there are none who have, here and there. Instead, I'm arguing that they are unusual. Too unusual, given the proporition of the planet's inhabitants who come from the Arab Muslim world.
German mathematicians, British computer engineers, and American doctors who are on the cutting edge of their fields are not odd. Ideally, it also wouldn't be odd if we replaced those nationalities with Syrian, Iraqi, and Jordanian. Someone who says "I'm going to New York to study the latest medical techniques" is not odd. Someone who says "I'm going to Damascus to study the latest medical techniques" is. That's what needs to be changed.
Islam went from the top to the bottom - Muslims can't explain why and can't explain how, but they want answers and they want changes. Quite understandable. Who can blame them? Unfortunately, in situations like this, people often end up looking for enemies - internal and external. Both share the lamentable characteristic of not being Muslim enough (reaching for old traditions that characterized a supposed Golden Age is another common feature of these situations).
That's the environment that produced Qutb - it produced his ideological predecessor, Ibn Taymiyyah (who struggled against the domination of the Mongols), and it produced his successors, like Muhammad Abd al-Salam Faraj and Osama bin Laden. If the above are the conditions which went a long way to making people like Qutb possible and his ideas popular, then surely it is reasonable to conclude that further demonstrations of Arab Muslim impotence in the face of a militarily and technologically superior West can only exacerbate things.
So does that mean that the invasion will produce more terrorists? Perhaps. An important point to note here, and which not everyone catches, is that a failure to invade wouldn't have suddenly made the Arab Muslim world feel powerful again. The invasion exacerbates the situation, but it doesn't create it - thus, a lack of an invasion would not produce a lack of the problematic situation. This means that the observation "this will produce more terrorists" is a valid observation, especially since it might well produce more terrorists than a lack of an invasion, but I'm not sure it qualifies as a clear argument against the invasion.
Setting aside the question of whether the invasion of Iraq was justified, we are still left with the very serious problem of Islamic extremism and Muslim terrorists. If the above helps us understand why Islamic Extremism is so popular in the Arab Muslim world, does it also help us see a way to solve the problems?
Is there a solution to the problem of the popularity of Islamic Extremism in the Arab Muslim world? Well, yes - sort of. One of the problems of the Arab Muslim world is oil - they rely on it too much. Everything is invested in oil capital, none invested in human capital. They don't produce the best and brightest who could make Damascus or Baghdad important centers of science, art, music, culture, technology, etc.
If people can achieve such goals, and do so in a secular context, then Arab Muslims could lose the inferiority complex which breeds extremism, but without resorting to Islamic fundamentalism. Everyone wins - not only do Arab Muslims benefit, but everyone else will benefit from what they can provide the rest of the world, just as they once did in their Golden Age.
This suggests, then, that post-invasion the United States and Great Britain must invest heavily in the infrastructure of secular education, not just democratic institutions. It also suggests that decreasing our reliance on foreign oil, often touted as important for the future of the West, may also be just as important for the future of the Middle East. That's awfully curious.
But will a post-war Iraq receive the support needed for developing secular education and for reducing its dependence upon oil exports? It would be wise to be skeptical of that occurring so long as the current American administration remains in power.
For one thing, the Bush administration has been very active in reducing the strength of public, secular education in favor of increased reliance upon religious education - for example, through educational voucher schemes. That is exactly what the Middle East does not need more of.
For another thing, the Bush administration has been very active in developing new and expanded sources of oil, for example by drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. It doesn't seem very likely that these same people would then turn around and help Iraq spend less on oil capital and more on human capital.
Nobody knows what the future will bring, but it will help to understand what sorts of things we really should be hoping for.
While Islam is often associated with Arabs, they make up only 15% of the world's Muslim population. The country with the largest population of Muslims is Indonesia. Muslims make up 1/5 of the world's population, with large numbers found in Asia (69%), Africa (27%), Europe (3%) and other parts of the world.
World's Muslim Population
Statistics About the Muslim Population of the World
Nearly one-fourth of the world’s population today is Muslim. The Muslim population is a diverse community of believers spanning the globe. Over fifty countries have Muslim-majority populations, while other groups of believers are clustered in minority communities on nearly every continent.
Although Islam is often associated with the Arab world and the Middle East, fewer than 15% of Muslims are Arab.
Countries With The Largest Muslim Populations (2009):
Country
Number of Muslims
Indonesia
203 million
Pakistan
174 million
India
161 million
Bangladesh
145 million
Egypt
79 million
Nigeria
78 million
Iran
74 million
Turkey
74 million
Algeria
34 million
Morocco
32 million
Iraq
30 million
Sudan
30 million
Afghanistan
28 million
Ethiopia
28 million
Uzbekistan
26 million
Saudi Arabia
25 million
Yemen
23 million
China
22 million
Syria
20 million
Russia
16 million
It has been argued by many that the invasion of Iraq will only produce more terrorism; therefore, invading Iraq was the wrong thing to do because it undermines our efforts against terrorism. A common counter-argument to this is to point out that the leading ideological voices of Islamic extremism, like Sayyid Qutb, have relied more heavily upon Islamic tradition than Western imperialism to make their case. Thus, the driving force of Islamic extremism is Islam itself, not the acts of the West. Is this a valid argument?
In fact, it is partially correct and partially mistaken. Yes, the ideas of Qutb (and others) are more dependent upon Islamic tradition than American actions and these ideas are a significant basis for the ideologies and theologies of Muslim terrorists. All of that is true - we really can't understand modern Islamic extremists without being familiar with people like Qutb.
But that's not the end of it. The fact of the matter is, Qutb's conception of Islam is not the only one, nor is it the most logical or most reasonable or best organization of traditional Muslim doctrines. It is an Islamic path and it is not an unjustified Islamic path, but it is not the only Islamic path. Thus, the question that needs to be answered is: why has this path become popular?
As a loose analogy, consider the case of Pat Robertson. He offers a Christian path and it's not an unjustified Christian path (in that it can be reasonably derived from Christian traditions), but it is certainly not the only Christian path. Thus, we cannot explain the existence of Pat Robertson fundamentalism simply by stating that it "finds its essence in the nature of Christianity." We might be right, but we aren't answering the right question.
While it may be comforting to some to imagine that there are simple ways to connect the dots between the traditions of Islam and the modern phenomenon of Muslim terrorists, reality is much more complicated than there. There is certainly a close relationship, but it is not an automatic or necessary relationship - there is a key ingredient missing.
So, why are the ideas of Islamic extremists like Sayyid Qutb so popular? That's where Western geopolitics, including our imperialism, play a role. The Arabic world suffers from an extreme case of an inferiority complex (I'm not using this in a harshly critical sense - it just seems to be the best label). Islam was once "Number One," but now it's at the bottom of the heap when it comes to military, political, scientific, economic, and cultural influence.
Sure, we get the "0" from Arabic, but how many world-renown mathematicians and computer scientists come from the Muslim Arabic world? Sure, medieval Arab physicians were an important link in the development of modern medicine, but how many ground-breaking medical techniques are developed in the Muslim Arab world? How many of the rich and famous go to Damascus or Medina for important medical procedures?
I don't mean to suggest that Arab Muslims are not capable of rising to the highest levels of science, medicine, art, or culture. I'm also not suggesting that there are none who have, here and there. Instead, I'm arguing that they are unusual. Too unusual, given the proporition of the planet's inhabitants who come from the Arab Muslim world.
German mathematicians, British computer engineers, and American doctors who are on the cutting edge of their fields are not odd. Ideally, it also wouldn't be odd if we replaced those nationalities with Syrian, Iraqi, and Jordanian. Someone who says "I'm going to New York to study the latest medical techniques" is not odd. Someone who says "I'm going to Damascus to study the latest medical techniques" is. That's what needs to be changed.
Islam went from the top to the bottom - Muslims can't explain why and can't explain how, but they want answers and they want changes. Quite understandable. Who can blame them? Unfortunately, in situations like this, people often end up looking for enemies - internal and external. Both share the lamentable characteristic of not being Muslim enough (reaching for old traditions that characterized a supposed Golden Age is another common feature of these situations).
That's the environment that produced Qutb - it produced his ideological predecessor, Ibn Taymiyyah (who struggled against the domination of the Mongols), and it produced his successors, like Muhammad Abd al-Salam Faraj and Osama bin Laden. If the above are the conditions which went a long way to making people like Qutb possible and his ideas popular, then surely it is reasonable to conclude that further demonstrations of Arab Muslim impotence in the face of a militarily and technologically superior West can only exacerbate things.
So does that mean that the invasion will produce more terrorists? Perhaps. An important point to note here, and which not everyone catches, is that a failure to invade wouldn't have suddenly made the Arab Muslim world feel powerful again. The invasion exacerbates the situation, but it doesn't create it - thus, a lack of an invasion would not produce a lack of the problematic situation. This means that the observation "this will produce more terrorists" is a valid observation, especially since it might well produce more terrorists than a lack of an invasion, but I'm not sure it qualifies as a clear argument against the invasion.
Setting aside the question of whether the invasion of Iraq was justified, we are still left with the very serious problem of Islamic extremism and Muslim terrorists. If the above helps us understand why Islamic Extremism is so popular in the Arab Muslim world, does it also help us see a way to solve the problems?
Is there a solution to the problem of the popularity of Islamic Extremism in the Arab Muslim world? Well, yes - sort of. One of the problems of the Arab Muslim world is oil - they rely on it too much. Everything is invested in oil capital, none invested in human capital. They don't produce the best and brightest who could make Damascus or Baghdad important centers of science, art, music, culture, technology, etc.
If people can achieve such goals, and do so in a secular context, then Arab Muslims could lose the inferiority complex which breeds extremism, but without resorting to Islamic fundamentalism. Everyone wins - not only do Arab Muslims benefit, but everyone else will benefit from what they can provide the rest of the world, just as they once did in their Golden Age.
