Sunday, November 15, 2015

Way To Establish Peace


The meaning of the word Islam is peace. Another meaning is obedience. To achieve peace in personal and societal life through obedience to the Creator is the principle proposed by Islam. Upholding moral values, ethics and maintaining discipline in personal life and thus in the society is very much essential in order to establish peace and justice in the world. People should dedicate themselves to achieve this goal.
While a group of people work towards this aim, it is quite natural that those rulers, intermediaries who live upon exploiting the people through injustice and immoral means in the society will stand against them and oppose their movement. To protect their evil interests, they will instigate the ignorant masses and turn them against those good souls by spreading lies and false propaganda. They will use all possible means to oppress those good people and their followers in order to wipe them out of their country. 
In such a situation, how should the people of the mission to establish peace work to achieve their goal?
A study of history of the messengers of God, particularly the life history of the last messenger Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), reveals us certain important and wise steps to be followed by the aspirants to establish peace on earth which can never be ignored.

The messengers of God were sent to different parts of the world at different periods of time. They found their respective nations living in turmoil amidst superstitions in the name of religions, idol worship, tribal wars, treachery, injustice, enmity, exploitation, immorality etc. under the influence of Satan. They admonished the people against the evils they were committing to their own selves and against each other. They warned the oppressors and exploiters, against the excesses they were committing on others with punishment of God. Also they gave good tidings to those who do good.  
The messengers reformed the people gradually by reminding them about the oneness of mankind and oneness of God and their answerability to Him. They freed their respective people from superstitions. They taught the people to directly worship God without formalities and intermediaries. As a result of this they started ignoring the intermediaries and ruling class who were exploiting them in the name of religion. Realising the harm done to their selfish interests, the exploiters extensively oppressed the messengers and their followers to force them to stop their movement. They also instigated the ignorant masses against those good souls. They faced killings, social boycott, tortures and other oppressions.

REFORMATION PROCESS 

The main mission of messengers of God was to reform the people by reminding them three basic truths which they often forget under the influence of Satan.
1.    Oneness of mankind: The whole mankind is one which has originated from one couple. All human beings, irrespective of their race, color, nation, tribe, language etc belong to the same family.
2.     Oneness of God:The universe and its contents are created, cherished and sustained by God Almighty and He is One and the only One. Man has to live in obedience to Him. Strictly He alone deserves our worship. Attributing godhood to anything else other than Him is a major sin as it negatively affects the God-consciousness and thus leads to dissemination of sins in the society.
3.    Answerability to God: The present temporary world is for testing man of his obedience to God and thus man is answerable to God for his deeds. One day the whole world will be destroyed and the Day of Judgment will be established. The obedient will be rewarded with paradise of eternal bliss and the disobedient will be punished in hell fire.
  
    Along with the above teachings the prophets taught people acts of worship like prayer, giving alms, fasting etc. to keep them steadfast in the religion. They lived among them, freely mingling with them and stood as role models for their respective nations. Thus they demonstrated how to establish dharma on earth by following God's guidance.
  
    LESSONS FROM PROPHETS

      When we study the life incidents of the prophets as mentioned in the Holy Quran and the traditions of the last messenger of God, Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) we can learn some important lessons which are applicable at all the times. If we adopt them sincerely we can restore peace in the world.
       Some of the important lessons from the history of messengers of God for those people or groups who are keen to work for establishing peace on earth can be briefed as follows:

11.    Strengthen your own belief in God and the life hereafter by gaining more knowledge and reasoning. Practice yourself first the obedience to God (ie. in arabic Islam) with steadfastness.
2.    Maintain close relationship with God almighty and seek his help through patience and prayers. One can gain closeness to God by prayer, remembrance of God, fasting etc.
3.  Reform people by reminding them the above facts of life in a gentle and compassionate way. Stand with them in their distress.
4.  Understand that the opposition, threats and oppression from the exploiters of people will naturally arise once the people start reforming.
5.    Maintain patience and perseverance against the oppression keeping in mind we are observed by our Lord who is going to reward us with Paradise.
6.    Seek guidance through His revelations and the tradition of the messenger of God.
7.    Do not treat fellow human beings as enemies even if they show enmity towards us. The real enemy is the Satan who influences them.
8.    Way to establish peace on earth is not by elimination of people but by reformation of them.
9.    Do not disturb the reformation process by expressing your anger or impatience against the acts of the ignorant masses and the oppressors.
10.    If practicing Islam becomes difficult at any place where preaching is carried out, then emigrate to a place where you can practice at ease. But never retaliate to the oppressors  
11.    Do not forget the fact that Islam is the reformation policy for human beings and any one, irrespective of his race, color, country, tribe, language etc., can adopt this policy to reform himself.
12. Those who join this movement should never alienate themselves as a separate sect and treat others as their enemies.

Wednesday, October 21, 2015

30 facts about Islam

Image result for 30
1) "Islam" means "surrender" or "submission". "Salam" (which means "peace") is the root word of "Islam". In a religious context the word "Islam" means "the surrendering of one's will (without compulsion) to the true will of God in an effort to achieve peace".

2) "Muslim" means "anyone or anything that surrenders itself to the true will of God". By this definition, everything in nature (trees, animals, planets, etc.) are "muslims" because they are in a state of surrender to God's will. In other words, they are fulfilling the purpose for which God created them.

3) Islam is not a new religion or cult. It is a universal way of life and civilization. Studies show that between 1.5 and 1.8 billion people in the world identify their religion as Islam. Along with Judaism and Christianity it traces its roots through Prophet Abraham and back to the first humans Adam and Eve.

4) There are five pillars of practice in Islam. These practices must be undertaken with the best of effort in order to be considered a true Muslim: A) Declaration of faith in One God and that Muhammad is a prophet of God. B) Formal prayer five times a day. C) Poor-due "tax" - 2.5% of one's excess wealth given to the needy once a year. D) Pilgrimage to Mecca at least once, if physically and financially able. E) Fasting during the daylight hours in the month of Ramadan.

5) There are six articles of faith in Islam. These are the basic beliefs that one must have in order to be considered a true Muslim. They are belief in: A) the One God. B) all of the true prophets of God. C) the original scriptures revealed to Moses, David, Jesus and Muhammad. D) the angels. E) the Day of Judgment and the Hereafter. F) destiny.

6) Islam is a complete way of life that governs all facets of life: moral, spiritual, physical, intellectual, social, economical, etc.

7) Islam is one of the fastest growing religions in the world. To become Muslim, a person of any race or culture must say a simple statement, the shahadah, that bears witness to the belief in the One God and that Muhammad is a prophet of God.

8) "Allah" is an Arabic word that means "God". Muslims also believe that "Allah" is the personal name of God.

