Criticism no 4:
More from Swamiji on this aspect:
"Now, some Mohammedans are the crudest in this respect, and the most sectarian. Their watchword is "There is one God, and Mohammed is His Prophet". Everything beyond that not only is bad, but must be destroyed forthwith; at a moment's notice. every man or woman, who does not exactly believe in that, must be killed; everything that does not belong to this worship must be immediately broken; every book that teaches anything else must be burnt. From the Pacific to the Atlantic, for five hundred years, blood ran all over the world. That is Mohammedanism! Nevertheless, among these Mohammedans, wherever there was a philosophic man, he was sure to protest against these cruelties.
(Works of Swami Vivekananda Vol IV:126)
Whenever I see the criticisms of Swamiji, I don’t panic! I am patient, I know that some where the Lord of mankind ( Including Swamiji) has the Answers ready!
Slander or Ignorance ?
Slander is one of the ugly methods used by dishonest and immoral people whose interests have been damaged, and thus are hostile, angry, and full of ill-feeling toward the people with whom they are in competition or whom they desire to hurt.
Ignorant is a person who has no knowledge or is Unaware!
“If you throw enough dirt, some of it will stick” does not work on believers.
The Qur’an reveals that all of Allah’s messengers and other devout people who called their societies to abide by the Qur’an’s morality stood accused of avarice, madness, arrogance, theft, and fornication. Yusuf’s (as) life was full of such examples of slander, as were those of Musa (as), Sulayman (as), and even Prophet Muhammad (saas). Likewise Maryam, the mother of `Isa (as); A’isha, the wife of our Prophet (saas); and his Companions were all exposed to slander. These people always displayed exemplary patience and reliance upon Allah when confronted with slander, disregarded the unbelievers’ such efforts, and continued to live by the morality ordained by Allah.
You will be tested in your wealth and in yourselves, and you will hear many abusive words from those given the Book before you and from those who associate [others with Me]. But if you are steadfast and guard against evil, that is the most resolute course to take.--------- (Surah Al ‘Imran, 186)
You are a greater cause of terror in their breasts than Allah! That is because they are people who do not understand.------------- (Surat al-Hashr: 13)
A misconception about Islam
Many people have a misconception that Islam is a new religion that was formulated 1400 years ago, and that Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) was the founder of Islam. However, let me clarify that Islam is not the name of some unique religion presented for the first time by Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) who should, on that account be called the founder of Islam.
The Qur’an states that Islam – the complete submission of man before his one and only Unique Creator – is the one and only faith and way of life consistently revealed by God to humankind from the very beginning. Noah, Solomon, David, Abraham, Moses, Isaac and Jesus (peace be upon them all) – prophets who appeared at different times and places – all propagated the same faith and conveyed the same message of Tawheed (Oneness of God), Risaalat (Prophethood) and Aakhirah (the Hereafter). These prophets of God were not founders of different religions to be named after them. They were each reiterating the message and faith of their predecessors.
However, Muhammad (pbuh) was the last Prophet of God. God revived through him the same genuine faith which had been conveyed by all His Prophets. This original message was earlier corrupted and split into various religions by people of different ages, who indulged in interpolations and admixture. These alien elements were eliminated by God, and Islam – in its pure and original form – was transmitted to humankind through Prophet Muhammad (pbuh).
Since there was to be no messenger after Muhammad (pbuh), the Book revealed to him (i.e. the Glorious Qur’an) was preserved word for word so that it should be a source of guidance for all times.
Thus the religion of all the prophets was ‘total submission to God’s will’ and one word for that in the Arabic language is ‘Islam’. Abraham and Jesus (peace be upon them) too were Muslims, as Allah testifies in Al-Qur'an 3:67 and 3:52 respectively.
Watchword ?
Watchword according to dictonary means “Slogan of a Party”!
, “La ilaha illa Allah, Muhammadur rasoolu Allah,” . This saying means “There is no true god but Allah, and Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah”. Is the Article of Faith in Islam!
Islam is not a Party and the above sentence is not a slogan! The Article of faith is a part and parcel of belief of each and every Muslim, it is shameful to assert it as a Slogan of a Party. A person who says with conviction, the above Article of Faith becomes a Muslim. There are 1.5 Billion Muslims in the World and , Islam is the fastest growing religion in the world Today. On Non-Muslims! (With Proof)
1.Does Islam order the destruction of Non-Believers ?
