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Thursday, January 26, 2012

Richard Peterson:‘Embracing Islam is the best deal I made in the Kingdom’


US businessman and pilot calls for efforts to project true image of his new religion


RIYADH: Just after spending one month in the Kingdom, where he was treated with kindness in a spiritual atmosphere, American businessman and pilot Richard Patterson, converted to Islam.
Richard, who is now called Abdulaziz, owns a company providing services in critical care. It has a capital of $50 million, and a fleet of two aircraft and two helicopters, specializing in medical flights.
Abdulaziz arrived in the Kingdom on a contract with the Saudi Red Crescent to train students for air emergency.  During his stay, three members of the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Endowments, Call and Guidance invited him out for dinner. The members who worked with the “Guide Me to Islam” project, talked to Abdulaziz about Islam and it’s real essence.
“I came to the Kingdom for a commercial deal. I was so thrilled to make the best deal of my life with God Almighty by converting to Islam,” said Abdulaziz, during the conversion ceremony, commending the Saudi attire and describing it as comfortable and beautiful.
When Abdulaziz was in his country, he used to hear negative things about Islam through media channels, which were aimed at distorting its image.
“Just reading about Islam is not enough to understand Islam. It’s meeting people who best represent it and reflect its true spirit,” said Abdulaziz. He considers himself lucky to discover through Muslim friends he met and dealt with in the Kingdom that Islam is a religion of righteousness and tolerance. “Muslims and Saudis are kind, humble and open to others,” said Abdulaziz, adding that he felt they were like family to him, and never experienced alienation or ill treatment from their side.
What attracted Abdulaziz the most to the Saudi society is that it is religious. That helps people relate to religion as a part of their daily life. “I wish I could bring all my colleagues to the Kingdom to experience what I have and change their viewpoints on Islam,” he said.
Abdulaziz called upon fellow Muslim businessmen to work on attracting foreign businessmen to Islam, accusing them of not taking serious initiatives to call their peers to this glorious religion. “We can provide books on Islam to delegates during business meetings which help present true image of Islam to others,” said Abdulaziz.
Teacher and scholar Esam Abdul Razzaq, who translated for Abdulaziz, said that celebrities and key figures play a greater role in their societies in projecting a certain image. “Successful people have a credibility among members of their society, as they are considered important. Therefore, when they choose to convert to Islam, they trigger curiosity in others, who in turn, want to know more about this religion,” said Abdul Razzaq.


 
Article Source
http://arabnews.com/saudiarabia/article567630.ece

Monday, January 16, 2012

How the Bible Led Me to Islam:Yusha Evans

Verily, in the remembrance of Allâh do hearts find rest

Merits of Dhikr 
[Remembrance of Allâh]

{…. Verily, in the remembrance of Allâh do hearts find rest} [Al-Rad:28]

In the Quran, Men of Faith have specifically been warned not to forget Dhikr by getting absorbed in the wealth and the family:
{O you who believe! Let not your properties or your children divert you from the remembrance of Allâh. And whosoever does that, then they are the losers} [Al-Munafiqoon:9]

{Woe to those whose hearts are hardened against Remembrance of Allâh! They are in plain error!} [Az-Zumar :22]

Abu Hurairah and Abu Sa`id Al-Khudri (May Allâh be pleased with them) reported: The Messenger of Allâh (peace and blessings of Allâh be upon him) said, "When a group of people assemble for the remembrance of Allâh, the angels surround them (with their wings), (Allâh's) mercy envelops them, Sakinah, or tranquility descends upon them and Allâh makes a mention of them before those who are near Him.'' 
Muslim (Book 35, Chapter 11, # 6518)

The Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allâh be upon him) once visited a gathering of his companions and inquired, 
`What has made you assemble here?' 
They answered, `We have gathered to remember Allâh and praise Him for having led us to Islam and granted this favour to us.' 
The Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allâh be upon him) inquired,
`Do you affirm by Allâh that it is so?' 
The Holy Prophet's Companions affirmed, `By Allâh we are sitting here for this purpose only.' 
He (peace and blessings of Allâh be upon him) said, `I have not put you on oath on account of any doubt, but angel Jibreel had visited me and told me that Allâh felt proud of you among the angels.'"
[Sahih Muslim]

Mu'az (may Allâh be pleased with him) narrated Prophet (peace and blessings of Allâh be upon him) said: “The Inhabitants of Paradise will not be grief stricken or sorrowful about anything they did in the life of the world except for the time they spent without being in the Remembrance of Allâh” [Tabaraani]

"The difference between the one who remembers his Lord and the one who does not is like the difference between the living and the dead"
[Bukhari]

