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 What
is Islam ?
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| ISLAM means submission,
that is, submission to the will of God, the
characteristic attitude of members of our faith. MUSLIM
(also spelled Moslem) is based on the same Arabic root
as Islam (s-l-m) and means one who submits to God, that
is, a believer in Islam.
It is incorrect and objectionable to call Muslims
Muhammadans, as Muhammad is not worshipped in the way
Christians worship Christ.
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Charity in Islam
Zakat represents the unbreakable bond between members of
the community, whom prophet Mohammad described to be
"like the organs of the body, if one suffers then
all others rally in response." |
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Zakat
the 3rd Pillar of Islam |
| Muslim
Celebrations |
| Muslims have two
celebrations (Eid); namely, Eid of Sacrifice and Eid of
Fast-Breaking. The Eid of Sacrifice is in remembrance of
the sacrifice to be by Prophet Abraham of his son. The
Eid of Fast-Breaking comes at the end of the month of
fasting, Ramadan. |
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| Easter |
| Does the Easter story
actually make consistent and coherant reading? |
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Christmas
a Survival Guide
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| In every aspect of life
(school, work etc.) Christmas has been ruthlessly
exploited. What is worse is that high pressure sales
tactics have invaded the home through TV. Advertisements
are repeatedly shown day and night, for young children
this surely is a form of brainwashing. |
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 Muslim
Practices
Circumcision does not make a man a muslim, neither does
it make him a non muslim. It is only a procedure to
improve a mans cleanliness which is strongly encouraged
but not forced. Female circumcision has NO Islamic Basis
and is condemed.
You probably wondered why so much negative
information is written about this topic even though the
vast majority of North American males are circumcised
and very happy and greatful for it, and that most
parents request this procedure for their newborn sons.
Mainly in the U.S.A. Anti-circumcision groups and
organizations that have formed over the past twenty five
years. They write books, appear on talk shows, protest
outside of doctor's offices and medical establishments,
spend countless hours writing letters to politicians,
newspapers, magazines and medical groups.
So it's no big surprise that these people have also
saturated the Internet with their own, many times,
fanatical points of view containing much misinformation
regarding medical, sexual and psychological aspects of
circumcision.
Over the past ten years there have been many studies
showing advantages to this procedure which, of course,
created a major panic among anti-circumcision groups and
individuals. Now, more than ever, they are trying to
turn the world against this procedure, and any doctor or
lay person who speaks in favour of it.
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| Concept
of "God" in Islam |
| ALLAH is the Supreme
Being, the one and only God. Allah is the same God as
that worshipped by the Jews and Christians, and
Arabic-speaking Christians also use this name when
referring to God. |
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Why Do people convert to Islam?
Islam is the fastest growing religion in the world. What compels
people to overcome major obstacles (often rejection and
prejudice from family, friends and work) and become Muslims?
Was Islam spread Did Islam Spread by Force, Swords or
Guns?
Here is a good study of the question of the spread of Islam by a
Christian missionary, T. W. Arnold:
"...of any organized attempt to force the acceptance of
Islam on the non-Muslim population, or of any systematic
persecution intended to stamp out the Christian religion, we
hear nothing. Had the caliphs chosen to adopt either course of
action, they might have swept away Christianity as easily as
Ferdinand and Isabella drove Islam out of Spain, or Louis XIV
made Protestantism penal in France, or the Jews were kept out of
England for 350 years. The Eastern Churches in Asia were
entirely cut off from communion with the rest of Christiandom
throughout which no one would have been found to lift a finger
on their behalf, as heretical communions. So that the very
survival of these Churches to the present day is a strong proof
of the generally tolerant attitude of Mohammedan [sic]
governments towards them" .
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Arnold, Sir Thomas W. THE PREACHING OF
ISLAM, A HISTORY OF THE PROPAGATION OF THE MUSLIM FAITH,
Westminister A. Constable & Co., London, 1896, p.
