How do you know that Islam is the truth?

[Flame of Hope]

So in summary, my reading of the Quran is the means by which Allah (subhana wa ta ala) guided me initially and how it was faith entered into my heart and reading about Prophet Muhammad's (saaws) life served to increase that faith. I accept him as the Messenger of Allah and I believe what he said was true.

Same case here, brother MustafaMc. I learnt about Prophet Muhammad (saws) later. And knowing about him only served to increase my faith in leaps and bounds.

Sometimes I think about the Mormons in this regard. They claim that they had a prophet named Joseph Smith. I'd like to relate a story regarding my encounter with them. It's rather amusing.

Well, there they were, missionaries clad in their best attire, in suits and ties, looking very smart. They had come to invite me to their faith. They gave me a copy of their Bible and I was instructed to read it and then pray at night to know that it was the truth. They didn't know who they were dealing with. They were dealing with creature who had the abominable habit of dissecting and analyzing information and rejecting all things that made no sense.

Anyway, I did open their Bible in order to read it. The first page had a picture of Jesus in wonderful colorful radiance. I don't quite remember the other details about the Mormon Bible. It took me less than a second to reject everything written in it. My rejection of it had to do with the picture of Jesus. How on earth did they know what Jesus looked like? The picture they had drawn was pure conjecture. That man could hardly be the real Jesus.

I had another reason to reject the Bible. It was supposed to be a revelation sent to a man who claimed to be a prophet, a man by the name of Joseph Smith.

Well now, I was already a Muslim then. I knew that Prophet Muhammad (saws) was the last prophet. So how true could the claim of Joseph Smith's prophet-hood be?

Still, I decided to give Joseph Smith a chance. What if he was a true prophet? One mustn't reject something without doing a bit of investigation. That has always been my policy. So, this is what I did. I went online and did some research on Joseph Smith. My investigation was solely directed to unearth clues that would give me an idea about the truthfulness of his character. I didn't have to search much. He was a clear fraud. If he was true, there would have been profuse reports of his life as a testament of his upright character. Such reports were pathetically few in number. Joseph Smith did not pass my background check.

So when the Mormons paid me a visit again, they asked me if I had read their Bible. They were not prepared for the questions I posed to them. I told them that I was more interested in their prophet, Joseph Smith. I asked them if they would be so kind as to give me information regarding him. They said they would.

But guess what? The Mormons fled and never again returned with the information I wanted. ;D

 

[MustafaMc]

Sister, I am glad that you are enjoying this book. You are right that the character of the messenger should be used as a yard-stick to evaluate his suitability as a Messenger of God. That is one of the major things that amazes me about Christians, in how they readily and unquestioningly accept Paul as a Prophet of God and the 'gospel' that he claims in Galatians to have received as a direct revelation from God to him personally. This is in spite of him actively persecuting the Christians prior to his 'vision'.

I became aware that there were Christians who shared my understanding of Paul as the de facto originator of Christianity from a TV minister, Les Feldick, when I watched one of his shows. His show basically reiterated an article by a Christian, William Newell, who died in 1956 where he demonstrated that Paul was the one to whom the basic articles of the Christian faith were revealed. The article 'Paul's Gospel' can be read at http://www.middletownbiblechurch.org/dispen/newell.htm

 

[Insecured soul]

A question for both revert Muslims and born Muslims. How do you know that Islam is the truth?

because it is the fitra of insaan, secondly, there are all justfications that a creation cannot be a god, be it stone, idols, monkey donkey, man.... or whatever and u do see that all non muslims worship something or the other in creation itself?

and after all how could anyone stand against the hujjah of quran? can you or can anyone else?

There is no way out for a person in not believing allah azzawajal, there is just no choice

 

[Jalal~]

Salams to all. so how can i prove that Islam is the truth? bascially through logic and reasoning right? is this what we have to use in order to show other people that Islam is the correct religion? i mean, if i do provide Quranic evidence or hadiths to whoever i am talking to, they just wouldnt believe me. any tips or links or stories that someone could post so as to change a persons mind and cause them to think about religion more and to investigate for themselves? jazakallah khair.

 

[Muhaba]

many reasons.
1. there is nothing like the Quran. if you ever read a verse from the Quran (in arabic) in some article or book, you can see the difference between normal arabic writing and the Quran. the Quran has a sweet melidious sound like no other arabic sentence. subhannallah! everyone shoulld try to read the Quran in arabic to see its real beauty.

