A Response from the Muslim American Society Freedom Foundation


By Ibrahim Ramey


To the surprise of virtually no one, President Bush announced on January 10th his plan to deploy 21,500 more U.S. combat troops to Iraq, in yet another escalation of the United States war. These troops will be supplemented by 10,000 to 20,000 more U.S. military advisors to be "embedded" within Iraqi security forces.


The new Bush "plan" proposes to provide economic assistance for provincial economic reconstruction in Iraq (to the tune of $414 million) and some $750 million earmarked for a "quick response" fund and for field commanders to solve "local problems." In military terms, it calls for these 21,500 troops to defeat the Iraqi insurgency-first in Baghdad, and then in the Anbar Province-while bolstering the government of Prime Minister Nouri Al-Maliki and further isolating both Syria and Iran as havens for anti-American insurgents.


This announcement, despite clear popular opposition to the war and the electoral defeat of both House and Senate Republicans last November, effectively draws a line in the sand between the advocates of this increasingly unpopular war, and the great majority of people in the United States who want to end it. In fact, every opinion poll indicates an overwhelming popular American opposition to the current war and the demand to establish a timeline for the withdrawal of American forces from Iraq.


Leaders from both major political parties continue to oppose the war. U.S. military commanders on the ground in Iraq have also expressed grave reservations about the effectiveness of deploying additional American troops in the face of growing sectarian violence, civilian casualties, and civil war. The Iraq Study Group report, released in November 2006, gave a detailed analysis of the failed war policy that has resulted in more than 3,000 U.S. combat deaths, thousands more casualties, and untold hundreds of thousands of Iraqi deaths over the course of the last 46 months.


But none of the moral arguments, the legal arguments, or even the empirical realities on the ground in Iraq, were able to persuade Bush and company to end the U.S. war.


Because imperial hubris, not sober analysis, apparently motivates the war lords in Washington, and the legion of private contractors and public corporations that feed on our war tax dollars.


But this bravado, in the face of the clear failure to either "pacify" Iraq or address the horror of civil war in that nation, will only, in the most likely scenario, further inflame popular Iraqi sentiment against the U.S. occupation and set the stage for increased violence in Iraq, and possibly in neighboring countries. It may also serve as a stimulus for even more vehement anti-occupation violence directed against U.S. forces.


It is worth noting that while President Bush acknowledged the "mistakes" of his Iraq policies to date, there was no mention of the much bigger, original mistake of the invasion of March 2003 itself. There was also no recognition of the enormous cost of the war in both resources ($400 billion and counting), and the toll it is taking on the lives of U.S. service people-both those who are deployed, and those who return home with the scars of physical and psychological wounds.


And, as always, the enormous cost of the war to the people of Iraq, both combatants and civilians, was never considered at all by those forces who seek to expand the conflict.


We believe that the continuation of the U.S. war in Iraq is an affront to the significant majority of people in America who demand that the war be brought to an end. This was the resounding message delivered last November to the Republican majority in both the House and the Senate. It has been the consistent message of advocates for peace and reconciliation in Iraq since the Gulf War of 1991.


Democrats in the House and the Senate may equivocate about how to respond to the Bush plan for escalating the war. They may argue over whether to try to cut off funding for expanded U.S. military operations in Iraq.


But we are convinced that the only way to address the tragic "mistake" of the Iraq war is to end the war itself, and bring the troops home. Period.


The weak and sectarian government of Mr. Prime Minister Al-Maliki won't be able to end the internecine warfare between rival religious and ethnic communities in Iraq. Only the Iraqi people themselves will be able to accomplish that task. And the prospects for ending the internal violence will be made easier, not more difficult, when the invading U.S. military leaves the country.


The imperial hubris of Bush and company is a plan for even greater levels of violence and destruction in Iraq. It is a failed, old plan camouflaged in new rhetoric. And it must be confronted by increased mass opposition to the war, and our demand that the elected officials who were swept into office on a tide of resistance be held accountable for standing up to an administration that refuses to bow to the democratic will of the people.


