Showing posts with label Islam. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Islam. Show all posts

Islam is the True Religion

on Wednesday, September 25, 2013

Being a Muslim, I would naturally defend my religion, and hold it as the truest of all religions that exist in the world today. I respect all other faiths around me because that is what my religion teaches me to do. It teaches me not to make fun or ridicule any religion, its beliefs and even its followers. It teaches me not to have Imaan on Quran only, but all other religious books as well, which were sent from up above.

However, if I were to compare my religion to other religions then I would obviously be giving my religion more points than I give to others. If I compare my religion to Hinduism, I feel that one cannot have too many gods and goddesses. The ultimate power can only belong to one single authority. For me and other Muslims that is Allah, the Most Powerful.

If I were to compare my religion to Christianity, then again my religion clearly teaches me that Allah exists all alone, he does not have any family or any children whatsoever. I believe in Jesus Christ because yes, he was a prophet and deserves respect as any other prophets would, but to consider him as Allah’s son? This is one of the main points where I feel that the Islam and Christianity start to differ. We, Muslims cannot consider any man or woman as Allah’s child.

I believe that there may be some similarities between the Old Testament and Qur’an, but otherwise the two religions are different, but just like I said that I believe in my own holy book, the Quran, similarly my religion asks me to believe on the other holy books, too.  For me, Islam is a Universal religion which promises guidance to all those who wish to be guided. The religion is simple and guarantees the rights for each and everyone from women to children to widows to orphans to even animals and birds!

Islam believes that Allah alone is worth worshipping and under no circumstance any other person or deity is to be associated with Him. We, Muslims believe in all the prophets that came before Prophet Muhammad (SAW). However, there was no prophet after Prophet Muhammad (SAW), and there will never be another prophet. He was the last of the prophets. We believe that everything in this world will one day come to an end, and the only thing, which will forever exist, is God and God alone. For the rest of us, end is something inevitable. We also believe in the Hereafter, we will be resurrected and presented before Allah. Those of us, who did more good than bad, will be sent to Heaven, the most beautiful of all places. Those who did so many bad things even more than good will be sentenced to Hell, the worst of all places. We also believe that the absolute power and control over everything, even the grains of sand, belongs to Allah.



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Non-Muslims under Islam

on Monday, September 16, 2013

Islam means peace, and it respects and propagates the concept of humanity in all its teachings. All humans are to be treated with respect, love and kindness according to the teachings of Islam. Non Muslims under Islam have many rights and are given great protection and security. The Prophet (PBUH) has cautioned his followers from being cruel to the non-Muslims, and that we should always give them their rights.

Some people have a misconception that Islam does not allow you to be friends or have dealings with non-Muslims, but that is not true at all, and the Quran (Surah 60:8-9) proves that very well.

If we look at examples in history even Non-Muslim prisoners of war were treated with great kindness and humanity. The Noble Prophet (PBUH) said regarding non Muslim prisoners of war that they were Muslims’ brothers, and Allah had put them in the hands of Muslims so that they would give them food, clothes, work and help.

Islam also gives religious freedom to all Non-Muslim citizens living in an Islamic state. Islam does not compel non-Muslims to embrace it. It is every non Muslims’ right to practice whatever religion he follows, and no Muslim has any right to make fun of any religion, or hurt the feelings of any non Muslim. Islam is a religion of peace and personal choice, no Muslim has the right to mock or force any non Muslim to embrace Islam.

The second Chaliph of Islam; Hazart Umar (RA) used to ask people who came to him from various provinces about the well being of non Muslims, and whether they have any complaints, or faced any kind of oppression in these provinces.



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The Situation of America and Islam

on Friday, August 30, 2013

Living in the United States is a dream of many. Blacks, Asians, and Arabs all strive to get a share of what the United States has to offer. Until the dark September 9 incident, it was all merry and roses for Muslims living in the United States but what have changed now?

Sadly, Muslims no longer find life in the United States a ride in the park. Islam critics as well as fanatics keen on fostering hatred and negative portray. These people want Americans and the larger word to believe that every Islam is a terrorist. The extremists who claimed responsibilities for the September 9 incidents and other incidents targeting American interest across the globe have not done better either, they too have used Islam as a platform for launching their terrorist acts.

It is however sad that the normal Islam who goes about his day life like any other person in American has had to bear the brunt. There is a growing disdain for the Islam among Americans. Kids have been taught to associate the Muslims with terrorism, intellectuals have portrayed Islam negatively, and sadly, Muslims leaving in America have been forced to wear the brand of terrorism by virtue of their religion.

A question one asks, is why America should, a highly educated society condemn the entire Muslim for crime of a few. Many Muslims are peace loving citizens and rarely thin of harming any American citizens. Despite the rate Muslims have grown among the American citizens, many would harm them and after all, they are humans.

Nonetheless, the Muslim community must as well exhibit patience, tolerance and respect for others. Most of the Americans go about their lives oblivious of the policies their government takes against the Arab nations. Sadly, the Islam world has developed a kind of hatred to Americans. The truth is, both worlds need each other. Americans are as important to Muslims as Muslims are important to Americans.

So, who would sober up and tell Americans to treat their Muslim brothers with love and respect and who would tell the Muslims to love their American brothers? This person would be a hero. A key question often surrounding the bad blood between United States and the Muslims is the Israeli question, so, why can’t the Israelis and the Muslim live in peace. Of course, there is nowhere the Jews can go and so, Muslims should simply learn to live with them. Other than these artificial differences we create between us, we are all humans and must learn to live with each other.



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Islam and Divorce

on Saturday, August 24, 2013

Many non-Muslims take on Islam that it allows divorce; considering divorce as a sign of women’s contempt and of marriage’s sanctity. This idea arose from their ignorance of the teachings of Islam regarding human relationships. Those looked at divorce from one angle only which is the effect of divorce on women, but they did not bother looking at it from all its aspects ruling their unconscious passion ignoring the reasons behind allowing divorce and the benefits of it.

First of all, Islam tells its followers that marriage must be permanent between a man and a woman until death separates them, and that any timed marriage will be invalid.

On the other hand, Islam is a religion that comes in accordance with the human being nature and the differences among individuals, and understands very well how relationships could change between a wife and a husband after marriage that they get to a point that they can not sort out their personal problems by any other means but separation. Being this, divorce came as a realistic solution for many marriage problems.

Problems occur often between married couples for many reasons. A couple could get married, and after marriage they discover unseen differences in morality and characters, which makes each one considers the other as a stranger who is in total contradiction with him. Also it happens frequently that many defects, morals and behaviors came to surface only after marriage and after sharing the daily life with each other. These problems may last for a quite long time that each one can not stand spending the rest of his life with another person feeling that he was not the right choice from the beginning. It is well known that leaving problems as they are without a proper solution may generate bigger problems of betrayal, nervous breakdown, escaping or even killing or committing suicide.