 

[Flame of Hope]

An interesting article I came across very much relevant to this thread. I have highlighted parts in blue that I thought were important.

---------------------

What Drives People to Convert to Islam

The nature of religious faith is quite mysterious. As part of their religious faiths, people believe in a variety of deities. There are people who have religious faith in the unseen supreme transcendental power and then there are others who believe in some humans as Gods, animals (e.g. monkeys), fire, idols made of stone, and the list goes on.

A lot is associated with having a religious “faith”. Part of it has to do with beliefs passed on through generations. People’s identities therefore get tied to it. Many times, these beliefs and associated feelings are not completely demonstrable by reason or any rational arguments. There is nothing right or wrong with this but that’s just how the nature of religious faith has come to be.

Everyone thinks they are right in their faith and beliefs. Being with people and groups with similar faiths further strengthens people’s faiths and they see it as “right” even though logical reasoning and argument sometimes can’t explain it all. That’s human psychology.

Islam’s arguments based on intellectual reasoning
Muslims believe however, that the Islamic religion is different in this context. One may argue that similar to other faiths there are aspects of it which are not completely demonstrable by reason but on the other hand, the Quranic text, which is Allah’s words addressing the humanity at large, uses intellectual reason, critical thinking, and the process of reflection as a means to not only reinforce the faith of the believers but also to call non-believers to ponder about the authenticity of Islam as the way of life for the humanity at large. Although no religious beliefs can be fully based on logic and reasoning, Islam and Quran provide more than enough examples and an opportunity to examine the truth and the soundness of its message through the lens of empirical evidence and knowledge.

No one (Muslim or otherwise) would argue that critical thinking and reflection can be a major catalyst for changing of ones life. Critical thinking has been used by many to improve their lives simply because a critical thinker asks probing questions about a situation, collects as much information as possible, reflects on the ideas collected and generated in context of the information available, keeps an open and unbiased mind and carefully scrutinizes assumptions and seeks alternatives.

This is the reason therefore that new Muslim converts would attribute the use of intelligent reasoning, reflection and critical thinking when explaining their journey to Islam. Such people cut through the hysteria created by some in the media to view Islam from a critical lens and following the truth thus comes naturally to them as part of this process. How else can one explain the increase in conversions with the increase of anti-Islam rhetoric? How else can one explain that more non-Muslim preachers have been converting to Islam than ever before? Although as Muslims we believe that the guidance (hidaya) comes only from Allah, the use of a person’s God-gifted intellectual reasoning has a very powerful role to play in Muslim converts making that destiny changing decision. And once converted, they rarely go back to their old faiths simply because a faith whose foundations are built on logic and reason is much less likely to be shaken down than one which builds simply upon a set of rites and sacraments.

Reasons attributed by new Converts
Some of the reasons attributed by people who convert to Islam are listed below. We can see that most of these reasons can only be attributed to the process of critical thinking and intellectual reflection.

Eloquence of Quran’s language – The uniqueness and beauty of Quran’s text has been marveled by the best of Arab linguists and scholars from the days it was revealed until today. The more knowledgeable people are in the language, the more they appreciate the wonders of the textual fluency of the Quran.

Overwhelming scientific evidence and proofs – The Quran, revealed more than 1400 years ago has numerous scientific facts that are being validated by science only in this era.

Divine wisdom behind various social issues – The Quran provides a solution to numerous social issues, a deviation from which has known to cause societal chaos at all levels.

Arguments rooted in intellectual reasoning – Quran is the only known religious text that challenges mankind to think, reflect and ponder over the creation at large, social issues, God’s existence, and more. Quran in many instances challenges people to reflect and think on their own rather than heeding to the lose talk of those whose criticism is based on baseless foundations.

A confident assertion of a supreme being – Quran is the only known religious book that has a confident assertion of a supreme being on all issues ranging from the creation of the universe to social issues.

Divine Text – Quran’s language and prose is very different from the language in the hadith (Porphet’s sayings) thus proving that Quran is not the “imagination” or words of Prophet Muhammad, as many doubters have alleged in the past and do so even today.

