Response to a stubborn disbeliever

Hi evangel.


I'm really happy we're discussing our points without any arguments (like alot of the other sections lead to), but instead - understanding the concepts of our faiths.


In islam, we don't believe that we all are responsible for another persons sins. (i.e. when Aadam and Hawwa [Eve] (peace be upon them) ate from the tree. Nor any other situation) But we believe:

Namely, that no bearer of burdens can bear the burden of another;

That man can have nothing but what he strives for;

That (the fruit of) his striving will soon come in sight:

Then will he be rewarded with a reward complete;

That to thy Lord is the final Goal;


(Qur'an Surah Najm [53] : 38-42)

If we strive to do good in this life, then we will be rewarded for that good, and if we do evil - nobody else will get the punishment for it - but instead, the one who did that evil will be punished for it.

The same way, if a person does a crime in this world - the one who does the evil should be the one who gets punished, not any innocent who wasn't even there to stop the crime.


But in islam if one repents sincerely (hoping not to go to that sin again), then Allaah Almighty can choose to forgive that person. That is easy for Allaah.

Therefore give admonition in case the admonition profits (the hearer).

The admonition will be received by those who fear (Allah):

But it will be avoided by those most unfortunate ones,

Who will enter the Great Fire,

In which they will then neither die nor live.


But those will prosper who purify themselves,

And glorify the name of their Guardian-Lord, and (lift their hearts) in prayer.

Nay (behold), ye prefer the life of this world;

But the Hereafter is better and more enduring.

And this is in the Books of the earliest (Revelation),-

The Books of Abraham and Moses.


(Qur'an Surah Al A'la [87] : 9-19)

Do you see how the religion of islam is so similar to the previous scriptures, even including the bible and old testament etc. It's because it's from the same source, the same God (Allaah.)


If a person does evil, without repenting and changing his/her ways, they will be punished accordingly.


And if you do good, you will be rewarded with good:


Is there any Reward for Good - other than Good? (Qur'an Surah Rahman [56]: 60)



Allaah Almighty knows best.


Peace.

*bump

format_quote Originally Posted by Pygoscelis

This scores a big point in favour of Islam over Christianity in my view.

One of the major problems I have with Christianity is the concept the Jesus could "die for your sins", paying for YOUR wrongdoing with HIS life. A fall guy is not moral, and not seen as moral even by Christians in any setting other than this one.

I don't understand your post, Pygoscelis.
Can you elaborate what you mean by the last sentence?

Thanks

Ohhhhhhhhhh someone has let the cat out of the bag
Question ; Who was Waraqa Ibn Naufal ?

Fi_Sabilillah Question ; Was The prophet Muhammad influenced by The Christians ???

I hope we can discuss this like MEN and not like children , You without the name calling .

format_quote Originally Posted by Balthasar21

Fi_Sabilillah Question ; Was The prophet Muhammad influenced by The Christians ???

I hope we can discuss this like MEN and not like children , You without the name calling .

Speaking for myself, I would say the Christians were influenced by the very same Prophets that came before Muhammad(PBUH) If they had truly followed what was given to them their beliefs would be the same as ours. The message Allah(swt) gave to Muhammad(PBUH) was the same message given to all of the Prophets(PBUT) including Isa(as). The only difference is when the message was given in the past it was given for specific people at specific times. When it was given to Muhammad(PBUH) it is to given to all people of all times.

format_quote Originally Posted by PurestAmbrosia

...I don't see a verse that states you are a lowly scum of the earth , and deserve to die a horrible death do you?

:laugh:

I was thinking about putting in some surahs to show you the verses he's refering to...But it's pointless, Id have to cut n paste practically 40% of the quran.

Purest. are you seriously stating that the Quran dosnt mention the unbeleivers burning or being lowlifes? Its in Every other verse! Open a quran already!

format_quote Originally Posted by barney

:laugh:

I was thinking about putting in some surahs to show you the verses he's refering to...But it's pointless, Id have to cut n paste practically 40% of the quran.

Purest. are you seriously stating that the Quran dosnt mention the unbeleivers burning or being lowlifes? Its in Every other verse! Open a quran already!

It is very true that the Qur'an has many ayyats warning the unbelievers. I can find 27 of them almost immediately 9 in Surah 8 alone.

Have you given any thought as to why there would be so many? When you buy any devices have you ever read the warnings listed on them, such as wear safety goggles, keep fingers away from moving parts, wear ear protection, do not expose to heat or flame etc. Do the manufactures put those warnings because they want to punish us if we are not obedient or is it because they do not want us to be harmed? Does it not make sense that the manufacturer of the earth would give us operating instructions so that we can make our time using it productive and safe?

format_quote Originally Posted by barney

:laugh:

I was thinking about putting in some surahs to show you the verses he's refering to...But it's pointless, Id have to cut n paste practically 40% of the quran.