Freedom of Religion:
Some of the Quranic Verses that disprove Swamiji’s allegations are;
"Do not revile those whom they invoke other than Allah"--(Quran 6:108)
"Say: It is truth from the Lord of you all. Then whosoever will, let him believe, and whosoever will, let him disbelieve." (Quran 18:30)
"We showed him the way; whether he be grateful or ungrateful (rests on his will)."
--------- (Quran 76:3)
"Therefore you do admonish, for you are one to admonish. You are not one to manage (men's) affairs." (Quran 88:21-22)
"Unto you your religion. And unto me my religion".--(Quran 109:6)
"And if they deny thee, say: unto me my work and unto you your work." (Quran 10:42)
"(O Muhammad!): If they do not believe in this message, you will perhaps torment yourself to death with grief, sorrowing over them. Surely, we have made all that is on earth an embellishment for it in order to test people as to who of them is better in conduct."
--------- (Quran 18:6-7)
"Nor can Goodness and Evil be equal. Repel (Evil) with what is better: then will he between whom and you was hatred become as it were your friend and intimate."
--(Quran 41:34)
"My people! Give full measure and weight with justice, do not diminish the goods of others, and do not go about creating corruption in the land." (Quran 11:85).
2. Does Islam order Killing of Non-Muslims if they do not believe ?
"He who slays a soul unless it be (in punishment) for murder or for spreading mischief on earth shall be as if he had slain all mankind; and he who saves a life shall be as if he had given life to all mankind"--(Quran 5:32)
"Let there be no compulsion in Religion; Truth stands out clear from error"
-(Quran 2:256)
"Thou art not one to compel them by force."--(Quran 50:45)
3. Does Islam order destruction of place of worship of Non-Muslims ?
A Muslim must respect and protect the holy places where the People of the Book worship God, and protect them. For Muslims, these places are precious because in these places, people, whether Jews or Christians, remember God. In the Qur'an, the places of worship of the People of the Book, ie. 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.------- (Qur'an, 22:40)
4. Does Islam order burning of books of other faith ?
There are several revelations sent by Allah (swt) in different ages for the guidance of human beings of the respective ages.
To every people (was sent)
A Messenger: when their Messenger
Comes (before them), the matter
Will be judged between them
With justice, and they
Will not be wronged.
-------(Al Qur’an 10:47)
And there never was
A people, without a warner
Having lived among them
(In the past).
----------(Al Qur’an 35:24)
And to every people a guide.
-----------(Al Qur’an 13:7)
There are 25 Prophets mentioned by name in the Glorious Qur’an. Some of such prophets are: Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus, and Muhammad (peace be upon them all).
1,24,000 PROPHETS SENT BY ALLAH
According to a Sahih Hadith in Mishkatul Masaabih Vol. 3 hadith No. 5737 Ahmad Ibn Hambal Vol. 5 page 265-266: “There were 1,24,000 prophets sent by Allah (swt).”
Allah (swt) has sent a revelation in every age.
Allah (swt) says in the Qur’an:
“For each period
Is a Book (revealed)
-------(Al Qur’an 13:38)
Say ye: “We believe in Allah,
And the revelation given to us,
And to Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac,
Jacob, and the Tribes,
And that given to Moses and Jesus
And that given to (all)
Prophets from their lord:
We make no difference
Between one and another of them:
And we bow to Allah (in Islam).”
(Holy Qur’an 2:136)
Four Revelations mentioned by name in the Qur’an:
There are several revelations sent by Allah (swt) in different ages for the guidance of human beings of the respective ages. Only four revelations are mentioned by name in the Qur’an: these are the. Torah, Zabur, Injeel and the Qur’an.
Torah is the Wahi, the revelation which was revealed to Prophet Moses (pbuh).
Zabur is the Wahi, the revelation which was revealed to Prophet David (pbuh)
Injeel is the Wahi, the revelation which was revealed to Prophet Jesus (pbuh) and
The Qur’an is the last and final Wahi, the final revelation, which was revealed to the Last and Final Messenger Prophet Muhammad (pbuh).
All previous revelations were only meant for a particular group of people and for a particular time period.
Each of the revelations, prior to the revelation of the Glorious Qur’an, was meant only for a particular period and for a particular group of people.
The Qur’an was revealed for whole of Humankind
Since the Qur’an was the last and final revelation of Almighty Allah, it was revealed not only for the Muslims or the Arabs but it was revealed for whole of Humankind. Further, the Qur’an was not revealed only for the era of the Prophet but it was revealed for the all of Humankind until the Last Day.
Allah (swt) says in the Qur’an:
Alif Ram Ra. A Book
Which We have revealed
Unto thee, in order that
Thou mightest lead mankind
Out of the depths of darkness
Into light - by the leave
Of their Lord – to the way
Of (Him) the Exalted in Power,
Worthy of all Praise!
