How can the Qur'an be perfect and unchanged if there are errors in the Qur'an?

[b:3d598c28db][10 Tips] How to be a Successful Husband [/b:3d598c28db]

[i:3d598c28db]Prepared by Muhammad Alshareef [/i:3d598c28db]

1. Dress up for your wife, look clean and smell good.

When was the last time us men went shopping for designer pajamas? Just like the husband wants his wife to look nice for him, she also wants her husband to dress up for her too. Remember that Rasul Allah – sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam – would always start with Miswak when returning home and always loved the sweetest smells.

2. Use the cutest names for your wife

Rasul Allah – sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam – had nicknames for his wives, ones that they loved. Call your wife by the most beloved names to her, and avoid using names that hurt their feelings.

3. Don’t treat her like a fly

We never think about a fly in our daily lives until it ‘bugs’ us. Similarly, a wife will do well all day – which brings no attention from the husband – until she does something to ‘bug’ him. Don’t treat her like this; recognize all the good that she does and focus on that.

4. If you see wrong from your wife, try being silent and do not comment!

This is one of the ways Rasul Allah – sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam – used when he would see something inappropriate from his wives – radi Allahu ‘anhunn. It’s a technique that few Muslim men have mastered.

5. Smile at your wife whenever you see her and embrace her often.

Smiling is Sadaqah and your wife is not exempt from the Muslim Ummah. Imagine life with her constantly seeing you smiling. Remember also those Ahadith when Rasul Allah – sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam – would kiss his wife before leaving for Salah, even if he was fasting.

6. Thank her for all that she does for you. Then thank her again!

Take for example a dinner at your house. She makes the food, cleans the home, and a dozen other tasks to prepare. And sometimes the only acknowledgement she receives is that there needed to be more salt in the soup. Don’t let that be; thank her!

7. Ask her to write down the last ten things you did for her that made her happy. Then go and do them again.

It may be hard to recognize what gives your wife pleasure. You don’t have to play a guessing game, ask her and work on repeating those times in your life.

8. Don’t belittle her desires. Comfort her.

Sometimes the men may look down upon the requests of their wives. Rasul Allah – sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam – set the example for us in an incident when Safiyyah – radi Allahu ‘anha - was crying because, as she said, he had put her on a slow camel. He wiped her tears, comforted her, and brought her the camel.

9. Be humorous and Play games with your wife.

Look at how Rasul Allah – sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam – would race his wife Aisha – radi Allahu ‘anha – in the desert. When was the last time we did something like that?

10. Always remember the words of Allah’s Messenger – sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam: “The best of you are those who treat their families the best. And I am the best amongst you to my family.”

Try to be the best!

In conclusion: Never forget to make Dua to Allah - azza wa jall - to make your marriage successful.

And Allah ta’ala knows best.

-- Ali

[b:d344bcaf1a]Women's Liberation Through Islam[/b:d344bcaf1a]

[i:d344bcaf1a]By Mary Ali and Anjum Ali for III&E[/i:d344bcaf1a]

Today people think that women are liberated in the West and that the Women’s liberation movement began in the 20th century. Actually, the women’s liberation movement was not begun by women but was revealed by God to a man in the seventh century by the name of Muhammad (Peace be upon him), who is known as the last Prophet of Islam. The Qur’an and the Traditions of the Prophet (Hadith or Sunnah) are the sources from which every Muslim woman derives her rights and duties.

[b:d344bcaf1a]HUMAN RIGHTS [/b:d344bcaf1a]

Islam, fourteen centuries ago, made women equally accountable to God in glorifying and worshipping Him – setting no limits on her moral progress. Also, Islam established a woman’s equality in her humanity with men, In the Qur’an, in the first verse of the chapter entitled "Women", God says, "O mankind! Be careful of your duty toward your Lord who created you from a single soul and from it its mate and from them both have spread abroad a multitude of men and women. Be careful of your duty toward Allah in Whom you claim (your rights) of one another, and towards the wombs (that bore you). Lo! Allah has been a Watcher over you." (4:1)

Since men and women both came from the same essence, they are equal in their humanity. Women cannot be by nature evil (as some religions believe) or then men would be evil, also. Similarly, neither gender can be superior because it would be a contradiction to equality.

[b:d344bcaf1a]CIVIL RIGHTS [/b:d344bcaf1a]

In Islam, a woman has the basic freedoms of choice and expression based on recognition of her individual personality. First, she is free to choose her religion. The Qur’an states: "There is no compulsion in religion. Right has been made distinct from error." (2:256)

Women are encouraged in Islam to contribute their opinions and ideas. There are many traditions of the Prophet(S) which indicate women would pose questions directly to him and offer their opinions concerning religion, economics and social matters.