That is why Allah allows divorce as a solution for the married couple so each one can find another proper spouse who shares their new lives, and may be better than their first choice. In Surat An-Nisā, (The Women, 4) verse 130 “But if they separate [by divorce], Allah will enrich each [of them] from His abundance. And ever is Allah Encompassing and Wise.”

In fact, divorce law in Islam encourages people to get married as prohibiting getting out of a relationship is in fact prohibiting building this relationship from the beginning. It is not far away that hatred and severe problems take place after marriage. In this case which would be better: giving a second chance to the man and the woman to find alternative spouse or continue their marriage having an affair with a stranger who would gladly offer them what they miss in their marriage?

When Islam allowed divorce, it allowed it as a last solution for the married couples’ problems. In addition, Allah advised Muslims to be patients when problems arise and encourages them to be kind with their wives even if they show what they hate them; in Surat An-Nisā, (The Women, 4) verse 19 ” And live with them [women] in kindness. For if you dislike them – perhaps you dislike a thing and Allah makes therein much good.”

Allowing divorce, Islam also put the rules of after-divorce so that divorce would not be the beginning of corruption of the family’s members by:

-Giving the mother the trusteeship of her children until they grow up
-Ordering the man to spend on his divorced woman and her children after divorce

Finally, Allah shows us that divorce is a legal solution for the severe problems of marriage, but on the other hand, He ordered Muslims to take it as a last solution after spending every single mean. Prophet Mohamed (PBUH) said that “the most hateful ‘Halal’ for Allah is divorce”



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Islam in Germany

on Saturday, August 17, 2013

Germany has the biggest Muslim population in Western Europe after France. Between 3.0 to 3.5 million Muslims live in Germany, and 80% of them don’t have German citizenship; 608,000 are German citizens. About 100,000 of which are German citizens who converted to Islam. Recent facts show a proceeding expand in their numbers.

Around 70% of the Muslim population is of Turkish origin. Turkish migration to Germany started in the 1960s due to lack of workers in the country. While these workers were expected to leave Germany after their work was finished; however, almost 50% of them stayed in Germany. At the start, the immigrants were dominatingly men; however, they were in the end accompanied by their wives and families. Muslims settled around many modern zones some of which are Berlin, Cologne, Frankfurt, Stuttgart, Dortmund, Essen, and Munich. A few Muslims live on the domain of the previous German Democratic Republic.

The second biggest Muslim populace is of Bosnian and Herzegovinian (around 167,081), accompanied by Iran (81,495), Morocco (79,794), and Afghanistan (65,830), Lebanon (46,812), Pakistan (35,081), Syria (29,476), Tunisia (24,533), Algeria (16,974), Indonesia (12,660) and Jordan (10,448). Palestinian outcasts frequently entered Germany from third nations; however, their numbers are evaluated to be near 60,000. The German Afghan population, which has lessened fundamentally since the defeat to Taliban, is the biggest in Europe. Compared to different nations of Western Europe, Germany additionally has the most astounding number of Kurds around its settler population. The German Arab population is roughly 290,000 (in 2002).

Around 10% of the Muslims in Germany are in dynamic religious groups, though 30% stick to fasting and religious holidays.

There are no less than 2,500 Muslim places of worship in Germany, with 140 mosques with arches and minarets. The methodology of building mosques is normally challenged by the German people and the government.

No general ban exists concerning the wearing of the headscarf, in spite of the fact that there is a progressing verbal confrontation concerning instructors wearing the headscarf. In 2003, the Federal Constitutional Court managed against the Land Baden-Württemberg in its initiative to restrict a Muslim instructor from wearing the headscarf.

Halal butcher was tested lawfully for numerous years. In 2002, on the other hand, the Federal Constitutional Court decided that Muslims have the right of exception from animal protection legislation in admiration of their religious beliefs. Still the clashes continued over the butcher issue. Since the 1960s, alleged ‘ethnic organizations’ have been set up to fulfill the developing interest for services and goods, from Muslim work force.

Workers’ religious foundations are not enrolled in the German job data. Hence, estimations are built principally in light of national origin. Unemployment rates are constantly twice as high for non-Germans, with Turkish nationals having all the earmarks of being in the most exceedingly terrible scenario.

Young people have little choices left and are involved generally in unskilled and semiskilled jobs, for example the mining, material, and auto commercial ventures and in business, workmanship, and different sorts of independently employed occupations. They are hugely underrepresented in the field of open service. Young Muslim ladies, who have even fewer choices than do Muslim men, work chiefly as hair dressers, dental assistants, or medicinal secretaries.

Muslims normally confront their managers’ prejudice towards their religious obligations, for example the Friday prayers and the everyday prayers, and canteens which don’t serve halal food, since no legitimate regulations exist concerning these matters. Parts of certain Muslim conglomerations which, despite the fact that legitimate, have been authoritatively named “Islamist” are barred from a few fields of occupation, for example civil service jobs, in the field of security. In these fields, a Regelanfrage (customary provision) at the Verfassungsschutz is obligatory. Muslim ladies mostly face more challenges related to finding jobs due to ban on hijab.

There are an expected 700,000 Muslim German students as of now in schools and higher education. However, official detail just implies outside students. German practice is to give denominational religious guideline in schools. Guideline is to be furnished by religious neighborhoods under government supervision. By law, any group with a sufficient number of scholars may join in the system. In different elected states, religious direction has been offered to youngsters of the Islamic community on a voluntary basis. Nevertheless, it is to a great degree troublesome for Muslims to create religious guideline because of local governments neglecting to distinguish Islam as a religious group, as there is no common institution.

Expecting that scholars who are not included in state-regulated religious courses may be laid open to radicalism in unsupervised Quran classes, there are some motivation to the authorities for starting Islamic religious educations at government funded schools. Generally, there is an absence of Muslim educators with the required language skills, would have been wise to instruct Islamic religious courses in Germany.

Two German Muslims Vural Öger and Cem Özdemir served in the 2004-2009 European Parliament. In spite of the fact that a few lawmakers with social Muslims might be discovered around the political upper class, not many foreigners who recognize themselves as Muslims and relate to Islamic investment are available in national politics today.

Till today, Muslims have no right to collect fund for the Islamic centers. Relations between authorities and Muslim organizations are impacted by the German Internal Intelligence Service (Bundesamt für Verfassungsschutz). Muslim conglomerations are watched by the German Internal Intelligence which call them Islamist and leave them defamed.



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Has Islam Changed?

on Wednesday, August 7, 2013

Has Islam changed? Well, before I get into that, I would like to brush up a bit about what is the religion of Islam. Islam is a religion which in Arabic means submission in peace. In practice, it is understood to denote submission in peace to the will of Almighty Allah. It is even understood that complete peace comes from surrendering to the will of Almighty Allah.