----------(Al Qur’an 14:1)
Al Qur’an is God’s Word. It is the most sacred scripture of Islam. It is the Last and Final Revelation of Almighty God which was revealed in the sixth century of the English Calendar to the last and final messenger Prophet Muhammad (pbuh).
The Qur’an is mentioned in the previous scriptures and in scriptures of other religions
It is mentioned in the Qur’an:
Without doubt it is (announced)
In the revealed Books
Of former peoples.
---------(Al Qur’an 26:196)
The mention of the Glorious Qur’an, this last and final Revelation of Almighty God, is made in all the previous scriptures and in the scriptures of various religions.
Peace!
More from Swamiji on this aspect:
"Now, some Mohammedans are the crudest in this respect, and the most sectarian. Their watchword is "There is one God, and Mohammed is His Prophet". Everything beyond that not only is bad, but must be destroyed forthwith; at a moment's notice. every man or woman, who does not exactly believe in that, must be killed; everything that does not belong to this worship must be immediately broken; every book that teaches anything else must be burnt. From the Pacific to the Atlantic, for five hundred years, blood ran all over the world. That is Mohammedanism! Nevertheless, among these Mohammedans, wherever there was a philosophic man, he was sure to protest against these cruelties.
(Works of Swami Vivekananda Vol IV:126)
Response:
Whenever I see the criticisms of Swamiji, I don’t panic! I am patient, I know that some where the Lord of mankind ( Including Swamiji) has the Answers ready!
Slander or Ignorance ?
Slander is one of the ugly methods used by dishonest and immoral people whose interests have been damaged, and thus are hostile, angry, and full of ill-feeling toward the people with whom they are in competition or whom they desire to hurt.
Ignorant is a person who has no knowledge or is Unaware!
“If you throw enough dirt, some of it will stick” does not work on believers.
The Qur’an reveals that all of Allah’s messengers and other devout people who called their societies to abide by the Qur’an’s morality stood accused of avarice, madness, arrogance, theft, and fornication. Yusuf’s (as) life was full of such examples of slander, as were those of Musa (as), Sulayman (as), and even Prophet Muhammad (saas). Likewise Maryam, the mother of `Isa (as); A’isha, the wife of our Prophet (saas); and his Companions were all exposed to slander. These people always displayed exemplary patience and reliance upon Allah when confronted with slander, disregarded the unbelievers’ such efforts, and continued to live by the morality ordained by Allah.
You will be tested in your wealth and in yourselves, and you will hear many abusive words from those given the Book before you and from those who associate [others with Me]. But if you are steadfast and guard against evil, that is the most resolute course to take.--------- (Surah Al ‘Imran, 186)
You are a greater cause of terror in their breasts than Allah! That is because they are people who do not understand.------------- (Surat al-Hashr: 13)
A misconception about Islam
Many people have a misconception that Islam is a new religion that was formulated 1400 years ago, and that Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) was the founder of Islam. However, let me clarify that Islam is not the name of some unique religion presented for the first time by Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) who should, on that account be called the founder of Islam.
The Qur’an states that Islam – the complete submission of man before his one and only Unique Creator – is the one and only faith and way of life consistently revealed by God to humankind from the very beginning. Noah, Solomon, David, Abraham, Moses, Isaac and Jesus (peace be upon them all) – prophets who appeared at different times and places – all propagated the same faith and conveyed the same message of Tawheed (Oneness of God), Risaalat (Prophethood) and Aakhirah (the Hereafter). These prophets of God were not founders of different religions to be named after them. They were each reiterating the message and faith of their predecessors.
However, Muhammad (pbuh) was the last Prophet of God. God revived through him the same genuine faith which had been conveyed by all His Prophets. This original message was earlier corrupted and split into various religions by people of different ages, who indulged in interpolations and admixture. These alien elements were eliminated by God, and Islam – in its pure and original form – was transmitted to humankind through Prophet Muhammad (pbuh).
Since there was to be no messenger after Muhammad (pbuh), the Book revealed to him (i.e. the Glorious Qur’an) was preserved word for word so that it should be a source of guidance for all times.
Thus the religion of all the prophets was ‘total submission to God’s will’ and one word for that in the Arabic language is ‘Islam’. Abraham and Jesus (peace be upon them) too were Muslims, as Allah testifies in Al-Qur'an 3:67 and 3:52 respectively.
Watchword ?
Watchword according to dictonary means “Slogan of a Party”!
