entry from msomelayu.blogspot.com
Bicara Pagi
Syabas Kepada Mufti Perlis
BARANGKALI saya adalah antara orang-orang yang merasa lega apabila membaca laporan Mufti Perlis, Dr Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin tidak bersedia untuk menjadi calon BN pada pilihan raya kecil Permatang Pauh yang akan diumumkan esok.
Lega bukan kerana bimbang beliau akan kalah ditangan Anwar Ibrahim ataupun beliau akan mengancam Anwar, tetapi lega dan senang kerana dunia dan umat Islam masih lagi boleh memiliki beliau. Ilmu yang beliau miliki amat diperlukan untuk membantu umat Islam negara ini.
Kalau beliau terjun ke dalam kancah politik kedudukannya tidak dipandang semulia seperti hari ini lagi. Bila menjejak kaki ke kancah politik beliau tidak dapat elakkan diri daripada condong kepada parti yang dianggotainya. Beliau juga tidak akan dilihat bebas untuk berkata-kata berdasarkan kebenaran lagi.
Kalau beliau menyertai Umno misalnya beliau tidak lagi boleh mengkritik silap dan salah pemimpin Umno. Beliau tidak lagi dapat membaca ayat-ayat Quran dan Hadith mengikuti sepatutnya sebaliknya kena baca ayat-ayat yang menyenangkan orang dan diambil sekerat-sekarat.
Minggu lalu beliau menegur sikap PM Abdullah Ahmad Badawi yang meletakkan kalungan bungan di Tugu Negara.
Cuba kalau beliau menyertai Umno beliau tidak akan 'boleh' berbuat begitu lagi. Beliau hanya kena mendiamkan diri saja. Banyak ulama dan ustaz dalam Umno tahu hukum apa yang dilakukan Abdullah dan perdana menteri sebelum ini tetapi seorang pun tidak berani menegurnya. Mereka sanggup bergulamang dalam dosa secara bersama.
Begitu juga kalau beliau menyertai Pas. Teguran kepada Nik Aziz Nik Mat dan Abdul Hadi Awang tidak boleh dilakukan lagi. Semuanya akan diiyakan bahkan menjadi tukang tambah pula terhadap kata-kata mereka itu.
Sudah banyak ustaz dan ulama yang menceburi diri dalam politik akhirnya musnah. Mereka yang sebelumnya dilihat memiliki ilmu tinggi tiba-tiba runtuh sebaik saja berada dalam politik dan setelah mendapat kuasa duniawi itu.
Tidak dapat lari kalau menyertai politik mereka kena bercakap bohong, kena menggunakan kaedah matlamat menghalalkan cara, kena berdolak dalih dan kena bersifat hipokrit. Tasbeh dan Quran hanya lambang saja bukan untuk diamalkan.
Bagi orang politik kalau tidak memiliki sifat itu tidak lengkap.
Saya mendoakan semoga Asri akan kekal dengan pendirian dan siasah yang diambilnya kini. Hari ini beliau diterima dan menjadi rujukan semua orang. Semua pihak menggunakan ilmunya, baik BN, Pas dan lain-lain. Semua parti sukakan atas keberaniannya. Beliau seorang ulama gantang yang progresif dan dinamik.
Mudah-mudahan Allah s.w.t. memberi kekukuhan iman kepada Asri untuk teguh dengan pendiriannya, menjadi ilmuan dan cendekiawan Islam yang senantiasa dirujuk oleh umat Islam. Beliau didoakan juga terus berani menegur dan memberi jalan-jalan pemikiran dan pegangan hidup baru yang progresif sesuai dengan Islam sebagai way of life. Pendirian dan peranaan beliau juga mudah-mudahan menjadi ikutan generasi rabbani yang baru! [wm.kl 8:00 05/08/07]
Thursday, August 07, 2008
Wednesday, August 06, 2008
Imam who??
How much do we know the past Islamic scholars?
One of the many things that is largely missing in my life as a Muslim growing up in these modern times is the knowledge of past Islamic scholars. Till now I'm still guilty of being totally ignorant of many great Islamic scholars of the past though I have at least some knowledge of the profiles of popular figures in the world of politics, sports and entertainment industry.
I've also noticed this ignorance being prevalent among most Muslims in general. Once, I was watching a video on Hassan al-Banna and someone asked what was the video I was watching about. I replied its on Hassan al-Banna. The person said, puzzled "Hassan al-Banna? Who's THAT?!" And this, coming from a person with a religious background.
The most known Islamic scholar here is probably Imam asy-Syafi'i and an-Nawawi as the Muslim education in Singapore is based largely on the Syafi'e school of thought. And also the other three scholars of the four main schools of thought, Imam Abu Hanifah, Imam Malik and Imam Ahmad. But when the names of other great Islamic scholars are mentioned such as Adz-Dhahabi, Imam Ibn Taimiyyah, Ibn Katheer, Ibn Qayyim, most are clueless.
In fact, what spurred me to discover about some of the other Muslims scholars was sadly due to negative reasons. I had discovered some articles about Muslims dissing some Islamic scholars past and present suggesting and accusing them being out of the Islamic creed. And it got me thinking, is this true? These are Islamic scholars who dedicate their entire lives striving for the cause of Islam. How could they have been so wrong about their basic believes?
And alhamdulillah, after doing some research, I came to my own conclusion that there are some people out there who really have nothing to do but spread lies and judge unfairly on these Islamic scholars for their own thwarted agenda and not sincerely for the truth or cause of Islam. Worse, some are Muslims themselves.
I feel that so much can be done in the Islamic education system or among Muslims generally to learn the history and great achievements of past Islamic scholars. From their history, we can learn much about their lives, what happened during those periods, and lessons to learn from the actions of Muslims, positive or negative, during those times. From their lives and achievements, we will be inspired and look up to them as one of the many role models in our lives in addition to Prophet Muhammad(peace be upon him) and his most trusted companions.
It will not be easy to re-package the education of past Islamic scholars in a way that will generate widespread interest among the general mainstream Muslims though. The traditional way of educating history still, normally bores people. But it's something that is very important to have Muslims identify and realize the grace, beauty and greatness that Islam brings...when it is practiced properly as a way life.
p.s. --> check out Muslimheritage.com.
One of the many things that is largely missing in my life as a Muslim growing up in these modern times is the knowledge of past Islamic scholars. Till now I'm still guilty of being totally ignorant of many great Islamic scholars of the past though I have at least some knowledge of the profiles of popular figures in the world of politics, sports and entertainment industry.
I've also noticed this ignorance being prevalent among most Muslims in general. Once, I was watching a video on Hassan al-Banna and someone asked what was the video I was watching about. I replied its on Hassan al-Banna. The person said, puzzled "Hassan al-Banna? Who's THAT?!" And this, coming from a person with a religious background.
