posted 09 August 2005 07:41 AM            

Inorder to understand any subject one must first understand the framework or context. Otherwise there are too many who will throw out a piece of quraan or authentic hadith - and when taken out of context, it may come to mean something completely the opposite of what is trying to be said.

IMHO, The following are some of the most important basic concepts about Islam:

The "deen" (way of life) of Islam is all encompassing way of life. It affects a persons private, personal, communal, business, goverment, and any other aspect of life that you may wish to address.

It is based on "imaan" (set of beliefs) - which is internal and only between the person and allah s.w.t. (subhaanuhu wa ta'aala may He be praised and exalated) and "islam" (set of actions) - which are external and visible to everyone.

A person who outwardly performs the actions dictated by islam is a muslim ... in the eyes of the law, and his fellow man. But, may not be so in the eyes of Allah s.w.t. if he does not have imaan - again, this is between him and allah s.w.t. alone. (A munafiq is a hypocrite - one who professes Islam but, doens't believe.) Islam does not have a clergy - therefore there is no excommunication possible. There are those who are learned in the Holy Texts (called 'alim sing. or 'ulema pl.), and have dedicated their life to it, but they are human - and can only offer their own opinion on a matter of deen. Eventually each individual will face Allah s.w.t. alone, face-to-face, without any viels separating them, without any intercessors, and will have to answer for his deeds (the time that he spent, his youth, his money - where he earned it from and where is spent it, and how much he acted upon the knowledge that was given to him)

Imaan, the set of beliefs, is composed of two basic central beliefs: that there is one and only one God - Allah s.w.t, and that Mohammad s.a.w. was a human, his last messenger, and last propeht. The concept of god is quite unique to Islam - and often many westerners have a problem getting to grips with it. It is vehemently monotheistic and iconoclastic.

Islam, the set of external actions, is composed of the 5 essential pillars: the profession of faith ["there is no God excpet Allah, and Muhammad [s.a.w.] is his messenger"], the five daily prayers, fasting in the month of ramadhan, giving zakat, and doing hajj for those who can. These are only the fundamental communal rites enjoined by allah s.w.t. These do not, in any way, encompass "all" of islam.

As mentioned earlier, Islam is a complete way of life - from the moment you are born till the moment you die, from the time you wake up everyday to the time you go back to bed, in each and every aspect of life. Thus some have categorized the injunctions of Islam into the following broad categories:
* Eimaaniyaat - Those relating to beliefs
* Ibadaat - Those relating to rituals (prayers)
* Mu'amalaat - Those relating to individual dealings on a personal basis - including the private life.
* Mu'asharat - Those relating to the community as a whole
* Akhlaqiyyat - Those relating to good behaviour / manners - this is the last to be achieved and the first to be abandoned.

Here I will only go into the essential unity of God and how all encompassing this concept is for a muslim. Allah, is the proper name that God chose for himself. He has many names and limitless qualities. He is unique, none of his creation resembles him nor can imagine him, thus we accept him as he is - and ponder on his creation to get a glimpse of his qualities. He is pure and complete in his qualities. By this I mean - we say "Allah is Great" for he is the only one who is great, he is not "greater" for this would imply that there are others who are great - but to a lesser degree (if you catch my drift). And this is so for ALL his qualites. He created man as his viceroy on earth - thus the task for man is to try to emulate the qualities of allah s.w.t. The more he does so the closer he gets to allah s.w.t.

Let us consider what is meant by the term "god" in an islamic context. One of the essential qualities of "god" (godhead, if you want) is to be able to cause an effect. Islamically, all effects emanate directly from allah s.w.t.: "a leaf does not fall, nor a drop of rain but by the command of allah s.w.t." It is true that He has a systems of angels, all deputed to tasks (to make sure that the grain that grows in china reaches the person for whom it is desitned, etc ...) but, it is allah s.w.t. who orders the angel to do what they do - the angels are not left on "auto-pilot" so to say. It is He who creates life - not the parents. It is not that he created the first couple and then left it on "auto-pilot" - each time it is He who creates. It is He who makes the sun rise from the east - the sun is not on auto-pilot (as someone mention in another thread). The "laws of nature" are His laws - he does not go about doing what he wishes (ie. making the sun rise from the east one day, the west the next, the north the third, etc.) and create havoc - although he has the power and the authority to do so. The miracles of the prophets - that he gave to each prophet - were glimpses of his power and authority, for those of intellect, when he chose to negate or go against the said "laws of nature." Each persons individual lives, IMHO, is sprinkled with tiny examples of "miracles" - if they but reflected.

