Divine origin of Qur'an

 Recently, researchers subjected the preserved handwritten copies of the Quran at the University of Birmingham to radiocarbon dating, estimating with 95.4 percent accuracy that they were written between 568 and 645 AD. (Source: http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/news/latest/2015/07/quran-manuscript-22-07-15.aspx)

The text in the above image is the computer copy next to that handwritten copy. One can see that both are intact without any distortion.  

 For Muslims around the world, this is not surprising news. Since the time it was revealed, it has been their practice to read the Quran in its original language up to this day. They have realized that since the entire Quran has become famous worldwide in audio format, no one can alter it.

God also mentions this in the Quran: 

"Indeed, We have sent down this Reminder (the Quran), and indeed, We will protect it" (Quran 15:9). 

This truth can also be understood as - even if all religious scriptures, including the Quran, and other books and documents available in the world today are gathered and burned in one corner, the only book that can be rewritten is the Quran! The reason is that it is recorded in the minds of millions of people around the world in the same way! The divine promise mentioned above is clearly evident, isn’t it?

Why were the previous scriptures not preserved? 

Now let's explore a question that arises in your minds. The earlier divine scriptures were indeed revealed by God, so why were they not protected? 

The reason is that they were sent for a specific group of people for a particular period. For example, when the constitution of a country is revised, the old one becomes outdated and loses its value, right? Similarly, the earlier scriptures became obsolete, which is why they were not preserved.

Why is the Quran being protected instead?  

It is the final scripture of God. Until the Day of Judgment, it serves as divine guidance for the people who will come in the future. Based on this, our sins and merits will be determined on the Day of Resurrection.  

Characteristics of the Quran  

When compared to the existing copies of previous scriptures, one can observe the following characteristics of the Quran:  

a) Preserved in its original language: Today, one can only find translations of the divine scriptures that were revealed before the Quran. The original verses of those scriptures cannot be seen. This is something you cannot find no matter how much you search for anything that is firmly stated to be from those scriptures.  

However, regarding the Quran, you can see that the original verses have been preserved as they were for 1430 years, without any alteration, from the day they were revealed. The continuous recitation by numerous Muslims since its revelation is one reason it has become famous worldwide in its oral form.  

b) One hundred percent the words of God: The Quran is the compilation of the divine verses revealed through the angel Gabriel. It does not contain even a small part of the words of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) or any other human beings. The teachings of the Prophet Muhammad and references about him or his life are compiled separately under the name Hadith, hence the Quran contains solely the words of God. However, this characteristic cannot be found in the existing copies of previous scriptures.  

For example, the Bible contains the words of God, as well as the words of Jesus Christ. Additionally, there are accounts written by the apostles, inspired by the Holy Spirit, about Jesus, which is universally accepted as a truth in the Christian world.

c) There is no room for doubt  

2:2. This is the Book about which there is no doubt, a guidance for those conscious of Allah -

Can you find such a statement in any human creations? That is, would any human have the courage to say in their work, "What I am about to say is one hundred percent true, there is no doubt in this"? This proves that the Quran is the revelation of the Creator of this world – the All-Knowing.  

d) A call to those who have doubts!  

Look at the declaration and warning that God gives to those who doubt this scripture:  

2:23. And if you are in doubt about what We have sent down upon Our Servant [Muhammad], then produce a surah the like thereof and call upon your witnesses other than Allah , if you should be truthful.

The Lord of this world challenges humankind to bring forth such a chapter if there is any doubt in you regarding these revelations imparted to the Prophet (peace be upon him) through the angel Gabriel!  

2:24. But if you do not - and you will never be able to - then fear the Fire, whose fuel is men and stones, prepared for the disbelievers.

e) A posture of authority that belongs only to God!  

The above verses serve as a warning regarding the punishment that awaits those who reject the truth and cannot confront this challenge. 

2:24. But if you do not - and you will never be able to - then fear the Fire, whose fuel is men and stones, prepared for the disbelievers.