The most known Islamic scholar here is probably Imam asy-Syafi'i and an-Nawawi as the Muslim education in Singapore is based largely on the Syafi'e school of thought. And also the other three scholars of the four main schools of thought, Imam Abu Hanifah, Imam Malik and Imam Ahmad. But when the names of other great Islamic scholars are mentioned such as Adz-Dhahabi, Imam Ibn Taimiyyah, Ibn Katheer, Ibn Qayyim, most are clueless.
In fact, what spurred me to discover about some of the other Muslims scholars was sadly due to negative reasons. I had discovered some articles about Muslims dissing some Islamic scholars past and present suggesting and accusing them being out of the Islamic creed. And it got me thinking, is this true? These are Islamic scholars who dedicate their entire lives striving for the cause of Islam. How could they have been so wrong about their basic believes?
And alhamdulillah, after doing some research, I came to my own conclusion that there are some people out there who really have nothing to do but spread lies and judge unfairly on these Islamic scholars for their own thwarted agenda and not sincerely for the truth or cause of Islam. Worse, some are Muslims themselves.
I feel that so much can be done in the Islamic education system or among Muslims generally to learn the history and great achievements of past Islamic scholars. From their history, we can learn much about their lives, what happened during those periods, and lessons to learn from the actions of Muslims, positive or negative, during those times. From their lives and achievements, we will be inspired and look up to them as one of the many role models in our lives in addition to Prophet Muhammad(peace be upon him) and his most trusted companions.
It will not be easy to re-package the education of past Islamic scholars in a way that will generate widespread interest among the general mainstream Muslims though. The traditional way of educating history still, normally bores people. But it's something that is very important to have Muslims identify and realize the grace, beauty and greatness that Islam brings...when it is practiced properly as a way life.
p.s. --> check out Muslimheritage.com.
Friday, August 01, 2008
Tuesday, July 08, 2008
Cabaran Muallaf/Mukallaf in Malaysia
Learn more about the challenges of Muslim reverts(Mukallaf) and those who are slowly learning Islam (Muallaf), from Malaysian Muslim, Lee Jooi Soon. Direct Link --> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j6FiSF3Sim0
It's an eye opener to learn how Chinese are treated in Malaysia before and after they become Muslims. It's an important reminder for us all to break away from ignorance and to understand the problems that lie within our own Islamic community which doesn't portray Islamic values. And to improve the image and bad perceptions others may have towards Islam.
It's an eye opener to learn how Chinese are treated in Malaysia before and after they become Muslims. It's an important reminder for us all to break away from ignorance and to understand the problems that lie within our own Islamic community which doesn't portray Islamic values. And to improve the image and bad perceptions others may have towards Islam.
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
There Is Good in Every Event
For link on article..Click here!!
By Harun Yahya
Turkish Muslim Thinker
Every event that happens to the Muslim has one sort or another of goodness in it. Allah states that even events that seem to be unfavorable may have a lot of good in them:
[It may well be that you dislike something in which Allah has placed a lot of good.] (An-Nisaa' 4:19)
[It may be that you hate something when it is good for you and it may be that you love something when it is bad for you. Allah knows and you do not know.] (Al-Baqarah 2:216)
Aware of this secret, believers seek goodness and beauty in every event. No seemingly adverse incident, hardship, or mischief ails or worries them. They maintain their composure, whether the experience is insignificant or a serious ordeal. Sincere Muslims even see goodness and divine purpose in the loss of all their hard earned possessions. They express gratitude to Allah for the gift of life. They have faith that Allah may have protected them from committing an evil act or against too much attachment for possessions.
Accordingly, believers give their most inner thanks to Him because no loss in this world equals the loss in the hereafter. Loss in the hereafter means eternal and intolerable punishment (unless Allah wills otherwise). Those who keep themselves occupied with the remembrance of the hereafter view every event as goodness and beauty leading to the hereafter.
Those who overcome such ordeals will recognize their weaknesses before Allah and will reconsider how much they are in need of Him. They will turn to Allah with much humility through prayers and remembrance that will bring them closer to Him. This is surely an enormous benefit to their hereafter. These aside, by putting absolute trust in Allah and showing steadfastness, they will earn His pleasure and will be rewarded with eternal bliss.
People should seek goodness and beauty not only in ordeals, but also in daily routines. For example, burning the food one has painstakingly prepared may lead one to take numerous measures that would, by the will of Allah, prevent a more serious accident in the future. A young person might fail the college admission test on which all hopes for the future had been pinned.
People should, however, know that there is goodness in their failure, too; they should be able to think that Allah might have willed them to avoid some adverse circumstances or people and thereby feel pleased with the result. Alternatively, by thinking that Allah has placed in every event many other blessings that are either obvious or beyond the imagination, believers see the beauty of full submission to the guidance of Allah.
People may not always see the goodness and divine purpose behind every incident. Even if this is the case, they know for certain that there is goodness in all events. They offer prayers for Allah to discover the goodness and divine purpose hidden behind everything that happens.
Those who are aware that everything has a purpose in Allah's creation never use phrases such as "I wish I had not done this" or "I wish I had not said that" and so on. Mistakes, defects, or seemingly unfortunate events essentially include blessings, and each one of them is the trial of destiny. Allah gives important lessons and reminders to humans in the destiny He creates individually for each person.
For those who can evaluate with insight, there are no mistakes or adversities, but rather lessons, warnings, and wisdom from Allah. For example, a Muslim whose shop burns down will search his or her soul, and will become even more sincere and true in his or her faith, deeming it as a warning by Allah against overindulgence in worldly goods and attachments.
Consequently, no matter what one encounters in this life, the ordeals will all eventually end. A person who recalls a hardship will be amazed that it is nothing more than a reminiscence in the mind. This is also how people recall the scenes from a film. Accordingly, one day will come and the most painful experience will become only a memory, more like the image of a scene from a movie. Only one thing will remain — the attitude a person assumed during the time of hardship and whether Allah is pleased with him or her.
People will not be called to account for their experiences, but rather for their attitudes, thoughts, and sincerity they displayed at the time of these experiences. Therefore, endeavoring to see the goodness and the divine purpose Allah creates in the situations encountered and taking a positive attitude will bring bliss to believers both in this world and in the hereafter. No sorrow or fear awaits these believers who are aware of this secret. Similarly, no one, no event can create fear, harm, or distress in this world or in the hereafter. Allah reveals this secret in the Qur'an:
[Those who follow My guidance will feel no fear and will know no sorrow.] (Al-Baqarah 2:38)
[Yes, the closer servants of Allah will feel no fear nor shall they grieve: those who believe and have done their duty, there is good news for them in the life of the world and in the Hereafter. There is no changing the words of Allah. That is the great victory.] (Yunus 10:62-64)
- Harun Yahya was born in Ankara in 1956. He studied fine arts at Istanbul's Mimar Sinan University and philosophy at Istanbul University. Since the 1980s, he has published many books on political, faith-related, and scientific issues.
