A survey you've probably never seen

Why? Because it's so true! And it's timeless. As someone with front row seats to see the three ring circus that is the American government I would know. (BAZINGA!) And it's well-written at that. And a bit more deep or layered in meaning, perhaps, than it might look at a glance.

I would agree with you if the "eat with a ruler" part weren't in it. But it's of no consequence. Let's wait and see if someone else posts.

My favourite line is 'Let there be no compulsion in religion'.

As in the Bible, there are many lines in the Qur'an which, taken in isolation, can lead people to justify undesirable actions. So the value of this clear, short, unequivocal statement is huge and you see it quoted everywhere.

You're not a Christian, though. Like I said I want to hear from them.

But I'm glad to see you notice that verse anyway. It goes far too unnoticed in post-9/11 culture.

format_quote Originally Posted by Independent

My favourite line is 'Let there be no compulsion in religion'.

That is definitely the best line in the Quran, or in pretty much any religious text.

Is there a similar line in the Bible?

Greetings and peace be with you IAmZamzam;

"Whosoever intercedes for a good cause will have the reward thereof, and whosoever intercedes for an evil cause will have a share in its burden. And Allah is Ever All-Able to do (and also an All-Witness to) everything. When you are greeted with a greeting, greet in return with what is better than it, or (at least) return it equally. Certainly, Allah is Ever a Careful Account Taker of all things. Allah! La ilaha illa Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He). Surely, He will gather you together on the Day of Resurrection about which there is no doubt. And who is truer in statement than Allah?" [Al Qur'aan 4: 85-87]


"The good deed and the evil deed cannot be equal. Repel (the evil) with one which is better (i.e. Allah ordered the faithful believers to be patient at the time of anger, and to excuse those who treat them badly), then verily! he, between whom and you there was enmity, (will become) as though he was a close friend.But none is granted it (the above quality) except those who are patient, and none is granted it except the owner of the great portion (of the happiness in the Hereafter i.e. Paradise and in this world of a high moral character)". [Al Qur'aan 41:34-35]


"And by the Mercy of Allah, you dealt with them gently. And had you been severe and harsh�hearted, they would have broken away from about you; so pass over (their faults), and ask (Allah's) Forgiveness for them; and consult them in the affairs. Then when you have taken a decision, put your trust in Allah, certainly, Allah loves those who put their trust (in Him)". [Al Qur'aan 3:159]

In the spirit of seeking a greater interfaith friendship and understanding

Eric

May Allah save us. Aameen.

------------------------------------------------------
Seek Guidance from the Quran and Hadith only:

Some Muslims I know read the Bible and try to find guidance in it. Is such behavior permissible? Please explain?

Answer 389

Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) replied to a similar question by some of his Sahaaba (Radhiallaahu Anhum), 'Do you doubt (in your religion) just as the Christians and Jews doubted in their religion (during the time of their Prophets).'

He (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) further mentioned, 'Even if Musa (Alayhis salaam) was alive today, he would have followed me.' If Musa (Alayhis salaam) would not seek guidance from the Tawraat (old testament) and Eesa (Alayhis salaam) will follow the Qur'aan upon his arrival on earth, how then can one we follow the scriptures of Musa and Eesa (Alayhis salaam). They themselves regard the Qur'aan and Ahaadith as their superguide despite being the direct recipients of revelation of the Tawraat and Injeel. It is not permissible for Muslims to seek any guidance from non-Muslim sources.

The Qur'aan and Ahaadith is their only and best source of guidance and Allah Ta'ala Knows Best.

Mufti Ebrahim Desai.

---

“Narrated Jabir Ibn Abdullah :Umar ibn al-Khattab brought to Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) a copy of the Torah and said: ‘Allah’s Messenger, this is a copy of the Torah’.

He (Allah’s Messenger) kept quiet and he (Umar) began to read it. The colour of the face of Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) underwent a change, whereupon AbuBakr said:

“Would that your mother mourn you, don’t you see the face of Allah’s Messenger?’

Umar saw the face of Allah’s Messenger (pbuh) and said:

‘I seek refuge with Allah from the wrath of Allah and the wrath of His Messenger. Weare well pleased with Allah as Lord, with Islam as religion, and with Muhammad as Prophet’.

Whereupon Allah’s Messenger (pbuh) said : ‘By Him in Whose hand is the life of Muhammad, even if Moses were to appear before you and you were to follow him, leaving me aside, you would certainly stray into error; for if (Moses) were alive (now), and he found my prophetical ministry, he would have definitely followed me’.(Sunan ad-Daarimi, Book 1 – Compilation of Chapters in Preface, Hadith 435)

=====================

I'm not sure what ruling is what comparative religion purposes.

Save your imaan.

Urban Turban, you have completely missed the point of this exercise. I was only asking what passage from The Bible these brothers and sisters liked the most. As in the one they thought was the niftiest or the wisest or the most memorable (in a good way). Like they might in a 100% secular work. Guidance doesn't have anything to do with it.

format_quote Originally Posted by IAmZamzam

Urban Turban, you have completely missed the point of this exercise. I was only asking what passage from The Bible these brothers and sisters liked the most. As in the one they thought was the niftiest or the wisest or the most memorable (in a good way). Like they might in a 100% secular work. Guidance doesn't have anything to do with it.

Are you being sarcastic?