The people who possess faith in Islam are called “Muslims”. This sacred religion began in Arabia, and many of the Arabic speaking people are Muslims, nonetheless most of the Muslims in the world are not Arabs. Islam is not an ethnic or racial expression. There are Asian, African, European, American and Middle Eastern Muslims, just like there are in other religions. Likewise, there are Muslims of all races and colors. Mohammad (pbuh) was the Last Messenger of Allah through whom the teachings of Islam were conveyed to the mankind. He was born in a city in the Arabian Peninsula, Mecca, in 571 AD. At the age of fourty, he received the Revelations from Angel Gabriel. Those very revelations were complied as the Holy Quran.

Time represents change in the world. Without change, we would be everlastingly jammed in languish form of life. However, I would firmly stand to believe that Islam has not changed. It’s a religion that is so self-motivated that it fits all the souls in the world at any time of life. This is because God revealed the final message to Mankind with the pledge that it would be preserved for the rest of time until the Day of Judgment.

Muslims have changed, in many ways, but Islam did not and will not change. The Qur’an is the very same Qur’an that was recited by Muhammad. Merely, there were never any two different Qur’ans in the world. God promises to protect Islam forever.

Additionally, the sayings, practices and the life of Muhammad (pbuh) have all been documented pretty evidently. Once more, God promised to protect this final message and He has done so.

Muslims are being austere or negligent, from time to time. They have come under more unembroidered explanations of things, and they have come under the manipulation of religion, additionally. All these deviations have happened throughout time in dissimilar places and different times. So, there may be some Muslims who are stern in one corner of the world and, at the very same time, broadminded in other parts of the world.

Islam is, actually, more than a religion. It remains as an absolute way of life. Allah has sent down a book of guidance, the Holy Quran, and it is well-suited with all times to come. It remains the same and so do all the rules and principles of Islam although Muslims did change in many cases. Has Islam changed as a religion, policy, philosophy, basics or even the Quran? The answer is no, not even by a single letter.



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History of Islam in Bangladesh

on Thursday, July 25, 2013

Bangladesh is a small country in South Western Asia. It has India’s arm circling around its shoulder and shares its border with India on three sides. The fourth side is exposed to the Bay of Bengal. A small portion of its border is shared with Myanmar, Burma. Bangladesh declares itself a secular country by the constitution but according to numbers, it is indeed a largely Islamic country. Muslims make up more than 90% of the population, and the country is home to famous religious monuments as well as home to the City of Mosques, Dhaka.

Islam is believed to have been introduced into the country of Bangladesh in the 8th century by the Rashidun Caliphate. Shah Jalal was the saint responsible of the widespread conversion of Hindus and Buddhists to Islam. He, by far, has played the largest role in the spread of Islam in Bangladesh. As such, he is honored by a mazaar (mausoleum) built to his name. The mausoleum was initially a mosque built by him, and after his death, it was made into a mausoleum. The location of the mausoleum is in Sylhet and is visited by thousands of believers every day, both national and international. Although he remains central to the spread of Islam in Bangladesh, but there are a lot of other people who have played other vital roles, as well. For example, Syed Shah Nasiruddin, who traveled to Bangladesh all the way from Iraq just to spread the teachings of Islam. The land of Bangladesh was taken over by Muslim rulers mostly due to the Turkish conquests. The majority of the conversions was performed by the Sufis who graced the land. The rest of the spread may be attributed to the Muslim traders who traded along the Bay of Bengal.

Another one of the great preachers of Islam in this land was Bayezid Bostami, a famous saint hailing from the land of Iran. The mosque in which Bayezid Bostami used to worship Allah was later converted into a mausoleum for him. The location of this Mausoleum is in the port city of Chittagong. Other than being a place of worship for local people and Muslims from other parts of the country, it is also a very famous tourism site. This is mainly because of the gigantic turtles that grace the pool in front of Bayezid Bostami’s mazaar. There is a local myth that claims that the turtles are not really animals but that they are djinns. Many myths circle the area regarding these creatures.

The preaching of Islam was carried out by various other saints at various times who settled down at different areas of the country, sometimes peacefully, sometimes having to conquer the land. Some of the more important preachers are: Shah Muhammad Sultan Balkhi of Mohastangarh, Shah Muhammad Sultan Rumi of Netrokona, Baba Shah Adam of Bikrampur and Shah Makhdum Ruposh of Rajshahi.

The roots of Islam are buried deep in Bangladesh, and it has become a lifestyle of the people. While all other religions are freely practiced in Bangladesh, it is yet to become a truly secular country. Otherwise, it must reconsider its claim.



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Islam di India

on Monday, July 15, 2013

Islam merupakan agama terbesar kedua di India setelah Hindu dilihat dari jumlah pengikutnya. Hampir 151 juta Muslim yang tinggal di negara ini yaitu sebesar 13,4 persen dari total penduduk India. Islam pertama kali sampai di India ratusan tahun yang lalu semasa hidup Nabi Muhammad SAW. Hal itu dengan serta merta berdampak langsung terhadap wilayah tersebut. Orang-orang mulai membangun masjid serta lembaga-kembaga keagamaan sejak abad ke-7 Masehi. Segera setelah itu, Islam akhirnya berakar ke dalam kebudayaan, peradaban, dan kehidupan masyarakat India.

Saat ini, umat Islam memiliki status yang berkedudukan kuat di India dan mereka telah memainkan berbagai peran penting dalam kemajuan negara. Ada banyak lembaga Muslim di India di mana umat Islam menerima pendidikan berkualitas tinggi. Menurut statistik pemerintah, 4% umat Islam menimba ilmu di madrasah sedangkan 96% sisanya terdaftar baik di sekolah negeri ataupun swasta. Bagi sebagian besar umat Islam India, identitas sebagai seorang “Muslim” adalah lebih penting daripada menjadi seorang “India”, menurut laporan Komite Sachar.

Sejauh menyangkut hak resmi dan hak istimewa terhadap umat Islam, pemerintah India dengan kekuasaannya tidak mampu untuk mencegah inklusi sosial masyarakat minoritas sebesar ini. Banyak Muslim terkemuka di India berpendapat bahwa mereka yang menganut Islam menghadapi representasi politik yang tidak proporsional di tingkat negara bagian dan tingkat nasional. Walau bagaimana pun juga, hal ini tidak menghentikan umat Islam untuk mencapai posisi teratas dalam demokrasi terbesar di dunia. Keluarga-keluarga Muslim memiliki tradisi memerintah India sejak zaman kerajaan Mughal. Banyak tradisi modern India berasal dari periode waktu ketika penguasa Muslim menguasai seluruh India, Pakistan, dan Bangladesh.