Purest. are you seriously stating that the Quran dosnt mention the unbeleivers burning or being lowlifes? Its in Every other verse! Open a quran already!

yeah...thats why we as muslims have to read quran everyday...to remind ourselves.



Abu Dhar Jundub bin Junadah and Abu Abdul Rahman Mu’adh bin Jabal, radiyallahu anhuma, reported that the Messenger of Allah, sallallahu 'alayhi wasallam, said:

“Fear Allah wherever you may be; follow up an evil deed with a good one which will wipe (the former) out, and behave good-naturedly towards people.”

[Al-Tirmidhi relates it, saying: It is a good (hasan) Tradition. In some copies he says: It is a good and genuine (hasan and sahih) Hadith.]

background

Taqwa is one of the most important and comprehensive Islamic concepts. The term is derived from its root "waqayya" which means “to protect.” Taqwa therefore means to protect one own self from the severe punishment of Allah by following His guidance.

Some translate Taqwa as “to fear Allah”. However, fearing Allah is only one aspect of this comprehensive concept. Ali ibn Abi Talib, radiyallahu anhu, defines it as: “Fearing Allah, adhering to His commandments, being content with what He provides one with, and getting ready for the Day of Judgement.”

Mohammad Asad translates it as “to be conscious of Allah.” It might be better according to some Muslim linguist to use the transliteration of this Qur’anic term and keep it as it is.



The term has been mentioned many times both in Qur’an and Sunnah. Allah the Almighty says:

"O believers! Have Taqwa of Allah as is His right to have Taqwa. And die not except while you are Muslims"
[Surah Al-Imran (3): ayat 102]

By realization of Taqwa a Muslim is granted many bounties and blessings which he/she may gain. Among them are: the Love of Allah, a criterion by which to judge and distinguish between right and wrong, a way out of difficulties, matters will be made easier for him/her, sins will be remitted, guidance, help to acquire beneficial knowledge, prosperity and success.

lessons

According to Ibn Rajab's view as well as other scholars, Taqwa is to fulfill obligations and avoid prohibitions and doubtful matters. It is the advice of Allah to all humankind, and it is the advice of all prophets, alayhim al-salam, to their people. Prophet Mohammad, sallallahu 'alayhi wasallam, used to advise and continuously remind his Companions about Taqwa in all his talks and on different occasions.



Those who define Taqwa as “fearing Allah” look at the concept as a motive, because according to early scholars the minimum level of fearing Allah is what motivates a Muslim to fulfill obligations and keeps him/her away from prohibitions.



Taqwa does not imply perfection. Those who have Taqwa are subject to commit sins. However, if they do so, they repent right away and follow up the bad deed they have done with a good deed to wipe the bad one out as mentioned in this hadith. This clarifies the debatable issue between some scholars: whether or not avoiding minor sins is considered an aspect of Taqwa.



Allah the Almighty and all Merciful has left the door of forgiveness opened to many means by which the punishment for a sin might be removed. To do good deeds right after bad ones to wipe them out is one mean. This is mentioned in Surah Hud, ayat 114: "Verily, the good deeds remove the evil deeds."

There are other ways and means by which sins are forgiven as stated in the Qur’an and Sunnah such as:
Istighfar (seeking forgiveness by supplication)
Tubah (repentance)
Du'a’ of Muslims for one another
The intercession by the Prophet, sallallahu 'alayhi wasallam
The intercession of pious Muslims
Performing the daily five prayers regularly and on time
Afflictions
The torment in the grave
The horrible scenes and events of the Last Day
The mere Mercy and Forgiveness from Allah

If we do a good deed, Allah will reward us by guiding us to do another good deed. Hence, doing a good deed will lead to doing another good deed. Doing a bad deed without regretting it or without istighfar or wiping it out by doing a good deed will most likely lead to doing another bad deed, whether of the same type or of a different type. By doing a bad deed with that attitude makes the person subject to repeat it again and again and doing other bad deeds becomes possible until the heart of that person is “sealed” and the person turns into a transgressor.