9) Allah is not the God of Muslims only. He is the God of all people and all creation. Just because people refer to God using different terms does not mean there are different gods. Many Hispanics refer to God as "Dios" and many French refer to God as "Dieu" yet they mean the same God. Many Arab Jews and Arab Christians call God "Allah" and the word "Allah" (in Arabic script) appears on the walls of many Arab churches and on the pages of Arabic Bibles. Although the understanding of God may differ between the various faith groups, it does not change the fact that the One Lord and Creator of the Universe is the God of all people.

10) The Islamic concept of God is that He is loving, merciful and compassionate. Islam also teaches that He is all-knowing and the perfect judge of affairs, and will punish (or forgive) accordingly. However, Allah once said to Muhammad, “My mercy prevails over my wrath”. So Islam teaches a balance between fear and hope, protecting one from both complacency and despair.

11) Muslims believe that God has revealed 99 of His names, or attributes, in the Qur'an. It is through these names that one can come to know the Creator. A few of these names are the All-Merciful, the All-Knower, the Protector, the Provider, the Near, the First, the Last, the Hidden and the Source of All Peace.

12) The Christian concept of "vicarious atonement" (the idea that Jesus died for the sins of humanity) is alien to the Islamic concept of personal responsibility. Islam teaches that on the Day of Judgment every person will be resurrected and will be accountable to God for their every word and deed. Consequently, a practicing Muslim is always striving to be righteous while hoping and praying for God's acceptance and grace.

13) Muslims believe in all of the true prophets that preceded Muhammad, from Adam to Jesus. Muslims believe they brought the same message of voluntarily surrendering to God's will (islam, in a generic sense) to different peoples at different times. Muslims also believe they were "muslims" (again, in a generic sense) since they followed God's true guidance and surrendered their will to Him.

14) Muslims neither worship Muhammad nor pray through him. Muslims solely worship the Unseen and Omniscient Creator, Allah.

15) Muslims accept the original unaltered Torah (as revealed to Moses) and the original unaltered Bible (as revealed to Jesus) since they were revealed by God. But none of these scriptures exist today in their original form or in their entirety. Therefore, Muslims follow the subsequent, final and preserved revelation of God, the Qur'an.

16) The Qur'an was not authored by Muhammad. It was authored by God, revealed to Muhammad (through angel Gabriel) and written into physical form by his companions.

17) The original Arabic text of the Qur'an contains no flaws or contradictions, and has not been altered since its revelation.

18) Actual 7th century Qur'ans, complete and intact, are on display in museums in Turkey and other places around the world.

19) If all Qur'ans in the world today were destroyed, the original Arabic would still remain. This is because millions of Muslims, called "hafiz" (or "guardians") have memorized the text letter for letter from beginning to end, every word and every syllable. Also, chapters from the Qur'an are precisely recited from memory in each of the five formal prayers performed daily by hundreds of millions of Muslims throughout the world.

20) Some attribute the early and rapid spread of Islam to forced conversions by the sword. While it is accurate that the Muslim empire initially spread, for the most part, through battles and conquests (a common phenomenon for that time) the religion of Islam itself was never forced on anyone who found themselves living under Muslim rule. In fact, non-Muslims were afforded the right to worship as they pleased as long as a tax, called "jizyah", was paid. During the Dark Ages, Jews, Christians and others were given protection by the Muslims from religious persecutions happening in Europe. Islam teaches no compulsion in religion (Qur'an 2:256 and 10:99). For more, read "The Spread of Islam in the World" by Thomas Arnold.

21) Terrorism, unjustified violence and the killing of non-combatant civilians (or even intimidating, threatening or injuring them) are all absolutely forbidden in Islam. Islam is a way of life that is meant to bring peace to a society whether its people are Muslim or not. The extreme actions of those who claim to be Muslim may be a result of their ignorance, frustration, uncontrolled anger or political (not religious) ambitions. Anyone who condones or commits an act of terrorism in the name of Islam is simply not following Islam and is, in fact, violating its very tenets. These people are individuals with their own personal views and agendas. Fanatical Muslims are no more representative of the true teachings of Islam than fanatical Christians are of the true teachings of Christianity or fanatical Jews are of the true teachings of Judaism. The most prominent examples of such “religious” fanatics are Anders Behring Breivik, the 2011 Norwegian terrorist who claimed in his manifesto to be “100 percent Christian” and Baruch Goldstein, perpetrator of the 1994 Hebron massacre who is considered by some Jews to be a “hero” and a “saint”. Extremism and fanaticism are problems not exclusive to Muslims. Anyone who thinks that all Muslims are terrorists should note that terror groups like ISIS (or ISIL), Al-Qaeda and Boko Haram kill Muslims as well. Also, the former boxer Muhammad Ali, perhaps the most celebrated person of our era, is a practicing Muslim.

22) The word "jihad" does not mean "holy war". It actually means "to struggle" or "to strive". In a religious context it means the struggle to successfully surrender one's will to the will of God. Some Muslims may say they are going for "jihad" when fighting in a war to defend themselves or others, but they say this because they are conceding that it will be a tremendous struggle. But there are many other forms of jihad which are much more relevant to the everyday life of a Muslim such as the struggles against laziness, arrogance, stinginess, one's own ego, or the struggle against a tyrant ruler or against the temptations of Satan, etc. Regarding the so-called verses of "holy war" in the Qur'an, two points: A) The term "holy war" neither appears in the Arabic text of the Qur'an nor in any classical teachings of Islam. B) The vast majority of verses in the Qur'an pertaining to violence refer to wartime situations in which Muslims were permitted to defend themselves against violent aggression. Any rational, intellectual analysis of the context and historical circumstances surrounding such verses, often ignored by pundits or violent extremists, proves this to be true. Other verses of violence deal with stopping oppression, capital punishment and the like.

23) Women are not oppressed in Islam. Any Muslim man that oppresses a woman is not following Islam. Among the many teachings of Muhammad that protected the rights and dignity of women is his saying, "...the best among you are those who treat their wives well."

24) Islam grants women many rights in the home and in society. Among them are the right to earn money, to financial support, to own property, to an education, to an inheritance, to being treated kindly, to vote, to a bridal gift, to keep their maiden name, to worship in a mosque, to a divorce, and so on.

25) Muslim women wear the head-covering (hijab) in fulfillment of God's decree to dress modestly. This type of modest dress has been worn by religious women throughout time such as traditional Catholic nuns, Mother Teresa and the Virgin Mary.

26) Forced marriages, honor killings, female genital mutilation and the confinement of women to their homes are all forbidden in Islam. These practices stem from deeply entrenched cultural traditions and/or ignorance of the true Islamic teachings or how to apply them in society. Arranged marriages are allowed in Islam but are not required. In fact, one of the conditions for a valid Islamic marriage contract is the mutual consent of both parties to the marriage. And divorce is permissible provided the Islamic guidelines are followed which protect the rights of all affected parties, especially women and unborn children.