Through these verses, God sends a message to all the people of the world:

Behold, this holy Quran is the final scripture containing My commandments. It has been revealed as guidance for all people who will come until the Day of Judgment. Based on this, you are obligated to live. If you live according to it, you will attain salvation. On the other hand, those who reject it and have doubts about it should attempt to produce a chapter like this to prove their claim. For that, they can call upon all the people of the world and all powers for help if they wish.

If you fail in that endeavor - it is certain that you will fail - acknowledge your inability and return to God. If you have no intention of returning, then fear the fire of Hell, which has been prepared for those who reject God and His scripture. It is such a fierce fire that evil people and stones will be burning as its fuel.

That is, the Lord of this world shows His servants the Quran and says, accept this! Otherwise, Hell awaits you, as stated in these verses!

f) This scripture is free from contradictions. 

If it is to be called divine scripture, it should be free from any contradictions. Because contradictions arise in human speech. In the words of the One God, there should be no possibility of contradictions. If there are contradictions, it can only be considered the words of a human and cannot be divine scripture. 

Among the books found in this world, many can be seen to contradict each other, meaning contradictions exist within the pages of those books. There are many examples, but to understand this, we will look at just one here: 

The contradiction found between Ezra chapter 2 and Nehemiah chapter 7. 

The sons of Arak are five hundred and fifty people. (Nehemiah 7:10) 

The sons of Arak are seven hundred and seventy-five people. (Ezra 2:5)

g) Discrepancies arising over time:

For example, take a book written fifty years ago and read it today. Whether it is a scientific book or a spiritual or legal text, you will find numerous discrepancies against the backdrop of today’s human knowledge advancement and scientific growth. However, the wonder of the Quran is that there are not even a hint of those two discrepancies mentioned above. 

God says in 4:82, “Do they not reflect on this Quran? Had it been from other than Allah, they would have found within it much contradiction.” Even after approximately 1440 years since its revelation, the Quran continues to move forward without any discrepancies. The Quran has neither prior nor later contradictions. There are no contradictions in the Holy Quran. Nor are there any contradictions that are found in human creations that arise through the progress of time. The reason is that it was revealed by the Knower of the past and future, who is the All-Wise God!

39:1 The revelation of the Qur'an is from Allah , the Exalted in Might, the Wise.

As science and human knowledge grow and new insights are revealed to humanity, no human creations can escape the contradictions brought about by the passage of time. However, the Quran has continued for over 1400 years without contradicting any established scientific truths or historical facts! In fact, it is only when the truths about the creations of God discovered by modern science are revealed that the treasures of knowledge contained within the Quran become apparent to us.

Additionally, in literature, the exalted status of the Quran, its musical rhythm that captivates all people of the world, its perfect relevance for people of all eras, and its provision of solutions to all of humanity's existential problems are some of the many characteristics that elevate the Quran to unparalleled heights.

================ 

What is Islam? Who is Muslim?

https://houseofpeaceblr.blogspot.com/2024/11/what-is-islam-who-is-muslim.html

Who is Allah?

https://houseofpeaceblr.blogspot.com/2024/11/who-is-allah.html

Why is Islam facing opposition?

https://houseofpeaceblr.blogspot.com/2024/11/why-is-islam-facing-opposition.html

"Rights and Protections granted to women by her Creator!

The ultimate revelation from God is the Quran, and the way of life demonstrated by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) serves as a model for all Muslims. The Islamic living laws derived from his exemplary life are binding on every Muslim. These laws, which came into practice during the time of the Prophet in Arabia, not only liberated women from oppression at that time but have also continued to free women from the oppressive customs imposed by their ancestors wherever Islam has spread.

**Right to Birth:**

The first right that Islam grants to women is the right to be born. In the past, there was a prevailing custom among the Arabs to bury female infants alive, considering their birth a disgrace. Islam strictly warned against and prohibited the killing of children, particularly female infants. God associates this with the afterlife, instilling fear with the verse: "And when the girl (who was buried alive) is asked, for what sin she was killed?" (Quran 82:8-9).