80. |
Islam does not teach, nor do Muslims desire, conversion of any
people for fear, greed, marriage or any other form of coercion.
In conclusion, jihad in Islam is STRIVING IN THE WAY OF ALLAH
by pen, tongue, hand, media and, if inevitable, with arms.
However, jihad in Islam does not include striving for individual
or national power, dominance, glory, wealth, prestige or pride.
What
do Muslims Believe?
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Current
Issues in Islam
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Banking
and Interest
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Responding to Lies, Innuendoes and Slander
Death
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Key to Terms used, a guide to Muslim Jargon
In order to understand Islam it is necessary to know the meaning
of certain key terms and the identity of some proper names. Most
of them are in the Arabic language, and there is often no
equivalent in English or in other tongues.
| The
War System In Islam |
War is an armed conflict
between nations or states, in which one side willfully
ventures on hostilities and forces others to take part
in them. It is often an excuse which countries employ to
achieve political, economic or territorial gains.
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[The introduction was writtin by Ahmed
Hashem]Based largely on: a. "The Spirit
of Islam: Doctrine & Teachings" by Afif
A. Tabbarah, translated into English by Hasan T.
Shoucair; Sole Distributors: Dar El-Ilm
Lilmalayin, Beirut, Lebanon, PO Box 1085, Telex
23166 LE;
b. and, to a lesser extent on
"Islam on Trial" by Shawki Abu Khalil,
translated into English by Farouk Akbik; Dar El-Fikr
El-Mouaser, Beirut, Lebanon, PO Box 136064,
Telex 44316 LE]
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| Muslim
Names |
| The Prophet Muhammad
(SAW) recommended that Muslims should be selective in
the names of their children as part of the identity of a
Muslim. He recommended that the most beautiful names are
those which give servitude or praise to Allah.
Combinations of various names is a matter of personal
liking and choice. Names of Allah should never be used
alone. These should always be preceded by Abdul or
should be combined with another name in such a way that
the final name does not remain a specific attribute of
Allah.
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What
is Jihad?
An Arabic word the root of which is Jahada, which means to
strive for a better way of life. The nouns are Juhd, Mujahid,
Jihad, and Ijtihad. The other meanings are: endeavor, strain,
exertion, effort, diligence, fighting to defend one's life,
land, and religion.
This word has been in frequent use in the Western press over
the past several years, explained directly or subtlely, to mean
holy war. As a matter of fact the term "holy war" was
coined in Europe during the Crusades, meaning the war against
Muslims. It does not have a direct counterpart in Islamic
glossary, and Jihad is certainly not its translation.
| Marriage |
| Marriage is a bond
containing rights and duties that each person, male or
female, should preserve, protect and fulfill. Both the
husband and wife, have certain rights and duties. |
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Birth |
| Muslim believe that
people are born free of sin. It is only after they reach
the age of puberty and it is only after they commit sins
that they are to be charged for their mistakes. No one
is responsible for or can take the responsibility for
the sins of others. However, the door of forgiveness
through true repentance is always open. |
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Stereotypes and Misconceptions
In the past, when so many attacks were launched against Islam
under an open and unabashed crusader flag, various popes used to
encourage some fanatics to write booklets containing lies
against Islam, distorting the message and reviling the religion.
Many of the strongest stereotypes are from this era.
After the church withdrew from this activity, the number of
these attacks was obviously reduced. Yet they did not stop
altogether. They took another form under a different banner, the
pretext of freedom of expression. Only the approach has changed.
It is a fact that Islam receives a most Hostile media coverage.
It is not difficult to see that Muslim's are being stereotyped
as a threat to the "New World Order".
The following articles are a starting point in clearing some
of the nonsense.
A look at
Islam By Jay Kinney the editor of "GNOSIS MAGAZINE".
