One of the Best names of Allah

[Ibn Abi Ahmed]

It doesn't make sense because Hafiz in Arabic means the one who memorizes (Quran) by heart.

A Hafidh is one that protects something. It can apply to anything.

Our greeting is not 'khuda hafiz' or 'Allaah hafiz'. It is "Assalamu Alaikum" and that was the greetings of the Prophets and it is the greetings of the angels in the heavens and it is our greeting which the Messenger :arabic5: has taught us.

 

[Snowflake]

:salamext:


Allaah's names are limitless because if we were to say He has only 99 - that would be limiting Him. But yeah - He has revealed to us 99 in the Qur'an and Sunnah so we should stick to calling Him by them, and words in any other language are simply translations.

Oh OK.. I didn't know that. Khair I agree we should stick to what was revealed to us.

Allaah chose to reveal the Qur'an and Sunnah in the arabic tongue out of His eternal Wisdom. So we should be pleased with what He has ordained for us. And Allaah knows best.

Exactly why there's no need to associate any more names to Allah swt.

 

[iqbal_soofi]

:salamext:


Allaah's names are limitless because if we were to say He has only 99 - that would be limiting Him. But yeah - He has revealed to us 99 in the Qur'an and Sunnah so we should stick to calling Him by them, and words in any other language are simply translations.

There's no question that Allah names are limitless. They're are great. However, the meanings of Khuda makes him look even greater. This means that He comes to help by himself because He know best who to help and when to help. He doesn't have to be reminded of his duties.

Allaah chose to reveal the Qur'an and Sunnah in the arabic tongue out of His eternal Wisdom. So we should be pleased with what He has ordained for us. And Allaah knows best.

Allah revealed Quran in Arabic to the Arabs because they understood no other langauge better than Arabic. Other nations knew about Allah and His greatnes already. They knew Him from His presence through nature. They made plenty of wonderful civilizations much before Arabs came to know about the message of Allah through different messengers. Allah sent plenty of messengers to Arabs but Arabs altered the messages soon after the messengers were called back. Although they couldn't alter the messages of Quran, but they altered it's interpretations as and when they wished.

 

[- Qatada -]

:salamext:

There's no question that Allah names are limitless. They're are great. However, the meanings of Khuda makes him look even greater. This means that He comes to help by himself because He know best who to help and when to help. He doesn't have to be reminded of his duties.

If Allaah wanted to call Himself 'Khuda' - then He would have named that in the Qur'an. Can you find a verse from Qur'an or from the authentic Sunnah which states that Allaah's real name is Khuda? No translations please.

Allah revealed Quran in Arabic to the Arabs because they understood no other langauge better than Arabic. Other nations knew about Allah and His greatnes already. They knew Him from His presence through nature. They made plenty of wonderful civilizations much before Arabs came to know about the message of Allah through different messengers. Allah sent plenty of messengers to Arabs but Arabs altered the messages soon after the messengers were called back. Although they couldn't alter the messages of Quran, but they altered it's interpretations as and when they wished.

Allaah chose these arabs out of His eternal Wisdom to spread on the message to the rest of humanity. He could have chosen Persian/Faarsi people couldn't He, He could have even chosen the Byzantinian Romans? But He never. He chose His final messenger (peace be upon him) to be Muhammad, who was an arab and he spoke arabic.


The arabs actually knew who Allaah was, and they believed in Allaah. Allaah says in the Qur'an:

If thou ask them, who it is that created the heavens and the earth. They will certainly say, "Allah". Say: "Praise be to Allah!" But most of them understand not. [31:25]

If indeed thou ask them who has created the heavens and the earth and subjected the sun and the moon (to his Law), they will certainly reply, "Allah". How are they then deluded away (from the truth)? [29:61]


​

The reason why Muhammad (peace be upon him) came to them was to tell them that islaam isn't to simply believe that Allaah exists. But its to believe that None is worthy of worship except Allaah [Laa illaaha illAllaah.] So anything which is commanded by Allaah and His messenger has to be obeyed. [Muhammadur RasoolAllaah.]



Also, you said that the arabs kept distorting islaam when the messengers came to them, you're confusing that with the Bani Isra'eel [the children of Isra'eel/Ya'qub ibn Isshaaq ibn Ibraheem] who were the 12 jewish tribes. Allaah sent them many prophets but they distorted the message.

The arab's had 2 messengers, Isma'eel (the son of Prophet Ibrahim) and Muhammad (peace be upon them.) Maybe you could shed light on who else?