This suggests, then, that post-invasion the United States and Great Britain must invest heavily in the infrastructure of secular education, not just democratic institutions. It also suggests that decreasing our reliance on foreign oil, often touted as important for the future of the West, may also be just as important for the future of the Middle East. That's awfully curious.
But will a post-war Iraq receive the support needed for developing secular education and for reducing its dependence upon oil exports? It would be wise to be skeptical of that occurring so long as the current American administration remains in power.
For one thing, the Bush administration has been very active in reducing the strength of public, secular education in favor of increased reliance upon religious education - for example, through educational voucher schemes. That is exactly what the Middle East does not need more of.
For another thing, the Bush administration has been very active in developing new and expanded sources of oil, for example by drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. It doesn't seem very likely that these same people would then turn around and help Iraq spend less on oil capital and more on human capital.
Nobody knows what the future will bring, but it will help to understand what sorts of things we really should be hoping for.
Myths about Islam
Muslims don't belive in Jesus :
In the Qur'an, stories about the life and teachings of Jesus Christ (called 'Isa in Arabic) are abundant. The Qur'an recalls his miraculous birth, his teachings, and the miracles he performed by God's permission. There is even a chapter of the Qur'an named after his mother, Mary (Miriam in Arabic). However, Muslims believe that Jesus was a fully human prophet and not in any way divine himself.
In the Qur'an, there are many stories about the life and teachings of Jesus Christ (called 'Isa in Arabic). The Qur'an recalls his miraculous birth, his teachings, the miracles he performed by God's permission, and his life as a respected prophet of God. The Qur'an also repeatedly reminds that Jesus was a human prophet sent by God, not part of God Himself. Below are some direct quotations from the Qur'an regarding his life and teachings of Jesus.
He Was Righteous"Behold! the angels said, 'Oh Mary! God gives you glad tidings of a Word from Him. His name will be Christ Jesus, the son of Mary, held in honour in this world and the Hereafter, and in (the company of) those nearest to God. He shall speak to the people in childhood and in maturity. He shall be (in the company) of the righteous... And God will teach him the Book and Wisdom, the Law and the Gospel'" (3:45-48).
He Was a Prophet"Christ, the son of Mary, was no more than a messenger; many were the messengers that passed away before him. His mother was a woman of truth. They had both to eat their (daily) food. See how God makes His signs clear to them; yet see in what ways they are deluded away from the truth!" (5:75).
"He [Jesus] said: 'I am indeed a servant of God. He has given me revelation and made me a prophet; He has made me blessed wheresoever I be; and He has enjoined on me prayer and charity as long as I live. He has made me kind to my mother, and not overbearing or miserable. So peace is on me the day I was born, the day that I die, and the day that I shall be raised up to life (again)!' Such was Jesus the son of Mary. It is a statement of truth, about which they (vainly) dispute. It is not befitting to (the majesty of) God that He should beget a son. Glory be to Him! When He determines a matter, He only says to it, 'Be,' and it is" (19:30-35).
He Was a Humble Servant of God"And behold! God will say [i.e. on the Day of Judgment]: 'Oh Jesus, the son of Mary! Did you say unto men, worship me and my mother as gods in derogation of God?' He will say: 'Glory to Thee! Never could I say what I had no right (to say). Had I said such a thing, You would indeed have known it. You know what is in my heart, though I know not what is in Yours. For You know in full all that is hidden. Never did I say to them anything except what You commanded me to say: 'Worship God, my Lord and your Lord.' And I was a witness over them while I lived among them. When You took me up, You were the Watcher over them, and You are a witness to all things'" (5:116-117).
His Teachings"When Jesus came with Clear Signs, he said: 'Now I have come to you with Wisdom, and in order to make clear to you some of the (points) on which you dispute. Therefore, fear God and obey me. God, He is my Lord and your Lord, so worship Him -- this is a Straight Way.' But sects from among themselves fell into disagreement. So woe to the wrongdoers, from the penalty of a Grievous Day!" (43:63-65)
Do Muslims believe in the virgin birth of Jesus?
Muslims believe that Jesus (called 'Isa in Arabic) was the son of Mary, and was conceived without the intervention of a human father. The Qur'an describes that an angel appeared to Mary, to announce to her the "gift of a holy son" (19:19).
She was astonished at the news, and asked: "How shall I have a son, seeing that no man has touched me, and I am not unchaste?" (19:20).
When the angel explained to her that she had been chosen for the service of God, and that God had ordained the matter, she devoutly submitted herself to His will. In the Qur'an and other Islamic sources, there is no mention of Joseph the carpenter, nor any recollection of the inn and manger legend. On the contrary, the Qur'an describes that Mary retreated from her people (outside the city), and gave birth to Jesus underneath a remote date palm tree. The tree miraculously provided nourishment for her during labor and birth. (See Chapter 19 of the Quran for the entire story. The chapter has aptly been named "The Chapter of Mary.")
However, the Qur'an repeatedly reminds us that Adam, the first human being, was born with neither a human mother nor a human father. Therefore, Jesus' miraculous birth affords him no higher standing or presumed partnership with God. When God ordains a matter, He merely says, "Be" and it is so. "The similitude of Jesus before God is as that of Adam. He created him from dust, then said to him: "Be!" And he was" (3:59).
In Islam, Jesus is regarded as a human prophet and messenger of God, not part of God Himself. Muslims observe two holidays per year, which are associated with major religious observances (fasting and pilgrimage). They do not revolve around the life or death of any human being, including prophets. While some Muslims observe the Prophet Muhammad's Birthday, this practice is not universally accepted among Muslims. Therefore, most Muslims do not find it acceptable to celebrate or acknowledge the "birthday" of Jesus either.
In the Qur'an, there are many stories about the life and teachings of Jesus Christ (called 'Isa in Arabic). The Qur'an recalls his miraculous birth, his teachings, the miracles he performed by God's permission, and his life as a respected prophet of God. The Qur'an also repeatedly reminds that Jesus was a human prophet sent by God, not part of God Himself. Below are some direct quotations from the Qur'an regarding his life and teachings of Jesus.
He Was Righteous"Behold! the angels said, 'Oh Mary! God gives you glad tidings of a Word from Him. His name will be Christ Jesus, the son of Mary, held in honour in this world and the Hereafter, and in (the company of) those nearest to God. He shall speak to the people in childhood and in maturity. He shall be (in the company) of the righteous... And God will teach him the Book and Wisdom, the Law and the Gospel'" (3:45-48).
He Was a Prophet"Christ, the son of Mary, was no more than a messenger; many were the messengers that passed away before him. His mother was a woman of truth. They had both to eat their (daily) food. See how God makes His signs clear to them; yet see in what ways they are deluded away from the truth!" (5:75).
"He [Jesus] said: 'I am indeed a servant of God. He has given me revelation and made me a prophet; He has made me blessed wheresoever I be; and He has enjoined on me prayer and charity as long as I live. He has made me kind to my mother, and not overbearing or miserable. So peace is on me the day I was born, the day that I die, and the day that I shall be raised up to life (again)!' Such was Jesus the son of Mary. It is a statement of truth, about which they (vainly) dispute. It is not befitting to (the majesty of) God that He should beget a son. Glory be to Him! When He determines a matter, He only says to it, 'Be,' and it is" (19:30-35).
He Was a Humble Servant of God"And behold! God will say [i.e. on the Day of Judgment]: 'Oh Jesus, the son of Mary! Did you say unto men, worship me and my mother as gods in derogation of God?' He will say: 'Glory to Thee! Never could I say what I had no right (to say). Had I said such a thing, You would indeed have known it. You know what is in my heart, though I know not what is in Yours. For You know in full all that is hidden. Never did I say to them anything except what You commanded me to say: 'Worship God, my Lord and your Lord.' And I was a witness over them while I lived among them. When You took me up, You were the Watcher over them, and You are a witness to all things'" (5:116-117).
His Teachings"When Jesus came with Clear Signs, he said: 'Now I have come to you with Wisdom, and in order to make clear to you some of the (points) on which you dispute. Therefore, fear God and obey me. God, He is my Lord and your Lord, so worship Him -- this is a Straight Way.' But sects from among themselves fell into disagreement. So woe to the wrongdoers, from the penalty of a Grievous Day!" (43:63-65)
Myths about Islam
Islam is a widely-misunderstood religion. Those who are unfamiliar with the faith often have misunderstandings about its teachings and practices. Common misconceptions include that Muslims worship a moon-god, that Islam is oppressive against women, or that Islam is a faith that promotes violence. Here we bust these myths and expose the true teachings of Islam.
Muslims worship a moon-god :
Some non-Muslims mistakenly believe that Allah is an "Arab god," a "moon god," or some sort of idol. Allah is the proper name of the One True God, in the Arabic language. The most fundamental belief that a Muslim has is that "There is only One God," the Creator, the Sustainer -- known in the Arabic language and by Muslims as Allah. Arabic-speaking Christians use the same word for the Almighty.
Allah (God) in Islam
The most fundamental belief that a Muslim has is that "There is only One God," the Creator, the Sustainer -- known in the Arabic language and by Muslims as Allah. Allah is not a foreign god, nor an idol. Arabic-speaking Christians use the same word for the Almighty.
God's Nature
In the Qur'an, we read that Allah is Compassionate and Merciful. He is Kind, Loving, and Wise. He is the Creator, the Sustainer, the Healer. He is the One who Guides, the One who Protects, the One who Forgives. There are traditionally ninety-nine-names, or attributes, that Muslims use to describe Allah's nature.
A "Moon God"?
Some non-Muslims mistakenly think that Allah is an "Arab bod," a "moon god" or some sort of idol. Allah is the proper name of the One True God, in the Arabic language used by Muslims all over the world. Allah is a name that is neither feminine nor masculine, and it cannot be made plural (unlike god, gods, goddess, etc). Muslims believe that there is nothing in the heavens nor on earth that deserves worship except Allah, the One True Creator.
Tawhid -
The Unity of GodIslam is based on the concept of Tawhid, or Unity of God. Muslims are strictly monotheistic, and fiercely reject any attempt to make God visible or human. Islam rejects any form of idol worship, even if its intention is to get "closer" to God, and rejects the Trinity or any attempt to make God human.