Thus, since Allah, and only allah, is alone responsible for ALL effects - we turn ONLY to him for help, succour, guidance, etc... In this, through his mercy, he has not left us alone - to find out, experiment, and research how to gain his pleasure. Thoughout the history of mankind - from the first man Adam a.s. - he sent prophets, from among the people, who led exemplary lives - practically show their people that deen was not a theoretical philosophy but a practical reality; each was a model to be emulated for his people in each and every detail. It is variously reported that approx. 124,000 - 240,000 prophets came between Adam a.s. and the last prophet s.a.w. (upon whom be peace and salutations). They all came with essentially the same message - "believe in the one and only one God, follow my example, and you will be sucessful in this life and the hereafter". The prophet s.a.w. was the last and as such an example for mankind, till the final day - those closer a persons life reflects his (in outward actions, and inner beliefs, worries, concerns, feelings) he closer he will get to allah s.w.t. Thus, the importance of the prophet s.a.w. The Sahaba r.a. were the Companions of the prophet s.a.w. - were thus tutored by him personally. Thus we have not only the prophet s.a.w. to look to inorder to interpret some of the difficult verses of the Quraan - since he was "the living walking talking Quraan" but, also the lives of the Sahaba r.a. to refer to if there are examples in the life of the Prophet s.a.w. which we may not comprehend. Thus there is great width in Islam which might not have been so if we were limited to the life of one man - he can only show so many examples and variety (for example. The prophet s.a.w. never ate two full meals a day ... now if this were necessary for humanity to reach allah s.w.t. there would be great hardship for the common man)

Now here, I must sadly make a statement - There is not a single person alive today (illa ma sha' allah - except those whom allah chooses) who can lay claim to the statement that, "my life is like a reflection of that of the prophet s.a.w." neither to a more generalized claim that, "my life is close to a reflection of that of the prophet s.a.w." If this is the state of the ummah, in general - then to find a family, a town, city, let alone a whole country, who can lay claim to being "Islamic" is an impossibility. But, this is not meant to discourage those who are truly seeking to advance themselves - for allah s.w.t judges by intensions as supported by actions. That is to say that a person who sincerely seeks to better himself (and those around him) and become closer to allah s.w.t. and starts to take positive steps in that direction ... if death overtakes him before he reaches his goal, allah s.w.t the ever merciful, will raise him up on the day of judgement among the company of those who reached their destination.

The above I have written as a means for those wishing to understand islam, and it's context better. The book of Islam is Quraan - but, to understand Quraan I find it better to recommend those wishing to understand Islam better is to read about the life of the Prophet s.a.w. (Martin Lings has a done a good job for starters) for he was the Quraan personified.

I do not wish to argue the existance of god - for I personally believe that it is a matter of belief - for those who do not believe, no amount of "proof" will convince them of the latter; and for those who do - there is no need.

May allah s.w.t. guide all of us to the right path.

Edited to correct typos.

[This message has been edited by Pendarth (edited 09 August 2005).]

[This message has been edited by Pendarth (edited 17 August 2005).]

[This message has been edited by Pendarth (edited 17 August 2005).]

posted 09 August 2005 05:02 PM            

Very nice and enjoyable post you have written.

Welcome to the board and hopefully you will find it enjoyable.

Out of curiosity, where are you from? I'm from Egypt and lives in Cairo

posted 09 August 2005 11:33 PM            

from London , UK (originally Pakistan)

could you please reply to my post Facility for Disabled Travellers ... I feel as if I'm being ignored

Just because it's a serious thread / not a juicy flamer one - I feel people are ignoring it
jazakallah.

posted 10 August 2005 05:05 AM            

Judaism and its offspring, Christianity, though heavily involved in political affairs throughout the ages, have kept their dignified distance from such carnal matters. These are religions of "heaven" as opposed to Islam, a practical, pragmatic, hands on, ubiquitous, "earthly" creed.