You also said that the arabs changed the interpretation of the Qur'an. How can that be the case if the companions of the Messenger of Allaah were the one's who lived the Qur'an while it was being revealed to the Messenger of Allaah himself? How could they be the one's distorting it if it was revealed within their own lifetime, while they were with Allaah's Messenger?

I've already stated that the Messenger of Allaah himself said:

"Indeed those from before you from the People of the Book divided into seventy-two groups. And, indeed, this group (Muslims) will divide into seventy-three. Seventy-two groups will be in the Hellfire and one of them will be in Paradise. And it is the Jamaa'ah (group)."

[A hasan hadeeth recorded by Imaam Ahmad and others.]


And in another narration, he said: "Everyone of them in the Hellfire, except for one group that which I and my companions are upon."

[ Sunan At-Tirmidhee; It was declared hasan by Shaikh Al-Albaanee in Saheeh Al-Jaami': no 5219.]
​

If the companions themselves never interpreted the Qur'an correctly, even though the Messenger of Allaah taught them the interpretation himself - then how do we know how to perform salaah? Can you actually find evidence from Qur'an to explain to us how much Raka'ah we have to pray in salaah? Or how much to pay in zakaah etc?


It was the companions of the Prophet himself who carried on the message, and if it wasn't for them - then we wouldn't even have islaam in Persia. Or in Syria, or in Pakistan. Or anywhere except the cities of Makkah, Madina and Al-Taa'if. They were the rightly guided ones and Allaah chose them because He knew that they were the most fit to carry on the message to the rest of the world.

​

 

[iqbal_soofi]

:salamext:




If Allaah wanted to call Himself 'Khuda' - then He would have named that in the Qur'an. Can you find a verse from Qur'an or from the authentic Sunnah which states that Allaah's real name is Khuda? No translations please.





Allaah chose these arabs out of His eternal Wisdom to spread on the message to the rest of humanity. He could have chosen Persian/Faarsi people couldn't He, He could have even chosen the Byzantinian Romans? But He never. He chose His final messenger (peace be upon him) to be Muhammad, who was an arab and he spoke arabic.


The arabs actually knew who Allaah was, and they believed in Allaah. Allaah says in the Qur'an:

If thou ask them, who it is that created the heavens and the earth. They will certainly say, "Allah". Say: "Praise be to Allah!" But most of them understand not. [31:25]

If indeed thou ask them who has created the heavens and the earth and subjected the sun and the moon (to his Law), they will certainly reply, "Allah". How are they then deluded away (from the truth)? [29:61]


​

The reason why Muhammad (peace be upon him) came to them was to tell them that islaam isn't to simply believe that Allaah exists. But its to believe that None is worthy of worship except Allaah [Laa illaaha illAllaah.] So anything which is commanded by Allaah and His messenger has to be obeyed. [Muhammadur RasoolAllaah.]



Also, you said that the arabs kept distorting islaam when the messengers came to them, you're confusing that with the Bani Isra'eel [the children of Isra'eel/Ya'qub ibn Isshaaq ibn Ibraheem] who were the 12 jewish tribes. Allaah sent them many prophets but they distorted the message.

The arab's had 2 messengers, Isma'eel (the son of Prophet Ibrahim) and Muhammad (peace be upon them.) Maybe you could shed light on who else?


You also said that the arabs changed the interpretation of the Qur'an. How can that be the case if the companions of the Messenger of Allaah were the one's who lived the Qur'an while it was being revealed to the Messenger of Allaah himself? How could they be the one's distorting it if it was revealed within their own lifetime, while they were with Allaah's Messenger?

I've already stated that the Messenger of Allaah himself said:

"Indeed those from before you from the People of the Book divided into seventy-two groups. And, indeed, this group (Muslims) will divide into seventy-three. Seventy-two groups will be in the Hellfire and one of them will be in Paradise. And it is the Jamaa'ah (group)."

[A hasan hadeeth recorded by Imaam Ahmad and others.]


And in another narration, he said: "Everyone of them in the Hellfire, except for one group that which I and my companions are upon."

[ Sunan At-Tirmidhee; It was declared hasan by Shaikh Al-Albaanee in Saheeh Al-Jaami': no 5219.]
​

If the companions themselves never interpreted the Qur'an correctly, even though the Messenger of Allaah taught them the interpretation himself - then how do we know how to perform salaah? Can you actually find evidence from Qur'an to explain to us how much Raka'ah we have to pray in salaah? Or how much to pay in zakaah etc?