Quran’s challenge to people on thinking and reflection
The Quran on numerous occasions challenges humanity at large to think, reflect and ponder over their affairs. Here is some of what the Quran states:

Thus do We explain the Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, laws, etc.) in detail for the people who reflect. (Yunus, Chapter #10, Verse #24)

Do they not think deeply (in their ownselves) about themselves (how Allah created them from nothing, and similarly He will resurrect them)? Allah has created not the heavens and the earth, and all that is between them, except with truth and for an appointed term. And indeed many of mankind deny the Meeting with their Lord. (Ar-Room, Chapter #30, Verse #8)

He it is Who has appointed for you the night that you may rest therein, and the day to make things visible (to you). Verily, in this are Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) for a people who listen (i.e. those who think deeply). (Yunus, Chapter #10, Verse #67)

Does man think that he will be left Suda (neglected without being punished or rewarded for the obligatory duties enjoined by his Lord (Allah) on him)? (Al-Qiyama, Chapter #75, Verse #36)

Did you think that We had created you in play (without any purpose), and that you would not be brought back to Us?” (Al-Mumenoon, Chapter #23, Verse #115)

To the rejecters of truth the Quran states: Or do you think that most of them hear or understand? They are only like cattle; nay, they are even farther astray from the Path. (i.e. even worst than cattle). (Al-Furqan, Chapter #25, Verse #44)

Do they not reflect? There is no madness in their companion (Muhammad). He is but a plain warner. (Al-Araf, Chapter #7, Verse #184)

Had We sent down this Quran on a mountain, you would surely have seen it humbling itself and rending asunder by the fear of Allah. Such are the parables which We put forward to mankind that they may reflect . (Al-Hashr, Chapter #59, Verse #21)


When studying the many cases of new Muslim converts, we see that engaging in critical thinking and intellectual reasoning have led people to change their non-Islamic faiths – the same faiths that earlier supposedly could have moved mountains, get diluted by the voices of reason easily heard in the roots of Islam. A mere process of thinking and reflection brings so much to the limelight that otherwise remains veiled by distractions and forces of the anti-Islam pundits. Those who are bent to see only the negative, fail to see the light of truth and instead engage in a never ending superficial analysis to unsuccessfully prove their misguided philosophies.

There are many statistics in the media that highlight the phenomenal rate at which people are converting to Islam. Although, the authenticity of all these sources has not been validated for the purpose of this post, some of them include the following:

According to “The Almanac Book of Facts”, the population increased 137% within the past decade, Christianity increased 46%, while Islam increased 235%.
100,000 people per year in America alone, are converting to Islam. For every 1 male convert to Islam, 4 females convert to Islam
TV Report: 4000 Germans Convert To ISLAM Each Year
About 25000 people convert to Islam every year in the UK alone
…many more examples exist.

What about Muslims?
If voices of reason embedded in the teachings of Islam are causing non-Muslims to revert to Islam in droves, why is it that so many Muslims usually born into the religion fail to fully follow and thus enjoy the teachings of the religion? The fact is that it is this lack of critical thinking and reflection even on some Muslims part that is forcing Muslims to have a substandard way of life. Islam and its teachings hold the promise of a fulfilling and peaceful life for all. Yet, Muslims continue to ignore the basics and get mired in social and moral issues causing unnecessary pain and suffering on themselves and their families. The fact is that only if they could think and reflect on the teachings of their own religion, they can escape the many problems and challenges that face them.

The message
To non-Muslims who have only scratched the surface about learning Islam and who may be getting distracted by those who are the wrong torch bearers of this religion and also distracted by the biased voices in the media, the message is simple – try to view the teachings of Islam with a critical lens and you may be able to see more reason than you may not have thought was present. To Muslims, the message is that sometimes we do not appreciate the teachings of our own religion simply because we never think and grow beyond the few religious practices in operating our lives. A focused effort to learn, think and reflect more will help us get closer to the religious teachings in ways that can drastically improve our lives.

source

 

[Ali Mujahidin]

As salaam mualaikum.

I have been on the road for the last few days. Now I am more or less settled in my new home. ThisOldMan is still well and alive. Hope everyone is also in good health and fine fettle.

Back on topic.

I seem to detect a trend in some posts here. There seems to be an emphasis on thinking and reasoning. Myself I would like to think that I am capable of logical deduction and rational analysis. However, so far as I have found out, reversion to Islam and steadfast belief in Islam does not arise from thinking about it. As I have pointed out many times before, I am not an accredited Muslim scholar but I am an ardent albeit poor student of Islam.

Let's look at the reversion of some of the sahabah.