**Right to Education:**

Islam not only grants the right to education but also mandates it. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) declared, "Seeking knowledge is obligatory for every Muslim man and woman." His wife, Aisha, became a renowned scholar and her status as a significant religious authority is well-documented in the sayings of the Prophet.

Human Equality: 

While discussions about whether women are part of humanity and whether they have souls were ongoing in other societies, Islam clearly put an end to this degradation by stating that men and women are equal, originating from the same male and female. It established a foundation of brotherhood among them and emphasized this principle to be followed until the Day of Judgment. "O humanity! Fear your Lord, who created you from one soul and created from it its mate and dispersed from both of them many men and women." (Quran)

Spiritual Status: 

Just like men, women are granted equal spiritual status and rights in Islam. The rewards for good deeds are equally given to both. 

33:35. Indeed, the Muslim men and Muslim women, the believing men and believing women, the obedient men and obedient women, the truthful men and truthful women, the patient men and patient women, the humble men and humble women, the charitable men and charitable women, the fasting men and fasting women, the men who guard their private parts and the women who do so, and the men who remember Allah often and the women who do so - for them Allah has prepared forgiveness and a great reward.

= Economic Rights:
Women are granted rights to their lives, dignity, and property just like men. They not only have the right to own property but also have complete freedom to sell or buy it.

 'To the male belongs a share of what the parents and close relatives leave behind. And to the female belongs a share of what the parents and close relatives leave behind.' (Quran 4:7) 

= Right to Earn:

Islam promotes equality in earning for women just as it does for men.

 'Men have a share of what they earn, and women have a share of what they earn.' (Quran 4:32)

= Respect for personality:

The practice of dividing the wives of deceased men, just as the inheritance of a person's property is divided upon death, was prevalent in Arab society before the advent of Islam. Islam abolished this inhuman tradition and gave respect and dignity to the personality of women.

'O you who believe! It is not lawful for you to forcibly take women' (4:19)

= Marriage Reform :

Islam introduced marriage to the world as a simple concept of a life contract. Islam has given women the right to choose their husbands in a mutually beneficial marriage and the right to ask for a dowry called mahr (bride's dowry). It has made the consent of the woman mandatory for marriage.

- And give the women (whom you marry) their dowry (as an obligation) willingly. (Quran 4:4)

- = When the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said that consent should be sought, whether a virgin or a widow, I asked him, "Will a virgin be shy?" He (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, "Her silence is her consent." Narrated by Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) Source: Bukhari, Muslim

= Right to Divorce:

Islam gives not only men but also women the right to divorce their husbands if they do not want to.

= Right to Witness:

God has elevated women to the point of being able to testify at a time when they were not respected as women and has given them that right.

'... Take two women as witnesses for a debt..''

- Holy Quran 2: 282

= Right to Divorce:

Islam gives not only men but also women the right to divorce their husbands if they do not want to.

= Right to Witness:

God has elevated women to the point of being able to testify at a time when they were not respected as women and has given them that right.

'... Take two women as witnesses for a debt..''

- Holy Quran 2: 282

= Protection of honour:

Islam grants women the right and guarantee of honour.

'And those who slander chaste women and do not bring four witnesses, flog them with eighty lashes. Then do not accept their testimony ever again. Indeed, they are transgressors.' (Quran 24:4)

= Hijab, the much criticized dress code..

Hijab is what Islam recommends to free women from the extreme cruelty of patriarchy. It is a protective shield that frees women from the lustful men who make them into commodities and objects of display and plunder their wealth. Those who think can understand that hijab is a way to easily fulfill her duties by avoiding the interference of foreign men and other harms when she engages in public life in order to fulfill the rights granted by Islam.

Thus, Islam gave women all the rights they needed without them asking for them or fighting for them. At a time when female slavery was rampant all over the world, when no one even came forward to speak up for women, it made them aware of their rights. It freed them from the clutches of patriarchy.

Consider another thing that went beyond all these.

= The rights of the women of the enemy country are also protected!

