Cat Stevens - How I came to Islam

CAT STEVENS: HOW I CAME TO ISLAM




All I have to- say is all whal you know already, to confirm what you already know the message of the Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) as given by God — the Religion1 of Truth. As human beings we are given a consciousness and a duty that has placed us at the top of creation. Man is created to be God's deputy on earth and it is important to realise the obligation to rid ourselves of all illusions and to make our lives a preparation for the next life, anybody who misses this chance is not likely to be given another, to be brought back again and again, because it says in Qur'an Majeed that when man is brought to account, he will say, 'O Lord, send us back and give us another chance'. The Lord will say, if I send you back you will do the same.

My early religious upbringing
I was brought up in the modern world of all the luxury and the high light of show business. I was born in a Christian home but we know that every child is born in his original nature, it is only his parents that turn him to this or that religion I was given this religion (Christianity) and thought this way. I was taught that God exists, but there was no direct contact with God, so we had to make contact with Him through Jesus, he was in fact the door to God. This was more or less accepted by me, but I did not swallow it all.
I looked at some of the statues of Jesus; they were just stones with no life "And when they said that God is three, I was puzzled even more but could not argue. I more or less believed it, because I had to have respect for the faith of my parents.

Pop star
Gradually I became alienated from this religion upbringing, I started making music. I wanted to be a big star. All those things I saw in the films and on the media took hold of me, and perhaps I thought this was my God, the goal of making money I had an uncle who had a beautiful car 'Well', I said, 'he has it made', he had a lot of money. The people around me influenced me to think that this was it, this world was their God.
I decided then that this was the life for me, to make a lot of money, have a 'great life'. Now my examples were the pop stars, I started making songs, but deep down I had a feeling for humanity, a feeling that if I became rich I will help the needy (It says in the Qur'an, we make a promise, but when we make something we want to hold on to it and become greedy).
So what happened was that I became very famous, I was still a teenager, my name and photo were splashed in all the media. They made me larger than life, so I wanted to live larger than life and the only way to do that was to be intoxicated (with liquior & drugs).
In Hospital
After a year of financial success and 'high' living, I became very ill, contracted T.B. and had to be hospitalized. It was then that I started to think: what was to happen to me ? Was I just a body and my goal in life was merely to satisfy this body ? I realised now that this calamity was a blessing given to me by Allah, a chance to open my eyes, 'why am I here, why am I in bed', and I started looking for some of the answers. At that time there was great interest in the Eastern mysticism I began reading and the first thing I began to become aware of was of death, and that the soul moves on, it does not stop. I felt I was taking the road to bliss and high accomplishment I started meditating and even became a vegetarian. I now believed in 'peace and flower power', and this was the general trend. But what I did believe in particular was that I was not just a body, this awareness came to me at the hospital.
One day when I was walking and I was caught in the rain. I began running to the shelter and then I realised, 'wait a minute, my body is getting wet, my body is telling me I am getting wet'. This made me think of a saying that the body is like a donkey and it has to be trained where it has to go otherwise the donkey will lead you where it wants to go.
Then I realised I had a will, a God given gift: follow the will of God I was fascinated by the new terminology I was learning in the Eastern religion. By now I was fed up with Christianity. I started making music again and this time I started reflecting my own thoughts. I remember the lyric of one of my songs. It goes like this: 'I wish I knew, I wish I knew what makes the Heaven, what makes the Hell, Do I get to know You in my bed or some dusty cell while others reach the big hotel ?' and I knew I was on the Path.'
I also wrote another song The way to find God out.' I became even more famous in the world of music. I really had a difficult time because I was getting rich and famous and at the same time I sincerely searching for the Truth. Then I came to a stage where I decided that Buddhism is alright and noble, but I was not ready to leave the world, I was too attached to the world and was not prepared to become a monk and to isolate myself from society.
I tried Zen and Ching, numerology, tarat cards and astrology, I tried to look back into the Bible and could not find anything. At this time I did not know anything about Islam and then, what I regarded as a miracle occured. My brother had visited the mosque in Jerusalem and was greatly impressed that while on the one hand it throbbed with life (unlike the churches and synagogues which were empty), on the other hand, an atmosphere of peace and tranquility prevailed.


The Qur'an
When he came to London he brought back a translation of the Qur'an, which he gave to me. He did not become a Muslim, but he felt something in this religion, and thought I might find something in it also.
And when I received the book, (a guidance thaj__w_fluid___ejtpiain everything to me: who I was ? What was the purpose of life ? What was the reality and what would be the reality, and where I came from ?) I realised that this was the true religion — religion not in the sense the West understands it, not the type for only your old age. In the West whoever wishes to embrace a religion and make it his only way of life is deemed a fanatic. I was not a fanatic, I was at first confused between the body and the soul. Then I realised that the body and soul are not apart and you don't have to go to the mountain to be religious; we must follow the will of God, then we can rise even higher than the angels. The first thing I wanted to do now was to be a Muslim.
I realised that everything belongs to God, that slumber does not overtake Him. He created everything. At this point I began to lose the pride in me, because hereto I had thought the reason I was here was because of my own greatness. But I realised that I did not create myself, and the whole purpose of my being here was to submit to the teaching that has been perfected by the religion we know as Al-lslam. At this point I started discovering my faith, I felt that I was a Muslim, on reading the Qur'an. I now realised that all the Prophets sent by God brought the same message. Why then were the Jews and Christians different ? I knew now how the Jews did not accept Jesus as the Messiah and that they had changed His Word. Even the Christians misunderstand God's Word and called Jesus the_sori c>f God. Every thing made so much of sense. This is the beauty of the Qur'an; it asks you to reflect and reason, and not to worship the sun or moon but the One who has created everything. The Qur'an asks man to reflect upon the sun and moon and God's creation in general. Do you realize how different the sun is from the moon ? They are at varying distances from the earth, yet appear the same size to us; at times one seems to overlap the other.
Even when many of the astronauts go to space, they see the insignificant size of the earth and vastness of space, they become very religious, because they have seen the Signs of Allah.
When I read the Qur'an further, it talked about prayer, kindness and charity. I was not a Muslim yet, but I felt that the only answer for me was the Qur'an, and God had sent it to me and, I kept it a secret. But the Qur'an also speaks on different levels. I began to understand it on
another level, where the Qur'an says "Those who believe don't take disbelievers for friends and the believers are brothers'. Thus at this point I wished to meet my Muslim brothers.
Conversion
Then I decided to journey to Jerusalem (as my brother had done) At Jerusalem, I went to the mosque and sat down. A man asked me what I wanted. I told him I was a Muslim. He asked what was my name; I told him 'Stevens'. He was confused. I then joined the prayer though not so successfully. Back in London, I met a sister called Nafisa. I told her I wanted to embrace Islam and she directed me to the New Regent Mosque. This was in 1977, about 1V2 years after I received the Qur'an. Now I realised that I must get rid of my pride, get rid of Iblis and face one direction. So on a Friday, after Jummah I went to the Imam and declared my faith (the Kalima) at his hands. You have before you someone who had achieved fame and fortune. But guidance was something that eluded me, no matter how hard I tried until I was shown the Qur'an. Now I realise I can get in direct contact with _God, unlike Christianity or any other . religion. As one Hindu lady told me, 'You don't understand the Hindus, we believe in one God, we use these objects (idols) to merely concentrate'. What she was saying was that in order to reach God one has to create associates, that are idols for the purpose. But Islam removes all these barriers, the only thing that moves the believers from the disbelievers is the salat. This is the process of purification. Finally I wish to say that everything I do is for the pleasure of Allah and pray that you gain some inspirations from my experiences. Furthermore I would like to stress that I did not come into contact with any Muslim before I embraced Islam. I read the Qur'an first and realised no person is perfect, Islam is perfect, and if we imitate the conduct of the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) we will be successful. May Allah give us guidance to follow the path of the Ummah of Muhammad (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam). Ammen!

-Your Brother in ISLAM

Yusuf Islam (Cat Stevens before)

For more information Please call or write to:
Jeddab Dawah Center P.O Box 6897 Jeddah 21452, Tel.: +966 2 6829898 Fax: +966 2 6622662
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Www.jdci.org E-mail: mail@jdci.org

C. O. Dublin Mosque
*Islamic Foundation of Ireland, 163 South Circular Road,DUBLIN 8. IRELAND, Tel. 4533242 / 4532785

the Original Sin

THE TRUTH ABOUT THE ORIGINAL SIN

Dr. Abdullah H. AI-Kahtani


The Truth about the Original Sin
Rbd flllah bin Hadi RI-Qahtani, 1994
King Fahd National Library Cataloging-in-Publication
AI-Qahtani, Abd Allah Hadi
The truth about the original sin.
32 P., 12X17 cm.
ISBN 9960-27-560-4
1- Christianity I- Title
273.341 dc 1013/15


Legal Deposit no. 1013/15 ISBN : 9960 - 27 - 560 - 4



Dedication

I dedicate this booklet to Allah. I am all hope that he will accept.
I also dedicate this booklet to those who search the truth
I feel indebted to the great Muslim scholar
Ibn Taymiyyah for his marvelous work,
by which I was inspired to study the concept of
the Original Sin in Christianity.
I extend my thanks to Allah who enabled me
to finish this work. I also thank my honored
brothers: Dr. Abdullah Abu-lshi and Dr. Abdurazaq
Sammandar for their valuable suggestions and corrections.
If there is any good in this work, it is from Allah. If there is any wrong, it is from myself.