We reiterate our opposition to the U.S. war in Iraq. It was launched on false pretenses, and for strategic reasons that had nothing to do with bringing "democracy" to Iraq, or freedom to its people.


War has broken Iraq, but war will not restore that nation. We must not allow the Bush administration to send more U.S. troops to Iraq, or increase the intensity of the war.


The people of the United States, and the world, must end it.


Ibrahim Abdil-Mu'id Ramey


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


Ibrahim Ramey, the author, is the Director of the Human and Civil Rights Division of the Muslim American Society Freedom Foundation. He has traveled to Iraq on two occasions (in 1998 and 2000) as is one of the founding members of the humanitarian Campaign of Conscience for the Iraq People, which openly challenged the sanctions against Iraq.


Ramey, in addition to having lectured at numerous U.S. universities on the issue of the Iraq war, served as a member of the U.S. Tribunal on Iraq, which investigated violations of international law committed by U.S. military forces during the initial months of the 2003 invasion of Iraq.

ok with the latest comments made by hilali whats the prediction on the time frame for his so called health problems arising again?


1. he finds out about the controversy in egypt where he "suddenly has another turn"


2. upon touching down to a media scramble he will collapse at the airport and pull out the ol oxygen mask when he realises in trouble


3. he will wait till hes home before performing his dying swan act to drum up sympathy


4. he will wait till nearer when the Australian Islamic council votes on wether to get rid of him and then lay it on thick about his health problems.


5. he will take responsibility for his comments and acknowledge hes embarresed his community and will apologise to them and the Australian public for his comments without trying to con every one with his so called health problems.


voting closes when he touches down in Oz or decides hes not comming back


Bookies


1. 20-1 odds


2. 5-1 odds


3. 8-1 odds


4. 25-1 odds


5. 100000000000000000000-1 odds

Yes, British infidels, you’re expected to bend and scrape at the arrogant and bellicose demands of those who openly revile your existence and who plan your demise. So pony up the jizya and subsidize a “special” medical entitlement to those adherents of a “special” religious faith. After all, they're entitled. Muslims 'should get special health care'

Quote:Muslims should be provided with faithbased services - including male circumcision - on the NHS, says one healthcare expert.
Professor Aziz Sheikh is also calling for women patients to see same-sex medics, better access to prayer facilities in hospitals and more information so Muslims can avoid alcohol and pig-derived drugs.


Writing in the British Medical Journal, the University of Edinburgh professor also claims Muslims should be given health advice on attempting the Hajj pilgrimage-to Mecca which he insisted was a "religious obligation and not a holiday".


The BMJ contrasts his opinions with those of Professor Aneez Esmail, of Manchester University, who says in another article that <b>it would not be practical to meet everyone's demands for special services based on religious identity</b>.


He warned some faith groups might support practices which may be unacceptable to the majority - such as female circumcision [<i>well yeah, but who are we to question their “religious and cultural norms” –ed</i>] and the refusal to accept blood transfusions.

Hey Aussies, how do you like the multicultural tolerance of your guests, now? Take a look at what passes for gratitude from the very people you have opened your homes to. The leader of the Australian Muslim community (and remember we’ve heard from this character before), expresses some not so conciliatory terms of endearment towards members of the very nation he darkens with his vile message of hate
.

Quote:Hilali emerges to deride 'nation of convicts'
By Richard Kerbaj


January 12, 2007 01:00am


SHEIK Taj al-Din al-Hilali has ridiculed his adopted country on Egyptian television, dismissing the furore over his insults to women and defence of gang rapists while claiming Muslims had more right to live in Australia than the descendants of convicts.


"The Western people are the biggest liars and oppressors and especially the English race," the Mufti of Australia said in Arabic during the extensive interview in Eqypt, his birthplace. "The Anglo-Saxons who arrived in Australia arrived in shackles. We paid for passports from our own pockets. We have a right in Australia more than they have."