Abdullah Ibn Busr related that a man once told the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allâh be upon him), "The roads to good are many and I am unable to take all of them, so please tell me something to which I can hold fast, but do not overburden me lest I forget it." 
He (peace and blessings of Allâh be upon him) said, "Make sure that your tongue is moist and supple with the remembrance of Allâh, the Exalted."
[At-Tirmidhi]


Abu Musa (may Allâh be pleased with him) reported Allâh's Apostle (peace and blessings of Allâh be upon him) as saying: The house in which remembrance of Allâh is made and the house in which Allâh is not remembered are like the living and the dead.
Sahih Muslim (Book 004, #1706)

Abu Huraira (may Allâh be pleased with him) reported Allâh's Messenger (peace and blessings of Allâh be upon him) as saying that Allâh, the Exalted and Glorious, thus stated: I am near to the thought of My servant as he thinks about Me, and I am with him as he remembers Me. And if he remembers Me in his heart, I also remember him in My Heart, and if he remembers Me in assembly I remember him in assembly, better than his (remembrance), and if he draws near Me by the span of a palm, I draw near him by the cubit, and if he draws near Me by the cubit I draw near him by the space (covered by) two hands. And if he walks towards Me, I rush towards him.
Sahih Muslim (Book 035, #6471)

Tuesday, January 10, 2012

Finding the Jesus of Islam in Early Christianities

The Following article is Copied from  http://muslimmatters.org/

By Camilla Morrison
In the early days of Islam, a few companions of the Prophet were fleeing persecution in Mecca and sought refuge in Abyssinia. The Christian ruler of the land, Ashama, demanded the companions to read aloud from their scripture and, when one of them recited from the sura of Mary, Ashama and his court were moved to tears. When they were told to make known their beliefs about Jesus, they said that Islam considers Jesus to be a messenger of God, the word of God, and the miraculously born son of the Virgin Mary. After hearing this, Ashama is said to have drawn a line in the sand and said that the differences between them were no more than that thin line. He then decreed that Muslims were allowed safe refuge in his kingdom[1].
It would be nice to think that this story could be applicable to modern Christians and Muslims, but take one look at the news and that thought disappears.
The Qur’an contains ninety-three passages in reference to Jesus and, together, they present a clear picture of what Muslims believe. Chronologically, this begins with Mary, the mother of Jesus. The Qur’an tells the story of Mary’s birth and describes how God graciously accepted her, making her grow in goodness, and entrusting her to be raised by Zachariah[3][4]. God chose Mary above all other women as the most pure and sent angels to give her news that she was to give birth to a pure son[5] called Jesus, the Messiah[6]. The angels tell her that Jesus “will be held in honor in this world and the next”, he “will be one of those brought near to God”, “he will speak to people in his infancy”, and “he will be one of the righteous” [7]. Mary has an entire sura named after her, one of only eight people to have this honor, and is affirmed to have given a virginal birth and to have afterward remained a virgin[8]. It is believed that Jesus was able to speak as an infant; after Mary gives birth to Jesus and carries him back to her people, she is accosted with accusations and it is then where Jesus speaks his first words and defends her honor[9]. In these first words, Jesus declares himself as a prophet and a servant of God who will be raised up after death and return at the final judgment[10].
Throughout his life, Jesus is believed to have performed several miracles by the permission of God; he transforms a clay bird into a real one, heals the blind and the leper, and brings the dead back to life[11]. He was sent to follow in the footsteps of previous prophets and to confirm the Torah that had been sent before him[12]. The Qur’an also says that God gave Jesus the Gospel with guidance, light, and confirmation as a guide and lesson for the followers of God[13]. Jesus is believed to be a fully human prophet; he is never said to claim divinity but instead attributes all he does to the power of God. When asked by God if he ever said for people to take him as a god, Jesus replies, “I would never say what I had no right to say”[14]. The Qur’an also mentions the disciples of Jesus, although not by name. The disciples are said to follow Jesus and declare themselves as Muslims[15].
Regarding the death of Jesus, the Qur’an denies that Jesus actually died or was ever crucified[16]. Muslims believe that Jesus physically ascended into heaven and that the disbelievers claimed victory only because “it was made to appear like that to them”[17]. The Qur’an states that Jesus will return again at the end of days when everyone will be judged on their adherence to Islam[18].
In addition to the Qur’an, Muslims look to the Hadith as an authority on Jesus. Several Hadith expand upon elements of Jesus described in the Qur’an, particularly about the end of his existence on Earth and what comes after. The Hadith present an “image of Jesus as an end-of-time figure”[19]. In one Hadith, Muhammad says, “the son of Mary will come back down among you very soon as a just judge”[20] and in another he says that he has been shown that Jesus will return to defeat the Antichrist[21]. This supports the general thought that Jesus is currently awaiting the end of time when he will “descend to the earth and fight against the Antichrist, championing the cause of Islam” and “point to the primacy of Muhammad” before dying a natural death[22]. Muslims see Jesus as a precursor to Muhammad and believe that Jesus predicted Muhammad’s coming in the canonical Gospel of John.
Many believers of both Islam and Christianity would be shocked at the number of similarities that lie in their sacred texts. Since the Bible was written and compiled before even the birth of Muhammad and therefore can contain no commentary on him or Islam, many Christians would be especially surprised to learn that Muslims regard Jesus as one of Islam’s most important prophets. American Christians in particular have a distorted view of Islam imposed by media and therefore can be entirely unaware of what the religion actually entails. The Qur’an actually contains references to over fifty people and events that are also found in the Bible. It also rerepeatedly affirms the legitimacy of the Torah, the Hebrew bible, or the Old Testament as Christians call it..............more
Read the Original article at http://muslimmatters.org

