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Started by Ishaq Zahid
Wed, 14 Feb 1996 00:00
The IINN, V8N25
Author: Ishaq Zahid
Date: Wed, 14 Feb 1996 00:00
Date: Wed, 14 Feb 1996 00:00
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In the name of ALLAH, the Beneficent, the Merciful
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I N F O R M A T I O N & N E W S N E T W O R K
A Subsidiary of Pakistan News Service
Vol. 8 No. 25 Ramadan 23, 1416 Hijri Feb. 14, 1996
____________________________________________________________________________
FOR SUBMISSIONS/ENQUIRIES: MUSLIMS@PSUVM.BITNET, MUSLIMS@ASUACAD.BITNET
FOR UN/SUBSCRIPTIONS: LISTSERV@PSUVM.BITNET, LISTSERV@ASUACAD.BITNET
SEE FOOTNOTE FOR INFORMATION ABOUT SUBSCRIPTIONS
____________________________________________________________________________
**********
+++++ CONTENTS +++++
**********
Repentance...................
SELF-RESPECT & DISCIPLINE....
Teaching Holy Quran..........
A French Muslim needs Islamic books
Allahu-Akbar. Syracuse university closes for Eid, has Halal food.
Ramadan - The Revelation of Al-Furqan
Obey Allah...........................
Proof of Quran.......................
Islamic Beliefs, Proof of God Part 2
Islamic Beliefs, Proof of God Part 1
Qur'an Search Software
Important Events at UCLA - Feb 15-16
Jop Opportunity in SA: INFORMATION CENTER MANAGER
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From: saqib@benison.khi.erum.com.pk (SAQIB ALI)
Subject: Repentance
Date: Sun, 17 Dec 1995 22:24:42 -0800
TRADITIONS OF THE HOLY PROPHET (SAW)
"For every desease there is a medicine; for all sins there is a remedy of
repentance. Medicines vary with the nature of desease. Similarly, repentance
is also different for different varieties of sins. If the sin pertains to the
infringement of human rights, the method of repentance in such case is to
redeem thier rights and then beg forgiveness of God for the past infringement.
If the sin relates to the non-performance of prayers, non-payment of poor-due
or not keeping fast, the correct procedure for repentance is to beg
forgiveness for the past mistakes and also clear the past arrears.If you have
indulged in extravaganceand prodigality for show and ostetation, stop forth
this mal-practice at once and simultaneously beg pardon of God and decide
not to waste money on prohibited items, rituals, customs and display of
wealth to obtain admiration in future. If theft has been committed, first
return the stolen goods and request pardon of the owner of the goods.
Thereafter repent before God. Those who deny existence of the creator or those
who believe in many gods or associate others in attributes of God should first
forsake atheism and polytheism and become firm and sincere believers in
monotheism. They should then repent for their past sinful and shameful
conduct and beg mercy of God.
The Holy Prophet (SAW) says:
"All of you are guilty and the best among the guilty is one who is
repentant."
Those who are believers sometimes go astray from the right path. For
such persons the door of repentance is wide open. Repentance is not of the
tounge only, but it should emanate from the deepest chambers of the heart
which should feel sorrow, regret and remorse for the past sinful life. If the
repentance is offered in the proper way as explained in the foregoing, then
the sinner should become confident of the pardon of the God Almighty, and the
opening of the doors of blessing for him. Such a person is liked all the more
by the Almighty and sometimes reaches a pinnacle of eminance which is
difficult to get only by formal worship and lifeless and insipid prayers for
years.
If a person takes poison and his physical is sure but due to medical
aid his life is saved, he will resolve firmly not to risk his life in future
by taking poison. So is the case with a sinner whose spiritual death is a
certainty but if he takes the medicine of repentance, he will be saved from
the spiritual death, but he should also resolve firmly not to commit sin in
future.
Let us see what Quran says about repentance:
"O you who believe! turn to God with sincere repentance." (66:8)
It is the great blessing of God that he has kept the door of
penitence open otherwise where would have the sinners gone?
Let us now take up some traditions of the Holy Prophet. It is mentioned
in a Divine Tradition that God says:
"O My servants, you commit sins day and night. I can pardon all sins.
Therefore you request for pardon and salvation from Me. I shall pardon you."
2. "The repentant of a sin becomes like that person who has never committed
that sin.
The main purport of Quranic verses and Prophet's saying is that
whenever a Muslim commits a sin, he should not become hopeless of Divine Mercy
but should beg pardon of God and thus wash off the sears and stains of sins.
God, in consonance of His mercy will pardon him and instead of his dis-
pleasure or anger, He will all the more be pleased with that person.
Many people are not quick in repentance. They think that they are
healthy and young and that they will repent just before death. This is the
greatest deception of Satan. Quite possible that today might be thier life's
last day. Consequently whenever any sin is committed, immediate repentance
with promise of future good behaviour is the wisest course.
If a person repents but again commits the same sin, he should not
become despondent but should implore pardon of God. Even if he breaks
repentance numberless times, he should not feel rejected and dejected but
should sincerely repent. It is the promise of God that He will accept his
repentance because the mercy of God is infinite.
A man can express his penitence in any language but there are some
special sentences taught by the Holy Prophet to his Companions, which are
very divinely acceptable and are very dear ot God Almighty. One of them is
the following:
`I implore for pardon and forgiveness from God
save from Him there is no god, Who is living
and everlasting. I offer my repentance to Him.'