By Harun Yahya
Turkish Muslim Thinker
Every event that happens to the Muslim has one sort or another of goodness in it. Allah states that even events that seem to be unfavorable may have a lot of good in them:
[It may well be that you dislike something in which Allah has placed a lot of good.] (An-Nisaa' 4:19)
[It may be that you hate something when it is good for you and it may be that you love something when it is bad for you. Allah knows and you do not know.] (Al-Baqarah 2:216)
Aware of this secret, believers seek goodness and beauty in every event. No seemingly adverse incident, hardship, or mischief ails or worries them. They maintain their composure, whether the experience is insignificant or a serious ordeal. Sincere Muslims even see goodness and divine purpose in the loss of all their hard earned possessions. They express gratitude to Allah for the gift of life. They have faith that Allah may have protected them from committing an evil act or against too much attachment for possessions.
Accordingly, believers give their most inner thanks to Him because no loss in this world equals the loss in the hereafter. Loss in the hereafter means eternal and intolerable punishment (unless Allah wills otherwise). Those who keep themselves occupied with the remembrance of the hereafter view every event as goodness and beauty leading to the hereafter.
Those who overcome such ordeals will recognize their weaknesses before Allah and will reconsider how much they are in need of Him. They will turn to Allah with much humility through prayers and remembrance that will bring them closer to Him. This is surely an enormous benefit to their hereafter. These aside, by putting absolute trust in Allah and showing steadfastness, they will earn His pleasure and will be rewarded with eternal bliss.
People should seek goodness and beauty not only in ordeals, but also in daily routines. For example, burning the food one has painstakingly prepared may lead one to take numerous measures that would, by the will of Allah, prevent a more serious accident in the future. A young person might fail the college admission test on which all hopes for the future had been pinned.
People should, however, know that there is goodness in their failure, too; they should be able to think that Allah might have willed them to avoid some adverse circumstances or people and thereby feel pleased with the result. Alternatively, by thinking that Allah has placed in every event many other blessings that are either obvious or beyond the imagination, believers see the beauty of full submission to the guidance of Allah.
People may not always see the goodness and divine purpose behind every incident. Even if this is the case, they know for certain that there is goodness in all events. They offer prayers for Allah to discover the goodness and divine purpose hidden behind everything that happens.
Those who are aware that everything has a purpose in Allah's creation never use phrases such as "I wish I had not done this" or "I wish I had not said that" and so on. Mistakes, defects, or seemingly unfortunate events essentially include blessings, and each one of them is the trial of destiny. Allah gives important lessons and reminders to humans in the destiny He creates individually for each person.
For those who can evaluate with insight, there are no mistakes or adversities, but rather lessons, warnings, and wisdom from Allah. For example, a Muslim whose shop burns down will search his or her soul, and will become even more sincere and true in his or her faith, deeming it as a warning by Allah against overindulgence in worldly goods and attachments.
Consequently, no matter what one encounters in this life, the ordeals will all eventually end. A person who recalls a hardship will be amazed that it is nothing more than a reminiscence in the mind. This is also how people recall the scenes from a film. Accordingly, one day will come and the most painful experience will become only a memory, more like the image of a scene from a movie. Only one thing will remain — the attitude a person assumed during the time of hardship and whether Allah is pleased with him or her.
People will not be called to account for their experiences, but rather for their attitudes, thoughts, and sincerity they displayed at the time of these experiences. Therefore, endeavoring to see the goodness and the divine purpose Allah creates in the situations encountered and taking a positive attitude will bring bliss to believers both in this world and in the hereafter. No sorrow or fear awaits these believers who are aware of this secret. Similarly, no one, no event can create fear, harm, or distress in this world or in the hereafter. Allah reveals this secret in the Qur'an:
[Those who follow My guidance will feel no fear and will know no sorrow.] (Al-Baqarah 2:38)
[Yes, the closer servants of Allah will feel no fear nor shall they grieve: those who believe and have done their duty, there is good news for them in the life of the world and in the Hereafter. There is no changing the words of Allah. That is the great victory.] (Yunus 10:62-64)
- Harun Yahya was born in Ankara in 1956. He studied fine arts at Istanbul's Mimar Sinan University and philosophy at Istanbul University. Since the 1980s, he has published many books on political, faith-related, and scientific issues.
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Negative consequences of horror movies.
News report from utusan malaysia..taken from drmaza.com
Ia diakui oleh Mufti Perlis, Dr. Mohd. Asri Zainul Abidin yang turut menganggap ada antara filem hantu tidak menyumbang kepada pembentukan insan. Malah Islam sendiri tidak menerima apa-apa perkara yang boleh memperbodohkan masyarakat termasuk juga sesuatu pekara yang divisualkan dalam filem.
Lebih membahayakan apabila sesebuah filem seram itu ditonton oleh kanak-kanak yang sedang membesar kerana ia boleh mempengaruhi pemikiran mereka.
"Filem-filem seram yang keterlaluan adalah berbahaya kerana ia boleh menyumbang kepada penyelewengan akidah.
"Kepercayaan bukan-bukan seperti ada kuasa ghaib yang divisualkan dan hantu itu boleh mengetahui sesuatu perkara boleh menyebabkan masyarakat terpengaruh dan mempercayainya," kata Dr. Mohd. Asri ketika dihubungi Jumaat lalu.
Filem seperti ini kata beliau boleh merosakkan akal disebabkan unsur serta gambaran yang diperlihatkan mengenai makhluk halus itu adalah tidak benar.
Maka ujarnya, secara tidak langsung akan lahir masyarakat yang penakut apabila mereka terlalu dimomokkan dengan filem seperti itu.
"Kita bimbang filem itu mempengaruhi jiwa masyarakat yang akhirnya menyebabkan mereka akan takut walaupun hendak ke bilik air," katanya.
Bagaimanapun kata beliau, tidak salah untuk menghasilkan filem seram asalkan tidak diselitkan dengan unsur khurafat selain perlu menggambarkan syaitan itu lemah.
Dalam masa yang sama filem hantu yang dihasilkan juga perlu memberi kesan positif agar manusia tidak hilang keyakinan diri.
Mengambil contoh filem Zombie Kampung Pisang arahan Mamat Khalid, kata beliau, tema yang dibawa dalam filem tersebut tidak bercanggah kerana akhir cerita memperlihatkan makhluk halus itu tidak dapat menguasai manusia.
Sumber: Utusan Malaysia
Ia diakui oleh Mufti Perlis, Dr. Mohd. Asri Zainul Abidin yang turut menganggap ada antara filem hantu tidak menyumbang kepada pembentukan insan. Malah Islam sendiri tidak menerima apa-apa perkara yang boleh memperbodohkan masyarakat termasuk juga sesuatu pekara yang divisualkan dalam filem.