A Muslim woman chooses her husband and keeps her name after marriage. A Muslim woman’s testimony is valid in legal disputes. In fact, where women are more familiar, their evidence is conclusive.

[b:d344bcaf1a]SOCIAL RIGHTS [/b:d344bcaf1a]

The Prophet(S) said, "seeking knowledge is a mandate for every Muslim (male and female)". This includes knowledge of the Qur’an and the Hadith as well as other knowledge. Men and women both have the capacity for learning and understanding. Since it is also their obligation to promote good behavior and condemn bad behavior in all spheres of life, Muslim women must acquire the appropriate education to perform this duty in accordance with their own natural talents and interests.

While bearing, raising and teaching of children, providing support to her husband, and maintenance of a home are among the first and very highly regarded roles for a woman, if she has the skills to work outside the home for the good of the community, she may do so as long as her family obligations are met.

Islam recognizes and fosters the natural differences between men and women despite their equality. Some types of work are more suitable for men and other types for women. This in no way diminishes either’s efforts or benefits. God will reward both sexes equally for the value of their work, through, it may not necessarily be the same activity.

Concerning motherhood, the Prophet(S) said, "Heaven lies under the feet of mothers". This implies that the success of a society can be traced to the mothers who raised it. The first and greatest influence on a person comes from the sense of security, affection, and training received from the mother. Therefore, a woman having children must be educated and conscientious in order to be a skillful parent.

[b:d344bcaf1a]POLITICAL RIGHTS [/b:d344bcaf1a]

A right given to Muslim women by God 1400 years ago is the right to vote. On any public matter, a woman may voice her opinion and participate in politics. One example, as narrated in the Qur’an (60:12), Muhammad(S) is told that when the believing women come to him and swear their allegiance to Islam, he must accept their oath. This established the right of women to select their leader and publicly declare so. Finally, Islam does not forbid a woman from holding important positions in government. Abdurrahman Ibn Affan consulted many women before he recommended Uthman Ibn Affan to be the Caliph.

[b:d344bcaf1a]

ECONOMIC RIGHTS [/b:d344bcaf1a]

The Qur’an states: "By the creation of the male and female; Verily, (the ends) ye strive for are diverse." (92:3-4)

In these verses, God declares that He created men and women to be different, with unique roles, functions and skills. As in society, where there is a division of labor, so too in a family, each member has different responsibilities. Generally, Islam upholds that women are entrusted with the nurturing role, and men, with the guardian role. Therefore, women are given the right of financial support.

The Qur’an an states: "Men are the maintainers of women because Allah has made some of them to excel others and because they spend of their wealth (for the support of women)." (4:34)

This guardianship and greater financial responsibility given to men, requires that they provide women with not only monetary support but also physical protection and kind respectful treatment.

Muslim women have the privilege to earn money, the right to own property, to enter into legal contracts and to mange all of her assets in any way she pleases. She can run her own business and no one has any claim on her earnings, including her husband.

The Qur’an states: "And in no wise covet those things in which Allah hath bestowed His gifts more freely on some of you than on others; to men is allotted what they earn, and to women, what they earn; but ask Allah of His bounty for Allah hath full knowledge of all things." (4:32)

A woman inherits from her relatives. The Qur’an states: "For men there is a share in what parents and relatives leave, and for women there is a share of what parents and relatives leave, whether it be little or much - an ordained share." (4:7)

[u:d344bcaf1a][b:d344bcaf1a]RIGHTS OF A WIFE [/b:d344bcaf1a][/u:d344bcaf1a][/color:d344bcaf1a]

The Qur’an states: "And among His signs is that He created for you mates from among yourselves that you may live in tranquility with them, and He has put love and mercy between you; Verily, in that are signs for people who reflect." (30:21)

Marriage is therefore not just a physical or emotional necessity but, in fact, a sign from God! It is a relationship of mutual rights and obligations based on divine guidance. God created men and women with complimentary natures and, in the Qur’an, He laid out a system of laws to support harmonious interaction between the sexes.

"…They are your garments and you are their garments." (2:187)

Clothing provides physical protection and covers the beauty and faults of the body. Likewise, a spouse is viewed this way. Each protects the other and hides the faults and compliments the characteristics of the spouse. To foster the love and security that comes with marriage, Muslim wives have various rights. The first of the wife’s rights is to receive mahr, a gift from the husband, which is part of the marriage contract and required for the legality of the marriage.

