You're absolutely right. Outward actions are one thing, but if the inward intentions are not fully understood, then how can a new Muslim benefit from their Salat? They need to know why these things are important.
Why Are They Leaving Islam?
Whether it is in the masjid, on the street, or online, these incidents are too numerous to count. If you haven’t heard these stories, then you haven’t been listening. Every day, time and time again, a troubled Muslim reaches out and communicates to someone, in one way or another, that they are thinking about leaving Islam. They explain that they have been in a troubled state for a while. They say that they pray and they feel nothing; that when they sin, they no longer feel guilty. They talk about how tired they are of the rules and the restrictions and being boxed in.
Every time I hear this story, I feel a deep aching in my heart. I ache because I realize that, by this time in the conversation, it is often too late. I ache because, while this person is so far removed from their Lord that they feel Islam is the root of their problems, the real problem is that they have never truly been exposed to the beauty of their deen (religion) at all. I ache most of all, though, because this is our (the community’s) fault. By failing to properly teach and explain our deen to our youth, we have failed them and set them up for disappointment and failure.
Teaching Our Ummah—Where We Have Failed
This failure begins at the very core of what we teach young and new Muslims alike. When we begin to teach our children about our deen, we focus almost exclusively on the outward actions. We teach them that they must pray, that they must make wudu (ablution), that they must grow out their beard, that they must not eat pork or drink alcohol, that they must never date, and much more. When a new Muslim makes shahadah (the testimony of faith), the mission of the community seems to inundate the new brother or sister with a torrent of rules. I have even been present for a number of shahadat that are immediately followed with people either criticizing the new Muslim’s dress or trying to teach the person how to read and write in Arabic!
Eventually, if our new Muslim brother or sister hasn’t already been driven away from the masjid (mosque) by our torrents of dos and don’ts, they eventually ask about Iman (faith)and how it differs from Islam. This discussion is possibly the most critical point in the development of a Muslim’s deen, yet the same people who had so much to say about rules before have very little to say here. The majority of the time, we refer them to Hadith Jibril. While Hadith Jibril is certainly an excellent starting place and a primer for beginning to understand this distinction, it is a Hadith that requires a greater depth of understanding to truly appreciate. If Hadith Jibril were the end-all be-all, then Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala (Glorified is He) would not have bothered with the grand elaboration on this conversation that occurs all throughout the Qur’an and Sunnah (teachings of the Prophet ﷺ, peace be upon him).
Beyond this, most Muslims can only readily cite one other passage concerning the relationship of Iman and Islam:
The bedouins say, “We have believed.” Say, “You have not [yet] believed; but say [instead], ‘We have submitted,’ for faith has not yet entered your hearts.” [Qur’an 49:14]
Thus, our ad-hoc shaykh reasons, Iman means “faith,” and faith will only come after you have Islam or “submit.
Then the conversation is turned back to dos and don’ts, and an invaluable opportunity is lost.
Islam, Iman and What We Ought to be Saying
When we have the chance to sit down with our children or a new Muslim and teach them these critical concepts, we need to be comprehensive, we need to use analogies and examples, and we cannot underestimate the value of reasoning and reflection. A conversation could go something like this:
In the Hadith Jibril, we see that Islam is described through a set of actions and Iman is described through a set of beliefs. This is why you will oftentimes see Islam translated as “submission” and Iman translated as “belief.” But these translations don’t do the terms justice.
For example, Anas bin Malik radi allahu `anhu (may God be pleases with him) relates that Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: “None of you truly believes until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself,” [Sahîh al-Bukhârî and Sahîh Muslim]. The love described in this hadith is not a passive thing; it is in fact very active!
In the Qur’an, Allah (swt) also almost always pairs a description of a believer or mu’min with an action. For example:
“But they who believe and do righteous deeds – those are the companions of Paradise; they will abide therein eternally.” [Qur’an 2:82]
“This is the Book about which there is no doubt, a guidance for those conscious of Allah – Who believe in the unseen, establish prayer, and spend out of what We have provided for them [...]” [Qur’an 2:2-3]
Additionally, when you look at the description of Islam in Hadith Jibril, you see that the very first act is to “witness that there is no god but Allah and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah,” the witnessing of which requires not just belief, but an unwavering conviction in two of the principles of Iman (Allah’s Oneness and Messengers).
So… what does this mean? It means that your Islam and your Iman are in a mutual symbiotic relationship. An example of this is if we were to place a tree sapling and a young boy into two separate, air-tight rooms. Both the tree and the boy require certain provisions to survive: for the tree, you need sunlight, soil, and water; for the boy, he needs food, water, and affection. However, even if we provide all these necessary things, the tree and the boy will not survive while separated. Eventually, the tree will run out of carbon dioxide and the boy will run out of oxygen. To solve this problem, both the boy and the tree need to be placed into the same room. With their outside resources and each other, they can both live, grow, and develop. Our Islam and our Iman are the same way. To develop our Islam or submission requires hard work, regimentation, and focus. To develop our Iman or our utter conviction, we need sincere reflection, humility, and gratitude.