Islam insists on protecting not only the rights of women who have accepted Islam... but also the rights of the women of the enemy country! In a period when there was no limit to approaching the enemy country in any way and destroying them in any way, Islam introduced the Dharmas of War saying, 'No, no, this is how you should approach it'. Islam has emphasized that women, children, the elderly, and the disabled who are not involved in the war should not be harmed.

In this regard, the Prophet (peace be upon him) said, 'Do not kill the elderly, children, women, and all those who are not involved in the war' (Abu Dawud)

During a battle, the Prophet saw the body of a woman lying on the ground and said, "She did not fight. Then why was she killed?" He rebuked her severely.

Yes, the purpose of Islam is not to conquer enemies. Rather, it is to reform them and establish righteousness on earth. Therefore, violating the rights that God has given them on earth just because they are enemies is also forbidden. This is Islam!

What other proof do we need that Islam is the religion bestowed by the Infinitely Merciful One who created and sustains all?

============= 

What is Islam? Who is Muslim?

https://houseofpeaceblr.blogspot.com/2024/11/what-is-islam-who-is-muslim.html

Who is Allah?

https://houseofpeaceblr.blogspot.com/2024/11/who-is-allah.html

10 Biggest terrorist activities by colonial forces

https://houseofpeaceblr.blogspot.com/2024/10/10-biggest-terrorist-activities-by.html 

Why is Islam facing opposition?

 What is Islam? 

The Arabic word for Islam means submission. Another meaning is peace. In other words, living in submission to God brings peace in this world and in the afterlife, which is the doctrine proposed by this faith.

That is, whatever commands God gives us about what we should do, we must do them. The name for that is merit, virtue, or righteousness. Whatever He prohibits, we should not do those things. It is called as evil or sin or adharma. Those who accept this doctrine and live accordingly are referred to as "Muslim" (one who submits) in the Arabic language 

This is a universal doctrine for everyone!

Anyone can accept this doctrine and live accordingly. It does not belong to any particular race, nation, or community. It is not a new path either. Throughout all ages, the messengers of God sent to various parts of this world have preached this doctrine to the people. The same doctrine has now been reintroduced in the name of Islam by the final messenger of God, Prophet Muhammad (pbuh).

The Ultimate Life Goal

Those who accept this philosophy – that is, those who do good and refrain from evil – attain heaven in the afterlife. Those who live indifferently, disregarding both God and the doctrine of life that He has given, will attain hell.

Movement of Self-Respect 

The key principle of this ideology is that only the God who created and governs this world is worthy of worship. No one else—be they great human beings, kings, or spiritual leaders—should be referred to or worshipped as God. Man should not worship the tombs of the deceased, idols, stones, or trees. One must worship God directly, without any intermediaries.

Unity and Brotherhood of Humankind

The fundamental principle of this doctrine is that all human beings have evolved and multiplied from one man and one woman. All human beings - regardless of their religion, country of origin, language spoken, or color - are siblings belonging to the same family. Therefore, everyone is equal! No hierarchies should be taught based on factors like country, ethnicity, language, clan, or caste among them. Islam states that one can rise over others only through piety.

Enjoin goodness , and prohibit evil 

According to this ideology, those who accept it should not only have faith in God in this world but also should do and promote good; they must stay away from evils and, whenever they encounter evils, they should strive to prevent them in every possible way.

Now you can understand why this doctrine of Islam faces opposition!

When righteousness spreads, those who have embraced unrighteousness rise in anger.

= When people feel that they can approach God directly, it makes the intermediaries lose their peace! Those who spread superstitions among the people and exploit them over time will not like this policy spreading!

= Those who live by claiming the superiority of their color, race, language, and caste and treating other people as slaves and dominating them will not like this policy spreading.

= This policy encourages people to live with a sense of self-respect, and as a result, people become aware and turn against the dominant powers. They fight to free their countries from them and prevent the plunder of their national resources.

Thus, this doctrine is making the guardians of unrighteousness all over the world sick. That is why they are working together to prevent this religion from spreading. They criticize it in every way they can, both nationally and internationally. They portray those who accept this religion and those who fight against unrighteousness as terrorists through the media.