The second right of a wife is maintenance. Despite any wealth she may have, her husband is obligated to provide her with food, shelter and clothing. He is not forced, however, to spend beyond his capability and his wife is not entitled to make unreasonable demands. The Qur’an states "Let the man of means spend according to his means, and the man whose resources are restricted, let him spend according to what Allah has given him. Allah puts no burden on any person beyond what He has given him." (65:7)

God tells us men are guardians over women and are afforded the leadership in the family. His responsibility for obeying God extends to guiding his family to obey God at all times.

A wife’s rights also extend beyond material needs. She has the right to kind treatment. The Prophet(S) said, "The most perfect believers are the best in conduct. And the best of you are those who are the best to their wives." God tells us He created mates and put love, mercy and tranquility between them.

Both men and women have a need for companionship and sexual needs and marriage is designed to fulfill those needs. For one spouse to deny this satisfaction to the other, the temptation exists to seek it elsewhere.

<span>[u:d344bcaf1a][b:d344bcaf1a]DUTIES OF WIFE [/b:d344bcaf1a][/u:d344bcaf1a][/color:d344bcaf1a]</span>

<span>With rights come responsibilities. Therefore, wives have certain obligations to their husbands. The Qur’an states: "The good women in the absence of their husbands guard their rights as Allah has enjoined upon them to be guarded."(4:34)</span>

<span>A wife is to keep her husband’s secrets and protect their marital privacy. Issues of intimacy of faults of his that would dishonor him, are not to be shared by the wife, just as he is expected to guard her honor.</span>

<span>A wife must also guard her husband’s property. She must safeguard his home and possessions, to the best of her ability, from theft or damage. She should manage the household affairs wisely so as to prevent loss or waste. She should not allow anyone to enter the house whom her husband dislikes nor incur any expenses of which her husband disapproves.</span>

<span>A Muslim woman must cooperate and coordinate with her husband. There cannot, however, be cooperation with a man who is disobedient to God. She should not fulfill his requests if he wants her to do something unlawful. A husband also should not take advantage of his wife, but be considerate of her needs and happiness.</span>

<span>[u:d344bcaf1a][b:d344bcaf1a]CONCLUSION [/b:d344bcaf1a][/u:d344bcaf1a]</span>

<span>The Qur’an states: "And it becomes not a believing man or a believing woman, when Allah and His Messenger, Muhammad (P) have decided on an affair (for them), that they should (after that) claim any say in their affair; and whoso is rebellious to Allah and His Messenger, he verily goes astray in error manifest," (33:36)</span>

<span>The Muslim woman was given a role, duties and rights 1400 years ago that most women do not enjoy today, even in the West. These are from God and are designed to keep balance in society; what may seem unjust or missing in one place is compensated for or explained in another place. Islam is a complete way of life. </span>

Two Questions, One is to the moderator and one is to Purgetory, although I want all Muslims to answer, the answer should be the same for you all.

Will you allow this to be no holds barred?

Do you all believe all the Qur'ans in the world are identical, and that it is perfectly preserved and free from any variation?

Before we begin the slaughter, the Qur'an is if I am not mistaken is a perfect book, unchanged, with no variation.

That claim is of the highest.

ORLANDO, Fla. (June 6) - A Florida judge ruled Friday that a Muslim woman cannot wear a veil in her driver's license photo, agreeing with state authorities that the practice could help terrorists conceal their identities.

After hearing three days of testimony last week, Circuit Judge Janet C. Thorpe ruled that Sultaana Freeman's right to free exercise of religion would not be infringed by having to show her face on her license.

Thorpe said the state ``has a compelling interest in protecting the public from criminal activities and security threats,'' and that photo identification ``is essential to promote that interest.''

Freeman, 35, had obtained a license in 2001 that showed her veiled with only her eyes visible through a slit. But after the Sept. 11 attacks, the state demanded that she return to have her photo retaken with her face uncovered. She refused, and the state revoked her license.

Freeman sued the state of Florida, saying it would violate her Islamic beliefs to show her face publicly.

Her case was taken up by the American Civil Liberties Union, which saw the case as a test of religious freedom. Conservative commentators ridiculed the case, saying it would be absurd to allow people to obscure their faces in ID photos.

Assistant Attorney General Jason Vail had argued that Islamic law has exceptions that allow women to expose their faces if it serves a public good, and that arrangements could be made to have Freeman photographed with only women present to allay her concerns about modesty.

Florida Attorney General Charlie Crist praised Friday's decision, saying ``Nothing is more important than making sure that our people are safe.''

The ACLU of Florida said it was disappointed in Thorpe's statement that while Freeman ``most likely poses no threat to national security,'' others may take advantage of a ruling in her favor to threaten lives.

``So we have to infringe on Freeman's religious beliefs because of what someone else might do,'' ACLU legal director Randall C. Marshall said. ``It seems to be a funny kind of interpretation on how the law should apply.''