It is an obligation that every Muslim should treat others, deal with them, and interact with them in a good manner. Ibn Rajab says in his commentary: “Having good character is a characteristic of Taqwa. Taqwa cannot be complete without it. It was mentioned here by itself due to the need for explicitly explaining that point. Many people think that Taqwa implies fulfilling the rights of Allah without fulfilling the rights of humans. Therefore, the Prophet, sallallahu 'alayhi wasallam, explicitly stated that he/she must deal with people in a kind manner.” This ruling is stressed in many other hadiths, of which the following are some:

“Piety and Righteousness is being of good character.” [Recorded by Imam Muslim]

“The believer with the most complete Iman (faith) is the one with the best behavior.” [Recorded by Imam Ahmad and Abu Dawud]

“There is nothing heavier in the scales than good character.” [Recorded by Imam Ahmad and Abu Dawud]

The Prophet, sallallahu 'alayhi wasallam, made Iman (faith) and good character as the main basic criterion whether or not to accept a man for marriage.

conclusion

To fear Allah the Almighty, to adhere to His commandments, to follow doing a bad deed with a good deed to wipe it out, and to deal with others in a good manner and good character are all aspects of the concept of Taqwa.

source

<---Agnostic: Religions are devised by men.

I see it as a coercive method of
1) Getting people into the religion you are forming.
2) Dissuading people from leaving it.

Religion is carrotts and sticks.
A nice juicy Carrott of eternal life with flowing waters and date palms wine women and music.
A Ruddy great stick of Burning shirts.

As for the manufactuor. What product is he selling? Why should I buy his stuff? Do I need it? Why did he make it so dangerous...hasnt he heard of the health n safety act?

Wa `Alaykum As-Salam Wa Rahmatullah Wa Barakatuh.

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

All thanks and praise are due to Allah and peace and blessings be upon His Messenger.

Dear questioner! We would like to voice our appreciation to you for the great confidence you repose in us and this apparent keenness on understanding the teachings of Islam.

In fact, your question emanates from ever flowing desires for guidance and righteousness. May Allah guide you to what pleases Him!

You are quite right in what you said about Taqwa (piety). Yes, brother! Taqwa (piety) is something that can be achieved, not by sleeping in bed, but by meticulous efforts and sincere and ceaseless work to gain Paradise. The Qur’an teaches us to be pious and righteous.

Elaborating more on this, we’d like to make it clear that “Taqwa (piety) is derived from wiqaya, which means self-defense and avoidance. Sufis define it as protecting oneself from Allah’s punishment by performing His commands and avoiding His prohibitions. Besides its literal and technical meanings, in religious books we find the meanings of piety and fear used interchangeably. In fact, Taqwa (piety) is a comprehensive term denoting a believer’s strict observance of the commandments of the Shari`ah and the Divine laws of nature and life. Such a person seeks refuge in Allah against His punishment, refrains from acts leading to Hell-Fire, and performs acts leading to Paradise. Again, the believer purifies all outer and inner senses so that none of them can associate partners with Allah, and avoids imitating the worldviews and life-styles of unbelievers. In its comprehensive meaning, Taqwa (piety) is the only and greatest standard of one’s nobility and worth: The noblest, most honorable of you in the sight of Allah is the most advanced of you in Taqwa (piety) (Al-Hujurat: 13).

The concept—even the actual word—of Taqwa (piety) is unique to the Qur’an and the religious system of Islam. Its comprehensive meaning encompasses the spiritual and material; its roots are established in this world, while its branches, leaves, flowers, and fruits are located in the Hereafter. One cannot understand the Qur’an without considering the meaning or content of the fascinating and wonderful concept of Taqwa (piety), and one cannot be muttaqi (pious) if one does not adhere consciously and continually to the practices and concepts outlined in the Qur’an.

In its very beginning, the Qur’an opens its door to the pious: “This is the Book about and in which there is no doubt, a guidance for the pious” (Al-Baqarah: 2), and calls on people to live in accordance with it so that they may be pious: “O men! Worship your Lord, Who created you and those before you, so that you may be pious” (Al-Baqarah: 21) (and protect yourselves from His punishment)

The most lovable act in Allah’s sight is piety (Taqwa (piety)), His most purified servants are the pious, and His matchless message to them is the Qur’an. In this world, the pious have the Qur’an; in the Hereafter, they enjoy Allah’s vision and pleasure. The pleasure felt in the conscience and spirit is another gift of piety, and in order to recall the importance of piety, the Almighty decrees: Fear Allah and be devoted to Him as He should be feared and devoted to (Al-`Imarn: 101).

Piety, which is the conscious performance of good and avoidance of evil, prevents individuals from joining the lowest of the low and causes them to advance on the path of the highest of the high. For this reason, one who attains piety has found the source of all good and blessing. The following is another testimony to this fact:

To whomever Allah has given religion and piety,

He has realized his aims in this world and the next.

Whoever is a soldier of Allah and pious,

He is prosperous and truly guided, not a wretched one.

Whoever has nothing to do with piety,

His existence is but a shame and disgrace.