27) Islam and the Nation "of Islam" are two different religions. Islam is a religion for all races and enjoins the worship of the One Unseen God who never took human form. On the other hand "the Nation" is a movement geared towards non-whites that teaches God appeared as a man named Fard Muhammad and that Elijah Muhammad was a prophet. According to orthodox Islam these are blasphemous beliefs that contradict the basic theology defined throughout the Qur'an and other authentic texts. The followers of "the Nation" adhere to some Islamic principles that are mixed with other practices and beliefs completely alien to authentic Islamic teachings. To better understand the differences read about Malcolm X, his pilgrimage to Mecca and his subsequent comments to the media. Islam teaches equality amongst the races (Qur'an 49:13).

28) All Muslims are not Arab, Middle-Eastern or of African descent. Islam is a universal religion and way of life that includes followers from all races. There are Muslims in and from virtually every country in the world. Arabs only constitute about 20% of Muslims worldwide. The countries with the largest Muslim populations are not located in the Middle East. They are Indonesia (over 200 million Muslims) and Pakistan and India (over 350 million Muslims combined).

29) In the five daily prayers Muslims face the Kaaba in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. It is a cube-shaped stone structure that was built by Prophet Abraham and his son Ishmael on the same foundations where Prophet Adam is believed to have built a sanctuary for the worship of the One God. Muslims do not worship the Kaaba. It serves as a focal point for Muslims around the world, unifying them in worship and symbolizing their common belief, spiritual focus and direction. Interestingly the inside of the Kaaba is empty.

30) The hajj is an annual pilgrimage to the Kaaba made by about 3 million Muslims from all corners of the Earth. It is performed to fulfill one of the pillars of Islam. The rituals of hajj commemorate the struggles of Abraham, his wife Hagar and their son Ishmael in surrendering their wills to God.

death -beginning -not -end
http://houseofpeaceblr.blogspot.in/2014/01/death-beginning-not-end.html

Wednesday, September 23, 2015

Scientific Quran Miracles, Backbone Ribs Miracle

This is about a scientific fact, mentioned in the Quran, regarding the male reproductive system. It is important to point out that while the Quran is not a science textbook, many of the latest scientific discoveries that were revealed in Quranic passages 1400 years ago. This is in stark contrast with the Bible, which contains numerous scientific errors (due to corruption by the scribes: (Jer 8:8, Mat 5:20, 23:13). For example, regarding genetics, in Genesis 30:37-42, Jacob changes the characteristics of animal offspring by having their parents look at white stripes while mating.

FIRST
We will examine the Quranic verse that describes the location of seminal fluid prior to being discharged.
Literal translation of Quran 86:6-7:
{ (Man is) created from gushing water (which) comes out from between the backbone * and the ribs *. }
* from Al Qamoos, Lisan Al Arab, etc
In other words, just prior to gushing or coming out of the body, seminal fluid is located between the backbone and the ribs.

At first glance, a layman might think that SEMEN comes out from the testicles. While the SPERM is produced in the testicles, NEITHER is the sperm NOR is the seminal fluid (essential for natural fertilization) anywhere near them prior to ejaculation. The verse specifically mentions the entire fluid, and not just the sperm "component". So let's examine the process of emission, where all the components of semen are joined. Sperm is stored in the epididymis, which is not in the testicles, but above them. The Sperm which comprises 2 to 5% of the seminal fluid, , travels from the epididymis up through the Vas Deferens duct and around the bladder. Together, the seminal vesicle and the prostate gland produce 90% of the fluid in semen. This mixture travels through the prostate and is joined by mucus from the bulbourethral glands, just below the prostate.
http://www.webmd.com/sex-relati…/…/male-reproductive-system…
http://en.allexperts.com/e/s/se/semen.htm
http://en.allexperts.com/e/e/ej/ejaculation.htm

It is at this point that semen is fully formed, comprising both the sperm and the seminal fluids. As we can see, just prior to coming out of the body, all components of semen are mixed near the prostate, which is centered in the body, between the backbone and the ribs, or between the spine and the chest, which is between the back and front of the abdomen or torso, and most certainly not in the testicles or in the lower body at all.

Someone might object by saying: the ribs are too high to say "the prostate is between the backbone & the ribs." To this objection, we answer that: the head is still between the shoulders even though it is too high, & the genitals are still between the legs, even though they are too high.

Now let’s check the verse again.
{ (Man is) created from gushing water (which) comes out from between the backbone * and the ribs *. }
This precise scientific description could not have been known 1400 years ago, and even today most people don't know it, as we will see next.

SECOND
We will examine some false claims regarding the scientific accuracy of this verse.

In reference to this verse, answering-islam.org quotes mistake by Dr. William Campbell: "...we are left with the very real problem that the SEMEN IS COMING FROM the back or kidney area and not THE TESTICLES."
http://answering-islam.org/Quran/Science/semenproduction.htm
http://www.answering-islam.org/Campbell/s4c2b.html

In fact, SEMEN does NOT come from the testicles. (only the SPERM is produced there, which comprises 2-5% of semen). And as we saw earlier, SEMEN IS ACTUALLY FORMED NEAR THE PROSTATE.

Next, let's also listen to the false claims of the person discussislam: "This description reflects the view of Hippocrates, common in the 5th century…that SEMEN comes from all the fluid of the body & passes through the kidneys on the way to the penis. We now know that it comes from the testicles." First of all, DISCUSSISLAM also falsely claims semen comes from the testicles "We now know that it comes from the testicles". It's astonishing how those attacking Islam make the same layman errors, without checking their facts.

In any case, The Quran does not contain the scientific errors of Hippocrates view
1) That Semen comes from all the fluid in the body.
2) That Semen passes through the kidneys.
As such, contrary to DISCUSSISLAM's misrepresentation, there is no similarity whatsoever, between this Quranic passage, and the view of Hippocrates.

Furthermore, let's examine some more of Hippocrates related scientific errors, that are again NOT in the Quran:
1) sperm originate in the brain
2) men & women produce sperm
3) "healthy" sperm is produced by healthy parts of the body
4) stronger sperm results in males, weaker sperm results in females

IN CONCLUSION
The Quran clearly mentions the scientific fact, before it was known, about where semen becomes fully formed before "gushing" out. Semen includes the sperm AND seminal fluids, which are BOTH absolutely required for natural fertilization. The Quran accurately states that this fluid (gushing water) is between the backbone and the ribs prior to coming out of the body, as seen from the profile view of the male anatomy.

Those attempting to discredit this Quranic verse, simply demonstrate their own lack of scientific knowledge regarding the male reproductive system. In addition, trying to ascribe the numerous scientific accuracies from the Quran, to philosophers like Hippocrates, who could rarely AVOID scientific errors on any matter, is obviously quite ridiculous.

As we have demonstrated, misrepresenting both the scientific facts, and the views of ancient societies, is not only the strategy but a fundamental requirement for people attempting to refute the Quran’s overwhelming signs.  See video  https://www.facebook.com/TheDeenShowTV/videos/10153019857741104/

Thanks to : Deen Show

Monday, September 7, 2015

Muslim population grow naturally unlike others!