Abdullah Al-Kahtany
P.O. Box: 541, Khamis Mushait,
Saudi Arabia.
Second Edition
Rabea the Second, 1417
August, 1996.

I. Introduction

Issues related to belief might seem to be sensitive to handle. However, with the advances in communication and the breaking up of cultural barriers, it becomes necessary that beliefs be investigated objectively and with an open mind. All concerned religious scholars and believers need to give a sympathetic ear to alternative positions or beliefs offered by people from distant cultures seeking answers to resolve or at least clarify various issues of a universal nature, especially, if such beliefs are exported to other nations side by side with all types of merchandise. As governments set quality standards on imports of all types, I think it is important to test such common values and beliefs as well. In particular, our relation with the Christian world has become so close that we both need to get acquainted with what each party has to contribute to the understanding of such pressing issue.
Since the concept of "The Original Sin" in Christianity forms the cornerstone out of which a cluster of beliefs like the godship of Jesus (PBUH)(1), crucifixion and salvation have emerged, therefore, it singles itself out as a good candidate to be studied.
The methodology that will be followed in this analysis of "The Original Sin" involves two types of evidence.
The first is to carry on the study based on all logical possibilities that would explain the truth of'The Original Sin". As a matter of fact, the writer depended on arguments developed by Ibn Taymiyah-a thirteenth century prominent Muslim scholar(2). The second type of evidence used to study "The Original Sin" depended on drawing evidence from The Bible(3) itself to reveal the validity of the concept in Christianity.
In doing so, it is ultimately left to the readers whom God has bestowed with intellect that distinguishes them from other creatures, to ponder, analyze, evaluate and then decide for themselves.

II. Why is it important to study the concept of "The Original Sin" in Christianity?

Professor Jurgen Moltmann in his book: "The Crucified God" said:
"The death of Jesus on the cross is the centre of all Christian theology ... all Christian statements about God, about creation, about sin and death have their focal point in the crucified Christ. All Christian statements about history, about hope stem from the crucified Christ.(4)
It is evident that without the concept of "The Original Sin" there would be no need for crucifixion, salvation or atonement to take place.
Garner Ted Armstrong, the Executive Vice-President and Co-Publisher of the Plain truth (a Christian Magazine from America, which boasts a current, free world-wide circulation of 6 million copies a month), attempts to answer his own puzzle under the heading: "WAS THE RESURRECTION A HOAX?":
The resurrection of Jesus Christ of Nazareth (PBUH) is either the supreme fact of history or a flagrant, deliberate fabrication foisted off on the followers of Christianity(5).

Josh McDowel (An American evangelist) said in his book "The Resurrection Factor":
"I was forced to the conclusion that the resurrection of Jesus Christ is either one of the most wicked, heartless, vicious, hoaxes ever foisted upon the minds of men, or it is the most fantastic fact of history."(6)
With all the controversy presented above among some of the prominent American and other evangelists around the issue of crucifixion which was thought of to be necessary to atone for the Original Sin, we realize the importance of investigating such a concept.

III. How can God be crucified to save humanity?

Christians have exceeded all limits in relating injustice to God the Almighty. They have indeed undermined God in ways that no other nation has ever done before. In fact, they are far away from praising God or glorifying Him. They claim that when Adam (PBUH) ate from the forbidden tree, God became angry and directed punishment onto him; and that punishment continued on Adam's offsprings until the coming of Jesus PBUH). His crucifixion was to relieve (the generations after him from their forefather's sin. Christians also claim that all the sons of Adam (PBUH)

were imprisoned by Satan, even the prophets of God such as, Noah, Abraham, Moses, David, Solomon, et al. (PBUT).
On the other hand, let us see what the Qur'an says about these respected prophets: [6: 84-86]
We gave him Isaac and Jacob: all (three) We guided: and before him, We guided Noah, and among his progeny, David, Solomon, Job, Joseph, Moses, and Aaron: Thus do We reward those who do good.
And Zakariya and John, and Jesus and Elias: all in the ranks of the righteous.


We know that Abraham's father was a nonbeliever and God did not punish Abraham (PBUH) for his father's grave sin. Therefore, logically considered, would God hold him responsible for his forefather's (Adam's) sin? Furthermore, the Christian concept of The Original Sin assumes that Adam did not repent. However, God has declared that he did repent and was granted forgiveness by Him. This is what Allah (God) the Almighty says about Adam (PBUH):
Then learnt Adam from his Lord certain words and his Lord turned towards him;


for He is Oft-Returning Most Merciful. [Qur'an 2-37]

The Christians have gone out of their way to claim that it was through the crucifixion, which is one of the grave sins, that God has saved Adam (PBUH) and his offsprings from hell fire. They also claim that it was through this supposed crucifixion that God was able to trick Satan, not withstanding the fact that Satan disobeyed God and deserved punishment since the time he reftised to prostrate to Adam (PBUH) and he misled him to commit the sin. In fact, God had the ability to punish Satan long before the coming of Jesus (PBUH). Thus, one cannot help but to question the assumption as to why the sons of Adam are to beheld accounted for their forefather's mistake.(7)

As a matter of fact, the life of Jesus (PBUH) is much shrouded in mystery, except for the three main years of his ministry. It is not profitable to discuss the many doubts and conjectures among the early Christian sects and among Muslim scholars. The Orthodox Christian Church makes it a cardinal point of its doctrine that his life was taken on the cross, that he died and was buried, that on the third day he rose in body with his wounds intact, and walked about and conversed, and ate with his disciples, and was afterwards taken up bodily to heaven. This is necessary for theological doctrine of blood sacrifice and vicarious atonement for sins including the innate Original Sin, which is rejected by Islam(8). However, some of the early Christian sects rejected the doctrine that Jesus was killed on the cross. Deedat in his book (Crucifixion or Crocifiction? pp. 19-38) has provided numerous references to the falsity of this concept. He draw most of his evidence from the Bible and other writings by Christian authorities.
The issue of crucifixion, as presented in Christianity, only strengthens the claims of the Jews that they were behind the crucifixion of Jesus (PBUH), that was never true. Instead, let's contemplate on what the Qur'an says about the issue of crucifixion: [Qur'an: 4:155-159]

(They have incurred divine displeasure): in that they broke their covenant; that they rejected the Signs of Allah; that they slew the Messengers in defiance of right; that they said, "Our hearts are the Wrappings", Nay, Allah hath set the seal on their hearts for their blasphemy, and little is it they believe;

That they rejected faith; that they uttered against Mary a grave false charge;

That they said (in boast), "We killed Christ Jesus the son of Mary, the Messenger of Allah"; But they killed him not, nor crucified him. Only a likeness of that was shown to them. And those who differ therein are full of doubts, with no (certain) knowledge. But only conjecture to follow, for of a surety they killed him not.]Nay, Allah raised him up unto himself; and Allah is exalted in power, wise. And there is none of the people of the book but must believe in Him before his death; and on the Day of Judgment He will be a witness against them.

In the Qur'anic verses above, there is a catalogue of iniquities of which the Jews were guilty, and for these iniquities we must understand some of such words as: "they are under divine displeasure"(9). Their (the Jew) iniquities were:
1. that they broke their Covenant;
2. that they rejected Allah's (God's) guidance as conveyed by His messengers;
3. that they killed Allah's messengers and incurred a double guilt which included murder and that of deliberate defiance of Allah's law; and
4. they imagined themselves arrogantly self-sufficient, which means a blasphemous closing of their hearts forever against the admission of Allah's grace, then begins another series of iniquities from a different point of view:
1. that they rejected faith;
2. that they made false charges against a godly woman like Mary, who was chosen by Allah to be the mother of Jesus;
3. that they boasted of having killed Jesus when they were victims of their own self-hallucination;
4. that they hindered people from Allah's way; and
5. they by means of usury and fraud they oppressed their fellow-men.(10)
The false charge against Mary was that she was unchaste. Such a charge is bad enough to make against any woman, but it is particularly irreverent to be made against Mary the mother of the prophet of Allah, Jesus (PBUH). The Jews rejected his message from the beginning by ridiculing Allah's power through his extraordinary birth (See The Holy Qur'an 17:27-28). Chastity of women is highly respected because it is such an essential aspect of their dignity and honor that nobody could doubt, unless he or she brings strong evidence, four eye witnesses, that she committed an unchaste act. If they failed to do so, they will be flogged with eighty lashes and debarred from being competent witnesses. (See the verse that talks about this matter in The Holy Qur'an 24:4)
Several sects of Christianity like the Basilidans rejected the issue of crucifixion of Jesus (PBUH) and believed that some one else was substituted for him. The Docetae (another sect of Christians) held that Christ never had a real physical or natural body, but only an apparent or phantom body. The gospel of St. Barnabas supported the theory that Christ was substituted on the cross.(11)
Moreover, the Christians say that Christ (PBUH) was a man and a god at the same time. He purposely allowed the unbelievers to crucify him; so Jesus (god to them) would trick Satan(12). They claim that Jesus concealed his identity as god, so that Satan would not know him. They say that he allowed his foes to take him, beat him up and spit on his face.(13) According to them, he also allowed them to \crucify him and put the thorns on his head; and showed the fear of death. Then, he started saying:
"Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachtani?
Which means, "My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?" (Matthew 27:46).
These words according to Christians were spoken so that the Devil will not know that he was "God" or "the son of God". Satan wants to take his soul to the hell fire as he did to Noah, Abraham, Moses and other prophets (PBUT) and believers. Therefore, God will argue against Satan by saying, "For what reason did you take my soul?" Satan would reply, "Because of your sin". Then god's human side would reply: "I have no sins like other prophets. They had sins by which they deserve that their souls be thrown in hell fire." They (the Christians) also say that in this way God was able to establish a pretext (evidence) to punish Satan. Therefore, it became permissible for god to punish Satan and save the children of Adam from Hell-fire.
Such claims are full of falsity in relating injustice to God the Almighty. Who dares to speak about God in such away? This has indeed terribly rebuked the knowledge of God, His wisdom and justice in an unprecedented manner. God says in the Holy Qur'an: [Qur'an 18:109]