, “La ilaha illa Allah, Muhammadur rasoolu Allah,” . This saying means “There is no true god but Allah, and Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah”. Is the Article of Faith in Islam!
Islam is not a Party and the above sentence is not a slogan! The Article of faith is a part and parcel of belief of each and every Muslim, it is shameful to assert it as a Slogan of a Party. A person who says with conviction, the above Article of Faith becomes a Muslim. There are 1.5 Billion Muslims in the World and , Islam is the fastest growing religion in the world Today. On Non-Muslims! (With Proof)
1.Does Islam order the destruction of Non-Believers ?
Freedom of Religion:
Some of the Quranic Verses that disprove Swamiji’s allegations are;
"Do not revile those whom they invoke other than Allah"--(Quran 6:108)
"Say: It is truth from the Lord of you all. Then whosoever will, let him believe, and whosoever will, let him disbelieve." (Quran 18:30)
"We showed him the way; whether he be grateful or ungrateful (rests on his will)."
--------- (Quran 76:3)
"Therefore you do admonish, for you are one to admonish. You are not one to manage (men's) affairs." (Quran 88:21-22)
"Unto you your religion. And unto me my religion".--(Quran 109:6)
"And if they deny thee, say: unto me my work and unto you your work." (Quran 10:42)
"(O Muhammad!): If they do not believe in this message, you will perhaps torment yourself to death with grief, sorrowing over them. Surely, we have made all that is on earth an embellishment for it in order to test people as to who of them is better in conduct."
--------- (Quran 18:6-7)
"Nor can Goodness and Evil be equal. Repel (Evil) with what is better: then will he between whom and you was hatred become as it were your friend and intimate."
--(Quran 41:34)
"My people! Give full measure and weight with justice, do not diminish the goods of others, and do not go about creating corruption in the land." (Quran 11:85).
2. Does Islam order Killing of Non-Muslims if they do not believe ?
"He who slays a soul unless it be (in punishment) for murder or for spreading mischief on earth shall be as if he had slain all mankind; and he who saves a life shall be as if he had given life to all mankind"--(Quran 5:32)
"Let there be no compulsion in Religion; Truth stands out clear from error"
-(Quran 2:256)
"Thou art not one to compel them by force."--(Quran 50:45)
3. Does Islam order destruction of place of worship of Non-Muslims ?
A Muslim must respect and protect the holy places where the People of the Book worship God, and protect them. For Muslims, these places are precious because in these places, people, whether Jews or Christians, remember God. In the Qur'an, the places of worship of the People of the Book, ie. 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.------- (Qur'an, 22:40)
4. Does Islam order burning of books of other faith ?
There are several revelations sent by Allah (swt) in different ages for the guidance of human beings of the respective ages.
To every people (was sent)
A Messenger: when their Messenger
Comes (before them), the matter
Will be judged between them
With justice, and they
Will not be wronged.
-------(Al Qur’an 10:47)
And there never was
A people, without a warner
Having lived among them
(In the past).
----------(Al Qur’an 35:24)
And to every people a guide.
-----------(Al Qur’an 13:7)
There are 25 Prophets mentioned by name in the Glorious Qur’an. Some of such prophets are: Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus, and Muhammad (peace be upon them all).
1,24,000 PROPHETS SENT BY ALLAH
According to a Sahih Hadith in Mishkatul Masaabih Vol. 3 hadith No. 5737 Ahmad Ibn Hambal Vol. 5 page 265-266: “There were 1,24,000 prophets sent by Allah (swt).”
Allah (swt) has sent a revelation in every age.
Allah (swt) says in the Qur’an:
“For each period
Is a Book (revealed)
-------(Al Qur’an 13:38)
Say ye: “We believe in Allah,
And the revelation given to us,
And to Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac,
Jacob, and the Tribes,
And that given to Moses and Jesus
And that given to (all)
Prophets from their lord:
We make no difference
Between one and another of them:
And we bow to Allah (in Islam).”
(Holy Qur’an 2:136)
Four Revelations mentioned by name in the Qur’an:
There are several revelations sent by Allah (swt) in different ages for the guidance of human beings of the respective ages. Only four revelations are mentioned by name in the Qur’an: these are the. Torah, Zabur, Injeel and the Qur’an.
Torah is the Wahi, the revelation which was revealed to Prophet Moses (pbuh).
Zabur is the Wahi, the revelation which was revealed to Prophet David (pbuh)
Injeel is the Wahi, the revelation which was revealed to Prophet Jesus (pbuh) and
The Qur’an is the last and final Wahi, the final revelation, which was revealed to the Last and Final Messenger Prophet Muhammad (pbuh).