However, if we try to survive with our Islam alone and don’t combine it with Iman, we are ultimately hypocrites. Each day, we bear witness to and worship a Lord we doubt exists and we take action for a wide variety of reasons that have nothing to do with pleasing Him. If we do this, we ultimately share the ranks of those who joined Islam for political gain, for convenience, or simply because they were told to. Conversely, if we try to survive with our Iman and no Islam, we are ultimately rejecting the very Salvation we believe we’ve been given. Essentially, we are saying that while we know Allah (swt) is our Master, and we know He has sent us a Message, and we know we will be judged by how we follow that Message, we shall not follow that Message and we shall ignore our Master.
Thus, while you can build your Islam through practice and regimentation, and you can build your Iman through reflection and gratitude, either one is stunted from the start without the other. For the system to truly work, your Islam must become the Iman of your limbs, and your Iman must become the Islam of your heart. For ultimately, the greatest form of submission is the submission of your heart, and the greatest conviction is the one that emanates through your actions. Therefore, regimentation and toil alone will not do; you must also reflect, become humble, and increase in gratitude.
Ihsan and Taqwa– The Sweetness
This journey is not without its perils. While we grow in our Islam, we will most certainly be tested:
“You will surely be tested in your possessions and in yourselves. And you will surely hear from those who were given the Scripture before you and from those who associate others with Allah much abuse [...]” [Qur’an 3:186]
Indeed, people will witness your actions and your demeanor change, and they will not be happy. Your friends may abandon you because you no longer engage in the questionable acts they participate in or because they feel embarrassed to be around you. Your family may begin to accuse you of becoming “extreme.” Additionally, you will be tested by Allah (swt) through your possessions and by Shaytan through whisperings in your heart. This is because this life is meant as a test. The verse continues:
“[...] But if you are patient and fear Allah- indeed, that is of the matters (worthy) of determination.” [3:186]
This is where our deen truly becomes unlike any other. As we continue to carefully provide for our Islam and Iman with their necessary ingredients and as they continue to meld and grow together, our increasing level of submission and our growing conviction and faith begin to bear fruit.
These are the seeds of Taqwa growing deep within our souls. Taqwa is oftentimes described as “God-consciousness,” but it is much deeper than that. We are beings whose only true sustenance comes from Allah (swt)—the closer we are to Him, the more directly we experience Him, the more sustenance we receive and the more we feel at home. Taqwa is when we are gifted with feeling and experiencing the presence of our Lord. As we gain Taqwa, we begin to see the world for how it truly is—the blessings and Mercy of Allah become joys and splendors for us, and the sins of the world become like thorns which we see and avoid. In fact, one of the Companions of the Prophet described Taqwa as akin to walking through a path filled with thorns while trying to leave your clothing unscathed.
This is the sweetness of our religion: because of our sacrifice and because of our devotion, we begin to feel absolute peace and tranquility through our submission to Allah (swt). Not only do we feel joy and felicity as a result of our prayers, we begin to crave worship and no longer feel toil or burden from it. The joy is infectious, and it emanates from our very being. Unless your heart is covered in darkness from sin or a seal from pure arrogance, simply being around a person who has strong Taqwa is a transformative and joyful experience. This is Ihsan (excellence), and it is beautifully summarized in Hadith Jibril.
In sum, as you begin or continue your journey in search of Salvation, please remember these things. First, that you need both Islam and Iman and neither can be neglected. This means you must toil and regiment your worship as well as reflect and grow in gratitude. On your journey, there will be times when you will feel more connected to your Lord than others, and there will most certainly be tests and challenges thrown at you from all sides. However, by being patient, the greatest reward you can possibly imagine awaits on the other side, both in this life and in the Hereafter.
Having this conversation with a Muslim, no matter what the age, is a fundamental part of preparing him or her for a successful journey. All else must come secondary: just as a journey is doomed to failure without a map or destination, a person’s life journey is doomed to failure without knowing the Straight Path and their desired Destination. May Allah (swt) empower us to guide our youth and new Muslims aright, and may He guide all of us upon the Straight Path.
Source
------------------------------------
For Reference Purposes:
Hadith Jibril
‘Umar bin Al-Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him) said:
One day we were sitting in the company of Allah’s Massenger (peace be upon him), when there appeared before us a man dressed in extremely white clothing; his hair was extraordinarily black. There were no signs of travel on him and none of us knew him. He (proceeded until) he sat before the Massenger (peace be upon him), his knees supported against the Prophet’s, his palms placed on his thighs, and said, “O Muhammad, tell me about Islam.” The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said, “Islam is to testily that there is no god but Allah, and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah; and that you establish prayer, pay zakah (obligatory charity), observe the fast of Ramadan, and perform pilgrimage to (Allah’s) House if you have the means to do so.” (The inquirer) said, “You have told the truth.” ‘Umar bin AI-Khattb commented, “It astonished us that he would ask and then verify the truth.” (The inquirer) said, “Inform me about iman (faith).” Allah’s Messenger replied, “It is that you believe in Allah, His angels, His Books, His Massengers, the Day of Judgment, and that you believe in Divine Preordination, whether good or bad.” (The inquirer) responded, “You have told the truth.” He then said, “Inform me about ihsan (beneficence).” Allah’s Messenger said, “(It is) that you worship Allah as if you see Him, for though you don’t see Him, (you know) He sees you.” The inquirer said, “Inform me about the hour (of the Day of Judgment).” The Messenger of Allah remarked, “The one being asked knows no more than the questioner.” The inquirer said, “Tell me some of its signs.” He (the Holy Prophet) said, “(They are) that the slave-girl will give birth to her mistress (or master), and that you will find barefooted, destitute goat-herders vying with one another in the construction of magnificent buildings.” The narrator, (‘Umar bin Al-Khattab] said, “Then he [the inquirer] went on his way but I stayed with him [Allah’s Messenger] for a long while.” He then said to me, “’Umar, do you know who this inquirer was?’ I replied, ‘Allah and His Messenger know best.’ He remarked, ‘It was (the angel) Gabriel. He came to you [people] in order to teach you your religion.’”(Agreed Upon)
Last edited by Signor; 06-02-2013 at 07:35 AM.