Abu Bakar (ra) was a close friend of the Holy Prophet (saw) even before the first verse was revealed. So when he reverted, I would presume that his prior relationship with the Holy Prophet may have some influence. Still, Abu Bakar reverted without going through a lengthy critical analysis of Islam. Perhaps if someone has some evidence that says he did, I would to study it.

Umar (ra), prior to his reversion to Islam, was very far from being a friend of the Holy Prophet. In fact, on the very day of his reversion, he had started out with a drawn sword swearing not to sheath it until he had the Holy Prophet's blood on it. Umar's acceptance of Islam, like Abu Bakar's, was instant. There was no drawn-out debate as to the why and wherefore of Islam before he reverted. Again, if someone has some evidence that says he took his time thinking about the truth and veracity of Islam before he reverted, I would like to study it.

I can go on and on recounting the reversions of the 128,000 sahabah but there would not be enough space for it here. If you are interested, I am sure Google would be able to help you.

The point I am trying to make here is that I do not see any value in insisting that a person should analyze Islam and think hard about it before accepting Islam. I once studied under an ustaz who had a Master's degree in Islamic Studies. When I asked him why he didn't do his Doctorate, he told me that he baulked at the thought of the Jewish professors who would be examining his thesis. Come to think of it, if logical analysis and rational reasoning is the way to Islam, then those Jewish professors would have reverted long ago, considering that they are accredited experts in Islamic Studies. As a subject of academic interest.

So to all my brothers and sisters in Islam, I would like to suggest that it would do all of us a lot more good to do a little less thinking about it and do a little more practicing Islam. Shaytan, I am very sure, is perfectly happy if everyone would spend their whole lives studying Islam and not practicing it at all.

On the day of Final Reckoning, we are not measured by how much we have studied about Islam. Neither are we measured by how much we have thought about Islam. We are measured by how much we have practiced Islam. If someone has some evidence that says otherwise, I would like to study it.

To all my brothers and sisters in Islam who would like to know what to say to their yet-to-be Muslim friends when asked about Islam, just tell them sincerely that you know very little. Then tell them what little you know, with sincerity. More importantly, tell them about Islam by the way you practice Islam.

Insha Allah, your actions will speak more loudly and more convincingly than your words.

 

[Flame of Hope]

So to all my brothers and sisters in Islam, I would like to suggest that it would do all of us a lot more good to do a little less thinking about it and do a little more practicing Islam. Shaytan, I am very sure, is perfectly happy if everyone would spend their whole lives studying Islam and not practicing it at all.

I'm quite acquainted with Shaytan's tricks. One of them is to dissuade people from acquiring knowledge through study, thought and reflection.

One can't practice Islam in the true spirit unless one acquires knowledge and understanding. And knowledge and understanding are impossible to attain without thought, reason and contemplation.

I've already given verses from the Qur'an that command us to use our faculties of thought and reason.

I shall now provide some hadiths to consider:

The Prophet said, “The acquisition of knowledge is a duty incumbent one every Muslim, male and female.”

The Prophet said, “He dies not who gives life to learning.”

Allah’s apostle was once asked, "What is the greatest vice of man?" The Prophet said, "You must not ask me about vice, but ask about virtue;" and he repeated this three times, after which he said, "Let it be known to all! The worst of men is a deliberately ignorant man, and a well educated man is the best."

The Prophet said, “An hour's contemplation is better than a year's adoration.”

The Prophet said, “To spend more time in learning is better than spending more time praying; the support of religion is abstinence. It is better to teach knowledge one hour in the night than to pray all night.”

The Prophet said, “One learned man is harder on the devil than a thousand ignorant worshippers.”

The Prophet said, “The pursuit of knowledge is a divine commandment for every Muslim; and to waste knowledge on those who are unworthy of it is like putting pearls, jewels, and gold on the necks of swine.”

The Prophet said, “ That person who shall pursue the path of knowledge, Allah will direct him to the path of Paradise; and verily the superiority of a learned man over an ignorant worshipper is like that of the full moon over all the stars.”

The Prophet said, “To listen to the words of the learned, and to instill into others the lessons of science, is better than religious exercises.”

The Prophet said, “He who leaves home in search of knowledge, walks in the path of Allah.”

The Prophet said, “Acquire knowledge. It enables its possessor to distinguish right from wrong; it lights the way to Heaven; it is our friend in the desert, our society in solitude, our companion when friendless; it guides us to happiness; it sustains us in misery; it is an ornament among friends, and an armour against enemies.”