Quotes From the Qur'an
"Say, 'He is Allah, the One;Allah, the Eternal, Absolute;He begets not, and neither is He begotten;And there is nothing that can be compared to Him."Qur'an 112:1-4
In Muslim understanding, God is beyond our sight and understanding, yet at the same time "nearer to us than our jugular vein" (Qur'an 50:16). Muslims pray directly to God, with no intermediary, and seek guidance from Him alone, because "...Allah knows well the secrets of your hearts" (Qur'an 5:7).
"When My servants ask thee concerning Me,I am indeed close (to them).I respond to the prayer of every suppliantwhen he calls on Me.Let them also, with a will,Listen to My call, and believe in Me,that they may walk in the right way."Qur'an 2:186 In the Qur'an, people are asked to look around them for the signs of Allah in the natural world. The balance of the world, the rhythms of life, are "signs for those who would believe." The universe is in perfect order: the orbits of the planets, the cycles of life and death, the seasons of the year, the mountains and the rivers, the mysteries of the human body. This order and balance are not haphazard nor random. The world, and everything in it, has been created with a perfect plan, by the One who knows all.
Islam is a natural faith, a religion of responsibility, purpose, balance, discipline, and simplicity. To be a Muslim is to live your life remembering God and striving to follow His merciful guidance.
Muslims worship a moon-god :
Some non-Muslims mistakenly believe that Allah is an "Arab god," a "moon god," or some sort of idol. Allah is the proper name of the One True God, in the Arabic language. The most fundamental belief that a Muslim has is that "There is only One God," the Creator, the Sustainer -- known in the Arabic language and by Muslims as Allah. Arabic-speaking Christians use the same word for the Almighty.
Allah (God) in Islam
The most fundamental belief that a Muslim has is that "There is only One God," the Creator, the Sustainer -- known in the Arabic language and by Muslims as Allah. Allah is not a foreign god, nor an idol. Arabic-speaking Christians use the same word for the Almighty.
God's Nature
In the Qur'an, we read that Allah is Compassionate and Merciful. He is Kind, Loving, and Wise. He is the Creator, the Sustainer, the Healer. He is the One who Guides, the One who Protects, the One who Forgives. There are traditionally ninety-nine-names, or attributes, that Muslims use to describe Allah's nature.
A "Moon God"?
Some non-Muslims mistakenly think that Allah is an "Arab bod," a "moon god" or some sort of idol. Allah is the proper name of the One True God, in the Arabic language used by Muslims all over the world. Allah is a name that is neither feminine nor masculine, and it cannot be made plural (unlike god, gods, goddess, etc). Muslims believe that there is nothing in the heavens nor on earth that deserves worship except Allah, the One True Creator.
Tawhid -
The Unity of GodIslam is based on the concept of Tawhid, or Unity of God. Muslims are strictly monotheistic, and fiercely reject any attempt to make God visible or human. Islam rejects any form of idol worship, even if its intention is to get "closer" to God, and rejects the Trinity or any attempt to make God human.
Quotes From the Qur'an
"Say, 'He is Allah, the One;Allah, the Eternal, Absolute;He begets not, and neither is He begotten;And there is nothing that can be compared to Him."Qur'an 112:1-4
In Muslim understanding, God is beyond our sight and understanding, yet at the same time "nearer to us than our jugular vein" (Qur'an 50:16). Muslims pray directly to God, with no intermediary, and seek guidance from Him alone, because "...Allah knows well the secrets of your hearts" (Qur'an 5:7).
"When My servants ask thee concerning Me,I am indeed close (to them).I respond to the prayer of every suppliantwhen he calls on Me.Let them also, with a will,Listen to My call, and believe in Me,that they may walk in the right way."Qur'an 2:186 In the Qur'an, people are asked to look around them for the signs of Allah in the natural world. The balance of the world, the rhythms of life, are "signs for those who would believe." The universe is in perfect order: the orbits of the planets, the cycles of life and death, the seasons of the year, the mountains and the rivers, the mysteries of the human body. This order and balance are not haphazard nor random. The world, and everything in it, has been created with a perfect plan, by the One who knows all.
Islam is a natural faith, a religion of responsibility, purpose, balance, discipline, and simplicity. To be a Muslim is to live your life remembering God and striving to follow His merciful guidance.
Deciding On Divorce
Deciding on divorce is a big decision. You should understand that you aren't a bad person just because you think you want a divorce.Your spouse is not automatically a bad person because he/she may be causing you to feel this way (or so you may think), you're just people, plain and simple.The Mindset You Need To Make This Difficult Decision You're reading this for a reason...because you have been thinking about divorce for one reason or another. Being in "limbo" is a horrible feeling because you can't really get rooted if you are in limbo...all you know is that you aren't happy and don't know what to do. You may feel stuck in a rut or feel like you are wandering aimlessly. Whatever the case, not being certain of what will happen can be tough to swallow and only contributes to your being unhappy. Another reason that this is usually a tumultuous and arduous time for people who are in this stage of life because it usually involves self reflection and a heightened awareness that may never have been reached before in your life.This can be most difficult and scary, but I assure you it is healthy in the long run. When doing this "inward reflection", you may find out some things about yourself that you may not like. You may recall some things you had forgotten. You may realize that this isn't all your fault or you may realize that you had a hand in leading yourself here too. Whatever happens from here on in, your mindset has to be conducive to being brutally honest to yourself. Since this can be a gut-wrenching time in your life, you absolutely must realize that one serious danger you face is making the mistake of not being fully aware that people don't make clear decisions during heightened emotional times. You must remember that emotion clouds judgment and bad decisions are made when the wrong side of your brain produces something by using emotion rather than intellect.This cannot be stressed enough...when making any decision or thinking deeply about a concept, make certain that you are logical and impartial to the best of your ability. You must be comfortable with finding flaws within yourself and realizing that those are flaws that you agree with. You must be ready to admit self guilt and self fault, or this won't work
The Real Solution To Diabetes
The solution to diabetes is for a healthy, more balanced way of eating than what the current western diet seems to involve. There should be more of an emphasis on using good carbohydrates in balance with adequate protein.This is in stark contrast to what most people eat on a daily basis. The average Westerner consumes lots of processed foods that have hidden sugars and highly processed carbohydrates. In a lot of cases they do so without even knowing due to the sneaky marketing of the producers.This puts most people on the road to diabetes and pre-diabetic conditions. The saddest part is that diabetes has a predictable set of stages which can be easily recognized.The road to diabetes has a lot to do with the glycemic index. All carbohydrates are rated on this index with regards to the level of insulin reaction they produce. Foods that have a high glycemic index rating will cause your pancreas to release a lot of insulin to break down the amount of sugars and carbohydrates (which produce high amounts of glucose). The refined carbohydrates and sugars that sadly make up the majority of the western diet rank very high on the glycemic index.We are able to more readily digest these foods as children, because our bodies function more efficiently in our youth. There may have been side effects, like weight gain and mood swings, but they didn't stand out. As we age, however, these symptoms begin to grow and become more prevalent. The nation-wide obesity epidemic is a result of high-carbohydrate diets and unstable blood sugar levels.Many people who are overweight are also insulin resistant. Insulin resistance means that the insulin is not doing its job in removing glucose from the blood stream. The pancreas gets put under the pump and it releases massive amounts of insulin, sometimes 20 times more than the body actually needs. The result being that the blood sugar level drops to extremely low and dangerous levels. This sets off a chain reaction in the body that leads to a release of adrenaline to correct the blood sugar problem.With age, blood sugar and insulin difficulties become more apparent. The condition is called Hyperinsulinism and is a precursor for type II diabetes. It is common to accompany high blood pressure and high triglycerides.If you continue to consume a high-carbohydrate diet for many years, unfortunately, you will finally become fully diabetic. Insulin is the bodies primary creator of fat and extra pounds usually result in late onset diabetes. Pre-diabetic conditions, if not treated effectively from the get-go, will lead to diabetes indefinitely.The warning signs for diabetes can be detected early. Your family doctor can perform insulin level tests that will let you know if you are at risk for pre-diabetic condition. Studies show that low-carb diets can help as controlling your blood sugar is one of the most effective methods to controlling pre-diabetic conditions.There is now some compelling evidence available to suggest that diabetes can even be cured entirely. Individuals have beaten the disease to the point that proven sufferers have actually been re-diagnosed as no longer having the disease at all.
Journal retracts claim of sperm made of stem cells
LONDON – A scientific journal has retracted a controversial paper claiming to have created the first human sperm from embryonic stem cells The journal's editor told the science publication Nature that the study by scientists at Britain's Newcastle University was retracted because two paragraphs in its introduction had been plagiarized. Newcastle University blamed the plagiarism on a research associate who has left the institution, and said the science behind the research, and its conclusions, were not in question. Experts said the plagiarism charge did not necessarily undermine the rest of the paper, though they acknowledged concerns might now be raised about the study's credibility. The Newcastle scientists reported this month that they had produced the sperm in a laboratory and that it could one day help infertile men father children. Critics said the sperm did not have the specific shape, movement or function of real sperm. Graham Parker, editor of Stem Cells and Development, said on the journal's Web site that the sperm study "is being retracted," without explaining why. But the scientific journal Nature quoted him as saying that half of the introduction paragraphs were plagiarized from a 2007 review in the journal Biology of Reproduction. Experts said Parker was right to retract the paper. "This is clearly scientific misconduct," said Allan Pacey, secretary for the British Fertility Society. "I can understand why people might think, if they were sloppy here, maybe they were sloppy elsewhere." When the initial paper was published, Pacey said he was unconvinced the cells produced could accurately be called spermatazoa. "It was bad enough to begin with, and now we've got another scandal to deal with," he said. Pacey said he was saddened, and thought the fallout might confuse the public further and hurt scientists' credibility. The field of stem cell research has battled controversy before, as when disgraced South Korean scientist Hwang Woo-suk claimed falsely to have derived stem cells from a cloned human embryo in 2004. Karim Nayernia, who led the sperm research at Newcastle University, was unavailable to comment. But a statement released by the university blamed research associate Jae Ho Lee for the plagiarism, who has since left the school. "No questions have been raised about the science conducted or the conclusions of the research," the statement said. It added that the paper will now be submitted to another academic journal and that Newcastle University will be further examining the supervision of research associates. Elizabeth Wager, chairperson of the Committee on Publication Ethics, an international organization of publishers and editors, applauded the decision of Stem Cells and Development to retract the paper. "This sets a line in the sand," she said. "Editors have a responsibility to correct the scientific record if misconduct has occurred." Wager said the plagiarism charge was serious, but less worrisome than data fabrication.