Secular religions - Democratic Liberalism, Communism, Fascism, Nazism, Socialism and other isms - are more akin to Islam than to, let's say, Buddhism. They are universal, prescriptive, and total. They provide recipes, rules, and norms regarding every aspect of existence - individual, social, cultural, moral, economic, political, military, and philosophical.

Militant Islam is, therefore, not a cancerous mutation of "true" Islam. On the contrary, it is the purest expression of its nature as an imperialistic religion which demands unmitigated obedience from its followers and regards all infidels as both inferior and avowed enemies.

The same can be said about Democratic Liberalism. Like Islam, it does not hesitate to exercise force, is missionary, colonizing, and regards itself as a monopolist of the "truth" and of "universal values". Its antagonists are invariably portrayed as depraved, primitive, and below par.

posted 10 August 2005 05:53 AM            

quote:

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Originally posted by kafir4ever:
Islam is not merely a religion. It is also and perhaps, foremost, a state ideology. It is all pervasive and missionary. It permeates every aspect of social cooperation and culture. It is an organizing principle, a narrative, a philosophy, a value system. In this it resembles Confucianism and to some extent Hinduism.

Judaism and its offspring, Christianity, though heavily involved in political affairs throughout the ages, have kept their dignified distance from such carnal matters. These are religions of "heaven" as opposed to Islam, a practical, pragmatic, hands on, ubiquitous, "earthly" creed.

Secular religions - Democratic Liberalism, Communism, Fascism, Nazism, Socialism and other isms - are more akin to Islam than to, let's say, Buddhism. They are universal, prescriptive, and total. They provide recipes, rules, and norms regarding every aspect of existence - individual, social, cultural, moral, economic, political, military, and philosophical.

Militant Islam is, therefore, not a cancerous mutation of "true" Islam. On the contrary, it is the purest expression of its nature as an imperialistic religion which demands unmitigated obedience from its followers and regards all infidels as both inferior and avowed enemies.

The same can be said about Democratic Liberalism. Like Islam, it does not hesitate to exercise force, is missionary, colonizing, and regards itself as a monopolist of the "truth" and of "universal values". Its antagonists are invariably portrayed as depraved, primitive, and below par.

Such mutually exclusive claims were bound to lead to an all out conflict sooner or later.

---

If your words are true , then maybe you can answer this question :
why did the west separate Gov from Church?

posted 10 August 2005 07:29 AM            

quote:

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Originally posted by Humanized:
If your words are true , then maybe you can answer this question :
why did the west separate Gov from Church?

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It has to do with democracy. Religion is a personal choice and should never be used in regards to decision making for the whole population. Not everyone believes in a certain faith. If politics and religion mix the problems arise of what religions and what issues. Christians may want a ban on abortions..the Muslim community may want headscarves worn by all women in public.
A religious person might be happy to have their religious issues as part of the state law but would they really be willing to accept the issues of other religions?

Secularists however do not hold that the state must be opposed to religion.

The opposite of secularism is a theocracy in which the state and state religion are inseperable and the rule of law is based on interpretation of a religious texts such as the Bible or the Koran. Countries like Saudi Arabia, the Vatican and Iran, in state affairs are managed by religious authority or by its explicit consent. In such theocracies, a citizen is considered to be a member of the state religion merely due to his citizenship, and is subject to religious injunctions and is legally required to believe and worship appropriately. Not very undemocratic..

There are a number of proposed reasons to support a separation of church and state:
* The rights of the minority have historically been violated by the rights of the majority. Members of a non majority religion often find themselves persecuted, socially shunned, and harassed.

* The church might harm the state. For example, religious conviction might cause the state to become involved in a disastrous war, or to remain pacific when force is necessary for the preservation of the state. It may also influence public policies in a manner detrimental to those who do not follow all the church's teachings; for instance, historically, the Catholic Church had its views of baptism enforced, which led to persecution and emigration to the United States by dissenting groups. In addition, religious conviction may make political debate difficult, it being impossible to contradict arguments which, essentially, arise from personal faith. Granting them official status allows politicians to use religion as an argument from authority.

posted 10 August 2005 07:55 AM            

quote:

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Originally posted by Humanized:
If your words are true , then maybe you can answer this question :
why did the west separate Gov from Church?