Islam is the way of life prescribed by God, the Creator and Sustainer of this universe, and hence its followers adopt natural course of life. Here the marriages, child birth, gorwing of children, adopting elders, maintaining family bonds etc are followed naturally and with the sense of answerability before God.Though they face difficulties they bear them for the sake of God and Life Hereafter.
 But with most of those who do not have the sense of answerability to God, they adopt unnatural ways of life. Living of male and female without marriages, postponement of marriages, foeticide, infanticide, female infanticide etc are commonly found among them. Thus the fertility rate is declining among them becouse of the anti natural means adopted by them. So, it is not the fault of Islam!
 As the result of plot by power mongers who continuously ruled us, our country was fooled by them.  We believed the lies of corrupt politicians who looted the country's resources and were inefficient to manage them. They had put the blame on population growth to cover up their corruption and inefficiency.
Holy Quran, the last revelation from God Almighty is stopping its followers all over the world from committing crimes like foeticide, infanticide, female foeticide etc through its preaching: "And do not kill your children for fear of poverty. We provide for them and for you. Indeed, their killing is ever a great sin. " (Quran 17:31) Also it warns the killers that they will be questioned on the day of Judgment "And when the girl [who was] buried alive is asked For what sin she was killed" (Quran 81:8,9)
  The world has started realizing the foolishness behind  population control long back. It is sad that even intellectuals in our country are still ignorant about this http://www.cbsnews.com/news/population-decline-is-bad-for-us/

How to arrive at a common morality?

As we live in a society and belonging to various beliefs and faiths, we need a common scale to adjudge what is right and what is wrong. Some acts which are considered good by a group of people are considered as bad by others. Some acts or things that are revered as holy by some section of people or faiths are considered unholy or sinful by others. As long as such multi standards exist, peaceful coexistance of people belonging to diverse sects is not possible.
Now, how to arrive at a common criterion to judge between good and bad, holy and unholy, justice and injustice?

Can we judge an act as good based on the mejority of people doing it? or can we judge it according to individual conscience? or according to collective conscience of people of our race, religion, linguistic faction, city, province or country?
Or can we accept our forefathers as judges? or the religious leaders and saints? As per the saying 'King is always right' can we accept our rulers and presidents of the nation as our judges?

Thus we can see that none of the above options can provide us a common criterion which will be just. So, to reach at an ideal solution there is only one way. Which is that?

Almighty God the Creator and Cherisher of the world is the Master and Owner of it. He is Ominipotent and Omniscient. As He is Knower of the needs and purpose of all His creations He can only be the ideal Judge to provide an ideal criterion. As He is the Cherisher of the world, He can only be the ideal distributor of rights and provisions among His creations. Moreover, since He is the Master of the Day of Judgement, He is going to judge our deeds according to the criterion given by Him.
Thus the Criterion given by our Creator can only be ideal and safe for all human beings and by adopting it one can lead a peaceful in this world and in the hereafter.
So the latest Book revealed by God Almighty to mankind is the Holy Quran is the latest Criterion for people living in the world at present.
"The month of Ramadhan [is that] in which was revealed the Qur'an, a guidance for the people and clear proofs of guidance and criterion.." (Quran 2:185)
"Blessed is He who sent down the Criterion upon His Servant that he may be to the worlds a warner" (Quran 25:1)
YOU MUST READ THIS BOOK!

Monday, August 10, 2015

Comments about ISLAM,QURAN and Prophet Muhammad, by Scientists, Media, Historians etc

Comments about ISLAM,QURAN and Prophet Muhammad, by Scientists, Media, Historians etc

READ WHAT THE WORLD SAYS ABOUT THE FASTEST GROWING RELIGION
"Islam is the fastest-growing religion in America, a guide and pillar of stability for many of our people..." [HILLARY RODMAN CLINTON, Los Angeles Times, May 31, 1996, p.3]
Already more than a billion-people strong, Islam is the world’s fastest-growing religion. [ABCNEWS, Abcnews.com]

"Islam is the fastest-growing religion in the country." [NEWSDAY, March 7, 1989, p.4]

"Islam is the fastest-growing religion in the United States..." [NEW YORK TIMES, Feb 21, 1989, p.1]

Moslems are the world's fastest-growing group..."  [USA TODAY, The Population Reference bureau, Feb. 17,
1989, p.4A ]


"Muhummed is the most successful of all Prophets and religious personalities. " [Encyclopedia Britannica]

"There are more Muslims in North America then Jews Now." [Dan Rathers, CBSNEWS]

"Islam is the fastest growing religion in North America." [TIMES MAGAZINE]

"Islam continues to grow in America, and no one can doubt that!" [CNN, December 15, 1995]

"The Religion of Islam is growing faster than any other religion in the world."  [MIKE WALLACE, 60 MINUTES]

"Five to 6 million strong, Muslims in America already outnumber Presbyterians, Episcopalians, and Mormons, and they are more numerous than Quakers, Unitarians, Seventh-day Adventists, Mennonites, Jehovah's Witnesses, and Christian Scientists, combined. Many demographers say Islam has overtaken Judaism as the country's second-most commonly practiced religion; others say it is in the passing lane." [JOHAN BLANK,
US NEWS (7/20/98)]


"In fact, Religion experts say Islam is the second-largest religion in the United States... Islam has 5 million to 6 million members, followed by Judaism, with approximately 4.5 million..... And Islam is believed to be fastest-growing religion in the country, with half its expansion coming from new immigrants and the other half from conversions." [By ELSA C. ARNETT Knight-Ridder News Service]
It has been a great pleasure for me to help clarify statements in the Qur'ân about human development. It is clear to me that these statements must have come to Muhammad from Allah, or Allah, because almost all of this knowledge was not discovered
until many centuries later. This proves to me that Muhammad must have been a messenger of Allah. [Professor Keith Moore, one of the world’s prominent scientists of anatomy and embryology. University of Toronto, Canada]
"But Islam has a still further service to render to the cause of humanity. It stands after all nearer to the real East than Europe does, and it possesses a magnificent tradition of inter-racial understanding and cooperation. No other society has such a record of success uniting in an equality of status, of opportunity, and of endeavours so many and so various races of mankind . . . Islam has still the power to reconcile apparently irreconcilable elements of race and tradition. If ever the opposition of the great societies of East and West is to be replaced by cooperation, the mediation of Islam is an indispensable condition. In its hands lies very largely the solution of the problem with which Europe is faced in its relation with East. If they unite, the hope of a peaceful issue is immeasurably enhanced. But if Europe, by rejecting the cooperation of Islam, throws it into the arms of its rivals, the issue can only be disastrous for both." [H.A.R. Gibb, WHITHER ISLAM, London, 1932, P. 379.]