Lebih membahayakan apabila sesebuah filem seram itu ditonton oleh kanak-kanak yang sedang membesar kerana ia boleh mempengaruhi pemikiran mereka.
"Filem-filem seram yang keterlaluan adalah berbahaya kerana ia boleh menyumbang kepada penyelewengan akidah.
"Kepercayaan bukan-bukan seperti ada kuasa ghaib yang divisualkan dan hantu itu boleh mengetahui sesuatu perkara boleh menyebabkan masyarakat terpengaruh dan mempercayainya," kata Dr. Mohd. Asri ketika dihubungi Jumaat lalu.
Filem seperti ini kata beliau boleh merosakkan akal disebabkan unsur serta gambaran yang diperlihatkan mengenai makhluk halus itu adalah tidak benar.
Maka ujarnya, secara tidak langsung akan lahir masyarakat yang penakut apabila mereka terlalu dimomokkan dengan filem seperti itu.
"Kita bimbang filem itu mempengaruhi jiwa masyarakat yang akhirnya menyebabkan mereka akan takut walaupun hendak ke bilik air," katanya.
Bagaimanapun kata beliau, tidak salah untuk menghasilkan filem seram asalkan tidak diselitkan dengan unsur khurafat selain perlu menggambarkan syaitan itu lemah.
Dalam masa yang sama filem hantu yang dihasilkan juga perlu memberi kesan positif agar manusia tidak hilang keyakinan diri.
Mengambil contoh filem Zombie Kampung Pisang arahan Mamat Khalid, kata beliau, tema yang dibawa dalam filem tersebut tidak bercanggah kerana akhir cerita memperlihatkan makhluk halus itu tidak dapat menguasai manusia.
Sumber: Utusan Malaysia
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
What?! No BGR? (0.0)'
This is written to answer blog_surf's question at the chatbox.
BismilLahirRahmaanirRaheem.
Before that, there was once, when a friend asked me a similar question. She asked me about how she could have a relationship while ensuring that she doesn't go against Islamic principles. And this was my reply to her. .
>>>>
Salam ukhtie,
Its good that you've been aware and making the efforts to make yourself a better Muslim. I understand where you're coming from as I went through such a phase myself. It's been many years now since I made that first step to try to improve and I'm still learning every day and have to be constantly aware and stand firm to ward off temptations by the nafs or shaitan. Its not an easy transition.
Hm, I can't give you a solution.. You have to figure it out yourself through reading more about this, asking Islamic scholars, and to try understand, keeping an open mind and a strong will to learn and possibly change. At the same time, constantly supplicate(doa) and seek help from Allah SWT.
I will give my views on this though, through what I've learnt and understood.. but do not stop here, keep on reading and make your own decision.. I recommend articles and cyber counselor section from islamonline.net..there are many articles there on topics such as relationships based on Islam. Just type in a keyword in their search column. Also this article - islamic-world.net/boy_girl.php
Before this, I think there's a more important question that you have to consider. That question is "What is the purpose of Life?"
Do you know? Do I know the answer? I myself don't know but our purpose of life is already there before we're born.. Just hypothetically.. if we ask this monitor we're facing why is it made, if the monitor is able to speak, it will not know why it is here. Logically, we have to ask the factory which made it..and if we ask the factory, it will give a collection of questions and answers in a book called "Instruction Manual".
Its the same with us humans.. if we want to know the answer, we have to ask the God that creates us i.e. Allah SWT and Allah SWT have given us a complete set of questions and answers in His book called.. the Quran.
So what does the Quran says about our purpose of life?
"I created the jinn and humankind only that they might worship Me." - adh-Dhariat:56
So knowing this.. we have to know that the concept of worship towards Allah SWT in Islam is not just strictly through performing the pillars of Islam like solat, fasting and zakat.
We have to understand that whatever we do and how we perform in our daily life (our actions, deeds, work, character, outlook) that meets the criteria of Islam that have been set in al-Quran and as-Sunnah.. that is the concept of worship! (ref. from an article at saifulislam.com)
So if you can agree to what have been explained here, then even in relationships and interactions with the opposite sex, we have to follow the guidelines that have been set for us. It's totally alien to what we have been used to, growing up in a secular life with all the influences from movies, friends and surroundings.. and it won't be easy to try and follow. But thats the safest and the best way.
Thats all I've to say. As I've said, continue to read and figure out for yourself, ask more from other sisters and Islamic scholars about this.. insya-Allah..He will show you the way.
Wassalaam.
>>>>
It's important firstly to ask ourselves what is our purpose here? As Muslims, what is our true goal in life?
Now back to the question about how are we going to meet the other half..
As you have already read, that Islam recognises feelings and needs between a guy and girl but disciplines it by allowing it to be expressed only after marriage.
Which means that ideally, the only time a Muslim should even think of searching for the other half is when he/she is ready for marriage and have made concrete plans to get married within a short term period.
Some examples upon approaching marriage the Islamic way are as follows; searching and finding a wife (or what Malays call 'merisik') is performed through a third party, meeting to get to know more about each other is allowed but only in the presence of family members and during the engagement period, contact is allowed but the engaged couple should always keep in mind not to overdo it and transgress the limits.
As you'd notice, Islam permits interactions as long as it is done in a respectful manner and doesn't transgress the limits set in Islam.
The Islamic concept of marriage, what happens before and during the engagement is totally different from the horrifying idea of fixed marriages that some may suggest or assume; being forced to marry, not being able to make your own choice, not able to choose your own partner or even not knowing the other half at all!
There are a lot of misconceptions in Islam mainly due to ignorance and the only way to break away from it is to sincerely research on it, keeping an open mind. Only then will we know and be sure of the choices we make in life.
Just to add also that if anyone is already involved in a relationship and have realized that there should be no relationships before marriage, try not to go to extremes by immediately breaking it off. Think about the possibility of taking the relationship towards marriage as soon as possible.
I hope that this will help to lead to the answers you're looking for. And Allah Almighty knows best.
BismilLahirRahmaanirRaheem.
Before that, there was once, when a friend asked me a similar question. She asked me about how she could have a relationship while ensuring that she doesn't go against Islamic principles. And this was my reply to her. .
>>>>
Salam ukhtie,
Its good that you've been aware and making the efforts to make yourself a better Muslim. I understand where you're coming from as I went through such a phase myself. It's been many years now since I made that first step to try to improve and I'm still learning every day and have to be constantly aware and stand firm to ward off temptations by the nafs or shaitan. Its not an easy transition.
Hm, I can't give you a solution.. You have to figure it out yourself through reading more about this, asking Islamic scholars, and to try understand, keeping an open mind and a strong will to learn and possibly change. At the same time, constantly supplicate(doa) and seek help from Allah SWT.