If yes, don't play with the religion.
If not, I'm sorry.

The Prophet (peace be upon him) forbade Hadrath Umar (ra) to even read the Torah.

Period.

Brother, I'm getting a little tired of dealing with you and your intolerant attitudes. I know that you mean well but you're really not doing us any favors. I'm not going to let you derail the thread so I shall just have to ignore your post.

"Every son of Adam is a sinner, and the best of sinners are those who repent."

Yet, He is the Most Merciful and the Most Clement. In the words of Allah the Most High, "Say: 'O my Servants who have transgressed against their souls! Despair not of the Mercy of Allah for Allah forgives all sins: for He is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful. Turn ye to our Lord (in repentance) and bow to His (Will), before the Penalty comes on you: after that ye shall not be helped." (Az-Zumar, 39:53-54)


al-Ghafoor: The most Forgiving
This name occurs in the Qur’an more than seventy times. There are other names from the same root, such as Ghafir and Ghaffar. The meaning of the “ghafara” is to cover, to hide and from it comes the meaning “to excuse”, “to pardon”, “to remit” and “to forgive”. Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala does all these things. In the Qur’an, it is mentioned that Allah does not forgive shirk (without repentance) but He may forgive every other sin for whomsoever He wills. (al-Nisa’ 4:116) We must turn to Allah to seek His forgiveness.

al-’Afuw: This is another aspect of forgiveness
This name occurs in the Qur’an five times. Literally the word ‘Afw means “to release” “to heal”, “to restore”, “to remit”. Thus in relation to Allah it means “to release us from the burden of punishment due to our sins and mistakes”, “to restore our honor after we have dishonored ourselves by committing sins and making mistakes.” Sometimes in the Qur’an both names: ‘Afuw and Ghafoor come together.

al-Tawwab: The Acceptor of repentance
This name of Allah is mentioned in the Qur’an about 11 times. Allah accepts the repentance of those who sincerely repent and turn to him. The word “tawwab” gives the sense of “oft-returning” which means that Allah again and again accepts the repentance. We make sins and mistakes then we repent, He accepts our repentance. Then again we commit sins and make mistakes and when we repent, He again very kindly accept us and gives us another chance.

al-Haleem: The Clement
This name is mentioned fifteen times in the Qur’an. This means that Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala is not quick to judgment. He gives time. He forebears and is patient to see His servant to return to Him.

al-Rahman and al-Rahim: The most Merciful and Compassionate
These names are the most frequently mentioned in the Qur’an. Al-Rahman is mentioned 57 times and al-Raheem is mentioned 115 times. al-Rahman indicates that Allah’s mercy is abundant and plenty and al-Raheem indicates that this is always the case with Allah. He is full of love and mercy and He is ever Merciful.

The Qur’an teaches that Allah is a Judge and He also punishes, but Allah is not bound to punish. The justice of Allah, according to Qur’an is that Allah does not and will not inflict undue punishment on any person. He will not ignore the good of any person. But if He wishes to forgive any sinner, He has full freedom to do that. His mercy is unlimited and His love is infinite.

There are many verses in the Qur’an and sayings of the Prophet -peace be upon him- on the love, mercy and forgiveness of Allah. In one of the prayers that the Prophet taught, he said, “O Allah, You are most Forgiving One, You love to forgive, so forgive me.” . We need Allah’s mercy and forgiveness all the time. It is wrong to assume at any time that one will find eternal salvation without the forgiveness of Allah.

Human Forgiveness in Islam:
Just as it is important to believe in the mercy and forgiveness of Allah, it is also necessary to base human relations on forgiveness. We cannot expect Allah’s forgiveness unless we also forgive those who do wrong to us. Forgiving each other, even forgiving one’s enemies is one of the most important Islamic teaching. In the Qur’an Allah has described the Believers as “those who avoid major sins and acts of indecencies and when they are angry they forgive.” (42:37) Later in the same Sûrah Allah says, “The reward of the evil is the evil thereof, but whosoever forgives and makes amends, his reward is upon Allah.” (al-Shura 42:40) In another place the Qur’an says, “If you punish, then punish with the like of that wherewith you were afflicted. But if you endure patiently, indeed it is better for the patient. Endure you patiently. Your patience is not except through the help of Allah." (16:126-127)

Eric

I love ayas where comforts and solaces from fear.

Ta-Ha[20:46] [RECITE]

[top] [next match]

Qala la takhafa innanee maAAakuma asmaAAu waara

20:46 He said: "Fear not: for I am with you: I hear and see (everything).


At-Tur (The Mount) [52:48] [RECITE]

[top] [next match]

Waisbir lihukmi rabbika fainnaka biaAAyunina wasabbih bihamdi rabbika heena taqoomu

52:48 Now await in patience the command of thy Lord: for verily thou art in Our eyes: and celebrate the praises of thy Lord the while thou standest forth,


Yunus [10:62] [RECITE]

[top] [next match]

Ala inna awliyaa Allahi la khawfun AAalayhim wala hum yahzanoona

10:62 Behold! verily on the friends of Allah there is no fear, nor shall they grieve;


of course in Arabic when recited it sends the entire being into shivers. These are the words of how can one go into life with fear with by their side

I like Song of Solomon


3 I am my beloved’s and my beloved is mine;
he browses among the lilies.