It was the companions of the Prophet himself who carried on the message, and if it wasn't for them - then we wouldn't even have islaam in Persia. Or in Syria, or in Pakistan. Or anywhere except the cities of Makkah, Madina and Al-Taa'if. They were the rightly guided ones and Allaah chose them because He knew that they were the most fit to carry on the message to the rest of the world.

​

Allah sent most of His messengers to Arabs not because they were the best people. He sent His messengers where they were needed most. We know from the history that Arabs used to burry their daughters on birth and many other stories of evil. These kinds of evil habbits were not found in other nations in such high level. The prophets were Allahs special people. They were very nice too. But unfortunately, they were also Arabs. Some of the bad traditions of Arabs could not be removed by the prophets because they also got invloved into those. In contrast, when other nations adopted Islam, they refined it and didn't follow the bad traditions such as polygamy.

 

[- Qatada -]

Allah sent most of His messengers to Arabs not because they were the best people. He sent His messengers where they were needed most. We know from the history that Arabs used to burry their daughters on birth and many other stories of evil. These kinds of evil habbits were not found in other nations in such high level.

:salamext:


Do you have any proof for that or am i just supposed to believe you?

Yes the arabs did alot of bad things, so Allaah brought them out of the darkness into light. That's the example Allaah gave us, that Allaah brings the most ignorant of people into the light of islaam and makes them the best among mankind.


Maybe you could name some other prophets who came to the arabs apart from Prophet Isma'eel and Muhammad (sal Allaahu alayhi waSalam)?


I really think you're confused with the Bani Isra'eel because they had many prophets and alot of the people rejected them and distorted the message. Some prophets from the Bani Isra'eel include; Prophet Isshaaq, Ya'qub, Yusuf, Musa, Yahya, Eesa, Zakariah, Shamawil, Sulaiman, Dawud.


You can read their biographies from here insha'Allaah:
http://www.islamicboard.com/prophets-islam/index2.html

 

[- Qatada -]

:salamext:

Allah sent most of His messengers to Arabs not because they were the best people. He sent His messengers where they were needed most. We know from the history that Arabs used to burry their daughters on birth and many other stories of evil. These kinds of evil habbits were not found in other nations in such high level. The prophets were Allahs special people. They were very nice too. But unfortunately, they were also Arabs. Some of the bad traditions of Arabs could not be removed by the prophets because they also got invloved into those. In contrast, when other nations adopted Islam, they refined it and didn't follow the bad traditions such as polygamy.

Oh ok, you've edited your post now.



Allaah sent messengers to all of mankind as He has stated in the Qur'an:

And verily, We have sent among every Ummah (community, nation) a Messenger (proclaiming): "Worship Allah (Alone), and avoid (or keep away from) Taghut (all false deities, etc. i.e. do not worship Taghut besides Allah)." Then of them were some whom Allah guided and of them were some upon whom the straying was justified. So travel through the land and see what was the end of those who denied (the truth). [Qur'an 16:36]

​

That is because Allaah is the All-Just (Al-Adl in arabic) and the messengers came with clear proofs which no-one but a prophet could perform, only by the will of Allaah.


The messengers of Allaah were the one's who actually stopped the people from performing these evil deeds like burying their girls alive. Do you see arabs burying their girls alive today? That's because the final messenger of Allaah, Muhammad (sal Allaahu alayhi waSalam) who was an arab himself forbade that, so the people obeyed.

You have no proof whatsoever to claim that the Messenger of Allaah got involved in evil acts such as these, because he was the one who actually brought up his daughters; of which include Ruqqaya, Zaynab, Fatima etc. How could he have fallen into this mistake when he had these daughters before he even recieved the message? This shows that he never got involved in the sins of those polytheists of his time.



If you think it was the arabs who were the most backward of people, how about the Persian's at that time who would marry their own sisters? Or how about the people who never even got married but commited fornication, or homosexuality? The arabs did get married to many women, and Allaah has limited that to 4 as it is stated in the Qur'an:

Allaah Almighty says:

And if you fear that you will not deal justly with the orphan girls, then marry those that please you of [other] women, two or three or four. But if you fear that you will not be just, then [marry only] one or those your right hand possesses. That is more suitable that you may not incline [to injustice]. [Qur'an Al-Nisa 4:3]

Wa-in khiftum alla tuqsitoo feealyatama fankihoo ma tabalakum mina annisa-i mathna wathulathawarubaAAa fa-in khiftum alla taAAdiloo fawahidatanaw ma malakat aymanukum thalika adnaalla taAAooloo

Arba'a in arabic means 4 - four.
​

In regard to when you say people refined islaam, we don't really need to take their 'refined version' of islaam because it was perfected on the day of Hajj when the Messenger of Allaah himself was on the earth.

