to read the book which leads hundreds to Islam


Maurice Bucaille's Book

Paul: how he invented the current Christian faith & destroyed that of Jesus



by Wadeea Ahmed


One of the most confusing sections of the Bible is those epistles (letters) that Paul wrote. They are not considered "gospels" & yet they fill more than half the pages of the New Testament. They contain a lot of contradictory statements & are the real cause for the deviation of current Christianity from its original righteous path. They were the seed that started the division of the Christian faith into several opposing sects. From the moment these epistles were included in the holy book, Christianity kept drifting farther & farther away from its simple forgiving origins. The core of today's Christianity barely has any connection with Jesus' preaching & has even shifted far from Paul's deviations (absurd as they may be):


1. Paul claimed that Jesus is "the Son of God" Romans1: 4, but not "the God". He is a Lord that comes 2nd to the Father.


2. Paul never stated that God (the father) & Christ (the son) are one.


3. Paul did not say that God & Christ are equal. Paul defined God as the father/the creator/the almighty/the greatest, while Jesus was always the follower who takes after the father.


4. Paul never referred to any "trinity".


5. Paul did not designate mother Mary any divinity & never called her "the mother of Light (God)".


Paul may have put down the foundation of Christianity, but the Patriarchs/Monks/Priests throughout the years have added a multi-story building on top of this base, a building that Paul himself (let alone Jesus Christ) never intended to be erected!


Notes on Paul's autobiography [according to Acts (of the Apostles) in the Holy Book]


1. In Acts 9 Saul (Paul's original Jewish name before embracing Christianity) is portrayed (years after the ascent of Christ to Heaven) as a fanatic anti-Christ Jew who was "breathing out murderous threats against the disciples of the Lord." He went to the high priest of Jerusalem & asked him for letters from him to the synagogues of Damascus deputizing Saul to arrest any man or woman embracing the new religion & bring them bound in chains back to Jerusalem. "As he journeyed & came near Damascus, a light from Heaven suddenly flashed around him making him fall to the ground. He then heard a voice saying to him, "Saul, Saul why are you persecuting me?" So he said, "Who are you, Lord?" Then Jesus replied, "I am Jesus whom you are persecuting. Get up & get into the city & you will be told what you must do." At this very moment Saul shifted his beliefs from the far-left anti-Christ stand to become a far right fanatic pro-Christ! Now, three versions of this incident appear in this section of the Bible [Acts], not one of them is identical with the other. So let's review them & note the differences:


a) In Acts 9 "The men travelling with Saul stood there speechless; they heard the sound but did not see anyone. Saul got up from the ground, but when he opened his eyes he could see nothing. They led him by the hand to Damascus. For 3 days he was blind & did not eat or drink anything."


b) In Acts 22: 9 "…my companions indeed saw the light & were afraid, but they did not hear the voice.."


c) In Acts 26: 13 " … along the road I saw a light from Heaven stronger than the sun, shining around me & those who journeyed with me. We all had fallen to the ground when I heard a voice speaking to me in Hebrew…"


So, in version (a) the companions heard the sound but did not see the light & Saul was blinded. In version (b) they saw the light but did not hear the voice. In version © all of them fell to the ground (not just Saul as in a). How can the same crucial event be narrated by the same man (Paul) in the same chapter (only few pages apart) of the same book (the Bible) & be that different? There is no plausible explanation other than being a fabrication or that the man is feeble-minded.


2. Now let us carry on with the story in Acts 9 "In Damascus there was a disciple named Ananias. The Lord said to him in a vision, "Arise & go to the house of Judas on the street named Straight & ask for the man from Tarsus, Saul, for he is praying. In a vision he saw a man named Ananias coming in & putting his hand on him to restore his sight." Ananias said to the Lord, "I have heard from many about the man & all the harm he has done to Your saints in Jerusalem. He has come here with an authority from the chief priests to arrest all who call on your name." But the Lord said to him, "Go, this man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles & their kings & before the people of Israel." Then Ananias went into the house & on placing his hands on Saul he said, "Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus-who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here-has sent me so that you may see again & be filled with the Holy Spirit. Immediately something like scales fell from Saul's eyes & he could see again. He got up & was baptized. After taking some food, he regained his strength. Immediately, he began to preach in the synagogues that Jesus is the Son of God. " All of a sudden Paul becomes "Immediately" an expert in Christianity & begins preaching it! And what does he preach: that Jesus is the son of God. Who taught him that? Where has he learned the principles of his preachings? Also, there is a historic flop as Damascus did not have synagogues at the time being an enemy of the Jews." All those who heard him were astonished & asked, "Isn't he the same man who destroyed all those who called on this name [Christ]? & hasn't he come here for the purpose of taking them bound in chains as prisoners to the chief priests?" They were astonished then & we are still amazed now! "After many days had gone by, the Jews conspired to kill him, but Saul learned of their plan… but his followers took him by night & lowered him in a large basket through an opening in the wall [surrounding Damascus]. When he reached Jerusalem he tried to join the disciples [of Jesus] but they were all afraid of him & didn't believe that he was really a disciple. But Barnabas· took him & brought him to the apostles. He told them how Saul on his journey to Damascus had seen the Lord & that the Lord had spoken to him, & how in Damascus he has preached fearlessly in the name of Jesus. So Saul stayed in Jerusalem with them & he moved freely speaking boldly in the name of the Lord. He disputed with the Hellenists [Greeks] & they tried to kill him. When the brothers learned of this, they brought him to Caesarea & sent him to Tarsus." One small remark, the occupants (at that time) were Romans & not Greeks!


3. The narration stops here to be resumed in Acts 11: 22 when the church in Jerusalem learns of the great number of believers (including many non-Jews) turning to Jesus' message in the north, so they decide to send Barnabas to Antioch to teach the new believers. He went to Tarsus to fetch Paul, found him & took him back with him to Tarsus where they stayed preaching in the Church for one year. "…And the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch" Acts 11: 26. Isn't this strange? Jesus never gave his message, followers & disciples a particular name during his stay on earth. Now, several years after his ascent to heaven, there comes someone whom Jesus never met: a zealot enemy of his message who suddenly turns towards it because of an alleged vision of Jesus. Out of a sense of self-guilt & repentance for his previous attitudes or out of a cunning desire to degrade the message of its forgiving humble goodness content, this man (Paul) begins preaching a new religion exalting Jesus to the divine levels of God & gives it the name (Christianity) that the founder of it dared never use; a name implying that followers now worship Christ rather than the Creator of Christ, the Almighty God. Furthermore, Paul disobeys the rules of preaching that his master had set, he preaches to non-Jews (Gentiles) & in a land far up north of where Jesus intended his message to be confined; "Jesus said 'I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel'" Mathew: 15: 24.


4. While preaching in Cyprus, together with Barnabas, the Holy Book tells us that Saul has suddenly changed his name to Paul & no reasons are given, "Then Saul, who also is called Paul, became filled with the Holy spirit.." Acts 13: 9. So what does this Saul or Paul say about his origin? We become really very much confused about a man who seems not to know his origin (or is deliberately changing or hiding it), a man who is sainted & considered the founder of the current Christian faith by most Christians. In Acts 16: 37 we find that Paul is Roman, "But Paul said to them, "They have beaten us publicly without being condemned in any trial even though we are Romans." In Acts 21: 37 Paul is thought to be an Egyptian, but he addresses the Jerusalem mob saying that he is a Jew from Tarsus; " Then as Paul was about to be led to the barracks, he asked the commander in Greek, 'May I say something to you?' The commander said, "Do you speak Greek? Aren't you the Egyptian who sometime ago stirred up a revolt & led 4000 terrorists out into the desert?' Paul answered, 'I am a Jew from Tarsus in Cilicia…" In Acts 22: 25-28 Paul again insists that he was Roman, not a one who obtained the citizenship but born Roman, " As Paul was bound with thongs to be flogged, he said to the centurion [commander of 100 soldiers] who stood by, ' Is it lawful for you to scourge a Roman citizen who hasn't been found guilty?'…. the commander said to him, 'Are you Roman?' Paul said, 'Yes.' The commander said, 'I had to pay a big price to obtain my Roman citizenship.' And Paul said, 'But I was born a citizen [Roman]." Still, for more confusion, in Acts 23: 6 Paul shouts out loud that he is a Pharisee! " But when Paul perceived that some of the members of the Sanhedrin [high Jewish council] were Sadducees & the others Pharisees [2 different Jewish creeds], he cried out in the council 'My brothers I am a Pharisee & the son of a Pharisee.."