But the Lord of this world says in His Holy Quran that this religion has been revealed as a blessing for the people of the worlds, and no one can prevent it:

'They wish to extinguish the light of Allah with their mouths - but Allah will not fail to perfect His light, even though the disbelievers may abhor it.' (Al-Quran 9:32)

But no one needs to worry about its growth. It has not come to destroy or elevate a race or nation. Rather, if one realizes that it has come to establish Dharma and spread peace on earth, then the opposition will disappear. Today's enemies will become tomorrow's guardians of this religion. That is what the growth of this religion in America, Europe and other countries today indicates.

=================== 

What is Islam? Who is Muslim?

https://houseofpeaceblr.blogspot.com/2024/11/what-is-islam-who-is-muslim.html

Who is Allah?

https://houseofpeaceblr.blogspot.com/2024/11/who-is-allah.html

10 Biggest terrorist activities by colonial forces

https://houseofpeaceblr.blogspot.com/2024/10/10-biggest-terrorist-activities-by.html 

Who is Allah?

 

The creator God is mentioned in the Holy Quran by the word 'Allah'.  The term "Allah" refers to the singular God who creates and governs the entire world. Just as the word God is used in English, Kadavul in Tamil, and Bhagwan in Hindi, the Arabic word for God is Allah! However, when compared with words in other languages, this word has a couple of unique features:

 The true meaning of this word is 'the only God worthy of worship.'

This word has no masculine or feminine forms, nor does it have a plural. It always signifies unity. For example, the English word God into Gods, Goddess or in Tamil 'kadavul - kadavulargal'  and Bhagwan- Bagavadhi,  change to suit plural and gender, but the word Allah never deviates.

Due to such distinctions, Muslims around the world refer to God as Allah. However, do not assume that Allah simply means the God of the Arabs or the family deity of Muslims. The Holy Quran addresses all the doubts that may arise in human minds regarding that God:

There is only one God

What does our reasoning say about the fact that there is only one God?

If there are two principals in a school or two or more drivers for a bus, it can lead to great confusion, chaos, or accidents. Similarly, if there were more than one God in this world, even our common understanding tells us that it would have long since perished. 

The Holy Quran states this as well: '(If there were) other deities besides Allah in (the heavens and the earth), both would certainly have been ruined...' (Quran 21:22)

God is one, and regarding His attributes, the Holy Quran states as follows: 

“O Prophet, say: ‘Allah is One. He is the Self-Sufficient. He begets not, nor is He begotten. And there is none comparable to Him.’” (Quran 112: 1-4)

 He is Allah , other than whom there is no deity, Knower of the unseen and the witnessed. He is the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful.

 He is Allah , other than whom there is no deity, the Sovereign, the Pure, the Perfection, the Bestower of Faith, the Overseer, the Exalted in Might, the Compeller, the Superior. Exalted is Allah above whatever they associate with Him.

He is Allah , the Creator, the Inventor, the Fashioner; to Him belong the best names. Whatever is in the heavens and earth is exalting Him. And He is the Exalted in Might, the Wise. (Quran 59:22-24)

Who is worthy of worship?

O mankind, worship your Lord, who created you and those before you, that you may become righteous  (Quran 2:21)

It is He who forms you in the wombs however He wills. There is no deity except Him, the Exalted in Might, the Wise. (Quran 3:6). 

Thus, the Holy Quran emphasizes that only the One God, who is common to all humanity and possesses all power, should be worshipped.

============ 

What is Islam? Who is Muslim?

https://houseofpeaceblr.blogspot.com/2024/11/what-is-islam-who-is-muslim.html

Why is Islam facing opposition?

https://houseofpeaceblr.blogspot.com/2024/11/why-is-islam-facing-opposition.html

What is Islam? Who is Muslim?

Consider a factory, a school, an army, or a hospital. For these institutions, which function with the participation of many people, to provide the necessary benefits, there must be a stable leadership and defined rules and order that must be followed by everyone. Similarly, in this world we live in, if we accept the leadership of God, the owner of this world, and follow the rules and discipline He teaches, life will become meaningful. We can see in nature that all creations, except for man, are structured to be beneficial in this way.

