Wednesday 30 May 2007

My Profile

In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

Praise is to Allah, we thank him, ask for his support, help, and his forgiveness; we request him to save us from the evil of our souls and the sins of our deeds; he whom has been guided by Allah has nothing to let him astray, and whom been miss leaded by him has nothing to lead him. We testify that, no God but Allah, sole with no associates and that Mohamed is his slave and his messenger

I read that “ The Western Christians, till the arrival of the Encyclopaedists in the eighteenth century, did not know and did not care to know, what the Muslim believed, nor did the Western Christian seek to know the views of Eastern Christians with regard to them. The Christian Church was already split in two, and in the end, it came to such a pass that the Eastern Christians, as Gibbon shows, preferred Muslim rule, which allowed them to practice their own form of religion and adhere to their peculiar dogmas, to the rule of fellow Christians who would have made them Roman Catholics or wiped them out.”

Muslims are rather apt to forget it

So much for the idolaters of Arabia, who had no real beliefs to oppose the teaching of Islam, but only superstition. They invoked their local deities for help in war and put their faith only in brute force. In this they were, to begin with, enormously superior to the Muslims. When the Muslims nevertheless won, they were dismayed; and all their arguments based on the superior power of their deities were for ever silenced. Their conversion followed naturally. It was only a question of time with the most obstinate of them.

It was otherwise with the people who had a respectable religion of their own - the People of the Scripture - as the Qur’an calls them - i.e, the people who had received the revelation of some former Prophet: the Jews, the Christians and the Zoroastrians were those with whom the Muslims came at once in contact. To these our Prophet's attitude was all of kindness. The Charter which he granted to the Christian monks of Sinai is extant. If you read it you will see that it breathes not only goodwill but actual love. He gave to the Jews of Medina, so long as they were faithful to him, precisely the same treatment as to the Muslims. He never was aggressive against any man or class of men; he never penalized any man, or made war on any people, on the ground of belief but only on the ground of conduct.

My native language is Arabic and I am not used to write in English but I think it is the best way to make my story accessible for everyone. So I will ask you to be indulgent with me and if you find mistakes , please post to notify me:

I was born in Algeria, i have been educated by my parents. Thanks to God, they gave me everything I needed to succeed in my life. I have a "normal" life. I finished my studies as Engineer and I get married, I have two children.
It was a hard and long process that definitely took its toll on me physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.

Where my Idea come from

I was born Muslim and since child, there was a question for me without answer: what about other people who weren't born Muslims? All time I felt the need to reach someone to tell them about Islam. Unfortunately, when I finished my study I couldn't travel and during this period of my life there was no internet.

At the age of 38, I learned really what was the death because I was so close … , I saw my sister’s last breath …Here, I remembered the prophet Muhammad saying PBUH about what can someone leave when he pass away so finally, I understood that since the man is the most comprehensive being in the universe. It should be more than one purpose in our creation that doing studies and getting married are only tools

All we know the pleasure of learning something new or experiencing something that we have never experienced before.

I will really appreciate your effort to know about other culture and religion other than your own.

Its true we all came into existence without our consent. But, who is really complaining about it? Existence is joy in itself. No one sane enough would want to die let alone wanting to be non-existent forever. We all find some joy in our existence.

We observe that animals and plants give something in return to nature for anything they consume out of it but They say that with knowledge comes responsibility, and with responsibility comes accountability.

So for the first year that i choose to go online, I connected to Toronto n Newcastle where I met some people. It was the first time that I contact foreign persons on net. This made me realise how its possible that from whom accept to hear a Muslim, the Christians were whom get the attitudes that are based on the concepts of compassion, mercy, modesty and justice. A verse of the Qur'an states:
… You will find the people most affectionate to those who believe are those who say, 'We are Christians.' That is because some of them are priests and monks and because they are not arrogant.

Christian and Muslim belief have many aspects in common. Judaism too shares many beliefs with Islam. All true adherents of these three great religions:

" believe that God has created the entire universe out of nothing and that He dominates all that exists with His omnipotence".