The Prophet said, “Who are the learned? They who practice what they know.”

The Prophet said, “Education makes a city easy to govern but impossible to enslave.”

I'll reply to your queries about the reversion of Abu Bakr and Umar radhiallahu anhum at another time.

 

[Eric H]

Greetings and peace be with you Flame,

Knowledge is important but Allah has given each one of us varying degrees of knowledge, some become professors, and others do not have the ability to read and write, despite a good education. Does that mean only bright and clever people can become Muslims?

Maybe we could pose the question of faith in a mathematical way, what percentage of our faith is because Allah has chosen us as he wills, and what percentage is down to our own efforts……

My faith is 99 % down to Allah, and 1 % to my own works and reasoning.

Or

My faith is 1 % from Allah, and 99 % of my own reasoning and works.

What numbers sound closer to the truth.

In the spirit of searching for Allah.

Eric

 

[Flame of Hope]

I seem to detect a trend in some posts here. There seems to be an emphasis on thinking and reasoning.

And you have a problem with that because this was not the way you became Muslim?

 

[Flame of Hope]

I once studied under an ustaz who had a Master's degree in Islamic Studies. When I asked him why he didn't do his Doctorate, he told me that he baulked at the thought of the Jewish professors who would be examining his thesis. Come to think of it, if logical analysis and rational reasoning is the way to Islam, then those Jewish professors would have reverted long ago, considering that they are accredited experts in Islamic Studies.

Jewish professors! How can Jewish professors have anything to do with a Doctorate in Islamic Studies? Such a Doctorate if there were one would have zero value to me if Jewish professors were evaluating it. One could hardly call them experts in Islamic Studies.

 

[Flame of Hope]

On the day of Final Reckoning, we are not measured by how much we have studied about Islam. Neither are we measured by how much we have thought about Islam. We are measured by how much we have practiced Islam. If someone has some evidence that says otherwise, I would like to study it.

Sure, you can go ahead and study this very important principle of Islam. We are not at all measured by how much we have practiced Islam. On the Day of Final Reckoning, what is measured is not quantity of deeds. What is measured is the quality of deeds. And the quality of one's deeds depends upon your sincerity. And sincerity to Allah cannot be attained except by the God-fearing. And the fear of God is granted only to those who have knowledge.

There's no point in performing a great quantity of deeds and all of them are lacking in sincerity. They will all be rejected. And your efforts would all be in vain. So what should you be more concerned about? Quantity or Quality?

Proof from the Qur'an to back this principle:
“It is only those who have knowledge amongst His slaves that fear Allah.” [Soorah Al-Fatir (35): 28]

Other proof:
"Seek knowledge, because seeking it for the sake of Allah is a worship. And knowing it makes you more God-fearing; and searching for it is jihad, teaching it to those who do not know is charity, reviewing and learning it more is like tasbeeh. Through knowledge Allah will be known and worshipped. With the knowledge Allah will elevate people and make them leaders and imams, who will in turn guide other people." [Fatawa Ibn Taymiyya vol.10, p.39]

 

[Ramadhan]

Sure, you can go ahead and study this very important principle of Islam. We are not at all measured by how much we have practiced Islam. On the Day of Final Reckoning, what is measured is not quantity of deeds. What is measured is the quality of deeds. And the quality of one's deeds depends upon your sincerity. And sincerity to Allah cannot be attained except by the God-fearing. And the fear of God is granted only to those who have knowledge.

I hope I am not wrong,
BUT, EVERY single one of our deeds while we are conscious (after balig/adult, not sleeping, not insane) in this life are written and WILL be measured during yaumul qiyamah. good and bad, with and without sincerity. Allah is Just, and it is up to Allah whether our good deeds are accepted and our bad deeds forgiven.
At the same time, I must also point out your point regarding sincerity is correct.

There's no point in performing a great quantity of deeds and all of them are lacking in sincerity. They will all be rejected. And your efforts would all be in vain. So what should you be more concerned about? Quantity or Quality?

Both. We should strive to do as many good deeds as possible. This imply that the good deeds must be done with sincerity.

 

[Flame of Hope]

BUT, EVERY single one of our deeds while we are conscious (after balig/adult, not sleeping, not insane) in this life are written and WILL be measured during yaumul qiyamah. good and bad, with and without sincerity. Allah is Just, and it is up to Allah whether our good deeds are accepted and our bad deeds forgiven.