5. To carry on with Paul's story (according to Acts), in Jerusalem Paul was arrested in the temple by Jews from Asia shouting, "he is the man who is teaching against the laws of Jews" Acts 21:28, he was rescued from the mob by Roman soldiers. He was given a hearing infront of the Jewish council & there was a plot to kill him from which he was saved & deported to Caesarea where he spent sometime in prison. The Jews in Jerusalem have plotted to kill the imprisoned Paul. He knows of the plot & the commander of the barracks lets him leave at night escorted safely to Caesarea with a note to its governor Felix urging him to make Paul stand trial infront of his accusers. Paul was imprisoned for almost 2 years after the trial until Festus succeeded Felix. The new governor re-trialed Paul in the presence of King Agrippa, & their verdict was to agree on Paul's appeal to be in the custody of Caesar in Rome. He was called by Festus "insane" Acts 27:24. After a weary 3-month sea journey in which the ship sank & Paul passed by Malta & Alexandria (of Egypt), they finally reached Rome. There, Paul stayed for 2 whole years in a house he rented boldly preaching the kingdom of God & all about Jesus Christ. .. In Acts 28:17 it is stated that Paul spent 2 years teaching & preaching freely the Jews in Rome (despite of a contradictory statement in Acts 18:2 in which it is mentioned that earlier "Claudius had ordered all the Jews to leave Rome"!) History informs us that Paul was killed by the sword in Rome.


6. It is noticed that Paul has introduced in his preachings a lot of new rituals & beliefs that Jesus never preached. He told the Jews & Gentiles to turn away from Moses laws (commandments) [Acts 21: 21], especially circumcision (Acts 15:2). He was a hypocrite that talked to every sect in the way they believe, as when he circumcised his follower Timothy (Acts 16:3) while preaching among the Jews of Derbe & Lystra (despite being against circumcision Galatians 5:2/3:12); & as he did with the Greeks in Athens when he felt distressed by the many idol statues he saw there & yet when he preached the Athenians he told them that the altar they had on which is inscribed "To an unknown God" could be worshiped as The Almighty God creator of the world (Acts 17: 16-25) . Other signs of his hypocrisy are encountered in his praise for the Old Testament (Moses law) when he is addressing Jews [as in Romans 1:16/2:13/3:31/7:12], yet he degrades the book & the law when talking to non-Jews [Galatians 2:16/3:1-3/3:11-12/3:19/4:5]. He introduced some pagan rituals into Christianity {as offering sacrifice, Acts 14:13 and forming churches & churchmen hierarchy, Acts 14:23/20:28, and also in Turkey (Corinth & Ephesus) when he found that disciples of John the Baptist had preceded them there preaching the true religion, he invented the ritual of receiving the Holy Spirit in baptization, Acts 19}. Although Paul referred to Jesus as the Christ/the Lord/the Savior of Israel, he still maintained God's superiority over Jesus [Acts 13:23/17:3/17:31].


The status of God & Jesus in Paul's epistles


Christians of today have a sound belief that Paul wrote these epistles (letters) by direct revelation from the Holy Spirit. Hence, they have included them as part of the Holy Book (found after Acts). Next, we will review some of the content of these epistles that became the core of the prevalent Christian faith of today (according to Paul).


ROMANS


1. "..His son Jesus Christ, our Lord, who was a descendent of David according to the flesh, & declared to be the son of God through the Spirit of holiness by his resurrection from the dead." Romans 1: 3-4. Here is stated the first aberration from the true message of Jesus. Paul raises him to the rank of the "son of God" & endows upon him 2 natures: one human "to the flesh" & the other "divine spiritual".


2. "Grace & peace to you from God our father & from the Lord Jesus Christ" Romans 1:7. Here divinity is divided between 2: God & Jesus (father & son) with no mention of any 3rd entity sharing this divinity (the holy spirit).


3. "..I thank my God through Jesus Christ…God, whom I serve with my whole heart…" Romans1: 8-9. Here Paul starts specifying privileges & functions to each of his 2 divine entities: thanking is a function of Jesus while worshipping is to God.


3. " [God] has left the sins committed in the past unpunished, & to demonstrate his righteousness at the present time that He might be just & the justifier of those who have faith in Jesus" Romans 3:26, "..in the day that God will judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ, according to my gospel" Romans 2:16. These verses indicate that God's righteousness & forgiveness to people occur through their faith in Jesus (rather than the message of Jesus). Then Paul refers to his own gospel, where is it??


4. In Romans 3:25 "God presented him {Jesus} as a sacrifice/atonement/propitiation by his blood, through faith" & in Romans 5:8 " But God demonstrates his love to us in this: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us". This implies that the sins of mankind of the past & the present are nullified by Jesus' sacrifice of his blood & faith in such sacrifice (another of Paul's numerous additions to the original faith). One can't help wondering how God had no mercy on his so-called "son" by making him suffer like that! Wasn't there any other more merciful way in God's endless powers to provide love & forgiveness to his subjects?


5. In Romans 5: 18-19 " Therefore, just as through one man's offense condemnation came to all men, so also through one man's righteous act justification of life came to all men. For as by one man's disobedience [Adam] many were made sinners, so also by one man's obedience [Jesus] many will be made righteous." In Romans 6:11 "..count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus". Here is another serious shift of faith. A man is not judged by his own sins & deeds, but rather by those of others! If you do bad, Jesus' sacrifice has provided you with propitiation, redemption & atonement provided you just believe in that. Conversely, if you do good, you still remain a sinner (being of Adam's seed)!


6. In Romans 1:21-23 " Although they knew God, they neither glorified Him as God nor gave thanks to Him, but their thinking became futile & their hearts darkened. Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools & exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images of mortal man, birds, four-footed animals & reptiles.” Very strong right statement, so why did Christians (under Paul) did not do what he preached? Why do they pray to images & statues of Jesus, Mary & Saints?


7. "The One who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who lives in you" Romans 8:11. We have no objection to that statement for it demonstrates that God controls all. But note the capital "S" in spirit & the pronoun "who", both implying that God's spirit is something separate from God, an independent entity. If we return to the original script from which this is translated, we will find how seemingly simple insinuations like this can change the whole faith. Just put a small "s'" & use the pronoun "that" & all is right again with God being One, not two or three.


8. Another flop in translation is seen in Romans 8:15 " & by him we cry, 'Abba, father'..". This is by no means a referral to the famous Swedish pop group of the 1970's in the Holy Book! This is an "intended" mis-translation. As "Abba" means father in Arabic & Hebrew, the verse would correctly read ".. Father of our father" implying that Jesus is the son of God & those who believe in him have become their sons. In other words, God is the grandfather of believers in Paul's depiction of Christ! This is further assured in Romans 8:17 " If we are children, then we are heirs -heirs of God & co-heirs with Christ…"


9. "The Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God" Romans 8:27, "It is Christ who died, & furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us" Romans 8:34. So, both the Spirit & Jesus will intercede for us at God. Now the Spirit is given an entity & powers to promote for the formation of a trinity.


10. "…And from whom [the Israelites] comes the human/flesh of Christ, who is the eternally blessed God over all" Romans 9:5. Hold on. What is this? Jesus is the "eternally blessed God over all"! Wasn't he the son of the father (God) whom God had risen from the dead & is sitting to his right? Are they one or two? Now read this, "for there is no authority except from God" Romans 13:1, and this, " Now I say that Jesus has become a servant to the circumcision for the truth of God" Romans 15: 8. Are you confused? You have the right to be. In one verse Jesus is the eternally blessed God & in the other he is a servant of the circumcision (meaning the law of the Jews) with God having all the authority.


HEBREWS


1. "In the past God spoke to our forefathers through prophets, in these last days He has spoken to us by His son, whom he appointed heir of all things & through whom he has made the worlds" Hebrews 1:1-2. Here Jesus is the son of God. Now read this; "It was fitting for God, for whom & through whom everything exists, in bringing many sons to glory, to make the captain of salvation perfect through suffering. As both the one who sanctifies & those who are being sanctified are all of one family, for which reason Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers" Hebrews 2:10-11. Here God is the almighty & Jesus is a suffering person leading others to salvation & thus becoming his brothers, i.e. all believers become the sons of God. Furthermore, to God the creator of all, Jesus is a faithful appointed prophet, same as Moses. "He [Christ] was faithful to the one who appointed him, just as Moses was faithful in all God's house" Hebrews 3: 2. But Paul retreats from this fact right in the following verses, as if it was a slip of the tongue " Jesus has been found worthy of more glory than Moses…Moses indeed was faithful as a servant in all God's house, testifying to what would be said in the future. But Christ is faithful as a son over his God's house…"


2. God has placed Jesus superior to the angels in Hebrews 1: 4 " He [Christ] sat at the right side of the Majesty in heaven having become so much better the angels." But, Jesus is retreated to a position lower than angels in the following paragraph, "But we see Jesus, who was put a little lower than the angels, now crowned with glory & honor for the suffering of death" Hebrews 2: 9. So which verse do we believe?


3. "Every high priest is selected from among men & is appointed to represent them in matters pertaining to God…No one takes this honor upon himself; he must be called by God, just as Aaron was. So also Christ did not glorify himself to become high priest. It was God who called upon him "you are a priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek" Hebrews 5: 1-6/7:17--25. So, Jesus Christ has the rank of a "high priest", same as Aaron & Melchizedek. The latter is exalted to a very high status in Hebrews 7 being appointed a priest forever without being a descendant of Levi, with no known genealogy, without beginning of days or end of life & a Son of God. Jesus is likened to him.