" believe that God has created man and living things in a miraculous way and that man possesses a soul granted him by God".

" believe that besides Jesus, Moses or Muhammad, God sent many prophets such as Noah, Abraham, Isaac and Joseph throughout history, and they love all these prophets".

" believe in resurrection, Heaven and Hell and angels, and that God has created our lives with a certain destiny".

The beliefs of the People of the Book are in harmony with Muslims, not only in terms of faith-related issues, but also of moral values. Today, in a world where such immoralities as adultery, homosexuality, drug addiction and a model of egoism and self-seeking cruelty have grown widespread, the People of the Book and Muslims share the same virtues: Honor, chastity, humility, self-sacrifice, honesty, compassion, mercy and unconditional love…

According To The Qur'an , Muslims, Jews And Christians Should Live In Friendship.

It is evident there are ample grounds for an alliance between the "People of the Book" and Muslims. This is also very evident in the Qur'an . In the relevant verses of the Qur'an , there is a significant difference between the People of the Book and the idolaters. This is especially emphasized in the area of social life.

For example, it is said concerning the idolaters: "(they) are unclean, so after this year they should not come near the Masjid al-Haram (Kaaba)." (Surat at-Tawba: 28) Idolaters are people who obey no divine law, have no moral precepts and who are capable of committing every kind of degrading and perverse action without hesitation.

But while they basically rely on God's revelation, the People of the Book have moral precepts and know what is lawful and what is not. For this reason, if one of the People of the Book cooks some food, it is lawful for Muslims to eat it. In the same way, permission has been given for a Muslim man to marry a woman from among the People of the Book. On this subject God commands:

"Today all good things have been made lawful for you. And the food of those given the Book is also lawful for you and your food is lawful for them. So are chaste women from among the believers and chaste women of those given the Book before you, once you have given them their dowries in marriage, not in fornication or taking them as lovers. But as for anyone who disbelieve, his actions will come to nothing and in the hereafter he will be among the losers". (Surat al-Mai'da: 5)

These commands show that bonds of kinship may be established as a result of the marriage of a Muslim with a woman from the People of the Book, and that those on each side of the union can accept an invitation to a meal. These are the fundamentals that will ensure the establishment of equitable human relationships and a happy communal life. Since the Qur'an enjoins this equitable and tolerant attitude, it is unthinkable that a Muslim could take an opposing view.

Monasteries, Churches And Synagogues Should Be Respected

Another important fact we learn from the Qur'an is that Muslims must respect Jewish and Christian places of worship. In the Qur'an , the places of worship of the People of the Book, i.e. monasteries, churches and synagogues, are mentioned as places of worship protected by God.

…if God had not driven some people back by means of others, monasteries, churches, synagogues and mosques, where God's name is mentioned much, would have been pulled down and destroyed. God will certainly help those who help Him - God is All-Strong, Almighty. (Surat al-Hajj: 40 )

This verse shows all Muslims the importance of respecting and protecting the sanctuaries of Christians and Jews.

Indeed, in the Qur'an God commands Muslims not to harbor any enmity towards any people. In many verses, friendship is recommended, even with idolaters. God even refers to the idolaters at war with Muslims in this way: "If any of the idolaters ask you for protection, give them protection until they have heard the words of God. Then convey them to a place where they are safe." (Surat at-Tawba: 6)
Jews and Christians, however, are much closer to Muslims than idolaters. Each of these religions has its book, that is, they are subject to a revelation sent down by God. They know what is right and what is wrong, what is lawful and what is unlawful. They know they will give an account to God, and they love and revere His prophets. This shows that Muslims and the people of the book can live easily together and cooperate.

The Common Enemies of the Faith

Another important fact that draws Christianity, Judaism and Islam together is the atheist philosophies that are so influential in our time.
Among the best-known and most harmful philosophies of our age can be cited materialism, communism, fascism, anarchism, racism and secular humanism. Many people who believed in the fake diagnoses, deceptive descriptions and explanations of these ideas on the universe, society and man, have lost their faith or doubted it. What is more, these ideologies have dragged people, societies and nations into great crises, conflicts and wars. Their share of the blame for the pain and troubles that humanity suffers today is immense.