Sorry about that. You're right. All of our deeds will be measured. But the only deeds that will have weight are the deeds that are done with sincerity towards Allah.

Allah is Just, and it is up to Allah whether our good deeds are accepted and our bad deeds forgiven.

Indeed, Allah is The Just. He never wrongs us. We are the ones who wrong ourselves.

There are so many things that can render our deeds unacceptable. Not having knowledge of the things that can destroy or invalidate our deeds would place us in a very perilous and dangerous situation.

Allah had absolutely no need or use for all the deeds of worship offered to Him by Iblis. His one sin of disobedience, in refusal to bow down before Adam alayhis salam caused all of his deeds of worship to be utterly destroyed.

Hence, it is not at all recommended to practice Islam without knowledge...especially knowledge of the things that can completely invalidate our deeds.

 

[Flame of Hope]

That is one of the major things that amazes me about Christians, in how they readily and unquestioningly accept Paul as a Prophet of God and the 'gospel' that he claims in Galatians to have received as a direct revelation from God to him personally. This is in spite of him actively persecuting the Christians prior to his 'vision'.

I became aware that there were Christians who shared my understanding of Paul as the de facto originator of Christianity from a TV minister, Les Feldick, when I watched one of his shows. His show basically reiterated an article by a Christian, William Newell, who died in 1956 where he demonstrated that Paul was the one to whom the basic articles of the Christian faith were revealed. The article 'Paul's Gospel' can be read at http://www.middletownbiblechurch.org/dispen/newell.htm

Jazakallah khair brother for this information. The truth is indeed clear that we cannot follow a man whose character is in doubt.

Wish more people would reflect upon this fact.

 

[Ramadhan]

Allah had absolutely no need or use for all the deeds of worship offered to Him by Iblis. His one sin of disobedience, in refusal to bow down before Adam alayhis salam caused all of his deeds of worship to be utterly destroyed.

Iblis had so much knowledge, and yet he's going to nar forever. knowledge without wisdom leads you to the fire of hell. I've seen many people who have so much knowledge in islam, such as the "liberal" muslims but lack humility and wisdom, who reinterpret Qur'an verses to suit their whims and desires.
his sin was primarily arrogance, his disobedience was caused by his arrogance. Iblis thought that he was a better creation than Adam (as), and hence shouldn't bow to Adam (as).

 

[Flame of Hope]

Abu Bakar (ra) was a close friend of the Holy Prophet (saw) even before the first verse was revealed. So when he reverted, I would presume that his prior relationship with the Holy Prophet may have some influence. Still, Abu Bakar reverted without going through a lengthy critical analysis of Islam. Perhaps if someone has some evidence that says he did, I would to study it.

Umar (ra), prior to his reversion to Islam, was very far from being a friend of the Holy Prophet. In fact, on the very day of his reversion, he had started out with a drawn sword swearing not to sheath it until he had the Holy Prophet's blood on it. Umar's acceptance of Islam, like Abu Bakar's, was instant. There was no drawn-out debate as to the why and wherefore of Islam before he reverted. Again, if someone has some evidence that says he took his time thinking about the truth and veracity of Islam before he reverted, I would like to study it.

Time for me to address the issue of the reversion of Abu Bakr and Umar radhiallahu anhum.

Brother ThisOldMan............I'd like to ask you a question. Would you trust a stranger? Would you trust him enough to put your entire life into his hands?

I'd think you would answer a big NO.

And you would say NO because your reason informs you that trusting strangers about whom you know nothing can be extremely dangerous.

So you wouldn't trust a stranger. But suppose you know the person very well and have spent enough time with him. You have seen enough to know that the man in question is reliable, honest, dependable and trustworthy. Would you trust such a man?

I hope your answer would be YES. Reason tells us that we can trust this man because he has already proved his trustworthiness through his actions.

So when the Prophet (saws) told Abu Bakr that he was the messenger of God, Abu Bakr instantly accepted it. Had it been a stranger who had come up to Abu Bakr, claiming to be a prophet of God, Abu Bakr would have immediately rejected it.

Abu Bakr used his power of reason to know that Muhammad (saws) was speaking the absolute truth and he never wavered in doubt regarding his Prophethood.

As for the reversion of Umar radhiallahu anhu, the words of the Qur'an pierced his heart, making him feel the fear and awe of God. There's no doubt that the words had a profound impact on Umar radhiallahu anhu.