Oleh karena itu, umat Islam di India tidak melihat diri mereka sebagai kelompok marjinal  seperti yang kelompok-kelompok agama minoritas lainnya lakukan. Mereka tidak hanya memiliki rasa kepemilikan yang kuat terhadap agama mereka, tetapi juga rasa patriotisme yang mendalam terhadap negara mereka. Menggabungkan dua faktor tersebut, mereka telah berhasil memperoleh simbol status yang semestinya di India dan bebas mengamalkan serta mengajarkan agama mereka. Meskipun pada beberapa waktu, mereka menjadi sasaran terhadap prasangka dan kebodohan kronis yang berdasar pada stereotip yang keras, hal ini tidak mempengaruhi tradisi Islam dan perilaku Muslim di negara yang didominasi agama Hindu.

Terlepas dari kenyataan bahwa umat Islam di India telah berkembang, pemerintah dan masyarakat Muslim harus terus berusaha untuk memastikan kesetaraan bagi kaum Muslim di seluruh India. Perwakilan yang sebanding berdasarkan standar demokrasi sangat penting apabila integrasi dan kerukunan umat beragama dimajukan di dalam demokrasi Asia Selatan.

You can also read this article in English Here



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What Islam Says About Rape and Its Investigation

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Rape is sadly so rampant today and leaves many women detected and hopeless in life. This is a problem which has existed and will continue to exist for as long as stern actions to deal with this issue are not applied. If you have ever interacted with a rape victim, then you probably understand its devastating impact to the affected party’s way of life. As a matter of fact, rape is a very serious offense which corrodes societal fabrics and cannot go unaddressed among Muslims, considering Muslims are as affected as any other people across the globe.

Many times, Islam criticized creating scenarios which allow men to rape and go scot free. While according to the Islamic law, rape is an acceptable crime, the burden of proof is misplaced and imposes a heavy burden on the rape victim. How often do rapists commit their monstrous acts in the presence of four men who could act as witnesses? Logically, any rapists would commit rape in secluded places where no one is able to see them committing the act. Consequently, the requirement that the victim produces four male witnesses in essence cripples the ability of the raped victim to prove his/her case. Recent events in Pakistan and some Muslim nations, refuse the use of DNA evidence as primary evidence, is no doubt a further obstacle to obtain justice by the affected women. Further interesting is the second option which requires that if four witnesses are not present, then only the rapist’s testimony is sufficient proof.

Let alone the aspect of the burden to proof, despite widespread opposition to this assertion, Islam treats women as lesser human beings. The fact that a master is allowed to sleep with a slave girl irrespective of whether the girl consents to it or not, is proof of these. As one would ask, does this slave girl have no dignity and the right to choose who she cohabitates with. What makes her lose this right? For as long as the master has success such a girl without her consent, then it amounts to a rape, and in this, rape is permitted under the Islamic law.

Worth mentioning is the fact that the law imposes a penalty on the woman in instances where she is unable to meet the four witness threshold, and the rapist is not willing to confess. In such an instance, the woman who alleges the rape will be considered as having admitted adultery or fornication and faces punishment. This explains the reason behind lesser case of rape being reported in Islam states. Women fear not being able to meet the threshold and face punishment, opt to keep quiet.

Why does Islam not allow DNA as primary evidence?

Well, this is a move meant to protect cases where women can falsely accuse men of raping them after having consensual sex. While this is as well not acceptable, when coupled with other evidence such as screaming, and signs of struggle, should be primary evidence. While protecting the alleged rapists from false claims is as well important, it should not be done at the expense of the capability of the victim proving that she was violated.

In essence, the Quran being known for its assertion of respect to human sanctity of human life irrespective of religion, gender, or social status, among others must not be selectively interpreted. It should cover all human life, and not exclude slave girls who are as well humans and deserve a chance for a better life. It would be a dark day if people were allowed to rape their slave girls, and then go scot-free.

The bottom-line

Muslim as a religion is against rape and believes in capital punishment to the offenders. Nonetheless, the measures put in place are insufficient and offer excessive leeway to the offenders. Additionally, the fact that fewer cases are reported should not be misconstrued as the act not being perpetrated as in many instances women shy away for fear of being victimized. The many women who suffer in the hands of rapists must be given fair avenues to seek justice and not to be punished. The world has gone  on a technological way, and hence the role of technology is seeking justice for rape cases must not be sidelined. Women should be treated with respect just like their male counterparts and their testimony should be treated as such.



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Modesty in Islam

on Wednesday, June 26, 2013

In the beginning, we must understand the meaning of the word “modesty.” Modesty is the manner of behavior that will restrict our souls from doing any evil. It is the manner of disposition that tells other people of our reservations towards doing any form of immoral work. It does not just include the dressing style; it also includes our behavior towards people, the words we use to communicate with people and how we say these words.

This does not only perform the function of discouraging people from thinking of one sexually, but it also breeds an amount of respect for oneself in the eyes of another. Modesty frees the soul from its evil counterpart, vanity. Vanity is a superficial quality, indeed. Vanity makes our existence seem smaller but n this world only. But modesty remembers that this is not all, there is another world for which we are required to make investments for in this world. Contrary to popular belief, Islam does not prescribe modesty for women only while allowing men to turn into hooligans. In reality, Islam prescribes modesty for all believers. Anyone calling themselves Muslims must behave with modesty in attitude, dress and words. Islam discourages extremism in all forms.

Modesty of behavior is to convey the message to other people that you are not to be taken lightly, and neither are you to be corrupted. It is a person’s first safeguard against invitations to acts contrary to the laws of modesty. Modesty of clothes, both for men and women, breeds respects for oneself as well as discourages others from thinking of one in a bad way. This is not to say that dressing modestly will prevent all sorts of evil thoughts sprouting up in other peoples’ minds about you, but it means that if you are dressed modestly, you have done your part in discouraging others. And the blame of any impure thoughts falls on the thinker only as does the burden of punishment.

Modesty also keeps us away from the sins of pride and arrogance. It makes us more human and discourages discrimination. Being flamboyant in one’s demeanor only increases the sense of discrimination of one from others. Flamboyance breeds pride in one and contempt and sense of misfortune in another. We may be more fortunate than others, but we have little right to make others feel bad about themselves. One might argue that it is not their responsibility. But in Islam, responsibility is always split halfway. It is the responsibility of the owner not to tempt the person and it is the responsibility of the person not to steal the object.

Thus, it is clear that modesty is not something that is to be treated as a burden. It is a blessing, and we must integrate this blessing into our lives, if we are to derive the maximum benefits from them. Let us love Islam and the way of life that it has laid out for us. Let’s us give the da’waa for our religion to other people through our modest behaviors.



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Love Marriage in Islam

on Tuesday, June 25, 2013

Islam is undoubtedly a religion based on nature. It recognizes every legitimate human need and acknowledges it. Islam realizes the requirement to get shelter, food and clothes; and thus permits Muslims to work hard for their earnings. In the same way, our religion identifies the human need to get married and have a family; therefore Islam permits rather orders Muslims to get married. Marriage is indeed an essential social institution as it lays down the basis of a healthy and constructive community.