Say: "If the ocean were ink (wherewith to write out)the words of my Lord, sooner would the ocean be exhausted than would the words of my Lord, even if we added another ocean like it, for its aid."



We will go through testing these claims in a logically
organized manner from several angels.
If we accept that Jesus (PBUH) was saying: "Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachtani? and he was not telling the truth but just to deceive Satan, he, then is accused of lying. However, Muslims believe that a prophet of God will never lie, since all the prophets of God are infallible. The only other alternative is that Jesus (PBUH) did not know that he was the "son of God" and this is absolutely out of the question., Therefore, we are left with the third and most probable option which is that Jesus (PBUH) was a man.(14)

IV. What is the real nature of Christ (PBUH)?

If Satan has taken the children of Adam for their father's sin, then there is no difference between the human nature of Christ and other humans.(15) There are many places in the Bible where Jesus (PBUH) said that (or referred to himself) as the son of man among which: a. "Come to see, a man who told me everything I ever
did...) (John 4:29)
b. "Ye men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth. A MAN approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know." (Acts 2:22)
In fact, Jesus (PBUH) was never quoted in the Bible as saying that he was the son of God. In addition to the fact that other prophets of God were referred to in the Bible as the sons of God as in; (Psalms 2:7) Where David was referred to as the son of God;
"He said to me, "you are my Son; today I have became your father"
Why is not David (PBUH) considered "a son of God" also in the same way as Jesus (PBUH) has been perceived?

V. What is the fate of Adam's (PBUH) progeny?

If they say that generations of people after Christ were like those who came after him; how can it be that Satan was allowed to take hold of the previous generations but not the latter ones, although they are equally related to Adam (PBUH)? They have also committed greater sins than those of the prophets of God before them. How come Satan was given the chance to punish the preceding prophets to Jesus and relieving tyrants and unbelievers proceeding Jesus (PBUH) from punishment?

VI. Who gave Satan the Authority?

The claim that Satan was allowed to drive the children of Adam into hell could only have one of the following two entailments; either what Satan has done is injustice committed by him against the offsprings of Adam or what ever he has done is just.
a) If such actions were just, then Satan wouldn't be blamed and there would be no reason for Christ to prevent him from practicing justice. On the contrary, Satan should be granted the opportunity to take hold of those before and after Jesus (PBUH).
b) If what Satan had been doing were injustice and God did not prevent him from committing them before the coming of Christ, we are faced with two conclusions; either God was incapable (God forbid) of preventing such injustice or He was able to stop it but He did not. If so, then there is no deference had injustice been prevented in a certain time or another.

VII. Should Satan be punished?

If Satan had been excused, before Christ came, to take people to hell because of their father's sin, then there is no need to persecute or even blame him. If Satan was not excused then there is no need to deceive him by holding him responsible for his crimes, because he deserved persecution.
If Jesus (PBUH) did not establish evidence on Satan before crucifixion and he did not crucify him, Satan could
say that he did not know that this man represented the human side of God; and God had permitted him to take the children of Adam to hell. This (Jesus) was one of them. I had no knowledge that you had been incarnated with him. Had I known that, I would have glorified him. Therefore, I am excused in doing that, so do not practice injustice against me.
We could assume that Satan might say therein; "Oh my God! This is the only human that I have mistakenly taken his soul. However, I have the right to take the souls of people after him (Christ) as I had it before him, due to either their father's sin or their own sins". If what the Christians say is true, then God would need another pretext to hold Satan responsible for what he has done.

VIII. Was Satan given permission to deceive?

If we say that Adam (PBUH) has committed a sin and his children have also committed sins through Satan's deception, then is it up to God or Satan to punish them for their sins? If we think that any reasonable person would say that Satan has the right to deceive the children of Adam, then will he be granted the authority to persecute them all without God's permission? Is not this claim borrowed from the Maguses who say that every evil sin and persecution for it is carried out by the Satan? God has nothing to do with these things. He does not persecute anybody for the sins that

he or she has committed. No doubt that such beliefs have found their way into Christianity from Magus. Therefore, there is no evidence to support these claims, neither from the revealed books nor from any of the disciples. So, the Marinates sects of Mazdasim and Christianity is basically a combination of Mazdasim and Christianity. Their leader (Mani) was a magi-Christian. Indeed the relationship between the two religions is very strong/16)
Has Satan persecuted the children of Adam and sent them to hell with or without the permission of God? If they believe that it was with the permission of God, then Satan does not deserve to be persecuted; if it has not had the permission of God, then is it fair to say that God would allow Satan to practise such injustice? If these were allowed by God to happen at one time, then it would be allowed at all times, and vice versa. There is no difference between the time before Jesus and the time after him.

IX. Could not God stop Satan?

Could God stop Satan and persecute him without this scheme (God's incarnation in a human form, in the character of Jesus as claimed by Christians to deceive Satan and made him think that Jesus was a man), and would it be right for God to do so? If the answer is negative, then God does not need to plot a scheme to deceive Satan and crucify
Himself or "His son, Jesus". Was it an obligation upon God to practise justice on Satan by stopping him from his mischievous acts? If it were not, then Satan would be permitted to operate his evil doings at all times since there is j.io difference between one time and another. If the Christians claimed that God was incapable of stopping Satan, then they would be accusing God of being powerless (God forbidden) to restrain Satan. Such a perception of God is considered by all religions as the worst type of disbelief. Such a conclusion is similar to the atheists'claim that light could not prevent the world from evil.

X. Did God allow the crucifixion of Jesus?

How about what the disbelieving Jews have done to Christ (PBUH), by helping the Roman soldiers, as claimed, to crucify him (according to the Christian belief)? (See Matthew 26:47-75). Were they obeying or disobeying God by doing so? If they were obeying God, then the Jews who crucified Christ (PBUH) deserve a reward from God for their obedience, just like any other obeying believers. In fact, nearly all Christians agree that the Jews were the greatest sinners among men and the worst creatures of God. Not only that, but they also curse them and would go on to the extend of permitting the shedding of their blood.(17)

They have designated a time to persecute the Jews at the last days of their fasting(18) to commemorate the days of crucifixion. Moreover, if those Jews were disobedient, could not God prevent them from crucifying Christ? If God could not, then He would not be able to prevent Satan from oppressing the coming generations. If God could prevent people from committing sins and He did not, then He was able to stop Satan with no need for such a scheme to deceive him.

On the other hand, if the act of crucifixion were approved by God, then it would be alright to give Satan the ability to oppress the children of Adam (PBUH) in the past and in the future.
Therefore, there wpuld have been no need for God to deceive Satan.(19)
By now, we have come to realize that there is no doubt
that any mature person will recognize the corruption that
has come to Christianity. The purpose here is to explain
some of the discrepancies that they have as excuses for themselves in order not to accept believing in Allah, in His book (The Qur'an), in His prophet (Mohammed PBUH) and in His religion (Al-Islam).
Allah is just and does not order people to believe in or do what they can not. God, praise be to Him, has never asked people for anything that is beyond their ability. It is unfortunate that Christians continue to attribute unspeakable injustice to God. No believer has ever done so before.

XI. How does Islam view man?

Every human being, Islam affirms, stands to benefit from these divine dispensations. The road to felicity is a free and open highway which anyone may tread of his own accord. Everybody is innately endowed with all these rights and privileges. God has granted them to all without discrimination. "Nature", "the earth", "the heavens" all belong to each and every human.
Indeed, God has done all this and even more! He has implanted His own religion (Fitrah) into every human birth. The true religion in innate, with which all humans are equipped.
Behind the dazzling religious diversity of mankind stands an innate religion inseparable from human nature. This is the primordial religion, Ur-religion, the one and only true religion. [Qur'an: 3:19]

The religion before Allah is Islam (submission to His Will): nor did the people of
the book dissent there from except through envy of each other, after knowledge had
come to them. But if any deny the Signs of Allah,Allah is swift in calling
accounting.