"It (Islam) replaced monkishness by manliness. It gives hope to the slave, brotherhood to mankind, and recognition of the fundamental facts of human nature."  [Canon Taylor, Paper read before the Church Congress at Walverhamton, Oct. 7, 1887; Quoted by Arnoud in THE PREACHING OF ISLAM, pp. 71-72.]

The founder of twenty terrestrial empires and of one spiritual empire, that is Muhammed. As regards all standards by which
human greatness may be measured, we may well ask, is there any man greater than he? " [Lamartine, Historie de la Turquie, Paris 1854, Vol. 11 pp. 276-2727]

"If a man like Muhammed were to assume the dictatorship of the modern world, he would succeed in solving its problems that
would bring it the much needed peace and happiness." [George Bernard Shaw]

"How, for instance, can any other appeal stand against that of the Moslem who, in approaching the pagan, says to him, however obscure or degraded he may be 'Embrace the faith, and you are at once equal and a brother.' Islam knows no color line." [S. S. Leeder, VEILED MYSTERIES OF EGYPT]

I think it seems to me very, very mysterious, almost unbelievable. I really think if what you have said is true, [Professor Siaveda , He is also one of the most famous scientists in the world.]

Professor William W. Hay is one of the best known marine scientists in the United States. satellite photography and emote-sensing techniques. Professor Hay replied: I find it very interesting that this sort of information is in the ancient scripture of the Holy Qur'ân, and I have no way of knowing where they would come from, but I think it is extremely interesting that they are there and that this work is going on to discover it, the meaning of some of the passages. Professor Hay: Well, I would think it must be the divine being!

[Professor Yushudi Kusan: Director of the Tokyo Observatory] I can say, I am very mush impressed by finding true astronomical facts in the Qur'ân.

[Professor Alfred Kroner who is one of the world’s most famous geologists] "Thinking about many of these questions and thinking where Muhammad came from, he was after all a bedouin. I think it is almost impossible that he could have known about things like the common origin of the universe,
because scientists have only found out within the last few years with very complicated and advanced technological methods that this is the case.

[Dr. T.V.N. Persaud is a Professor of Anatomy and Head of the Department of Anatomy, and a professor of Pediatrics and Child Health, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. He is the author or editor of 25 books, and has published over 181 scientific papers. In 1991, he received the most distinguished award presented in the field of anatomy in Canada.] "It seems to me that Muhammad was a very ordinary man. He could not read or write. In fact, he was illiterate. We are talking about 1400 years ago. You have someone who was illiterate making profound pronouncement
and statements and are amazingly accurate about scientific nature. I personally cannot see how this could be mere chance. There are too many accuracy’s and, like Dr. Moore, I have no difficulty in my mind in concerning that this is a divine inspiration or revelation which led him to these statements."

Joe Leigh Simpson, Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the North Western University in Chicago in the United States of America. Professor Simpson said: It follows, I think, that not only is there no conflict between genetics and religion, but in fact religion can guide science by adding revelation to some traditional scientific approaches. That there exists statements in the Qur'ân shown by science to be valid, which supports knowledge in the Qur'ân having been derived from Allah.

[Professor Palmer a scientist from the U.S.] We need research into the history of early Middle Eastern oral traditions to know whether in fact such historical events have been reported. If there is no such record, it strengthens the belief that Allah transmitted through Muhammad bits of his knowledge that we have only discovered for ourselves in recent times. We look forward to a continuing dialogue on the topic of science in the Qur'ân in the context of geology. Thank you very much.

[Professor Tagata Tagasone, formerly Head of the Department of Anatomy and Embryology at the University of Shiang Mai in Thailand. He is now the Dean of the College of the Medicine at the University.] From my studies and from what I have learned throughout this conference, I believe that everything that has been recorded in the Qur'ân 1400 years ago must be the truth, that can be proved by the scientific means. Since the Prophet Muhammad could neither read nor write, Muhammad must be a messenger who relayed this truth which was revealed to him as an enlightenment by the One Who is an Eligible Creator. This Creator must
be Allah, or Allah. Therefore, I think this is the time to say ‘Laa ilaaha illallah’, that there is no Allah to worship except Allah, ‘Muhammad Rasool Allah’, Muhammad is messenger of Allah...

[Professor Armstrong, Scientist works at NASA] I am impressed that how remarkably some of the ancient writings seem to correspond to modern and recent Astronomy. There may well have to be something beyond what we understand as ordinary human experience to account for the writings that we have seen.

[Professor Durga Rao] It is difficult to imagine that this type of knowledge was existing at that time, around 1400 years back. May be some of the things they have simple idea about, but do describe those things in great detail is very difficult. So, this is definitely not a simple human knowledge.

"My choice of Muhammad to lead the list of the world's most influential persons may surprise some readers and may be questioned by others, but he was the only man in history who was supremely successful on both the religious and secular level." [Michael H. Hart, THE 100: A RANKING OF THE MOST INFLUENTIAL PERSONS IN HISTORY, New York: Hart Publishing Company, Inc., 1978, p. 33.]
"No other society has such a record of success in uniting in an equality of status, of opportunity and Endeavour so many and so varied races of mankind. The great Muslim communities of Africa, India and Indonesia, perhaps also the small community in
Japan, show that Islam has still the power to reconcile apparently irreconcilable elements of race and tradition. If
ever the opposition of the great societies of the East and west is to be replaced by cooperation, the mediation of Islam is
an indispensable condition." [H.A.R. Gibb, WHITHER ISLAM, p. 379]

The nation's claim to be a Christian country is about to meet its first challenge: the number of practising Muslims is set to overtake Anglican Christians.... There has also been a number of high-profile conversions to Islam from Christianity. These include Mike Tyson, the former world champion boxer; Chris Eubank, the British middleweight boxing champion, who has changed his name to Hamdan; and Cat Stevens, the pop musician, who calls himself Yusuf Islam.... Prince Charles courted controversy earlier this year when he reaffirmed his
claim that when he succeeds the throne, he does not wish to be the defender of only the Christian faith. [Rajeev Syal and Christopher Morgan Sunday Times (London, U.K.)]