But is it allowed for Muslims to choose their life partner on their own? Are they permitted to love someone and afterwards get married to him? This is indeed a tricky question, as well as, one of the most frequently asked questions by Muslim youth.

First of all, we must realize that in Islam, there are certain boundaries that curtail needless communication between males and females. Allah addresses the Mothers of Muslims (Wives of Holy Prophet PBUH) in Al-Ahzaab:

“O wives of the Prophet, you are not like anyone among women. If you fear Allah, then do not be soft in speech [to men], lest he in whose heart is disease should covet, but speak with appropriate speech.”

This is just not an exclusive order for Mothers of Muslims, but it is a guiding principle of ethics and morality for all Muslim women.

Allah orders Muslim men and women to “lower their gaze” in order to promote chastity in the society. The same way, Allah has ordered Muslim Women to cover themselves when they go out. Allah orders in Quran:

“O Prophet! Tell your wives and your daughters and the women of ‎the believers to draw their cloaks (veils) over their bodies (when outdoors). That is most convenient that they should be known and not molested.”

Think for a while: If we were truly acting upon these principles of Allah, was there any chance for men and women to intermingle and hence, like each other? The kind of love marriage, which is a norm these days, is based on meetings, parties, exchange of messages, social media, and phone calls. Such a relationship before marriage is, by no means, permissible in Islam.

Islam provides both men and women with the right to show their consent for marrying someone. It certainly does not imply Allah’s permission to court and date a girl.

However, we have to look at our society and the era we are going through. Co-education right from the beginning of one’s schooling till university level, mixed functions, free correspondence with each other, the concept of “being friends”, no concept of hijab in the majority of population, and availability of phones and personal computers has entirely altered the morals and ethics of Muslim society. We can clearly see a huge and deep impact of western media on their lives; following metal singers and rappers, getting inspired by actors, and idealizing teenaged musicians are few prevalent traits.

Keeping the above said things in our minds, we can very well understand that it won’t be surprising to find out such young Muslims falling in love with each other. Here, I would assert that parents have a huge role in shaping up what comes next.

Respected Parents: If your kids like each other and want to get married, kindly do not overreact. Do not tell them that they need to get a degree yet and have to stabilize their lives first. Please get your concepts straight and go through Allah’s rules regarding marriage once again. He has ordered His followers to get their children married as soon as they become adults. Be thankful to Allah that your kids are not getting involved in illegitimate relationships and have rather come to you for help. Best way to handle the matter is to get them married to each other. Anyhow, this does not mean that you have to get them married even if you find flaws in their choice, or the reason of their choice. You have all the authority of parenthood to exercise.

Though there is no concept in Islam for such a love marriage because Allah has strict rules of Hijab and segregated get-togethers. However, in today’s era parents must listen to their kids’ need of getting married to the person of their choice; but only after ample scrutiny.

In the end, I would like to suggest something to parents. When Allah has told us that girls/boys are perfectly ready to get married; it means that they actually are! They might still be kids in your eyes; you might feel they act childish usually; but do not forget that Allah knows better than you do. Puberty brings all the natural needs and drives along which, when there is no legal way, forces young kids to involve in illicit relationships and unethical acts.

Therefore, kindly think what you are doing to your kids for not getting them married at the age Allah has prescribed for them. When you’ll get them married at that age, there will be no room for any illegal/Haram act. Please, protect yourselves and your kids from the vices that are the outcome of late marriages.



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Islam in France

on Thursday, June 20, 2013

The primary Muslims came to France hundreds of years ago, emulating the occupation of Spain by the Moors in the eighth century. Some settled on the edge of Toulouse and even as far north as Burgundy, and there are stays of an eighth-century mosque in Narbonne.

Basque nation, and around Narbonne and in the Béarn. By the fifteenth century, the development of ocean exchange carried the French into contact with Islam in the Ottoman territory, in West Africa, and in the Indian Ocean.

With magnificent development, France turned into a “defender” or colonizer of numerous regions with lion’s share Muslim populace, as in Egypt (1798), Algeria (1830), West Africa (1880), Tunisia (1881), Morocco (1912), and Syria and Lebanon (1920). The most fabulous number of Muslims moved to France throughout the contemporary period, in the wake of the colonial wars of freedom (1954–62). Their vicinity in France today could be followed once again to the finish of this time of decolonization, when numerous Muslims were formally enlisted for work, yet a great part of the migration was spontaneous Outside viewers of Islam in France frequently paint a picture of a homogeneous Muslim neighborhood that is quick picking up on the “local” French populace, one whose religious constancy stands in stark stand out from its environment. The rate of extension of this group and its recognized float far from standard French social order was the subject of much hypothesis and political moving, both by aspiring Muslim pioneers and by the amazing right in French legislative issues. The Front National (FN) (National Front) party once printed on its fight publications the startling and erroneous forecast “France will be a Muslim nation by 2020.”

The majority of individuals in France, consistent with another survey, accept that Islam is excessively compelling in French social order, and essentially half see Muslims as a risk to their national character. France, which is home to an expected six million Muslims, has the biggest Muslim populace in the European Union. There are presently, indeed, more practicing Muslims in France than there are practicing Roman Catholics.

Taken together, the investigation information furnishes exact proof that Islam is well on its route to surpassing Roman Catholicism as the predominant religion in France. This pattern is likewise reflected in the way that mosques are being built more regularly in France than are Roman Catholic churches; a large number of mosques are presently under development in France.

The sum number of mosques in France has as of recently reached to more than 2,000 throughout only the previous ten years, reports say. “Constructing Mosques: The Governance of Islam in France and the Netherlands.” The head of the Grand Mosque of Paris, Dalil Boubakeur, has called for the amount of mosques in the France to be reached –to 4,000 –to take care of developing demand.

By difference, the Roman Catholic Church has manufactured just 20 new houses of worship in France throughout the previous decade and has formally shut more than 60, a significant number of which are ordained to come to be mosques, consistent with exploration directed by La Croix, a Roman Catholic daily paper based in Paris.

In the meantime, the Socialist government in France as of late introduced another mega-mosque in Paris as a first stage towards “dynamically raising a French Islam.”

Each year in the estimated 150 Muslim conversion ceremonies are performed in the snow-white structure of the Sahaba mosque in Créteil, with its mind boggling mosaics and a shocking 81-foot minaret, inherent 2008 and an image of Islam’s developing vicinity in France. Around those who come here for Friday Prayer are various young previous Roman Catholics, wearing the accepted Muslim cap and long robe.

While the number of converts remains moderately minor in France, yearly transformations to Islam have multiplied in the previous 25 years, experts say, showing a developing test for France, where government and open mentality to Islam are awkward, and now and again threatening.