I will give my views on this though, through what I've learnt and understood.. but do not stop here, keep on reading and make your own decision.. I recommend articles and cyber counselor section from islamonline.net..there are many articles there on topics such as relationships based on Islam. Just type in a keyword in their search column. Also this article - islamic-world.net/boy_girl.php
Before this, I think there's a more important question that you have to consider. That question is "What is the purpose of Life?"
Do you know? Do I know the answer? I myself don't know but our purpose of life is already there before we're born.. Just hypothetically.. if we ask this monitor we're facing why is it made, if the monitor is able to speak, it will not know why it is here. Logically, we have to ask the factory which made it..and if we ask the factory, it will give a collection of questions and answers in a book called "Instruction Manual".
Its the same with us humans.. if we want to know the answer, we have to ask the God that creates us i.e. Allah SWT and Allah SWT have given us a complete set of questions and answers in His book called.. the Quran.
So what does the Quran says about our purpose of life?
"I created the jinn and humankind only that they might worship Me." - adh-Dhariat:56
So knowing this.. we have to know that the concept of worship towards Allah SWT in Islam is not just strictly through performing the pillars of Islam like solat, fasting and zakat.
We have to understand that whatever we do and how we perform in our daily life (our actions, deeds, work, character, outlook) that meets the criteria of Islam that have been set in al-Quran and as-Sunnah.. that is the concept of worship! (ref. from an article at saifulislam.com)
So if you can agree to what have been explained here, then even in relationships and interactions with the opposite sex, we have to follow the guidelines that have been set for us. It's totally alien to what we have been used to, growing up in a secular life with all the influences from movies, friends and surroundings.. and it won't be easy to try and follow. But thats the safest and the best way.
Thats all I've to say. As I've said, continue to read and figure out for yourself, ask more from other sisters and Islamic scholars about this.. insya-Allah..He will show you the way.
Wassalaam.
>>>>
It's important firstly to ask ourselves what is our purpose here? As Muslims, what is our true goal in life?
Now back to the question about how are we going to meet the other half..
As you have already read, that Islam recognises feelings and needs between a guy and girl but disciplines it by allowing it to be expressed only after marriage.
Which means that ideally, the only time a Muslim should even think of searching for the other half is when he/she is ready for marriage and have made concrete plans to get married within a short term period.
Some examples upon approaching marriage the Islamic way are as follows; searching and finding a wife (or what Malays call 'merisik') is performed through a third party, meeting to get to know more about each other is allowed but only in the presence of family members and during the engagement period, contact is allowed but the engaged couple should always keep in mind not to overdo it and transgress the limits.
As you'd notice, Islam permits interactions as long as it is done in a respectful manner and doesn't transgress the limits set in Islam.
The Islamic concept of marriage, what happens before and during the engagement is totally different from the horrifying idea of fixed marriages that some may suggest or assume; being forced to marry, not being able to make your own choice, not able to choose your own partner or even not knowing the other half at all!
There are a lot of misconceptions in Islam mainly due to ignorance and the only way to break away from it is to sincerely research on it, keeping an open mind. Only then will we know and be sure of the choices we make in life.
Just to add also that if anyone is already involved in a relationship and have realized that there should be no relationships before marriage, try not to go to extremes by immediately breaking it off. Think about the possibility of taking the relationship towards marriage as soon as possible.
I hope that this will help to lead to the answers you're looking for. And Allah Almighty knows best.
Saturday, May 10, 2008
Wake up!
I have posted this before in the form of a YouTube video but when I reviewed the previous post recently, found out that the video had been removed for terms of violation. Since I like the post so much, I've decided to repost it in the form of a written statement.
Why the removal of the video? Only Allah knows why.. Hm, maybe some Arabs' pride may be hurt due to it but it's a true reflection of reality in the Arab world and for me, it is a wake up call. They should take the criticism seriously and do something about it. And other Muslims could take this as a reminder and as a motivation factor to spur ourselves to be better.
For now, the video can be found on MEMRITV.org:type 645 into search
Anyway just for your info, MEMRI is a pro-Israeli Middle Eastern press monitoring organization. Their work has been attacked on three grounds: that their work is biased; that they choose articles to translate selectively so as to give an unrepresentative view of the media they are reporting on; and that their translations are sometimes inaccurate.
Brian Whitaker, the Middle East editor for the Guardian newspaper in the United Kingdom, has been one of the most outspoken critics of MEMRI, writing: "My problem with Memri is that it poses as a research institute when it's basically a propaganda operation," and that "the stories selected by Memri for translation follow a familiar pattern: either they reflect badly on the character of Arabs or they in some way further the political agenda of Israel."
Go Wiki it for more information on this. Anyway, here's the said speech..
The following are excerpts from a Friday sermon on Qatar TV by Sheikh Dr. Yusuf Al-Qaradhawi :
Dr. Yusuf Al-Qaradhawi: We use trains and planes, but they are not our trains or planes. The (Westerners) manufacture them and export them to us. True, we can buy the most magnificent things in the world products for our homes and for ourselves. Our people can buy the most luxurious cars, Rolls-Royce or Mercedes 500 or 700, models S, M, and L with all the luxuries. We own them, but we don’t manufacture them. We don’t even produce a single nail in any of these cars. Others do this for us.
The income of the entire Arab world, including the oil-producing countries, does not reach the that of a European country, such as Spain. Spain!? let alone Germany, France, Britain, or Italy. Just Spain, which is at the bottom of the list of industrial countries… The income of the entire Arab world does not reach it. How come? Because we don’t work, and if we do work, we don’t do it professionally.
They conducted a survey of the average time that a government employee spends working in a certain Arab country. The average was 27 minutes a day. 27 minutes! The rest of the time he drinks coffee, reads newspapers, and goes on errands here and there. Only a small number of people work. The rest do not.
In the mid 1970s I went to Germany. We arrived during in the morning. I asked the guy who took me from the airport to the convention hall. As I was passing through the empty streets, I asked him how come the streets were not busy, like in our countries. He said: “People are at work.” After 7 p.m. he took me back to the hotel, and the streets were empty. I said to him: “What’s going on, the streets are empty again.” He said: people are back home from work, and they are exhausted. All they want is to eat their dinner, watch the news, and then go to bed, because early next morning they have to wake up for hard work. They commute more than an hour to work and back, and spend an hour at lunch. They work non-stop.
We are a nation that doesn’t work. How can we develop if we don’t work? When we do work, we don’t do it professionally. We keep saying “Don’t worry, later, later!” Islam teaches us to do things professionally. Doing things professionally is a religious duty. The Prophet said that Allah ordered to excel in everything. He imposed excellence and professionalism. Professionalism must be followed in everything. “If you kill, do it properly, and if you slaughter, do it properly.” Even when killing, you must do well.
Unfortunately, we do not excel in either military or civil industries. We import everything from needles to missiles. This is our nation. We still haven’t manufactured an engine in our Arab countries. We assemble parts, but have no manufacturing industries. India has manufactured a car, and even a plane, while we still go around in circles like a bull in who turns a grinding mill or a water weal until it reaches exactly where it started.