Having last year suggested victims should share the blame for being sexually assaulted, Sheik Hilaly used the interview to blame the September 11 attacks on the US for influencing lengthy sentences given to Sydney's notorious Lebanese Muslim gang rapists.


"Up until then the worst crime in Australia had received seven years' jail," he said.


He told the two interviewers during the wide-ranging discussion that his time in Australia since the early 1980s had given him a great insight into the Australian way of life and the Western mentality, which he labelled "oppressive".


But then, referring to gay unions, Sheik Hilaly said: "I understand the mentality of the West and especially the Australian mentality and I understand that the Australian law guarantees freedoms to the point of insanity."

Quote:"Their values [Australia's] are upside down. They have no democracy, no freedom. They are the worst liars and unjust people," the sheik said in the Arabic-language interview.
Alhilali also defended the Muslim men convicted of Sydney's gang rapes, a position that has caused controversy in the past.


"They arranged to meet in a public park at 2 or 3 am in the morning, and it (the sex) was agreed on," he said.


Alhilali also poured scorn on Australia's convict history and seemed to suggest Muslims were in Australia long before the British settled here in 1788.


"Australia is no longer Anglo-Saxon. We've been in Australia longer than them. Islam is deep rooted in the Australian soil. Islam was here before the English fleet."

:D :assalam: I am bit lost and rather confuse so i would like to get this right ,


when you perform Isha salat can you avoid praying First Four Rakat Sunnat Ghair Mokadda and three rakat wajib.


how should you preform Isha salat


once again i am getting confuse messages so i need to clarify which mansum are you following ie Hanfiy or shaify


can you quote where you are getting your information from.


:lailahaillallah:

Little Secret Steps Toward Islam


An American Woman Chooses Her Path


By Julianne Scasny


My name is Julianne (Noora) Scasny. I was born in the United States to a mother who is Syrian (Arab) Christian and a father who is white European descent. Both are Catholic. When I was 15 years old I wanted to be a nun in the Roman Catholic church. So I was close in relationship to God — or so I thought — and never really had this so-called personal relationship with Jesus (peace be upon him).


Anyway, in my world history class we were studying Middle Eastern history, which I was very interested in, and we stumbled on the subject of Islam. There was a student from Egypt and he was correcting the teacher on the misconceptions about Islam. I just remember saying to myself, "Wow! he is correcting the teacher. Usually the teacher corrects the student!" After that day in class I asked him what was the difference between Catholicism and Islam. He said, "Not that much." I was not satisfied with this answer, so I studied Islam on the computer at school. He introduced me to his family and one day I asked his mother if I could have a copy of the Qur'an in English.


Al-hamdu lillah (all praise to God), she gave me an English translation by Yusuf Ali, and I couldn't put it down. To me, when I read the Bible, it seemed like there was always some meaning behind what was being read because the words had been changed, but the Qur'an spoke to my heart and I knew it was from Allah. So I became a Muslim in my heart, al-hamdu lillah.


When my parents found out I was interested in Islam, they tried to forbid me from befriending Muslims. My mom called the lady who gave me the translation of the Qur'an and told her, "Stop talking to my daughter about Islam, you are confusing her." I remember my first `Eid Al-Fitr (Feast of Breaking the Fast), I told my dad I had to work as an excuse to go to `Eid Prayer. Well, he ended up finding out that I went to the masjid. There was not one located near my home and I couldn't drive, so I got a ride from my Muslim Pakistani friends. That was the first time I saw the Muslims all together performing the same ritual. Anyway, my dad brought me to my friend's house and told her mom that he didn't want her to give or lend me any more literature about Islam. She was very respectful and said, "I won't, but when she is in my home she is free to read whatever she wants."


