How do you know that Islam is the truth?

[Flame of Hope]

The Qur'an is unique (as far as I know) in that it doesn't just claim to be the word of the Creator and stop there. It also offers reasons as to why you should believe it is the word of the Creator. You find verses in the Qur'an such as:

"And if you are in doubt about what We have sent down upon Our Servant [Muhammad], then produce a surah the like thereof and call upon your witnesses other than Allah , if you should be truthful. But if you do not - and you will never be able to - then fear the Fire, whose fuel is men and stones, prepared for the disbelievers." [2:25-26]

"Then do they not reflect upon the Qur'an? If it had been from [any] other than Allah , they would have found within it much contradiction." [4:82]

The first verse above refers to the linguistic inimitability of the Qur'an, where those who deny that it is from the Creator are challenged to produce one chapter like it. The second verse refers to the remarkable internal consistency of the Qur'an, given the fact that it was revealed over a period of 23 years, often instantaneously in response to an incident that was taking place, directing the Prophet and his followers to a course of action, or in response to a question that the Prophet was asked. Despite it never having been 'edited' or 're-drafted' over this period of revelation spanning more than two decades, never once does a verse contradict another. Moreover, the verses of the Qur'an aren't arranged chronologically in the order in which they were revealed. Rather, Muhammad (peace be upon him) instructed his companions as to the position where each verse should go. Despite this, all the verses fit together perfectly like the pieces of a puzzle to make a beautifully coherent masterpiece with unique, intricate rhythms and rhymes all serving to evoke particular reactions and emotions on the part of the reader/recitor. Again, there was never a need to edit or re-draft, as would be the case with any standard work which is the product of a human being (let alone an outstanding masterpiece). No, this was the speech of the Creator himself so why would such changes be necessary? I consider this to be one of the most profound aspects of the Qur'an's miraculous nature which not many people think about (hence the initial part of the verse). More details on it here.

Of course, there are other aspects of the Qur'an's miraculous nature from both a historical and scientific point of view, as well as prophecies. We could also talk about the miracle of it's preservation in it's original forrm, the ease by which it is memorised (to the extent that many children as young as 6 years old have easily memorised it in it's entirety, even before being able to speak normally in their own native language) and other aspects as well. But if we were to go into all that, I'm sure I'd be writing here all day. And that's no exaggeration - for the wonders of this divine book have no bound.

Another thing is that Muhammad (peace be upon him) clearly claimed to be receiving revelation from the Creator. One can only reasonably conclude that he was truthful in his claim since, by analysis of his biography, it is clear that the alternatives (that he was lying, mistaken or both) do not make sense. To claim that he mistakenly thought he was receiving revelation from the Creator of the universe for more than two decades and ended up producing what became renowned as the very standard of the Arabic tongue due to it's extraordinary linguistic excellence is of course absurd. Furthermore, Muhammad (peace be upon him) would have to be suffering from some form of mental illness to mistakenly believe such a thing, yet he showed no signs of mental deficiency in all other aspects of his life. To then resort to claiming that he must have been deliberately lying again does not stand up to scrutiny. To lie, one must have a motive. But Muhammad (peace be upon him) demonstrated that he was not motivated by wealth, power or any other material gains. Indeed, he was offered wealth and power simply to stop preaching his pure message of monotheism. He declined. In fact, he underwent a great deal of hardship just to preach his message when he could have chosen the easy way out. A cursory reading of Muhammad's life (peace be upon him) is enough to show that he cannot have been lying. If he cannot have been 'mistaken' about receiving revelation, and he demonstrably wasn't lying about it, there can only be one conclusion; he was telling the truth.

Excellent post, brother! Jazakallah khair for the insight.

 

[in jihad]

I do not think it is advisable at all to take the question of "can die a kafir" so lightly. Is there really any Muslim who would really consider the possibility of doing something that might make him "die a kafir"? Does the fire of nar hold no fear for him? How about trying this? Anyone who is not afraid of the fire of nar should actually put his hand into a burning fire first, then tell us that he is prepared to take the risk of "die a kafir". Any takers?

May i ask what makes u think that the brothers and sisters here in this forum take the question of "can die a kafir" lightly?

 

[Ubeyde]

I have found proof that Islam is the true religion even by looking at the Bible. For example, it says that there will be the Final Revelation given to an illeterate Prophet in Arabia- which proves that even Christians must accept Rasoola Sallahu Alayhi wa salam as their Nabi.

 

[AhmedMalik]

Your point is well made. I came across Understanding Islam App on my iPad and the point was really well made there. Does anyone know about who made it? Does anyone know who Dr Hewer is?