Islam means submission. Its other meaning is peace. That is, when individuals live by submitting to the rules set by the Creator who created and sustains this world, it results in discipline and moral conduct in personal and social life. The peace that arises from this can be called Islam. Those who live by maintaining this also continue to experience peace in the life after death, That is, a Paradise filled with eternal bliss is offered to them as a reward. This is the doctrine presented by this divine path.

Muslim means one who submits. For example, a student who behaves with respect towards the teacher or a servant who obeys the master can be considered a Muslim in terms of the Arabic word. Similarly, those who act in accordance with the commands of God are called Muslims. No one can become a Muslim just by wearing a cap or a beard or by having a name in Arabic or Urdu. Even if a person is born to Muslim parents, they cannot be considered a Muslim. One can only be a Muslim by completely adhering to the teachings.

The word Muslim can also be understood in this way. Look at nature. Trees, bushes, plants, the sun, the moon, stars, fish, birds, animals... all these live in accordance with the commands of the creator – that is, the rules set by the creator. Therefore, all these are Muslims! Not only that, but consider our own body. Each of our body parts – the heart, stomach, intestines, nerves, brain, kidneys... all of these are also Muslims! The reason is that they all exist in a state of submission to the creator. That is to say, even if a person is not yet a Muslim, his body is always a Muslim!

So, based on this, whoever possesses the quality of submission to God, no matter in which religion they were born, no matter what language they speak, no matter in which corner of the world they were born... also, it doesn't matter in which era they lived, all of them are Muslims! This is the broad perspective that Islam teaches us.

Islam is not new!

Yes, dear brothers and sisters, you must now realize the truth that Islam is not a new religion. Unfortunately, however, the majority of people still believe that it is a new religion created by Prophet Muhammad. Even today, this misconception continues to persist without correction in school textbooks.

Yes, dear ones, when we say that we all belong to the same family, it becomes clear that our God must have given us only one religion. That same religion has been introduced repeatedly through many prophets wherever our families have spread over different times. That same religion was finally reintroduced through the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). This religion is known today in Arabic as ‘Islam’. On the contrary, the Prophet Muhammad did not bring anything new or create anything new.

Islam instills deeply in the minds of individuals three beliefs that transform humanity from being engrossed in sins to becoming disciplined and responsible. Furthermore, it liberates them from superstitions and divisive arguments, establishing global brotherhood and human equality.

1. One Humanity:

O mankind! Fear your Lord, who created you from one soul. And from it, He created its mate. And from both of them, He spread many men and women. Fear Allah, through whom you ask one another, and [fear] the ties of kinship. Indeed, Allah is ever, over you, an Observer. (Quran 4:1)

 (Allah means the One God worthy of worship.)

That is, Islam teaches that despite the differences created by color, race, country, language, wealth, education, status, and position, every human being is a brother to one another and that everyone has rights on this earth which must be respected and upheld by all.

2.. One God:

Say, “He is God, the One. God, the Absolute. He begets not, nor was He begotten.  And there is none comparable to Him.” (Quran 112:1-4)

Islam teaches that understanding God's attributes in this way means that one should worship Him directly, without intermediaries, superstitions, or unnecessary rituals. 

(O Prophet!) Whenever My servants ask you about Me, I am indeed very near to them. I respond to the call of the one who calls upon Me. Let them call upon Me for guidance, let them place their faith in Me. (Quran 2:186)

Except for the Creator, everything else is a creation. Therefore, worshipping created beings – whether they are living or even lifeless forms without life and consciousness – or teaching that they are God is considered a deception and sin in Islam. This act diminishes God and creates a neglectful attitude towards Him in human minds. Consequently, it becomes a significant obstacle to maintaining good morals, leading to an increase in sins within society. Furthermore, as people attempt to imagine and worship God in different forms, the human race becomes divided, fighting amongst themselves and fading away, and intermediaries exploit the name of God to deceive and survive. The Qur'an states that God does not forgive this sin, which leads to many confusions and evils.