How come the Zionist gang has managed to be superior to us, despite being so few? It has become superior through knowledge, through technology, and through strength. It has become superior to us through work. We had the desert before our eyes but we didn’t do anything with it. When they took over, they turned it into a green oasis. "How can a nation that does not work progress? How can it grow?
Why the removal of the video? Only Allah knows why.. Hm, maybe some Arabs' pride may be hurt due to it but it's a true reflection of reality in the Arab world and for me, it is a wake up call. They should take the criticism seriously and do something about it. And other Muslims could take this as a reminder and as a motivation factor to spur ourselves to be better.
For now, the video can be found on MEMRITV.org:type 645 into search
Anyway just for your info, MEMRI is a pro-Israeli Middle Eastern press monitoring organization. Their work has been attacked on three grounds: that their work is biased; that they choose articles to translate selectively so as to give an unrepresentative view of the media they are reporting on; and that their translations are sometimes inaccurate.
Brian Whitaker, the Middle East editor for the Guardian newspaper in the United Kingdom, has been one of the most outspoken critics of MEMRI, writing: "My problem with Memri is that it poses as a research institute when it's basically a propaganda operation," and that "the stories selected by Memri for translation follow a familiar pattern: either they reflect badly on the character of Arabs or they in some way further the political agenda of Israel."
Go Wiki it for more information on this. Anyway, here's the said speech..
The following are excerpts from a Friday sermon on Qatar TV by Sheikh Dr. Yusuf Al-Qaradhawi :
Dr. Yusuf Al-Qaradhawi: We use trains and planes, but they are not our trains or planes. The (Westerners) manufacture them and export them to us. True, we can buy the most magnificent things in the world products for our homes and for ourselves. Our people can buy the most luxurious cars, Rolls-Royce or Mercedes 500 or 700, models S, M, and L with all the luxuries. We own them, but we don’t manufacture them. We don’t even produce a single nail in any of these cars. Others do this for us.
The income of the entire Arab world, including the oil-producing countries, does not reach the that of a European country, such as Spain. Spain!? let alone Germany, France, Britain, or Italy. Just Spain, which is at the bottom of the list of industrial countries… The income of the entire Arab world does not reach it. How come? Because we don’t work, and if we do work, we don’t do it professionally.
They conducted a survey of the average time that a government employee spends working in a certain Arab country. The average was 27 minutes a day. 27 minutes! The rest of the time he drinks coffee, reads newspapers, and goes on errands here and there. Only a small number of people work. The rest do not.
In the mid 1970s I went to Germany. We arrived during in the morning. I asked the guy who took me from the airport to the convention hall. As I was passing through the empty streets, I asked him how come the streets were not busy, like in our countries. He said: “People are at work.” After 7 p.m. he took me back to the hotel, and the streets were empty. I said to him: “What’s going on, the streets are empty again.” He said: people are back home from work, and they are exhausted. All they want is to eat their dinner, watch the news, and then go to bed, because early next morning they have to wake up for hard work. They commute more than an hour to work and back, and spend an hour at lunch. They work non-stop.
We are a nation that doesn’t work. How can we develop if we don’t work? When we do work, we don’t do it professionally. We keep saying “Don’t worry, later, later!” Islam teaches us to do things professionally. Doing things professionally is a religious duty. The Prophet said that Allah ordered to excel in everything. He imposed excellence and professionalism. Professionalism must be followed in everything. “If you kill, do it properly, and if you slaughter, do it properly.” Even when killing, you must do well.
Unfortunately, we do not excel in either military or civil industries. We import everything from needles to missiles. This is our nation. We still haven’t manufactured an engine in our Arab countries. We assemble parts, but have no manufacturing industries. India has manufactured a car, and even a plane, while we still go around in circles like a bull in who turns a grinding mill or a water weal until it reaches exactly where it started.
How come the Zionist gang has managed to be superior to us, despite being so few? It has become superior through knowledge, through technology, and through strength. It has become superior to us through work. We had the desert before our eyes but we didn’t do anything with it. When they took over, they turned it into a green oasis. "How can a nation that does not work progress? How can it grow?
Saturday, April 26, 2008
In the aftermath of blasphemous cartoons
Article by Dr. Khaled Tawfik
After the republication of the blasphemous cartoons ridiculing Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and after Geert Wilders, the Dutch Member of Parliament, of the far right party, produced a movie ridiculing and attacking Islam and the Holy Qur'an, the people who supported such campaigns under the pretext of the freedom of expression hoping that such vicious campaigns might distort the image of Islam, received the biggest shock of their life.
In Denmark, the people who embraced Islam since the first publication of the sacrilegious cartoons numbered around 5,000, while now each day a Danish national embraces Islam.
The newspapers have published the story of a man from the Philippines who entered the fold of Islam. Asked about the reason that made him embrace Islam, the man said that the reason was that he saw the other people persistently on attacking Islam although Islam respects all the other religions and that Muslims respect all Divine Faiths and believe in all Allah's Prophets and Holy Books.
There is a growing interest in Islam in Europe and translations of the Qur'an in all European languages are the bestsellers nowadays.
Recent studies indicate that European non-Muslim women when marrying Muslim men usually embrace Islam because they discover the greatness of this Faith through their husbands' uprightness, faithfulness, truthfulness and noble morals.
What really shocked people in the West is that prisoners in Europe and the United States are embracing Islam in large numbers. A recent report in France indicates that every week, a prisoner, after embracing Islam, comes to ask for halal meat.
When asked about the reasons that made them embrace Islam, prisoners' answers revolved around many things: finding true peace in that religion, it provides man with a kind of psychological balance that makes him bear the misfortunes of life, it advocates the idea of equality, all people being equal regardless of their color, race, language, wealth, education... etc.
What is more astonishing is that one of the Israeli newspapers expressed its concern as 80% of the French people who have recently embraced Islam are Jews. Jewish organizations feel that such a trend threatens their very existence.
Not only that, all efforts exerted by these organisations to prevent people from embracing Islam are going in vain. It was also discovered that some of those French people embraced Islam in secret till they find the right moment to declare that.
The idea that I would like to stress is that Muslims all over the world have to realise that such anti-Islam campaigns usually yield results in favour of Islam because Allah is always there to defend and protect Islam and His Prophet (peace be upon him).
After the republication of the blasphemous cartoons ridiculing Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and after Geert Wilders, the Dutch Member of Parliament, of the far right party, produced a movie ridiculing and attacking Islam and the Holy Qur'an, the people who supported such campaigns under the pretext of the freedom of expression hoping that such vicious campaigns might distort the image of Islam, received the biggest shock of their life.
In Denmark, the people who embraced Islam since the first publication of the sacrilegious cartoons numbered around 5,000, while now each day a Danish national embraces Islam.