Marshall noted that a driver's license can be obtained without a photo in 14 states.

Freeman's lawyers argued that instead of a driver's license photo, she could use other documents such as a birth certificate or Social Security card to prove her identity.

Freeman, a convert to Islam previously known as Sandra Kellar, started wearing a veil in 1997. She had a mug shot taken without the veil after her arrest in Illinois in 1998 on a domestic battery charge involving one of twin 3-year-old sisters who were in her foster care.

Child welfare workers told investigators that Freeman and her husband had used their concerns about religious modesty to hinder them from looking for bruises on the girls, according to the police records. The girls were removed from the home.

06/06/03 16:50 EDT

From cnn.com

[b:65db1d71a6]DRIVER'S ID RULES IN MUSLIM NATIONS

Saudi Arabia:Â Women aren't allowed to drive

Iran: Women wear a traditional chador, which does not cover the face.

Egypt: Women do not cover their face in I.D. pictures

United Arab Emirates: Women do not cover their face in I.D. pictures

Oman: Women do not cover their face in I.D. pictures

Kuwait: Women do not cover their face in I.D. pictures

Qatar: Women do not cover their face in I.D. pictures

Bahrain: Women do not cover their face in I.D. pictures

Jordan: Women can drive if their faces are covered but do not cover their face in I.D. pictures[/b:65db1d71a6]

(CNN) -- A Florida judge Friday rejected a woman's request to have her face mostly covered by a veil in the photograph on her state driver's license, the state attorney general's office told CNN.

The 18-page ruling was issued by Circuit Court Judge Janet C. Thorpe in Orlando.

Sultaana Freeman had testified that a state order requesting that she remove her veil -- a niqab, which covers all of her face except her eyes -- infringed on her religious freedom.

"It's totally changed my life and I really feel like a prisoner in my home," said Freeman in testimony before the court last week.

Judge Thorpe ruled that although Freeman held a sincere religious belief that she should wear the niqab in front of all strangers, she did not prove that "the photo requirement itself substantially burdens her right to free exercise of religion," or that the momentarily lifting the veil in a private room for a photo taken by a female officer would be such a burden.

On the other hand, the judge said in the ruling, the state did show that "having access to photo image identification is essential to promote" the state's "compelling interest in protecting the public."

Freeman initially was allowed to wear a veil in her driver's license photograph, as she was allowed to do for a license she got when living in Illinois, but then was asked to retake the photo, showing her face. When she refused, the state revoked her license.

Lawyers for the state argued that the case touched on public safety issues, saying a driver's license showing only a covered face would hinder law enforcement officials.

The Associated Press reported that Florida Assistant Attorney General Jason Vail argued that having an easily identifiable photo on a driver's license is a matter of public safety.

"It's the primary method of identification in Florida and the nation," Vail said in a report from the AP. "I don't think there can be any doubt there is a public safety interest."

Freeman's attorneys argued that state officials didn't care that she wore a veil in her Florida driver's license photo until after the September 11 attacks of 2001 -- an allegation the state denies, the AP reported.

Freeman, a convert to Islam previously known as Sandra Kellar, wore her veil for the photo on the Florida driver's license she obtained after moving to the state in 2001, according to The Associated Press.

Nine months later, the AP reported, she received a letter from the state warning that it would revoke her license unless she returned for a photo with her face uncovered. Freeman claimed her religious beliefs require her to keep her head and face covered out of modesty and that her faith prohibits her face from being photographed, according to the AP.

[img][/img][/img]

As Salamu a`alamanitba`alhoda

I have two questions for both of you and I really hope you answer me sincerely:

1. What is the objective of your posts, I mean what are you aiming at exactly from each post?

2. Why did you join an Islamic board?

Answering those two questions actually shall solve a lot so pls take the time to tell us. We appreciate your time and effort.

hi, my nose really bothers me.

I've asked my parents for a nose job, but they said that its haram. I really don't like my nose. I know its what Allah gave me, but I feel so insecure about my nose, I want to fix it, but I can't.

I look at other people's nose and get so sad because their nose is so much better than mines.

Can anyone help me with some advice?

And is a nose surgery haram??

(even when you're so depressed).

I think if I get a nose surgery, I will feel so much better, I would have so much confidence.

Please help!

The Qur’an--Its Message and Merits.

The Qur’an is the Book of God revealed to Prophet Muhammad (peace be on him), the Last Prophet of God. It is a confirmation and completion of the earlier Books of God revealed to other Prophets before him. It is the duty of Muslims to believe in all these Books as revealed Messages from God. But uncorrupted copies of these earlier Holy Books are unavailable. Because of the passage of time and the bad conditions of preservation, they have undergone changes.