Allaah says:

This day, I have perfected your religion for you, completed My Favour upon you, and have chosen for you Islam as your religion.

[Qur'an Al Ma'eeda 5:3]


​

Which mean's we don't need to refine it because Allaah has already perfected it. So if there is a perfect piece of art, we don't need to add extra parts to it - otherwise these extra lines may spoil the perfection of it and make it distorted.

 

[NobleMuslimUK]

Ma'shAllah answered very well Fisabillilah, about the polygamy thing.
Brother Iqbal so you were saying? Firstly you make the claim that calling upon Allah SWT by any other name than Khud-a is wrong and the 99names are an innovation added to Islam, when theres clear proof of 99 names and no proof of Khud-a.
Then you claim that anyone asking Allah SWT is seen as a beggar, you're mistaken if you think any living thing in this world is self dependant and not dependant on Allah SWT. Theres again proof that we must seek Allah SWT for anything and everything, because without His will we can do nothing.
Now you claim that muslims practise polygamy when its permitted to marry up to 4 wives if you are able to do justice between all your wives. This doesnt mean that a person who is happy with one wife has to marry more than once.

It seems that you are caught up in innovative state of mind, maybe its part of your culture or its what you narrow mindedly believe despite the evidence saying otherwise.

 

[iqbal_soofi]

He has revealed to us 99 in the Qur'an and Sunnah so we should stick to calling Him by them, and words in any other language are simply translations.

The 99 names of Allah were not revealved for the first time in Quran. Some of these were already devised and used by Kafirs for their idols (gods) which they kept in Kaaba. They also used to name their children after their gods. For example the name 'Ali' was alrady very common in Arabs before Quran. If you go through the pages of Islamic history you may find many of these names used by kafirs. It was after the capture of Mecca that all the gods or idols in Kaaba were broken and most of their names were then attributed to Allah.

 

[iqbal_soofi]

Brother Iqbal so you were saying? Firstly you make the claim that calling upon Allah SWT by any other name than Khud-a is wrong and the 99names are an innovation added to Islam, when theres clear proof of 99 names and no proof of Khud-a.
Then you claim that anyone asking Allah SWT is seen as a beggar, you're mistaken if you think any living thing in this world is self dependant and not dependant on Allah SWT. Theres again proof that we must seek Allah SWT for anything and everything, because without His will we can do nothing.
Now you claim that muslims practise polygamy when its permitted to marry up to 4 wives if you are able to do justice between all your wives. This doesnt mean that a person who is happy with one wife has to marry more than once.

It seems that you are caught up in innovative state of mind, maybe its part of your culture or its what you narrow mindedly believe despite the evidence saying otherwise.

First of all I never said that calling Allah by any name other than Khuda is wrong. I don't know where you read this from? I always clearly said that all of Allah's names are beautiful and meaningful, but the name Khuda makes him look even greater.

Secondely I said that polygamy was an evil practice before Islam. Arabs used to burry their little duaghters alive because the infulential people had no respect for the little girls and wished to marry them. They didn't hesitate to propose for the little daughters of others sometimes even their close friends. Other people had no choice but to burry their daughters in order to avoid this kind of shameful proposals. Fortunately, these kind of evil pracitces of Arabs didn't spread to other countries where Islam was spread.

 

[chacha_jalebi]

The 99 names of Allah were not revealved for the first time in Quran. Some of these were already devised and used by Kafirs for their idols (gods) which they kept in Kaaba. They also used to name their children after their gods. For example the name 'Ali' was alrady very common in Arabs before Quran. If you go through the pages of Islamic history you may find many of these names used by kafirs. It was after the capture of Mecca that all the gods or idols in Kaaba were broken and most of their names were then attributed to Allah.

ali is a dialect of Allah (swt) thats why when Hadrat Ali (rA) was born in the kabba, RasoolAllah (saw) wanted to name him a unique name and one that was associated with god, so i dont think the name Ali was used before, but do you have any evidence broo

and which names of Allah (swt) were used by the kuffar for their idols? why would Allah (swt) wana use a name used by the idols as a name of his own? come on think about it, the pagans had loads of idols but the main 3 were manat, lat, uzza, and theres different reasons why they had these names!