 

[Jalal~]

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.

your right, we should do a lot more practicing in Islam, but reasoning is just as imporant. I know for a fact that Islam is one of the few religions that encourages its followers to study other religions and understand WHY you are following Islam. I dont want to come up to Allah and say "I only followed Islam cause i was born a Muslim" No, i want to say "I studied Islam and many other religions throughout the life you gave me and through rational thinking i was able to see that all other religions are false and that Islam is the one and true religion (i.e. i didnt follow my faith blindly)". Now obviously, i cant make that last statement right now, im only 16, and i havent studied all the religions yet, but Insha Allah, if Allah grants me a long life, I will be able to say that on the Day of Judgement and Insha Allah, the Prophet Muhammed (May Peace be upon him) and the Qu'ran will be able to come and intervene on all Muslim believer's behalf.

And yes, Shaytan is probably happy when people dont follow the religion correctly.
And Allah knows best.

 

[Flame of Hope]

I know for a fact that Islam is one of the few religions that encourages its followers to study other religions and understand WHY you are following Islam. I dont want to come up to Allah and say "I only followed Islam cause i was born a Muslim" No, i want to say "I studied Islam and many other religions throughout the life you gave me and through rational thinking i was able to see that all other religions are false and that Islam is the one and true religion (i.e. i didnt follow my faith blindly)".

Mashallah! You demonstrate a keen understanding of faith. May Allah keep on the Straight Path and keep your footsteps firm. Ameen.

 

[aboelwafa]

quran thank you

 

[Futuwwa]

After eight years of reflecting on-off, back and forth, I just had to conclude that Islam is a completely rational religion. Both in terms of internal consistency and in corresponding to the external world. What amazed me was how pretty much all common polemics against the existence of God fell flat against Islam, how it stood up to assault like no other.

 

[Flame of Hope]

What amazed me was how pretty much all common polemics against the existence of God fell flat against Islam, how it stood up to assault like no other.

Indeed the history of Islam is sufficient proof of God's existence. Watch this video....it's about The Sword of Allah......no one who watches it can deny that it was Allah's power that ruled in those battlefields, that a religion other than Islam could not have instilled in the hearts of those Muslim warriors the ferocity with which they fought and then caused them to emerge victorious...despite the incredible odds against them.

HISTORY IS THE BIGGEST PROOF OF ALLAH'S EXISTENCE.....

for example is there any possibility that a small army comprising of just 40,000 Muslims should defeat a gargantuan army of 250,000 soldiers? Well, it's possible with Allah's help.....and this is witnessed in the incredible battle of Yarmouk.

The narration in the video is in Urdu, I believe. But with the English subtitles one may follow the story.....

Watch this video and it will be clear to all that ISLAM IS THE TRUTH.

Alhamdulillahir rabbil al ameen!

 

[Amanda]

I know it isn't an easily defended position, but it just comes from the feeling of peace and the inner knowledge of truth that I had after finding Islam... no other religion gave me that same feeling... so I just knew.

 

[Impey]

I know it isn't an easily defended position, but it just comes from the feeling of peace and the inner knowledge of truth that I had after finding Islam... no other religion gave me that same feeling... so I just knew.

May I ask what others you tried - I quite understand if you don't want to say

 

[Impey]

Indeed the history of Islam is sufficient proof of God's existence. Watch this video....it's about The Sword of Allah......no one who watches it can deny that it was Allah's power that ruled in those battlefields, that a religion other than Islam could not have instilled in the hearts of those Muslim warriors the ferocity with which they fought and then caused them to emerge victorious...despite the incredible odds against them. HISTORY IS THE BIGGEST PROOF OF ALLAH'S EXISTENCE.....for example is there any possibility that a small army comprising of just 40,000 Muslims should defeat a gargantuan army of 250,000 soldiers? Well, it's possible with Allah's help.....and this is witnessed in the incredible battle of Yarmouk.

The narration in the video is in Urdu, I believe. But with the English subtitles one may follow the story.....
Watch this video and it will be clear to all that ISLAM IS THE TRUTH.

Alhamdulillahir rabbil al ameen!

Interesting, but could not one here just say that God is always on the side of the oppressed no matter who they are, Muslims or not?

 

[Flame of Hope]

Interesting, but could not one here just say that God is always on the side of the oppressed no matter who they are, Muslims or not?

Yes, this would become supremely evident on The Day of Judgement, when all oppressors will have to pay for their deeds.

 

[Who Am I?]

All I know is, I feel like I'm being led toward Islam, which goes against everything I have ever been taught. It is a little scary I admit, but yet somehow I'm not that alarmed by it. Maybe it's just my inquisitive nature, but something is drawing me in...