Afterwards my mom made me go talk to the priest of the Catholic church to talk about Islam and the dream I had. My dad started to search my room every so often and took my copy of the Qur'an, prayer clothing, literature, and threw them out. I used to cry so much because of this. I even had to hide my Qur'an in the air-conditioning vent! My dad took the lock off my door, so I had to pray in secret when my parents were sleeping. It was so hard. My dad used to tell me, "As long as you are living under my roof you will obey my rules and you will go to church and be Catholic." I didn't know what to do. I asked my friend's parents what to do and they told me listen to my parents. Well, I did and for the next four years my life was a total disaster.


Four years later at the age of 20, I called the lady who had given me the Qur'an to ask about the new masjid that was being built. She told me, "Come and see for your self." Well, ironically this masjid was in a building that was used originally as a teenage nightclub! And my own sister previously was arrested for being drunk. Subhan Allah (glory be to Allah)! So I went to the dinner at the masjid and that feeling all came back to me.


The power of the Adhan brought me to tears. I told myself, "I don't care what my parents say. I don't care what anyone says! I want this feeling. I want to be a practicing devout Muslim! I am sick of trying to do things my way! I submit to the will of Allah Almighty." Al-hamdu lillah, that Ramadan I made Shahadah in the back of the masjid in front of a group of women because the imam was afraid of what my parents would do if I made Shahadah out loud in front of everyone. I started wearing hijab that Ramadan.


My parents to this day will not stop telling me "Take that thing off your head! Can't you dress younger or wear shorts?" I just tell them "Look at the pictures your people paint of Mary. What does she look like in those pictures? She looks like a Muslim woman!" My own grandparents told me to go to hell! My mom used to cook pork and lie and say it was beef! I would ask my dad "Please don't take the dog downstairs where I pray" — I was living in the basement of my parents' house — and he would say "This is my house" and he would do it anyway. Then I desperately argued with him "You don't bring the dog to church, do you?"


My mom would force me to get a job while I was in college, even in places where they serve alcohol. I used to beg the people at the masjid for money, crying my eyes out for help to Allah. Al-hamdu lilah, Allah is so Merciful, He gave me a husband and I got married at age 21. And now a little over a year later at the age of 22 I'm pregnant with my first baby. Of course my family keeps bothering me about Islam, but I'm so grateful to Allah. I try to give my parents da`wah all the time and pray for them, but Allah guides whom He wills.


I just sit here sometimes and look at the Muslims and think how you people don't really know what it is like to have parents who don't believe in your religion. I just look at some Muslims and become sick because I wish my parents were with me, but then again Muslims are my family now.


Muslims should be united as one in the constant worship of Allah, in sha' Allah (Allah willing) through prayer, dhikr, reading Qur'an, good manners, and not fighting among themselves. May Allah strengthen the faith and piety and fear of Allah and good manners of every single Muslim.

What is the Islamic goal behind our relationship with Non-Muslims?


It is, “To convey the message of Islam to all people, to deliver it freely, to insure the freedom of religious beliefs, and to establish justice on earth within the system of Islam.”


This goal is a divine obligation prescribed by Allah (S.W.T) upon us. He (S.W.T.) holds this Ummah responsible and accountable for establishing these goals. Allah (S.W.T) said in surat Al-Baqarah, what can be translated as, "Thus We have made you (Muslims), a just (and the best) nation, that you be witnesses over mankind, and the Messenger (Muhammad) be a witness over you…”(Verse 143)


Allah (S.W.T.) also honored this Ummah when He made it the best Ummah to rise to perform this obligation. Allah (S.W.T) said in surat Al-Imran, what can be translated as, "You (Muslims) are the best of peoples ever raised up for mankind, you enjoining what is good (Al-Ma'roof) and forbidding what is evil (Al-Munkar), and you believe in Allah…”(Verse 110)


Each relationship with Non-Muslims, whether they are on the personal or state level, should be to achieve this goal. Islam orders us to strengthen this relationship with Non-Muslims and to eliminate anything that will weaken or make it harder to achieve this goal.