Everyone possesses it unless acculturation and indoctrination, misguidance, corruption or dissuasion have taught him otherwise.
Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) said: "Every newborn child is born on the innate nature (Islam = complete surrender to Allah). Then his parents change him into Judaism, Christianity or Magianism."(20)
Finally, Islam entertains no idea of "the fall of man", no concept of "original sin". It holds no man to stand in an innate, necessary predicament out of which he can not pull himself. Man, it holds, is innocent. He is born with his innocence. Indeed, he is born with a thousand given perfection, with faculties of understanding, and an innate sense with which to know the true God. In this all men are
equal, since it follows from their very existence, from their creation. This is the basis of Islamic Universalism.(21)

XII. Conclusion

To summarize, this book presents some of the possible logical arguments concerning the idea of the "Original Sin" as the most important belief in Christianity on which believes like crucifixion and salvation have been built. We conclude by summarizing all the logical possibilities in regard to Christian beliefs around the idea of "The Original Sin".
1) The first position assumes that God does what ever He wants with no wisdom, rationality or justice. Just like what the determinists say.
2) The second position assumes that God performs justice which is required of people (u§ng people's standards); as it is the claim of the fatalists. ^y
3) The third position assumes that God is all Just and He is free from committing all forms of injustice. However, His justice differs from that of His creation.
Based on the three assumptions mentioned above, we will examine the Christians' belief regarding the idea of the "Original Sin" the crucifixion of Christ (PBUH) and
putting Satan in charge of taking his soul. Thei arguments will be advanced to account for these cl
a. If we follow the first assumption, then right to give Satan the power over the children ol persecute them all without any sin that they committed. So, there is no need to scheme a
Satan.
b. If we take the second assumption into coi we know if one realizes that one of his se commanded another person to commit a sin that dislikes, it would be just for him to persecute to who commanded and the one who obeyed. Itw< size="2">1. PBUH stands for peace and blessings of Allah be upon him (or them for plural)
2. Ahmad Ibn Taymiyah al-jawab as-sahih liman badala decn al-masseh. Vol. I. (This copy does not have references to the publisher nor to the year of publication)
3. Muslims believe that God has revealed (The Torah) to Prophet Moses (parts of what is called: The Old Testament and (The Injeel) to Prophet Jesus, parts of what is called The New Testament, as guidance to their people. Nevertheless, the current numerous versions of the Bible made it difficult to decide which is the authenticated one. For more details about this issue look at:
Ezziah Ali Taha. The Methodology of Collecting the ^Biblc and the Sunnah: A comparative Study. (Dar Al-Buhuth Al-Elmiyyah, Kuwait. 1987)
Ahmad Deedat. Is the Bible God's Word? International Publishing House, (1982) P.I
4. Ahmad Deedat. Crucifixion or crucifiction? (International Islamic Publishing House, 1984.) P. 2.
5. THE PLAIN TRUTH. February 1984. (as reported in Deedat's: Crucifixion or Crucifiction? P. 5.

6. Josh McDowell. The Resurrection Factor. In Deedat 1984, P. 5.
7. Ibn Taymiyah, pp. 216-217
8. The Holy Our'an: English translation of the meanings and commentary. Translator note # 663. p.268.
9. They Holy Our'an, translator footnote 659, p. 266.
10. Such dealings are prohibited in the Bible. Look at (Ezekeil 18:8) Nevertheless, they insist in acting against the Gospel.
11. The Holy Qur'an: translator footnote # 663, p. 286.
12. Ibn Taymiyah, p. 216.
13. What does the Qur'an say about this? "They did not crucify him nor did they kill him..."
14. Ibn Taymiyah, p. 216.
15. Ibid. p. 218.
16. Ibid. pp. 217-218.
17. Let us look at what Mary am Jameelah (a former Jewish woman) has written about the enmity Christians have against Jews. Mary am Jameelah. Islam in Theory and Practice. (H. Farooq =
= Associates LTD. Lahore. 1983) p. 1.
"From a very early age, I wondered what I being Jewish really meant. I suppose I first began to wonder when at Easter-time Christian classmates at school called me "Christ killer". As soon as the Easter season had passed, they were miraculously transformed into friendly play mates for the reminder of the year. When I once asked a little Roman Catholic boy in my class why he did this, he said that the priest had told him to."
18. Fasting was prescribed to the Christians in the Bible as in: "When you fast do not look somber as hypocrites do" Matthew 6:16. Who observes fasting nowadays?
19. IbnTaymiyah, p. 218.
20. Kauthar M. Al-Minawi. The Child's Rights in Islam. Translated by Saifuddin H. Shaheen. (Safir Press, Riyadh. 1992.)
21. Isma'il al-Faruqi. Towards a Critical World Theology. Towards Islamaization of Disciplines. (The International Institute of Islamic Theology, 1989) p. 443.
22. Allah says in the Holy Qur'an, "Say shall I seek for (my) Lord other than Allah. When He is the Cherisher of all things? Every soul draws the meed of its acts on none but itself: no bearer of burdened can bear the burden of another, your return in the end is towards Allah: He will tell you the truth of the things wherein you disputes. [6:164]

The True Religion of God

THE TRUE RELIGION
of GOD

by
Abu Ameenah Bilal Philips
2nd Edition

CONTENTS

Which Is The Religion of God? 4
The Religion's Name 6
God and Creation 11
The Message of False Religions 17
Universality of God's Religion 20
Recognition of God 23
The Signs of God 26
Conclusion 31


WHICH IS THE TRUE RELIGION OF GOD?

Each person is born in a circumstance which is not of his own choosing. The religion of his family or the ideology of the state is thrust upon him from the very beginning of his existence in this world. By the time he reaches his teens, he is usually fully brain-washed into believing that the beliefs of his particular society are the correct beliefs that everyone should have. However, when some people mature and are exposed to other belief-systems, they begin to question the validity of their own beliefs. The seekers of truth often reach a point of confusion upon realizing that each and every religion, sect, ideology and philosophy claims to be the one only correct way for man. Indeed, they all contain some valid and reasonable points, and they all encourage people to do good. So, which one is right? They cannot all be right since each claims that all the others are wrong. How then does the seeker of truth choose the right way?

God gave us all minds and intellects to enable us to make this crucial decision. It is the most important decision in the life of a human being. Upon it depends his future. Consequently, each and everyone of us must examine dispassionately the evidence presented and choose what appears to be right until further evidence arises.
Like every other religion or philosophy, Islam also claims to be the one and only true way to



God. In this respect it is no different from other systems. This booklet intends to provide some evidence for the validity of that claim. However, it must always be kept in mind that one can only determine the true path by putting aside emotions and prejudices, which often blind us to reality. Then, and only then, will we be able to use our God- given intelligence and make a rational and correct decision.

There are several arguments which may be advanced to support Islam's claim to be the true religion of God. The following are only three of the most obvious. The first argument is based on the divine origin of the name of the religion and the comprehensiveness of its meaning. The second deals with the unique and uncomplicated teachings concerning the relationship between God, man, and creation. The third argument derives from the fact that Islam is universally attainable by all men atall times. These are three basic components of what logic and reason dictate necessary for a religion to be considered the true religion of God. The following pages will develop these concepts in some detail.


THE RELIGION'S NAME

The first thing that one should know and clearly understand about Islam is what the word "Islam" itself means. The Arabic word "Islam" means the submission or surrender of one's will to the only true God, known in Arabic as "Allah". One who submits his will to God is termed in Arabic a "Muslim". The religion of Islam is not named after a person or a people, nor was it decided upon by later generations of man, as in the case of Christianity which was named after Jesus Christ, Buddhism after Gotama Buddha, Confucianism after Confucius, Marxism after Karl Marx, Judaism after the tribe of Judah and Hinduism after the Hindus. Islam (submission to the will of God) is the religion which was given to Adam, the first man and the first prophet of God, and it was the religion of all the prophets sent by Allah to mankind. Furtherits name was chosen by God Himself and clearly mentioned in the final scripture which He revealed to man. In the final revelation, the Qur'an, Allah states the following

Hence, Islam does not claim to be a new religion brought by Prophet Muhammed into Arabia in the seventh century, but rather to be a re-expression in its final form of the true religion of Almighty God, Allah, as it was originally revealed to Adam and subsequent prophets.

At this point we might comment briefly on two other religions that claim to be the true path. Nowhere in the Bible will you find God revealing to Prophet Moses* people or their descendants that their religion is called Judaism, or to the followers of Christ that their religion is called Christianity. In other words, the names Judaism' and 'Christianity' had no divine origin or approval. It was not until long after his ascension that the name Christianity was given to Jesus' religion.