The Qur’an’s story is very different from this. Verses after verses of the Qur’an were revealed to Prophet Muhammad (peace be on him), in the course of 23 years of his life. As soon as he received these verses, he dictated them to his disciples, who not only wrote them down, but also tried to learn them by heart. There were so many people who had memorized the Qur’an among his disciples. From the first day of its revelation, as it were, the Qur’an was in the hands and hearts of the people.

Before the death of the Prophet, the whole of the Qur’an was written down, examined and verified by the Prophet. From that time onwards, it has remained safe from corruption as several copies of it were in the possession of the Muslims. So it was not possible to make any changes to its verses, even if someone wanted to do so.

It is a widely acknowledged fact that the Qur’an is the most frequently read book. Muslims read passages of the Qur’an five times daily as part of their ritual prayer. Besides, they read it early in the morning, as God has recommended its reading at that time. So pious Muslims have been reading this Holy Book everyday repeatedly from the Prophet’s time to the present. This is God’s own plan of keeping the Qur’an safe from corruption.: “Certainly, it was We Who revealed the Reminder (the Qur’an) and certainly, We shall preserve it.” (Holy Qur’an)

One of the wonderful aspects of the Qur'an is that even though it was revealed 14 centuries ago, it incorporates principles and formulations relevant for all time. This means that the Qur'an is not a book like other books. It is unique in its content, its form, its language and tone. Any outsider who has known Islam by hearsay may try to study Islam first by trying to read it, of course in translation. The first thing that he will notice is that it is no ancient book as expected. Another thing he will notice is that this book is not the book of a Desert Arab, as he might call the Prophet. It is true that there are references to desert life in it. But the book deals with life of humanity under any circumstances, anywhere, any time.

One of the miracles of the Qur'an, which was revealed 14 centuries ago is the fact that it can be read and understood by the Arabic-speaking people living today. Every language undergoes changes as time passes, and a hundred or two hundred years is long enough for a language to undergo substantial changes. The English of 600 years ago, sounds an entirely different language from the English of today; this is well-known to anyone who has tried to read Chaucer in the original. (Chaucer: an English poet who lived six centuries ago). If that is so, what about the Arabic of the Hijaz region, spoken fourteen centuries ago?

Anyone who knows the rudiments of the history of languages knows that logically it should be impossible for the Arabic-speaking peoples of today to read and understand a book fourteen centuries old. And yet, everyday, every hour, every minute, in fact every second of the 24 hours of the 365 days of every year of the past centuries has been alive with the reading and study of the Qur'anic verses. And it goes on into the future. The volume and scope of it multiplies in every imaginable way with the arrival of the multimedia.

Thus we see that the Qur'an is the ever-present miracle of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), rivaling all other miracles so far. Add to this the astounding fact that, in spite of all the hostile propaganda unleashed against Islam by some of the most powerful organizations in the world today, Islam is yet the fastest growing religion now, by all estimates, whether conservative or liberal.

Muslim or not, shouldn’t one read and study the Qur'an and check whether its ideas are relevant to our information-crazy, hyper-tech world?

Here are a few verses of the Qur’an in translation, which will give us a taste of what God purports to do through the Qur’an:

The Qur’an on the Qur’an:

This is the Book; in it is Sure Guidance, without doubt, for those who are God-conscious….(2:2)

And this is a Book which We have revealed as a Blessing: so follow it and be righteous, so that you may receive Mercy. (6:155)

We have made the Qur’an easy in your own tongue( O Prophet!), so that with it you may give Glad Tidings to the righteous, and Warnings to people given to contention. (19: 97)

And say: “The Truth has arrived, and Falsehood perished; for Falsehood is bound to perish.” We send down stage by stage, of the Qur’an that which is a Healing and a Mercy to those who believe; and to the unjust it causes nothing but loss after loss. (17: 81, 82)

To you We sent the Scripture in Truth, confirming the Scripture that came before it, and guarding it: so judge between them by what God has revealed, and do not follow their vain desires, diverging from the Truth that has come to you…(5:48)

Certainly this Qur’an explains to the Children of Israel most of the matters in which they disagree. And in it certainly is a Guide and a Mercy to those who believe. (27:76, 77)

When the Qur’an is read, listen to it with attention and hold your peace; so that you may receive Mercy. And (O reader!) bring your Lord in remembrance in your very soul with humility, and recite without loudness in words, in the mornings and evenings; and do not be of those who are heedless. (7:204, 205)

Do they not ponder on the Qur’an? If it had been from anyone other than Allah, they would surely have found therein many a discrepancy. (4: 82)