The life of the prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) and the lives of his companions are full of great examples that promote good relationships with Non-Muslims. Islamic history is full of evidence that shows that Muslims have maintained good relations with Non-Muslims for many centuries. Because these Muslims dealt with others in good manners, they were able to conquer nations and lands. Muslims did not overcome these nations with the strength of weapons and large armies. Some lands were conquered without a single soldier—in fact, they were conquered by Muslim merchants who carried goods and good manners. These manners opened the minds and hearts of the people who came into Islam by the masses. Because of the good manners of these merchants, today we witness the largest Muslim populations in Indonesia and Malaysia.


Peace, tolerance, compassion, and good relationships are the normal, and original state between Muslims and Non-Muslims. Islam promotes and protects this good relationship. Animosity and war are exceptions to this original state, when these exceptions do not exist, then we should return to the original peaceful state.


Allah (S.W.T) said in surat Al-Mumtahinah, what can be translated as, "Allah does not forbid you (Muslims) to deal justly and kindly with those who have not fought against you in accounts of your religion and who do not drive you out from your homes. Verily, Allah loves those who deal with equity.” (Verse 8)


This great verse clearly states the normal and original state for a good relationship between Muslims and Non-Muslims. Allah (S.W.T.) did not prevent us (Muslims) from establishing good relationships with Non-Muslims. He clearly says that our relationships with Non-Muslims should be based on the best morals and justice with those who declared peace upon us and did not fight us.


The Noble Quran uses the word, “Bir,” which is typically used to describe the highest relationship one could have with parents. The Quran also uses “Bir” to describe the type of relationship we should have with Non-Muslims. “Bir” includes all the good things that a relationship should have, and excludes all the bad aspects of a relationship. For that reason, Muslim scholars said that “Bir” is the foundation of the relationship between Muslims and Non-Muslims.


This verse was revealed after the story of Asma’ and her mother. Imams Bukhari, Muslim and Ahmad reported that Asma’ the daughter of Abu Bakr (R.A.) said: “My mother came to me while she was still a polytheist, so I asked Allah’s Messenger (S.A.W.), “My mother, who is ill-disposed to Islam, has come to visit me. She wants something from me. Shall I maintain relations with her?” He (S.A.W.) replied, “Yes, maintain relations with your mother.”


After Imam At-Tabari mentioned various opinions for the explanations of this verse, his final conclusion was that: “The most correct opinion in understanding this verse is that Muslims should be just, fair, and have the best relationship with all Non-Muslims who ‘do not fight against us on account of our religion and do not drive us out of our homes.’ This includes people of all faiths and sects and the support of this correct opinion came from the story of Asma’ with her mother.”


Sayyid Qutb also attempts to explain this verse, saying that:


“Islam is a Deen of peace and a conviction of love. It is a system that has compassion to all people. It gathers all people (Muslim and Non-Muslim) under the banner of Allah like brethren in accord and love. There is no obstacle that prevents this from happening except an aggression from its enemies against it and its people. If those enemies show peace, Islam does not want animosity or to start it. Even when the enemies still show animosity, Islam always looks for ways to bring the relationship to normalcy through great conduct and justice.”


He continues: “Islam allows Muslims to seek accord and love with Non-Muslims who did not fight them for their religion and expel them from their lands.”


He continues: “Islam makes peace as the normal relationship between Muslims and Non-Muslims. This relationship is not distracted except with an aggression that must be dealt with, a breaching of truce, an obstacle in the face of delivering the message of Islam, shackling the freedom of religion. Other than that, the relationship is a relationship of peace, love, justice for all people.” {In the Shade of Al-Qur’an, 6:3544.}


From all that we have just heard, we should understand that the normal relationship between Muslims and Non-Muslims should be based on the best morality and justice, except with the exceptions mentioned. If we fail to establish this relationship, then we are committing aggression and injustice, and Allah (S.W.T.) does not love transgressors and unjust people.


There are many things that we can do to establish tolerance, compassion, and justice in relationships with Non-Muslims.