..........FROM THE NOTES OF MY TEACHER, WHO TAUGHT ME ABOUT ISLAM
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From: saqib@benison.khi.erum.com.pk (SAQIB ALI)
Subject: Self-Respect
Date: Sun, 17 Dec 1995 22:25:50 -0800
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SELF-RESPECT & DISCIPLINE
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The crown and glory of life is summed up in the following verse of Tennyson:
Self-reverence, self-knowledge, self-control,
These three alone lead life to sovereign power.
A man must possess self-respect (self-reverence). He must not think
of himself to be a poor worm, despicable, contemptible and mean fellow, but
must place a lofty worth on his manhood. Man is not made of dust only, but
possess in him a spark of Divine fire which warrants respect, honour and
dignity for the person possessing it, rather than insult, slight and slating.
His self-respect gets the additional importance, because he has been
designated the vice-gerant of God on earth.
`Behold, thy Lord said to the angles: "I will creat a vice-gerant on the
earth."
Alexander Pope was right when he said, "Know than thyself." If a man
recognizes the potentialities of his person, there are no heigths, which he
can not scale, no feats which he can not perform, no triumphs which he can
not achieve. Self-realization leads to God realization. It equips man with
the attributes of drive, dash and initiative. He will not live as a beggarly
fellow, and will not walk with his head down because such a humilating
posture will hit his self-respect. He will live like a man, a factor to be
reckoned with, and hold his head high. Let us strive to live in deed, not in
years.
This self-respect must be based on self-knowledge. A man must not
over-rate himself; he must not be pedantic in his attitudes but he must know
his power and capabilities. He must never practice self-deception, "To think
ownself to be true," as shakespeare said.
A man who has a poor opinion of himslef is deficient in self-respect
and self-knowledge and self-discipline.
Self-respect should not be confused with egoism which implies pride
and arrogance. It is a state of mind in which one is always thinking of his
inflated importance. Egoism holds that it is a duty of an individual to
consider his own good without the regard for the good of others, except where
the good of others is a mean to his own good.
Man is a football of fortune. He is destined with a chequered and zigzag
career `born tommorrow and dead yesterday'. Kicked and rekicked by fate, he
may become a Hamlet always brooding over the irrepairable and irrreplacable
loss, or he might try a abbreviated and baser way to success like Macbeth.
These are the cankers to the rose of self-respect which may be further injured
by a huge financial loss making him penniless. At such critical junctures, he
can keep his absolute confidence in God Almighty and complete indifference to
the so-called gains and loss of this world.
Discipline is an attitude of mind towards orderly behaviour and
obedience of rules and carrying out of instructions in latter and spirit.
It is the training of mind for the formation of character, improvement of
conduct and the quality of self-control. An intellect not prone to set rules
aims at self-projection through non-compliance of regulations and the breaking
of laws. This is a state of anarchy which, if exhibited collectively destroys
the smooth running of an establishment and leads to the ultimate ruination.
According to Mathew Arnold the seeds of indiscipline first take root in the
brain and then manifest themselves externally in roit, bloodshed, plunder and
loot. Whenever the intellect and moral qualities lacked balanced development,
the result is disorder and anarchy. This comes to occur where the attribute
of self-control through discipline has not been developed. Discipline
leads proper developement of man along each line of excellence. It is
discipline which influences one's character greatly on the positive side .
For a disciplined brain education is no doubt important but more important is
the formation of character rather than acquisition of learning. A fine
scholar without being a good man is of no avail. A disciplined person
rellying on reason and conciousness avoids everything which is which is not
right. Whatever he does, whether it be work or play, he puts his whole heart
into it, and does the best.
Dsicipline and self-control are most important for making one's life
noble and good. They keep his mind in perfect equilibrium both in adversity
and prosperity. Prosperity does not puff him up, and adversity does not break
his book. He controls and masters his passions.
Man's business in life is to shine in use and not in rust. If we look
over the world we see that nine out of ten fail to achieve theirs objects and
find themselves ruined and disgraced, not becaused they are lacking in
ability but because they are lacking in discipline.
A man who has a poor opinion of himself, is deficient is self-
reverence self-knowledge and self-control.
Discipline implies a well-ordered and well-balanced life, internally
and externally. That is only possible when a person subjects himself to
restriction imposed by the legal, official and moral systems. But we find a
large number of person running riot in indisciplined treands. Why is it so?
The reasons are enumerated as under:
1. The germs of indiscipline breed due ot the desire of devouring as much as
possible by illegal and immoral means.
2. Sometimes rule of conduct are breached to project one's personality to earn
cheap popularity.
3. Indiscipline takes charge of those who have a wrong conception of "liberty"
To them liberty means to do whatever one wants, without regard to rules
regulating one's life. In fact liberty does not mean absence of restictions.
It only means to do those things which are worth doing within the general
frame-work of social or moral law.
4. In discipline takes root in self-concieted persons who think it below thier
dignity to cut themselves to disciplinary size.
5. The `power' either of wealth or office prompts them to disobey with impunity.
Sweetness and light are the hallmarks of a well-disciplined life in
which purity of thought always results in purity of action blossoming into an
excelent culture.