The newspapers have published the story of a man from the Philippines who entered the fold of Islam. Asked about the reason that made him embrace Islam, the man said that the reason was that he saw the other people persistently on attacking Islam although Islam respects all the other religions and that Muslims respect all Divine Faiths and believe in all Allah's Prophets and Holy Books.
There is a growing interest in Islam in Europe and translations of the Qur'an in all European languages are the bestsellers nowadays.
Recent studies indicate that European non-Muslim women when marrying Muslim men usually embrace Islam because they discover the greatness of this Faith through their husbands' uprightness, faithfulness, truthfulness and noble morals.
What really shocked people in the West is that prisoners in Europe and the United States are embracing Islam in large numbers. A recent report in France indicates that every week, a prisoner, after embracing Islam, comes to ask for halal meat.
When asked about the reasons that made them embrace Islam, prisoners' answers revolved around many things: finding true peace in that religion, it provides man with a kind of psychological balance that makes him bear the misfortunes of life, it advocates the idea of equality, all people being equal regardless of their color, race, language, wealth, education... etc.
What is more astonishing is that one of the Israeli newspapers expressed its concern as 80% of the French people who have recently embraced Islam are Jews. Jewish organizations feel that such a trend threatens their very existence.
Not only that, all efforts exerted by these organisations to prevent people from embracing Islam are going in vain. It was also discovered that some of those French people embraced Islam in secret till they find the right moment to declare that.
The idea that I would like to stress is that Muslims all over the world have to realise that such anti-Islam campaigns usually yield results in favour of Islam because Allah is always there to defend and protect Islam and His Prophet (peace be upon him).
Monday, April 21, 2008
Thoughts
As I sat on a sofa during a class-break, I wondered about me being here experiencing the so-called 'Wahabbism' first hand.
I wondered why people back home or outside Saudi are worried about it. Is it true, that it is the source of extremism, cause for terrorism, backwardness in modernity and cause for disunity among the Muslim Ummah, as what have been pointed out by Liberal Islam and some conservative groups?
The fact is that there is nothing of that sort and only Allah knows what their motives are behind such thwarted facts.
What is mainly taught here is about the importance of Monotheism and to be aware about anything that may jeopardise it, to stay away from innovation in religion and to embrace innovation that is allowed according to Islam i.e. Modernity, progress and advancement in science and technolgy etc.. and to live with the guidance of the Qur'an the Sunnah and the values and way of life shown by the Prophet's companions and scholars who lived shortly after.
Islam is simple and should not be made harder than it is or interpreted excessively and should be left as it is understood by the 'salafussoleh' as they have the best understanding of it. This is also the way that our Prophet (peace be upon him) recommended and the understanding of many other scholars even the four main Muslim scholars.
This way, Muslims will then have more time and energy to focus on other important issues in life on earth and to practice Islam moderately as recommended; to be able to strike a good balance between life for here and the hereafter.
If this way of understanding is practiced, the Ummah will be stronger and possibly, insya Allah, will lead a successful life.
Now the question is, why then, aren't many of those who are practicing this form of understanding, which can be termed as 'salafism'(following the ways of Prophet's companions and scholars who lived shortly after), especially here in Saudi, do not portray excellence or a progressive way of life?
There are many factors to this and they all point to the same reason of not applying what they are representing as a whole i.e. Salafis who portray values that don't reflect the sunnah or in other words, not practicing what they have learnt, in all aspects of life..They may excel at some good attributes but sorely lack in others.
For instance, a lack of success or progress in science and technology, poor work ethics, being backward in most industries and business is not due to Salafism and what it teaches, but due to humans and their imperfections..
A country with citizens having a negative mindset, poor work ethics and habits will never improve even with a correct understanding of Islam without applying it. If the people themselves won't change and the government generally neglects their part in trying harder to act on it and improve, then they will never change.
We can't blame Salafism and what it teaches if people go around accusing others of apostasy, show bad manners, live backwardly, hold an extreme view towards anything that is against or towards it and decided to terrorize others!
These are all negative values that are disliked and condemned in Islam.
Here, condemnation against terrorism and poor, unhealthy values, to always live up to the sunnah and to practice moderation at all times, is always propagated in schools, newspapers etc.
Now where is the consistency in the reports and views that 'Liberal Islam' groups or some conservatives claimed which are totally opposite?
They even made use of the misgivings of some 'black sheeps' in Salafism and propagated as if that is truly what it stands for.
It is a fact that even Saudis themselves are puzzled as to how the term 'Wahabbism' have been plastered on them!? The term is somewhat negative and history shows that it was formerly a term used for a group of 'Khawaarij' muslims (a devient sect which holds extreme views and have a dark history) which have no links whatsoever to thier stand and creed.
It is also important to note that many who accuse Salafism as negative are plainly ignorant about it. We may have found out a little about it through people or sources that hold similar views as us, but if we only find out from a one-sided point of view, how much of it is actually true? What do we know of the history behind all of this? What was the situation then, that started it in Saudi? What does it stand for? How and when did the term Wahabbism came up? Does all the negative points that are said to happen in Saudi or propagated by Salafis true?
If all these are taken into context and extent research is done on views from both sides, only then, a fair judgement can be made and whether you agree with any sides or not after that, then that will be your own choice and not a blind one, following others' perceptions.
So, I'm inviting all to keep an open mind and research if whatever that i've stated here have some truth in it. It's not about sparking off a debate or to say 'hey, i'm right!' but for all, to seek a clear view and truth for ourselves towards gaining a better understanding of Islam, to be sure in our choices and hopefully, to eventually practice Islam the way Allah would like us to..insya Allah.
May we all be guided to the right path, Ameen, insya Allah.
And Allah Almighty knows best.
I wondered why people back home or outside Saudi are worried about it. Is it true, that it is the source of extremism, cause for terrorism, backwardness in modernity and cause for disunity among the Muslim Ummah, as what have been pointed out by Liberal Islam and some conservative groups?
The fact is that there is nothing of that sort and only Allah knows what their motives are behind such thwarted facts.
What is mainly taught here is about the importance of Monotheism and to be aware about anything that may jeopardise it, to stay away from innovation in religion and to embrace innovation that is allowed according to Islam i.e. Modernity, progress and advancement in science and technolgy etc.. and to live with the guidance of the Qur'an the Sunnah and the values and way of life shown by the Prophet's companions and scholars who lived shortly after.
Islam is simple and should not be made harder than it is or interpreted excessively and should be left as it is understood by the 'salafussoleh' as they have the best understanding of it. This is also the way that our Prophet (peace be upon him) recommended and the understanding of many other scholars even the four main Muslim scholars.
This way, Muslims will then have more time and energy to focus on other important issues in life on earth and to practice Islam moderately as recommended; to be able to strike a good balance between life for here and the hereafter.
If this way of understanding is practiced, the Ummah will be stronger and possibly, insya Allah, will lead a successful life.