You're absolutely right. Outward actions are one thing, but if the inward intentions are not fully understood, then how can a new Muslim benefit from their Salat? They need to know why these things are important.
I am a new revert to Islam, and I can see how someone new to the faith could be quickly turned away. All of the born-Muslims that I know refuse to admit this, but they often interpret the Qur'an when it is convenient, and take the Words literally when it is convenient. I am already having frustrations with this, and I haven't even been in the fold for a full month. It is my understanding that I am supposed to take the Qur'an as the literal word of Allah (swt). So, I'll ask a Muslim friend: Why are so many things specific to the Arab world, when the faith is supposed to be for everyone? For example, what is with the references to camels and oases? These friends will inevitably answer: Well, you're taking it too literally. Hmmm. And I ask them: Where does it say that I cannot get to know a woman in a respectable way, in hopes of finding a suitable wife? Where does it say that I am not capable of having a modest interaction with a woman that does not revolve around sex and misguided emotions? They say: Well, it doesn't explicitly say that, but we have to infer that that is the intended meaning. Ok.....which is it? Are we interpreting things to align them with a certain ancient culture, or are we reading things literally? This is usually the point where they exit the conversation and tell me that I ask to many questions.
The main thing that drew me to Islam in the first place was the idea that the faith hasn't been corrupted by man. Already, I am having my doubts. I am beginning to feel that since my Shahada I have been thinking and behaving out of fear alone, even though I was expecting to feel like a better person, capable of more goodness and love than before. I feel like this pushes me away from Allah (swt). I feel like I'm being subjected to the will of men.
I agree with what you said in the first paragraph and it frustrates me as well because there are people, even sheikh, that use Quran to implement their ideas. They push a lot of people away by doing that.format_quote Originally Posted by the_stranger
If I may, I want to give you an advice and that is to first focus on maintaining salat and having closeness with Allah SWT. Once you achieve that, you will feel much stronger and it will help you a lot when it comes to reading Quran. The thing about Quran is that its very deep and it requires a lot of thinking. So don't stress out yourself and take baby steps! In sha Allah, you will feel better. I feel like salat is the key to many solutions. It helps out in every aspect.
Assalamu Alaikum the_stranger
JazakAllah Khayr for sharing your views here.When we talk about Islam,We are not talking about Quraan and Quraan only.Islam compromises of both Quraan and Sunnah(this includes Sayings of Prophet Muhammad(PBUH) as well as Life of Prophet(PBUH)). To cut a long story short,Quraan was revealed by Allah(SWT) on Muhammad(SAAWS) and the areas which needs interpretation was shown by actions and taught by Prophet(SAAWS) himself.According to a Hadith,the life of the Prophet (PBUH) has been described by his wife, Aisha (R.A) to be like "a walking Qur’an", embodying the Laws of Almighty Allah While Quraan says about him:
Indeed in the Messenger of Allah (Muhammad) you have a good example to follow for him who hopes in (the Meeting with) Allah and the Last Day and remembers Allah much.(21. Surah Al-Ahzab).
I describe this phenomenon as You can see the Reflection Of RasulAllah(SAAWS) in the mirror of Qura'an.
As far as answering your questions are concerned,You can start a new thread every time you need it and we will gladly provides you with proofs from authentic texts,Insha'Allah
Hope this adds into clarification.
Regards
Asalamualaikum
Today I walked near my home when I saw an old man walked in front of me. I knew him as an old man that sometime sat beside the street, expecting a donation. It's because he has too old and to weak for work. So, when I passed him I put money on his hand, he said "Alhamdulillah" and smile at me.
Yeah, I remember what my Islamic teachers said that in the wealth that I have there are the part that belong to poor needy people and I'm not allowed to hold what belong to the poor people. This is just one of many lessons about Islam that I've learned since I was kid.
Like other born Muslims, I learned Islam since I was kid too. Started with reading Qur'an, basic fiqh like how to salah, fasting, etc. And also how to live as a Muslim. They taught me kindness toward the other, they gave me guidance for interaction with opposite gender, interaction with non-Muslims, etc. Yes, It's made me always sure that Islam is a beautiful religion. Totally different than image of Islam in the anti-Islam people eyes.
I know that every religion is good and beautiful, but I'm sure that Islam is the only right religion. It's because I compare the human-God relationship in Islam (Habluminallah) and human-God in other religions. And I found, only Islam that right. This is why I never want to leave Islam.
But I understand if there are some Muslims who doubt about Islam and even thinking to leave Islam.