---

Humanized, no offense intended ... lets keep to the topic; lets post this discussion of separation of state and religion in a new thread ?

quote:

---

Originally posted by kafir4ever:
Islam is not merely a religion. It is also and perhaps, foremost, a state ideology. It is all pervasive and missionary. It permeates every aspect of social cooperation and culture. It is an organizing principle, a narrative, a philosophy, a value system. In this it resembles Confucianism and to some extent Hinduism.

... as opposed to Islam, a practical, pragmatic, hands on, ubiquitous, "earthly" creed.

Militant Islam is, therefore, not a cancerous mutation of "true" Islam. On the contrary, it is the purest expression of its nature as an imperialistic religion which demands unmitigated obedience from its followers and regards all infidels as both inferior and avowed enemies.

The same can be said about Democratic Liberalism. Like Islam, it does not hesitate to exercise force, is missionary, colonizing, and regards itself as a monopolist of the "truth" and of "universal values". Its antagonists are invariably portrayed as depraved, primitive, and below par.

Such mutually exclusive claims were bound to lead to an all out conflict sooner or later.

---

In the general thrust of your ideas I cannot agree with you more

quote:

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Originally posted by Pendarth:
The "deen" (way of life) of Islam is all encompassing way of life. It affects a persons private, personal, communal, business, goverment, and any other aspect of life that you may wish to address.

---

I really can't comment on the other philophicies, teachings, and religions ... as I do not consider myself capable on speaking on their behalf.

But, the places where I beg to differ are:

1. That it is "perhaps, foremost, a state ideology."

Since, it is a complete way of life - it includes the way of life for those who happen to be kings, ministers, teachers, sweepers, butchers, etc ... It is foremost neither for the kings nor for the butchers. It is a way of leading your life according to the belief that there is one and only one God, who alone can cause an effect regardless of how small or how gigantuous it may be. Therefore the only way achieve anything is through him.

2. Secondly, "(Islam) regards all infidels as both inferior and avowed enemies ... Its antagonists are invariably portrayed as depraved, primitive, and below par ... Such mutually exclusive claims were bound to lead to an all out conflict sooner or later."

These statements, I agree, would be the perception formed by someone who looks at, as you call it, "militant islam" (although it would be nice if you defined it - so that we are both talking about the same thing). But, Islam does not support this. The love that the prophet s.a.w. had for the common man - even his enemies has been accepted and documented even by those that opposed him. I will only refer to the conquest of Mecca - which had left no stone unturned in his persecution, banishment, repression, torture , even to the extent of planning to kill him - not for a few days or weeks but for 13 years continously, without respite. Yet upon his return - everyone was given amnesty - except for the handful who refused to lay down arms and came to battle.

As stated above, the goal of Islam is not to usurp governments, but, to take the entire humanity to jannah. There will always be those that try to oppose equality, justice, humanity, kindness, benevolence, and all decent values - for them there is no cure, but, to cleanse the land of them. It is in this context that it is said that, "fitna (corruption) is worse than murder." I think historians are agreed that the Judaism and Christianity flourished under Islam. [Again, I will accede that tyrants came and persecuted them - but, let us not blame Islam for the tyranny of a ruler or dynasty ... they will answer for their deeds, just as you and I will].

Personally, if I look at the world today ... I do not, IMHO, think that there would be place today who would not want their governments, leaders, politicians, businessmen, traders, all the stata from top to bottom - to become honest, transparent, kind, gentle, benevolent, and human. IMHO, this is what Islam offers - on a "a practical, pragmatic, hands on" basis (as you call it)

I appears to me, correct me if I am wrong, that your greatest concern is the prosletysing aspect of Islam. But, sit back and reflect ... what are you doing in this post. You would like me to accept the position which in your view is "correct." Isn't that prosletysing? Islam cannot be forced upon anyone, niether is it meant to be - for it is not just the outward ritual but a way of life based upon internal beliefs. All I can do is try to the best of my ability - sacrificing all that I hold dear - to show my fellow man that I love him, care for him, and have the best regard for him and in this context try to explain that I "personally" have found that this works for me.

Edited to correc typos - damn, I wish they had a preview function !

posted 10 August 2005 08:00 AM            

quote:

---

Originally posted by kafir4ever:
There are a number of proposed reasons to support a separation of church and state:
* The rights of the minority have historically been violated by the rights of the majority. Members of a non majority religion often find themselves persecuted, socially shunned, and harassed.