One lifeless with respect to truth is not truly alive;

Only one who has found a way to Allah is alive.

Piety is an invaluable treasure, the matchless jewel in a priceless treasure of precious stones, a mysterious key to all doors of good, and a mount on the way to Paradise. Its value is so high that, among other life-giving expressions the Qur’an mentions it 150 times, each mention resembling a ray of light penetrating our minds and spirits.

In its limited sense, Taqwa (piety) means sensitivity to the commandments of the Shari`ah and refraining from acts that deprive one of Divine reward and result in Allah’s punishment. The verse: “ And those who shun the worst of sins and indecencies and, when they are wroth, forgive.” (As-Shura: 37) expresses one aspect of this basic religious virtue; the verse: “Those who believe and do good deeds” (Yunus: 9) points to the other. Strict observance of obligatory religious duties and refraining from major sins are the two necessary and complementary foundations of Taqwa (piety). As for minor sins, termed by the Qur’an as Lamam (small offenses), there are many Prophetic declarations, such as: “A believer cannot be truly pious unless he refrains from certain permissible things lest he should commit risky things, that warn people to be careful.”

Perfect sincerity or purity of intention can be attained by avoiding all signs of associating partners with Allah, while perfect piety can be achieved by refraining from all doubtful and risky deeds. According to the Hadith: “The lawful is evident and the forbidden is also evident. Between these two are things which most of the people do not know whether they are lawful or forbidden.” A truly righteous, spiritual life depends on being sensitive to matters about which there is some doubt. The Hadith just mentioned points out that the Law-Giver has clearly explained in broad terms what is allowed and what is forbidden.

However, as many things are not clearly allowed or forbidden, only those who avoid such doubtful things can lead a truly religious life. Using a simile in the continuation of the Hadith, the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said: “It is possible for one who does doubtful things to commit forbidden acts, just as it is possible for the flock of a shepherd pasturing near a field belonging to another or the public to enter that field. Know that each king has a private area under his protection; the private area of Allah is forbidden things. Also know that there is a part of flesh in the body. If it is healthy, the body will become healthy; if it is ailing, the body will be ailing. That part is the heart.” (Reported by An-Nawawi)

In light of this basic foundation for a healthy spiritual life, perfect piety can be obtained by avoiding doubtful things and minor sins. In order to do this, however, one must know what is lawful and what is forbidden, and have a certain knowledge of Allah. We can find the combination of piety and knowledge in these two verses: “The noblest, most honorable of you in the sight of Allah is the most advanced of you in Taqwa (piety)” (Al-Hujurat: 13), and: “Only the learned among His servants fear and revere Allah.” (Fatir: 28). Piety brings honor and nobility, and knowledge leads one to fear and revere Allah. Individuals who combine piety and knowledge in their hearts are mentioned in the Qur’an as those who succeed in the test of piety: “They are those whose hearts Allah has tested for piety.” (Al-Hujurat: 3).

In the context of worship and obedience, piety means purity of heart, spiritual profundity, and sincerity. In the context of refraining from what is unlawful, piety means being determined not to commit sins and to avoid doubtful things. The following may help in this regard:

1-Be alert to whatever may divert you from Allah.

2-Be alert to the carnal pleasures that may lead to the realm of the forbidden.

3-Ascribe all material and spiritual accomplishments to Allah.

4-Never consider yourself as higher and better than anyone else.

5-Long for Allah’s pleasure and satisfaction in all affairs.

6-Renew the fountains of your Iman by studying and reflecting on Allah’s creation.

7-Remember death, and live with the conscious knowledge that it may happen at any time.

In conclusion, Taqwa (piety) is the heavenly water of life, and a Muttaqi (pious) is the fortunate one who has found it. Only a few individuals have achieved the blessing of this attainment.”

Excerpted, with slight modifications, from: www.thewaytotruth.org

Almighty Allah knows best.

source

format_quote Originally Posted by barney

As for the manufactuor. What product is he selling? Why should I buy his stuff? Do I need it? Why did he make it so dangerous...hasnt he heard of the health n safety act?

He is reminding you that you are human being and you took up this challenge and it was not forced upon you. The mountains and other creations strong than humans where also offered this challenge but none accepted it.

What challenge? The challenge that they will be given life and freedom of choice to choose whether they will worship Allah or not. If they do, they will be rewarded with Paradise,a dn if they don't, they will be punished with hell fire.

Allah sent thousands of Messengers to remind us of the reason we were created and that the purpose of this life is to worship Allah and that there is life after this life, in the hereafter, in either paradise or hell fire.

The bottom line is that we all agreed to this, and Allah is only reminding us, out of his mercy, of our promise. Now it is up to us to accept or turn away.