.........FROM THE NOTES OF A TEACHER WHO TAUGHT ME ABOUT ISLAM.
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From: saqib@benison.khi.erum.com.pk (SAQIB ALI)
Subject: Teaching Holy Quran
Date: Mon, 18 Dec 1995 12:30:14 -0800
TRADITIONS OF THE HOLY PROPHET (SAW)
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"The best person among you is who has learnt the Quran and taught it."
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Comments:
The word Quran is defrived from the root Qirah which means reading or
reciting, and the Holy Book is called the Quran, showing that it is meant for
reading and reciting. Every partion of it was both written and recited, and
hence it is the Kitab as well as the Quran.
The Quran is considered the eternal miracle of Islam, as superior to
what was revealed to the former messangers, as the best guide for seeking
Allah's pleasure and for obtaining salvation and as the perfection of all
moral codes.
The teaching of the Quran are universal, address to all the people
throughout the world, and revealed to mankind to enlighten man's spirit,
purify his morals, unify his society and replace the domination of the
powerful with justice and fraternity. As is confirmed in Surah 16:89, all
human problems can be solved through the Quran.
"And we have revealed the Book to you explaining clearly
everything, and a guidance and mercy and good news for
those who submit or surrender (i.e., Mulsims)." (16:89)
There are five claims (rights) of Holy Quran on every Muslim:
1) He should believe in it; 2) He should recite it; 3) He should comprehend
it; 4) He should act on it; 5) He should teach it to others.
1. Belief: The Quran, the principal basis of Islam, shows us that Islam
cannot finds its way into any heart or mind without acceptance of its two
fundamental principles, viz. beliefs and code of laws. Islam requires, first
of all a deep belief in it without any doubt or suspicion as is made clear
in the Quran:
"Say (O Muslims) : We believe in Allah and that which is
revealed to Ibrahim, and that which Moosa and Isa received,
and that which prophets received from their Lord. We make
no difference between any of them, and to Him we have surrendered"
(2:136)
This shows the cosmopolitan nature of the Muslim's belief.
2. Recitation: The daily and very frequent recital of the Holy Book is
stressed at several places in Quran:
"And recite what has been revealed to you of the Book of Lord."
(18:27)
"Those to whom we have given the Book
recite it as it ought to be recited." (2:121)
3. Comprehension: Those who are well-educated must study the Holy Quran with
understanding. For such educated persons mere recitation will be of no avail.
They should make a firm resolve to dive deep into the Quranic Text to get the
glittering gems of wisdom. They should meditate and contemplate on the verses
and words of the Quran for assimilation and appreciation. Side by side, with
this indepth study, application of insight and intuitive study, they can, in
a routine manner, recite the Holy Quran, but must try to understand it
rationally. The Holy Quran invites such intellectuals to conduct thier
studies with intelligence and deligence and promises --
"Thus do we explain (make clear) the
verses (the communication) in details
to those who reflect." (10:24)
"Thus God makes clear His verses (communication)
to you in order that you may understand."(2:242)
"(It is) a Book which we have sent down to you,
(which is) full of blessings, that they may
meditate (ponder) over the verses." (9:122)
4. Action: The code of laws provides the regulations which establish the
proper relations between man and Allah, such as prayer, fasting and other
religious duties. The laws guide man in his relations with brehtren in Islam
and the non-Muslims, in organizing the structure of his family and encouraging
reciprocal affection; they lead man to an understanding of his role in the
universe, encouraging research into the nature of man and animals and guiding
man into use of the benefits of the natural world. The Quran makes clear that
the result of submission is faith, and the effect of the code of law is good
behaviour. The Quran encourages man to research into the heaven and the earth.
In short, it asks for good deeds and acts of virtue.
5. Instruction: In addition to belief, recitation, comprehension and action,
it is incumbent on the faithfuls to teach the Holy Quran to others. That is
to say that the message and instructions of the Quran be made known to as
many people as possible. This, in religious language, is termed as Tabligh.
In chapter 5, verse 7, the Prophet (SAW) is told by God --
"O Apostle! proclaim the Message which has been
sent to you from your Lord. If you do not, you
would not have fulfilled and proclaimed His mission"
For twenty three years the Holy Prophet (SAW) lived laborious days to teach
and preach the Holy Quran. He sought cooperation of his companions in this
regard by telling them --
"Teach on my behalf, no matter it may be one verse."
After the completion of his mission, he made all the believers to teach
the Holy Quran to people. At the last Farewell Hajj, the Prophet (SAW) gave
the following instructions to about one lakh twenty five thousand companions:
"It is the duty of those who are present here to pass on
the teachings of Quran to those who are not present here."
In this way the burden of the teachings of Quran was shifted to the
shoulders of the faithfuls till the Last Day for which they shall be held
responsible before God Almighty.
Therefore every member of the Muslims community should perform this
duty faithfully and honestly of teaching Quran to others in conformity of his
knowledge, wisdom and competence. Those who can only recite Quranic verses
(without knowing the meaning) should teach recitation to others. Those who
have memorised Quran should try to teach others to memorise it. Those who know
the translation in thier mother tounge should teach the translation to others
who speak the same language. Those who have indepth knowledge of the Quran
should try to pass it on to others. If a person knows the menaing of only one
verse or only one surah, he should teach it to otheres. The ultimate aim of
all such teachers of Holy Quran should be the same as was pinpointed to the
Holy Prophet (SAW) by the God Almighty:
"It is He Who has sent His Apostle with guidance and the
Religion of Truth to cause it to prevail over all religions" (9:33)
As the greater Light, through its own strength, outshines all lesser
lights, so will Islam outshine all else, inspite of the displeasure of those
to whom light is an offence.