---

posted 10 August 2005 08:05 AM            

quote:

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originally posted by Pendarth
Humanized, no offense intended ... lets keep to the topic; lets post this discussion of separation of state and religion in a new thread ?

---

posted 10 August 2005 08:26 AM            

quote:

---

Originally posted by Humanized:
Wouldn't the Western Muslims be considered as minority? or should they hide and live in fear?
and does democracy treat them as Muslims or as Free individuals?

---

It is the other way round. WE live in fear. Muslims are treated very well in the West. How are Christians are treated in Islamic countries? Can we say the same? How are Christians are treated in Iran, Saudi, Arabia, and the other Islamic countries. How about Lebanon that used to be 80% Christian?

The problem is not with the West but with Muslims. There is something fundamentally wrong with thrm. At the root of this is their worldview, which divides nations into believers and infidels, Muslims and non Muslims, the chosen and the misguided, the blessed and the accursed, the virtuous and the decadent.

Throughout the western world there are hundreds of societies bearing the name of only one religion and that is ISLAM. Examples: AMC, AMA, NABIC, ICNA, ISNA, CAIR etc. etc. There are hundreds of Ummatic organizations/societies throughout the North America and elsewhere in the whole world. Ummatic organizations mostly preach segregation/isolation of Muslims from other peoples in general in the host countries. They teach Muslims that they are superior and their religion is superior and ask to guard their children from mixing with the western "rotten" society. As a result, future generations of Muslims can not blend with the society of host country resulting isolationists and problematic youngsters in an alien society.

posted 10 August 2005 09:25 AM            

quote:

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Originally posted by Humanized:
Wouldn't the Western Muslims be considered as minority? or should they hide and live in fear?
and does democracy treat them as Muslims or as Free individuals?

---

The American Constitution, when applied correctly, protects the rights of the minority (of whatever form) because it stands for justice for all. That *correct* application is the key, though.

Just like I think Islamic law, from what I have learned, protects the rights of the minority when applied correctly because it is just and fair as well.

posted 10 August 2005 09:29 AM            

quote:

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Originally posted by kafir4ever:
The problem is not with the West but with Muslims. There is something fundamentally wrong with thrm.

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posted 10 August 2005 09:50 AM            

quote:

---

Originally posted by kafir4ever:
It is the other way round. WE live in fear. Muslims are treated very well in the West. How are Christians are treated in Islamic countries? Can we say the same? How are Christians are treated in Iran, Saudi, Arabia, and the other Islamic countries.

---

I was asking about the point you mentioned :

quote:

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There are a number of proposed reasons to support a separation of church and state:
* The rights of the minority have historically been violated by the rights of the majority. Members of a non majority religion often find themselves persecuted, socially shunned, and harassed.

---

and wasnt asking about your personal opinion and generalization you said about how Muslims are treating/treated in the west!

and what do you mean by WE?- who are you and who you represent? you can only express your own point of view.

Last, i was asking about Western Muslims in their homelands , how would they be treated as a minority in a democratic system disregarding religion?

posted 10 August 2005 01:38 PM            

quote:

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Originally posted by Humanized:
Note : forgive me Pendarth - i wont post again regarding this subject in this thread

---

posted 11 August 2005 03:31 AM            

[This message has been edited by kafir4ever (edited 10 August 2005).][/QUOTE]

Hi all,

I second this 99%. He has a point. Have you noticed that the Muslims in America and other infidel countries are treated with respect and Christians living in their OWN countries have none?

Muslims in the West tend to gloss over this point but yet they are the first person to point the finger and call 'Islamaphobe' to anyone that might point out the truth in the Middle East.

Another hypocrisy that Muslims in the West have (and I have witnessed this for myself many, many times) is that they hate the west, label all Christian and non Muslim women whores, discuss how they hate Jews and label America is the Great Satan, but yet they were the first people to emigrate to the same nation they called the Great Satan.

No one of immigrated countries should forget their heritage, fine. But when Islam tells the Muslims that they are not to be friends with Christians and Jews because we a dirty then we have a society that just wants to impose themselves on us like in the Middle East.

Take a look at Osama Abdullah and his webpage www.answering-christianity.com . He gloats on and on about how Christians are bad, how everything Islamic is perfect and how bad the society is. But the funny thing is - he chose to immigrate there!