the reason they had the name lat was because back back in the days, there was a good pious man who used to mix barley and some stuff to make a porridge for the pilgrims who came to do hajj, and because he mixed the porrigde together the people gav him the name al latta, which in arabic means to mix or grind, and when that person died, people start offerin the same porridge at his grave, so the quraish made a idol of him and put it in the kabaa and made the same offerins, which is blatant shirk!

so bro Allah (swt) came up with unique names for himself, why would he want to use names that were already been used for other gods, if he did then people would think he had partners, and we know Allah (swt) is one and has no partners

so just think through what ya say

 

[ABWAN]

^^^^
An urdu friend of mine once told me that the word KHUDA has both singular and plural forms. I dont know how true that is. Can you confirm this?

Regarding the practice of buring female babies, I believe you got it wrong when you said only arabs practised it. There have been hindu cultures that have been practising this for centuries and I believe even now.

your comments make me wonder what would have happened IF Quran was revealed in some hindu languauge. Hinduism being a religion of multiple gods with zillions of names for God, I believe any name for God in a Hindi(or any hindu language) Quran would have drawn similar comments. what would that prove?

The bottomline is this - Its better to avoid anything that is doubtful. I have heard some scholars say that there are so many other names for Allah that perhaps hasnt been mentioned in Quran. Since Quran is the Known word of Allah, we know that Allah prefers people to call HIM by those 99 names. *perhaps* there were other names, but arent 99 names more than enough? whats the point in coming up with something new?

 

[chacha_jalebi]

khuda means god in urdu, hindi and panjabi, and hindu have bare gods so maybe in their language it has a plural form, like khudas = more den one, but i dont think muslims use it as a plural

 

[- Qatada -]

The 99 names of Allah were not revealved for the first time in Quran. Some of these were already devised and used by Kafirs for their idols (gods) which they kept in Kaaba. They also used to name their children after their gods. For example the name 'Ali' was alrady very common in Arabs before Quran. If you go through the pages of Islamic history you may find many of these names used by kafirs. It was after the capture of Mecca that all the gods or idols in Kaaba were broken and most of their names were then attributed to Allah.

You can turn the tables around and see why these arabs had these names for themselves and their idols. For example alot of the people had the name Abdullah [worshipper/slave of Allaah] - yet they weren't muslims. Why was this?

It's because if you go back in history, the arabs are split up into two types. The Adnaanioon, and the arabs from Yemen. The Adnaanioon are the one's who came from the lineage of Prophet Isma'eel, and his father was Prophet Ibraheem. Now go anywhere in the Qur'an and see what the religion of Prophet Ibraheem was? It was islaam and whenever the name Ibraheem is mentioned - it always directly reminds you of tawheed - the Oneness of Allaah.


What i'm saying is that the first people to actually 'settle' in Makkah were Isma'eel (when he was a baby) and Hajar his mother. They were all related to Prophet Ibraheem and Ibraheem took them to that desert land because it was a trial from Allaah to show Ibraheem's dedication and sincerety. So the city of Makkah actually was a muslim city from the beginning, and the Yemeni's settled there because Hajar discovered the well of zam-zam, and this is what the Yemeni arabs were looking for. Especially since they had been in the deserts for so long.

So this means the religion of Prophet Isma'eel was the same religion as his father's, and Prophet Isma'eel as he grew up conveyed the religion of his father to the Yemeni arabs. He married into their families. So from there we see that these people were actually muslims. And this true religion carried on for a while after them.



Later on as time progressed - centuries later, there was an arab man who went to Al-Shaam [Greater Syria] and he saw people worshipping idols there. He took the idol to the Ka'aba and started telling the people that it will bring you alot of good. This is the first time shirk began from among these arabs.

There were many different idols, so Al-Laat was used instead of Allaah because Al-Laat is the feminine way of saying Allaah I think. I may be wrong so someone please correct me on that. And Al-Uzza was because of Allaah's Name - Al-Azeez [The Mighty.] Hubbal was the name of the idol the people of Al-Shaam worshipped which the man brought to the arabs.


So you see from there that these people got their names and their idol names from the original Islaam, the religion of Prophet Ibraheem and Isma'eel.


And Allaah Almighty knows best.