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History of Islam in China

on Wednesday, June 12, 2013

The history of Islam in China dates back over 14 centuries. As per historians, Islam was brought to China by Sa’d Ibn abhi Waqqas who was sent to China by the third Caliph Uthman. This was a few years after the death of Prophet Muhammad. China during that time was under the Tang Dynasty and emperor Gaozong. The Chinese warmly welcomed the Muslim embassy and also had a Mosque built which is known as the Memorial Mosque in Canton. After this embassy, Muslims merchants and diplomats came to China regularly and this started the interaction between Muslims and native Chinese.

The first Muslims in China were primarily Persian and Arab merchants. During the Tang era, Muslim merchants came regularly via the Silk road, and they formed the basis of the Chinese Muslim population. The Muslims brought with them their culture, cuisine and musical instruments.

Most of the Muslims that went to China went to trade, and they made a very large impact on the economy of China at that time. During the Song Era, the Muslim traders handled most of the import/export industry. The Song emperor at the time Shen-tsung sent an invitation to 5300 Muslims from Bukhara who then came and settled in China. A decade after that also in the Song Era another 10,000 Arabs migrated to China and settled in different areas. The impact of the Muslims at that time can be judged from the fact that the Chinese materia medica was republished during the Song Era, and it included around 200 medicines from the Muslims.

After the Song Era came the Yuan Era in which the Muslims further excelled. The rulers had many Muslims in administrative positions all over China. Of the 12 districts of the Yuan Dynasty 8 of those had Muslim governors and the remaining 4, Vice Governors were Muslim. The rulers encouraged the Muslim immigration and the populations of Muslims reached 4 Million.

After that came the Ming Dynasty during which the Muslims continued to increase. Yunnan and Shandong were the centers of Islamic learning. Many of the commanders of the emperor were Muslims. Also, Muslims enjoyed freedom in every way in terms of religious practice and freedom of worship.

The Muslims started to integrate into the Chinese culture and became isolated from the rest of the Islamic world. They adapted the Chinese language and clothes, also in many cases they started to keep Chinese surnames. They became so integrated that it was hard to distinguish the Muslims from the Chinese.

During the Qing Era, there were a lot of mosques in key cities in China. Many Muslims held key positions in the government and the Army. Also during this time, travelling became easy and many Chinese Muslims became the first Muslims to go to New Zealand. In the Dungun and Panthay Areas of China, the Muslims revolted against the Qing Dynasty and many were killed, but in other areas of China, there were no revolt everything remained normal, and those Muslims remain unaffected.

In 1911, the Republic of China was formed, and that eased off a little tension between the different peoples living in China. After th forming the republic, a better relationship was created between the Muslims in China and the Muslim states in the Middle East. Muslim federations established in different areas in China, and religion and cultural activities flourished for the Muslims in China. An estimate of 20 Million Muslims were in China at that time.

Around 1950, the Muslims in China faced quite a few challenges. The cultural revolution started and the government in many cases accessed the Muslims and other religions for promoting anti socialist trends. There were many cases where mosques were destroyed, and copies of the holy Quran were destroyed along with other religious institutes. Then in 1979, with Deng Xiaopeng the Chinese Government started a more liberal attitude towards the Chinese Muslims. New rules and regulations were passed by which Muslims were allowed to practice the religion freely and were also allowed to use their own spoken and written language along with their own culture and education.

Today in China, Islam is going through a revival period, and there are many mosques in China. Many Islamic organizations are set up which are helping Muslims communicate with each other and with the outside world. In most areas in China, Muslims have a lot of freedom except for some areas where there is unrest among some Muslims. The main unrest is from the Uighur Muslims which are Turkic Muslims who are constantly fighting to have a separate state of Turkistan which existed in the 1920s.

There were several positive signs for the Chinese Muslims over the years, and the government of China has shown its support to the Muslims as Muslim even though is a minority in China, but they still make an impact on the economy of the country. In 2007, CCTV which is a state run television channel ordered all the Ad agencies to not include images of pig in the advertisement to avoid conflict with the Muslims as pigs are prohibited as food in Islam.

Islam in China has a very long history, but since the start we see that Islam was very dominant in China and has a major impact on the Chinese economy and the government. A lot of Chinese medicines even today have traces of ancient Islamic medicines. Compared to an earlier time, Muslims are not that many but they still play a major role in the country. Still there are a lot of key positions that are being helped by Muslims. Relationships between the Muslims and other people in China is very healthy.

Islamic Association of China is the biggest Muslim organization in the countery. The purpose is to make sure that the Muslims in China stay in good relationship with the other people. The organization also works in making sure that Islam has spread to all parts of China.



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Can Islam Survive in the West?

on Thursday, May 2, 2013

Sadly, unfortunately, whatever you say it has been a long time since the reputation of Islam has been destroyed among the whole world due to terrorism. The people of the West show their hatred feelings against Muslims by protesting against them, sometimes burning the Holy Quran, sometimes by making films against them, and other times by drawing sketches of Holy Prophet Mohammad (S.A.W). People of the West think that Islamic societies are religiously oppressed compared to their own democracies. Because of all these misunderstandings, peace has whipped out between them.

Peace could only be kept among the two communities by strict punishment of those people who are found guilty. In this way, the brotherly relations between the communities could be made. Moreover, any community should not attack any religion. Everyone should keep their own faith.

Can Islam survive in the West? It was not a question before, but due to the recent attacks the hatred feelings started in the West against the Muslims.

Especially after the 9/11 attacks and Boston attacks, when several innocent people lost their lives, were major reason to hate Muslims. People who are doing this just want to spoil the name of Islam among the whole world. They just use religion for the cause of terrorism. They should be ashamed of themselves of what they are doing. Any person found guilty in this case should be strictly punished. This thing will satisfy the West that Islam is a peace loving religion and strongly opposes killing of innocent people. There are several groups of Taliban’s. Notable one’s are:

Now, people of  the West are scared of Muslims. Muslims followers do not get jobs in the West as they think that it could be risky. Muslim students studying in the West have problems in making friends, and they lonely. Moreover, the Western people do not respect Muslims worship places.

This is because of those people who want to destroy the peace in the world, and brotherly relations between communities. They do not care if there is a child or an old man or woman; they come with the mindset of killing people. Many sole earners of poor families are killed; children do not come back home, and whole life of parent’s passes in crying in memories of their love one’s. Pakistan and Afghanistan are the affected areas where people listens the sound of bombs and firing daily.

Countries affected by terrorism should be given help by other countries so that one day it would totally finish. Islam can survive in the West, and will survive in the West because a Muslim is not a terrorist but they just use the name of Islam, and one day surely people would see Muslims as like others. Both communities and the whole world should be united against terrorism and end it as early as possible so that one day the whole world will be a place of peace and comfort.