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A French Muslim needs Islamic books
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From: Yves.Leduc@u-picardie.fr (Yves Leduc)
Subject: Re: The Islamic Information & News Network (IINN), Vol. 8, No. 24,
Date: Mon, 05 Feb 1996 13:53:21 +0100
Assalamu Alaykum wa Rahmatu l Lahi wa Barakaatu
Dear Brothers and Sisters
I am a Frenchman who embraced Islam in 1990. I am 52 years old.
Everyday I feel free, happy and for me Ummah is my new family.
I read, often, all texts you put on internet, but I also need books, and
here, in France, if I of course can find books, I feel not to have all
what I need.
So, how can I find books either in Arabic or english ?
Who would accept to correspond with me ?
What can I do to help our brothers and sisters who are in pain
(Tchetchenya or in other countries) ?
I wish you a marvellous Ramadhan, full of peace, serenity .
Your Brother
Yves / Rachid Abd el Halim in Islam
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From: "\"\"Misheal A. Al-kadhi\"\"" <maalkadh@mailbox.syr.edu>
Subject: Allahu-Akbar. Syracuse university closes for Eid, has Halal food.
Date: Tue, 06 Feb 1996 10:54:02 -0500
Assalam alaikum
By the grace, mercy, and blessings of Allah, Syracuse University has two
causes to celebrate:
1) Starting from last year, Eid-ul-Fitr is an official holliday for ALL of
the university. Starting last year, the whole university shuts down on
Eid-Ul-Fitr just as they do on Christmas. Ours is the first University
in the USA as far as I know that does this. Allahu akbar!
2) Starting this semester, Halal food is now being served in the university.
We have a special kitchen with our own cook, stoves, utensils, pots, pans,
meat, etc. which have all been specifically set aside for Muslims and
for the preparation of Halal meals. THis too as far as I know is a first
in the USA. Allahu Akbar!.
All of this was accomplished first and formost through the will of Allah, and
then through the dedication of one brother with a small amount of assistance
from one or two brothers. THis was done with RESPECT, KINDNESS, and WITHOUT
FORCE OR ABUSE. This is indeed what prophet Muhammad (S.A.S.) promised us
when he said: "Verily, Allah opens with gentleness that which He does not
open with force." (inna Allah yaftah bi alleen ma la yaftah bil shiddah)
I ask Allah Almighty that this shall be a source of hope for all brothers
and sisters that inshallah they too can work towards similar goals and
inshallah they too shall one day have their beliefs and religion respected
and regarded by their surrounding communities.
All thanks be to Allah and the highest praise. If He wills a matter He
simply says to it "BE!" and it is.
Allah akbar!
Assalam alaikum
Your brother
Misha'al Al-Kadhi
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From: Yasser Nabi <100307.325@CompuServe.COM>
Subject: Al Furqan
Date: Mon, 05 Feb 1996 17:40:28 +0000 (GMT)
Ramadan - The Revelation of Al-Furqan
Ramadan is the month in which the Qur an was revealed as a guidance for
humankind, also clear signs for guidance and Al-Furqan (Judgement between right
and wrong) [Al Baqarah:185]
It is the Qur an which is Al-Furqan, the criteria between the right and the
wrong. It, along with the Sunnah of our beloved Messenger Mohammed (SAW) and
the Ijma (consensus) of his noble Companions enables the Muslim Ummah, to
distinguish between Iman (belief) and Kufr (disbelief), between Haq (truth) and
Baatil (falsehood), between Ta ah (obedience) and Mas see ah (disobedience).
So when Allah (SWT) commands the Believers, again in Surah Al Baqarah, O you
who believe! Fasting is prescribed on you as it was prescribed on those before
you in order that you may learn self-restraint. [Al-Baqarah:187], all the
Muslims all over the world, from Nigeria to Malaysia, from Bosnia to Chechnya
are obliged to fast. Or when He commands them, O you who believe eat the pure
things from what we provide [Al-Baqarah:176], they obey. Or when He
commands them, And complete the Hajj. [Al-Baqarah:196], they obey. And when
He commands them, O you who believe, spend from what you have been endowed.
[Al- Baqarah:254], they obey.