In the web few time I found Muslims asked a question "why I must become someone else?". I know this was question about Sunnah, and the someone else actually is Rasulullah Shalallahu Alayhi Wasalam.
I remember a moment when I was kid. Me, my brother and my uncle were ready to lunch, and my uncle said while smile "Remember Sunnah Rasul". So, me, my brother, and my uncle ate with hand used three fingers. I felt satisfied because beside I enjoyed my food, I also, In Shaa Allah, got reward.
My Islamic teacher said that if I follow Sunnah Rasulullah Shalallahu Alayhi Wasalam, In Shaa Allah, I would get reward for the hereafter. And my teacher asked me "Do you want to get this reward or not?". My teacher also led me to think, if I get a chance to do Sunnah, why don't I use this chance.
Different than some Muslims who forced to follow Sunnah without their teachers told them why they should follow sunnah. No wonder if they feel they forced to live like Rasulullah Shalallahu Alayhi Wasalam.
Like I've said in another thread that Islam taught through (at least) two different method, through understanding and through indoctrination. Teaching Islam through indoctrination can make the students confused and finally doubt. Or, can make the students blindly follow their Shaykh and totally reject other opinions. Yes, teaching Islam through indoctrination often used to make the students follow the will of some men.
Someone who taught Islam through understanding will see Islam as religion that full of guidance, while someone who taught Islam through indoctrination will see Islam as religion that full of prohibition. And if someone is too much prohibited, he may be trying to run away.
greenhill liked this post
Salaam.format_quote Originally Posted by Signor
There are many reasons why people leave religion. We don't know how everyone is feeling and we don't know what they are thinking about Islam so I don't know the correct answer but here's what I believe:
In the old area where I used to live, almost 75% of the people living around that area in Scarborough were of Islamic Faith. None of them actually said they would leave Islam, none of them 100% did leave Islam. They all stayed Muslim, practicing by completing Salat whenever they were free. They followed religion their own way whether it was fasting during the month of Ramadan, praying 5 times a day etc. What I have noticed is that the majority of people leave religion because it is too hard to follow all the rules. What we should be telling those people who feel like leaving Islam should be that Islam is a steady project, we should start off slowly and continue to get better as time goes on. As a kid, I wanted to fast during Ramadan just like my parents were doing, but I knew I had to have patience. At 8 years old, I did fasting for half-days. At 9 years old, I finally fasted 15 full days. At 10, I fasted the whole 30 days Alhumdulillah. Patience is key, start off slow, don't rush it.
My molesab started with telling us students to eat with right hand. Then after a month, cut your nails. after another month, have patience. He would tell us stories from his life and I love him so much and miss him a lot. When we have banquet after hockey league is complete, I tell these things to the kids Inshallah.format_quote Originally Posted by ardianto
Thank you, sister. This is very good advice. Salat is my favorite part of Islam. Never has it felt like a chore, but actually it feels like a privilege. Turning my back on the world and thinking only of Allah is a wonderful thing.format_quote Originally Posted by White Rose
Thank you, brother. I do indeed believe that Muhammad (pbuh) is the perfect example. I recall reading something that the Prophet (pbuh) said that I found particularly inspiring, though I don't recall the exact words. It was something like, Be in the world like a traveler, and reckon yourself as of the dead. This is what I aspire to.format_quote Originally Posted by Signor
Perhaps someone can recommend a highly reliable collection of Hadith that would benefit a revert like me?
Let me share what I believe what happened.format_quote Originally Posted by Signor
"They say that they pray and they feel nothing"
This, I would say, is a case of not making the right connection. It's like turning on the tv and not getting any picture. Why? The tv wasn't even plugged in! Or the tv was plugged in but it was plugged into the wrong socket. Or the tv was plugged in but it was plugged into a socket that wasn't working. Or the tv was plugged into the right working socket but the antenna wasn't aligned correctly to recieve any signal properly.
Same with prayer. First, they may not even know why they are praying in the first place. They may be praying because it's the practice of the people around them to pray. So when they pray they are not making any connection to Allah at all, so it's not surprising that they feel nothing.
The solution?
Tell them the truth. The truth is that prayer is the one sure way of connecting with the greatest source of power in the whole universe. Tell them that if they want to be re-charged with power to overcome obstacles in life, then they should pray to plug in to the socket that leads to the one and only place that can fill them with the strength to overcome all obstacles in life. Then, insha Allah, they will pray and make the right connection and feel the benefit of prayer.
And this is as good a time as any to ask our own selves whether we are praying and making the right connection to Allah. Are we?
Signor,
Thank you for the (long) brief on the differences between islam and faith. I believe this is the real message that needs to get across. It is difficult to make it any shorter or more brief. It is also compounded because there is so much to tell and to understand in islam and the 'over excited-edness' of the muslim brothers or sisters in 'helping' the revert in understanding and overloading on the information.
the_stranger,
I also share your 'interpretation' issues. Although I am not advocating that we go against these laws, I believe these 'interpretations' came about for the benefit of the masses. Taking for example alcohol. Why even a drop of alcohol consumed nullifies prayers. Surely it is not enough to cause drunkenness? In my mind it is because of the different 'threshold' for different people hence there can be no debate on the matter. If you drink then.... But on the 'meeting' of potential spouse, here is a slightly different proposition. There is no 'law' that I know prohibits you absolutely from this. What the law tries to avoid is putting you in an 'uncompromising' position . So to avoid this, there is a way round by having 'chaperones'. This can help avoid temptations and provide a 'witness' against 'fitnah' etc. Not sure if I have addressed your concerns the_stranger.