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Let’s Blame Islam for the Boston Massacre

on Saturday, April 20, 2013

By now, few people are in the dark about what is going on in Boston, Massachusetts. The amount of information available to people, however, has remained limited. Knee-jerk media reports had earlier suggested that a Saudi man present at the Boston Marathon was somehow involved in one of the deadliest terrorist attacks on American soil in recent times. However, when evidence surfaced that he was just as innocent as anybody else, the media was heavily criticized for being biased against people who are from Muslim countries. The criticism intensified when rumors spread that two Russian men were in fact involved in the terrorist attack. In an interesting turn of events, however, some media channels have revealed that the YouTube channel one of the two Caucasian suspects suggests that he was influenced by Islamic fundamentalists.

It is still extremely unclear whether these men carried out these attacks. The FBI has been reluctant to call them anything more than suspects, and until any court of law finds them guilty of conducting terrorist activities, it would be wrong to call them terrorists. The American people are proud of their constitution and the fact that it gives everybody the right to due process of law. Unfortunately, both men were shot down by FBI agents in their attempt to secure the American people. We will never know the exact motivation behind the attacks so we are forced to rely on what little information we have. This YouTube channel makes up the majority of that information.

If nothing else, the Boston Marathon attack has reminded many Americans that Islam is inherently violent. Such a deduction, in my opinion, is extremely unfair. I am not going to defend my point by arguing that Islam is inherently and entirely peaceful, because such a claim would be difficult to support. Even if one of the two suspects was inspired by the tenets of Islam, which I will not deny, Islam does not necessarily preach violence. All Abrahamic religions have vast room for interpretation, and that is what makes them so popular among followers. Whether it is Christianity, Judaism or Islam, religion can be interpreted to almost anything you want it to be.

Muslims have been living in America for decades now, contributing actively towards the betterment of society. I hope people realize that statements like ‘Islam means terrorism’ and ‘All Muslims are terrorists’ (just a couple that I picked up from the YouTube channel) only make them look like prejudicial, ignorant people who walk into the shallow path of stereotypes. Muslims are more than a single interpretation of Islam. Let’s not forget that. I live in a country with a Muslim-majority population. I live in the most dangerous city in the world (Time Magazine, 2012). I attended a silent protest to pay respects to the victims of the Boston Marathon massacre, even though no one from my city was even remotely responsible for the tragedy that occurred. Do all Muslims really want innocent Americans to be killed?



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WHAT MUSLIMS ARE DOING TO PRESENT A BETTER IMAGE OF ISLAM

on Tuesday, April 16, 2013

“INVITE ALL TO THE WAY OF LORD, WITH WISDOM AND BEAUTIFUL PREACHING, AND ARGUE WITH THEM IN WAYS THAT ARE BEST AND MOST GRACIOUS!”

(AL-QURAN 16:125)

Islam is a universal religion. It is meant for all mankind. ALLAH is the Lord of the whole universe. Therefore, Muslims have been allotted with the duty of conveying his message to the entire universe. To develop a better image of Islam among all humans, we should be very sensitive towards our duty. Revealing Islam as the best code of life, we should share its preaching to whom this knowledge is not yet conveyed.

In most of the cases, it is usually not sufficient to mention only positive aspects of Islam. As many non-Muslims are not convinced with this positive nature of Islam because there are few questions at the back of their minds which are remained unanswered. For the time, they may agree with your contentions, but deep in their minds they have few ambiguities; like the possibilty of marrying more than one woman by Muslim men. During preaching, we should give a free hand to non-Muslims to reveal their points of view and criticism.

To prove Islam as the best religion of the world, Muslims need to take some physical and mental steps.

Muslims should read Quran every day. As the Quran is a direct speech of ALLAH. It’s a way of guidance for Muslims. Islam emphasizes on treating people gently. Islam strictly prohibits terrorism. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said :

“Don’t kill women and children and non-combatants and don’t kill old people or religious people ….”

Muslims, therefore, request from the media and the people not to use annoying phrases such as “Muslim terrorists” when mentioning a terrorist attack.

According to Islamic teachings, men and women should be treated and respected equally so that this world comes to know that Muslims are not cruel, instead Muslims are against brutality. Muslims should allow their women equally to seek knowledge and education. Since from the beginning of Islam, there were no restrictions and prohibition for women to seek education and employments.

Muslims must be clean to represent their religion as purity is half of faith. A Muslim should never miss his prayer and try to pray at MASJID as much as possible. Muslims can show Islam as the best religion for all mankind by uniting the Muslims around the world. ALLAH said in the Quran:

“Hold fast altogether by the rope which ALLAH (stretches out for you) and be not divide among yourselves: and remember with gratitude Allah’s favor on you; for ye were enemies and He joined your hearts in love so that by His grace ye became brethren”. (Verse 013, Al-i-Imran).

Muslims should avoid division by ignoring all kind of local nationalism. Muslims are largely divided due to their sectarian beliefs in the name of Islam. By taking these measures, Muslims can influence the image of Islam and show it as the best religion of the world.



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Islam and the Modern World

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With a number of people calling themselves liberal minded and renouncing religion, with the excuse of being unable to mix modern life and their region, religious leaders worry for the state of the future religion. Islam is not left out in this modern, liberal world. A number of people in the modern world equate religion to rigidity and stagnation.

Islam seeks to go beyond its teachings of prayer and worship, in addition to its set of moral counsels. It seeks to understand man’s relations with God as well as with fellow men. Since Islam also seeks to deal with individual rights and obligations, then it stands out more in the limelight than other religions, with respect of how it copes in its teachings with the ever-changing world.

It has been noted from a number of non-Muslim writers and intellectuals that have studied the Islamic laws, both civil and social, that Islam actually has a body of progressive laws. These progressive laws have led to Islam being attributed as an everlasting and living nation, capable of being manipulated or used in all circumstances and times.

An example of Dr Shibli Shama’il who is an Arabic materialist of Lebanon, regardless of being a materialist, he has expressed his appreciation of Islam as a living religion that can be applicable to all times. He is quoted as saying, ”Those Europeans who attack Islam, either do not know it or criticize it with the bad intention of making the people of the East skeptical about their laws and their system with a view to keeping them under the western tutelage.” This is an extraction from the second volume of his book. “Philosophy of Evolution” that is published in Arabic.

A number of people from the educated class, still question whether or not Islam is compatible with the present modern age. There is a perception that since the world is changing, religion too is bound to change. But if the question of whether or not Islam will evolve with change is answered in the philosophical sense, then it can be observed that it is only the material things of the world that are changing. It goes without saying that, with the modern world, imperfect things in life are replaced with perfect ones.

There are questions of the holy wars, the role of women, and the rise of fundamentalism in the world. Islam may have conflicts with the western world, but in the same breath there are also fundamental tensions within Islam. A number of Muslims feel that the tenants of the Muslim faith have been distorted with actions of its radical elements. Within Islam itself, there is an internal conflict between Muslims who are trying to reconcile tradition with open society and democracy, and those who have reverted to rigid practices and fundamentalist in order to counter the spread of modernism.

A large number of Muslims from all over the world are peace-loving and moderate people who are trying to go about their daily lives while struggling with their values, and trying to reconcile those values to the realities of the modern world. They are no different from any other religious affiliation that is trying to walk the straight path to God.