While they deny God and creation, all the above-mentioned ideologies are based on a common framework, a so-called scientific basis; Charles Darwin's theory of evolution. Darwinism constitutes the basis of atheist philosophies. This theory claims that living beings have evolved as a result of coincidences and by means of a struggle for life. Therefore, Darwinism sends this deceptive message to people:
"You are not responsible to anyone, you owe your life to coincidences, you need to struggle, and if necessary to oppress others to succeed. This world is one of conflict and self-interest".

This evil morality advises people to be egoistical, self-seeking, cruel and oppressive. It destroys such virtues as mercy, compassion, self-sacrifice and humility, the moral values of the three great monotheistic religions.
This being the case, it is necessary for the people of the Book and Muslims to cooperate, since they believe in God and accept the morality that He teaches. The followers of these three religions should expose to the world the fallacy of Darwinism, which has no scientific basis, but which is trying to be preserved for the sake of materialist philosophy. They should cooperatively carry out an intellectual struggle against all other deceptive ideas that serve atheism. Once this is realized, the world will, in a very short time, embrace peace, tranquility and justice.

Conclusion: "Let us Rally to a Common Formula"

At a time when anti-religious, atheist and materialist ideologies surround the world, similarities among theistic religions should be emphasized, and cooperation should be established for common aims.

Concerning the People of the Book, God gives Muslims a command in the Qur'an ; to rally to a common formula:

"O People of the Book! Let us rally to a common formula to be binding on both us and you: That we worship none but God; that we associate no partners with Him; that we erect not, from among ourselves, Lords and patrons other than God." (Surat Al 'Imran, 64)

This is indeed MY Our call to Christians and Jews: As people who believe in God and follow His revelations, let us rally to a common formula - "faith". Let's love God, Who is our Creator and Lord, and follow His commands. And let us pray God to lead us to an even straighter path.

When Muslims, Christians and Jews rally to a common formula this way;

When they understand that they are friends not enemies,

When they see that the real enemy is atheism and paganism,

then the world will become a very different place.


The fighting that has raged for ages, enmities, fears - and terrorist attacks - will come to an end, and a new civilization based on love, respect and peace will be established upon this "common formula".

The prophet ( peace be upon him with all the messengers) said "There are two blessings wich many of people lose: (They are) health and free time for DOING GOOD"

I will be asked one day, HOW i have spent my time and money?

That i will have a communication with you, i will have as rules the divine rules:

[49:13Quran] O people, we created you from the same male and female, and rendered you distinct peoples and tribes, that you may recognize one another. The best among you in the sight of GOD is the most righteous. GOD is Omniscient, Cognizant.

[2:62 Quran] Surely, those who believe, those who are Jewish, the Christians, and the converts; anyone who (1) believes in GOD, and (2) believes in the Last Day, and (3) leads a righteous life, will receive their recompense from their Lord. They have nothing to fear, nor will they grieve.

[Quran ] “Allah forbids you not those who warred not against you on account of religion and drove you not out from your homes, that you should show them kindness and deal justly with them. Lo! Allah loves the just dealers.”

[Quran 2:177] "It is not righteousness that you turn your faces towards East or west; but it is righteousness to believe in God and the Day Of Judgement and the Angels, and the Book, and the Messengers; to spend of your substance, out of love for Him, for your kin, for orphans. For the needy, for the wayfarer, for those who ask; and for the freeing of captives; to be steadfast in prayers, and practice regular poor due; to fulfil the contracts which you made; and to be firm and patient in pain (Or suffering) and adversity and throughout all periods of panic. Such are the people of truth, the God-conscious".

btw, i think i m helping you completing your understanding of the position of Islam (Submission) on issues like freedom, love and peace...There is nothing called radical Islam but rather there exist radical Muslims who do not represent Islam.

May Allah guide us to the straight path, and guide us to that which pleases Him, Amen.

Kind Regards,

Mohamed

2 comments:

audrey said...

Very well written Mohamed.

Mohamed said...

Thank you dadssk, WELCOME on AW!