A word about Umar radhiallahu anhu. He was also known as Al Farooq. This title was given to him by the Prophet (saws) because of his capability of distinguishing truth from falsehood.

So if Umar radhiallahu anhu had this wonderful capability, it follows that he knew right away, as soon as he heard the words of the Qur'an, that it was the truth. He reasoned that anything that could move him so greatly could only be from Allah, the Lord of all the worlds.

Abu Bakr and Umar radhiallahu anhum and all the sahabah used their reason to know that the Prophet (saws) was telling the truth. And they believed in the revelation that was given to him, namely the Qur'an and after accepting Islam, they CONTINUED seeking knowledge and continued using their powers of thought and reason in order to gain taqwa and nearness to Allah.

And verily, the Qur'an is a guide for the MUTTAQUN. A guide to those who fear Allah. And those who fear Allah the most are the people of knowledge.

Assalaamu alaykum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu.

 

[MustafaMc]

Jazakallah khair brother for this information. The truth is indeed clear that we cannot follow a man whose character is in doubt.

Wish more people would reflect upon this fact.

Sister Flame, I am glad that you found it beneficial. This Christian was hitting close to the mark, but he did not realize the full significance of what he was saying. As you have said about following 'a man whose character is in doubt', I wonder how many Christians have thought a jot or tittle about the character of Paul and how he was an open and vicious enemy to those who followed Jesus (as). He did not go to the disciples to learn what Jesus (as) said and did, but rather claims to have received his 'gospel' by direct revelation from Jesus (as) after his ascension.

As you illustrated in the post above regarding Abu Bakr and Umar's reversion, the character of Prophet Muhammad (saaws) was impeccable and he was well thought of by all prior to his prophethood. This reminds me of the hadith when Prophet Muhammad (saaws) called the people of Mecca to As-Safa mountain to warn them of a coming punishment and they testified prior to that of his truthfulness and also the hadith where Abu Sufyan while an enemy of Islam testified before Heraclius about the noble character of Prophet Muhammad (saaws).

 

[Ali Mujahidin]

As salaam mualaikum.

I think it's time to get back to the basics. Let's start with the kalimah tayyibah.

"Laila hailaLLah", translates roughly as "There is none worthy of worship other than Allah".

This is the core of Islam. There is no compromise or modification whatsoever about this declaration of absolute devotion to Allah.

If, for any reason whatsoever, a Muslim should consider that anything or anyone can possess any authority or power which is the sole prerogative of Allah, that person ceases to be a Muslim, instantly. Period.

For example, a man falls very ill. He is on the verge of death. A doctor attends to him. His life is saved. He thanks the doctor for saving his life. At that very moment, if he should die, he dies a kafir. Why? He is not a Muslim because he has just ascribed the power of life and death to the doctor when, in actual fact, the power of life and death is solely the prerogative of Allah.

Another example. A scientist works very hard at unraveling one of the mysteries of nature. He makes an illuminating breakthrough. He thinks that he has found out what he did by his own efforts. If he were to die at that moment, he dies a kafir. Why? He is not a Muslim because he has just ascribed the power of knowledge to his own efforts when, in actual fact, the power of knowledge is solely the the prerogative of Allah.

One more example. A person becomes interested in Islam. He studies about Islam. He finds that Islam is the truth and he accepts Islam as his way of life. He thinks that he has been able to reason out the truth of Islam with his thinking. If he were to die at that moment, he dies a kafir. Why? He is not a Muslim because he has just ascribed the power of hidayah to his own efforts at reasoning when, in actual fact, the power of hidayah is solely the prerogative of Allah.

Does this mean that learning, thinking and knowledge has no place in Islam. Not at all. Let me illustrate with a simple scenario.

Let's consider a radio. We turn a dial. Music comes forth from the radio. We turn the dial again. Spoken words comes forth from the radio. If we were primitive aboriginals, we may believe that it is the radio producing all those sounds. We may even worship the radio.

However, if we have more knowledge, we would know that it is not the radio making all those sounds. We will know that it is the radio station that is responsible for the music and the spoken words. We can see that the radio is just a tool to convey what the radio station has broadcast. We know for sure that the radio cannot produce all those sounds by itself. We understand that the radio depends totally on the radio station. We accept the fact that the radio is nothing without the radio station. So we do not worship the radio.

