"people Of The Book" & The Muslims

[mertfaruk]

Islam is a religion of peace, love and tolerance. Today, however, some circles have been presenting a false image of Islam, as if there were conflict between Islam and the adherents of the two other monotheistic religions. Yet Islam's view of Jews and Christians, who are named "the People of the Book" in the Koran, is very friendly and tolerant.


This attitude towards the People of the Book developed during the years of the birth of Islam. At that time, Muslims were a minority, struggling to protect their faith and suffering oppression and torture from the pagans of the city of Mecca. Due to this persecution, some Muslims decided to flee Mecca and shelter in a safe country with a just ruler. The Prophet Muhammad told them to take refuge with King Negus, the Christian king of Ethiopia. The Muslims who followed this advice found a very fair administration that embraced them with love and respect when they went to Ethiopia. King Negus refused the demands of the pagan messengers who asked him to surrender the Muslims to them, and announced that Muslims could live freely in his country.


Such attitudes of Christian people that are based on the concepts of compassion, mercy, modesty and justice, constitute a fact that God has pointed out in the Koran. A verse of the Koran states:


… You will find the people most affectionate to those who believe are those who say, 'We are Christians.' That is because some of them are priests and monks and because they are not arrogant. (Surat al-Ma'ida, 82)


THE COMMON BELİEFS AND VALUES OF THE PEOPLE OF THE BOOK WİTH MUSLİMS


Christian and Muslim belief have many aspects in common. Judaism too shares many beliefs with Islam. All true adherents of these three great religions:


• believe that God has created the entire universe out of nothing and that He dominates all that exists with His omnipotence.


• believe that God has created man and living things in a miraculous way and that man possesses a soul granted him by God.


• believe that besides Jesus, Moses or Muhammad, God sent many prophets such as Noah, Abraham, Isaac and Joseph throughout history, and they love all these prophets.


• believe in resurrection, Heaven and Hell and angels, and that God has created our lives with a certain destiny.


The beliefs of the People of the Book are in harmony with Muslims, not only in terms of faith-related issues, but also of moral values. Today, in a world where such immoralities as adultery, homosexuality, drug addiction and a model of egoism and self-seeking cruelty have grown widespread, the People of the Book and Muslims share the same virtues: Honor, chastity, humility, self-sacrifice, honesty, compassion, mercy and unconditional love…


ACCORDİNG TO THE KORAN, MUSLİMS, JEWS AND CHRİSTİANS SHOULD LİVE IN FRİENDSHİP


It is evident there are ample grounds for an alliance between the "People of the Book" and Muslims. This is also very evident in the Koran. In the relevant verses of the Koran, there is a significant difference between the People of the Book and the idolaters. This is especially emphasized in the area of social life. For example, it is said concerning the idolaters: "(they) are unclean, so after this year they should not come near the Masjid al-Haram (Kaaba)." (Surat at-Tawba: 28) Idolaters are people who obey no divine law, have no moral precepts and who are capable of committing every kind of degrading and perverse action without hesitation.


But while they basically rely on God's revelation, the People of the Book have moral precepts and know what is lawful and what is not. For this reason, if one of the People of the Book cooks some food, it is lawful for Muslims to eat it. In the same way, permission has been given for a Muslim man to marry a woman from among the People of the Book. On this subject God commands:


Today all good things have been made lawful for you. And the food of those given the Book is also lawful for you and your food is lawful for them. So are chaste women from among the believers and chaste women of those given the Book before you, once you have given them their dowries in marriage, not in fornication or taking them as lovers. But as for anyone who disbelieve, his actions will come to nothing and in the hereafter he will be among the losers. (Surat al-Mai'da: 5)


These commands show that bonds of kinship may be established as a result of the marriage of a Muslim with a woman from the People of the Book, and that those on each side of the union can accept an invitation to a meal. These are the fundamentals that will ensure the establishment of equitable human relationships and a happy communal life. Since the Koran enjoins this equitable and tolerant attitude, it is unthinkable that a Muslim could take an opposing view.


MONASTERİES, CHURCHES AND SYNAGOGUES SHOULD BE RESPECTED


Another important fact we learn from the Koran is that Muslims must respect Jewish and Christian places of worship. In the Koran, the places of worship of the People of the Book, i.e. monasteries, churches and synagogues, are mentioned as places of worship protected by God.


…if God had not driven some people back by means of others, monasteries, churches, synagogues and mosques, where God's name is mentioned much, would have been pulled down and destroyed. God will certainly help those who help Him - God is All-Strong, Almighty. (Surat al-Hajj: 40 )


This verse shows all Muslims the importance of respecting and protecting the sanctuaries of Christians and Jews.