Tuesday, January 3, 2012

Muhammad the Greatest

(PEACE BE UPON HIM) 

by Ahmed Deedat

Chapter 1

"And most certainly, thou (O Muhammad) are of most sublime and exalted character." (Holy Qur’ân, 68:4)

How the Topic Arose

About ten years ago, a distant cousin of mine - Mr. Mohamed Mehtar Farooki gave me a typed quotation by the French historian, Lamartine. The quotation [A detailed exposition of the quotation will be found on page 38] purported to prove that Muhammad (pbuh), the Prophet of Islam, was the greatest man that ever lived. Mr. Mehtar was in the habit of passing information on to me, believing that I might put the same to some good use at the proper time and place. Before this he had presented me with "The Call of the Minaret," an expensive book written by (Bishop Kenneth Cragg). By analysing this book I discovered the masterful deceit of the Christian Orientalists. Lamartine's tribute to our prophet inspired me and I had a great desire to share his thoughts about our Nabi with my Muslim brethren. The opportunity to do so was not long in coming.
I received a phone call from the Muslim community in Dannhauser, a small town in Northern Natal, who were organising a birthday celebration of the Holy Prophet. They invited me to give a lecture on that auspicious occasion. So I deemed it an honour and a privilege, I readily agreed. When they inquired, in view of their advertising needs, as to the subject of my lecture, I suggested on the inspiration from Lamartine, "Muhammad (pbuh) the Greatest."

REPEATED LET-DOWNS

On my arrival in Dannhauser, I noticed a lot of posters advertising the meeting which in essence said that Deedat would be lecturing on the subject "MUHAMMAD THE GREAT" I was somewhat disheartened and, on inquiring was told that the change in the title was due to a printer's error.
Some two months later, I got another, similar invitation. This time from the Muslim community of Pretoria the administrative capital of South Africa. The subject I had mooted was the same - "Muhammad (pbuh) the Greatest." To my dismay the topic was again changed to "MUHAMMAD THE GREAT." Identical reasons and excuses were given. Both these incidences happened in South Africa, my own country. But, let me give you one more example of our inferiority complex - so much part of the sickness of the Ummah.