Do they say “He forged it”? Say: “Bring then a chapter like it and call (for help) anyone you can, other than God, if you are honest?” (10:38)

The Qur’an on God:

The main purpose of the Qur’an is to awaken in man a constant and unfailing awareness of God’s Presence; for in the words of the Qur’an, God “is closer to man than his jugular vein”. A God-conscious person knows that even if he doesn’t see God, God is always watching him:

Allah is the Light of the Universe; and the similitude of His Light is as a Niche in which is a Lamp enclosed in a Glass like a brilliant star; (the Lamp is) lit from a blessed Tree, an Olive, neither of The East nor of the West, whose oil is very luminous, though fire has not touched it. Light upon Light! God does guide whom He wills to His Light: And God sets forth parables for men; and He knows all things. (24: 35)

Allah—there is no god but He, the Living, the Self-Subsisting Supporter of all; no slumber can overtake him, nor sleep; His are all things in the heavens and on earth. Who can intercede with Him except with His permission? He knows what is before them or behind them. Nor can they compass anything of His knowledge except as He wills. His Throne extends over the heavens and the earth. He feels no fatigue in guarding and preserving them. For He is the Highest, the Supreme (in glory). (2:255)

Allah is the Protector of those who have faith: From the depths of Darkness, He leads them forth into Light. As for those who reject faith, their patrons are the Evil Ones, and they lead them from Light into the depths of Darkness. They are the companions of the Fire; and they will dwell therein for ever. (2: 257)

He is Allah in the Heavens and on earth. He knows what you hide and what you reveal, and He knows what you earn (by your deeds). (6:3)

To Allah belong the East and the West; and wherever you turn, there is the Face of Allah. For Allah is All- Embracing, All- Knowing. (2:115)

Your Guardian Lord is Allah, Who created the heavens and the earth in six stages, then He settled Himself on the Throne: He draws the night as a veil over the day, each in rapid succession: And the sun, the moon, and the stars, all are subservient to Him by His command; certainly, His are the Creation and the Command; Glorious is Allah, the Cherisher and Sustainer of the Worlds. (7: 54)

How can you reject faith in Allah?-- Seeing that you were without life and Allah gave you life; then will He cause you to die, and again He will bring you to life; and then again to Him will be your return. It is He Who has created for you all things that are on earth; then He turned to the heaven and made it into seven firmaments; and of all things He has perfect knowledge. (2: 28, 29)

(Allah) the Most Merciful! It is He Who taught the Qur’an. He created man: He taught him the power of speech. The sun and the moon follow (precise)courses pre-ordained. And the plants and the trees –both bow in His worship. And the Firmament has He raised high, and He has set up the Balance of Justice, in order that you may not transgress due proportion. (55: 1-8)

Qur’an on Man and His Life in This World:

Behold! Your Lord said to the angels: “I am about to create Man from sounding clay, from mud molded into shape; when I have fashioned him(in due proportion) and breathed into him My spirit, you fall down in obeisance to him”. So the angels prostrated themselves, all of them together; not so Iblis (Satan); he refused to be among those who prostrated themselves… (15: 28-31)

We have honored the sons of Adam; provided them with transport on land and sea; Given them for sustenance things good and pure; and conferred on them special favors, above a great part of our creation. (17: 70)

Then did Iblis (Satan) make them slip from the (Garden) and get them out of the state ( of felicity) in which they had been. And We said: “Get you down all, with enmity between yourselves; on earth will be your dwelling place and your means of livelihood for a time.” Then Adam learnt from his Lord words (of repentance), and his Lord turned towards him (in forgiveness); for He is Oft-Returning, Most Merciful. We said: “Get you down all from here; and if as is sure, there comes to you Guidance from Me, whoever follows My Guidance, on them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve. But those who reject Faith and belie Our Signs, they shall be Companions of the Fire; and they shall abide therein.” (2:36-39)

Mankind was one single nation, and Allah sent Messengers with glad tidings and warnings; and with them He sent the Book in truth, to judge between people in matters wherein they differed; but the People of the Book, even after clear signs came to them, differed among themselves through selfish obstinacy. But to the Truth, whereof they had differed, Allah guided the believers by His Grace. For Allah guides whom He wills to the Straight Path. (2: 213)

O mankind! We created you from a single (pair) of a male and a female; and made you into nations and tribes, that you may know each other (not that you may despise each other). Certainly the most honored of you in the sight of Allah, is the most Righteous of you. And Allah has full Knowledge, and is well acquainted (with all things). (49: 13)

Say (O Prophet!): “O people! The Truth has come to you now from your Lord. Those who receive Guidance, do so for the good of their own souls; those who stray, do so to their own loss: And I am not (set) over you to arrange your affairs.” (10: 108)