What a shameless hypocrite. From Palestine where he is originally from it (http://www.answering-christianity.com/purpose.htm) is easy to emigrate to any Muslim country, since they are all brothers to one another. But what did he choose? The same great Satan, the same country that forces its evil ways on all Muslims. Well there is a message for you Mr. Osama Abdullah:

"If America is soooo bad like what you make it. Then leave the country and continue your 'education' against these evil Christians and kafers from a Muslim country. We wouldn't want your children raised up in such an evilsociety when you can choose a safe haven of ANY Islamic country you shameless hypocrite. Benjamin Elias. Feel free to contact me Zaki_boxing@yahoo.com"

I don't mind Muslims living here under the condition that they don't bring their hate with them, is this possible? Is there such thing as a 'moderate Muslim?' Feel free to post your thoughts to my post.

posted 23 August 2005 04:07 PM            

quote:

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One Alim from Nadwa sent me a book which he had written. I was much elated to read the following passage in the book:
“The attempt to submit revelation to reason so that revelation conforms to reason is a grave error. Religion (viz. Islam) refers to pure Iman (Belief) and Inqiyad (submission to revelation). In deen there is nothing other than wholehearted submission to Divine Law.. On the other hand, in matters of reason and intellect rational proofs are necessary.”
However, the Alim did not elaborate on the statement of rational proofs being necessary in religious matters. If rational proofs are to be totally discarded in relgious matters, then everyone will be able to claim the thruth of his religion on the basis of only faith.
The Alim Saheb should have added that rational proofs are not necessary in relation to the Furoo’ (Details & Particulars) of Deen. But in so far as the Usool (the principles or Fundamentals) are concerned, there is a need for rational proofs. Godhood and Risalat (Prophethood) should be substantiated by means of rational proofs whereas pure and total submission is required in the detailed rules of the Deen.

Maulana Ashraf Ali Thanvi Sb. r.a.

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posted 04 September 2005 03:53 PM            

From Sunni Path.com:

quote:

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Assalamu alaykum

Allah Most High tells us in the Qur'an, 'I have not created men and jinn except that they should worship Me', and He says numerous times in the Qur'an that the universe was created for the truth and was not without purpose.

To explain this 'truth' and the required 'worship' he sent messengers who each brought teachings and guidance for their people. To believe and follow them was to be guided unto the Truth and to disbelieve and reject them was to turn away from one's own soul as one's soul was only created to follow the Truth.

The succession of prophets continued until a millennium and a half ago Allah Most High from His eternal wisdom sent to us his final prophet. A prophet who Allah Most High did not send except as a 'mercy to the worlds'(21:107) and who was adorned with a 'tremendous character'(68:4).

He was in his own words 'the foremost of the descendants of Adam' (Muslim). His tremendous rank with Allah is clearly apparent from his ascension into the heavens beyond the furthest lote tree to where neither angel nor prophet has gone. His unique position is clearly understood from the fact that the previous prophets were informed of him and were enjoined to follow him if he appeared in their respective times (from the Qur'an 3:81). He was therefore the ultimate manifestation of prophethood and the greatest expression of the Truth that is the raison d'etre of every single atom in the universe.

Exemplifying the Prophet is therefore a complete summary of everything that Allah expects of us. 'Certainly Allah conferred a benefit upon the believers when He raised among them a Messenger from among themselves, reciting to them His communications and purifying them, and teaching them the Book and the wisdom, although before that they were surely in manifest error.' (3:164)

Allah commanded us to obey him when he commanded us and to refrain from what he forbade us. 'Whatever the Prophet gives you accept it, and whatever he forbids you refrain from it.' (59:7) 'Whoever obeys the Prophet obeys Allah.' (4:80)

He expected us to emulate the Prophet and said concerning him, 'Certainly you have in the Messenger of Allah an excellent exemplar for him who hopes in Allah and the latter day and remembers Allah much.'(33:21)

This verse in particular summarises the whole religion with miraculous brevity. It contains by means of subtle indication, in the words of the great Sufi and mujahid, Emir Abdul Qadir al-Jaza'iri, 'everything that every author has ever recorded from the rulings of the religion or of this-worldly affairs'. He goes on to explain this mentioning that this 'excellent example' has four aspects to it.