4. " You have come to God, the judge of all… & to Jesus the mediator of the new convenant" Hebrews 12: 23. So Jesus here is just a mediator between God & the people, while God controls all. " May God of peace who brought up Jesus from the dead….may He make you equipped to do His will & may he work in us what is pleasant to Him…" Hebrews 13:20-21. So God, the almighty, revived Jesus from the dead & he is the One who makes people complete to fulfill His will. "During the days of his life on earth, he [Jesus] offered up prayers & petitions with loud cries & tears to the One who could save him from death; & he was heard because of his reverent submission to God" Hebrews 5:7. So Jesus was just a suffering fearing human who begged God the almighty "in loud cries & tears" to save him from death, & God did that.


5. "For we have become partners in Jesus if we hold on to the confidence we had in the beginning to the end" Hebrews 3:14. "For it is impossible for those who have once been enlightened, & have tasted the heavenly gift (of faith), & have become partners of the Holy Spirit…" Hebrews 6: 4. Here, we learn that believers in the faith become partakers of Jesus & of the Holy Spirit.


General remarks on Paul's concepts of God & Jesus


1. Paul did not deny any of God's s superior qualities & high status. He remains the Majesty, the Creator & the Judge of all. It was God who raised Jesus from the dead & who endowed upon him the exalted level of high priest & son.


2. Jesus Christ remains human with human qualities & submission to God. Despite attaining higher ranks up to the level of son of God, he still needed God to raise him from the dead & was required to plead for that. He sits on the right side of God in heaven, but not on the throne. He stays second to God whenever both are mentioned in the same context. Paul has never given him any of the supreme qualities of God. His high status, powers & miracles are all ascribed to God.


Paul's innovations in Christian faith


1. Disciples of the way (followers of Jesus' message) were first called "Christians" by Paul & Barnabas at Antioch several years after Jesus left our earth [Acts 11:26]. It is not just a change of name. The implications are grave, for now the principle of unity of God has been shattered & Christ has become "the Lord" together with God. This paved the way for the later emergence of the trinity with holiness & divinity shared by 3 entities (father, son & spirit).


2. He constructed the Church & organized its hierarchy of apostles, prophets, priests, elderly, …etc [Acts 14:23/15:6/20:28 & 1 Corinthians 12:28 & Titus 1:5]. He then added the ranks of bishops & deacons [Philippians 1:1]. He stated the qualifications for being appointed in these positions [1 Timothy 3: 1-13]. Among several conditions required, a bishop or deacon must be the husband of only one wife (indicating that polygamy was the rule at the time, years after Jesus has gone), & he must be sober & not given to much wine (drinks, but not much to the state of being addicted to liquor)!


3. Concerning his attitude to alcohol (spirits), Paul does not prohibit it (even to clergymen, vide supra). As a matter of fact, we could say that he insinuates encouraging its consumption. In 1Timothy 5:23, " No longer drink only water, but use a little wine for your stomach's sake & your frequent infirmities." In 1Corinthians 11:25, "He [Christ] took the cup [of wine] after supper saying, ' this cup is the new convenant in my blood. This do, as often as you drink it is in remembrance of me."


4. Concerning marriage & man-woman relations, he stated a lot of rules that were never revealed by Jesus [1Corinthians 7]. Marriage, as a whole, is not encouraged. Even if one is married, he is not encouraged to seek such lawful carnal knowledge! "I wish that all men were even as myself (unmarried)" Co 7: 7. "I say to the unmarried & the widows: it is good for them to remain even as I am" Co 7: 8. "But this I say brethren, the time is short so that from now on even those who have wives should be as though they had none" Co 7: 29. He invented monogamy & prohibited divorce. In Co 7: 2 "Nevertheless & just for the cause of sexual morality, let each man have his own wife & let each woman have her own husband." In Co 7:10-11 " A wife is not to depart from her husband. But even if she does depart, let her remain unmarried or be reconciled to her husband. And a husband is not to divorce his wife." According to Paul, Christians are allowed to stay married to non-believers (non-Christians), but such a marriage is not bonding! "If any brother has a wife who does not believe & she is willing to live with him, let him not divorce her. And a woman who has a husband who does not believe, if he is willing to live with her let her not divorce him … But if the unbeliever departs, let him depart; a brother or a sister is not under bondage in such cases " Co 7:12-15.


5. Concerning the head covering, again some strange unfamiliar habits were introduced by Paul in 1Corinthians 11. He promotes uncovering the head of men & covering that of women during prayers [Co 11:4-5]. However, when a woman is not praying she should keep her hair uncovered! "But if a woman has long hair, it is a glory to her; for her hair is given to her for a covering" Co 11:15. Very strange indeed: while praying uncovering the head of a woman dishonors her & the reason given is that "for this reason the woman has to have a symbol of authority on her head because of the angels" Co 11: 10; yet when she is not praying covering her head becomes now dishonoring & it is a "glory" for her to uncover it!!! The reason: the angels; as if these are not around except when praying & as if God is not there at all. Ladies & gentlemen, it is the angels & nothing but the angels who only become offended with a woman's uncovered head during prayers!


6. It was Paul who introduced crucifix & designated it with glory & holiness. In Galatians 3: 1 he says, " O you foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you that you should not obey the truth? Before your very eyes Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed as crucified." In Galatians 6:14 "But God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our lord Jesus Christ by whom the world has been crucified to me." In Philippians 4: 18 "For, as I have often told you before & now say again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ."


7. Paul has stood against many of the rituals & rules of Judaism stated in the Law (Old Testament) including circumcision, fasting, prayers & food. In 1Timothy 4:1-7 he says, "The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith & follow deceiving spirits & doctrines taught by demons. Such teachings come through hypocritical liars whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron. They forbid people to marry & order them to abstain from certain foods, which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe & know the truth. For everything God has created is good & nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, because it is sanctified by the word of God & prayer…. Have nothing to do with godless myths & old witches' fables [Jewish priests]." In Colossians 3:20 he adds, "Since you have died with Christ to the basic principles [profanes] of this world, why, as though you still belonged to it, do you submit to its rules [the law]? 'Do not handle, do not taste, do not touch', all concerning things that perish with using, because they are based on commandments & doctrines of men. Such regulations indeed have an appearance of wisdom with their self-imposed worship, their false humility & their harsh treatment of the body. But they lack any value in restraining indulgences of the flesh."


8. Paul gave the churchmen (especially the seniors) that followed his religion powers that are close to those of God. They can grant forgiveness & blessings just by laying their hands over subjects! 1Timothy 4:14.


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


· For more details on this apostle of Jesus, please refer to our essay on Barnabas & his discredited Gospel.

Women's Rights In Islam



by Elizabeth Clarke


Fourteen years ago, Mimi Ma became an American religious pioneer of sorts: At age 18, the former Indiana boarding school student converted to Islam.


Now a West Palm Beach resident, Ma says the decision wasn't difficult, but her life since has not been easy.


For starters, her faith cost her her family. Born in Vietnam to Buddhist parents and raised as a Christian in Africa by her eldest sister and American brother-in-law, she has had no contact with her relatives since her conversion.


She also lost a part of her identity. When she swapped bluejeans and T-shirts for head scarves and long skirts, some people suddenly couldn't see past the clothes. And since Sept. 11, few people see her as Asian anymore; they think she's Arab.


It is an experience more and more young American women can relate to, as growing numbers join Islam, the faith's leaders say, although they don't have statistics available.


"In the past there were more African-Americans coming into Islam," says Altaf Ali, director of the Florida chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations. "Now I'm seeing an influx of white, Caucasian females. This is a very strange phenomenon. It's not anything negative, but it's something that's very unusual, something that's new to our religion."


Today, many of those converts will begin their first Ramadan, the Muslim holy month that calls on believers to fast from sunrise to sunset every day in an attempt to learn discipline, self-restraint and generosity. Ma and Ali know it will be a tough test for new believers, but they also think they know why many of them have converted: women's rights.


Despite stereotypes that portray Muslim women as subservient and silent, many women convert because of the freedom they find in Islam. For years, women converted only for marriage and for their husbands, Ali says. But today many single and married women convert based on their own convictions, especially those teachings about equality.


"It's common across the board," Ali says. "They always say they enjoy the respect that is given to them by members of the opposite sex."


Islamic teachings don't dictate subservience for women, Ma says, although some Islamic societies do. Ma found more in the Quran to ease her concerns about equality than she ever found in the Bible. She likes being able to challenge Muslim men, including her husband, whom she married after converting, when they tell her something about women's rights.


"I can say, 'Open it up. Prove it to me,' " she says of the Quran. And if they're trying to show that women shouldn't own property, be educated, take leadership in government, vote, control their own finances or do anything else that men do, they won't find the proof in the Quran, she says.


The Quran does speak about dress for women, but Ali hasn't found many converts who balk at wearing a scarf to cover their hair and long clothes to cover their arms and legs. Many embrace the idea, he says.


"It's easier to undress in our society than to dress," Ali says, laughing.


Ma agrees that many find relief in covering themselves.


"Women wear the scarves out of modesty, so people see us for who we are and what we do, not as sex objects," she says. "You can have an Islamic society where women are covered and have rights. And you can have a society where women who are very scantily clad don't have those rights."


Women's rights was the primary reason Ma herself converted to Islam.


Born during the Vietnam War, Mimi left the country at age 4 with her oldest sister and her sister's American husband, who worked for the Foreign Service.