"I have studied him - the wonderful man - and in my opinion far from being an anti-Christ he must be called the saviour of
humanity. " [George Bernard Shaw in "The Genuine Islam"]

"Muhammad, the inspired man who founded Islam, was born about A.D. 570 into an Arabian tribe that worshipped idols. Orphaned at birth, he was always particularly solicitous of the poor and needy, the widow and the orphan, the slave and the downtrodden. At twenty, he was already a successful businessman, and soon became director of camel caravans for a wealthy widow. When he reached twenty-five, his employer, recognizing his merit, proposed marriage. Even though she was fifteen years older, he married her, and as long as she lived, remained a devoted husband. "Like almost every major prophet before him, Muhammad fought shy of serving as the transmitter of God's word, sensing his own inadequacy. But the angel commanded 'Read.' So far as we know, Muhammad was unable to read or write, but he began to dictate those inspired words which would soon revolutionize a large segment of the earth: 'There is one God.' "In all things Muhammad was profoundly practical. When his beloved son Ibrahim died, an eclipse occurred, and rumours of God's personal condolence quickly arose. Whereupon Muhammad is said to have announced,
'An eclipse is a phenomenon of nature. It is foolish to attribute such things to the death or birth of a human being. "At Muhammad's own death an attempt was made to deify him, but the man who was to become his administrative successor killed the hysteria with one of the noblest speeches in religious history: 'If there are any among you who worshipped Muhammad, he is dead. But if it is God you worshipped, He lives forever." [James A. Michener, "Islam: The Misunderstood Religion," in READER'S DIGEST (American edition), May 1955, pp. 68-70.]

"In little more than a year he was actually the spiritual, nominal and temporal rule of Medina, with his hands on the lever
that was to shake the world." [John Austin, "Muhammad the Prophet of Allah," in T.P. 's and Cassel's Weekly for 24th September 1927.]

"Everything made so much sense. This is the beauty of the Qur'an; it asks you to reflect and reason....When I read the Qur'an further, it talked about prayer, kindness and charity. I was not a Muslim yet, but I felt the only answer for me was the Qur'an and God had sent it to me." [Cat Stevens (Now Yusuf Islam), former British pop star.]
"Four years after the death of Justinian, A.D. 569, was born at Mecca, in Arabia the man who, of all men exercised the
greatest influence upon the human race . . . Mohammed . . . " [John William Draper, M.D., L.L.D., A History of the Intellectual Development of Europe, London 1875, Vol.1, pp.329-330]

"Muhammad was the soul of kindness, and his influence was felt and never forgotten by those around him." [Diwan Chand Sharma, The Prophets of the East, Calcutta 1935, p. l 22.]

"People like Pasteur and Salk are leaders in the first sense. People like Gandhi and Confucius, on one hand, and Alexander, Caesar and Hitler on the other, are leaders in the second and perhaps the third sense. Jesus and Buddha belong in the third category alone. Perhaps the greatest leader of all times was Mohammed, who combined all three functions. To a lesser
degree, Moses did the same." [Professor Jules Masserman]

[Ahmed Versi, editor of the weekly Muslim News,] said the growth of Islam has been constant: "The younger generation of Muslims that I have encountered is becoming more aware of its Muslim identity and is therefore practising its faith with vigour."

"The extinction of race consciousness as between Muslims is one of the outstanding achievements of Islam and in the
contemporary world there is, as it happens, a crying need for the propagation of this Islamic virtue..." [A.J. Toynbee,
CIVILIZATION ON TRIAL, New York, p. 205]

"Sense of justice is one of the most wonderful ideals of Islam, because as I read in the Qur'an I find those dynamic principles of life, not mystic but practical ethics for the daily conduct of life suited to the whole world." [Lectures on "The Ideals of Islam;" see SPEECHES AND WRITINGS OF SAROJINI NAIDU, Madras, 1918, p. 167.]

"History makes it clear however, that the legend of fanatical Muslims sweeping through the world and forcing Islam at the point of the sword upon conquered races is one of the most fantastically absurd myths that historians have ever repeated." [De Lacy O'Leary, ISLAM AT THE CROSSROADS, London, 1923, p. 8.]

"The Muslim community is much more aware of its religion and the use that religion plays within its community." [Dr Peter Brierley, Executive Director of the Christian Research Association, a London-based charity]

"I have always held the religion of Muhammad in high estimation because of its wonderful vitality. It is the only religion which appears to me to possess that assimilating capacity to the changing phase of existence which can make itself appeal to every age. I have studied him - the wonderful man and in my opinion for from being an anti-Christ, he must be called the Saviour of Humanity. I believe that if a man like him were to assume the dictatorship of the modern world, he would succeed in solving its problems in a way that would bring it the much
needed peace and happiness: I have prophesied about the faith of Muhammad that it would be acceptable to the Europe of tomorrow as it is beginning to be acceptable to the Europe of today." [G.B. Shaw, THE GENUINE ISLAM, Vol. 1, No. 81936.]

"A growing number of Muslims in America, more than 40 percent are African-American," [Charles Bierbauer, from the Senior Washington Correspondent]

"The extinction of race consciousness as between Muslims is one of the outstanding achievements of Islam, and in the contemporary world there is, as it happens, a crying need for the propagation of this Islamic virtue." [A.J. Toynbee, CIVILIZATION ON TRIAL, New York, 1948, p. 205.]

"The rise of Islam is perhaps the most amazing event in human history. Springing from a land and a people like previously negligible, Islam spread within a century over half the earth, shattering great empires, overthrowing long established religions, remoulding the souls of races, and building up a whole new world - world of Islam.

"The closer we examine this development the more extraordinary does it appear. The other great religions won
their way slowly, by painful struggle and finally triumphed with the aid of powerful monarchs converted to the new faith. Christianity had its Constantine, Buddhism its Asoka, and Zoroastrianism its Cyrus, each lending to his chosen cult the mighty force of secular authority. Not so Islam. Arising in a desert land sparsely inhabited by a nomad race previously undistinguished in human annals, Islam sallied forth on its great adventure with the slenderest human backing and against the heaviest material odds. Yet Islam triumphed with seemingly miraculous ease, and a couple of generations saw the Fiery
Crescent borne victorious from the Pyrenees to the Himalayas and from the desert of Central Asia to the deserts of Central Africa." [A.M.L. Stoddard, quoted in ISLAM - THE RELIGION OF ALL PROPHETS, Begum Bawani Waqf, Karachi, Pakistan, p. 56.]

"I am not a Muslim in the usual sense, though I hope I am a "Muslim" as "one surrendered to God," but I believe that embedded in the Qur'ân and other expressions of the Islamic vision are vast stores of divine truth from which I and other occidentals have still much to learn, and 'Islam is certainly a strong contender for the supplying of the basic framework of the one religion of the future.'" [W. Montgomery Watt, ISLAM AND CHRISTIANITY TODAY, London, 1983, p. ix.]

'I believe in One God and Mahomet the Apostle of God,' is the simple and invariable profession of Islam. The intellectual image of the Deity has never been degraded by any visible idol; the honours of the prophet have never transgressed the measure of human virtue, and his living precepts have restrained the gratitude of his disciples within the bounds of reason and religion." [Edward Gibbon and Simon Ocklay, HISTORY OF
THE SARACEN EMPIRE, London, 1870, p. 54.]


"He was Caesar and Pope in one; but he was Pope without Pope's pretensions, Caesar without the legions of Caesar without a standing army, without a bodyguard, without a palace, without a fixed revenue; if ever any man had the right to say that he ruled by the right divine, it was Mohammed, for he had all the power without its instruments and without its supports." [Bosworth Smith, MOHAMMAD AND MOHAMMADANISM, London, 1874, p. 92.]