Source: news.yahoo.com
3 Items That Will Help Motivate You to be Active Over Summer
School has finished and summer is here. Holidays are being embarked upon and families will be making excursions across the world. Endless summer holidays are trademarks for this time of year, however,the same problem also arises with them. People are often left wondering what they should do with this added free time, and in particular, how they can go about completing suggestions. It is abundantly clear that too much free time can cause boredom. One surefire way of making the most of the holidays is to provide motivation to be active.Making small investments in equipment can help keep you motivated, so as not to be wasteful.One of the first things that any budding outdoors enthusiast might want is GPS navigation system. It may not seem obvious, but a sat nav system can be an ideal partner in crime. Having one installed in your car will safely allow you to find new destinations as it guides you along the network of roads. Regardless of whether you live along country lanes or in city centers, a just by having a GPS navigation will encourage you to go for a drive. If possible, you can wind the windows down, crank up the radio and feel the wind rushing through your hair! It sounds idyllic, and may just be unreachable for a lot of people, but although the journey might be a struggle, the destination will at least be up to you to decide upon. So think of the places you've wanted to go to that are within driving range and get ready to set off on a road trip.Sat navs can also be used outside of the car too. Taking it along with you on walks will have the same function. However, if you know where you are going, but just want to find out the distance that you have traveled, there is no need to spend so much. Quite simply, you can purchase a small pedometer to keep by your side when you are out walking. They now come in many different designs and with varying features as well. Some pedometers simply count steps, distances and calories, but now some will even tell you the time, allow you to listen to the radio and even come with a panic alarm for added safety. Pedometers may be small, but they provide fairly accurate data and extremely low cost. Of course, this portable sidekick will also be suitable for people who are looking for running motivation so they can track their progress.The great outdoors pose many more problems than just keeping tabs on where you are going. Summer time is an ideal time for people to go camping, and the warm evenings mean that more will spend time outside for longer. In any case, being in the dark can bring its own problems too, so always keep a flashlight handy. LED flashlights perform this role perfectly. In comparison to heavy duty torches, an LED flashlight can be compact, rechargeable and shine with great power. There are many types of LED flashlights, and some will be simply for fashion accessories and some will be for serious tactical adventures.Regardless of how you decide to spend the next few weeks, try to stay active. Staying indoors may seem like a good idea, but getting fresh air will be much healthier. Find what works for you and enjoy the holidays.
Beating the blues with Exercise
Exercise as an antidote to depression and anxiety is not a new concept. In the 18th century Scotland, doctors in mental hospitals prescribed heavy farm chores as "the best medicine" for their patients and documented marked improvements in mood and behavior. Now scientists are studying the link between exercise and mood changes at close range and coming up with some fascinating results.One expert in the field says "exercise is clearly associated with mental-health benefits." And moderate exercisers show lowered blood-pressure levels and a resultant positive mood. The key is moderate exercise, performed a minimum of 30 minutes, three or four times a week. Brisk walking, swimming, lifting weights, and bicycling - all achieve good results.People who exercise regularly, even at something as simple as walking or bicycling, are more flexible. They experience less stress on the muscles and joints when they do bend down the wrong way. Conditioned muscles recover faster, too. It's the couch potato who hauls himself erect one Saturday afternoon to rake the leaves or shovel snow who has trouble.The big problem we all face these days is living a stressful life. All families seem to be too busy to sit down together and share the joys and pleasures of life. The little things that once mattered are no longer important and now there is a race for more money, more time and more material possessions.By using simple relaxation techniques, exercising and making changes in our lifestyles, we can manage stress and take control of your lives! Once you have become aware of stress, it's time to relax! There are many techniques for relaxing (and no one method is better than another), but the most basic is deep breathing. One of the body's automatic reactions to stress is rapid, shallow breathing. Breathing slowly and deeply is one of the ways you can "turn off" your stress reaction and "turn on" your relaxation response.Still another relaxation technique that can help you reduce stress is "clearing your mind." Since your stress response is a physical and emotional interaction, giving yourself a mental "break" can help relax your body as well. When you clear your mind, you try to concentrate on one pleasant thought, work, or image and let the rest of your worries slip away. A short and quiet walk can do wonders and just a walk around the block will clear your head and often give you a new spurt of energy.Muscle and joint aches and pains are a common complaint for many of us, living as we do in a sedentary, high-stress society. The cliché warning us to "use it or lose it" isn't far off the mark. Our bodies pay the price for long hours slumped at our desks or nestled in a soft chair watching television. And if you think some of our aches and pains are just another consequence of aging, you're wrong - more often, it's a result of inactivity and weaker muscles.Doctors now say that walking is one of the best exercises. It helps the total circulation of blood throughout the body, and thus has a direct effect on your overall feeling of health. There are things such a aerobics, jogging, swimming and many other exercises which will benefit a person both physically and mentally. Researchers agree that exercise helps to ease anxiety and lift spirits.
Friday, August 27, 2010
Biography of the Prophet Muhammad
The Prophet Muhammad is a central figure in the life and faith of Muslims. The story of his life is filled with inspiration, trials, triumphs, and guidance for people of all ages and times.
Life in Makkah: <530 C.E.
Since ancient times, Makkah has been a central city on the trade route from Yemen to Syria. Traders from all over the region stopped through to buy and sell goods, and visit religious sites. The local Makkan tribes thus became quite wealthy, particularly the Quraish tribe.
Arabs had been exposed to monotheism, as a tradition passed down from the Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham), peace be upon him. The Ka'aba in Makkah, in fact, was originally built by Ibraham as a symbol of monotheism. However, over generations most of the Arab people had reverted to polytheism and had begun using the Ka’aba to house their stone idols. The society was oppressive and dangerous. They indulged in alcohol, gambling, blood fueds, and trading of women and slaves.
Early Life: 570 C.E.
Muhammad was born in Makkah in the year 570 C.E. to a trader named ‘Abdullah and his wife Amina. The family was part of the respected Quraish tribe. Tragically, ‘Abdullah died before his son was born. Amina was left to raise Muhammad with the help of her son’s paternal grandfather, ‘AbdulMuttalib.
When Muhammad was only six years old, his mother also passed away. He was thus orphaned at a young age. Only two years after that, ‘AbdulMuttalib also died, leaving Muhammad at the age of eight in the care of his paternal uncle, Abu Talib.
In his early life, Muhammad was known as a calm and sincere boy and young man. As he grew older, people called upon him to arbitrate in disputes, as he was known to be fair and truthful.
First Marriage: 595 C.E.
When he was 25 years old, Muhammad married Khadija bint Khuwailid, a widow who was fifteen years his senior. Muhammad once described his first wife as follows: "She believed in me when no one else did; she accepted Islam when people rejected me; and she helped and comforted me when there was no one else to lend me a helping hand." Muhammad and Khadija were married for 25 years until her death. It was only after her death that Muhammad married again. The wives of the Prophet Muhammad are known as the "Mothers of the Believers."
Call to Prophethood: 610 C.E.
As a calm and sincere person, Muhammad was disturbed by the immoral behavior he observed around him. He would often retreat to the hills surrounding Makkah in order to contemplate. During one of these retreats, in the year 610 C.E., the angel Gabriel appeared to Muhammad and called him to Prophethood.
The first verses of the Qur’an to be revealed were the words, “Read! In the name of your Lord who created, created man from a clot. Read! And your Lord is Most Bountiful. He, Who taught by the pen, taught man what he knew not." (Qur’an 96:1-5).
Prophet Saleh
His Time: The exact time period when Prophet Saleh (also spelled “Salih”) preached is unknown. It is believed that he came approximately 200 years after Prophet Hud. The carved stone buildings which form much of the archaeological site in Saudi Arabia (see below) date to approximately 100 B.C. to 100 A.D. Other sources place Saleh’s story closer to 500 B.C. His Place: Saleh and his people lived in an area known as Al-Hajr, which was located along the trade route from southern Arabia to Syria. The city of “Madain Saleh,” several hundred kilometers north of Madinah in modern-day Saudi Arabia, is named for him and is reported to be the location of the city in which he lived and preached. The archaeological site there consists of habitations carved into stone cliffs, in the same Nabataean style as in Petra, Jordan. His People: Saleh was sent to an Arab tribe called Thamud, who were related to and successors of another Arab tribe known as ‘Ad. The Thamud were also reported to be descendants of the Prophet Nuh (Noah). They were vain people who took great pride in their fertile farmland and grand architecture. His Message: Prophet Saleh tried to call his people to the worship of One God, to Whom they should give thanks for all their bounties. He called upon the rich to stop oppressing the poor, and for an end to all mischief and evil. His Experience: While some people accepted Saleh, others demanded that he perform a miracle in order to prove his Prophethood. They challenged him to produce for them a camel out of the nearby rocks. Saleh prayed and the miracle took place by Allah’s permission. The camel appeared, lived among them, and gave birth to a calf. Some people thus believed in Saleh’s prophethood, while others continued to reject him. Eventually a group among them plotted to attack and kill the camel, and dared Saleh to have God punish them for it. The people were later destroyed by an earthquake or volcanic eruption. His Story in the Quran: The story of Saleh is mentioned several times in the Quran. In one passage, his life and message are described as follows (from the Quran chapter 7, verses 73-78): To the Thamud people was sent Saleh, one of their own brethren. He said, “Oh my people! Worship Allah; there is no other god but Him. Now comes to you a clear sign from your Lord! This camel is a sign for you, so leave her to graze in Allah’s earth, and let her come to no harm, or you will be seized with a horrible punishment. “And remember how He made you inheritors (of the land) after the ‘Ad people, and gave you habitations in the land. You build for yourselves palaces and castles in open plains, and carve out homes in the mountains. So bring to remembrance the benefits you receive from Allah, and refrain from mischief and evil on the earth.” The leaders of the arrogant party among his people said to those who were powerless – those among them who believed – “Do you know for sure that Saleh is a messenger from his Lord?” They said, “We do indeed believe in the revelation which has been sent through him.” The arrogant party said, “For our part, we reject what you believe in.” Then they hamstrung the camel, and insolently defied the order of their Lord, saying “Oh Saleh! Bring about your threats, if you are truly a messenger of Allah!” So the earthquake took them unaware, and they lay prostrate in their homes in the morning. The life of the Prophet Saleh is also described in other passages of the Quran: 11:61-68, 26:141-159, and 27:45-53.