The first of these is the way Allah dealt with him. Sometimes he was given to, and sometimes withheld from. Sometimes harmed and sometimes benefited. Sometimes he defeated his enemies and sometimes they defeated him. Sometimes his prayers were answered and at other times they were not. At times Allah made it clear that his actions were as if they were Allah's actions, due to his being Allah's supreme vice-regent and at times he was told that he was incapable to act. From this aspect of his blessed life (Allah bless him and give him peace) we can gain deeper knowledge about Allah and his sublime attributes, especially Allah's complete lack of need for His creation and their complete and utter need for Him. We learn about Allah's wisdom in creation and that the next life is worth much more than this life.

The second aspect is his own dealings with Allah; his being the perfect slave. This was manifested by his extreme expression of neediness of his Lord, his reliance on Him in every matter, his contentment with Allah's decree and his complete gratitude for Allah's gifts to him and his patience in the face of tribulation. This aspect of his life summarises the many rulings of the sacred law; the rules of worship and the rules for living one's life and these are innumerable in detail.

The third aspect is the dealings of other people with him. Some believed in him while others disbelieved. Some hated and some loved. There were those who harmed him in word and deed with every painful matter short of death. He was wounded in battle, his face was struck, his tooth was broken, people who displayed friendship to him betrayed him and all of this did not increase him except in insight and determination. One gains from this aspect of his character an understanding of what previous prophets underwent and what callers to the truth in all times must necessarily undergo and how they should handle it with indifference and earnestness in attaining their goal.

The fourth aspect is his dealings with other people, which could be summarized by the word 'compassion'. Allah Most High said to him, 'Then maybe you will kill yourself with grief, sorrowing after them, if they do not believe in this message.' He was patient with them. They wronged him and he forgave them. They withheld from him and he gave to them. They were harsh with him and he put up with it. They cut him off but he never cut them off. He said, 'O Allah forgive my people for they do not know.' He repaid harshness with kindness emulating thereby the character and merciful attributes of his Lord Most High. One gains from this aspect the completion of noble character and the knowledge of dealing with people (siyasa lit. politics) in a way to attain religious and this-worldly objectives which are the only real way for the world to be run and flourish and the surest path to happiness in this life before the next.

Emir Abdul Qadir concludes, 'It is therefore incumbent on every seeker...to keep this verse in front of him in every place, and to observe it in every time as the situations that he finds himself in will never exceed these four aforementioned states.' (al-Mawaqif, 1)

One can conclude from the above that:

- It can be stated that emulating the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) is the very purpose of our creation.

- This emulation is not just in matters of law and ritual acts of worship but rather includes character traits, one's spiritual relationship with Allah as well as knowing how to deal with people intelligently to enable the attainment of this-worldly and other-worldly objectives.

- Allah put us on the earth to test us with a test that would separate between people that follow their lusts, people that try to go straight but keep falling on their faces and people who are whole-heartedly dedicated. The nature of such a test is that it cannot be easy.

Therefore there must be struggle to perfect one's emulation, a struggle that were one to live for a thousand years one would keep struggling and striving to further improve oneself and thereby draw nearer and nearer to Allah. This is the wisdom behind Allah sending us a prophet who is like us but yet infinitely beyond us in every aspect of perfection; so that we would follow and yet never be satisfied with ourselves especially comparing our own imperfection to his perfection.

- Ultimately having the greatest prophet as our prophet gives us rise to the greatest hope. Being the last nation, the final stronghold and bastion of the Truth, in a time when we are being onset from every direction, hope is the greatest thing that we have. This most beloved of Allah's creation unceasingly prayed for our protection and guidance so our hope is that Allah will answer his prayers. We should therefore never despair and believe it farfetched for us to be able to follow his noble example. In the next world he is granted the supreme intercession which is for the sinners among the Muslims. Imam al-Busiri says,

Glad tidings to us, the group of Muslims, for surely we have

From the Divine concern an uncollapsable support

When Allah called our caller to him, the 'best of prophets'

We became the best of nations (Burda, 117-118)

To be like the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace), in the above mentioned aspects, one has to make recourse to the teachings which he brought and ultimately one must seek out people who themselves have struggled and strived to emulate the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace). Emulating someone that one can see and interact with is infinitely more effective, by complete consensus of the people of knowledge, than reading a book and applying it as theory.