--
Yasser Nabi
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From: Yasser Nabi <100307.325@CompuServe.COM>
Subject: Obey Allah
Date: Mon, 05 Feb 1996 17:41:30 +0000 (GMT)
The Believers Will Obey Allah (SWT) In What They Like And Dislike
"O you who believe fighting is prescribed fro you and you dislike it, but it is
possible you dislike a thing that is Good for you, and you may love a thing
that is Bad for you, Allah knows and you know not" [Al Baqarah:216]
Furthermore the Believers must use Islam as a criteria solely and wholly for
Allah
warns us,
"And do not mix the truth with the falsehood" [Al-Baqarah:42]
Yet today in Ramadan 1416 AH, there are those who desire things that Allah has
forbidden. They are those who mix the Truth with Falsehood. Despite reading
Surah Al-Baqarah with the believers in the Tarawih all over the world, they
falsely propose themselves as equal in knowledge with Allah (SWT), when they
mix the Truth with the Falsehood and reject the implementation of verses from
this and other Surahs of the Noble Qur'an. So when Allah commands the
establishment of a government that implements the punishment system of Islam;
"O you believe, the law of Qisas is prescribed to you in the case of murder"
[Al-Baqarah:178]
They disobey, denouncing Qisas as against human rights', as if human rights'
was Al-Furqan! And when Allah commands, "But Allah has forbidden interest and
permitted trade" [Al-Baqarah:275], they disobey, enslaving the Ummah's
resources to usurious World Bank and I.M.F, as if they were Al-Furqan! And when
Allah commands; "And fight those who fight you" [Al Baqarah:190], they
disobey, chaining up the noble soldiers of the Muslim Ummah to the whims of the
United Nations, as if International Las was Al-Furqan! O Muslims be assured
that none can refute the Truth of the Qur'an, for Allah says; "And if you are
in doubt as to what We have revealed to our Messenger, then produce a Surah like
it, and call your witnesses or helpers besides Allah, if your doubts are true.
But if you cannot, and of a surety you cannot, then fear the fire whose fuel
is Humans and Stones, prepared for the Kafireen" [Al-Baqarah:23-24] O
Muslims be aware that having failed to refute Al-Furqan, the Kuffar and their
agents in Muslim Land then sought to remove it as the criteria for ruling, as is
mentioned by Muhammed (SAW), "The knots of Islam will be untied knot by knot,
the first knot to be untied is the Rule by the Book of Allah." This knot was
untied on March 3rd 1924, when the Islamic Ruling System, the Khilafah was
abandoned. In its place the Ummah became hounded by a plague of Kings,
Presidents and Dictators. O Muslims reject this crime against Allah, his
Messenger and his Book, and turn back with your convictions and inclinations to
Al-Furqan!
--
Yasser Nabi
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From: Yasser Nabi <100307.325@CompuServe.COM>
Subject: Proof of Quran
Date: Mon, 05 Feb 1996 17:43:36 +0000 (GMT)
The Islamic Belief (Part 2)
Proof of Qur'an
It follows that since the creator, Allah (SWT), has created man, life and the
universe, there must have been a purpose for the creation and a means, i.e.
system, by which to achieve it. The obvious questions that proceed are:
(i) How does man receive the purpose, rules and regulations, given by the
creator, by which he is to govern and understand his life? (ii) In what form
are these sets of rules and regulations received by man?
Clearly, either man communicates with the creator or that the creator
communicates with us to explain our existence. Man however is limited and
unable to comprehend or perceive the unlimited and as such cannot communicate
with the creator. This obvious fact, therefore, means that the communication
had to come from the creator. Throughout history, there have been messengers
and prophets, men sent from the creator, bringing laws or revelation on how man
should conduct his life. They were given miracles which proved to mankind that
they were bringing revelation. A miracle is something which goes against the
laws of nature. For example prophet Musa (Moses) had a stick which parted the
Red sea. Prophet Isa (Jesus) had the ability to bring back the dead. But how
do we know these messengers existed? The miracles performed by the above
prophets were only miracles for that specific period of time. But how do we
know that they are just legends or fables? They are not proof for us. So what
miracles do we have right now to convince us and guide us through our lives?
There are many texts available today claiming divine status from God. But is
the guidance contained in them in its original form and is it applicable to all
situations at all times? Any text claiming to be divine must not contain
contradictions, discrepancies or adulterations, since this would question the
perfection of God and the validity of the text. If we apply this acid test to
these divine texts', we find that none except the Qur'an fulfil the above
criteria. Many religions contain aspects of the same truth (since messengers
have come to each nation) but this truth has been tampered with by man. Muslims
believe that the Qur'an is the Word of God. They believe that it is complete,
i.e. it provides answers for all of life's affairs and that it has kept its
authenticity, i.e. nothing has been removed or added to it by any man since it
was revealed. BUT as we could not believe in the creator, God (Allah[SWT]),
until we became rationally convinced, similarly the divine' message must be
examined and proved. There needs to exist a rational proof for the validity of
the text, not a blind emotional argument. The Qur'an was revealed to
Muhammad (PBUH - Peace Be Upon Him). At the time it was revealed, the pagan
Arabs were deeply into poetry. It was an indication of nobility in society.
People used to go into the desert for days just to write poetry. The Arabic
language has great fluidity and depth of expression, so it was held in high
esteem by the Arabs. So we need to consider the authorship of the Qur'an.
The Qur'an can only be the work of one of the following: (i) Non Arab (ii)
Arab (iii) Muhammad (PBUH) (iv) The Creator Firstly it is important to point
out that the Qur'an was revealed in Arabic. Because of the high standard of the
Arabic used by the Qur'an, indeed its very excellence and mastery of the
language, it is not from a non Arab. It is well known that, a non Arab aged
16 called Jabr was charged with conspiring with Muhammad (PBUH) in writing the
Qur'an. But Allah (SWT) replied to these allegations:
"And we know well that they say: only a man teaches him. The speech of him at
whom they falsely hint is notably foreign, while this is Arabic, pure and
clear." [Al Nahl:103]
Now one would turn to the Arabs for the authorship of the Qur'an, having
dismissed the theory that a non Arab could have written it as being ridiculous.