Prophet Hud
His Time: The exact time period when Prophet Hud preached is unknown. It is believed that he came approximately 200 years before Prophet Saleh. Based on archaeological evidence, the time period is estimated to be sometime around 300-600 B.C.
His Place: Hud and his people lived in the Yemeni province of Hadramawt. This region is at the southern end of the Arabian Peninsula, in an area of curved sand hills.
His People: Hud was sent to an Arab tribe called 'Ad, who were related to and ancestors of another Arab tribe known as Thamud. Both tribes were reported to be descendants of the Prophet Nuh (Noah). The 'Ad were a powerful nation in their day, primarily due to their location at the southern end of the African/Arabian trade routes. They were unusually tall, used irrigation for farming, and built large fortresses.
His Message: The people of 'Ad worshipped several main deities, whom they thanked for giving them rain, preserving them from danger, providing food, and restoring them to health after sickness. Prophet Hud tried to call his people to the worship of One God, to Whom they should give thanks for all their bounties and blessings. He criticized his people for their vanity and tyranny, and called upon them to give up the worship of false gods.
His Experience: The 'Ad people largely rejected Hud's message. They challenged him to bring the wrath of God upon them. The 'Ad people suffered through a three-year famine, but rather than take that as a warning, they considered themselves invincible. One day, a huge cloud advanced toward their valley, which they thought was a rain cloud coming to bless their land with fresh water. Instead, it was a devastating sandstorm which ravaged the land for eight days and destroyed everything.
His Story in the Quran: The story of Hud is mentioned several times in the Quran. To avoid repetition, we quote just one passage here (from the Quran chapter 46, verses 21-26):
Mention Hud, one of 'Ad's own brethren. Behold, he warned his people beside the winding sand-tracts. But there have been warners before him and after him, saying: "Worship none other than Allah. Truly I fear for you the chastisement of a mighty Day."
They said, "Have you come in order to turn us away from our gods? Then bring upon us the calamity with which you threaten us, if you are telling the truth!"
He said, "The knowledge of when it will come is only with Allah. I proclaim to you the mission on which I have been sent, but I see that you are a people in ignorance."
Then, when they saw a cloud advancing towards their valleys, they said: "This cloud will give us rain!" No, it is the calamity you were asking to be hastened! A wind wherein is a grievous chastisement!
Everything will it destroy by the command of its Lord! Then by the morning, nothing was to be seen but the ruins of their houses. Thus do We recompense those given to sin.
The life of the Prophet Hud is also described in other passages of the Quran: 7:65-72, 11:50-60, and 26:123-140. The eleventh chapter of the Quran is named after him.
His Place: Hud and his people lived in the Yemeni province of Hadramawt. This region is at the southern end of the Arabian Peninsula, in an area of curved sand hills.
His People: Hud was sent to an Arab tribe called 'Ad, who were related to and ancestors of another Arab tribe known as Thamud. Both tribes were reported to be descendants of the Prophet Nuh (Noah). The 'Ad were a powerful nation in their day, primarily due to their location at the southern end of the African/Arabian trade routes. They were unusually tall, used irrigation for farming, and built large fortresses.
His Message: The people of 'Ad worshipped several main deities, whom they thanked for giving them rain, preserving them from danger, providing food, and restoring them to health after sickness. Prophet Hud tried to call his people to the worship of One God, to Whom they should give thanks for all their bounties and blessings. He criticized his people for their vanity and tyranny, and called upon them to give up the worship of false gods.
His Experience: The 'Ad people largely rejected Hud's message. They challenged him to bring the wrath of God upon them. The 'Ad people suffered through a three-year famine, but rather than take that as a warning, they considered themselves invincible. One day, a huge cloud advanced toward their valley, which they thought was a rain cloud coming to bless their land with fresh water. Instead, it was a devastating sandstorm which ravaged the land for eight days and destroyed everything.
His Story in the Quran: The story of Hud is mentioned several times in the Quran. To avoid repetition, we quote just one passage here (from the Quran chapter 46, verses 21-26):
Mention Hud, one of 'Ad's own brethren. Behold, he warned his people beside the winding sand-tracts. But there have been warners before him and after him, saying: "Worship none other than Allah. Truly I fear for you the chastisement of a mighty Day."
They said, "Have you come in order to turn us away from our gods? Then bring upon us the calamity with which you threaten us, if you are telling the truth!"
He said, "The knowledge of when it will come is only with Allah. I proclaim to you the mission on which I have been sent, but I see that you are a people in ignorance."
Then, when they saw a cloud advancing towards their valleys, they said: "This cloud will give us rain!" No, it is the calamity you were asking to be hastened! A wind wherein is a grievous chastisement!
Everything will it destroy by the command of its Lord! Then by the morning, nothing was to be seen but the ruins of their houses. Thus do We recompense those given to sin.
The life of the Prophet Hud is also described in other passages of the Quran: 7:65-72, 11:50-60, and 26:123-140. The eleventh chapter of the Quran is named after him.
Prophet Jesus ('Isa)
Prophet Jesus ('Isa)
Muslims believe that Jesus, son of Mary, was a noble and honorable prophet of God. Learn more about the life and teachings of Jesus, according to the Muslim faith.
Muslims believe that Jesus (called 'Isa in Arabic) was the son of Mary, and was conceived without the intervention of a human father. The Qur'an describes that an angel appeared to Mary, to announce to her the "gift of a holy son" (19:19). She was astonished at the news, and asked: "How shall I have a son, seeing that no man has touched me, and I am not unchaste?" (19:20). When the angel explained to her that she had been chosen for the service of God, and that God had ordained the matter, she devoutly submitted herself to His will.
In the Qur'an and other Islamic sources, there is no mention of Joseph the carpenter, nor any recollection of the inn and manger legend. On the contrary, the Qur'an describes that Mary retreated from her people (outside the city), and gave birth to Jesus underneath a remote date palm tree. The tree miraculously provided nourishment for her during labor and birth. (See Chapter 19 of the Qur'an for the entire story. The chapter has aptly been named "The Chapter of Mary.")
However, the Qur'an repeatedly reminds us that Adam, the first human being, was born with neither a human mother nor a human father. Therefore, Jesus' miraculous birth affords him no higher standing or presumed partnership with God. When God ordains a matter, He merely says, "Be" and it is so. "The similitude of Jesus before God is as that of Adam. He created him from dust, then said to him: "Be!" And he was" (3:59). In Islam, Jesus is regarded as a human prophet and messenger of God, not part of God Himself.
Muslims observe two hodidays per year, which are associated with major religious observances (fasting and pilgrimage). They do not revolve around the life or death of any human being, including prophets. While some Muslims observe the Prophet Muhammad's birthday, this practice is not universally accepted among Muslims. Therefore, most Muslims do not find it acceptable to celebrate or acknowledge the "birthday" of Jesus either.In the Qur'an, Christians are often referred to as among the "People of the Book," i.e. people who have received and believed in previous revelation from God's prophets. There are verses that highlight the commonalities between Christians and Muslims, and other verses that warn Christians against sliding towards polytheism in their worship of Jesus Christ.
Commonalities:
"Surely those who believe, and those who are Jews, and the Christians, and the Sabians -- whoever believes in God and the Last Day and does good, they shall have their reward from their Lord. And there will be no fear for them, nor shall they grieve" (2:62, 5:69, and many other verses).
"...and nearest among them in love to the believers will you find those who say, 'We are Christians,' because amongst these are men devoted to learning and men who have renounced the world, and they are not arrogant" (5:82).
"O you who believe! Be helpers of God -- as Jesus the son of Mary said to the Disciples, 'Who will be my helpers in (the work of) God?' Said the disciples, 'We are God's helpers!' Then a portion of the Children of Israel believed, and a portion disbelieved. But We gave power to those who believed, against their enemies, and they became the ones that prevailed" (61:14).
Warnings:
"If only they [i.e. Christians] had stood fast by the Law, the Gospel, and all the revelation that was sent to them from their Lord, they would have enjoyed happiness from every side. There is from among them a party on the right course, but many of them follow a course that is evil" (5:66).
"Oh People of the Book! Commit no excesses in your religion, nor say of God anything but the truth. Christ Jesus, the son of Mary, was (no more than) a messenger of God, and His Word which He bestowed on Mary, and a spirit proceeding from Him. So believe in God and His messengers. Say not, 'Trinity.' Desist! It will be better for you, for God is One God, Glory be to Him! (Far exalted is He) above having a son. To Him belong all things in the heavens and on earth. And enough is God as a Disposer of affairs" (4:171).