Salaam
Last edited by greenhill; 06-02-2013 at 04:47 AM.
Do you mean one from the below Hadith:format_quote Originally Posted by the_stranger
On the authority of Ibn Umar, may Allah be pleased with both of them, who said: The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) took hold of my shoulder and said, ‘Be in the world as if you were a stranger or a traveller along the path.” And ibn Umar would say, “If you survive till late afternoon, do not expect [to be alive in] the morning. If you survive till morning, do not expect [to be alive in] the late afternoon. Take from your health before your sickness and your life before you death.”(Recorded in al-Bukhari)-----------
Hadhrat Abdullah ibn Mas'oodRZ narrates that RasulullahSLM slept on a straw mat. When he stood up (we noticed) the straw mat left marks on the body of RasulullahSLM (due to the straw mat being rough). Ibn Mas'oodRZ said, 'Oh Prophet of Allah! had you ordered us we should have spread (a comfortable bed) for you. (Upon that) RasulullahSLM said, 'I do not have any love for the (comforts of the) world. My relationship with the (comfort of the) world is nothing but like a traveller who (while travelling) seeks shadow under a tree and rest there and thereafter leaves.' (Mishkaat)-----------
Abdullah Ibn Umar (RA) also narrates the following:
The apostle of Allah (PBUH) grasped one part of my body and said:
“Be a stranger (a foreign lander) in this world or even become as if you are a traveler and consider yourself to be one of the dead people.”
And then, Ibn Umar (PBUH) continued as follows: When you live till the morning, do not talk about the evening and when you live till the evening, do not talk about the morning. Take care of your life and benefit from it before you die and take care of your health and benefit from it before you become ill. O Abdullah! You cannot know whether you will be happy or miserable tomorrow. (Tirmidhi)
Here you go,A Sahih Hadith is considered to be the most trusted and authentic collections of hadith.format_quote Originally Posted by the_stranger
For Softcopy/E-Book
http://www.kalamullah.com/sahih-bukhari.html
http://www.kalamullah.com/sahih-muslim.html
For Hardback
http://store.dar-us-salam.com/Eng_Hadith/H01.html
http://store.dar-us-salam.com/Eng_Hadith/H17.html
Don't hesitate to ask more,Insha'Allah
Assalamu Alaikum
Thank you for sharing your thoughts, brother. It is quite helpful to know that I am not alone, and that these concerns do not make me a bad Muslim. Also, having a chaperone does seem like a practical and reasonable solution.format_quote Originally Posted by greenhill
Thank you very much, brother Signor. These are the words of which I was thinking.format_quote Originally Posted by Signor
Imagine if all of the world lived like this....So many unnecessary problems would go away.format_quote Originally Posted by Signor
If I may add something related to the original topic, I think that reverts would be more likely to stay in the faith if emphasis is placed on these types of teachings at an early time. My guess is that most reverts go through a type of existential crisis before they arrive at Islam, and these teachings can act as a sort of 'welcoming center' after a long, and often emotional, journey.
If it doesn't already exist, I think it would be wonderful if someone compiled a collection of Hadith specifically for Western reverts. Not to imply that all of the Hadith are not important, but some, like the ones Signor provided above, I feel are of particular relevance to the Western world.
Insha'Allah, maybe I will collect Hadith as my knowledge of this beautiful faith grows, and offer them to new brothers and sisters.
Unfortunately The_Stranger, you might be subjected to the will of men when you ask a random Muslim questions about Islam. I may not be a convert to Islam, but I had the same frustration you did when I realized I did not understand my own religion.
Before you go to anyone, I suggest you read books on Islam. You may find that the questions you ask others will not be answered, and even if they give you an answer, they will very likely give you the wrong one thinking they are right.
The Qur'an is not literal when we want it to be and metaphorical when we want it to be. It is not the literal word of God because it is not 100% literal, it has parables in it as well. When it mentions camels and oases, it is demonstrating a point. It is directed to the Arabs, but when you know why it is directed to them, then rules of interpretation follow that these seemingly specific ideas are actually meant for the general masses of mankind.
The Qur'an was not meant to be only for the Arabs, the Arabs simply had the text revealed to them so they can understand it first, then their mission was to spread it to other parts of the world. Believe me, if the Arabs wanted to keep the Book to themselves, they would have never bothered to try to spread it. They knew it was meant for the world, and the book says it itself in many places.
Don't subject yourself to the interpretations of un-knowledgeable Muslims, and then you won't be subject to convenient interpretations by men.
^ BEST POST EVER! No drivel but straight to the point. I love posts like these. Short and snappy! Beautifully worded. I FEEL SO HAPPY. =) I AM SO FLABBERGASTED! I need to order some pizza.
The Qur'an is the actual, literal words that Allah spoke.format_quote Originally Posted by Ahmad H
And if any one of the polytheists seeks your protection, then grant him protection so that he may hear the words of Allah . Then deliver him to his place of safety. That is because they are a people who do not know.