All previous revelations were only meant for a particular group of people and for a particular time period.
Each of the revelations, prior to the revelation of the Glorious Qur’an, was meant only for a particular period and for a particular group of people.
The Qur’an was revealed for whole of Humankind
Since the Qur’an was the last and final revelation of Almighty Allah, it was revealed not only for the Muslims or the Arabs but it was revealed for whole of Humankind. Further, the Qur’an was not revealed only for the era of the Prophet but it was revealed for the all of Humankind until the Last Day.
Allah (swt) says in the Qur’an:
Alif Ram Ra. A Book
Which We have revealed
Unto thee, in order that
Thou mightest lead mankind
Out of the depths of darkness
Into light - by the leave
Of their Lord – to the way
Of (Him) the Exalted in Power,
Worthy of all Praise!
----------(Al Qur’an 14:1)
Al Qur’an is God’s Word. It is the most sacred scripture of Islam. It is the Last and Final Revelation of Almighty God which was revealed in the sixth century of the English Calendar to the last and final messenger Prophet Muhammad (pbuh).
The Qur’an is mentioned in the previous scriptures and in scriptures of other religions
It is mentioned in the Qur’an:
Without doubt it is (announced)
In the revealed Books
Of former peoples.
---------(Al Qur’an 26:196)
The mention of the Glorious Qur’an, this last and final Revelation of Almighty God, is made in all the previous scriptures and in the scriptures of various religions.
Peace!
Dear Friend what do u say about these verses of Quran:
ReplyDeleteQuran (2:191-193) - "And slay them wherever ye find them, and drive them out of the places whence they drove you out, for persecution [of Muslims] is worse than slaughter [of non-believers]... but if they desist, then lo! Allah is forgiving and merciful. And fight them until persecution is no more, and religion is for Allah."
Quran (3:151) - "Soon shall We cast terror into the hearts of the Unbelievers, for that they joined companions with Allah, for which He had sent no authority"
Quran (8:12) - "I will cast terror into the hearts of those who disbelieve. Therefore strike off their heads and strike off every fingertip of them"
Quran (9:14) - "Fight them, Allah will punish them by your hands and bring them to disgrace..."
Quran (9:123) - "O you who believe! fight those of the unbelievers who are near to you and let them find in you hardness."
Quran (48:29) - "Muhammad is the messenger of Allah. And those with him are hard (ruthless) against the disbelievers and merciful among themselves"
@ Kamal:
ReplyDeleteDear brother, Just one question before I respond to your comment.
"Have you ever read the Quran & tried to find the meaning of the verses quoted by you above in their context ?"
Swamiji did the same mistake, he relied upon western critics of Islam rather than finding out the truth by himself. His writing & speeches have clearly proven that fact.
Before we proceed, let me tell you that most of these verses were revealed in battlefield, they are war instructions in the battlefield. I have delt with that topic in Criticism No. 2, open up the link below.
http://answeringvivekananda.blogspot.in/2011/11/answering-vivekananda-and-vedanta-swami.html
I have clearly dealt with the Quran (2:191-193) verses in the above post. Next
Quran 3:151 are talking about punishment in the afterlife for unbelievers. If you don’t believe in the Islamic account of Hell, not much to worry about, is there?
Again, nowhere is it ordering Muslims to do anything.
Quran (8:12) Is a war time instruction to be followed on battlefield. Read the verses in context you will find Quran (8:15)
"O you who have believed, when you meet those who disbelieve advancing [for battle], do not turn to them your backs [in flight]."
Next, Quran (9:13) "Would you not fight a people who broke their oaths and determined to expel the Messenger, and they had begun [the attack upon] you the first time? Do you fear them? But Allah has more right that you should fear Him, if you are [truly] believers."
Quran (9:14) "Fight them; Allah will punish them by your hands and will disgrace them and give you victory over them and satisfy the breasts of a believing people"
So in context the above Verse & the preceding verse to that deals with one who broke oath, expelled the messenger, and were the initiators of fight.
Next, on Quran 9:123,
First lets see this verse, "8:39 "And fight them until persecution is no more, and religion is all for Allah. But if they cease, then lo! Allah is Seer of what they do." (Pickthall)
So if they stop, you stop also.
As for surah 9:123, fight does not have to mean physical, it can mean by the tongue, but even if it meant physical fighting, we already know from the context of the Quran that if the people you are fighting seek peace, then you must grant it, or if they come to you for protection then you must also grant it, so therefore no matter which way you look at it you are left with no case against Islam.