"The Jews call 'Uzair a son of God, and the Christians call Christ the son of God. That is but a saying from their mouth; (in this) they but imitate what the unbelievers of old used to say. God's curse be on them; how they are deluded away from the Truth! They take their priests and their anchorites to be their lords in derogation of God, and (they take as their Lord) Christ the son of Mary. Yet they were commanded to worship but One God: there is no god but He. Praise and glory to Him! (Far is He) from having the partners they associate (with Him)" (9:30-31).In the Qur'an, there are many stories about the life and teachings of Jesus Christ (called 'Isa in Arabic). The Qur'an recalls his miraculous birth, his teachings, the miracles he performed by God's permission, and his life as a respected prophet of God. The Qur'an also repeatedly reminds that Jesus was a human prophet sent by God, not part of God Himself. Below are some direct quotations from the Qur'an regarding his life and teachings of Jesus.
He Was Righteous"Behold! the angels said, 'Oh Mary! God gives you glad tidings of a Word from Him. His name will be Christ Jesus, the son of Mary, held in honour in this world and the Hereafter, and in (the company of) those nearest to God. He shall speak to the people in childhood and in maturity. He shall be (in the company) of the righteous... And God will teach him the Book and Wisdom, the Law and the Gospel'" (3:45-48).
He Was a Prophet"Christ, the son of Mary, was no more than a messenger; many were the messengers that passed away before him. His mother was a woman of truth. They had both to eat their (daily) food. See how God makes His signs clear to them; yet see in what ways they are deluded away from the truth!" (5:75).
"He [Jesus] said: 'I am indeed a servant of God. He has given me revelation and made me a prophet; He has made me blessed wheresoever I be; and He has enjoined on me prayer and charity as long as I live. He has made me kind to my mother, and not overbearing or miserable. So peace is on me the day I was born, the day that I die, and the day that I shall be raised up to life (again)!' Such was Jesus the son of Mary. It is a statement of truth, about which they (vainly) dispute. It is not befitting to (the majesty of) God that He should beget a son. Glory be to Him! When He determines a matter, He only says to it, 'Be,' and it is" (19:30-35).
He Was a Humble Servant of God"And behold! God will say [i.e. on the Day of Judgment]: 'Oh Jesus, the son of Mary! Did you say unto men, worship me and my mother as gods in derogation of God?' He will say: 'Glory to Thee! Never could I say what I had no right (to say). Had I said such a thing, You would indeed have known it. You know what is in my heart, though I know not what is in Yours. For You know in full all that is hidden. Never did I say to them anything except what You commanded me to say: 'Worship God, my Lord and your Lord.' And I was a witness over them while I lived among them. When You took me up, You were the Watcher over them, and You are a witness to all things'" (5:116-117).
His Teachings"When Jesus came with Clear Signs, he said: 'Now I have come to you with Wisdom, and in order to make clear to you some of the (points) on which you dispute. Therefore, fear God and obey me. God, He is my Lord and your Lord, so worship Him -- this is a Straight Way.' But sects from among themselves fell into disagreement. So woe to the wrongdoers, from the penalty of a Grievous Day!" (43:63-65)
In the Qur'an, Christians are often referred to as among the "People of the Book," i.e. people who have received and believed in previous revelation from God's prophets. There are verses that highlight the commonalities between Christians and Muslims, and other verses that warn Christians against sliding towards polytheism in their worship of Jesus Christ.
Commonalities:
"Surely those who believe, and those who are Jews, and the Christians, and the Sabians -- whoever believes in God and the Last Day and does good, they shall have their reward from their Lord. And there will be no fear for them, nor shall they grieve" (2:62, 5:69, and many other verses).
"...and nearest among them in love to the believers will you find those who say, 'We are Christians,' because amongst these are men devoted to learning and men who have renounced the world, and they are not arrogant" (5:82).
"O you who believe! Be helpers of God -- as Jesus the son of Mary said to the Disciples, 'Who will be my helpers in (the work of) God?' Said the disciples, 'We are God's helpers!' Then a portion of the Children of Israel believed, and a portion disbelieved. But We gave power to those who believed, against their enemies, and they became the ones that prevailed" (61:14).
Muslims believe that Jesus, son of Mary, was a noble and honorable prophet of God. Learn more about the life and teachings of Jesus, according to the Muslim faith.
Muslims believe that Jesus (called 'Isa in Arabic) was the son of Mary, and was conceived without the intervention of a human father. The Qur'an describes that an angel appeared to Mary, to announce to her the "gift of a holy son" (19:19). She was astonished at the news, and asked: "How shall I have a son, seeing that no man has touched me, and I am not unchaste?" (19:20). When the angel explained to her that she had been chosen for the service of God, and that God had ordained the matter, she devoutly submitted herself to His will.
In the Qur'an and other Islamic sources, there is no mention of Joseph the carpenter, nor any recollection of the inn and manger legend. On the contrary, the Qur'an describes that Mary retreated from her people (outside the city), and gave birth to Jesus underneath a remote date palm tree. The tree miraculously provided nourishment for her during labor and birth. (See Chapter 19 of the Qur'an for the entire story. The chapter has aptly been named "The Chapter of Mary.")
However, the Qur'an repeatedly reminds us that Adam, the first human being, was born with neither a human mother nor a human father. Therefore, Jesus' miraculous birth affords him no higher standing or presumed partnership with God. When God ordains a matter, He merely says, "Be" and it is so. "The similitude of Jesus before God is as that of Adam. He created him from dust, then said to him: "Be!" And he was" (3:59). In Islam, Jesus is regarded as a human prophet and messenger of God, not part of God Himself.
Muslims observe two hodidays per year, which are associated with major religious observances (fasting and pilgrimage). They do not revolve around the life or death of any human being, including prophets. While some Muslims observe the Prophet Muhammad's birthday, this practice is not universally accepted among Muslims. Therefore, most Muslims do not find it acceptable to celebrate or acknowledge the "birthday" of Jesus either.In the Qur'an, Christians are often referred to as among the "People of the Book," i.e. people who have received and believed in previous revelation from God's prophets. There are verses that highlight the commonalities between Christians and Muslims, and other verses that warn Christians against sliding towards polytheism in their worship of Jesus Christ.
Commonalities:
"Surely those who believe, and those who are Jews, and the Christians, and the Sabians -- whoever believes in God and the Last Day and does good, they shall have their reward from their Lord. And there will be no fear for them, nor shall they grieve" (2:62, 5:69, and many other verses).
"...and nearest among them in love to the believers will you find those who say, 'We are Christians,' because amongst these are men devoted to learning and men who have renounced the world, and they are not arrogant" (5:82).
"O you who believe! Be helpers of God -- as Jesus the son of Mary said to the Disciples, 'Who will be my helpers in (the work of) God?' Said the disciples, 'We are God's helpers!' Then a portion of the Children of Israel believed, and a portion disbelieved. But We gave power to those who believed, against their enemies, and they became the ones that prevailed" (61:14).
Warnings:
"If only they [i.e. Christians] had stood fast by the Law, the Gospel, and all the revelation that was sent to them from their Lord, they would have enjoyed happiness from every side. There is from among them a party on the right course, but many of them follow a course that is evil" (5:66).
"Oh People of the Book! Commit no excesses in your religion, nor say of God anything but the truth. Christ Jesus, the son of Mary, was (no more than) a messenger of God, and His Word which He bestowed on Mary, and a spirit proceeding from Him. So believe in God and His messengers. Say not, 'Trinity.' Desist! It will be better for you, for God is One God, Glory be to Him! (Far exalted is He) above having a son. To Him belong all things in the heavens and on earth. And enough is God as a Disposer of affairs" (4:171).
"The Jews call 'Uzair a son of God, and the Christians call Christ the son of God. That is but a saying from their mouth; (in this) they but imitate what the unbelievers of old used to say. God's curse be on them; how they are deluded away from the Truth! They take their priests and their anchorites to be their lords in derogation of God, and (they take as their Lord) Christ the son of Mary. Yet they were commanded to worship but One God: there is no god but He. Praise and glory to Him! (Far is He) from having the partners they associate (with Him)" (9:30-31).In the Qur'an, there are many stories about the life and teachings of Jesus Christ (called 'Isa in Arabic). The Qur'an recalls his miraculous birth, his teachings, the miracles he performed by God's permission, and his life as a respected prophet of God. The Qur'an also repeatedly reminds that Jesus was a human prophet sent by God, not part of God Himself. Below are some direct quotations from the Qur'an regarding his life and teachings of Jesus.
He Was Righteous"Behold! the angels said, 'Oh Mary! God gives you glad tidings of a Word from Him. His name will be Christ Jesus, the son of Mary, held in honour in this world and the Hereafter, and in (the company of) those nearest to God. He shall speak to the people in childhood and in maturity. He shall be (in the company) of the righteous... And God will teach him the Book and Wisdom, the Law and the Gospel'" (3:45-48).
He Was a Prophet"Christ, the son of Mary, was no more than a messenger; many were the messengers that passed away before him. His mother was a woman of truth. They had both to eat their (daily) food. See how God makes His signs clear to them; yet see in what ways they are deluded away from the truth!" (5:75).
"He [Jesus] said: 'I am indeed a servant of God. He has given me revelation and made me a prophet; He has made me blessed wheresoever I be; and He has enjoined on me prayer and charity as long as I live. He has made me kind to my mother, and not overbearing or miserable. So peace is on me the day I was born, the day that I die, and the day that I shall be raised up to life (again)!' Such was Jesus the son of Mary. It is a statement of truth, about which they (vainly) dispute. It is not befitting to (the majesty of) God that He should beget a son. Glory be to Him! When He determines a matter, He only says to it, 'Be,' and it is" (19:30-35).
He Was a Humble Servant of God"And behold! God will say [i.e. on the Day of Judgment]: 'Oh Jesus, the son of Mary! Did you say unto men, worship me and my mother as gods in derogation of God?' He will say: 'Glory to Thee! Never could I say what I had no right (to say). Had I said such a thing, You would indeed have known it. You know what is in my heart, though I know not what is in Yours. For You know in full all that is hidden. Never did I say to them anything except what You commanded me to say: 'Worship God, my Lord and your Lord.' And I was a witness over them while I lived among them. When You took me up, You were the Watcher over them, and You are a witness to all things'" (5:116-117).