He look at Islam as an observer and explores Islam as an
entity and how it's viewed. Islam
As Other
A look at
the news media and some examples of how muslims are treated
unfairly. Also a look at the history to explain why Islam is
feared and misinterpreted. Perception
of Islam
Jihad
means struggling or striving and applies to any effort exerted
by anyone. The term strive or struggle may be used for/by
Muslims as well as non-Muslims. Unfortunately this word has
been perverted by the mass Media to Mean "Holy War".
One only has to mention it and one is called a extremist or
terrorist. [GOTO Jihad] to read
articles explaining what Muslim's understand by this term.
"No
other religion in history spread so rapidly as Islam... The
West has widely believed that this surge of religion was made
possible by the sword. But no modern scholar accepts that
idea, and the Quran is explicit in support of the freedom
conscience." ISLAM - THE MISUNDERSTOOD RELIGION, READERS'
DIGEST (American Edition) May 1955. [GOTO
Why People Convert to Islam] which contains articles from
converts and show the 'Sword of Islam' FORCING people to
accept Islam to be a Myth.
The Media
has shown Islam as oppressing women, making them invisible,
anonymous and voiceless. It implies that women were entirely
submerged into a role as wife and mother. If you believe this
then it may come as a surprise to learn that the majority of
converts to Islam are WOMEN. If you want to hear the all the
FACTS then [GOTO Women in Islam].
The
Satanic Verses has brought infamy to Salman Rushdie and has
given the media a feel day in exploiting Islam. If you really
want to know why Muslims feel angred by this book and there
response [GOTO Responding] and get
some ANSWERS.
Many
actually believe that Muhammad is the only Messenger that
Muslims accept and that Jesus and other prophets of the Old
Testament are not believed in or belittled in some way.
Nothing can be further from the truth. Muslims believe, that
Jesus was one of the mightiest messengers of GOD, and
hold him in very high esteem. [GOTO
Prophethood in Islam] if you want to find out what Islam
has to say about the sayings and teachings of Prophets,
including Jesus and Muhammad.
Many
people ask why the term "Allah" is used instead of
"God" and assume it's use implies that Muslims
worship a separate God. There is only ONE GOD - a belief held
by followers of each of the three main world religions :
Islam, Christianity and Judaism. [GOTO
Concept of "God"] to read why Muslims use
"Allah" and there concept of "GOD".
Many
equate Islam and Muslims to mean Arabs. Muslims may be any
nationality. An Arab could be a Muslim, a Christian, a Jew or
an atheist. Arabs constitute only about twenty percent of the
Muslim population. [GOTO What is Islam?]
to find out what Islam means.
Halal and Haram
Miscellaneous Articles
Muslim History
Prophethood in Islam
Allah created man for a noble purpose: to worship Him and lead a
virtuous life based on His teachings and guidance. How would man
know his role and purpose of his existence unless he received
clear and practical instructions of what Allah wants him to do?
Here comes the need for prophethood. Thus Allah had chosen from
every nation a prophet or more to covey His Message to people.
The Prophet Jesus (PBUH) We urge you to consult your
own Bible and verify that the following conclusions are not
drawn out of context:
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), He was the last of a line of
prophets.
Caliph
(Leader)
From Arabic Khalifa, means deputy or successor and is the title
of the theoretical leader of Islam. The caliphate is now vacant
in Sunni Islam. The Shi'ite sects have complicated beliefs
concerning it.
Law and the State
Islam is a comprehensive system influencing all aspects of life,
individual as well as communal.
| Islams
Answers to 21st Century Dilemma's & Problems |
| I leave behind me two
things, the QURAN and my SUNNAH and if you follow these
you will never go astray.
All those who listen to me shall pass on my words to
others and those to others again; and may the last ones
understand my words better than those who listen to me
directly. Be my witness O ALLAH, that I have conveyed
your message to your people." (Final sentences
of Prophets Muhammad (saw) Last sermon )
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The Holy Scriptures
Women in Islam
| At a time when Islam is
faced with hostile media coverage particularly where the
status of women in Islam is concerned, it may be quite
surprising to learn that the majority of converts to
Islam are WOMEN
The Muslim woman was given a role, duties and rights
1400 years ago that most women do not enjoy today, even
in the West. These are designed to keep balance in
society; what may seem unjust or missing in one place is
compensated for or explained in another place.