*Contd
*Contd
ReplyDeleteNext Quran 48:29
Non-Muslims think that this verse tells Muslims to be harsh and cruel to non-Muslims. Let us first provide a better translation & context.
Quran
48:29 Muhammad is the apostle of Allah. and those who are with him are strong against disbelievers, (but) compassionate amongst each other. Thou wilt see them bow and prostrate themselves (in prayer), seeking Grace from Allah and (His) Good Pleasure. On their faces are their marks, (being) the traces of their prostration. This is their similitude in the Taurat; and their similitude in the Gospel is: like a seed which sends forth its blade, then makes it strong; it then becomes thick, and it stands on its own stem, (filling) the sowers with wonder and delight. As a result, it fills the Unbelievers with rage at them. Allah has promised those among them who believe and do righteous deeds forgiveness, and a great Reward.
The Arabic word "ashidda" does not mean ruthless, but strong and firm. Ruthless is an unacceptable translation.
Also, the disbelievers being referred to in these verses are the those who persecuted and attacked the Muslims.
The Muslims were commanded to stand up for their religion and defend themselves against the persecution of the disbelievers. Again, if we examine the historical context, we also find that this is referring to those who attacked the Muslims continuously. So verses apply in a situation similar to the historical context. Since this verse mentions the companions of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and praises their path, let us examine some narrations about the companions. Musab bin Umair was a notable companion of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). He was sent to Madinah to share the message of Islam with the people living there.
This narration, on its own, is sufficient to refute the claim that Islam is intolerant. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) did not show any anger or resentment to a non-Muslim who urinated in the Muslims place of worship! So Islam teaches gentleness in all things. As the Prophet Muhammad said:
Whoever is deprived of gentleness is deprived of all good. (Muslim, Book 32, Number 6270 & Abu Dawood, Book 41, Number 4791)
It is fascinating to note that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was so vocal in his support of good treatment towards humanity that he would even be prepared to stand on the side of the Non-Muslims against the Muslims who did not follow his teachings. This is true justice and this is what lead to the peace and prosperity that Islam brought into the world. The excellent character of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) has been noted by many Non-Muslim historians as well, and in fact anyone who has studied his life carefully has been amazed at the golden character of this human being. Washington Irving notes in his book 'Mahomet and His Successors':
In his private dealings he was just. He treated friends and strangers, the rich and poor, the powerful and weak, with equity, and was beloved by the common people for the affability with which he received them, and listened to their complaints.
(Irving, Mahomet and His Successors)
Peace!
If Some one come to me And ask me to believe in Quran. Then What is the reason to accept it. Why Allah created so many books? Did Allah not realize it could lead to conflict among his own creation? Then Why give birth some in Muslim and some in non muslim?
ReplyDelete@HEMONTO MOZUMDER: Though your comment in not relevent to the post, yet I will try to answer it for better understanding of Islam.
ReplyDeleteYou asked,
{if Some one come to me And ask me to believe in Quran. Then What is the reason to accept it.}
"The Quran is the Final Revelation from the Creator to humanity. It was revealed in the year 610 CE to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), and completed over a period of 23 years. These 23 years of revelation resulted in a book which comprised of 114 chapters and over 6000 verses. All of this was to become the primary source of law for the whole of mankind to live and die by. Quran includes all the subjects that concern human beings, such as doctrine, family, wisdom, worship, economy, etc. The main theme is the relationship between God and human beings.
If people were to truly reflect upon this book, they would realize that nothing in this world is quite the same. So why should this claim be accepted over others? The following reasons will give an indication as to why this book deserves the attention of all humanity."
Preservation
""There is probably in the world no other book which has remained twelve centuries with so pure a text". Writing 200 years ago, these are the words of the famous English critic of Islam, Sir William Muir. 1400 years ago, the Muslims accepted this reality when Allah revealed to them:
"Indeed it is We who have sent down the reminder (the Qur'an), and indeed it is Us who shall preserve it" (Quran 15:9)
These words have proved true to this very day. From the moment the first words were revealed to Muhammad, to this very day, every single letter and word of the Quran has remained unchanged.
No Mistakes
"Man as a creature is fallible. For this reason anything which is produced by him will naturally have faults. With the Quran, such a notion cannot even be considered as it is from the one who is Infallible. In fact Allah (God) clarifies this matter beautifully when he says:
"Do they not consider the Quran? Had it been from other then Allah surely they would have found much discrepancies within it" (Quran 4:82)
Throughout history many have tried to scrutinize and search the Quran for mistakes and errors. To this day no one has been able to bring a proof showing that this book is not from Allah. With other scriptures, contradictions, mistakes and absurdities are constantly present."