Indeed, in the Koran God commands Muslims not to harbor any enmity towards any people. In many verses, friendship is recommended, even with idolaters. God even refers to the idolaters at war with Muslims in this way: "If any of the idolaters ask you for protection, give them protection until they have heard the words of God. Then convey them to a place where they are safe." (Surat at-Tawba: 6)


Jews and Christians, however, are much closer to Muslims than idolaters. Each of these religions has its book, that is, they are subject to a revelation sent down by God. They know what is right and what is wrong, what is lawful and what is unlawful. They know they will give an account to God, and they love and revere His prophets. This shows that Muslims and the people of the book can live easily together and cooperate.


THE COMMON ENEMİES OF THE FAİTH


Another important fact that draws Christianity, Judaism and Islam together is the atheist philosophies that are so influential in our time.


Among the best-known and most harmful philosophies of our age can be cited materialism, communism, fascism, anarchism, racism and secular humanism. Many people who believed in the fake diagnoses, deceptive descriptions and explanations of these ideas on the universe, society and man, have lost their faith or doubted it. What is more, these ideologies have dragged people, societies and nations into great crises, conflicts and wars. Their share of the blame for the pain and troubles that humanity suffers today is immense.


While they deny God and creation, all the above-mentioned ideologies are based on a common framework, a so-called scientific basis; Charles Darwin's theory of evolution. Darwinism constitutes the basis of atheist philosophies. This theory claims that living beings have evolved as a result of coincidences and by means of a struggle for life. Therefore, Darwinism sends this deceptive message to people:


"You are not responsible to anyone, you owe your life to coincidences, you need to struggle, and if necessary to oppress others to succeed. This world is one of conflict and self-interest".


This evil morality advises people to be egoistical, self-seeking, cruel and oppressive. It destroys such virtues as mercy, compassion, self-sacrifice and humility, the moral values of the three great monotheistic religions.


This being the case, it is necessary for the people of the Book and Muslims to cooperate, since they believe in God and accept the morality that He teaches. The followers of these three religions should expose to the world the fallacy of Darwinism, which has no scientific basis, but which is trying to be preserved for the sake of materialist philosophy. They should cooperatively carry out an intellectual struggle against all other deceptive ideas that serve atheism. Once this is realized, the world will, in a very short time, embrace peace, tranquility and justice.


CONCLUSİON: "LET US RALLY TO A COMMON FORMULA"


At a time when anti-religious, atheist and materialist ideologies surround the world, similarities among theistic religions should be emphasized, and cooperation should be established for common aims.


Concerning the People of the Book, God gives Muslims a command in the Koran; to rally to a common formula:


O People of the Book! Let us rally to a common formula to be binding on both us and you: That we worship none but God; that we associate no partners with Him; that we erect not, from among ourselves, Lords and patrons other than God. (Surat Al 'Imran, 64)


This is indeed our call to Christians and Jews: As people who believe in God and follow His revelations, let us rally to a common formula - "faith". Let's love God, Who is our Creator and Lord, and follow His commands. And let us pray God to lead us to an even straighter path.


When Muslims, Christians and Jews rally to a common formula this way;


When they understand that they are friends not enemies,


When they see that the real enemy is atheism and paganism,


then the world will become a very different place.


The fighting that has raged for ages, enmities, fears - and terrorist attacks - will come to an end, and a new civilization based on love, respect and peace will be established upon this "common formula".

[Muslimah]

Bismillah


as salam alykom brother


I am so surprised what common formula u r talking about brother.


King of Eithopea cried when he heard Quran and embraced Islam based on the evidence that the Messenger salla Allah a`lyhee wa sallam prayed Janazah when he heard of his death.


<b>So we can never call for a common formula plus u can never say we share the same beliefs. Do u believe in the trinity???????????</b>



Brother if u r calling for unitarian this will not be on this board. We are not calling for enmity towards anyone either. But no common formula


I am afraid u have to revise your situation

[Rehmat]

Among the best-known and most harmful philosophies of our age can be cited materialism, communism, fascism, anarchism, racism and secular humanism....

Hmmmmmmm!


Did not you know that ALL of them were BRAIN-CHILDS of Jews

Concerning the People of the Book, God gives Muslims a command in the Koran; to rally to a common formula......

First of all – 99% of present-day Jews and Christians do not fall into the “Qura’nic formula” for the “People of Book” – Because, both these people neither believe in the ONENESS of God or worship Him, nor believe ALL of God’s Messengers. Present-day Jews believe and worship RACE and nationalism, while the Christians believe in TRINITY and worship “Jesus son of Mary”, as their God. Jews curse Jesus and don’t accept Muhammad as God’s Messenger – While the Christians accept all prophets from Adam to John the Baptist (Yahya) – but refuse to accept the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) – mentioned by Jesus as “The great tiding”.


Islam is the only Faith, which commands its Believers to worship ONLY ONE God (Allah), and believe in each of God’s Messengers – From Adam to Muhammad (pbuh).