What, then, was Jesus' religion in actual fact, as distinct from its name?* His religion was reflected in his teachings, which he urged his followers to accept as guiding principles in their relationship with God. In Islam, Jesus is a prophet sent by Allah and his Arabic name is Eesa. Like the prophets before him, he called upon the people to surrender their will to the will of God (which is what Islam stands for). For example, in the New Testament it is stated that Jesus taught his followers to pray to God as follows:
" Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, may your will be done on earth as it is in heaven."
Luke 11:2/Matthew 6:9-10

This concept was emphasized by Jesus in a number of his statements recorded in the Gospels. He taught, for example, that only those who submitted would inherit paradise.
" None of those who call me 'Lord' will enter the kingdom of God, but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven."
Matthew 7:21

Jesus also pointed out that he himself submitted to the will of God.
" I cannot do anything of myself. I judge as I hear and my judgement is honest because I am not seeking my own will but the will of Him who sent me."
John 5:30

There are many reports in the Gospels which show that Jesus made it clear to his followers that he was not the one true God. For example, when speaking about the final Hour, he said:
" No-one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, not the son, but only the Father."
Mark 13:32

Thus, Jesus, like the prophets before him and the only one who came after him, taught the religion of Islam: submission to the will of the one true God.

GOD AND CREATION

Since the total submission of one's will to God represents the essence of worship, the basic message of God's divine religion, Islam, is the worship of God alone. It also requires the avoidance of worship directed to any person, place or thing other than God. Since everything other than God, the creator of all things, is God's creation it may be said that Islam, in essence, calls man away from the worship of creation and invites him to worship only his Creator. He is the only one deserving of man's worship, because it is only by His will that prayers are answered.

Accordingly, if a man prays to a tree and his prayers are answered, it is not the tree which answers his prayers but God, who allows the circumstances prayed for to take place. One might say, 11 That is obviousrt. However, to tree-worshippers it might not be so. Similarly, prayers to Jesus, Buddha, or Krishna, or Saint Christopher, or Saint Jude or even to Muhammad, are not answered by them,but are answered by God. Jesus did not tell his followers to worship him but to worship God, as the Qur'an states:"

And behold!Allah will say: 'O Jesus, the son of Mary! Did you say to men, worship me and my mother as gods beside Allah?, He will say: 'Glory to you, I could never say what I had right (to say)."
(Soorah al-Maa'idah 5:116)



Nor did Jesus worship himself when he worshipped, but rather he worshipped God. And Jesus was reported in the Gospels to have said,
"It is written: 'Worship the Lord your God and serve Him only .'"Luke 4:8

This basic principle is contained in the opening chapter of the Qur'an, known as Soorah al-Faatihah, verse 4:




"You alone do we worship and from you alone do we seek help."

Elsewhere, in the final book of revelation, the Qur'an, God also said:





"And your Lord says: "Call on Me and I will answer your (prayer) . "'
(Soorah Ghafir 40:60)

It is worth emphasizing that the basic message of Islam (namely, the worship of God alone) also proclaims that God and His creation are distinctly different entities. God is neither equal to His creation nor a part of it, nor is His creation equal to Him or a part of Him.

This might seem obvious, but man's worship of creation instead of the Creator is to a large degree based on ignorance, or neglect, of this concept. It is the belief that the essence of God is everywhere in His creation or that His divine being is or was present in some parts of His creation, which has provided justification for the worship of God's creation and naming it the worship of God. However, the message of Islam, as brought by the prophets of God, is to worship only God and to avoid the worship of His creation either directly or indirectly.

In the Qur'an God clearly states:




" For We assuredly sent amongst every people a prophet, with the command : Worship Me and avoid false Gods. "
(Soorah Al-Nahil 16:36)

When idol worshippers are questioned as to why they bow down to idols created by men, the invariable reply is that they are not actually worshipping the stone image, but God who is present within it. They claim that the stone idol is only a focal point for God's essence and is not in itself God! One whohas accepted the concept of God being present in any way within His creation will be obliged to accept this argument for idolatry. Whereas, one who understands the basic message of Islam and its implications would never accede to idolatry no matter how it is rationalized.

Those who have claimed divinity for themselves down through the ages have often based their claims on the mistaken belief that God is present in man. Taking one step further, they claim that God is more present in them than in the rest of us, and that other humans should therefore submit to them and worship them as God in person or as God concentrated within their person. Similarly, those who have asserted the godhood of others after their death have found fertile ground among those who accept the false belief of God's presence in man.

It should be abundantly clear by now that one who has grasped the basic message of Islam and its implications could never agree to worship another human being under any circumstance. God's religion in essence is a clear call to the worship of
the Creator and the rejection of creation-worship in any form. This is the meaning of the motto of Islam:
"LaaelaahaillaAllah" (there is no god but Allah)The sincere declaration of this phrase and the acceptance of prophethood automatically bring one within the fold of Islam, and sincere belief in it guarantees one Paradise. Thus, the final Prophet of Islam (p.b,u.h.) is reported to have said, "Any one who says : There is no god but Allah, and dies holding that (belief) will enter paradise."
Belief in this declaration of faith requires that one submit his/her will to God in the way taught by the prophets of God. It also requires the believer to give up the worship of false gods.


THE MESSAGE OF FALSE RELIGIONS

There are so many sects, cults, religions, philosophies, and movements in the world, all of which claim to be the right way or the only true path to God! How can one determine which one is correct or whether, in fact, all are correct? One method by which the answer can be found is to clear away the superficial differences in the teachings of the various claimants to the ultimate truth, and identify the central objcect of worship upon which they call, directly or indirectly. False religions all have in common one basic concept with regard to God : They either claim that all men are gods, or that specific men were God, or that nature is God, or that God is a figment of man's imagination.

Thus, it may be stated that the basic message of false religion is that God may be worshipped in the form of His creation. False religion invites man to the worship of creation by calling the creation or some aspect of it God. For example, prophet Jesus
invited his followers to worship God, but those who claim to be Jesus' followers today call people to worship Jesus, claiming that he was God.

Buddha was a reformer who introduced a number of humanistic principles in the religion of India. He did not claim to be God, nor did he suggest to his followers that he be an object of worship. Yet today most Buddhists who are to be found outside of India have taken him to be God and they prostrate themselves to idols made in their perception of his likeness.

By using the principle of identifying the object of worship, we can easily detect false religions and the contrived nature of their origin. As God said in the Qur'an:




" That which you worship besides Him are only names you and your forefathers have invented for which Allah has sent down no authority; the command belongs only to Allah:

He has commanded that you worship Him; that is the right religion, but most men do not understand."
(Soorah Yousuf 12:40)

It may be argued that all religions teach good things, so why should it matter which one we follow ? The reply is that all false religions teach the greatest evil : the worship of creation. Creation-worship is the greatest sin that man can commit because it contradicts the very purpose of his creation. Man was created to worship God alone as Allah has explicitly stated in the Qur'an :





"I have only created jinns and men, that they may worship Me."(Soorah Adh-Dhaariyaat 51:56)

Consequently, the worship of creation, which is the essence of idolatry, is the only unforgivable sin. One who dies in this state of idolatry has sealed his
fate in the next life. This is not an opinion, but a revealed fact stated by God in his final revelation to man:


" Verily Allah will not forgive the joining of partners with Him, but He may forgive (sins) less than that for whomsoever He
wishes."(Soorah An-Nisaa' 4:48 and 116)

Since the consequences of following a false religion are so grave, the true religion of God must have been universally understandable and universally attainable in the past and it must continue eternally to be understandable and attainable throughout the entire world. In other words, the true religion of God cannot be confined to any one people, place, or period of time. Nor is it logical that such a religion should impose conditions that have nothing to do with the relationship of man with God, such as baptism, or belief in man as a saviour, or go-betweens. Within the central principle of Islam and its definition (the surrender of one's will to God) lie the roots of Islam's universality. Whenever man comes to the realization that God is one and distinct from His creation, and submits himself to God, he becomes a Muslim in body and spirit and is eligible for paradise.

Consequently, anyone at any time in the most remote regions of the world can become a Muslim, a follower of God's religion, Islam, by merely rejecting the worship of creation and turning to God alone. It should be noted, however, that in order to actually submit to God's will, one must continually choose between right and wrong. Indeed, man is endowed by God with the power not only to distinguish right from wrong but also to choose between them. These God-given powers carry with them an important responsibility, namely, that man is answerable to God for the choices he
makes. It follows, then, that man should try his utmost to do good and avoid evil.

These concepts are expressed in the final revelation as follows:


"Verily, those who believe (in the Qur'an), and those who follow the Jewish faith, and the Christians, and the Sabians (angel- and star-worshippers) - any of these who believe in Allah and the Last Day and work righteousness shall have their reward with their Lord. They will not be overcome by fear or grief."(soorah al-Baqarah 2:62)

If, for whatever reason, they fail to accept the final message after it has been clearly explained to them, they will be in grave danger. The last Prophet said:
"Whoever among the Christians and Jews hears of me but does not affirm his belief in what I brought and dies in this state will be among the inhabitants of hell."
(Sahih Muslim [ English Translation ], Vol. I, P. 91, No. 284)

RECOGNITION OF GOD

The question which arises here is : How can all people be expected to believe in the one true God, given their varying backgrounds, societies and cultures? For people to be held responsible for worshipping the one true God they all need to have access to knowledge of Him. The final revelation teaches that all human beings have the recognition of the one true God imprinted on their souls as a part of their very nature with which they are created.