 

[- Qatada -]

First of all I never said that calling Allah by any name other than Khuda is wrong. I don't know where you read this from? I always clearly said that all of Allah's names are beautiful and meaningful, but the name Khuda makes him look even greater.

Allaah would have chose to name Himself that then don't you think? Please get evidence from the Qur'an or Authentic Sunnah to support your claim.

Secondely I said that polygamy was an evil practice before Islam. Arabs used to burry their little duaghters alive because the infulential people had no respect for the little girls and wished to marry them. They didn't hesitate to propose for the little daughters of others sometimes even their close friends. Other people had no choice but to burry their daughters in order to avoid this kind of shameful proposals. Fortunately, these kind of evil pracitces of Arabs didn't spread to other countries where Islam was spread.

Not before islaam, but after the true message had reached them as explained earlier. And we also know that the religion of Adam was Islaam and only around 10 centuries or 10 generations after Adam did people start commiting shirk/polytheism.

Islamically a man can marry his friend's daughter so long as it's islamically valid [i.e. she's his non mahram.] Infact the arabs wouldn't marry their daughter off to their friend if they were close friends because they felt as if they were like 'blood brothers.' This is one of the reasons why the Messenger of Allaah (peace be upon him) married Aa'isha. To show that these kind of marriages are still allowed in islaam.


People would bury their daughters alive because they thought it was a waste of money, they felt that they would waste their money and she won't be of benefit to them [in their tribalistic wars.] So they used to kill the infant girls. And as we know thats not permitted in islaam. The only reasons they wanted sons was to strengthen their clan and for honor.


Anymore questions?

 

[- Qatada -]

:salamext:


This explains abit about the first man who introduced idols, his name was 'Amr bin Luhai. There is a hadith that the Messenger of Allaah saw him walking in the hellfire with his intestines coming out.

Sahih Bukhari Volume 4, Book 56, Number 723

Narrated Said bin Al-Musaiyab:

Al-Bahira was an animal whose milk was spared for the idols and other dieties, and so nobody was allowed to milk it. As-Saiba was an animal which they (i.e infidels) used to set free in the names of their gods so that it would not be used for carrying anything. Abu Huraira said, "The Prophet said, 'I saw Amr bin 'Amir bin Luhai Al-Khuzai dragging his intestines in the (Hell) Fire, for he was the first man who started the custom of releasing animals (for the sake of false gods).' "

http://www.ishwar.com/islam/holy_hadith/book56/book56_02.html


​

There are more authentic ahadith about the Messenger of Allaah seeing him in the hellfire. We seek refuge in Allaah from that.

Religions of the Arabs

Most of the Arabs had complied with the message of Ismaa'eel (Ishmael)

and professed the religion of his father Ibraaheem (Abraham)

. They had worshipped Allaah, professed His Oneness and followed His religion for a long time, until a time came when they forgot part of what they had been reminded of. However, they still maintained fundamental beliefs like monotheism as well as various other aspects of Ibraaheem’s religion

until the time when a chief of Khuza‘a, namely ‘Amr bin Luhai introduced them to idol-worship. ‘Amr bin Luhai was renowned for his righteousness, charity and reverence for religion, and was granted unreserved love and obedience by his tribesmen. Once, on his return from a trip to Syria where he saw people worshipping idols (a phenomenon he approved of and believed to be righteous since Syria was the locus of Messengers and Scriptures), he brought with him an idol (Hubal), which he placed in the middle of Al-Ka‘bah (the Sacred House) and summoned people to worship it. Readily enough, paganism spread all over Makkah and then to Hijaaz (the region of western Saudi Arabia bordering the Red Sea). A great many idols, bearing different names, were introduced into the area.


Polytheism and worship of idols became the most prominent feature of the religion of pre-Islamic Arabs, despite the alleged profession of Ibraaheem’s religion

.


Traditions and idol-worship ceremonies had been mostly introduced by ‘Amr bin Luhai, and were deemed as 'good innovations' rather than deviations from Ibraaheem’s religion. Some features of their idol-worship were:




· Devoting themselves completely to the idols, seeking refuge with them, acclaiming their names, beseeching their help in hardship and supplicating to them for fulfillment of wishes, hoping that the idols (i.e. pagan gods) would mediate with Allaah for the fulfillment of their wishes.


·Performing pilgrimage to the idols, circumambulating around them, self-abasement and even prostrating themselves before them.


· Seeking the favor of idols through various kinds of sacrifices and immolations.