Jews curse Jesus and don’t accept Muhammad as God’s Messenger – While the Christians accept all prophets from Adam to John the Baptist (Yahya) – but refuse to accept the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) – mentioned by Jesus as “The great tiding”.


Therefore, Islam is the only "common formula" to bring the followers of these three religions together.

[Student]

I would like to know what the Holy Qur'an has to say about Christian or Jewish people living in Islamic societies. For example, when Afghanistan was an Islamic state (as I believe it shall once again be) or Iran unto this day, how were/are Christian and/or Jewish people living there treated?


An author I read today cites (and please forgive me if I mispell anything,) Surah 9:29-30 and claims that war is to be declared upon those who resemble "the infidels of old." Is this true, false, or a distortion of sacred words of the Holy Qur'an?


Also, does Dar al Islam mean that Muslims should dominate in every society while infidels are tolerated (best case) or expelled/killed (worst case)? This author so claims, but I want to know what the book itself says and what is faithfully taught as truth.


Any help you may be able to provide in my search for answers is very gratefully appreciated.

[Rehmat]

I would like to know what the Holy Qur'an has to say about Christian or Jewish people living in Islamic societies.

Holy Qur'an, Hadith and Shari'ah is very clear about the RIGHTS of non-Muslims (Dhimmies) living among majority Muslim societies or States. In the past, and even now, the Christians enjoy more privileges than the Muslim minorities in the Christian world.

For example, when Afghanistan was an Islamic state (as I believe it shall once again be) or Iran unto this day, how were/are Christian and/or Jewish people living there treated?

First of all, Afghanistan under Taleban was NOT an Islamic State - And since there was NO Jew or Christian lived there till 2001 - your question is irrelevant.


As far as Islamic Iran is concerned - it has estimated 25,000 Easterrn Jews among a population of of 60 million. Since 1980, the Jews always have a "sitting member" in 375-member Iranian "Majlis" - while more than six million French Muslims (among total population of 60 million) never have "representation" in French Parliament. , and so goes for the US.

An author I read today cites (and please forgive me if I mispell anything,) Surah 9:29-30 and claims that war is to be declared upon those who resemble "the infidels of old."

Well, I can quote 103 "verses" from Bible in which Jesus (as) has cursed the Jews and called them worse than "Infidels". And how about Jewish Talmud, which calls the murder of non-Jews as "sacred" for the Jews!

Also, does Dar al Islam mean that Muslims should dominate in every society while infidels are tolerated (best case) or expelled/killed (worst case)?

"Da al Islam" means a State with Muslims as a CLEAR majority, and ruled under Islamic Shariah, which gives Dhimmies more rights than they can dream of under Christian or Jewish rule.

[Student]

Rehmat,


If I am mistaken please tell me so, but it seems as though you've taken offense at my questions, if your words are an accurate indication. If this is so, I am compelled to clarify.


The author I am referring to is not a Jew, he is Don McIlvaney. I think he's a Christian man but I don't know that for a fact.


I did not ask these questions to cast aspersions upon Islam, or call into question anything Muslims believe. To the contrary, I thought if I knew the exact text and verse from the Holy Qur'an, I could refute the claims of religious bigotry made against Muslims by biased media commentators and critics here. That is why I asked for specifics, something I could cite as proof.


I am here only to learn, never to offend, and have zero desire to be devisive, insulting, or derogatory towards anyone here at any time. If I erred in my references or my spelling of sacred subjects then I am sorry; it was an innocent mistake made by an ignorant person. If I upset you somehow then I apologize for that as well -- it was never my intention and was wholly accidental.


Again, I am trying to learn about Islam and to do that I have to ask questions and seek specific, detailed answers. I am in earnest and sincerely want to know, and that's all.


Please accept my sincere apology if I gave offense to you or any muslim, or did wrong in any way. I never meant to.


Sincerely,


Student

[Student]

Addendum:


I do not understand why Afghanistan was not an Islamic state. My understanding was that Mullah Omar was the leader of an Emirate, and the Sharia was the law of the land. How come Afghanistan did not qualify (by definition) as an Islamic state? Were not the accomplishments of the Taliban the model for others to emulate? Where did I go wrong? My source is a CIA study of the country, but I would like to know what you know.


Any sources and/or select bibliography you may have about Afghanistan under the Taliban's leadership is most gratefully appreciated. Thanks!


Student

[Rehmat]

Addendum:
I do not understand why Afghanistan was not an Islamic state.  My understanding was that Mullah Omar was the leader of an Emirate, and the Sharia was the law of the land.  How come Afghanistan did not qualify (by definition) as an Islamic state?  Were not the accomplishments of the Taliban the model for others to emulate?  Where did I go wrong?  My source is a CIA study of the country, but I would like to know what you know. 


Any sources and/or select bibliography you may have about Afghanistan under the Taliban's leadership is most gratefully appreciated.  Thanks!