3. Divine judgment and the afterlife.

Every soul will taste death, and you will only be given your [full] compensation on the Day of Resurrection. So he who is drawn away from the Fire and admitted to Paradise has attained [his desire]. And what is the life of this world except the enjoyment of delusion.(Quran 3:185)

That is to say, this world will one day be completely destroyed, and when God's command comes, all humans will be resurrected for the final judgment. Eternal abodes filled with immeasurable pleasures will be granted to the righteous, and severe punishments will be provided to the sinners.

Thus, this temporary life is a test, and this world has been created as a testing ground for it, which is the truth that Islam reminds us of. Forgetting this is the cause of humanity's lack of peace.

Practical guidance

The aforementioned beliefs are not just mere teachings; they provide a clear life plan and guidance for a person to uphold throughout his life, through the final revelation, the Holy Quran, and the exemplary life of the final messenger, Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). It can be understood by those who explore that they serve as guides in all areas of human life.

=============== 

Who is Allah?

https://houseofpeaceblr.blogspot.com/2024/11/who-is-allah.html

Why is Islam facing opposition?

https://houseofpeaceblr.blogspot.com/2024/11/why-is-islam-facing-opposition.html

Islam is about reformation of mind and character

 

Is Islam inherited by birth?

The term Islam means submission. Another meaning of it is peace. That is, if one lives submitting to God, one can attain peace in this worldly life as well in the hereafter. This is the principle presented by this divine path. 

The term Muslim means one who submits. For example, a student who behaves respectfully towards a teacher or a servant who obeys his master can be called a Muslim in terms of the Arabic word. Similarly, those who act according to God's commandments are called Muslims. Simply wearing a cap or beard, or having a name in Arabic or Urdu does not make one a Muslim. Even if one is born to Muslim parents, it does not automatically make one a Muslim. One can only be a Muslim through complete adherence.

In nature, all trees, shrubs, plants, the sun, moon, stars, fish, birds, and animals... all of these live according to the commands of God – that is, the rules set by God. Living in such a manner is Islam! The one who lives like this is called as Muslim! Yes, in this world, everything except for humans is indeed in a state of Islam.

how can a person  become a Muslim?

So, when or how can a human become a Muslim? When a man accepts the God Who created him, understands His commandments, and begins to live accordingly, only then does he become a Muslim. In other words, a human becomes a Muslim when they make a covenant with the Creator saying, "O God, I accept You as the One and only worthy of my worship. I accept the messenger You have sent. From today onwards, I will live according to Your commands." This means he must accept the life plan given by God and begin to live accordingly.

What is this life plan? 

It is called the pillars of Islam.

Declaration of faith: To sincerely accept and verbally affirm the statement “There is no deity but Allah, and Muhammad is His messenger.”

Prayer five times a day: To systematically implement this life plan, we must maintain a connection with the Creator. Only then will the distractions that lead us to wrongdoing and the whispers of Satan not mislead us. For this, we perform prayers at dawn, noon, evening, after sunset, and before sleeping, fulfilling the prayers taught through His messenger.

Obligatory charity: All possessions and wealth belong to God. These are given to us as a means of testing. A specific portion of what is given to us is for the poor. Therefore, we must give these away as a duty.

Fasting in the month of Ramadan: Abstaining from eating, drinking, and physical relations during the daylight hours of the month in which the Holy Quran was revealed.

The holy pilgrimage known as Hajj: Those who have the means and physical health should visit the Kaaba in the city of Mecca at least once in their lifetime.

If someone wishes to adhere to the aforementioned policy and life plan, there is no need for anyone's grace; it is between that person and God.

By sincerely affirming the mentioned doctrine in his heart and verbalizing it, he became a Muslim at that moment. There is no need for the presence of any religious guru, witness, or registration in a place of worship! There is no requirement for him to change his name there either!