GodIsAll liked this post
You didn't understand what I meant. I was saying that the Qur'an is not completely literal, it is metaphorical as well. I wasn't saying that it is partly God's Word and partly not. That isn't correct.format_quote Originally Posted by 'Abd-al Latif
The Qur'an has literal meanings for it's verses, and there are some verses which are metaphorical. As is obvious from verse 3:7.
Assalamu Alaikumformat_quote Originally Posted by Ahmad H
I am sure you must be very clear in thinking with how you interpreted things.However,When we want to help a new Muslim,we don't put more confusion alongside with twisting terms.
Putting your statement in a better way,Consider Quraan like an ocean from which everyone is getting water,since one may get a cup of water(this is the utensil he/she possess) other may able to fill a water tank.Now imagine these utensils as Human Mind{making it more clear every interpretation needs to be in the light of Quraan and Sunnah}
Assalamu Alaikum
Assalamu Alaikumformat_quote Originally Posted by the_stranger
It makes feels you are of very spiritual nature,its the best thing that could happen to anyone,seemingly you want to be away from this materialistic world and desires,am I right or wrong?I will explain my point further after the elaboration of your stance.
-----------------------
For the time being,You can read these
55. Chapter: On the Excellence of making do with little of this world and the encouragement to have little of it and the excellence of poverty; by Imam Nawawi.
Allah Almighty says, "The likeness of the life of this world is that of water which We send down from the sky, which then mingles with the plants of the earth to provide food for both people and animals. Then, when the earth is at its loveliest and takes on its fairest guise and its people think they have it under their control, Our command comes upon it by night or day and We reduce it to dried-out stubble, as though it had not been flourishing just the day before! Thus do We make Our Signs plain for people who reflect." (10:24)457. 'Amr ibn 'Awf al-Ansari reported that the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, sent Abu 'Ubayda ibn al-Jarrah to Bahrayn to bring its jizya. He arrived with the money from Bahrayn and the Ansar heard of the arrival of Abu 'Ubayda and appeared at the Fajr prayer with the Messenger of Allah. When the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, had prayed, he went to leave and they presented themselves before him. The Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, smiled when he saw them and said, 'I think you must have heard that Abu 'Ubayda has arrived with something from Bahrayn?' They said, 'Yes, Messenger of Allah.' He said, 'Rejoice, and hope for what will gladden you. By Allah, it is not poverty that I fear for you, but I fear that this world will be spread out in front of you as it was spread out in front of those before you, and then you will vie for it as they vied for it, and it will destroy you as it destroyed them.'" [Agreed upon]
The Almighty says, "Describe for them the likeness of the life of this world. It is like water which We send down from the sky and the plants of the earth combine with it but then become dry chaff scattered by the winds. Allah has complete power over everything. Wealth and sons are the embellishment of the life of this world. But, in your Lord's sight, right actions which are lasting are better in reward and a better basis for hope." (W18:44-45; H18:45-46)
Allah Almighty says, "Know that the life of this world is merely a game and a diversion and decoration and a cause of boasting among yourselves and trying to outdo one another in wealth and children: like the plant-growth after rain which delights the cultivators, but then it withers and you see it turning yellow, and then it becomes broken stubble. In the Next World there is terrible punishment but also forgiveness from Allah and His good pleasure. The life of this world is nothing but the enjoyment of delusion." (W57:19; H57:20)
The Almighty says, "To mankind the love of worldly appetites is painted in glowing colours: women and children, and heaped-up mounds of gold and silver, and horses with fine markings, and livestock, and fertile farmland. All that is merely the enjoyment of the life of this world. The best destination is in the presence of Allah," (3:14)
and the Almighty says, "O mankind! Allah's promise is true. Do not let the life of this world delude you and do not let the Deluder delude you about Allah." (35:5)
The Almighty says, "Fierce competition for this world distracted you until you went down to the graves. No indeed, you will soon know! Again no indeed, you will soon know! No indeed, if you only knew with the Knowledge of Certainty." (102:1-5)
The Almighty says, "The life of this world is nothing but a game and a diversion. The Abode of the Next World * that is truly Life if they only knew." (W29:64; H29:63)
The ayats concerning this subject are numerous and well-known.