Her brother-in-law was sent to Africa to work, moving over the years from Chad to Cameroon to Mali to Mauritania. The family practiced Christianity in the primarily Muslim countries and, according to Ma, held a low opinion of non-Christians.


An observant Presbyterian, Ma started studying the Quran and other Islamic teachings at the Midwestern boarding school. She thought it would be simply an intellectual experience, but almost immediately she found something in the faith of the Prophet Mohammed that filled her spiritual needs. As a devout teenager, the Bible's teachings on women and their roles had started to disturb her. She found nothing but equality for women in the Quran.


After just a month of study, as an undergraduate at George Mason University in Virginia, she made the short profession of faith required to convert, immersed herself in Islam -- and was immediately rejected by her family.


"That's one of the most difficult aspects of converting," Ma says. "That didn't stop me. My concept of God can't be dictated by them."


After Sept. 11, she feared for her life and did not leave her Washington, D.C., apartment alone for months. Since she and her husband, Mohammad, moved to West Palm Beach in March, they have encountered a broader range of reactions, Ma says. More intolerance and yet more kindness, too. They considered returning to the nation's capital but have decided to build a home in St. Lucie County instead. They work together as project management consultants.


Until the house is finished, they're living at CityPlace, where Ma loves being so close to the bookstore. And as Ramadan begins, they look forward to getting to know the Muslim community here. Ma expects to break the fast on some nights at a local mosque. She also plans to start a Quran study this month.


"It's like a self-reformation time, like a boot camp," she says. "It's very rewarding and comforting feeling to know that Muslims all over the world are doing this together: abstaining from these things during the day and then breaking the fast at night."


Muslims also try to read the entire Quran during Ramadan -- Ma didn't make it her first year -- and to be kinder to each other. They become more focused on the important things in life. They often give money to the poor.


Concentrating at work is the hardest thing to do during Ramadan. But she insists fasting isn't so difficult. It's really just skipping lunch after a pre-dawn breakfast. The reason makes it worth every midday craving, she says.


"It's different when you're doing it for God," Ma says. "You're not thinking about food as much. Of course, you do. I fantasize about a chocolate mousse or a bag of chips. But thoughts of a Snickers bar, that leads to God and why you're doing this."


Source : Palm Beach Post.

What Do Muslims Think About Jesus?






Muslims respect and revere Jesus. They consider him one of the greatest of God's prophets and messengers to humankind. A Muslim never refers to him simply as "Jesus", but always adds the phrase "upon him be peace."


The Qur'an confirms his virgin birth, and a special surah of the Qur'an is entitled "Mary." The Qur'an describes the Annunciation as follows:


"'Behold (O Mary!)' The Angel said, 'God has chosen you, and purified you, and chosen you above the women of all nations. O Mary, God gives you good news of a word from Him, whose name shall be the Anointed (Masih or Messiah), Jesus son of Mary, honored in this world and in the hereafter, and one of those brought near to God. He shall speak to the people from his cradle and in maturity, and shall be of the righteous.'


"She said: 'O my Lord! How shall I have a son when no man has touched me?' He said: 'Even so; God creates what He wills. When He decrees a thing, He says to it, "Be!" and it is.'" (Qur'an 3:42-7)


Jesus was born miraculously through the same power that had brought Adam into being without a father: "Truly the likeness of Jesus with God is as the likeness of Adam. He created him of dust and then said to him, 'Be!' and he was." (Qur'an 3:59)


During his prophetic mission, Jesus performed many miracles. The Qur'an tells us that he said:


"I have come to you with a sign from your Lord: I make for you out of clay, as it were, a figure of a bird, and breathe into it and it becomes a bird by God's leave. And I heal the blind, and the lepers, and I raise the dead by God's leave." (Qur'an 3:49)


Neither Muhammad nor Jesus came to change the basic doctrine of the belief in One God, brought by earlier prophets, but to confirm and renew it. In the Qur'an, Jesus is reported as saying that he came: "To attest the law which was before me. And to make lawful to you part of what was forbidden to you; I have come to you with a sign from your Lord, so fear God and obey me." (Qur'an 3:50)


The Prophet Muhammad said:


"Whoever believes that there is none worthy of worship but God, alone without partner, that Muhammad is His messenger, that Jesus is the servant and messenger of God, His word which He bestowed on Mary and a spirit proceeding from Him, and that Paradise and Hell are true, shall be received by God into Heaven." (A Hadith from the collections of al Bukhari)


To view more from the exhibit visit: http://www.discoverislam.com/






Jesus, on whom be peace in the Glorious Quran


The Qur'an tells us a lot of wonderful things about Jesus. As a result, believers in the Qur'an love Jesus, honour him, and believe in him. In fact, no Muslim can be a Muslim unless he or she believes in Jesus, on whom be peace.


The Qur'an says that Jesus was born of a virgin, that he spoke while he was still only a baby, that he healed the blind and the leper by God's leave, and that he raised the dead by God's leave.


What then is the significance of these miracles? First, the virgin birth. God demonstrates his power to create in every way. God created everyone we know from a man and a woman. But how about Adam, on whom be peace? God created him from neither a man nor a woman. And Eve from only a man, but not a woman. And, finally, to complete the picture, God created Jesus from a woman, but not a man.


What about the other miracles? These were to show that Jesus was not acting on his own behalf, but that he was backed by God. The Qur'an specifies that these miracles were performed by God's leave. This may be compared to the Book of Acts in the Bible, chapter 2, verse 22, where it says that the miracles were done by God to show that he approved of Jesus. Also, note that Jesus himself is recorded in the Gospel of John to have said, "I can do nothing of my own authority" (5:30). The miracles, therefore, were done not by his own authority, but by God's authority.


What did Jesus teach? The Qur'an tells us that Jesus came to teach the same basic message which was taught by previous prophets from God—that we must shun every false god and worship only the one true God. Jesus taught that he is the servant and messenger of that one true God, the God of Abraham. These Quranic teachings can be compared with the Bible (Mark 10:18; Matthew 26:39; John 14:28, 17:3, and 20:17) where Jesus teaches that the one he worshipped is the only true God. See also Matthew 12:18; Acts 3:13, and 4:27 where wefind that his disciples knew him as Servant of God.


The Qur'an tells us that some of the Israelites rejected Jesus, and conspired to kill him, but Allah (God) rescued Jesus and raised him to Himself. Allah will cause Jesus to descend again, at which time Jesus will confirm his true teachings and everyone will believe in him as he is and as the Qur'an teaches about him.


Jesus is the Messiah. He is a word from Allah, and a spirit from Him. He is honoured in this world and in the hereafter, and he is one of those brought nearest to Allah.


Jesus was a man who spoke the truth which he heard from God. This can be compared with the Gospel According to John where Jesus says to the Israelites: "You are determined to kill me, a man who has told you the truth that I heard from God" (John 8:40).

How To Become A Muslim



Based on a booklet by The Cooperative Office for Call and Guidance - Riyadh, Saudi Arabia


All praise be to Allah, the Lord of the universe. May peace and blessings of Allah be upon Mohammad, His last messenger.


The purpose of this hand-out is to correct a false idea spread among those willing to adopt Islam as their faith. Some people have a wrong notion that entering into the Islamic fold requires an announcement from the concerned person in the presence of high ranking scholars or shaikhs or reporting this act to courts of justice or other authorities. It is also thought that the act of accepting Islam, should, as a condition, have a certificate issued by the authorities, as evidence to that effect.


We wish to clarify that the whole matter is very easy and that none of these conditions or obligations are required. For Allah, Almighty, is above all comprehension and knows well the secrets of all hearts. Nevertheless, those who are going to adopt Islam as their religion are advised to register themselves as Muslims with the concerned governmental agency, as this procedure may facilitate for them many matters including the possibility of performing Hadj (Pilgrimage) and Umrah.


If anyone has a real desire to be a Muslim and has full conviction and strong belief that Islam is the true religion ordained by Allah for all human-beings, then, one should pronounce the "Shahada", the testimony of faith, without further delay. The Holy Qur'an is explicit on this regard as Allah states:


"The Religion in the sight of Allah is Islam"


(Qur'an 3:19)


In another verse of the Holy Qur'an, Allah states:


"If anyone desires a religion other than Islam (Submission to Allah), Never will it be accepted of him; and in the Hereafter he will be in the ranks of those who have lost (their selves in the hell fire)."


(Qur'an 3:85)


In addition, Islam is the only religion prevailing over all other religions. Allah states in the Holy Qur'an:


"To thee We sent the Scripture in truth, confirming the scripture that came before it, and guarding it in safety:..."


(Qur'an 5:48)


Mohammad, the Prophet of Allah (Peace and blessing of Allah be upon him), said:


"The superstructure of Islam is raised on five (pillars): testifying that there is no God (none truely to be worshiped) but Allah, and that Mohammad is the messenger of Allah, performing the prayer, paying the Zakah (poor-due), fasting the month of Ramadan, and performing Hadj".


The Shahada can be declared as follows:


"ASH-HADU ANLA ELAHA ILLA-ALLAH WA ASH-HADU ANNA MOHAMMADAN RASUL-ALLAH".