Now the question is, why then, aren't many of those who are practicing this form of understanding, which can be termed as 'salafism'(following the ways of Prophet's companions and scholars who lived shortly after), especially here in Saudi, do not portray excellence or a progressive way of life?
There are many factors to this and they all point to the same reason of not applying what they are representing as a whole i.e. Salafis who portray values that don't reflect the sunnah or in other words, not practicing what they have learnt, in all aspects of life..They may excel at some good attributes but sorely lack in others.
For instance, a lack of success or progress in science and technology, poor work ethics, being backward in most industries and business is not due to Salafism and what it teaches, but due to humans and their imperfections..
A country with citizens having a negative mindset, poor work ethics and habits will never improve even with a correct understanding of Islam without applying it. If the people themselves won't change and the government generally neglects their part in trying harder to act on it and improve, then they will never change.
We can't blame Salafism and what it teaches if people go around accusing others of apostasy, show bad manners, live backwardly, hold an extreme view towards anything that is against or towards it and decided to terrorize others!
These are all negative values that are disliked and condemned in Islam.
Here, condemnation against terrorism and poor, unhealthy values, to always live up to the sunnah and to practice moderation at all times, is always propagated in schools, newspapers etc.
Now where is the consistency in the reports and views that 'Liberal Islam' groups or some conservatives claimed which are totally opposite?
They even made use of the misgivings of some 'black sheeps' in Salafism and propagated as if that is truly what it stands for.
It is a fact that even Saudis themselves are puzzled as to how the term 'Wahabbism' have been plastered on them!? The term is somewhat negative and history shows that it was formerly a term used for a group of 'Khawaarij' muslims (a devient sect which holds extreme views and have a dark history) which have no links whatsoever to thier stand and creed.
It is also important to note that many who accuse Salafism as negative are plainly ignorant about it. We may have found out a little about it through people or sources that hold similar views as us, but if we only find out from a one-sided point of view, how much of it is actually true? What do we know of the history behind all of this? What was the situation then, that started it in Saudi? What does it stand for? How and when did the term Wahabbism came up? Does all the negative points that are said to happen in Saudi or propagated by Salafis true?
If all these are taken into context and extent research is done on views from both sides, only then, a fair judgement can be made and whether you agree with any sides or not after that, then that will be your own choice and not a blind one, following others' perceptions.
So, I'm inviting all to keep an open mind and research if whatever that i've stated here have some truth in it. It's not about sparking off a debate or to say 'hey, i'm right!' but for all, to seek a clear view and truth for ourselves towards gaining a better understanding of Islam, to be sure in our choices and hopefully, to eventually practice Islam the way Allah would like us to..insya Allah.
May we all be guided to the right path, Ameen, insya Allah.
And Allah Almighty knows best.
Misinformation about Islam in the West
Article by Dr. Khalid Tawfik
The repeated anti-Islam campaigns in the West makes one pause and reflect on the reasons for such campaigns. After a careful reading on many sources about Islam, I discovered a lot of misinformation about Islam, some of this information is really shocking and totally unbelievable. In this article, I shall discuss some of this misinformation trying to draw Muslims' attention to correct such distorted facts about Islam or about Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
¤ Muhammedanism: Until recently, a lot of people in the West believed that Muslims, God forbid, worship Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), and this is why they used to refer to Islam as Muhammedanism.
¤ Turkish Religion; Also people in the West used to refer to Islam as Turkish Religion (you will find examples in William Shakespeare's Othello and in the introduction to the first English translation of the Qur'an produced by Alexander Ross in 1649). Some of the people who belonged to the Ottoman Empire ill-treated the Europeans who associated the religion of those people with violence and ill-treatment and this is why they referred to Islam as the Turkish Religion.
¤ During my visits to the USA and European countries, I came to discover that many people living there believed that the Holy Qur'an was written by Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), especially that they read and gain such information or misinformation from some of the books written by some biased orientalists.
¤ Many of the people in the West believe that all Muslims should marry four women, that is, it is a religious obligation that they should do that!
¤ Most of the people in the West misunderstand the real meaning of Jihad: they think that Jihad means that all Muslims should wage war against whoever does not embrace Islam.
¤ The most shocking piece of information that I read is that Abu Lahab, the Prophet's polytheist uncle, who remained a disbeliever till his death and was a staunch enemy of the Noble Prophet (peace be upon him) is the one who lead the Prophet (peace be upon him) to monotheism and the Prophet (peace be upon him) was ungrateful to his uncle who guided him!!
¤ A lot of people in the West believed that Islam was spread by the sword, i.e. through fighting and war. They ignore the fact that most of the Muslims live in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Indonesia (countries located far away from the Arabian Peninsula where most of the wars between Muslims and disbelievers took place).
After this brief survey of some of this prevalent misinformation, I feel it is our duty as Muslims to work vigorously to correct this distorted information.
The repeated anti-Islam campaigns in the West makes one pause and reflect on the reasons for such campaigns. After a careful reading on many sources about Islam, I discovered a lot of misinformation about Islam, some of this information is really shocking and totally unbelievable. In this article, I shall discuss some of this misinformation trying to draw Muslims' attention to correct such distorted facts about Islam or about Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
¤ Muhammedanism: Until recently, a lot of people in the West believed that Muslims, God forbid, worship Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), and this is why they used to refer to Islam as Muhammedanism.
¤ Turkish Religion; Also people in the West used to refer to Islam as Turkish Religion (you will find examples in William Shakespeare's Othello and in the introduction to the first English translation of the Qur'an produced by Alexander Ross in 1649). Some of the people who belonged to the Ottoman Empire ill-treated the Europeans who associated the religion of those people with violence and ill-treatment and this is why they referred to Islam as the Turkish Religion.
¤ During my visits to the USA and European countries, I came to discover that many people living there believed that the Holy Qur'an was written by Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), especially that they read and gain such information or misinformation from some of the books written by some biased orientalists.
¤ Many of the people in the West believe that all Muslims should marry four women, that is, it is a religious obligation that they should do that!
¤ Most of the people in the West misunderstand the real meaning of Jihad: they think that Jihad means that all Muslims should wage war against whoever does not embrace Islam.
¤ The most shocking piece of information that I read is that Abu Lahab, the Prophet's polytheist uncle, who remained a disbeliever till his death and was a staunch enemy of the Noble Prophet (peace be upon him) is the one who lead the Prophet (peace be upon him) to monotheism and the Prophet (peace be upon him) was ungrateful to his uncle who guided him!!
¤ A lot of people in the West believed that Islam was spread by the sword, i.e. through fighting and war. They ignore the fact that most of the Muslims live in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Indonesia (countries located far away from the Arabian Peninsula where most of the wars between Muslims and disbelievers took place).
After this brief survey of some of this prevalent misinformation, I feel it is our duty as Muslims to work vigorously to correct this distorted information.
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