458. Abu Sa'id al-Khudri said, "One day the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, sat on the minbar and we sat around him. He said, 'Part of what I fear for you after I have gone is the beauty and attraction of this world which will be opened up to you.'" [Agreed upon]
459. Abu Sa'id al-Khudri reported that the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, "This world is sweet and green and Allah Almighty has appointed you vice-regents in it, so pay attention to what you do. Be fearful of this world and be fearful of women." [Muslim]
460. Anas reported that the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, "O Allah, there is no life but the life of the Next World." [Agreed upon]
461. Anas reported that the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, "Three things follow a dead person: his family, his property and his actions. Two of them go back and one remains. His family and property go back and his actions remain." [Agreed upon]
462. Anas reported that the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, "That one among the people of the Fire who was wealthiest person in this world will be brought on the Day of the Fire, dipped once into it and then asked, 'Son of Adam! Did anything good ever happen to you? Did you ever experience any blessing?' He will say, 'By Allah, no, my Lord.' That one among the people of the Garden who was the most wretched person in this world will be brought and dipped once into it and then asked, 'Son of Adam! Did you ever experience any misery ? Did you ever undergo any hardship?' He will say, 'By Allah, no. I never experienced any misery and I never underwent any hardship.'" [Muslim]
463. Al-Mustawrid ibn Shaddad reported that the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, "This world in in comparison with the Next World is like putting your finger in the sea and seeing what comes back on it." [Muslim]
464. Jabir reported that the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, went through the market with people on both sides of him. He passed the dead body of a deformed sheep, took it by its ear and then said, "Which of you would like to have this for a dirham?" They said, "We would not like to have it for anything. What would we do with it?" He said, "Would you like to have it?" They said, "By Allah, even if it was alive, it would be defective since it is deformed, and now it is dead." He said, "By Allah, this world has less value with Allah than this has with you." [Muslim]
465. Abu Dharr said, "I was walking with the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, in the lava-bed at Madina and Uhud was looming there in front of us. He said, 'Abu Dharr.' I said, 'At your service, Messenger of Allah!' He said, 'It would not give me any pleasure if I had this Uhud in gold and a dinar of it remained with me for more than three days except for a dinar I would keep for paying debts. Rather I would say that it is for so-and-so, so-and-so, and so-and-so among the slaves of Allah,' indicating to his right and to his left and behind him. Then he began to say, 'Those who have a lot (in this world) will have little on the Day of Rising except for someone who spends his money here and there and there, (to his right and to his left and behind him) and they are few.' Then he said to me, 'Stay where you are until I come back.' Then he went off into the darkness of the night until he disappeared. I heard a voice raised and I was afraid that someone meant to harm the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace. I wanted to go, but then I remembered his words, 'Do not go until I come back.' So I did not go until he came back to me and then I said, 'I heard a voice and was alarmed by it, but I remembered what you said.' He said, 'Did you hear it?' I said, 'Yes.' He said, 'That was Jibril who came to me and said, "Anyone of your community who dies without associating anything with Allah will enter the Garden."' I said, 'Even he if fornicates and even if he steals?' He said, 'Even he if fornicates and even if he steals.'" [Agreed upon]
466. Abu Hurayra reported that the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, "If I had the whole of Uhud in gold, it would not make me happy for three days to pass while I have any of it except something I have kept for a debt." [Agreed upon]
467. Abu Hurayra reported that the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, "Look at those who are lower than you and do not look at those who are higher than you. That is more likely to prevent you underestimating the blessing of Allah on you." [Agreed upon]
These are the words of Muslim. In one variant, "When one of you sees someone who has been given more bounty in respect of wealth or physical strength, he should then look at someone who has less than him."
468. Abu Hurayra reported that the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, "May the slave of the dinar and the dirham, the qatifa (outer garment) and khamisa (cloak) perish! If he is given them he is pleased, and if he is not given them he is not pleased." [al-Bukhari]
469. Abu Hurayra said, "I saw seventy of the people of the Suffa and not a man among them had a cloak. They either had a waist wrapper or a sheet (kisa') which they tied round their necks, some reaching to the middle of their legs and some reaching to the ankles. They would gather them in their hands, not wanting their private parts to be seen." [al-Bukhari]
470. Abu Hurayra reported that the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, "This world is the prison of the believer and the paradise of the unbeliever." [Muslim]
471. Ibn 'Umar said, "The Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, took hold of my shoulders and said, 'Be in this world as if you were a stranger or a traveller on the road.' Ibn 'Umar used to say, 'In the evening, do not anticipate the morning, and in the morning do not anticipate the evening. Take from your health for your illness and from your life for your death."[al-Bukhari]
They said in commentary on this hadith, that it means: do not rely on this world and do not take it as your homeland and do not persuade yourself that you are going to stay a long time in it nor be concerned with it nor attached to it except with the attachment of a stranger who desires to return to his people. Success is by Allah.