In the seventh chapter of the Qur'aan (Al-A'raaf, verses 172-173), God explained that when He created Adam He caused all of Adam's descendants to come into existence and He took a pledge from them saying:
"'Am I not your Lord? ' To which they all replied, ' Yes, we testify to it. '"
Allah then explained why He had all of mankind bear witness that He is their creator and the only true God worthy of worship. He said:


"That was in case you (mankind) should say on the day of Resurrection, 'Verily we were unaware of all this. '"(SoorahAl-A'raaf 7:172)

That is to say, we cannot claim on that day that we had no idea that Allah, was our God and that no one told us that we were only supposed to worship Allah alone. Allah went on to further explain that:


"It was also in case you should say, 'Certainly it was our ancestors who made partners (with Allah) and we are only their descendants; will you then destroy us for what those liars did?'"
(Soorah Al-A'raaf 7:173)

Thus, every child is born with a natural belief in God and an in-born inclination to worship Him alone. This in-born belief and inclination is called in Arabic the "Fitrah".

The Prophet Muhammad (p.b.u.h.) reported that Allah said," I created my servants in the right religion, but devils made them go astray." The Prophet (p.b.u.h.) also said," Each child is born in astate of Fitrah. Then his parents make him a Jew, Christian or a Zoroastrian." If the child were left alone, he would worship God in his own way, but all children are affected by their environment. So, just as the child submits to the physical laws which Allah has imposed on nature, in the same way his soul also submits naturally to the fact that Allah is his Lord and Creator.

But, if his parents try to make him follow a different path, the child is not strong enough in the early stages of his life to resist or oppose the will of his parents. In such cases, the religion which the child follows is one of custom and upbringing, and God does not hold him to account or punish him for this religion up to a certain stage of his or her life.

THE SIGNS OF GOD

Throughout people's lives, from childhood until the time they die, signs of the one and only true God are shown to them in all regions of the earth and in their own souls, until it becomes clear that there is only one true God (Allah). God says in the Qur'an:


" We will show them our signs in the furthest regions (of the earth) and in their own souls, until it becomes clear to them that this is the truth. "
(Soorah Fussilat 41:53)

The following is an example of God revealing by a sign to one man the error of his idol-worship. In the south-eastern region of the Amazon jungle in Brazil, South America, a primitive tribe erected a new hut to house their main idol Skwatch, representing the supreme god of all creation. The following day a young man eptered the hut to pay homage to the god, and while he was in prostration to what he had been taught was his Creator and Sustainer, a mangy old flea-ridden dog slunk into the hut. The young man looked up in time to see the dog lift its hind leg and pass urine on the idol. Outraged, the youth chased the dog out of the temple; but when his rage died down he realized that the idol could not be the Lord of the Universe. God must be elsewhere, he concluded. As strange as it may seem, the dog urinating on the idol was a sign from God for that young man. This sign contained the divine message that what he was worshipping was false. It liberated him from slavishly following his traditionally learned worship of a false god. As a result, this man was given a choice: either to seek the true God or to continue in the error of his ways.

Allah mentions Prophet Abraham's quest for God as an example of how those who follow His signs will be rightly guided :

" So also did we show Abraham the power and the Laws of the heavens and the earth that he might (with understanding) have certitude.

When the night covered him over, he saw a star. He said:' This is my Lord. ' But when it set, he said:' I love not those that set. '

When he saw the moon rising in splendour, he said:' This is my Lord. ' But when the moon set, he said:' Unless my Lord guide me, I shall surely be among those who go astray. '

When he saw the sun rising in splendour, he said:

'This is my Lord; this is the greatest (of all). ' But when the sun set, he said: ' O my people ! I am indeed free from your (guilt) of giving partners to Allah .

For me, I have set my face, firmly and truly,
towards Him who created the heavens and the
earth, and never shall I give partners to Allah"'
(Soorah al-An'aam 6:75-79)

As was mentioned earlier, Prophets have been sent to every nation and tribe to support man's natural belief in God and man's in-born inclination to worship Him, as well as to reinforce the divine truth in the daily signs revealed by God. Although much of these prophets' teachings became distorted, portions revealing their God-inspired messages have remained untainted and have served to guide mankind in the choice between right and wrong. The influence of God-inspired messages down through the ages can be seen in the 'Ten Commandments" of Judaism's Torah which were later adopted into Christianity's teachings, as well
As was mentioned earlier, Prophets have been sent to every nation and tribe to support man's natural belief in God and man's in-born inclination to worship Him, as well as to reinforce the divine truth in the daily signs revealed by God. Although much of these prophets' teachings became distorted, portions revealing their God-inspired messages have remained untainted and have served to guide mankind in the choice between right and wrong. The influence of God-inspired messages down through the ages can be seen in the 'Ten Commandments" of Judaism's Torah which were later adopted into Christianity's teachings, as well as in the existence of laws against murder, stealing and adultery in most societies throughout the ancient and modern world.

As a result of God's signs to mankind through the ages combined with His revelation through His prophets, all mankind has been given a chance to recognize the one and only true God.

Consequently, every soul will be held accountable for its belief in God and its acceptance of the true religion of God, namely Islam, which means total submission to the will of Allah.

CONCLUSION

The preceding presentation has demonstrated that the name of the religion of Islam expresses Islam's most central principle, submission to God, and that the name "Islam" was chosen not by man, but by God, according to the holy scriptures of Islam. It has also been shown that Islam alone teaches the uniqueness of God and His attributes and enjoins the worship of God alone without intermediaries. Finally, due to the divinely instilled inclination of man to worship God, and the signs revealed by God throughout the ages to each individual, Islam may be achieved by all men at all times.

In short, the significance of the name Islam (submission to God), Islam's fundamental acknowledgement of the uniqueness of God and Islam's accessibility to all mankind at all times convincingly support Islam's claim that from the beginning of time in whatever language it was expressed, Islam alone has been, and will be the true religion of God.

---------------------
* Both the name 'Jesus' and the name 'Christ' are derived from Hebrew words, through Greek and Latin. Jesus is the English and Latin form of the Greek 'lesous', which in Hebrew is 'Yeshua' or 'Yehoshua' (Joshua). The Greek word 'christos' is a translation of the Hebrew 'messiah', which is a title meaning 'the anointed*.

ISLAM IN BRIEF

BY
MAHMOUD MURAD



Printed at the expense of Endowment Dept. Of Sheikh Saleh bin Abdulaziz Al-Rajhi. May Allah forgive him , his parents, offspring, and All the Muslims


Table of Contents
Who is Allah? 7
What is Al-Qur'an? 9
Authenticity of Al-Qur'an 10
Miraculosity of Al-Qur'an 11
Comprehensive Legislation 12
Science and Al-Qur'an 14
The creation of the heavens and the earth 16
Human reproduction 19
Who is Muhammad? 21
What is Islam? 22
The pillars of Islam 25
The articles of faith 28
Suggested materials for reading 31

Who Is Allah?

Allah is the proper name applied to the only true God Who exists necessarily by Himself,
comprising all the excellent Divine names and attributes of perfection. Allah is One and
Unique; He has no partner or equal. He is the sole Creator and sustainer of the universe.
Every creature bears witness to His Oneness. Divinity, Lordship and the uniqueness of His attributes and names. Allah's essence does not resemble other essences; «There is none like unto Him». He is the One, the Sole, the Indivisible. He is the God without Whom no affairs are accomplished, and to Whom Lordship ultimately pertains. He neither begets nor is begotten. He does not inhere in anything, nor does anything inhere in Him. All creatures stand in need of Him, but He stands in need of none.

Allah is the Omnipotent, the Omniscient, Whose knowledge comprehends in the most perfect manner all things, hidden or manifested. But He is far greater than to be encompassed by the knowledge of His creatures. Allah the Supreme is the Creator of everything, for He has a free hand in the disposal of all affairs. He is the most Merciful, Whose unbounded mercy encompasses everything. He is far removed from injustice and tyranny. Allah's justice ensures order in the universe, which has no defect. There is no one to share His domain, nor does He take aid or support from His creatures. He is the God of the worlds. Yet, He is nearer to man than man's jugular vein. Whenever a
believer in need or distress calls on Him, He responds. He is above the Seven Heavens
mounting His throne is the manner which suits His grandure.Allah has revealed His final Scripture, al-Qur'an to the last of His Messengers, Muhammad, peace be on him, to convey the Message of Islam to mankind. He is the Exalted Allah; Glory be to Him.



What is the Qur'an?

The word «Qur'an» is understood in its general connotation to mean the speech of Allah
which is neither created. The Qur'an is the real word of Allah, which was delivered by the
angel Gabriel to Muhammad, peace be on him. Prophet Muhammad, peace be on him, memorized the verses he received and recited them to his companions, who happened to be with him. He then ordered them to immediately write the verses down. He himself used to keep a copy of the revealed portions in his house.

The Qur'an is the last of Allah's Scriptures which Allah revealed in instalments over a
period of twenty-three years. It is divided into 114 surahs (chapters) of unequal length.
It is one of the fundamental sources of the Islamic teachings. Some of its surahs and
verses were revealed at Makkah, and the rest thereof were revealed at Madinah. The Makkan surahs and verses are concerned mainly with the issues of tawhid, or the belief in the Oneness of Allah, the signs of the existence of Allah, Resurrection, and life after death.
The creed of the Oneness of Allah was the focal point of the messages with which all the
Prophets and Messengers were sent to mankind, beginning with Adam and ending with Muhammad, peace be on them all. The surahs revealed at Madinah at a latter period of the life of the Messenger of Allah, peace be on him, are concerned with legislations, rites of worship, and transactions related to all aspects of life.