• Greeting, handshaking, hugging, and exchanging visits with them in their homes and places of worship. Also, welcoming them in our homes and our mosques.


• Accepting their invitation, offering them a meal.


• Offering congratulations in happy occasions like weddings, having a newborn, and etc…


• Exchanging gifts with them, but not giving them gifts during their holidays.


• Tashmeetu Al-Ates: If a non-Muslim sneezes and says, “Allah be praised” Then we should say, “May Allah guide you and make you in a good condition.”


• Visiting their sick people, and asking Allah (S.W.T.) for their recovery and their guidance.


• Offering condolences when they are struck by any disaster, tragedy, or death. But, do not ask for Allah’s mercy on their death.


• Collaborating with them in all good things.


We must also pay attention to the following when we deal with Non-Muslims:


• We must not be pleased with their disbelief.


• We must not give them support against a Muslim when that is done unjustly.


• We must not imitate them in their rituals, or in what is considered specifically from their own characteristics like clothing, hairdos, etc…


• We must not congratulate them on their holidays or their rituals with any statements that may give acceptance to their practices. Other statements are permissible.


• We must not participate or give them gifts on their holidays.


• We must not attend any event where there is blasphemy against Allah (S.W.T.) and His verses.


If we keep these things in mind in our relations with Non-Muslims then we reflect a brighter picture of Islam and Muslims. This is the key to giving successful dawah.

Tolerance, Respect and Safeguard for Non-Muslims


The following excerpts are mostly from Dr. Ahmad Sakr's book, "Muslims and Non-Muslims, Face to Face" (isbn: 091119-31-9).


A deputation from the Christians of Najran (Yemen) came to see Prophet Muhammad (peace be on him) in Madina. They came into the Prophet's Mosque (Masjid Nabawi) as he prayed the afternoon prayer. The time of prayers of Christians having come, they stood and prayed in the Prophet's Mosque, and the Prophet said that they were to be left to do so. (See The Life of Muhammad by A. Guillaume).


During the life of Prophet Muhammad, the Jews in Madina had a synagogue and an educational institute, Bait-Al-Midras. The Prophet preserved the institute and gave protection to the Jews.


The Prophet respected the autonomy of the Christian churches. The nomination and the appointment of bishops and priests was left to the Christian community itself.


Prophet Muhammad promoted cooperation between Muslims and Christians in the political arena as well. He selected a non-Muslim, 'Amr-ibn Umaiyah-ad-Damri, as an ambassador to Negus, the King of Ethiopia.


The Prophet sent a message to the monks of Saint Catherine in Mount Sinai:


"This is a message written by Muhammad ibn Abdullah, as a covenant to those who adopt Christianity, far and near, we are behind them. Verily, I defend them by myself, the servants, the helpers, and my followers, because Christians are my citizens; and by Allah! I hold out against anything that displeases them. No compulsion is to be on them. Neither are their judges to be changed from their jobs, nor their monks from their monasteries. No one is to destroy a house of their religion, to damage it, or to carry anything from it to the Muslims' houses. Should anyone take any of these, he would spoil God's covenant and disobey His Prophet. Verily, they (Christians) are my allies and have my secure charter against all that they hate. No one is to force them to travel or to oblige them to fight. The Muslims are to fight for them. If a female Christian is married to a Muslim, this is not to take place without her own wish. She is not to be prevented from going to her church to pray. Their churches are to be respected. They are neither to be prevented from repairing them nor the sacredness of their covenants. No one of the nation is to disobey this covenant till the Day of Judgment and the end of the world."

Abraham, Moses and Jesus: Three Beloved Prophets of Islam


By Fayzah H. Mughal


Yes, Islam does accept Abraham, Moses and Jesus, giving them the Arabic names of ‘Ibrahim,’ ‘Musa,’ and ‘Isa’ respectively. They are often mentioned in the Qur’an, the Holy Book of Islam, always with great respect. The Qur’an gives them the status of Prophethood, differing from the Jewish view of Moses as an important historical figure, and Christianity’s view of Jesus as the ‘Son of God.’