*Contd
*Contd
ReplyDeleteThe Miracle
"The Quran is a literary masterpiece of Arabic which was and remains unrivaled in its eloquence. Its rhythmic style, rhyme, near-haunting depth of expression, majesty, and "inimitable symphony, the very sounds of which move men to tears and ecstasy" , shook the foundations of a society which had prided itself on its oratory skills. Contests were held every year in Makka for who could recite the longest and most eloquent pieces from memory. When the Quran was revealed, all such contests were brought to a halt, as there was no more competition.
Science
"Over the past few decades much interest has been shown in the scientific content of the Quran. Scientific data which has been discovered in recent times has been existent in this book for 1400 years. In fact the very common origin of this universe is stated clearly by Allah, the Most High:
"Do not the disbelievers see that the heavens and the earth were joined together, then We parted them. And We made from water every living thing. Will they then not believe?" (Quran 21:30)
The embryological data which is found in the Quran is astounding. Allah describes the formation of a baby inside the womb from the very moment the sperm reaches the ovum, to its formation into a human. This data, which was only discovered about 30 years ago, has amazed many western scientists. Amongst them is Dr Keith Moore from the University of Toronto, Canada. Dr Moore is a recognized authority in embryological circles, with his university text book being set as a standard text in many universities throughout the world. When Dr Moore was asked as to how this information in the Quran could be explained, he replied:
"It could only have been divinely revealed"."
You asked,
ReplyDelete{ Why Allah created so many books? Did Allah not realize it could lead to conflict among his own creation?}
Revealed book means that book which Allah Almighty has sent down for the guidance of mankind so that they may know Allah and His Messengers and carry out their commands.
Allah has sent down books and Sahifa [pl: Suhuf] (little books) to many Prophets the exact number of which is only known to Allah and His Beloved Prophet. Of all these heavenly books four are very prominent i.e. Torah which was revealed to Prophet Moses, Zabur (the original Psalms) to Prophet David, Bible (new Testament) to Prophet Jesus and the last one which is the highest and best is the Glorious Qur-aan which Allah Almighty has gifted to His Darling Elect Hazrat Muhammad (may Allah's choicest blessings & peace be upon him).
No other heavenly books than the Qur-aan are available with the original texts because the mischievous elements in the nations of the past Prophets distorted and interpolated the original Torah, Zabur and Bible at their sweet will to gain their nefarious ends.
Since Islaam is ever-living and everlasting religion, Allah Almighty has taken up the responsibility of its protection Himself. It is free from being interpolated even if all its enemies strive jointly to do mischief to it.
The Glorious Qur-aan is an unparalleled book which was endowed to the unparalleled Prophet Hazrat Muhammad Mustafa (may Allah's choicest blessings & peace be upon him) whose title was ''Ummi'' (unlettered). This ''truthful'' (the Holy Prophet) challenged the Arab nation that was stubbornly proud of their eloquence magniloquence and rhetorics in poetry and oratory to bring or produce ten chapters and even a single chapter like it but all proud and arrogant ones were stupefied. If they were capable of producing a thing like it they would have definitely done that and not faced abject disgrace of the proclamation that they and their false gods would be consigned to hell.The Holy Qur-aan is the ever-living and ever- challenging miracle of the Last Prophet of Allah.
Conclusion: God sent the same message in all the books, people changed the message to suit their malicious purposes, hence differences among the message of different books. The original message which is still available uncorrupted is found in Qur'an alone.
You asked,
ReplyDelete{Then Why give birth some in Muslim and some in non muslim? }
Muslims believe that God gave mankind an inborn natural predisposition which cannot change and which exists at birth in all human beings, the religio naturalis. This is called in Arabic as “fitrah” (instinct). This “fitrah” is the small voice inside each one of us which tells us “this does not feel right.” When we pick up a gun for the first time in order to kill someone, we have to fight mightily in order to overcome our fitrah which tells us that killing is wrong. In a similar manner, all mankind is born automatically knowing that “God is one.” As I recall, an Atheist once said to me that “God made me an atheist”. This is actually not true. This fitrah prevents them initially from disbelieving the existence of God. They must really fight themselves for a long time and be continually persuaded by those who are around them to believe otherwise. This is how they end up worshipping fire, stones, statues, multiple gods, and other things. It is forced upon them in spite of their fitrah as they grow up.