· Consecration of certain portions of food, drink, cattle and crops to idols. Surprisingly enough, portions were also consecrated to Allaah Himself, but the misguided people often found reasons to transfer parts of Allaah’s portion to idols, but never did the opposite.
It has been authentically reported that such superstitions were first invented by ‘Amr bin Luhai.


The Arabs believed that such idols or heathen gods would bring them nearer to Allaah, lead them to Him and mediate with Him for their sake, to which effect, the Quran says (what means):


"And they worship other than Allaah things that hurt them not, nor profit them, and they say: ‘These are our intercessors with Allaah.’"[Quran 10:18]


Another divinatory tradition among the Arabs was casting of Azlam (i.e. featherless arrows which were of three kinds: one showing ‘yes’, another ‘no’ and a third was blank), which they used to cast while deciding about serious matters like travel, marriage and the like. If the lot showed ‘yes’, they would go ahead, if ‘no’, they would delay the matter for the next year. Moreover, they used to have a deep conviction in the tidings of soothsayers, diviners and astrologers.


Such was the religious life in Arabia: an ignominious saga of polytheism, idolatry and superstition.




http://www.islamweb.net/ver2/archive/article.php?lang=E&id=69157




​

 

[iqbal_soofi]

:salamext:


This explains abit about the first man who introduced idols, his name was 'Amr bin Luhai. There is a hadith that the Messenger of Allaah saw him walking in the hellfire with his intestines coming out.

Sahih Bukhari Volume 4, Book 56, Number 723

Narrated Said bin Al-Musaiyab:

Al-Bahira was an animal whose milk was spared for the idols and other dieties, and so nobody was allowed to milk it. As-Saiba was an animal which they (i.e infidels) used to set free in the names of their gods so that it would not be used for carrying anything. Abu Huraira said, "The Prophet said, 'I saw Amr bin 'Amir bin Luhai Al-Khuzai dragging his intestines in the (Hell) Fire, for he was the first man who started the custom of releasing animals (for the sake of false gods).' "

http://www.ishwar.com/islam/holy_hadith/book56/book56_02.html


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There are more authentic ahadith about the Messenger of Allaah seeing him in the hellfire. We seek refuge in Allaah from that.

Religions of the Arabs

Most of the Arabs had complied with the message of Ismaa'eel (Ishmael)

and professed the religion of his father Ibraaheem (Abraham)

. They had worshipped Allaah, professed His Oneness and followed His religion for a long time, until a time came when they forgot part of what they had been reminded of. However, they still maintained fundamental beliefs like monotheism as well as various other aspects of Ibraaheem’s religion

until the time when a chief of Khuza‘a, namely ‘Amr bin Luhai introduced them to idol-worship. ‘Amr bin Luhai was renowned for his righteousness, charity and reverence for religion, and was granted unreserved love and obedience by his tribesmen. Once, on his return from a trip to Syria where he saw people worshipping idols (a phenomenon he approved of and believed to be righteous since Syria was the locus of Messengers and Scriptures), he brought with him an idol (Hubal), which he placed in the middle of Al-Ka‘bah (the Sacred House) and summoned people to worship it. Readily enough, paganism spread all over Makkah and then to Hijaaz (the region of western Saudi Arabia bordering the Red Sea). A great many idols, bearing different names, were introduced into the area.


Polytheism and worship of idols became the most prominent feature of the religion of pre-Islamic Arabs, despite the alleged profession of Ibraaheem’s religion

.


Traditions and idol-worship ceremonies had been mostly introduced by ‘Amr bin Luhai, and were deemed as 'good innovations' rather than deviations from Ibraaheem’s religion. Some features of their idol-worship were:




· Devoting themselves completely to the idols, seeking refuge with them, acclaiming their names, beseeching their help in hardship and supplicating to them for fulfillment of wishes, hoping that the idols (i.e. pagan gods) would mediate with Allaah for the fulfillment of their wishes.


·Performing pilgrimage to the idols, circumambulating around them, self-abasement and even prostrating themselves before them.


· Seeking the favor of idols through various kinds of sacrifices and immolations.


· Consecration of certain portions of food, drink, cattle and crops to idols. Surprisingly enough, portions were also consecrated to Allaah Himself, but the misguided people often found reasons to transfer parts of Allaah’s portion to idols, but never did the opposite.
It has been authentically reported that such superstitions were first invented by ‘Amr bin Luhai.