Prophet Abraham/Ibrahim is considered the first ‘Muslim,’ which literally means ‘One who submits his soul to God and God alone.’ He was born into a family of polytheists who were leaders in their religion to worship various statues of gods. When he realized there was only one true God, and that what his parents worshipped were useless idols, he tried to tell his father. In the Qur’an, it is stated that he pleaded to his father: "O my father! Why do you worship what neither hears, nor sees, nor does it avail you in the least?" (19:42) After such pleading, his father rejected him angrily for defying the old beliefs. Yet Abraham still said in Chapter 19, Surah Mary/Maryam, verse 47: "Peace be upon you: I will pray to my Lord to forgive you: Surely He is ever Affectionate." The Qur’an says of Prophet Abraham: "When he had turned away from them and from those who worshipped besides God, We bestowed on him Isaac and Jacob, and each one of them We made a prophet, and We granted them of Our Mercy, and We (left behind them) a truthful mention of eminence for them." (19:49-50) Isaac was his second son and Jacob his grandson, who would carry Abraham’s traditions to become the ‘Children of Israel’ or the Israelites, forming Judaism.


Abraham’s first son was Ismail. "Also mention Ismail in the Book: Surely he was truthful to (his) promise, And he was a messenger (and) a prophet. And he enjoined on his people worship and almsgiving, and was acceptable in the sight of his Lord." (19:54-55) Ultimately, the Prophets Moses, Jesus and lastly Muhammad, (peace be upon them), came from Prophet Abraham. "Also mention in the Book (The story of) Moses: For he was specially chosen, and he was an apostle (and) prophet. And We called him from the right side of Mount (Sinai), and made him draw near to Us, for Mystic (converse). And out of Mercy we gave him his brother Aaron, (also) a prophet." (19:51-53) Like in the Torah, the Qur’an includes the parting of the Red Sea (20:77, 26:63) and the forty night Moses spent on Mt. Sinai. (2:51, 7:42)


Surah Maryam/Mary mentions Mary and Jesus peace be upon them. When an Angel in the form of a man come to Mary, she feared for her chastity, but those fears were put aside when he said "Nay, I am only a messenger from the Lord (to announce) to thee the gift of a holy son." Then she said "How shall I have a son, seeing that no man has touched me and I am not unchaste." The Angel replied, "...Even so; Your Lord Says, "That is Easy to Me: and that way we make him a sign to men and a Mercy from Us, and it is a matter which has been decreed." (19:19-21) Underneath a palm tree, Maryam (peace be upon her) gave birth to her son Jesus, miraculously remaining chaste. God then forbade her to talk, but her babe could, and so he said from the cradle "I am indeed a servant of God, He hath given me Revelation and made me a prophet: And He has made me blessed wherever I may be, and has enjoined on me Prayer and Charity as long as I Live. (19:30-31) In Surah 3, verses 48-49, the Qur’an says of Jesus, "And God will teach him the Book and Wisdom, The Law and the Gospel, and (appoint him an apostle to the Children of Israel, (with this message): "I have come to you with a sign from your Lord, in that I make for you out of clay, as it were, the figure of a bird, and breath into it, and it becomes a bird by God’s Leave..." Thus, Jesus is considered a prophet, and a human servant of God (Allah), that was able to make these miracles only with God’s Leave.


Muslims recognize Jews and Christians, as the ‘People of the Book’ and also those that believes truly in the one God. Each of us has a Holy book, and believe in one God. Islam and its people are more open minded than many people think, promoting peace, unity and the belief in one God. These three religions have more in common than many people tend to believe.

From what I gather, you are an atheist, right?


if so..... I have a question that I want to ask. Although you're against religions... which one would be your favorite, and why? I have no idea why I need to ask you this... but I do find it interesting that someone so against religion.... spends alot of time talking about religion. :D