Verily We have created man into toil and struggle. (90: 4)

O man! Verily you are ever toiling on towards your Lord—painfully toiling and you shall meet Him. (84: 6)

Truly man was created very impatient; upset when evil touches him; and selfish when good reaches him; not so those devoted to prayer, those who remain steadfast to their prayer…. (70: 19-23)

Man prays for evil as fervently as he prays for good; for man is given to haste. (17: 11)

Allah has made for you, mates of your own nature, and made for you out of them sons and daughters and grandchildren, and provided for you sustenance of the best: will they then believe in vain things, and be ungrateful for Allah’s favors? (16: 72)

Your Lord has decreed that you worship none but Him, and that you be kind to parents. Whether one or both of them attain old age in your life, say not to them a word of contempt, nor repel them, but address them in terms of honor. And out of kindness, lower to them the wing of humility and say: “My Lord! Bestow on them your Mercy even as they cherished me in childhood.” (17: 23, 24)

Do not follow that, of which you have no knowledge; for surely, the hearing, the sight, the heart—all of those shall be questioned of. Do not walk on the earth with arrogance: for you cannot rend the earth asunder, nor reach the mountain in height. (17: 36, 37)

It is We Who have placed you with authority on earth, and provided you therein with means for the fulfillment of your life; but you give little thanks. (7: 10)

Allah wishes to lighten your (burdens); for man was created weak. (4: 28)

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 with Allah is the best of the goals (to return to). (3:14)

Whatever misfortune happens to you, is because of the things your hands have wrought , and for many (a sin) He grants forgiveness. (42:30)

Mischief has appeared on land and sea because of what the hands of men have earned, and Allah wants to give them a taste of some of their deeds, so that they may turn back (from evil) (30:41)

Every soul shall have a taste of death; and on the day of judgment you will be paid your full reward. Only he who is saved far from the Fire and admitted to the Garden will have succeeded: For the life of this world is but goods and chattels of deception. (3: 185)

Nothing is the life of this world but play and amusement; but best is the Home in the hereafter for those who are righteous; will you not then understand? (6: 32)

The Qur’an: Some Commands and Warnings from Allah:

O People! Worship your Guardian Lord, Who created you and those before you, so that you become Righteous. (2: 21)

Guard yourself against a day when no soul shall avail another, no intercession shall be accepted for her, no compensation shall be taken from her, and no one shall be there to help. (2: 48)

Be steadfast in prayer and give Zakat ( Specified Charity); and whatever good you send forth for your souls before you, you shall find it with Allah: for Allah sees well all that you do. (2: 110)

O you who believe! Seek help with patient perseverance and prayer: for God is with those who patiently persevere. (2: 153)

The Balance of Islam

The Holy Book of Islam, the Qur’an, describes the Muslim society as “Ummathan wasathan”, a balanced society. (2: 143) It means a society that adopts a middle course, not swerving to extremes.

This balance is seen in many aspects of Islam. One example is its stand towards this world and the other world. Religions are expected to be afterlife-directed, and renunciation of earthly life is generally considered a very desirable attitude to life, though most people fail in this venture. The Qur’an, however, teaches: “Seek your Home of the Hereafter with what God has given you in this world; and do not forget your portion in this world”. (28:77)

Allah has also said: “It is He (God) Who has created for you all things on this earth” (2:29). This clearly shows that God wants us to make use of the blessings of this world for our progress. So Islam does not teach us to adopt a negative attitude to this world; it does not say that the world is evil in itself. And when we see that God created everything for our use, then who are we to say, “We don’t want them”?

In fact it is our approach and attitude to this world that makes the world good or evil as the case may be. God has given us guidance in how best we can live here in peace and prosperity. It is up to us to determine how we use the resources of this world and how we live here.

Although chronologically Islam is the latest religion, in many ways it stands between the formalism of Judaism and the spirituality of Christianity. Islam teaches Muslims to have the best of both worlds: the world of business, politics and turmoil, and the world of eternal peace in the Hereafter.

Man as God’s Ambassador on Earth

God tells us that He created us as His ambassadors on earth (Qur’an 2: 30). This means,

(1) that He has given us certain faculties to make us worthy of being his ambassadors (Qur’an 17:70); and (2) that we have to discharge the duties that are placed on us as God’s ambassadors.

God has given us intellect, imagination, memory, speech, and so on, which are all required for our life on earth. He has also given us freedom, without which our intellectual faculties will be useless. It is up to us to use these faculties to our benefit in this world as responsible persons. But is it proper on our part to be reckless in our use of our God-given freedom and these faculties? Not at all.