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Worship in Islam
Worship is everything one says or does for the pleasure of
Allah. This, of course, includes rituals as well as beliefs,
social activities, and personal contributions to the welfare of
one's fellow human-beings.
Ritual worship, elevates one morally and spiritually and
enables you to carry out activities in all walks of life
according to the Guidance of God. The ritual prayer, in Arabic
Salah, means supplication. It is also derived from the word
"silah" which means link. Indeed the prayer is a real
link between the human being and his Lord, and is full of
supplication to the Lord from its beginning to its end. Salah
provides a chance of direct communion with the Creator five
times a day, wherein man renews his covenant with God and seeks
guidance again and again: "You alone we worship and to You
alone we turn for help. Guide us to the straight path."
(1:5,6)
Innovation
Bid'at (innovation) is something that has no Islamic basis. A
thing which is not proved from the Holy Quran and Hadith, as in
practice at the time of the Holy Prophet, his companions, but is
now done as religious duty.
The Prophet (saw) has condemned one who indulges in
innovation and called them "destroyer of the
religion".
Shirk
It is to attribute Allah's qualities to someone else. This is
called Shirk because Allah's qualities are unequaled by any of
His creatures, be they angels, prophets, Auliya, martyrs, Imam
or other devoted person. Their qualities cannot match that of
Allah.
Abuse of the word "Islam"
The Quran and Sunnah are the only two sources for the essential
beliefs of those people who call themselves Muslims. This
following groups insist on misusing the names of
"Islam" and "Muslim" either intentionally or
in ignorance. In these pages, they show how many
"religious" groups around the world who use the name
of Islam are in fact clearly and absolutely in violation of the
principles contained in the Quran and Sunnah.
- Sorted Documents
Biblical Criticisms Page (with
Christian Responses)
Male Circumcision
The origins of Santa Claus and
Christmas
Any one out there willing to help?
If you are knowledgeable in Islam, know of someone who is or you
can source documents please email me. We require Urgent Help.
Some idea's of articles required :
- Celebrating Birthdays should it be discouraged ?
- Circumcision, why do it and what is it?
- Halal and Haram, why do it and what is it?
- Muslim Names, the need for them and what are they?
Plus any other articles that you may have found beneficial.
Aims of this page
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The aims of this page are to provide accurate
information about Islamic Beliefs, history and
civilization for Muslims and Non-Muslims. We would like
to extend our hand in friendship to ALL (Muslims,
Christians, Jews, Hindus, Sikhs etc). We would also like
to invite everyone to spare a few moments of their life
and read.
While we as Muslims believe that the entire Qur'an is
the word of God and we would like every one to accept it
as such, God Himself has given the freedom of religion
which we respect. With that in mind, all we hope is that
non-Muslims will at least enlighten themselves by
knowing what Islam is. We hope that Muslims, Christians
and Jews will find ways to work together to bring peace
on earth by eradicating immorality, fear, hate, disease,
poverty and injustice. We hope that the following
articles will be useful in understanding basics of
Islam.
There is also a message for Muslims living as a
minority in a non-Muslim country. We hope you the find
time to go back to the Qur'an and the Sunnah of the
Prophet (peace be on him) and the Sahabah (may Allah be
pleased with them).
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Credits
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All credit is due to Allah , we praise Him and we
seek his help and ask His forgiveness. We seek refuge
with Allah from the evil of ourselves and from the evil
results of our actions. I testify that Allah alone is
worthy of worship and that Muhammad is His slave and
final Messenger. May Allah's salawaat (peace and
blessings) be upon the last and final messenger
Muhammad, his family and his followers. Ameen! |
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