The English translation is:


"I bear witness that there is none worthy of worship but Allah, and I bear witness that Mohammad is the Messenger of Allah"


However, it would not be sufficient for anyone to only utter this testimony oraly either in private or in public; but rather, he should believe in it by heart with a firm conviction and unshakeable faith. If one is truly sincere and complies with the teachings of Islam in all his life, he will find himself a new born person.


This will move him to strive more and more to improve his character and draw nearer to perfection. The light of the living faith will fill his heart until he becomes the embodiment of that faith.


What would be next after declaring oneself a Muslim? One should then know the real concept underlying this testimony which means the Oneness of Allah and meet its requirements. One must behave accordingly, applying this true faith to every thing one speaks or does.


What do the words of the "Shahada" signify? The significant point which every Muslim must know very well is the truth that there is no God (deity) to be worshipped other than Allah. He - glory be to Him - is the only true God, Who alone deserves to be worshipped, since He is the Giver of life and Sustainer and Nourisher of mankind and all creation with His unlimited bounties. Man must worship Allah, Who alone is worthy of worship.


The second part of the Shahada (i.e., Wa ash-hadu anna Mohammadan rasul-Allah) means that Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) is the servant and chosen messenger of Allah. No one must have two opinions about this matter. In fact the Muslim has to obey the commands of the Prophet (PBUH), to believe him in what he has said, to practice his teachings, to avoid what he has forbidden, and to worship Allah alone according to the message revealed to him, for all the teachings of the Prophet were in fact revelations and inspirations conveyed to him by Allah.


What is the meaning of worship? It simply means rendering sincere service, showing reverence for Allah. In a deeper shade of meaning, it implies total submission and complete obedience to Allah's commandments both in utterances and actions of man whether explicit or implicit.


Worship fall into two categories:


Visible (manifest or outward)


Invisible (concealed or inward)


Visible worship includes acts such as uttering the two parts of the "Shahada", performing prayers, giving Zakah (the poor-due), recitation of the Holy Qur'an, supplication, adoring Allah by praising Him, purifying our bodies before prayers, etc.


This type of worship is associated with movement of the parts of the human body.


Invisible worship is to believe in Allah, in the Day of Judgement (in the Hereafter), in the Angels, in the Books of Allah, in the Prophets of Allah, in the Divine Decree of destiny (that good and bad are determined by Allah alone).


This type of worship does not involve movement of parts of the body but it surely has bearing on one's heart which subsequently affects one's way of life.


It should be borne in mind that any worship not dedicated to Allah alone will be rejected as one form of polytheism and this causes apostasy from the Islamic fold.


The next step for a newly revert to Islam is to purify himself by taking a complete bath. He should then resolve to comply with the principles and rules of Islam in their entirety. He should disown all forms of polytheism and false beliefs. He should reject evil and be righteous. Such rejection of evil and being righteous is one of the equisites of the motto of Islam - that is, Laa Ilaha Illallah.


Allah states in the Holy Qur'an:


"... whoever rejects evil and believes in Allah hath grasped the most trustworthy Hand-hold, that never breaks..."


(Qur'an 2:256)


We have to consider that when we declare from our heart that "there is no god (deity) worthy to be worshipped but Allah", it implies on our part love, devotion, faith and obedience to the rules of Islamic legislations which are legally binding on all Muslims. It is a requirement of "there is no god worthy to be worshipped but Allah" to love for the sake of Allah and to reject for the sake of Allah.


This is the firmest anchor of belief which materialise the meaning of "AL WALA" and "AL BARA". It means that a Muslim should love and be loyal to his Muslim brothers. He should, as a practice, dissociate himself completely from the unbelievers and refuse to be influenced by them, both in worldly and religious matters.


We conclude with a humble prayer to Allah that may He cleanse the hearts and souls of those who are genuine seekers of truth and may He bless the community of believers. Aameen.

DO YOU HAVE ANSWERS FOR THESE QUESTIONS?


While I was cruising a website I came across the following set of questions:


Who are you? Why are you here? What is life really about? Why is your life the way it is? From where you came?


What really comes afterward? How do you sort through all the bullshit? How do you find balance?


What’s the larger context of reality within which we experience? What is behind experience?


What are polarities about? How can I develop the discernment necessary to sort through all the confusion during this important period in history? Why are we being lied constantly?


What are light and dark polarities? How are peace marchers actually feeding the dark side?


How are wrong doers actually feeding the light side?


Why do you still feel unsatified no matter what books you seem to read out there, in your search for self and the meaning of life? What is the larger nature of reality and what are the real factions which grapple for control? Why? What’s the real deal with aliens'?


Why has the population of Earth been consistently thwarted from expansion into space? What’s the agenda? What is incarnation all about? What is the truth behind genderization of bodies?


What does it all mean?


Indeed if a person in faith, for him these questions seem some what funny? But for people without proper religious guidance, these questions are much more vital for them. Yes, people who are deviated from the true path are searching answer for these questions for centuries. But indeed answers are very nearer to them. People in my region used to say a proverb “having butter in his hand, he is searching for gee” if we heat the butter it will melt and it will became gee. Like this having answer to their question in their own hands they are searching for answer in other side with out any result, they never going to find answer from those dark sides. Who can answer their questions for which they are searching?


If we want to know the working mechanism of any unknown, very new object in this world, from where we get the answer? From where? From its creator. In the same way, to know the answer about the universe, time, the day and night, purpose of creation, place from which we came, the place to were we are going to after our death, purpose of life, etc. we need to seek it from the Creator of those.


See what are the answers from the Supreme Creator about His creations and its purpose :


The main question is the origin of Universe. Get the answer.


Al-Quran (2:117) “To Him is due the PRIMAL ORIGIN of the heavens and the earth: When He decreeth a matter, He saith to it: "Be," and it is.”


Al-Quran (21:30) “Do not the Unbelievers see that the heavens and the earth were joined together (as one unit of creation), before we clove them asunder? We made from water every living thing. Will they not then believe?”


Al-Quran (51:47) “With power and skill did We construct the Firmament: for it is We Who create the vastness of space. “


A book which dates fourteen centuries before is answering the questions about the origin of the universes means, what’s the source of that Book?


Get the answer to the source and destination of human like, From where you came? What really comes afterward?


Al-Quran (10:4) “To Him will be your return- of all of you. The promise of Allah is true and sure. It is He Who beginneth the process of creation, and repeateth it, that He may reward with justice those who believe and work righteousness; but those who reject Him will have draughts of boiling fluids, and a penalty grievous, because they did reject Him.”


Al-Quran (22:5) O mankind! if ye have a doubt about the Resurrection, (consider) that We created you out of dust, then out of sperm, then out of a leech-like clot, then out of a morsel of flesh, partly formed and partly unformed, in order that We may manifest (our power) to you; and We cause whom We will to rest in the wombs for an appointed term, then do We bring you out as babes, then (foster you) that ye may reach your age of full strength; and some of you are called to die, and some are sent back to the feeblest old age, so that they know nothing after having known (much), and (further), thou seest the earth barren and lifeless, but when We pour down rain on it, it is stirred (to life), it swells, and it puts forth every kind of beautiful growth (in pairs).


Al-Quran (11:4) “To Allah is your return, and He hath power over all things."


Al-Quran (51:56) “And I (Allah) created not the jinn and mankind except that they should worship Me(alone).”


Al-Quran (49:13) “O mankind! WE CREATED YOU from a single (pair) of a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that ye may know each other (not that ye may despise (each other). Verily the most honoured of you in the sight of Allah is (he who is) the most righteous of you. And Allah has full knowledge and is well acquainted (with all things).”


Al-Quran (76:2) “Verily WE CREATED MAN from a drop of mingled sperm, in order to try him: So We gave him (the gifts), of Hearing and Sight.”


Al-Quran (6:94) "And behold! ye come to us bare and alone as We created you for the first time: ye have left behind you all (the favours) which We bestowed on you: We see not with you your intercessors whom ye thought to be partners in your affairs: so now all relations between you have been cut off, and your (pet) fancies have left you in the lurch!"


The above mentioned verses clearly demonstrate about your source and destination.


And get the answer for the question Why are you here? What your purpose of being here? What is life really about? What is behind experience?


If we understand the above mentioned Quranic verses its very easy to get answers for these set of questions.


This world is nothing but a test; it’s just a resting place. Allah tests different people in different ways. He tests somebody with wealth, power somebody with poverty, disease, fear, loss in business, government etc.. Allah says in Quran about this world in this way


Al-Quran (67:2) “He Who created Death and Life, that He may try which of you is best in deed: and He is the Exalted in Might, Oft-Forgiving;-“


Al-Quran (2:155) “Be sure we shall test you with something of fear and hunger, some loss in goods or lives or the fruits (of your toil), but give glad tidings to those who patiently persevere”


Al-Quran (21:35) “Every soul shall have a taste of death: and we test you by evil and by good by way of trial. to Us must ye return.”


Al-Quran (5:48) “…If Allah had so willed, He would have made you a single people, but (His plan is) to test you in what He hath given you: so strive as in a race in all virtues. The goal of you all is to Allah. It is He that will show you the truth of the matters in which ye dispute;”


Al-Quran (18:46) “Wealth and sons are allurements of the life of this world: But the things that endure, good deeds, are best in the sight of thy Lord, as rewards, and best as (the foundation for) hopes.”