This is affirmed by Qur’an 30:30 when we read that:
“So set thy purpose (O Muhammad) for religion (deen) as a man by nature upright the nature (framed) of Allah in which He hath created man (fitrah). There is no altering (the laws of) Allah’s creation. That is the right deen, but most men know not.”
Islam is also called deen al-fitrah, the religion of human nature, because its laws and its teachings are in full harmony with the normal and the natural inclination of the human fitrah to believe in and submit to the Creator. Like the word al-Islam, the word deen also means, obedience and submission, among other meanings. Allah states that:
“Who is better in obedience (in deen) than he who surrendereth his purpose to Allah while doing good (to men) and followeth the tradition of Abraham, the upright? Allah (Himself) chose Abraham for friend.” (Qur’an 4:125)
It is precisely because of man’s free-will and intellect that he is able to overcome the negative influences of the environment and attain to the highest level of psycho-spiritual development, an-nafs al-mutma’innah, “the self made tranquil”. At this level, his inner and outer being, his soul and body, are able to conform to the requirements of his fitrah and the dictates of the shari’ah. He actualises his fitrah, and attains psycho-spiritual integration and inner peace.
Peace!
Now, some Mohammedans are the crudest in this respect, and the most sectarian. Their watchword is "There is one God, and Mohammed is His Prophet".
ReplyDeleteHe is speaking about muslim fanatics not against islam.
And do not you think that is reality?You many not be one of them but do you not accept there are many and they are causing destruction everywhere.
"There is only one God, and Muhammad is the messanger of God" is the Kalima Article of faith in Islam. This is the base of Islam and is recited by every Muslim on the face of earth in Salat or dikr. It is also recited by a new revert to Islam. Then how can you say that Swamiji is refering to fanatics rather than Muslims in General ? Added upon that the term Watch word is an Insult upon Insult.
DeletePlz Understand Islam before commenting on Islam. That is an humble request. Peace!
@Imran Khan:
ReplyDeleteGood effort :)
Thank you brother :)
DeleteFirst of all you have misconception about what swamiji said he said it in term of what muslims do in their life as far. As any holy book is concerned like Quaran or Bible than no book teaches lies hate or anything demonic every book teaches goodness of human kind. Now as far as muslims are concerned than i dont need to say much you can yourself observe how peaceful they are today
ReplyDeleteOther point which is concerned with one true God is that if ther is one God how you can realize it in Islam because Islam says that within this life you will never be able to see God i.e. there is no concept of salvation or nirvana in Islam so tell me if you can not achieve your aim of salvation what is the use of being human better to become animals at least they do not make any nonsense at the name of relegion like today Man and his made relegion make it.I am just waiting for a day when Man will get liberated from this useless relegions and start thinking in more logical resonable way contributing to the development of mankind and finally peace on earth.
Dear Sister,
DeleteIf you think I have a misconception about Swamiji then you are always welcome to clear it in a logical and reasonable way.
Like I already said, Swamiji was more judgemental about Islam on the basis of traditions and actions of local Muslims in India rather than going to the source I.e Quran, Hadith and the actions of Prophet Muhammad PBUH and his companions I.e the Sahabas. That would be the right thing to do.
The lack of peace in Islamic world is not because of Islam, it's because of the actions of Muslims themselves. It is the result of not ptacticing Islam in their lives and society. There are other external factors too but that is not relevant here. Peace can only be achieved if Muslims ptactice their faith according to Quran and Sunnah. And many people dont want that as that would create a powerful force that will change the order of the world.
Regarding advita philosophy and its comparison with Islam. Inshallah I will answer it in seperate blog or in seperate post. Its a vast topic, I had many discussions and debates with hindu brothers on it.
It is only in Islam that you can realize God. And for that you need not become either a sanyasi or priest and abandon this world.
You have never seen your heart, does that mean it does not exist ? Same applies to Brain...etc. How do you know you have a heart ? You feel it...with modren technology you can see it work non stop in your body. Similarly God need not bee seen with naked eyes to be realized....he needs to be felt...God is known through His creation....reason.
Swamiji couldn't answer why were human beings created. Islam gives you the answer. Without the answer to the above question...our life is no different than animals.
The basic message of Islam is unity. The Quran speaks about creation of mankind from common ancestors. The Quran speaks about Onness of God. The quran speakes about unity of religion. The Quran speaks about peace on earth.
If you are reasonable and logical...you won't find it difficult to accept the above fact.
Peace!
Hi Imran,
ReplyDeleteI hope u know Dr. Zakir Nair. He too is saying ur point of views. Pls reply to Poor lady Naznin's above comments.
Regards,
I have replied ...plz refer.
DeletePeace!