 

[Ramadhan]

Interesting, but could not one here just say that God is always on the side of the oppressed no matter who they are, Muslims or not?

There is a hadeeth (can't remember the detail) which says that Allah SWT readily answer/accepts the du'a (supplications) from the oppressed, and Allah SWT (in many Qur'an verses) forbid oppression.

 

[Ramadhan]

All I know is, I feel like I'm being led toward Islam, which goes against everything I have ever been taught. It is a little scary I admit, but yet somehow I'm not that alarmed by it. Maybe it's just my inquisitive nature, but something is drawing me in...

Every soul was imprinted with the knowledge of tawheed (oneness of God) and already taken oath that acknowledge the existence of Allah and submit to Him. This is called fitrah (pure natural state of human), and the fitrah of every person is Islam.
However, circumstances of the birth made a person jew, christian, etc., but each person still maintain that imprint of tawheed, therefore during the lifetime when they get properly introduced to Islam, they would subconsciously recognize it as the truth and hence drawn to it. I think this is what is happening with you, despite all the misinformation about Islam that you have received before.

 

[MustafaMc]

Interesting, but could not one here just say that God is always on the side of the oppressed no matter who they are, Muslims or not?

A couple hadith came to mind:

Narrated Abu Ma'bad,: Allah's Apostle said to Muadh when he sent him to Yemen, "You will go to the people of the Scripture. So, when you reach there, invite them to testify that none has the right to be worshipped but Allah, and that Muhammad is His Apostle. And if they obey you in that, tell them that Allah has enjoined on them five prayers in each day and night. And if they obey you in that tell them that Allah has made it obligatory on them to pay the Zakat which will be taken from the rich among them and given to the poor among them. If they obey you in that, then avoid taking the best of their possessions, and be afraid of the curse of an oppressed person because there is no screen between his invocation and Allah."

and

Narrated Anas: Allah's Apostle said, "Help your brother whether he is an oppressor or an oppressed," A man said, "O Allah's Apostle! I will help him if he is oppressed, but if he is an oppressor, how shall I help him?" The Prophet said, "By preventing him from oppressing (others), for that is how to help him."

 

[Who Am I?]

Every soul was imprinted with the knowledge of tawheed (oneness of God) and already taken oath that acknowledge the existence of Allah and submit to Him. This is called fitrah (pure natural state of human), and the fitrah of every person is Islam.
However, circumstances of the birth made a person jew, christian, etc., but each person still maintain that imprint of tawheed, therefore during the lifetime when they get properly introduced to Islam, they would subconsciously recognize it as the truth and hence drawn to it. I think this is what is happening with you, despite all the misinformation about Islam that you have received before.

That makes sense and describes what is happening to me right now...

 

[Impey]

A couple hadith came to mind: Narrated Abu Ma'bad,: Allah's Apostle said to Muadh when he sent him to Yemen, "You will go to the people of the Scripture. So, when you reach there, invite them to testify that none has the right to be worshipped but Allah, and that Muhammad is His Apostle. And if they obey you in that, tell them that Allah has enjoined on them five prayers in each day and night. And if they obey you in that tell them that Allah has made it obligatory on them to pay the Zakat which will be taken from the rich among them and given to the poor among them. If they obey you in that, then avoid taking the best of their possessions, and be afraid of the curse of an oppressed person because there is no screen between his invocation and Allah." and Narrated Anas: Allah's Apostle said, "Help your brother whether he is an oppressor or an oppressed," A man said, "O Allah's Apostle! I will help him if he is oppressed, but if he is an oppressor, how shall I help him?" The Prophet said, "By preventing him from oppressing (others), for that is how to help him."

Interesting. The first hadith seem to allow oppression with the words "avoid taking the best.." as if taking what is not the best is ok? Whilst the second is a much more positive way of dealing with oppression. Anyway, I saw this on CNN so perhaps you would comment on who is being oppressed h t t p : / / edition. cnn. com / 2011 / WORLD /meast/ 05 /31/ iran. bahai/ index. html

I just give a summary here: The Baha'i faith, founded in Iran, is considered blasphemous, Now, 16 Baha'i professors have been arrested for helping followers get advanced degrees, A government newspaper calls it "a cover for the propagation of the Baha'i faith".

Now it seem clear to me the Baha'i faith is being oppressed - what do you think?

 

[Impey]

Yes, this would become supremely evident on The Day of Judgement, when all oppressors will have to pay for their deeds.

Well, if there is a God you may well be right. But do you think you can sort of names oppressors now or must one wait and see in each case?