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Islam Never Forces To Convert

on Monday, April 15, 2013

Ever since the incident of September 11 in America, the anti Islamic forces including the Western media has done everything possible to defame Islam. This felt necessary as Islam has become the fastest growing religion in the West. Islam is soon to become the religion with the largest number of followers in the entire world. The situation is so alarming that the  anti Islamic forces have all joined their heads together to chalk out a plan to stop this.

As a result, you can see that the Western print and electronic media doing everything at their hands to divert away people from it. They are portraying Islam as a based on terrorism religion, which can haunt people anywhere anytime. Muslims are portrayed to have been brought up in a brutal environment. It is also publicized that Islam is an oppressive force that is creating an army of savages. All of these ideas are completely wrong. Any sane person can clearly see that it is propaganda to defame Islam and to demoralize others from converting to it.

Islam has never forced anything upon its Muslim followers. Just like an electronics company would do while selling its products, the Muslims  are given the complete code of guidelines, to live their lives, in the form of the Holy Quran, and Sunnah (the lifestyle) of Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). These two things encompass the entire religion. Hence, all Muslims should follow those guidelines. In order to lead a successful life, they should hold strictly to them. It will be their own misfortune if they do not. They have also been told which acts will result in reward and which may result in punishment from Allah on the day of judgment. After that, the Muslims are left free. Now they can choose their own fate.

Had Islam been spread by force then it could certainly not be spreading at such a high rate in the West. Never in history can be found a single example of someone being forced to convert to Islam. The Christian Popes, missionaries and bishops and the representatives of all other religions  are free to propagate their religion. In the same way, Islam also encourages its believer to propagate it. However, it has never allowed its followers to force others to accept Islam. Similarly, Allah never enjoined upon its believers to force anyone to follow Islam. Forcing anyone to change his religion by any form of threat is considered a very hideous and sinful act in Islam.

Allah Subhana wa ta’ala also said in Surat Al- Baqarah of the

Holy Qur’an:  “There is no compulsion (or coercion) in the religion (Islam)” (2:256)

The virtuous deeds that are performed due to force or threats are worthless in sight of Allah. Therefore, Islam never forces any of the non-believers to follow its commandments. Instead, they are to be impressed by the performing pious deeds by the Muslims so that they may get attracted to it by themselves.

Islam Never Forces To Convert

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Islam and West – A Change in Attitude is Required

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Nowadays, we come across various debates on the Internet related to Islam and the West. The most favorite topic, for all the Internet users, is whether Islam and the West can ever find peace? You will also come across people discussing the current relations of Islam and the West. So, in a nutshell Islam and the West are the two highly discussed topics on the Internet.

Answering the above stated questions is not an issue. One can either say a big NO or a clear YES, but the key or the solution to these questions lies behind the logic which we largely fail to present. We never ponder on the little things or skip them, considering them as the least important things. We join online debates just for the sake of fun or to present an argument for the sake of an argument. We never join these discussions to find solutions or to appreciate what other persons are saying. This is the major reason behind our failure. This is why, we have failed to find out the answer to the question, CAN ISLAM AND THE WEST EVER FIND PEACE?

A logical reasoning and an answer are the need of the hour. We need to change our attitudes. We cannot expect the higher authorities (government) to spoon feed us. We need to understand our responsibilities and play our part in reforming the society.

The moment we start thinking and taking things seriously, we will come to a sound conclusion – a conclusion which will have a solid answer to our all queries; a conclusion which will unfold everything and present a real picture in front of us.

So, you need to understand that to be a part of some debates and discussions for fun won’t do any good to our society. We need to understand the issue. We need to find out where the problem is, and then we should proceed forward to setting things right.

Therefore, when we talk about Islam and the West, we should realize the seriousness of the issue. It is not a child’s play or something to be ignored without taking a notice. This is a serious issue which demands our attention. This issue needs to be resolved a.s.a.p., else we might witness an outrageous collision of the two resulting in complete destruction.

We need to find out the loop holes, and we should work on them in order to bring the two communities together. We ought to change the perception of people. Though, it is a demanding task, but the end result is fruitful, and take it from me you will not regret it. We do not need any radical changes; we just need a change in our attitudes and the rest will change accordingly.

I hope that you do not take it like any other article on the internet. I am optimistic that you will learn something from it and will apply to see a better world where Islam and the West are at PEACE.



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What Islam says about Husband and Wife Relationship

on Sunday, April 7, 2013

Islam is not merely a religion that asks to you worship and get closer to God. The religion guides humankind in each aspect of life. It is a way of life that is not limited to your relation with God, but also tells you how you should go about with other people, be it your parents, or your siblings, or friends or even your spouse.

Before the advent of Islam, ignorance and wilderness were spread everywhere. Women had no rights neither as sisters, nor as daughters and not even as wives. The religion of Islam came and elevated the position of women. Where it laid down a few rules and principles, it also laid down the basic rules of forming a good mutual understanding between husband and wife. As previously believed that women were much lower in status than men were, Islam raised women and said that both were equal. It gave rights and responsibilities to both husbands and wives. Where there were rights of husbands on wives, Islam also outlined the rights of wives on husbands. If each of them fulfills the rights of others and performs his duties, an amazing husband wife relation is formed that cannot be broken by anybody.

Islam asked wives to obey their husbands. They were asked to protect their husbands’ properties in their absence. A wife is also given the duty to bring up her husband’s children and protect his house. She is not allowed to allow anybody to enter his house without his permission. Islam also taught women that the respect and honor of their husband is actually their respect and honor. Islam also taught women to be thankful to their husbands for whatever they give them. They should be a source of comfort for their husbands. The Holy Quran says:

“Therefore the righteous women are devoutly obedient and guard in (the husband’s) absence what Allah would have them guard.”

(4:34)

On the other side of the coin, where Islam tells a woman how she should be with her husband, it also tells husbands how they should treat their wives. Husbands are ordered to be kind towards their women. The Holy Prophets (Peace be upon Him) is reported to have said: “The best among you is he who is most kind to his wife. “

Similarly, the Holy Prophet (Peace be upon Him) gave a lot of importance to the rights of women and the treatment of wives in his last sermon. He said that wives have rights over husbands and husbands have rights over wives. Husbands should treat their wives with kindness.

Among the rights of wives over husbands outlined by Islam, we see that a man should feed his wife what he eats and make her wear what he wears himself and should not mistreat her.

Similarly, it tells a woman to be obedient towards her husband. She should guard the reputation of her husband in his absence and cause him comfort. It is also narrated by Holy Prophet (Peace be upon Him): “A wife who dies while her husband is pleased with her will enter Paradise.”

Thus, the husband wife bond is a very precious bond. God has made the system of marriage such that both wives and husbands become a source of comfort and support for each other. They should live in peace and cooperation.



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