One of the disbelieving Arab poets of the time, Walid ibn Al Mughira said after
hearing the Qur'an, "None of you is more conversant than I with poetry,
melodious hymns and songs, and by God never did I hear anything similar to
which he says. It is so sweet and graceful that it remains at the summit with
nothing to surpass it." People who disbelieved the divine authenticity were sent
revelation challenging them to bring forth any similar writing:
"...They may say, He forged it'. Say, Bring ye then ten surahs (chapters)
forged, like unto it, and call (to you aid) whomsoever ye can other than God!
If ye speak the truth." [Hud:13]
And when the Arabs failed to meet this, they were challenged once more.
"And if ye are in doubt as what we have revealed from time to time to our
servant, then produce a chapter like there unto and call your witnesses or
helpers (if there are any) besides God, if your doubts are true." [Al
Bakarah:23]
"Or do they say, He forged it?' Say Bring then a chapter like unto it, and
call (to your aid) anyone you can besides God, if ye speak the truth!"
[Yunus:38]
They tried to bring the like of the Qur'an but they failed. And this challenge
has remained until this day for everyone, both Muslim and non Muslim and both
the Arab and the non Arab. Clearly it is not the speech of an Arab, let alone
a non Arab. The Qur'anic challenge is unique because the creator, Allah
(SWT), pushes man to use his ability to undermine the authenticity of the
Qur'an. Such a profound yet simple challenge. Imagine throughout the history of
Islam, all her enemies simply needed to defeat this challenge to destroy the
whole basis of Islam. Yet not one, non Muslim Arab or non Arab has been able
to do this even though all the tools of the Arabic language are at their
disposal. It is also inconceivable that the Qur'an is the speech of
Muhammed (PBUH). After all he is one of the Arabs. Also, whatever level of
genius people may assign to him, he is still a human being and one of his tribe
and nation. Since the Arabs themselves failed to bring the like of the Qur'an,
this equally applies to Muhammad (PBUH). He could not bring the like it, thus
it is not from him. It is important to point out that none of the Arabs, who
despised Muhammed (PBUH), particularly at that time, that were the most
acquainted with the styles of Arabic speech ever claimed that the Qur'an was
Muhammed's (PBUH) speech, or even similar to his speech. Moreover, it is
clearly documented that Muhammed (PBUH) was illiterate, i.e. he could neither
read nor write. Infact his illiteracy is a proof itself. Also the
traditions (Ahadith) of Muhammed (PBUH) are completely unlike the linguistic
style of the Qur'an. This is the case even though Muhammed (PBUH) would utter
the revealed Qur'anic verse and say the tradition at one sitting. How could a
man have maintained a completely different style for 23 years? Strangely,
people could copy the style of his traditions but not that of the Qur'an! We
have established that the Qur'an could not have originated from a non Arab,
Arab or Muhammad (PBUH). This leaves us with its only real source, the creator,
Allah(SWT), He (SWT says:
"Do they not ponder about the Qur'an? If it had not come from God they would
surely have found therein much contradictions ." [An Nisa:82]
To this day Muslim and non Muslim scholars have not been able to find any
contradiction or mistake in the Qur'an. Moreover if one was to compare letter by
letter a copy of the Qur'an published today to one of the first copies of the
Qur'an available then one would find that not a single letter has been omitted
or added. Copies of the Qur'an dating to the first century of Islam can be
found in Istanbul and Tashkent. Furthermore, the meaning of the Qur'an has
became a proof, in that it foretold events, and explained issues which man had
yet to discover. For example, the science of embryology is merely 30 years
old. Certainly, 1400 years ago, there were no microscopes let alone
ultrasound. Yet the Qur'an goes into depth about how life starts, the pairing
of gametes, the dividing of cells, the forming of the three body layers, and
the developing of organs.
--
Yasser Nabi
===================================================================
*******************************************************************
===================================================================
From: Yasser Nabi <100307.325@CompuServe.COM>
Subject: Proof of God
Date: Mon, 05 Feb 1996 17:42:36 +0000 (GMT)
The Islamic Belief (Part 1)
Proof Of God
The Islamic Belief and subsequently the Islamic way of
life is premised on an intellectual basis. Therefore, Islam is neither a
religion nor set of values and rituals that arise from Blind Faith. Rather Islam
is an intellectual belief which emanates a comprehensive socio-political and
economical system. To understand the unique system that Islam offers
necessitates the explanation of the Islamic belief i.e. the proof in God,
Allah(SWT) and the word of God, the Qur'an.