Yes, apart from a change of heart and a change of character, no other changes matter in accepting this path. But you must be firm in the accepted belief. Calling anything other than the Creator as God, worshipping imaginary forms, or deviating from prayer should not be done! Understand that as long as you live according to this belief, that is how long you are a Muslim! If you embrace death in that state, then paradise is guaranteed for you! The Creator says in His holy scripture:

‘"O you who have believed, fear Allah as He should be feared and do not die except as Muslims."’ (Qur'an 3:102)

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Hiding of verses on human equality by colonial forces

Question to Chat GPT:

Quran on unity of mankind and common ancestry : O mankind, fear your Lord, who created you from one soul and created from it its mate and dispersed from both of them many men and women. And fear Allah , through whom you ask one another, and the wombs. Indeed Allah is ever, over you, an Observer. (quran 4:1)

O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you. Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Acquainted. (Quran 49:13)  

these verses stand as basis for universal brotherhood and human equality. All Abrahamic religions the common belief is that the mankind has originated from the first pair od Adam and Eve. But except in Islam, the other religions does not treat human beings equal. what is the reason? For example during colonial era lots of atrocities were committed against black. Can you explain

Answer by ChatGPT:

The Quran's emphasis on the unity of mankind and common ancestry is a fundamental aspect of Islamic teachings, as seen in the verses you provided. The Quran's message of human equality and brotherhood is universal, transcending racial, ethnic, and national boundaries.

In contrast, while other Abrahamic religions, such as Christianity and Judaism, also trace their origins to Adam and Eve, their interpretations and applications of this common ancestry have been more nuanced and often influenced by sociopolitical and cultural contexts.

There are several reasons why Islam's emphasis on human equality and brotherhood stood out, even in contrast to other Abrahamic religions:

1. **Islamic theology's emphasis on tawhid**: Islam's concept of tawhid (the oneness of God) underscores the unity and equality of all human beings, regardless of their backgrounds. This theological foundation has historically guided Islamic thought and practice.

2. **The Quran's explicit rejection of racism**: The Quran explicitly rejects racism and nationalism, emphasizing the inherent value of every human being, as seen in Quran49:13 (which you quoted).

3. **The Hadith tradition's emphasis on human dignity**: The Hadith (Prophetic traditions) of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) emphasize the dignity and equality of all human beings, often highlighting the importance of compassion, justice, and kindness.

4. **Islamic history and cultural practices**: Islam's early history and cultural practices, such as the Islamic Caliphate and the Ottoman Empire, have often been characterized by a relative lack of racial and ethnic segregation, with people of diverse backgrounds coexisting and interacting.

In contrast, other Abrahamic religions, such as Christianity and Judaism, have historically been influenced by cultural, social, and political contexts that led to varying degrees of racial and ethnic divisions. For example:

1. **The Curse of Ham narrative**: As I mentioned earlier, the Curse of Ham narrative has been used to justify racism and segregation in some Christian traditions.

2. **The concept of the "chosen people"**: Judaism's concept of the "chosen people" has sometimes been interpreted to justify a sense of exclusivity and superiority over other groups.

3. **Christianity's complex history of slavery and colonialism**: Christianity has a complex history of being used to justify slavery, colonialism, and the subjugation of marginalized groups, often through interpretations that ignored or distorted the principle of human equality.

During the colonial era, many atrocities were committed against Black people and other marginalized groups, often under the guise of Christianity. This was partly due to the way European Christians interpreted and applied their faith to justify colonialism, slavery, and racial segregation.

Some examples of how Christianity was used to justify racism and colonialism include:

* The Transatlantic Slave Trade: European Christians used Christianity to justify the enslavement of Africans, often citing the Curse of Ham narrative or other biblical verses to justify their actions.

* American slavery: Christian churches in the United States often supported and condoned slavery, with some denominations even splitting over the issue.

* Apartheid in South Africa: The Dutch Reformed Church and other Christian denominations played a significant role in justifying apartheid, often using theological arguments to legitimize racial segregation.

In contrast, Islam's emphasis on human equality and brotherhood has historically provided a more robust foundation for the recognition and promotion of human rights and dignity, regardless of racial or ethnic backgrounds.