Quote:Peace...
I know I am very late in joining this thread but I saw a few things that confused me. I'll list them below for discussion:


In the beginning of this thread Muslimah you stated:


<i>"We learn that this life is not but a transit stop before we depart taking the same plane but the destination is what we work for all our lives."</i>


If this is the case, that this life is temporary, why is it obligatory for muslims to spread Islam by the sword? I'm not understanding how the two ideals are resolved with one another.


Where did I say that we are commanded to spread Islam by sowrd? When I speak about life being temporary, it is so for all of us. Muslims have to realise this and not lay emphasis on its affairs, get busy with it, worry about what they miss or gain in this world. I dont want to elaborate on this point in order to stay on topic. However, I will just give u one Ayah:



"And this life of the world is only amusement and play! Verily, the home of the Hereafter, that is the life indeed (i.e. the eternal life that will never end), if they but knew." (Quran 29:64)


Coupled with the following


"No calamity befalls on the earth or in yourselves but is inscribed in the Book of Decrees (the Gaurded Tablet), before We bring it into existence. Verily, that is easy for Allah* In order that you may not be sad over matters that you fail to get, nor rejoice because of that which has been given to you. And Allah likes not prideful boasters." (Quran 57:22-23)<b></b>[/color][/b]


<b>A muslim should adopt the above mentioned as foundation for his/her life, not necessarily of course that we all do. This how we should perceive this short temporary life. We should work, making a living, provide for our families, but we must not really be focused on the worldly gains but rather use them as a ladder to get closer to Allah, since Allah Say:
</b>


"Say (O Muhammad): "Verily, my prayer, my sacrifice, my living, and my dying are for Allah, the Lord of the Worlds.* "He has no partner. And of this I have been commanded, and I am the first of the Muslims." (Quran 6:162-163)


<b>As we established the foundation of our lives, now, this is how we think of this world and life. We should dedicate our intention in all of what we do, as you see, Salat, sacrifice, living including, among others, work, eating, sleeping, entertainment, interacting with others muslims or non muslim, marriage, child bearing.... name it. Life all aspects of life and then death should be also to Allah. How? by preparing for it, by living the life that should leade us thru to death as safe as possible.
</b>


As for non Muslims, I m ordained to invite them to Allah the One who Didnt beget no one neither was He begotten. In doing this, I should adopt a kind manner and use proper wording. I m also ordained to respond primarily to those who ask, who seek knoweldge. I should not impose or force them to listen to me, if they turn away, i should simply stop because Islam is a treasure, is an invaluable gift that must not be wasted or belittled by just throwing it even when others are not interested.


I'm seeing what appears to me to be a contradiction in teaching. In the beginning of this thread you stated:


<i>"For Muslims to fit the description given by Allah as the best people, we must enjoin good and forbid evil. But this does not mean doing so with non Muslims in a violent manner."</i>


<b>Exactly and I repeat.
</b>


However under the teaching of jihad we read:


<i>“And fight them until there is no more Fitnah (disbelief and polytheism, i.e. worshipping others besides Allaah), and the religion (worship) will all be for Allaah Alone [in the whole of the world]. But if they cease (worshipping others besides Allaah), then certainly, Allaah is All-Seer of what they do”</i>


[al-Anfaal 8:39]


Shamms I think you just skimmed thru the thread and missed a few Ayahs associated with this one explaining the full context on how to understand it.


However, no problem I will say it again in my next post Insh a Allah.