Consider the answers for the questions like what are polarities about?


How can I develop the discernment necessary to sort through all the confusion during this important period in history? Why are we being lied constantly? What are light and dark polarities? How are peace marchers actually feeding the dark side? How are wrong doers actually feeding the light side? And regarding the question why are we being lied constantly?


These questions arises because the planet we’re living now are in the hands of followers of saitan, the forerunners of dajjal (see my article forerunner of dajjal http://forums.gawaher.com/index.php?act=...3&t=21412), they are liars by profession. They are dominating the world events for past 2 centuries. They are following their bad intentions inspired by the saitan’s. We are being continuously lied because of this. They are the followers of the saitan the devil. Saitan inspired them to corrupt the world, because he is the sworn enemy of mankind.


Al-Quran (53:23) “They follow nothing but conjecture and what their own souls desire!- Even though there has already come to them Guidance from their Lord!”


Whenever the wrong doers get the upper hand on the earth they will never fail to corrupt the earth.


We should aware of this people who are the advocates of the devil the saitan advocating his teaching in this world continuously. See what the Best Creator says about him:


Al-Quran (35:6) “Verily Satan is an enemy to you: so treat him as an enemy. He only invites his adherents, that they may become Companions of the Blazing Fire.”


Al-Quran (15:39) “(iblis) said: "O my Lord! Because Thou hast put me in the wrong, I will make (wrong) fair-seeming to them on the earth, and I will put them all in the wrong,”


Al-Quran (7:17) "Then will I assault them from before them and behind them, from their right and their left: Nor wilt thou find, in most of them, gratitude (for thy mercies)."


Al-Quran (30:41) “Mischief has appeared on land and sea because of (the meed) that the hands of men have earned, that ((Allah)) may give them a taste of some of their deeds: in order that they may turn back (from Evil).”


And one important thing, if you are trapped in the myth of eternal world, (i.e.) no beginning no end, then every thing is seems like unanswerable, mystical, disguisable and unbeatable. Such a kind of attitude never give you tranquility, peace of mind, happy, braveness, it will only leads you to depression, deep sorrow, misery, engagement in worse habits, and etc…


Using such eternal concept the wrong doers, the powerful personalities, the partners of the sworn enemy saitan will easily deviate you from the truth. Only belief in one God can help you to lead a peaceful and courageous life. What ever may be, it will one day surely will come to light, Allah will surely uncover the all the things which was considered as top secrets, what every may be Allah knows all; He has power over all thing. So such thinking will help you a lot, you will never mind about the mystery, UFOs, Aliens etc... If any body threaten you with such mystery, you will easily overcome it by saying Allah know all, anything neither harm me nor benefit me with out His permission, if you are a true believer. And there is nothing is hidden from the Almighty Allah in the whole universe.


Al-Quran (3:5) “From Allah, verily nothing is hidden on earth or in the heavens.”


Al-Quran (31:16) "O my son! (said Luqman), "If there be (but) the weight of a mustard-seed and it were (hidden) in a rock, or (anywhere) in the heavens or on earth, Allah will bring it forth: for Allah understands the finest mysteries, (and) is well-acquainted (with them).””


Al-Quran (57:6) “….and He has full knowledge of the secrets of (all) hearts.”


Al-Quran (6:3) “And He is Allah in the heavens and on earth. He knoweth what ye hide, and what ye reveal, and He knoweth the (recompense) which ye earn (by your deeds).”


Al-Quran (6:59) “With Him are the keys of the unseen, the treasures that none knoweth but He. He knoweth whatever there is on the earth and in the sea. Not a leaf doth fall but with His knowledge: there is not a grain in the darkness (or depths) of the earth, nor anything fresh or dry (green or withered), but is (inscribed) in a record clear (to those who can read). “


And if you know value of this world you can indeed live a wonderful, fearless life.


Allah says


Al-Quran (3:14) :”Fair in the eyes of men is the love of things they covet: Women and sons; Heaped-up hoards of gold and silver; horses branded (for blood and excellence); and (wealth of) cattle and well-tilled land. Such are the possessions of this world's life; but in nearness to Allah is the best of the goals (To return to).”


Al-Quran (57:20) ”Know ye (all), that the life of this world is but play and amusement, pomp and mutual boasting and multiplying, (in rivalry) among yourselves, riches and children. Here is a similitude: How rain and the growth which it brings forth, delight (the hearts of) the tillers; soon it withers; thou wilt see it grow yellow; then it becomes dry and crumbles away. But in the Hereafter is a Penalty severe (for the devotees of wrong). And Forgiveness from Allah and (His) Good Pleasure (for the devotees of Allah.. And what is the life of this world, but goods and chattels of deception?”


(also see ‘An atomic bomb to arrogance http://forums.gawaher.com/index.php?show...21532&hl=)


And while you see the powerful nations and powerful leaders, who are capable of global domination, causing destruction whoever they wish, never let your heart to give room to have even smaller than an atom amount of fear. On the face of the Earth many number of great nations and powerful person came and wiped out from there because of their arrogance. See what Allah says about this:


Al-Quran (6:6) “See they not how many of those before them We did destroy?- generations We had established on the earth, in strength such as We have not given to you - for whom We poured out rain from the skies in abundance, and gave (fertile) streams flowing beneath their (feet): yet for their sins We destroyed them, and raised in their wake fresh generations (to succeed them).”.


Al-Quran (6:11) “Say: "Travel through the earth and see what was the end of those who rejected Truth."”


So there is no need to worry and feel sad or have fear for any thing. Whatever happens it’s already happened in our destiny.


Everything has a divine purpose created by Almighty Allah. Allah says in His divine book:


Al-Quran (57:22) “No misfortune can happen on earth or in your souls but is recorded in a decree before We bring it into existence: That is truly easy for Allah.”


Al-Quran (57:22) “In order that ye may not despair over matters that pass you by, nor exult over favours bestowed upon you. For Allah loveth not any vainglorious boaster,”


Only a true Mumin (believer) can have such peaceful, fearless, happy life in both the world, because his weapon is two as said by our beloved prophet Muhammed (Peace Be Upon Him).


The Prophet(PBUH) said: "I am leaving you two things and you will never go astray as long as you cling to them -- they are the Book of Allah and my Sunnah." [Reported by Al- Haakim - Sahih].


Inshallah soon I will meet you in another article


Wassalam


Yours brother in faith


M. A. Hashim Munawar M.C.A.

ROOT CAUSE FOR VIOLENCE, CHOAS, WARS, ETC…


World War ONE (1914 TO 1918) DEATH TOLL 15,000,000


World War TWO (1937 TO 1945) DEATH TOLL 55,000,000


Russian Civil War (1918-1921) DEATH TOLL 800,000


Korean War (1950-1953) DEATH TOLL 1,200,000


Vietnam War (1965-1973) DEATH TOLL 1,200,000


Afghanistan (1980-1989) DEATH TOLL 150,000


Russian Civil War (1918-1921) DEATH TOLL 800,000


Chinese Civil War (1927-1937) DEATH TOLL 400,000


Spanish Civil War (1936-1939) DEATH TOLL 200,000


People's Republic of China, Mao Zedong's regime (1949-1975): 40 000 000


Soviet Union, Stalin's regime (1924-1953): 20 000 000


Pol Pot (Cambodia: 1975-1978): 1 650 000


6 to 8 million people died under Lenin from war, famine…………. This list goes on and on. In this list we must note that all those events are took place only at last two centuries (19th and 20th). We can see wars in throughout history, but those wars are regional, not included much civilian causalities. But the above listed wars are global and includes much more civilian causalities. We used to see these worst wars and events as an independent, regional, and with concerned countries only.


What is the motivating factor behind these atrocities? Ever this question raised in you?


There is any link between these wars, massacres, murders…? And while considering the individual mass killers, some commentators on history fall into the error, when evaluating these events, of trying to show that the basic cause of all this savagery and mercilessness was that as people, Lenin, Stalin, Mao, Pol Pot, Hitler, and Mussolini had unbalanced and psychopathic natures. What kind of coincidence is it that the whole world should have fallen into the hands of psychologically unbalanced people at the same time?


It is an obvious and definite truth that these people and ideologies all drank from the same well and that they were all portrayed as justified and the only way by the same source. In short there was another guilty party behind these people. The cause of these inhuman and unbalanced leaders dragging millions along behind them, and which allowed them to commit crimes, was the apparent scientific force and support given to them by materialist philosophy. Do you have any idea about


that Philosophy?