GOD : THE ARGUMENTS Today if you mention God the you'll probably get a negative
reaction. It has become the trend to get on with life and not bother to ask the
question whether there is a God or not. In fact this question was not even
asked much in the days of old, when you simply had to believe in God or be
persecuted. Therefore, it is not surprising that people find it easy to
believe that the existence of God is a myth, simply because they have never
thought deeply about the idea. It is because people continued to believe in God
blindly, i.e. Blind Faith, rather than use ration, that science and its
attempted explanations of universal phenomena was hailed as the 'new God'. But
let us deal with both arguments - for and against the existence of a creator -
from a rational perspective. A common argument by many Christians and some
other religions is that God is the God of many abstract attributes such as Love,
Peace, Mercy which indeed are admirable qualities for human beings to aspire
to. This characterisation of God is based upon an implicit assumption that God
can be likened to human beings thus the attempt to understand God in a human
framework. Accordingly, we find in some societies. such as early Greek. that
individual gods are used to represent single human attributes, and other
cultures gods have quality to reproduce. The question this begs
is whether the essence of an unlimited Creator is understandable through a
limited, imperfect human mind when God lies beyond our perception? Rational
thought would dictate that if God exists thenknowledge of God's attributes can
only come from Itself. Therefore, famine in the world leading to deaths of
millions would not deny the justice, mercy or love of a supposed God, but
would only if one attributed the human essence to God. Similarly, if one
understands God as the Governor and controller of the Universe then the notion
of God dying is nonsensical. This is the failure of Christianity and indeed all
religions as their belief becomes a matter of Blind Faith. Consequently, they
allow themselves to be plagued by rational contradictions which inevitably lead
to intellectual refutation. With regard to opposing view proposed by
scientific theories to disprove the existence of God. Are these arguments
valid? To understand the validity of any proposed argument the premise should
be examined. Science is concerned with the methodology of processes in the
physical world, i.e. it deals with 'how' and not 'why'. Thus scientists are
not concerned with why gravity exists but how gravity influences bodies to shape
this universe. The scientific method is limited in that it can only deduce rules
by repeated observations of physical phenomena. Thus the question of the
existence of God does not and cannot fall into the realm of scientific thought
because science deals with the mechanisms of events and phenomena within the
universe i.e. the tangible and not intangible. To test the hypothesis to apply
scientific proof for or against God, one would effectively have said that God
is "testable". Therefore, logically one would conclude God to be within the
universe since God must be physically tangible in order to test. Since God is
tangible and contained within the universe, God must be limited and therefore
cannot be God. Thus scientists are falling into the same trap as the blind
followers of religion, that is they are implicitly defining a role to God as
the 'one who makes things work'. Since scientists have explained how things
work the question of God does not arise. Those who argue from this angle have
falsely assumed an attribute/essence of God in the same way Christians say God
has a son or is love. To prove or disprove the existence of a creator we need
to go beyond the limitations of the scientific method and proceed rationally for
it is only rational thought which has the ability to deal with an issue like
this.
THE RATIONAL THOUGHT Man progresses as a result of his thoughts concerning
everything around him. Thoughts are what distinguish man from other animals and
without them man would be lost. Thought occurs when man receives information
about something through his five senses. He then distinguishes it by linking it
to previous information and experiences he has encountered. For example, a
person comes across a plant. He knows that it is a plant due to previous
knowledge of what a plant looks like. But only when he links it with previous
information on the various types of plants will he be able to tell if it is
edible or poisonous. Hence, just receiving information is not enough. It will
remain only as information that we cannot appreciate or understand. However the
process of linking it to previous information and distinguishing the information
is the process of thought and is the key of understanding and progressing.
Consequently, when man becomes convinced of the correctness of thought, it
becomes a concept which he carries, thus, affecting his behaviour. For
example, if we carry a concept of dislike of someone, it will affect our
behaviour towards that person. So we see that carrying false ideas has serious
implications for a person and if such false ideas are carried widely it has
serious implications for society. Thus the idea and question of God has serious
implications because the answer obtained becomes the very basis by which we
understand the creation and purpose of man, life and the universe. Therefore,
the method used should not merely be the rational thought but be comprehensive
and agree with reality. Anything hypothetical or emotional should be rejected
since their basis disagree with ration and reality.
THE RATIONAL PROOF When we look around us at everything we can sense one factor
is shared by these things, and that is that they are all limited. By limited
we mean that they have restrictions, a starting point and an ending point, and
they all have definable attributes, i.e. they are finite. Man is born and he
dies. There is no-one alive who will not die. During his life span, he will
grow to a certain shape, height and volume. The universe is defined as all the
celestial bodies and plants. All these objects have a certain mass, shape,
volume and so on. The life span of a star may be very long, but a point in
time will come when it will cease to exist. The universe is large, but is
still a 'finite' space. No scientist could ever prove using hard facts that the
universe has no bounds. In fact when they say the universe arose from a Big
Bang and is expanding they inherently admit it is finite in size, otherwise it
could not expand! There is nothing in reality which is unlimited. No matter how
hard we try, man is unable to find anything unlimited around him. All he can
perceive is the finite and limited. A further attribute of everything around us
is that they are all needy and dependent in order to continue existing. They
are not self-sustaining or independent. Man has needs. He has to satisfy in
order to survive. He has organic needs. Man must eat and drink if he is to
survive. If he does not he will die. We see need and dependency in plants and
animals. They depend on other parts of the food chain for existence. The water
cycle is dependent on the sun, which is dependent on the laws of the galaxies
and burning mass, and so on... Nothing man can perceive is self subsistent.