His Teachings"When Jesus came with Clear Signs, he said: 'Now I have come to you with Wisdom, and in order to make clear to you some of the (points) on which you dispute. Therefore, fear God and obey me. God, He is my Lord and your Lord, so worship Him -- this is a Straight Way.' But sects from among themselves fell into disagreement. So woe to the wrongdoers, from the penalty of a Grievous Day!" (43:63-65)
In the Qur'an, Christians are often referred to as among the "People of the Book," i.e. people who have received and believed in previous revelation from God's prophets. There are verses that highlight the commonalities between Christians and Muslims, and other verses that warn Christians against sliding towards polytheism in their worship of Jesus Christ.
Commonalities:
"Surely those who believe, and those who are Jews, and the Christians, and the Sabians -- whoever believes in God and the Last Day and does good, they shall have their reward from their Lord. And there will be no fear for them, nor shall they grieve" (2:62, 5:69, and many other verses).
"...and nearest among them in love to the believers will you find those who say, 'We are Christians,' because amongst these are men devoted to learning and men who have renounced the world, and they are not arrogant" (5:82).
"O you who believe! Be helpers of God -- as Jesus the son of Mary said to the Disciples, 'Who will be my helpers in (the work of) God?' Said the disciples, 'We are God's helpers!' Then a portion of the Children of Israel believed, and a portion disbelieved. But We gave power to those who believed, against their enemies, and they became the ones that prevailed" (61:14).
The Place of Prophet Ibrahim in Islam, Christianity and Judaism
The Place of Prophet Ibrahim in Islam, Christianity and Judaism
By YesPakistan.com Staff Writer
Faith, sacrifice, commitment and patience.
These are just some of the qualities that characterize Prophet Ibrahim or Abraham as he is called in English (peace be upon him).
So it should come as no surprise that he is revered not just in Islam, but in Christianity and Judaism as well. Prophet Ibrahim is also a great personality to discuss in dialogues between Muslims, Jews and Christians. Here is some basic information about him from the three perspectives:
1. ISLAM
"Salamun (peace) be upon Abraham!" Allah says in the Quran (37:109).
In Islam, Prophet Ibrahim is the friend of Allah and the father of Prophets (Ismail or Ishmael in English and Ishaq or Isaac and the grandfather of Prophet Yaqub or Jacob). He is also one of the ancestors of the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him).
Anyone who rejects Prophet Ibrahim is not a true believer in Islam. Prophet Ibrahim plays a key role in this regard.
In terms of beliefs, a Muslim must believe in all of the Prophets. This includes not just Prophet Ibrahim, but his sons Ismail, Ishaq, his grandson Yaqub and of course his descendant Prophet Muhammad.
When it comes to the five pillars of Islam, the importance of Prophet Ibrahim becomes even more evident.
The second pillar of Islam is Salah, the obligatory five daily prayers. Every Muslim who has reached the age of puberty is accountable for their prayers, be he male or be she female, whether they live in the desert of northern Arabia, a village of northern Pakistan or an urban center of North America.
During one part of each of these five prayers, Muslims must ask Allah to send His blessings upon Prophet Ibrahim. Now calculate this: you've got more than a few million Muslims, every day, five times a day, in virtually every time zone on this planet asking God to send His blessings on Prophet Ibrahim in the course of his/her prayer.
More importantly, the direction in which every Muslim must face when praying is towards a structure Prophet Ibrahim built with his son Ismail: the Kaba in Makkah, Saudi Arabia.
With regards to the Kaba, Allah says this about it: "The first House (of worship) appointed for men was that at Bakka (another name for Makkah); full of blessings and guidance for all kinds of beings: in it are signs manifest, the station of Abraham-whoever enters it attains security; pilgrimage thereto is a duty men owe to Allah-those who can afford the journey; but if any deny faith, Allah stands not in need of any of His creatures"(Quran 3:96-97).
This leads to the second way in which this Prophet, described as the intimate friend of Allah (Quran 4:125), is revered: Hajj.
Hajj is the pilgrimage every Muslim must make to Makkah at least once in his/her lifetime. Hajj is also an obligation no Muslim is allowed to reject or ignore. It is in this rite that Prophet Ibrahim's importance becomes even more prominent.
In general, Prophet Ibrahim's centrality to this fifth pillar of Islam is indicated by the Prophet Mohammed's statement, You must adhere to the traditions and rituals (of Hajj), for these have come down to you from (your forefather) Ibrahim in heritage (Tirmidhi).
First, the Kaba is the central structure around which the Hajj takes place. No Hajj is valid without going around this structure built by Prophets Ibrahim and Ismail in counterclockwise fashion seven times.
Second, Muslims who perform the Hajj or Umra must run in the middle portion of the distance between Safa and Marwa (two hills close to the Kaba) seven times. This is a commemoration of the sacrifice of the wife of Abraham, Hajira (may Allah be pleased with her) for her son Prophet Ismail
Prophet Ibrahim had left his wife and son in the valley of Makkah by Allah's order to pioneers a civilization. It was from this civilization that the Prophet Mohammed was born
Finally, Prophet's Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his beloved son Ismail for the sake of Allah exemplifies not only his sincere devotion to Allah. The commemoration of this sacrifice is practiced with the sacrifice of an animal during Hajj and one of the two Islamic holy days: Eid-ul-Adha.
During sleep, Prophet Ibrahim received Allah's order in the form of a vision to sacrifice his son Ismail. Both father and son willingly submitted to Allah's command. Allah substituted a ram in Ismail's place at the last moment. Allah talks about this incident in Quran 37:100-107.
The animal sacrifice that is offered by Muslims all over the world every year (at Eid-ul-Adha) is in commemoration of the supreme act and spirit of sacrifice offered by Prophet Abraham in lieu of his son Ismail.
2. JUDAISM
According to A Concise Encyclopedia of Judaism by Dan Cohn-Sherbok (Oneworld Publications 1998), Prophet Abraham is the father of Jewish people.
According to Scripture, he was the son of Terah and the father of Isaac, who was born to Sarah, and he is also the father of Ishmael, who was born to Hagar.
After leaving Ur of the Chaldees, Abraham traveled to Canaan, visited Egypt and returned to Hebron. God appeared to him in a vision. He promised Abraham that his descendants would inherit the land. God tested Abraham's faith by asking him to sacrifice his son Isaac (Gen. 11:26-25:10).
When the mother of Isaac, Sarah, died, Abraham bought the cave of Macpelah as a burial place. Abraham died at the age of 175.
According to the Oxford Concise Companion to the Jewish Religion by Louis Jacobs (Oxford University press 1999), the story of Abraham is narrated in the book of Genesis (11:27-25:18). Here is an excerpt from that section (from Genesis 22:2-13) which focuses on the Abraham's sacrifice of his son Isaac, according to Jewish tradition:
And He said, "Take now your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I shall tell you".
So Abraham rose early in the morning and saddled his donkey, and took two of his young men with him, and Isaac his son; and he split the wood for the burnt offering, and arose and went to the place which God had told him.
Then on the third day Abraham lifted his eyes and saw the place afar off.And Abraham said to his young men, "Stay here with the donkey; the lad and I will go yonder and worship, and we will come back to you.'
So Abraham took the wood of the burnt offering and laid it on Isaac his son; and he took the fire in his hand, and a knife, and the two of them went together.
But Isaac spoke to Abraham his father and said, "My father!" And he said, "Here I am, my son." And he said, "Look, the fire and the wood, but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?'
And Abraham said, "My son, God will provide for Himself the lamb for a burnt offering." And the two of them went together.
Then they came to the place of which God had told him. And Abraham built an alter there and placed the wood in order; and he bound Isaac his son and laid him on the alter, upon the wood.
And Abraham stretched out his hand and took the knife to slay his son. But the Angel of the LORD called to him from heaven and said "Abraham, Abraham!" And he said, "Here
I am."
And He said, "Do not lay your hand on the lad, or do anything to him; for now I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your son, your only son, from Me."
Then Abraham lifted his eyes and looked, and there behind him was a ram caught in a thicket by its horn. So Abraham went and took the ram, and offered it up for a burnt offering instead of his son.
A majority of contemporary scholars think that he lived in approximately the eighteenth-century before the Christian Era.
In the Jewish tradition, he is the father of the Jews and Judaism.
God's covenant with Abraham is expressed in the rite of circumcision (Genesis 17) and male Jewish children, to this day are, for the most part circumcised.
This act is called 'entry into the covenant of Abraham our father', and the name of the rite itself is the 'berit'; the 'covenant'.
Abraham is also considered the spiritual father of anyone who converts to Judaism. At a Jewish conversion ceremony, a convert is given a Hebrew
name and is called a 'child of Abraham our father'.
3. CHRISTIANITY
It is through the central figure of Prophet Jesus (peace be upon him) that Prophet Abraham is given prominence in the Christian tradition.
According to the Catholic Encyclopedia Volume 1 (1999, Kevin Knight, online version), in the New Testament, the generation of Jesus Christ is traced back to Abraham by St. Matthew.
Similarly, as the New Testament traces Prophet Jesus' descent of Jesus to Prophet Abraham, it does the same of all Jews in terms of "carnal" descent.
However, in the New Testament, it is not this carnal descent from Abraham to which importance is attached but importance is placed on practicing the virtues attributed to Abraham in Genesis. Thus in John, 8, the Jews say (33): "We are the seed of Abraham", and Jesus replies (39): "If ye be the children of Abraham, do the works of Abraham".
The Catholic Encyclopedia also notes that Prophet Abraham may considered the source of Old Testament religion. From the days of Prophet Abraham, men were accustomed to speaking of God as the God of Abraham, while Prophet Abraham is not found referring in a similar way to anyone preceding him.
According to the A Concise Encyclopedia of Christianity by Geoffrey Parrinder
(Oneworld Publications 1998), Abraham is a great Hebrew patriarch and is considered the common spiritual father of the Abrahamic religions: Judaism, Christianity and Islam.