Authenticity of the Qur'an

There has been no nation which cared about, holified and preserved its Divine Scripture as the Muslim Ummah (nation) cared about, holified and preserved the Qur'an. Unlike the Divine Scriptures which preceded it, the Qur'an is not kept in the hands of a particular group or clan of Muslims so that one may suspect it to be tampered with or alterated; rather, it was within the reach of all Muslims. The Muslims are commanded to recite it in their prayer and refer to it in all their disputes for a final judgment. The Qur'an was compiled at a time when those who committed it to memory were still alive. Allah has promised to preserve the Qur'an, and it will be preserved till the Day of Judgment. The Muslims today read and recite the Qur'anic texts that were read and recited during the lifetime of the Prophet Muhammad, peace be on him, and his companions: No letter has been added to the Qur'an or deleted from it. After examining the Qur'an, Dr. Maurice Bucaille ascertains: «Thanks to its undisputed authenticity, the text of the Qur'an holds a unique place among the books of revelation*1.

Miraculosity of the Qur'an

Allah, the Exalted has challenged the Arabs and non-Arabs to produce a qur'an similar to
the Divine one. The challenge was then reduced to ten surahs, and yet they failed to do so. Finally, Allah challenged them to produce a single surah comparable to any of His. Although they were masters of eloquence and rhetoric during that period, the Arabs were still incapable of taking up the challenge. They realized that it could never be from anyone other than Allah, the Lord of the worlds.

The difference between miracles of the previous Messengers, which proved their veracity, and those of the Messenger of Allah, peace be on him, is that their previous miracles were effective during the lifetime of everyone of them, whereas the miracle of the Qur'an remains effective, everlasting and unchallenged until the Day of Judgment.



Comprehensive Legislation

Besides the finesse of its rhetoric, the Qur'an constitutes the most comprehensive concept
of Islam on the practical level, the shari'ah, or the laws and legislation. The Qur'an is
comprehensive because it includes law, moral principles and the creed which every Muslim subscribes. The Islamic shari'ah is suitable not only for the Muslims, but for all mankind at all times. The Islamic law governs all human, acts, public or private-duties towards Allah and duties towards man.

Man-made laws are subject to alteration and are based on theories; whenever a new body of legislators assumes authority in a non-Muslim country or a new theory appears and appeals to its government, the laws are changed accordingly. The Divine laws, on the other hand, are unalterable and perpetual because the One Who made them is Everliving and Everlasting God. He is the Creator Who created mankind and ordained for them what suits them till the end of time. For this reason, the Qur'an, being the last revealed to the last of Prophets and Messengers, abrogates all previous Scriptures.

Many prophesies in the Qur'an are fulfilled to the letter. Allah promised those who believe and did good deeds that He will surely make them successors on earth. The early Muslims ruled a vast land encompassing many countries in the world. The Qur'an foretold the victory of the Romans over the Persians2. Allah says: «The Romans have been defeated, in the land nearby, and they after their defeat, will be victorious».

A person who reads the Qur'an objectively shall realize that the prophesies in it are far
removed from conjuncture or speculations. This is due to the fact that Who revealed them is the One who predecreed all events until the Day of Judgment.

Science and the Qur'an

Along with the fact the Muhammad, peace be on him, was illiterate; he could neither read
nor write, he grew up in Makkah where there were no schools, and he was far away from the scientific circles which existed in Syria, Alexandria, Athens and Rome. Moreover, the
scientific facts mentioned in the Qur'an were not known in the seventh century. Having
studied and examined the Arabic text of the Qur'an, Dr. Bucaille marvels:
«I could not find a single error in the Qur'an. I had to stop and ask myself: if a man was the author of the Qur'an, how could he have written facts in the Seventh century A.D. that today are shown to be in keeping with modern scientific knowledge? I had too acknowledge the evidence in front of me: the Qur'an did not contain a single statement that was assailable from a modern scientific point of view. I repeated the same test for the Old Testament and the Gospels, always preserving the same objective outlook. In the former, I did not even have to go beyond the first book, Genesis, t6 find statements totally out of keeping with the cast-iron facts of modern science».

Dr. Bucaille studied many of the scientific facts that are mentioned in the Qur'an, such as
the creation of the universe, and other topics including astronomy, animal and plant
kingdoms, human reproduction and other related issues. For the sake of brevity, two of the above issues will be discussed in order to draw the reader's attention to one of the
objectives of this booklet.

The Creation of the Heavens and the Earth

"Man's knowledge of the origin of the universe is considerably limited. The scientists have proposed hypotheses and theories of evolution that are centred around one theme: the radiation era, the premordial fireball and the premordial matter and antimatter. The
theories state that the universe consisted mainly of strongly interacting particles.
Premordial matter and antimatter, according to Encyclopaedia Britannica, eventually
annihilated each other; and the remaining particles formed the present universe"'. The
Qur'an presents the development of the universe in relatively simple terms. Allah says,
directing His Messenger Muhammad, peace be on him, to ask the unbelievers:

"Say: Is it that ye deny Him Who created the earth in two Days? And do ye join equals with Him?

He is The Lord of (all) The Worlds. He set on the (earth) Mountains Standing firm, high
above it, and bestowed blessings on the earth, and measured therein its sustenance in four
Days, alike for (all) who ask.

Then He turned to the sky, and it had been (as) smoke: He said to it and to the earth:
"come ye together, willingly or unwillingly".

They said: "we do come (together), in willing obedience".

So He completed them as seven firmaments in two Days, and He assigned to each heaven its duty and command, and We adorned the lower heaven with lights, and (provided it) with guard.

Such is the Decree of (Him) The Exalted in Might, Full of Knowledge"4.
"Do not the Unbelievers see that the heavens and the earth were joined together (as one
unit of Creation), before We clove them asunder?
We made from water every living thing.
Will they not then believe?"5.
"The concept of rending of one unit into two or more, the celestial «smoke» as referred to
in the above verses are fact to which corresponds the factual scientific data. «Smoke», the
English physicist and astronomer Sir James Jeans wrote: We have found that, as Newton first conjectured, a chaotic mass of gas of approximately uniform density and of very great extent would be dynamically unstable: nuclei, would tend to Form in it, around which the whole of matter would ultimately condense". On the basis of this theory Newton proposed that all celestial objects originated by a process of fragmentation.
Needless to say the space program helped discover the homogeniety of the substances of
which the moon, the earth and other planets are formed. «Such state- ments in the Qur'an
concerning the creation which appeared nearly fourteen centuries ago», Dr. Bucaille
concluded, «obviously do not lend themselves to a human explanation*6.

The complexities of human reproduction were decoded and understood only after the invention of the microscope which was hundreds of years after the death of Muhammad, peace be on him.
However, the Qur'an refers to the stages of development that human embryo undergoes. Allah says:
"Man We did create from a quintessence (of clay);
Then we placed him as (adrop of) sperm in a place of rest, Firmly fixed;
Then we made the sperm into a clot of congealed blood; then of that clot We made a (foetus) lump; then We made out of that lump bones and clothed the bones with flesh; then we developed out of it another creature. So blessed be Allah, The Best to create!"7.

As it has been scientifically proven, the stages of human reproduction are: «1-
Fertilization of an ovule which takes place in the Fallopian tubes. The fertilizing agent
is the male sperm. 2- The implantation of the fertilized egg which takes place at a precise
spot in the female reproductive system: it descends into the uterus and lodges in the body
of the uterus. Once the embryo begins to be observable to the naked eye, it looks like a small mass of flesh. It grows there in progressive stages which are very well known today; they lead to the bone structure, the muscles, the nervous system, the circulation, and the viscera, etc»8.
In conclusion, Dr. Bucaille ascertains: «More than a thousand years before our time, at a
period when whimsical doctrines still prevailed, men had a knowledge of the Qur'an. The
statements it contains express in simple terms truths of premordial importance which man
has taken centuries to discover».



What is Islam?

The Arabic term 'Islam', meaning «submission», points to the fundamental religious creed
which dictates that a Muslim submit to the will of Allah, conforming inwardly and outwardly to His laws.

The religion of Islm lays great emphasis on uncompromising monotheism and strict adherence to certain creeds and acts of worship. It enjoins submitting to the will of Allah and following the exemplary way of the life of Muhammad, the last of the Prophets and
Messengers, may peace be on them all.

Allah, the Exalted created the universe and what is in it that He be recognized as the One
and only God. He created man and jinn only to celebrate His praise and worship Him. His
words signify: "I have only created Jinns and men, that they may Serve Me"9.

The ways and acts of worship are not left to man's option or choice. Allah is the One Who ordains and decrees all acts of worship and the means in which they must be observed. Since Islam deals in every aspect of life, spiritual and physical, its jurisprudence is based on creeds, acts of worship and ordinances regarding social, economical and political transactions.