Then how do we know the limits of our freedom or the seriousness of the responsibilities entrusted to us?

To this end, He has given us Guidance. He helps us to use all His blessings optimally so that we do not exceed the limits set by Him.

The Balance in the Creation of the Universe

We read in the Holy Qur’an: “He has created man; He has taught him intelligent speech. The sun and the moon follow courses exactly computed; and the plants and the trees, bow in adoration. The Firmament has He raised high, and He has set up the Balance, in order that you may not transgress due balance.” (55: 3-8)

As God’s representatives on earth, we too have to observe a balance and justice in the use of God’s bounty. This means that as responsible citizens of God’s kingdom, we cannot squander or waste natural resources, or even the wealth we presume to be ours; for, we have to consider not only our own needs, but also the needs of the future generations.

This balance should be present in everything we do. Therefore a Muslim cannot be an extremist in anything, just as he cannot be a spendthrift or a miser. God decries extremism even in religious matters. God commands: “Do not commit excess in your religion”, as He has commanded us to observe justice in everything. For this reason, a Muslim has to be a reasonable person, a person of proper balance and equanimity. In times of good fortune or bad fortune, he has to keep his cool; he cannot lose his balance.

Thus we find that Islam is a religion of justice and balance. It visualizes an ideal society where people live in peace as equal citizens striving for the material and spiritual welfare of all

COPIED FROM ISLAM ONLINE

The Balance of Islam

The Holy Book of Islam, the Qur’an, describes the Muslim society as “Ummathan wasathan”, a balanced society. (2: 143) It means a society that adopts a middle course, not swerving to extremes.

This balance is seen in many aspects of Islam. One example is its stand towards this world and the other world. Religions are expected to be afterlife-directed, and renunciation of earthly life is generally considered a very desirable attitude to life, though most people fail in this venture. The Qur’an, however, teaches: “Seek your Home of the Hereafter with what God has given you in this world; and do not forget your portion in this world”. (28:77)

Allah has also said: “It is He (God) Who has created for you all things on this earth” (2:29). This clearly shows that God wants us to make use of the blessings of this world for our progress. So Islam does not teach us to adopt a negative attitude to this world; it does not say that the world is evil in itself. And when we see that God created everything for our use, then who are we to say, “We don’t want them”?

In fact it is our approach and attitude to this world that makes the world good or evil as the case may be. God has given us guidance in how best we can live here in peace and prosperity. It is up to us to determine how we use the resources of this world and how we live here.

Although chronologically Islam is the latest religion, in many ways it stands between the formalism of Judaism and the spirituality of Christianity. Islam teaches Muslims to have the best of both worlds: the world of business, politics and turmoil, and the world of eternal peace in the Hereafter.

Man as God’s Ambassador on Earth

God tells us that He created us as His ambassadors on earth (Qur’an 2: 30). This means,

(1) that He has given us certain faculties to make us worthy of being his ambassadors (Qur’an 17:70); and (2) that we have to discharge the duties that are placed on us as God’s ambassadors.

God has given us intellect, imagination, memory, speech, and so on, which are all required for our life on earth. He has also given us freedom, without which our intellectual faculties will be useless. It is up to us to use these faculties to our benefit in this world as responsible persons. But is it proper on our part to be reckless in our use of our God-given freedom and these faculties? Not at all.

Then how do we know the limits of our freedom or the seriousness of the responsibilities entrusted to us?

To this end, He has given us Guidance. He helps us to use all His blessings optimally so that we do not exceed the limits set by Him.

The Balance in the Creation of the Universe

We read in the Holy Qur’an: “He has created man; He has taught him intelligent speech. The sun and the moon follow courses exactly computed; and the plants and the trees, bow in adoration. The Firmament has He raised high, and He has set up the Balance, in order that you may not transgress due balance.” (55: 3-8)

As God’s representatives on earth, we too have to observe a balance and justice in the use of God’s bounty. This means that as responsible citizens of God’s kingdom, we cannot squander or waste natural resources, or even the wealth we presume to be ours; for, we have to consider not only our own needs, but also the needs of the future generations.

This balance should be present in everything we do. Therefore a Muslim cannot be an extremist in anything, just as he cannot be a spendthrift or a miser. God decries extremism even in religious matters. God commands: “Do not commit excess in your religion”, as He has commanded us to observe justice in everything. For this reason, a Muslim has to be a reasonable person, a person of proper balance and equanimity. In times of good fortune or bad fortune, he has to keep his cool; he cannot lose his balance.

Thus we find that Islam is a religion of justice and balance. It visualizes an ideal society where people live in peace as equal citizens striving for the material and spiritual welfare of all

COPIED FROM ISLAM ONLINE