See from where those killers listed above have got their cruel behaviors from their own words


Lenin : Darwin put an end to the belief that the animal and vegetable species bear no relation to one another, except by chance, and that they were created by God, and hence immutable.( Marshall Hall, Hitler, Lenin, Stalin, Mao et al: The Role of Darwinian Evolutionism in Their Lives, http://www.fixedearth.com/hlsm.html)


Stalin : There are three things that we do to disabuse the minds of our seminary students. We had to teach them the age of the earth, the geologic origin, and Darwin's teachings.( Kent Hovind, The False Religion of Evolution, http://www.royalse.com/scroll/evolve/ndxng.html )


Mao: "Chinese socialism is founded upon Darwin and the theory of evolution."( K. Mehnert, Kampf um Mao's Erbe, Deutsche Verlags-Anstalt, 1977)


Hitler: Hitler's most important idea-moulder, the racist German historian Heinrich von Treitschke, was strongly affected by Darwin's theory of evolution and based his racist views on Darwinism. He used to say, "Nations can only develop by violent competition like Darwin's survival of the fittest,"( Alaeddin Şenel, Irk ve Irkçılık Düşüncesi (The Idea of Race and Racism), Ankara:Bilim ve Sanat Yayınları, 1993, pp.62-6)


Can you see any similarities in these evil statements.Even we in our school (if secular school) studied this philosophy as the main stem of the world. Yes “Theory of Evolution” by Charles Darwin. The title of his book itself proves its mere a hypothesis, unproved theory not a fact, truth. We yet never met a book which entitles “Fact of Evolution”.


Here I can’t write this cruel theory in detail. But about the support it gives to the aggressors, plunders, killers to justify their acts in the name of science, these acts were before considered as cruel, inhumane. This theory gives them the braveness and boldness to justify their cruel acts as nature and a must for human evolution. That is, there had been countless wars and other cruelty in the world before Darwin put his theory forward. But due to the effects of his theory, wars and other cruelty was for the first time given a false approval by science.


Darwinism emerged in the 19th century as the restating of a myth, dating back to the Sumerians and Ancient Greece, by the amateur biologist Charles Darwin, and has since then formed the fundamental idea behind all the ideologies that have been harmful to mankind. Wearing a so-called scientific mask, it allowed these ideologies and their supporters' practical measures to win a false legitimacy.


By means of this false legitimacy the theory of evolution soon left the fields of knowledge of biology and palaeontology and began to comment on fields from human relations to history, and to influence fields from politics to social life.Despite his being an evolutionist, Robert Wright, the author of the book The Moral Animal summarizes the disasters that the theory of evolution has brought to the history of mankind in this way:


Evolutionary theory, after all, has a long and largely sordid history of application to human affairs. After being mingled with political philosophy around the turn of the century to form the vague ideology known as "social Darwinism," it played into the hands of racists, fascists, and the most heartless sort of capitalists.


In the period when Darwin published his book The Origin of Species and put forward his theory of evolution, science was very backward. For example, the cell, which is today known to possess a most complicated system, was only visible as a blot through the simple microscopes in use at the time. For this reason Darwin saw no problem in claiming that life came about by chance from non-living material.


This theory gave birth to many ruthless, cruel, barbaric, deadly ideas during the last 2 centuries. Those ideas are not stand only on papers and minds; it was also implemented by the advocators and propagators of Darwin’s theory. Racism, fascism, communism, capitalism are most deadliest among those ideas.


The idea which created the cruelty in the minds of people is racism. Its the most deadliest and barbaric. The following incident will make you realize the level of cruel behavior the human adopted by this poisonous idea.


Ota Benga


After Darwin claimed in The Origin of Species that human beings had developed from a common ancestor they shared with monkeys, the search for fossils to support this scenario began. But some evolutionists believed that "half-monkey half-man" creatures might be found not only in the fossil record, but also living in various parts of the world.


At the beginning of the 20th century the searches for the "missing link" were the cause of many acts of savagery. One of these was the story of the pigmy Ota Benga.


Ota Benga was captured in the Congo by an evolutionist researcher called Samuel Verner in 1904. This native, whose name meant "friend" in his own language, was married and the father of two children. But he was chained like an animal, put in a cage, and sent to the U.S.A. There, the evolutionary scientists put him in a cage with various species of monkey at the St. Louis World Fair and exhibited him as "the nearest link to man." Two years later they took him to Bronx Zoo in New York and displayed him with a few chimpanzees, a gorilla called Dinah and an orang-utan called Dohung as "man's oldest ancestors." The evolutionist director of the zoo, Dr. William T. Horniday, gave long talks about the pride it gave him to have the "missing link," and visitors treated Ota Benga in his cage just like an animal. An edition of the New York Times printed at the time described the visitors' attitudes:


There were 40,000 visitors to the park on Sunday. Nearly every man woman and child of this crowd made for the monkey house to see the star attraction in the park–the wild man from Africa. They chased him about the grounds all day, howling, jeering, and yelling. Some of them poked him in the ribs, other tripped him up, all laughed at him.


The end result of all this inhuman treatment was Ota Benga's suicide. But here the problem was greater than that of one human being losing his life. This event was a clear example of the cruelty and savagery that Darwinist racism could mean in practice.


The 17 September 1906 edition of the New York Journal said that this was being done to prove evolution.


(“THE DISASTERS DARWINISM BROUGHT TO HUMANITY “ by Harun Yahya Page: 26-28)


What gave one of the most notorious man in the human history Adolf Hitler and his deadly Nazi party the idea to purify the race in ruthless ways.


T.D.Hill, P.hd. (1995) In his "THE SCIENTIFIC BACKGROUND OF THE NAZO"RACE PURIFICATION" ROGRAM, US & German Eugenics, Ethnic Cleansing, Genocide, and Population Control...:


“


Genicidal campaigns are not new. They occured before Holocaust; and they are occuring at this very moment. What distinguishes the Nzi"race purification" extermination program from other genocidal campaigns is its "scientific" characters. At a mass meeting in 1934, Nazi Deputy Party Leader Rudolf Hess stated, "National Socialism is nothing but applied biology". "The entire Nazi regime was built, Lifton writes, "on a biomedical vision that required the kind of racial purification that would progress from sterlization to extensive killing." as early as the publication of Mein Kampf(1924 - 26), Lifton indicates, "Hitler had declared the sacred racial mission of the German people to be assembling and preserving the most valuable stocks of basic racial elements[and]....'slowly and severely raising to a dominant positions.'......"


Where did the "biomedical vision" of Hitler and his party orginate? the primary sources were: Darwin biology and evolutionary theory; social darwinism, the evangelistic dissemination of darwinism; and the pseudo- s called science "eugenics".


“


The magnitude of poisonous effect of communism could be clear thru the numbers of death it cause.


U.S.S.R.: 20 million deaths, China: 65 million deaths, Vietnam: 1 million deaths, North Korea: 2 million deaths,


Cambodia: 2 million deaths, Eastern Europe: 1 million deaths, Latin America: 150,000 deaths, Africa: 1.7 million deaths,


Afghanistan: 1.5 million deaths, The international Communist movement and Communist parties not in power: about 10,000 deaths. The total approaches 100 million people killed. (Stéphane Courtois, Nicolas Werth, Jean-Louis Panné, Andrzej Paczkowski, Karel Bartosek, Jean-Louis Margolin, The Black Book of Communism, Harvard University Press, 1999,)


The devastating effect the capitalism brought to the humanity is evident thru this.


There are three important elements in capitalism: individualism, competition, and profit-making. So there is no room for kindness, mercy or love for fellow human beings. The best producers survive, the weak and incompetent are eliminated and vanish. This is nothing but the Darwin’s law of the jungle where "might is right", and the fittest survive. What we are seeing today is the so called industrial, rich countries exploiting, plundering the wealth of the third world nations. Because of unavailability of fair and correct distribution of wealth among people, people in the highly populated third world nations are starving to death, but in low populated western countries excess amount of wealth are being wasted. The rich grows richer, the poor grows poorer. Because of this evil injustice, the poverty, illiteracy, deadly diseases, moral degration, drug abuse, sex trade, corruption are being widespread in the earth.


Not only the above mentioned ideas were the product of Darwin’s theory of evolution, all moral collapse, corruption, denial of supreme Creator God, illegal sex life, covert operation by the governments, illegal business in the support of governments and many more are also the products of this evil thought. Nowadays almost all the media, powerful personalities, money lending systems, governments are all in the hands of this evil. Because of this, the result of implementation of this bad thought is


also very devastating. We are witnessing this in our world every moment.


Any remedy for this?


Any powerful weapon available to eradicate this evil from the minds of people under this deception?


Is there any?


Yes that’s “ISLAM”.


In Islam, in this noble path there is specific and very powerful weapons for each and every evil. For example


Weapon for Racism


O mankind! Lo! We have created you male and female, and have made you nations and tribes that ye may know one another. Lo! the noblest of you, in the sight of Allah, is the best in conduct. Lo! Allah is Knower, Aware. Al-Quran(49:13)


Is there any better solution for racism than this?


I don’t have more place here to write each of them. But one think is clear, for peace and prosperity in this world


We must follow the last and final revelation form the Creator of universe The Glorious Quran. The powerfulness of this only law of man Glorious Quran is even accepted by the Enemy of Al-mighty Allah.


Consider this man Alistair Crowley. He himself was a Freemason and wrote the book "The New Law of Man" which stated in it that it would one day replace the Qur’an as the law of man. See, in this he himself witness that Quran is the Law of Man. Even though he proclaimed to replace the Quran as the law of man he or anyone never going to achieve this goal.


“And (the unbelievers) plotted and planned, and Allah too planned, and the best of planners is Allah.”


Al-Quran (3:54)


“Their intention is to extinguish Allah's Light (by blowing) with their mouths: But Allah will complete (the revelation of) His Light, even though the Unbelievers may detest (it).” Al-Quran(61:8)


According to this verse surely Allah will implement His Glorious rule in this world in amazing ways Inshallah.