472. Abu 'Abbas Sahl ibn Sa'd as-Sa'idi said, "A man came to the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, and said, 'Messenger of Allah, show me an action for which Allah will love me and for which people will love me if I do it. He said, 'Do with little of this world and Allah will love you, and do with little of what belongs to other people and people will love you." [Ibn Majah]
473. An-Nu'man ibn Bashir said, "'Umar ibn al-Khattab mentioned the things of this world that the people had acquired and he said, 'One day I saw the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, sifting through some bad dates he had found in order to fill his belly." [Muslim]
474. 'A'isha said, "When the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, died, there was nothing in my house that could be eaten by a living creature except for half a barley loaf on a shelf. I ate from it until I seemed to have had it for a long time. Then I measured it and it finished." [Agreed upon]
475. 'Amr ibn al-Harith, the brother of the Umm al-Mu'minin, Juwayriyya bint al-Harith, said, "When the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, died, he left neither dirham nor dinar nor slave nor slavegirl nor anything other than his white mule which he used to ride, his weapons, and some land that he made sadaqa for travellers." [al-Bukhari]
476. Khabbab ibn al-Aratt said, "We emigrated with the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, seeking the face of Allah Almighty and our reward was in the hands of Allah. Some of us died without consuming any of their reward, and Mus'ab ibn 'Umayr was one of them. He was killed on the Day of Uhud and left a cloak. When we covered his head, his feet showed, and when we covered his feet, his head showed. The Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, commanded us to cover his head and to put some idhkhir-herb on his feet. Some of us have picked the fruit of the reward and some of us are still gathering it." [Agreed upom]
477. Sahl ibn Sa'd as-Sa'idi reported that the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, "If this world had been worth as much as a gnat's wing in the eyes of Allah, no unbeliever would have had a single drink of water from it." [at-Tirmidhi]
478. Abu Hurayra said, "I heard the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, say, "This world is cursed and cursed is what is in it, except for the remembrance of Allah Almighty and what brings one near to Him and the teacher and the student." [at-Tirmidhi]
479. 'Abdullah ibn Mas'ud reported that the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, "Do not take possession of estates or you will find yourselves seeking after this world." [at-Tirmidhi]
480. 'Abdullah ibn 'Amr ibn al-'As said, "The Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, passed by us when we were working on a hut we had. He said, 'What is this?' We said, 'It has become weak and we are repairing it.' He said, 'I think that the matter is too urgent for that.' [Abu Dawud and at-Tirmidhi]
481. Ka'b ibn 'Iyad said, "I heard the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, say, 'Every community has a trial, and the trial of my community is wealth.'" [at-Tirmidhi]
482. Abu 'Amr (and it is said Abu 'Abdullah or Abu Layla) 'Uthman ibn 'Affan reported that the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, "The son of Adam only has a right to these three things: a house in which to live, a garment with which to clothe his nakedness, and plain bread and water." [at-Tirmidhi]
At-Tirmidhi said, "I heard Abu Dawud Sulayman ibn Salim al-Balkhi say, 'I heard an-Nadr ibn Shumayl say that jilf is bread which has no condiment with it. Someone else said that it is coarse bread. Al-Harawi said, "What is meant here is the bread basket, like jawaliq and khurj (saddle-bags). And Allah knows best."
483. 'Abdullah ibn ash-Shikhir said, "I came to the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, when he was reciting 'Fierce competition for this world distracted you.'" (102:1) He said, 'The son of Adam says, "My property! My property!" Son of Adam, have you any other property than what you eat and thus gets used up, wear and thus becomes worn out, and give in sadaqa and thus make effective?'" Muslim]
484. 'Abdullah ibn Mughaffal said, "A man said to the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, 'Messenger of Allah, by Allah, I love you.' He said, 'Be careful of what you say.' He said, 'By Allah, I love you,' three times. He said, 'If you love me, then prepare yourself for poverty. Poverty comes swifter to the one who loves me than a flood to its destination.'" [at-Tirmidhi]
485. Ka'b ibn Malik reported that the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, "Two hungry wolves loose among sheep do not cause as much damage as that caused to a man's deen by his greed for money and reputation." [at-Tirmidhi]
486. 'Abdullah ibn Mas'ud said, "The Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, slept on a straw mat and when he got up he had a mark on his side. We said, 'Messenger of Allah, we could make a covering for you?' He said, 'What have I to do with this world? I am only in this world like a rider who seeks shade under a tree and then goes on.'" [at-Tirmidhi]
487. Abu Hurayra reported that the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, "The poor will enter the Garden five hundred years before the rich." [at-Tirmidhi]
488. Ibn 'Abbas and 'Imran ibn al-Husayn reported that the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, "I looked into the Garden and saw that the majority of its people were the poor. I looked into the Fire and saw that the majority of its people were women." [Agreed upon]
489. Usama ibn Zayd reported that the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, "I stood at the door of the Garden and most of those who entered it were the very poor while the people of wealth were held back. All the people of the Fire, however, were commanded to go straight to the Fire." [Agreed upon]
490. Abu Hurayra stated that the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, "The most truthful phrase ever said by a poet is the words of Labid:
'Everything except Allah is false.'" [Agreed upon]
Taken From Riyad as-Salihin (The Meadows of the Righteous) by Imam Nawawi
And this article too
http://www.islamicawakening.com/view...?articleID=490
You're right that I may have worded it a little oddly. But I don't think you put it right either. The_Stranger needs a good starting point.format_quote Originally Posted by Signor
As a new convert he needs to read more books on Islam. The Qur'an has a lot of concepts that cannot be grasped unless he reads about them elsewhere. A Tafsir is meant to explain every verse individually for the most part. So this may not be the best way for him to learn Islam right away. Every Muslim child is taught concepts before they are independently learning the Qur'an. It is the same with converts. They need to know what Islam is, why we do what we do, and the how of it all.
He will understand the Qur'an once he knows the basic five pillars and six articles of faith and what they mean. Even then he may need to know more. The Qur'an provides answers, but it is not a basic book. Some previous knowledge is needed. My point is that he cannot get this from any random Muslim. If eve sheikhs are using their own ideas in interpreting Islamic rules, then books which are reliable in introducing these concepts are the best starting point.
Conclusion: Someone please refer some basic books on building up knowledge on Islam for new converts please. I know someone knows something good and easy to understand.
the_stranger liked this post
How do scholars know for sure which parts are meant to be read literal and which ones are to be taken metaphorical?format_quote Originally Posted by Ahmad H
Hide
Looks like you're enjoying the discussion, but you're not signed up for an account.
Posting Permissions
Bookmarks