USA NO DIFFERENT

On my lecture tour of the mighty United States in 1977, I discovered that our soldiers in the New World also had feet of clay. Out of the many sad experiences I have had, I think that this one will suffice to prove the point. The Muslims of Indianapolis were advised to organise a lecture for me on the subject "What the Bible says about Muhammad (pbuh)" They agreed to advertise just that, but their timidity did not permit them to do so. They thought the topic was too provocative, so they, in their wisdom (?), toned it down to "A PROPHET IN THE BIBLE." A lifeless, insipid title you will no doubt agree. Which Hindu, Muslim, Christian or Jew would be intrigued to attend? What does "A PROPHET" mean? To most A PROPHET means ANY PROPHET, and who and who would be interested in attending a meeting where just any prophet in the Bible was debated? Job, Joel, Jonah, Ezra, Elisha, Ezekiel are just a few of the many mentioned in the Bible. As was to be expected the attendance left much to be desired.
INFERIORITY COMPLEX
What is the cause of this sickness? This inferiority complex? "Yes!" We are an emasculated people. Dynamism has been wringed out of us, not only by our enemies but by our own spiritless friends. We even dare not repeat Allah's Own testimony regarding his beloved - And Most Certainly, Thou (O Muhammad) Are of most sublime And Exalted Character. (Holy Qur’ân 68:4)
THE MOST INFLUENTIAL
Normally, it is quite, natural for anyone to love, praise, idolize or hero-worship ones leader, be it a guru, saint or prophet: and very often we do.
However, if I were to reproduce here what great Muslims have said or written about our illustrious prophet, it could be played down as exaggeration, fancy or idolization by the sceptics and the opponents of Islam. Therefore, allow me to quote unbiased historians, friendly critics and even avowed enemies of that mighty Messenger of God - Muhammad (peace be upon him). If the tributes of the non-Muslims do not touch your hearts, then you are in the wrong faith. Opt out of Islam! There is already too much deadwood on the "ship" of Islam.
In recent times, a book has been published in America titled "The 100," or the Top One hundred, or the Greatest Hundred in History. A certain Michael H. Hart, described as a historian, mathematician and astronomer has written this novel book. He has searched history, seeking for men who had the greatest influence on mankind. In this book he gives us The hundred most influential men, including Asoka, Aristotle, Buddha, Confucius, Hitler, Plato, and Zoroaster. He does not give us a mere chart of the topmost "one hundred" from the point of view of their influence on people, but he evaluates the degree of their influence and rates them in order of their excellence from No. 1, through to No. 100. He gives us his reasons for the placing of his candidates. We are not asked to agree with him, but we cannot help admire the man's research and honesty.
The most amazing thing about his selection is that he has put our Nabi-e-Kareem, the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) as No. 1, the first of his "100!" Thus confirming, unknowingly, God's Own testimony in His Final Revelation to the World:
"MOST CERTAINLY, YOU HAVE IN THE MESSENGER OF ALLAH AN EXCELLENT PATTERN (OF BEHAVIOUR)" (Holy Qur’ân 33:21)
JESUS (PBUH) No. 3!
Hart placing the Prophet of Islam as No. 1, has naturally pleased the Muslims. But his choice as shocked the Non-Muslims, more specially the Jews and the Christians, who consider this as an affront. What? Jesus (peace be upon him) No. 3 and Moses (peace be upon him) No. 40! This is for them very difficult to stomach, but what says Hart? Let us hear his arguments –
SINCE THERE ARE ROUGHLY TWICE [The latest estimate is that there are one thousand million Muslims in the world and one thousand two hundred million Christians] AS MANY CHRISTIANS IN THE WORLD, IT MAY INITIALLY SEEM STRANGE THAT MUHAMMAD HAS BEEN RANKED HIGHER THAN JESUS. THERE ARE TWO PRINCIPAL REASONS FOR THAT DECISION.
FIRST, MUHAMMAD PLAYED A FAR MORE IMPORTANT ROLE IN THE EVELOPMENT OF ISLAM THAN JESUS DID IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF CHRISTIANITY. ALTHOUGH JESUS WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE MAIN ETHICAL AND MORAL PRECEPTS OF CHRISTIANITY (INSOFAR AS THESE DIFFERED FROM JUDAISM), ST. PAUL WAS THE MAIN DEVELOPER OF CHRISTIAN THEOLOGY, ITS PRINCIPAL

Monday, January 2, 2012

The Healing Touch

        Have you ever pondered about a book which covers history but it is not a book of history ,it talks about future but it is not a book of prophecies,it talks about cures but it is not a Medical book.Think about a book which has past at the same time it talks about future,a book that bares the realities of things around us, that book is none other than Holy Quran which claims this is the book which has no doubt.
As for the cure it says " O mankind! The advice has come to you from your Lord and a cure for the hearts - and guidance and mercy for believers." [Yunus 10:57] This Cure does not mean solutions to heart attacks or body ailments,this cure is from various spiritual diseases like greed,envy,and other evils which are root cause of worlds peace and security.To support my claim let me take you to a society 1400 Years ago a society which used to kill a new born just because she is a GIRL or they used to start years of tribal wars for reasons as small as camel of another tribe drank water before my camel.That same society got a 180 degree turn and they transformed into a society which respected woman by giving them there rights be it material or societal.They showed such height of sacrifice like one who had two houses offered one to his brother who migrated from mecca to madina,those who had wealth shared it 50:50 and so forth.
 


 This book talks about the mighty nations of the past it says Have they not seen how many generations We destroyed before them, which will not return to them?(Quran36:31).
In another place it says Have they not traveled in the land and seen the nature of the consequence for those who were before them? They were stronger than these in power, and they dug the earth and built upon it more than these have built.(30:9)(eg.People of Aad,Thamud etc) whose ruins like Mada-in e Saleh are still a sign for those who reflect.
If you have not read the Quran I sincerely ask you to read it once read it with the intention to get the right path a path which has no crookedness neither this path demands things which are against human nature(say not marrying,becoming nun,leaving worldly business etc).Quran lays down clear rules which has neither ambiguities nor chains for Humans to bind each other,Quran shows a life pure and clean which links the life of this world to the life of the hereafter.Read the Quran a manual for handling the precious and priceless creation on face of earth "Humans". For Free download of English Translation visit this link 
http://www.4shared.com/get/sGMTmzaq/Quran-TranslationCommentary_en.html