"His readiness to undergo persecutions for his beliefs, the high moral character of the men who believed in him and looked up to him as leader, and the greatness of his ultimate achievement - all argue his fundamental integrity. To suppose Muhammad an impostor raises more problems than it solves. Moreover, none of the great figures of history is so poorly appreciated in the West as Muhammad." [W. Montgomery Watt, MOHAMMAD AT MECCA, Oxford, 1953, p. 52.]
"The doctrine of brotherhood of Islam extends to all human beings, no matter what color, race or creed. Islam is the only religion which has been able to realize this doctrine in practice. Muslims wherever on the world they are will recognize each other as brothers." [Mr. R. L. Mellema, Holland, Anthropologist, Writer and Scholar.]

"It is impossible for anyone who studies the life and character of the great Prophet of Arabia, who knows how he taught and how he lived, to feel anything but reverence for that mighty Prophet, one of the great messengers of the Supreme. And although in what I put to you I shall say many things which may be familiar to many, yet I myself feel whenever I re-read them, a new way of admiration, a new sense of reverence for that mighty Arabian teacher." [Annie Besant, THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF MUHAMMAD, Madras, 1932, p.4.]

"The essential and definite element of my conversion to Islam was the Qur'an. I began to study it before my conversion with the critical spirit of a Western intellectual .... There are certain verses of this book, the Qur'an, revealed more than thirteen centuries ago, which teach exactly the same notions as the most modern scientific researches do. This definitely converted me." [Ali Selman Benoist, France, Doctor of Medicine.]

"I have read the Sacred Scriptures of every religion; nowhere have I found what I encountered in Islam: perfection. The Holy Qur'an, compared to any other scripture I have read, is like the Sun compared to that of a match. I firmly believe that anybody who reads the Word of Allah with a mind that is not completely closed to Truth, will become a Muslim." [Saifuddin Dirk Walter Mosig, U.S.A.]
"The universal brotherhood of Islam, regardless of race, politics, color or country, has been brought home to me most keenly many times in my life -- and this is another feature which drew me towards the Faith." [Col. Donald S. Rockwell, U.S.A. Poet, Critic and Author.]
"Medieval Islam was technologically advanced and open to innovation. It achieved far higher literacy rates than in contemporary Europe; it assimilated the legacy of classical Greek civilization to such a degree that many classical books are now known to us only through Arabic copies. It invented windmills ,trigonometry, lateen sails and made major advances in metallurgy, mechanical and chemical engineering and irrigation methods. In the middle-ages the flow of technology was overwhelmingly from Islam to Europe rather from Europe to Islam. Only after the 1500's did the net direction of flow begin to reverse." [(pg 253) Jared Diamond a world renowned UCLA sociologist, and physiologist won the Pulitzer Prize for his book: "Guns, Germs, and Steel."]
The scientists who participated in these dialogues were all non-Muslims, most of whom were explaining some scientific facts which they have realized only very recently and after several years of research and study. When they were told that what they have just discovered recently was already referred to either directly or indirectly in the Holy Qur'ân more than 1400 years ago, they showed a great deal of astonishment. Their comments were varied, but almost all of them confessed that this Qur'ân could not have come from any human or ordinary
source. Indeed, some of them were convinced and have affirmed that the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, is a messenger from Allah, to the point that one of them even embraced Islam by declaring the Islamic creed otherwise known as the "Shahaadah" and thus became a Muslim.

The Qur'ân which was revealed 14 centuries ago mentioned facts only recently discovered by proven scientists. This proves without doubt that the Qur'ân must be the literal word of Allah, revealed by Him to the Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu 'alaihi wa sallam) and it also proves that Muhammad (sallallahu 'alaihi wa
sallam) is truly a Messenger and Prophet sent by Allah. It is beyond reason that anyone fourteen hundred years ago would have known these facts discovered or proven only recently with advanced equipment and sophisticated methods. Moreover, the Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu 'alaihi wa sallam) reviewed the Qur'ân with the Angel Jibreel once each year and twice in the last year of his life. Since the Qur'ân was revealed up until this day, there has always been a huge number of Muslims who have memorized all of the Qur'ân, letter by letter. Some of them have been able to memorize all of the Qur'ân by Heart.

Wednesday, July 1, 2015

One God or several?

Worshiping several gods instead of worshiping the real Creator, according to common logic, has got the following problems:
1. Only the God who is the Creator and Cherisher of the universe deserves worship and not his creations however big they may be. 
2. The objects of worship cannot see, feel or listen to your prayers whereas God the Omniscient, Omnipotent Master can hear them and answer them as He wishes.
3. The object of worship other than the real God has a beginning and an end exists as per the dictations of God. Whereas God is ever living and ever watching.
It is worth metioning a verse from the Quran here:
'And of His portents are the night and the day and the sun and the moon. Adore not the sun nor the moon; but adore Allah Who created them, if it is in truth Him whom ye worship. '(Quran 41:37)
4. Worshiping God directly as taught by His messengers and scriptures is easy, simple and totally expense-less. It does not require any intermediaries who exploit in the name of Him. 
5. Worshiping any thing other than God leads to anger of God and to sin as it is condemned in the holy scriptures sent by God.
For example, In the Quran we can see these verses: 
"Indeed Allah does not forgive shirk (i.e. act of associate any partners with Him), but He forgives other than that to whom He pleases." [An Nisaa 4:48]
He, the Sublime said:
"Indeed shirk is the greatest oppression." [Luqman: 13]
Allah, the Most High also said:
"...Indeed he who associates partners in worship with Allah, then Allah has forbidden Jannah (Paradise) for him, and the Fire (of Hell) will be his abode ."
(Allah - means 'the only God who is worthy of worship'. The uniqueness of this word compared to the other words denoting God is that it does not have plural or gender)
In the holy books revered by Hinduism also we can still see such verses. for example,
Yajurveda Chapter No. 40 Verse No. 9, says, “They are entering darkness those who worship the ‘Asambhuti’, the natural things like fire, water, air, etc and the verse continues, they are entering more in darkness those who worship the Sambhuti, those who worship the created things like idols, chair, table etc.
6. Worshiping anything other than Creator distorts the concept of God in human minds and thus removes the seriousness about presence of God. This leads to growth of sins in the society as man feels there is none to question about his deeds. 
7. Worshiping anything other than God draws the wrath of Him as we are insulting His Majesty by equating Him with something which does not have any of His attributes.
8. Showing some lifeless and senseless objects and attributing to it godhood is a Big lie. It is like showing a pencil and calling it as washing machine or showing an apple and calling it an elephant! 
9. As ignorant people start believing this lie, tactfully fabricated by middlemen, people start believing in the superstitions they propagate. This is the basis for further exploitation in the name of religion.
Thus they loot the income of rich and poor of the country. One can imagine the volume of collections falling in the hundies kept at these shrines (including darghas) by multiplying number of shrines and their average income. Everyone knows about crores of rupees worth jewels stored idle inside the shrines and how they are exploited by the middlemen from the media reports.
10. Imagining God in various forms and worshiping Him in such different forms makes permanent divisions in humanity such as castes. Each of them tends to believe that they have their own, separate, rightful gods. But worshiping the Creator directly without attributing any figures to Him leads to abolition of such castes and building of universal brotherhood, cutting across the barriers of race, color, country etc. Indeed, this unity is quite evident among the people who have accepted the faith of Islam. Muslims of India, for example, are the people, who at some point or the other in the past, belongs to different creeds and castes. However, today their cohesion as a single community is so complete that none of them now knows the caste their respective ancestors belonged to. Similarly, elsewhere in the world, Islam abolished – at a very practical level – the differentiation of people on the basis of color. 