Likewise with us. We are not really all that much more advanced than the radio in the scenario above. We can think. We can learn. We can find knowledge. Nevertheless, we must never forget that the source of all that thinking, learning and knowledge is Allah. Just as the radio is nothing without the radio station, we are absolutely nothing without Allah.

Let's go back to the first example about the doctor. It is definitely not the doctor who saved the man's life. Allah and Allah alone can give or take life. The doctor is just a means. The source of his ability is Allah. For the man to thank the doctor for saving his life is like thanking the postman who delivers a million-dollar check. Obviously it is not the postman who wrote the check. The postman just delivered it. That's all. The correct person to thank must be the one who wrote the check.

Does this mean that a Muslim would totally dispense with the services of a doctor? Not at all. What a Muslim does is pray that Allah will guide the doctor to give the right treatment. Then thank Allah, whatever the outcome, be it life or death. Of course, it is common courtesy to thank the doctor for his effort just as we would thank the postman for delivering the million-dollar check but a Muslim never says something like "Thank you, doctor, for saving my life" because a Muslim never forgets that it is Allah and Allah alone that has the power of life and death. Actually, a Muslim doctor would brush aside any thanks given to him and ask that thanks be given to Allah instead.

How about the scientist in the second example? Really, however intelligent or clever a scientist is, he is not much more capable than a white mouse in a laboratory maze. He makes conjectures and hypotheses. He makes experiments. He makes conclusions from the results of his experiments. He may think that he is getting somewhere with his efforts but in reality, like the white mouse, he is only getting where Allah allows him to go. He is only discovering knowledge that Allah allows him to discover. There is nothing that he can find out if Allah does not allow it. If he thinks that it is his intelligence that is making all the discoveries, then he would be like a radio that thinks it is producing all those sounds by itself. Just as a radio is nothing without the radio station, the scientist is nothing without Allah.

The third example is not any more different. Anyone who thinks that he has found the truth of Islam all by his own efforts is also like the radio that thinks it is producing all those sounds by itself. Only and only with hidayah from Allah, does anyone see the truth of Islam. A person can master the Arabic language and memorize the Quran and yet not see the truth of Islam. There are plenty of websites containing detailed analyses of the Quran and the teachings and practices of Islam which do not show that the person responsible for the content knows anything about the truth of Islam. In fact, many of those websites are openly and blatantly anti-Islam.

Similarly I see some posts in this forum with copy-and-paste walls of texts with quotations from the Quran and Ahadith which do not show that the person doing it knows anything about the truth of Islam. Why? Anyone who knows about the truth of Islam will know that Islam is to be practiced and not just to be talked about. Yes, we are enjoined to spread the message but we are also enjoined to amar ma'rof nahi munkar. Amar ma'rof nahi munkar, first and foremost, requires that a Muslim takes action.

How to take action?

Allah has sent the Holy Prophet (saw) to be a example for us to follow. So, let's just do that. The Holy Prophet performed salah. We perform salah. The Holy Prophet read the Quran. We read the Quran. And so on and so forth. Learn more and more about Islam with each passing day but do not let the learning become a substitute for the actual practice of Islam. There are already so many obviously enemies of Islam who spend so much time and effort to learn about Islam with the sole objective of attacking Islam and subverting the faith of Muslims.

Just curious. Is there any Muslim who, say, does not eat pork only and only after studying, learning and getting all the knowledge about the advantages and disadvantages of eating pork?

Hope this is useful. Insha Allah.

 

[Flame of Hope]

If, for any reason whatsoever, a Muslim should consider that anything or anyone can possess any authority or power which is the sole prerogative of Allah, that person ceases to be a Muslim, instantly. Period.

Brother ThisOldMan, could I remind you that this thread addresses the question: how do you know that Islam is the truth?

Many brothers and sisters in this thread have stated that they know that it is the truth because they used their power of thought and reason. But it is one thing to know that it is the truth, quite another to accept it and follow it as a way of life.

Many people living during the time of the Prophet (saws) knew that Muhammad (saws) was speaking the truth when he claimed to be the messenger of God. They KNEW that Islam was the truth. But they rejected it out of pride and arrogance.

And Allah does not guide those who are proud.

This thread does not deal with Allah's guidance nor does it deal with the tricks played by Shaytan to misguide Muslims into becoming kafirs. This is a separate topic and can be discussed under another thread.