Paul wrote of all those who have faith being children of Abraham (Gal. 3:7). Prophet Abraham's faith and example is cited by many Christian authors.
According to Luke 16:22, Jesus spoke of Abraham's bosom as a symbol of Paradise (Luke 16:22).
Christians believe God first gave Abraham a son through a bond woman named Hagar. This son was named Ishmael. God gave him a second son from his barren wife Sarah. He was named Isaac.
According to Christian tradition, God asked Abraham to sacrifice his son Isaac "to prove that he was 'worthy of becoming the father of a mighty nation, which would be as numerous as the stars in the sky or the grains of sand on the seashore'" (from A History of God, the 4,000-year Quest of Judaism, Christianity and Islam by Karen Armstrong published by Alfred A. Knopf, 1993).
By YesPakistan.com Staff Writer
Faith, sacrifice, commitment and patience.
These are just some of the qualities that characterize Prophet Ibrahim or Abraham as he is called in English (peace be upon him).
So it should come as no surprise that he is revered not just in Islam, but in Christianity and Judaism as well. Prophet Ibrahim is also a great personality to discuss in dialogues between Muslims, Jews and Christians. Here is some basic information about him from the three perspectives:
1. ISLAM
"Salamun (peace) be upon Abraham!" Allah says in the Quran (37:109).
In Islam, Prophet Ibrahim is the friend of Allah and the father of Prophets (Ismail or Ishmael in English and Ishaq or Isaac and the grandfather of Prophet Yaqub or Jacob). He is also one of the ancestors of the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him).
Anyone who rejects Prophet Ibrahim is not a true believer in Islam. Prophet Ibrahim plays a key role in this regard.
In terms of beliefs, a Muslim must believe in all of the Prophets. This includes not just Prophet Ibrahim, but his sons Ismail, Ishaq, his grandson Yaqub and of course his descendant Prophet Muhammad.
When it comes to the five pillars of Islam, the importance of Prophet Ibrahim becomes even more evident.
The second pillar of Islam is Salah, the obligatory five daily prayers. Every Muslim who has reached the age of puberty is accountable for their prayers, be he male or be she female, whether they live in the desert of northern Arabia, a village of northern Pakistan or an urban center of North America.
During one part of each of these five prayers, Muslims must ask Allah to send His blessings upon Prophet Ibrahim. Now calculate this: you've got more than a few million Muslims, every day, five times a day, in virtually every time zone on this planet asking God to send His blessings on Prophet Ibrahim in the course of his/her prayer.
More importantly, the direction in which every Muslim must face when praying is towards a structure Prophet Ibrahim built with his son Ismail: the Kaba in Makkah, Saudi Arabia.
With regards to the Kaba, Allah says this about it: "The first House (of worship) appointed for men was that at Bakka (another name for Makkah); full of blessings and guidance for all kinds of beings: in it are signs manifest, the station of Abraham-whoever enters it attains security; pilgrimage thereto is a duty men owe to Allah-those who can afford the journey; but if any deny faith, Allah stands not in need of any of His creatures"(Quran 3:96-97).
This leads to the second way in which this Prophet, described as the intimate friend of Allah (Quran 4:125), is revered: Hajj.
Hajj is the pilgrimage every Muslim must make to Makkah at least once in his/her lifetime. Hajj is also an obligation no Muslim is allowed to reject or ignore. It is in this rite that Prophet Ibrahim's importance becomes even more prominent.
In general, Prophet Ibrahim's centrality to this fifth pillar of Islam is indicated by the Prophet Mohammed's statement, You must adhere to the traditions and rituals (of Hajj), for these have come down to you from (your forefather) Ibrahim in heritage (Tirmidhi).
First, the Kaba is the central structure around which the Hajj takes place. No Hajj is valid without going around this structure built by Prophets Ibrahim and Ismail in counterclockwise fashion seven times.
Second, Muslims who perform the Hajj or Umra must run in the middle portion of the distance between Safa and Marwa (two hills close to the Kaba) seven times. This is a commemoration of the sacrifice of the wife of Abraham, Hajira (may Allah be pleased with her) for her son Prophet Ismail
Prophet Ibrahim had left his wife and son in the valley of Makkah by Allah's order to pioneers a civilization. It was from this civilization that the Prophet Mohammed was born
Finally, Prophet's Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his beloved son Ismail for the sake of Allah exemplifies not only his sincere devotion to Allah. The commemoration of this sacrifice is practiced with the sacrifice of an animal during Hajj and one of the two Islamic holy days: Eid-ul-Adha.
During sleep, Prophet Ibrahim received Allah's order in the form of a vision to sacrifice his son Ismail. Both father and son willingly submitted to Allah's command. Allah substituted a ram in Ismail's place at the last moment. Allah talks about this incident in Quran 37:100-107.
The animal sacrifice that is offered by Muslims all over the world every year (at Eid-ul-Adha) is in commemoration of the supreme act and spirit of sacrifice offered by Prophet Abraham in lieu of his son Ismail.
2. JUDAISM
According to A Concise Encyclopedia of Judaism by Dan Cohn-Sherbok (Oneworld Publications 1998), Prophet Abraham is the father of Jewish people.
According to Scripture, he was the son of Terah and the father of Isaac, who was born to Sarah, and he is also the father of Ishmael, who was born to Hagar.
After leaving Ur of the Chaldees, Abraham traveled to Canaan, visited Egypt and returned to Hebron. God appeared to him in a vision. He promised Abraham that his descendants would inherit the land. God tested Abraham's faith by asking him to sacrifice his son Isaac (Gen. 11:26-25:10).
When the mother of Isaac, Sarah, died, Abraham bought the cave of Macpelah as a burial place. Abraham died at the age of 175.
According to the Oxford Concise Companion to the Jewish Religion by Louis Jacobs (Oxford University press 1999), the story of Abraham is narrated in the book of Genesis (11:27-25:18). Here is an excerpt from that section (from Genesis 22:2-13) which focuses on the Abraham's sacrifice of his son Isaac, according to Jewish tradition:
And He said, "Take now your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I shall tell you".
So Abraham rose early in the morning and saddled his donkey, and took two of his young men with him, and Isaac his son; and he split the wood for the burnt offering, and arose and went to the place which God had told him.
Then on the third day Abraham lifted his eyes and saw the place afar off.And Abraham said to his young men, "Stay here with the donkey; the lad and I will go yonder and worship, and we will come back to you.'
So Abraham took the wood of the burnt offering and laid it on Isaac his son; and he took the fire in his hand, and a knife, and the two of them went together.
But Isaac spoke to Abraham his father and said, "My father!" And he said, "Here I am, my son." And he said, "Look, the fire and the wood, but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?'
And Abraham said, "My son, God will provide for Himself the lamb for a burnt offering." And the two of them went together.
Then they came to the place of which God had told him. And Abraham built an alter there and placed the wood in order; and he bound Isaac his son and laid him on the alter, upon the wood.
And Abraham stretched out his hand and took the knife to slay his son. But the Angel of the LORD called to him from heaven and said "Abraham, Abraham!" And he said, "Here
I am."
And He said, "Do not lay your hand on the lad, or do anything to him; for now I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your son, your only son, from Me."
Then Abraham lifted his eyes and looked, and there behind him was a ram caught in a thicket by its horn. So Abraham went and took the ram, and offered it up for a burnt offering instead of his son.
A majority of contemporary scholars think that he lived in approximately the eighteenth-century before the Christian Era.
In the Jewish tradition, he is the father of the Jews and Judaism.
God's covenant with Abraham is expressed in the rite of circumcision (Genesis 17) and male Jewish children, to this day are, for the most part circumcised.
This act is called 'entry into the covenant of Abraham our father', and the name of the rite itself is the 'berit'; the 'covenant'.
Abraham is also considered the spiritual father of anyone who converts to Judaism. At a Jewish conversion ceremony, a convert is given a Hebrew
name and is called a 'child of Abraham our father'.
3. CHRISTIANITY
It is through the central figure of Prophet Jesus (peace be upon him) that Prophet Abraham is given prominence in the Christian tradition.
According to the Catholic Encyclopedia Volume 1 (1999, Kevin Knight, online version), in the New Testament, the generation of Jesus Christ is traced back to Abraham by St. Matthew.
Similarly, as the New Testament traces Prophet Jesus' descent of Jesus to Prophet Abraham, it does the same of all Jews in terms of "carnal" descent.
However, in the New Testament, it is not this carnal descent from Abraham to which importance is attached but importance is placed on practicing the virtues attributed to Abraham in Genesis. Thus in John, 8, the Jews say (33): "We are the seed of Abraham", and Jesus replies (39): "If ye be the children of Abraham, do the works of Abraham".
The Catholic Encyclopedia also notes that Prophet Abraham may considered the source of Old Testament religion. From the days of Prophet Abraham, men were accustomed to speaking of God as the God of Abraham, while Prophet Abraham is not found referring in a similar way to anyone preceding him.
According to the A Concise Encyclopedia of Christianity by Geoffrey Parrinder
(Oneworld Publications 1998), Abraham is a great Hebrew patriarch and is considered the common spiritual father of the Abrahamic religions: Judaism, Christianity and Islam.
Paul wrote of all those who have faith being children of Abraham (Gal. 3:7). Prophet Abraham's faith and example is cited by many Christian authors.
According to Luke 16:22, Jesus spoke of Abraham's bosom as a symbol of Paradise (Luke 16:22).
Christians believe God first gave Abraham a son through a bond woman named Hagar. This son was named Ishmael. God gave him a second son from his barren wife Sarah. He was named Isaac.
According to Christian tradition, God asked Abraham to sacrifice his son Isaac "to prove that he was 'worthy of becoming the father of a mighty nation, which would be as numerous as the stars in the sky or the grains of sand on the seashore'" (from A History of God, the 4,000-year Quest of Judaism, Christianity and Islam by Karen Armstrong published by Alfred A. Knopf, 1993).
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