Student

Now to Afghanistan - How "honest" your CIA source could be? Isn't it the same CIA, which instead of "going after Israeli Mossad and FBI", simply blamed 9/11 on "19 Arab hickers", while no "borading record (according to CIA director Tennet Cohen!) and knowing that FIVE of those "killed hijackers" were "fooling around" in Saudi Arabia and Morocco


No Afghanistan under "Taleban Shar'ih" was not an Islamic State; neither is the Kufr-protected Saudi Arabia; or for that matter "The Islamic Republic of Pakistan", under Sharon's friend, General Musharraf. The only State which comes CLOSE to Islamic State is Zionists No. 1 enemy (for giving 101% support to Hamas and Islamic Jihad resistance fighter).


If you are really interested to see Islam from the "Jewish eyes", I recommend you read Professor Israel Shahak - And believe me the Professor is 101 % White Israeli Jew and carry a PhD and furthermore, he is a retired officer of Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF)


http://www.radioislam.net/historia/shaha...sec/08.htm

[Student]

<i>Originally posted by Rehmat:</i>


<b>In response to your previous post - Lol....I have heard that "typical whining" many times before - "Coming from different IDs".</b>


I am not sure what this means, but I was and I am sincere, Rehmat.


<b>How "honest" your CIA source could be? Isn't it the same CIA, which instead of "going after Israeli Mossad and FBI", simply blamed 9/11 on "19 Arab hickers", while no "borading record (according to CIA director Tennet Cohen!) and knowing that FIVE of those "killed hijackers" were "fooling around" in Saudi Arabia and Morocco.</b>


I am confused but I am intrigued and would like to know more. I agree that the activities of Israeli spies in this country and their espionage goes unchecked, and that this is more than wrong, it's hypocricy. But I am lost on the other references to Suadi Arabia and Pakistan, and very much want to know more. Please tell me the details, Rehmat. My source is a book titled, <i>Imperial Hubris: Why the West is Losing the War on Terror</i> by Anonymous, a CIA analyst. I haven't finished it yet.


<b>No Afghanistan under "Taleban Shar'ih" was not an Islamic State; neither is the Kufr-protected Saudi Arabia; or for that matter </b>


Can you tell me please what disqualified Afghanistan from being an Islamic State? I don't understand.


<b>The only State which comes CLOSE to Islamic State is Zionists No. 1 enemy (for giving 101% support to Hamas and Islamic Jihad resistance fighter).</b>


Iran? I don't know the answer but wish to learn from you.


<b>If you are really interested to see Islam from the "Jewish eyes", I recommend you read Professor Israel Shahak - And believe me the Professor is 101 % White Israeli Jew and carry a PhD and furthermore, he is a retired officer of Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF)</b>


Thank you for the link, but I am here to learn about Islam from the muslim perspective. The Jewish perspective doesn't interest me. I want to see the world the way that muslims do, and to learn everything I can about all aspects of Islamic faith and practice. In a relatively short time I've learned quite a bit from you already, and hope that you'll continue to further my education.

[Deen]

Addendum:
I do not understand why Afghanistan was not an Islamic state. My understanding was that Mullah Omar was the leader of an Emirate, and the Sharia was the law of the land. How come Afghanistan did not qualify (by definition) as an Islamic state? Were not the accomplishments of the Taliban the model for others to emulate? Where did I go wrong? My source is a CIA study of the country, but I would like to know what you know.


Any sources and/or select bibliography you may have about Afghanistan under the Taliban's leadership is most gratefully appreciated. Thanks!


Student

When proving something to be Islamic we need to refer back to the Islamic texts rather than rationalising as to why such and such country is not Islamic.


The best of examples for us is Muhammad (saw) so we should refer back to him.


When Muhammad (saw) established the Islamic state in medinah, medinah was not the Islamic state just because Muhammad (saw) entered medinah. If that was the case then Muhammad (saw) would've gone to Medinah after the 1st pledge of Al-Aqabah!


There are a number of conditions which a state should have for it to be Islamic.


One of those is that the authority belongs to the ummah and the ummah has to transfer the authority of ruling to the leader. This is when the 2nd pledge of Al-Aqabah took place where the 70 or so men and 2 women pledged to Rasool (saw). These people were the influential people of Medinah who represented the muslims so they transferred the authority on their behalf. Not forgetting that Musab ibn Umayr taught people of medinah Islam and moulded their thoughts, ideas, concepts etc. and incorporated within the muslims of Medinah the Islamic personality.


This transfer or bayah carried on even after Rasool (saw) as no ruler which came after Rasool (saw) took office without the bayah.


As for the current states, which muslims have given them the bayah i.e. pledge of ruling (consent to rule by Islam on their behalf) just like Rasool (saw) did from the muslims from Medinah?


Hope that answers that question inshallah.