Self trained people are usually susceptible to subtle defects in sincerity and find themselves clinging to nothing more than easily applied aspects of Islamic appearance, such as growing a big beard and using a miswak. Such people without a teacher can often become among the most diseased people in a community who know neither patience nor compassion.

These teachers, the sheikhs of the spiritual path, encourage people to fulfill a number of injunctions which include:

- Constant repentance. They say that this is the fuel that enables one to spiritually progress.

- Constant prayer on the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace). They mention that this can result in all forms of spiritual attainment and brings one's heart closer to the Prophet's heart which eases the following in his footsteps.

- To increase in love for the Prophet as he said, 'A man is with the one that one loves.' (Bukhari)

- To study sacred knowledge to know what actually is demanded of us by the sacred law and to apply it so that one's actions are in accordance with his (Allah bless him and give him peace).

- To constantly pray for guidance.

- To read books which inspire us to improve ourselves. This includes:

o Hadith collections such as Riyad al-Salihin which contain the basic etiquettes of Islam.

o Spiritual treatises such as the Ihya 'Ulum al-Din of Imam al-Ghazali (of which a number of sections have been translated into English), the books of Imam al-Haddad printed in English by Quilliam press, the Risala of Imam al-Qushayri (translated under the title 'Principles of Sufism') and other such books.

o Books that focus on the Prophetic character and greatness such as the Shifa of Qadi Iyad (translated by Aisha Bewley) and the life of the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) such as Muhammad by Martin Lings.

- To pray for good company that uplifts and inspires one.

May Allah bless us and enable us to be like our Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) in word and in deed so that whoever sees us it will be as if they see him. Ameen.

Sohail Hanif

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posted 06 October 2005 07:13 AM            

quote:

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Originally posted by Pendarth:
Another nice Introduction on what the basic concepts of Islam are:

From Sunni Path.com:

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posted 06 October 2005 06:58 PM            

quote:

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Originally posted by Pendarth:
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Salam Alaikum Pendarth- good to see u posting again. and always enjoy in what u write.. Take care and enjoy ur Ramadan as well..

posted 10 October 2005 01:21 AM            

just wanted to comment on what kafir4ever replied "The problem is not with the West but with Muslims"

well why is it then that I live in Australia and am very respectful of everyone yet when I wear my hijab im pointed at and asked if im going to bomb the place?? And why is it that whilst pregnant with my daughter i had to go through hearing such comments as "terrorist breeder"?? It is ignorance in people like you that cause the world to be the way it is today. If i didnt wear a hijab noone would know i was Muslim unless i told them but i am proud of who I am and of my religion so i do. I know many Muslim people in the city i live that have gone through worse than myself. Some have had there houses burnt, a friend of mine had something thrown at her while she was pregnant...what kind of respect is that?? How am i the one with the problem when i am being attacked for my beliefs and way of life??

If people really knew Islam and took a moment to read something about it other than whats in the media maybe things wouldnt have to be this way. Not all Muslims are terrorists. Islam does not give the thumbs up to killing at all. Every person has their own mind and if they've chosen to kill people then that's on them, not the religion as a whole. We weren't all standing by their side watching and cheering on or helping so why she would be punishied for it?? If thats the way things are then why arent all people of the same race/religion as Hitler getting treated like garbage??

Does it not occur to you that the reason there are terrorist attacks happening is not due to religion but due to pain and sorrow?? If someone killed your entire family by "accidently" dropping a bomb in the wrong place wouldnt u want revenge?? Im not saying that whats going on is right, but i can see where these people are coming from. It has nothing to do with religion, it is the simple fact that their coutries have been invaded (in most cases by westerners, or with the help of westerners), their families have been killed, their way of live taken away from them. Some people have had to endure the pain of watching their whole families die. Mothers, fathers, children, uncles, aunts, husbands, wives etc. How could they not be angry/hurting?? I can honestly say if anyone ever lay a hand on my child let alone kill them i would hunt them down, and not because Im a Muslim and have been taught to think that way, because im HUMAN and its a normal way to react.

What i guess im trying to get at here is that there are bad grapes in every bunch. Not all humans are perfect, but the blame should not be based on a whole country/race/religion but solely on the person committing the crime.