Soon I will meet you in another article Inshallah


Wassalam


Yours


M. A. Hashim Munawar M.C.A.

hey everyone this is an extension of the post "A proposal for Mods to look at"


( http://www.islamsms.com/bb/index.php?s...st=0entry8410 )


I am doing some programming (not designing) for the kids room and i need some feedback...


please complete the poll here. if you do not know your browser type then i prepared a special page for you just go to my site here: http://www.naseeha.com/browser.htm


and you would be told your browser type ok..


salaams everyone

SOURCE - www.bakkah.net


Shaykh Saalih al-Fawzaan


Source: Things that Nullify One's Islam (p.41-46) [1]


[ In the Name of Allah, the All-Merciful... ]


The sixth one: Whoever mocks anything from


the Religion of the Messenger or Allah's


reward or punishment has disbelieved. [2]


The sixth kind of apostasy is mockery of what Allah sent down or of


anything that the Messenger came with, even things from the Sunnahs


(of the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhe wa sallam) or recommended things


like siwaak, trimming the moustache, removing armpit hair, or trimming


the nails. If a person makes mockery of any of these things he becomes


a disbeliever. The evidence for this is found in the Statement of


Allah the Most High:


"And if you were to ask them, they would say: 'Surely we were


only jesting and playing.' Say: 'Was it Allah, His Verses,


or His Messenger you were mocking? Make no mistake,


verily you have disbelieved after your belief.' " [3]


So then the one who mocks anything that the Messenger came with, be it


obligatory or recommended, he is an apostate from the Religion of


Islam. So then what do you think about the one who says, "Growing the


beard, trimming the moustache, removing armpit hair, washing the


knuckles, these are insignificant things!" This is exactly what is


meant by mockery of the Religion of Allah, the Mighty and Majestic.


When they say this thing, and if they know (it is from the Religion),


then they have apostated, since this is belittling what the Messenger


(sallallaahu 'alayhe wa sallam) came with. It is obligatory to have


great reverence for the Sunnah of the Messenger (sallallaahu 'alayhe


wa sallam) and to respect it.


Even if a person falls into some kind of opposition (to the Sunnah)


due to his desires, then surely he still must respect the way of the


Messenger (sallallaahu 'alayhe wa sallam), respect his Sunnahs, and


respect the narrations. He must not say, "These are insignificant


things."


The proof is the Statement of Allah the Most High:


"Say: 'Was it Allah, His Verses, or His Messenger


you were mocking? Make no mistake, verily


you have disbelieved after your belief.' " [4]


The event that led to the revelation of this Verse was what happened


with a group of people who were with the Messenger (sallallaahu


'alayhe wa sallam) during the Battle of Tabook. They were Muslims.


During a gathering they began to say, "We have not seen the likes


these reciters of ours, the most untruthful tongues, the greediest


stomachs, the most cowardly in the face of the enemy…" They were


referring to the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu 'alayhe wa sallam)


and his Companions.


Amongst them was a young man from the Companions who became enraged at


this speech and went to convey what this group was saying to the


Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu 'alayhe wa sallam). He found that the


revelation had preceded him (in informing the Messenger).


So then the group came apologizing once they heard that the Messenger


had become aware of what happened in their gathering. One of them was


hanging on to the front harness of the Prophet's she-camel while he


(sallallaahu 'alayhe wa sallam) was riding it, saying, "O Messenger of


Allah! We were just talking loosely to help pass the time during the


journey! We did not intend mockery, rather we only intended to joke."


The Messenger (sallallaahu 'alayhe wa sallam) would not even look at


him, he only recited upon him this Verse:


"And if you were to ask them, they would say: 'Surely we were


only jesting and playing.' Say: 'Was it Allah, His Verses,


or His Messenger you were mocking? Make no mistake,


verily you have disbelieved after your belief.' " [3]


Notice His Statement, "Verily you have disbelieved after your belief."


This proves that before they had uttered words (of mockery) they were


Muslims, and that when they uttered them they apostated from Islam,


even though they were saying that it was a joke. This is because the


affairs of the Religion are not to be played with, so Allah had


declared them to be disbelievers after their faith. We ask Allah for


safety. [4]


This is also proof that whoever insults Allah, His Messenger, His


Book, anything from the Quran, or anything from the Sunnah of the


Messenger (sallallaahu 'alayhe wa sallam) apostates from Islam, even


if he was joking. [5]


Where are those who say that he does not apostate unless he intends it


in his heart? They say, "If a person insulted Allah, the Messenger, or


the Quran, we do not pass a judgement upon based merely on his


utterance or his action." Where do they get these statements and these


specifications from? Allah has judged them with apostasy while they


were saying:


"We were jesting and playing." [3]


They were believers in Allah and His Messenger, people of tawheed,


however, once they uttered those words, Allah said:


"Verily you have disbelieved after your belief." [3]


And He did not say, "If you had truly believed that." We ask Allah for


safety.


So it is obligatory that things are put in their proper places and


that we do not add things, take them away, or specify the texts from


our own selves. Allah did not ask about what they believed, nor did He


mention that they believed (what they said), rather He ruled on them


with apostasy after having faith:


"Verily you have disbelieved after your belief." [3]


He based this (ruling) on a statement. He based this (ruling) on


mockery, and He did not specify it with these specifications. If a


person speaks with a word of disbelief without being forced into it,


then he is judged with apostasy. However, if he was forced [6], then


he has not apostated in this case.


This article was taken from BAKKAHnet (www.bakkah.net)


FOOTNOTES


[1] From the TROID publication: Things that Nullify One's Islam by


Shaykh al-Islam Muhammad ibn 'Abdil-Wahhaab, explained by Shaykh


Saalih al-Fawzaan. Click here for information about ordering the book.


[2] The words in the box are from Shaykh al-Islam Muhammad ibn


'Abdil-Wahhaab, and what follows is Shaykh Saalih al-Fawzaan's


explanation.


[3] A translation of the meaning of Soorah at-Tawbah (9):65-66


[4] Shaykh Saalih was asked about the least amount of mockery that


would cause a person to be considered an apostate. He replied, "There


is no least amount. A small amount is too much, and the refuge is with


Allah. Anything that is considered mockery or ridicule is disbelief.


Even as they (the scholars) say: A gesture with one's lip, hand, or


eye can be considered mockery, even if he has not spoken." Refer to


Question #27 in Appendix I: Questions and Answers (of the published


version).


[5] Refer to Question #30 in Appendix I: Questions and Answers (of the


published version).


[6] Shaykh Saalih states, "The ruling on coercion differs depending on


the situation. Something could be considered coercion in one affair


and not coercion in another. So it differs depending on the case.


However, the coercion that is a valid excuse is that which there was


no escape from, there was no way for the person to escape from being


killed, beaten or threatened other than saying what was requested from


him, like saying a statement of disbelief for example." Refer to


Question #18 in Appendix I: Questions and Answers (of the published


version).


TEST YOUR UNDERSTANDING


If someone mocks something from the Sunnah of the Messenger, just to


make his friends laugh, has he disbelieved? What is the proof for your


answer?


How must a Muslim speak about the Sunnah of the Messenger (sallallaahu


'alayhe wa sallam) and what kind of regard must he have for his Religion?

NON-MUSLIMS NOT ALLOWED IN MAKKAH


Question:


Why are non-Muslims not allowed in the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah?


Answer:


It is true that non-Muslims are not allowed in the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah, by law. The following points will serve to elucidate the possible reasoning behind such a restriction.


1. All citizens are not permitted in the cantonment area


I am a citizen of India. Yet, I am not permitted to enter certain restricted areas like the cantonment. In every country there are certain areas where a common citizen of that country cannot enter. Only a citizen who is enrolled in the military or those who are connected with the defence of the country are allowed in the cantonment area. Similarly Islam is a Universal Religion for the entire world and for all human beings. The cantonment areas of Islam are the two holy cites of Makkah and Madinah. Here only those who believe in Islam and are involved in the defence of Islam i.e. the Muslims are allowed.


It would be illogical for a common citizen to object against the restriction on entering a cantonment area. Similarly it is not appropriate for non-Muslims to object against the restriction on non-Muslims against entering Makkah and Madinah.


2. Visa to enter Makkah and Madinah


Whenever a person travels to a foreign country he has to first apply for a visa i.e. the permission to enter that country. Every country has its own rules, regulations and requirements for issuing a visa. Unless their critera are satisfied they will not issue a visa.


One of the countries which is very strict in issuing a visa is the United States of America, especially when issuing visas to citizens of the third world. They have several conditions and requirements to be fulfilled before they issue a visa.


When I visited Singapore, it was mentioned on their immigration form - death to drug traffickers. If I want to visit Singapore I have to abide by the rules. I cannot say that death penalty is a barbaric punishment. Only if I agree with their requirements and conditions will I be permitted to enter the country.


The Visa – The primary condition required for any human being to enter Makkah or Madina is to say with his lips, La ila ha illallah Muhammed ur Rasulullah meaning that ‘there is no God but Allah and Muhammed (pbuh) is His Messenger.’


Source: www.irf.net