Because Islam is a perfect way of life, it enjoins maintaining a refined code of manners.
The Messenger ofAllah said: "Verily, 1 have been sent to accomplish the fine manners". Allah has praised the fine manners of His Messenger saying: "And surely thou hast sublime morals"10. A'ishah, the wife of the Messenger of Allah, peace be on him, was asked about his manners. She said: "His manners were al-Qur'an". A'ishah meant that the Prophet, peace be on him, clung to the Qur'an, it rules of discipline, its commands, its prohibitions, and the excellent, beautiful and gracious things comprised in it. For this reason Allah commands the believers to follow the exemplary life of His Messenger, peace be on him, saying: "Ye have indeed in the Messenger of Allah an excellent exempler"11.

Islam enjoins good manners for every occasion: seeking permission, greeting, sitting,
eating, learning, teaching, sporting, travelling, dressing, visiting, sleeping, marriage,
treating people, particularly relatives and neighbours with kindness, etc. Codes of all
such great manners are found in both the Qur'an and the Prophetic traditions of the
Messenger of Allah. peace be on him.
The family enjoys a high status in Islam. It is the core of society; a healthy family means
a healthy society, hence Allah, the Exalted commands to treat them with gentleness and
submissiveness saying:
"Thy Lord hath decreed that ye worship none but Him, and that ye be kind to parents.
Whether one or both of them attain old age in thy life, say not to them aword of contempt, nor repel them but address them, in terms of honour.

And, out of kindness, lower to them the wing of humility, and say:
"My Lord! bestow on them thy Mercy even as they cherished me in childhood"12.
Next to family comes the kindred. The Messenger of Allah, peace be on him, said that Allah has promised to be kind to him who behaves kindly to his kindred, and to sever him who severs his kindred by unkind behaviour.

The Pillars of Islam

The Messenger of Allah, peace be on him, said: Islam is built on five pillars:
1. ash-Shahaadah (the profession of faith) which must be recited by anyone embracing Islam. (La ilaha illallah. Muhammad Rasoolullah) meaning: «There is no true god except Allah, Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah». This means that there is no god worthy of being worshipped but Allah, and that He must be worshipped only according to the teaching of His Messenger Muhammad, peace be on him.
2. Salat (prayer), which must be performed five times a day. The first is Fajr prayer, [two
rak'aat (units)]; which may be performed between dawn and sunrise. The second, Dhuhr, just afternoon, [four rak'aat]. The third Asr, in the later afternoon, [four rak'aat]. The
fourth, Maghrib, [three rak'aat] immediately after sunset. The fifth, Isha', [four
rak'aat], after the sun's redness disappears from the horizon. Prayer, however, must be
preceded by ablution which is washing hands, face, wiping over the head, washing the
forearms and the feet.
Prayer is one of the greatest pillars of Islam. It is the first act of worship about which
man shall be asked on the Day of Reckoning. If it is accepted by Allah, then
the rest of man's good deeds are accepted too13.
3. Zakat (the poor-due) is one of the greatest financial institutions of Islam, literally
meaning 'purification', indicating that such a payment makes the rest of the Muslim's
wealth pure. Zakat is levied annually on certain types of food grain, cattle and cash
possessed for one lunar calendar year to be given out to the poor, the needy and other
specified classes of people.
4. Sawm (fasting) to be observed during the month of Ramadan (the ninth month of the Muslim lunar calendar). It begins at daybreak (dawn), and ends at sunset. Eating, drinking14 and sexual activities with one's wife are forbidden.
Besides health benefits which one gains through fasting, it is an act of worship which
helps one who observes it attain piety, humbleness and share the feelings of the beret and
hungry in the community. Fasting also allows one to be more benevolent and charitable.
5. Hajj (pilgrimage) to Makkah, prescribed for those Muslims who can afford the trip
financially15 and healthwise, once in a lifetime. The Hajj rites take place during the Islamic or lunar months of Shawwal, Dhul-Qi'dah and the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah
only. It is a precondition for the pilgrim to enter the state of Ihram16 at a certain point before entering the boundaries of Makkah.

The Articles of Faith

There are also articles of faith which include beside believing in the Oneness of Allah:
1. Believing in the angels. Allah has created them and tasked them to undertake numerous duties beside praising Him. They are His obedient salves. "They stand in awe and reverence of His [glory]"17.
2. Believing in Allah's Scriptures, that they were free from any imperfection or errors at
the time of their revelation. All Scriptures that preceded the Qur'an have been tampered
with or distorted by their people, while the Qur'an is protected by Allah from change or
tampering. Allah sent down Scriptures to Abraham, Isma'il, Is'haq, Ya'oob (Jacob) and his twelve sons, Moses, Jesus, and Muhammad.
3. Believing in Allah's Messengers. Among whom the most prominent and steadfast are Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus and Muhammad, peace be on them. They are human and slaves of Allah. Every Prophet or Messenger before Muhammad, peace be on him, was sent to his own people, but Muhammad, peace be on him. was sent to all mankind. Allah says: "Blessed is He Who Sent down the Criterion To His Servant, that it May be an admonition to all Creatures;-"18.
None of Allah's Messengers or Prophets claimed to be a god or part-god. Allah says: "No son did Allah beget, nor is there any god along with Him: (if there were many gods), behold, each god would have taken away what he had created, and some would have Lorded it over others! Glory to Allah! (He is free) from the (sort of) things they attribute to Him!"19.
4. Believing in the Last Day, the Day of Resurrection. Allah has predecreed a term for each creature, and a term for the life of this world. The world's termination will be marked by the sounding of the Trumpet, then the trumpet will sound again and mankind shall be resurrected to stand before the Lord of the worlds to be questioned about their deeds in this world. Those who believed in Allah and were obedient will go to Jannah or (Paradise), and those who disbelieved will end up in Hell-Fire.
5. Believing in predestination. Allah has created everything in accordance with His decree, predestination, desire and will, and in due proportion. His determinat-tion of the nature of things was established fifty-thousand years before He created the Heavens and the earth20. Nothing occurs or takes shape within the heavens or the earth but with His
knowledge and by His order.

Now that you read this booklet, the decision is yours. Everyone is heading for the same
end, but may choose any other route. Allah is so merciful; Allah is far removed from
injustice; He says: "Nor would we punish until. We had sent A messenger (to give
warning)"21. Out of our concern for you, we have prepared this message.

Suggested books for reading:
-The Holy Qur'an, (English translation of the meaning) by T. Al-Hilali.
-Sahih al-Bukharri, a collection of the authentic Prophetic traditions.
-Sahih Muslim, a collection of the authentic Prophetic traditions:
* The book of Prayer by A. Saqib.
* General Prescripts of Islam.
* Fasting.
* Exegesis of the opening chapter of the Qur'an.
* The Fundamentals of Islam.
* The life and the Aqeadah of Ash-Sheikh, Muhammad Ibn Abdul Wahab.

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Footnotes

1. Dr. Maurice Bucaille is a surgeon who has taken great interest in the scientific aspects of the Qur'an. He learnt Arabic and managed to study the Qur'an in its original text. He was amazed with its precise scientific data. As a result of this study. Dr. Bucaille converted to Islam.

2.The reference to this prophecy is found in Surah #30 entitled 'Arrum" or the
Romans. This refers to the battle which took place between the Persian and
the Roman in 614 A.D. when the Roman were defeated. Eight years after that, the Roman defeated the Persians, and the prophesy to the Qur'an was fulfilled to the letter.

3.Macropedia. Vol. 18. p. 1008.

4. Qur'an 41 : 9, 10, 11, 12.

5. Qur'an 21 : 30.

6. Macropedia. Vol. 18. p. 1006.

7. Qur'an 23 : 12, 13, 14

8. The Bible, the Qur'an and Science, p. 199.

10. Qur'an 68: 4.

11. Qur'an 33: 21.

12. Qur'an 17 : 23, 24.

13. Man shall be held accountable for every minute and thing he does, and shall stand all by himself on the Day of Judgment or Reckoning to be questioned by the Almighty Allah. Every one shall be held accountable for his own deeds. The life in the Hereafter is either everlasting happiness or everlasting torment.

14. Drinking, refers to water, fruit juices and other non-alcholic and soft drinks; liqueur and smoking are prohibited in Islam.

15. This means that one must have enough provisions for his journey and for his family during his absence.

16. Ihram is the intention to perform Hajj or Umrah by wrapping a piece of cloth covering his body from the chest down. Another piece of cloth covers the upper body: excluding the head. Ihram makes it unlawful for the pilgrim to wear sewed garments, shoes, to have sexual activities with his wife, to hunt and the like. Under normal circumstances, once a Muslim enters the state of Ihram, he may not break it until he has completed all Hajj or Umrah rituals. But if one is held back from completing Hajj or Umrah. for health reason, fear of enemy or great danger, he may then quit his Ihram and sacrifice a sheep, goat, cow or camel as an expiation.

17. Qur'an 21 : 28.

18. Qur'an 25 : 1.

19. Qur'an 23 : 91.

20. Abdullah Bin Amr reported that the Messenger of Allah, peace be on him, said: "Allah had predecreed the creation fifty thousand years before he brought the heavens and the earth into existence". (Imam Muslim, Ahmad and at-Tir-midthi).

21 Qur'an 17: 16.