The Arabs believed that such idols or heathen gods would bring them nearer to Allaah, lead them to Him and mediate with Him for their sake, to which effect, the Quran says (what means):


"And they worship other than Allaah things that hurt them not, nor profit them, and they say: ‘These are our intercessors with Allaah.’"[Quran 10:18]


Another divinatory tradition among the Arabs was casting of Azlam (i.e. featherless arrows which were of three kinds: one showing ‘yes’, another ‘no’ and a third was blank), which they used to cast while deciding about serious matters like travel, marriage and the like. If the lot showed ‘yes’, they would go ahead, if ‘no’, they would delay the matter for the next year. Moreover, they used to have a deep conviction in the tidings of soothsayers, diviners and astrologers.


Such was the religious life in Arabia: an ignominious saga of polytheism, idolatry and superstition.




http://www.islamweb.net/ver2/archive/article.php?lang=E&id=69157




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In this way you can justify almost anything but cannot convince anyone except those who want to be convinced any way. But the point is Allah has blessed us with everything already. It's now upto us how to fulfill our rightful needs. Ssome people don't want to work properly and just want to pray and get everything by praying and begging, others work hard and trust in Allah to help them in their struggle for achievement.

 

[- Qatada -]

:salamext:


Yeah i agree, but anyone who is a believer follows the way of the companions and the Messenger's of Allaah. That's why i was hoping you would accept what i've mentioned - especially since its with proof alhamdulillah.


EDIT: Since you edit your posts. There are hadith of the Messenger of Allaah who himself said that we should 'tie the camel and then place our trust in Allaah' - so we don't simply pray to Allaah and do nothing. Rather we do all we have control over and then pray to Allaah for help. I've mentioned that earlier in the thread alhamdulillah.

So we don't go to either extremes, we don't simply just pray to Allaah without doing nothing. Nor do we just do something without leaving it upto Allaah. But instead we do all we have control over in this world and then ask Allaah Almighty for success, and help in what we do/did. That's how the true sucess is earned. And this is the way of the prophets and the righteous.

 

[iqbal_soofi]

:salamext:


Yeah i agree, but anyone who is a believer follows the way of the companions and the Messenger's of Allaah. That's why i was hoping you would accept what i've mentioned - especially since its with proof alhamdulillah.


EDIT: Since you edit your posts. There are hadith of the Messenger of Allaah who himself said that we should 'tie the camel and then place our trust in Allaah' - so we don't simply pray to Allaah and do nothing. Rather we do all we have control over and then pray to Allaah for help. I've mentioned that earlier in the thread alhamdulillah.

So we don't go to either extremes, we don't simply just pray to Allaah without doing nothing. Nor do we just do something without leaving it upto Allaah. But instead we do all we have control over in this world and then ask Allaah Almighty for success, and help in what we do/did. That's how the true sucess is earned. And this is the way of the prophets and the righteous.

We're almost on the same note. The only difference is that I believe Allah is great. He himself comes to help you if you're doing something the right way. Your point is that Allah will not come to help you without a formal request even when you're doing something the right way.

I don't mean to say that we should not pray. Praying is something different. We must pray to Allah any way, not just to seek his help. We must perform our duties and trust in Allah. He always does the best for everyone. He himself helps where He deems best, and does not need a reminder or a formal request. He is always watchful and ready.

 

[- Qatada -]

We're almost on the same note. The only difference is that I believe Allah is great. He himself comes to help you if you're doing something the right way. Your point is that Allah will not come to help you without a formal request even when you're doing something the right way.

I don't mean to say that we should not pray. Praying is something different. We must pray to Allah any way, not just to seek his help. We must perform our duties and trust in Allah. He always does the best for everyone. He himself helps where He deems best, and does not need a reminder or a formal request. He is always watchful and ready.

:salamext:


Maasha'Allaah, i agree. Allaah alot of the time helps us even though we havn't prayed to Him, but as muslims we should try to keep that constant relationship with Him and pray to Him to show our reliance on Him. Like 'Urwa ibn Al-Zubair, the son of a famous companion of the Messenger of Allaah would pray to Allaah for everything, even the salt for his meals!

So its just showing that the more we rely on Allaah, the better. Because that's showing we're less dependant on the creation. Yes - Allaah does provide for us anyway, but it is ibaadah [worship] to call out to Allaah for help and there is nothing humiliating about that.


Alhamdulillah we agree. Jazaak Allaah khayr brother. Take care.


I'm going off now.