So things exist, but do not have the power of existence. They cannot control
when they die or when other bodies die. There is one fact that emerges from all
this. If something is limited and finite, and does not have the power to be
self subsistent then it must have been created. Applying this to everything we
see will bring us to a conclusion. If everything in the universe is created
because it has not the power of being in existence on its own, and is finite
and limited, then there must be a creator. This creator by contrast has to be
unlimited and not needy and dependent on anything to bring it into, or sustain
it's existence. The universe; the sum of all finite and dependent objects is
finite and dependent - but dependent on what? Dependent on something to start
and sustain life, something to plan and develop life. The only rational and
intellectual solution to the question of creation is that there is a creator
which has accounted for all that we see and perceive. Ration tells us that
nothing can be created without a creator. Ultimately there must be a creator
who is unlimited every aspect. Some scientists challenge this with a theory
that everything depends on something for existence, which in turn depends upon
something for existence, and so on ad infinitum. This theory is irrational as
it does not explain how anything came into existence in the first place. It
uses an idea of 'infinity' which know does no exist in reality. It does not,
even make attempt, to explain the very first step in the sequence. It is
illogical and incomplete in its theory, and far from being scientific. If at
its basis the theory is weak, how possible to trust the proceeding theoretical
argument for creation of the universe?
CONCLUSION -Hence, looking at any planet in the universe, contemplating on any
phase of life, or comprehending any aspect of man provides a conclusive
evidence for a Creator, what Muslims call Allah(SWT) -This intellectual proof of
the existence of Allah(SWT) is an understanding open for everyone and obligatory
for all Muslims to be convinced of. Each person must explore to the limit of
his understanding. -Blind belief has no place in Islam. -Believing through
instinctive emotions is unreliable and dangerous as emotions can change and
error to ones belief and actions. And if the basis of belief is irrational and
weak, how can a system of life be built upon it.
--
Yasser Nabi
===================================================================
*******************************************************************
===================================================================
From: tech@icis.on.ca (Tech Support @ InterCom)
Subject: Qur'an Search Software
Date: Wed, 29 Nov 1995 17:52:19 +0000 (GMT)
Qur'an Search is now ready for download from:
http://ian-vink.icis.on.ca/quran.htm
It's the most advanced research and deepening program for the Quran
currently available. It comes with these features:
-Advanced 3 level boolean (and/or) search conditions
-Uses super fast Microsoft Jet Search engine
-Copy and Paste between programs.
-Print and Print Preview to any printer or fax machine!
-On-line, graphical help.
-User defined settings.
-Visually impared assistance.
-FREELY COPYABLE & DISTRIBUTABLE!!
Download Windows Qur'an Search today!
http://ian-vink.icis.on.ca/quran.htm -or-
ftp://ftp.icis.on.ca/pub/pc/windows/text/quran
vink@icis.on.ca
===================================================================
*******************************************************************
===================================================================
From: ather@ucla.edu (Ather Ali)
Subject: Important Events at UCLA - Feb 15-16
Date: Mon, 12 Feb 1996 19:59:27 +0000
Brothers and sisters in Islam
Assalamu-alaykum,
On February 15, 1996 the Muslim Student Association at UCLA will be having an
event entitled
'Jerusalem, the land of peace?' featuring Imam Abdul Alim Musa from Masjid
Al-Islam and Imam Muhammad Asi from
Washington D.C. We have also extended an invitation to various prominent
Rabbis. They will, inshallah, confront the effects of the 'peace' process in
the region and the entire world. This event will be held Haines 220 on the UCLA
campus.
On February 16, 1996, The final Ju'ma of Ramadan the Muslim Union at UCLA will,
inshallah, be having an anti-oppression demonstration,
'Oppression, Alive and Well'
12:00 noon at UCLA-westwood Plaza
followed by Ju'ma in the Royce Quad and a teach in.
Speakers include Dr. Maher Hathout from the Islamic Center of Southern
California, Imam Abdul Alim Musa from Masjid Al-Islam, and other student
speakers.
We Muslims cannot forget the brothers that were massacared in Hebron during
prostration two Ramadans ago. Standing up for all oppressed people is our
duty. Let us Muslims in America unite and take action before the next Hebron.
This is not a protest, t
for more informaton or directions, call 310.206.7877
===================================================================
*******************************************************************
===================================================================
From: "Al-Abduljabbar, Abdulhamid" <ajabbar@engin.umich.edu>
Subject: Jop Opportunity in SA: INFORMATION CENTER MANAGER
Date: Tue, 13 Feb 1996 15:50:51 -0500 (EST)
Assalamu Alaikum,
Please distribute for interested individuals.
Abdulhamid
===========================================================
Job Opportunity
INFORMATION CENTER MANAGER
Required to manage a state of the art information Center in the Business
and financial field. Candidates are required to have a minimum of 5 years
experience in a senior level in information centers or libraries (recent),
Strong technical skills (information science), Strong management and
administrative skills, Command of Both Arabic and English, Good
communication skills and good personality, Strong understanding of
computer technology and its application in Libraries/Information Centers.
Candidates should have a Ph.D. or Masters in Information Science or
equivalent education (high level of experience can be considered for a
lower university education level). Experience in the banking/financial
field is a definite plus.
Selected candidate will have a long term work contract in Riyadh, Saudi
Arabia, and will receive excellent benefits including medical,
tickets ... etc.
Please send your application via email to 74043,343@Compuserve.com.
Applications will be treated with secrecy.
___________________________________________________________________
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