So the best way beneficial for citizens and the nation is to worship the Creator directly with out attributing godhood to any of His creations and without allowing any intermediaries. Let us understand God as He Himself describes in His Book:
Say (O Prophet): 'Allah is one and the only. He is absolute. He neither begets nor was He begotten. There is none comparable to Him.’ (The Qur’an 112:1-4)
And when My servants ask you, [O Muhammad], concerning Me - indeed I am near. I respond to the invocation of the supplicant when he calls upon Me. So let them respond to Me [by obedience] and believe in Me that they may be [rightly] guided. (The Qur'an 2: 186)

Thursday, June 25, 2015

What is the importance of RAMADAN?

Almighty God says in the Qur’an thus:

O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may become righteous - The month of Ramadhan [is that] in which was revealed the Qur'an, a guidance for the people and clear proofs of guidance and criterion. So whoever sights [the new moon of] the month, let him fast it…. (The Qur’an 2:183,185). 

As the Qur’anic verse says, it is the month in which the Qur’an was revealed. To express our gratitude to God we celebrate the whole month by way of observing fasting. This, in turn, makes us patient and pious. The end of Ramadan is marked by celebration known as Eid-ul-Fitr or the festival of fast-breaking. We thank the Merciful God for having given us the opportunity to experience the blessed month of Ramadan. The day is accompanied by celebration, socializing, festive meals etc. But before the festivities begin, every person, adult and child, must have already contributed towards Zakat-ul-Fitr. This is the giving of a meal, or cash equivalent, to a needy person to make sure that none are excluded from this happy occasion. 
What is the importance of QUR’AN?

The Qur’an is the holy book which Muslims recite and turn to for guidance in all aspects of their life. It is the last testament in a series of divine revelations from God. It comprises the unaltered and direct words of God, revealed, to the final Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) through the angel Jibreel (Gabriel) some 1400 years ago. It is sent to us as ‘The Criterion’ to distinguish between right and wrong in our life on the basis of which we will be judged on the Day of Judgment.

Is the QUR’AN restricted to Muslims only?

No, it is a misconception prevailing among many Muslims as well as non-Muslims. It is an undeniable fact that our Creator is only One, Who has created us from a single pair of male and female. He had sent His Messengers at different points of time in the past to different nations with the same message.
 What was the message? It was this: ‘O people, be obedient to your Creator. If you lead a life of obedience to Him you will be rewarded with eternal bliss and if you disobey you will enter Hell’. (Arabic word for obedience is ‘Islam’. ‘Muslim’ is a person who is obedient to the Creator). In the long chain of Messengers, the Last and Final Messenger of God is Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) who revived the same message (of obedience to the Creator). The Holy Qur’an is the collection of revelations sent to him from God. How can it be restricted to a group of people? The above verse itself is a proof that it is addressed to the whole of mankind!

What is the message of the Qur’an?

 The important message of the Qur’an can be briefed as:

1.      Oneness of mankind:
 People are created equal in front of the Law of God. There is no superiority for one race over another. God made us of different colors, nationalities, languages and beliefs so as to test who is going to be better than others. No one can claim that he is better than others. It is only God Who knows who is better. It depends on piety and righteousness.

O' mankind! We have created you from male and female and have made you nations and tribes that you may know each other.  The noblest of you in the sight of God is the most righteous (Qur’an 49:13)

2.     Oneness of God

Only Almighty God Who is the Creator and Cherisher of this world deserves worship and not His creations. We are asked to worship Him directly without any intercessors. Worshipping any of His creations, making figures for Him, associating anything or anybody in worship with Him etc. are false and are considered major sins as it contaminates the real belief in God and causes spread of evils in the world.

‘Say (O Prophet): Allah is one and the only. He is absolute. He neither begets nor was He begotten. There is none comparable to Him.’ (The Qur’an 112:1-4)
(Allah is an Arabic word that means “The one who is worthy of worship”. In simple term Allah means in Arabic ‘The God’ In Hindi we say Ishwar, in Kannada we say Devaru, and in Arabic we say Allah.)
3.     Accountability of deeds and life after death:
The present world is a temporary one and we are answerable for our deeds. One day, the whole world will be destroyed. Again God will resurrect us in order to judge our performance here. That is called the Day of Judgment. Depending upon the weight of our good and bad deeds we will be sent to Paradise or Hell. That will be our eternal abode.
4.     Prophethood:
To convey the above message, God selects good souls among men and appoints them as His messengers. They preach the message they receive from God and live as role models for their people. The last one in this chain of messengers is Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). Earlier prophets were sent to specific regions, but Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) is sent for the whole world.
5.     Innocence of Man at Birth:
People are born free of sin. It is only after they reach the age of puberty and it is only after they commit sins that are to be charged for their mistakes. No one is responsible for or can take the responsibility for the sins of others. However, the door to forgiveness through true repentance is always open.
The distinctive approach of the Qur’an is that its spiritual message includes practical injunctions aimed at the general welfare of human beings, society and the environment in which we live. The Qur’an’s message is eternal and universal, transcending our differences in race, color, ethnicity and nationality. It provides guidance on every aspect of human life – from economics and the ethics of trade to marriage, divorce, gender issues, inheritance and parenting. It neither condemns nor tortures the flesh nor does it neglect the soul. It does not humanize God, nor does it deify man. The Qur’an describes signs of God’s existence in the universe and how everything is carefully placed in the total scheme of creation.

 Dear brothers and sisters! Thus, the Holy Qur’an has come as a mercy from God for the whole of mankind. Irrespective of the religion in which we are born, we are all cherished by our Merciful Lord. The bounties we enjoy every second in our body and around are boundless. Is it not our duty to show our gratitude to Him? How do we express this gratitude? Yes, The Qur’an shows the way… It calls all of us to lead a life of obedience to our Lord and thus achieve peace here and in the hereafter. In this very month, while celebrating the receipt of His Gift, let us commit ourselves to sincerely serving Him.