02-27-2007, 04:45 PM
SALMAN THE PERSIAN
The Beginning
No one can tell the story of Salman better than Salman himself. He, may Allah's Mercy be upon him, told his story to one of the companions and a close relative of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) by the name of Abdullah bin Abbas.
Salman said:
I was a Persian man from the people of Isfahaan from a town known as Jayi. My father was the town Chief. To him, I was the most beloved creature of Allah.
[This is an indication of a good behavior from the son towards his father. Salman is using the correct name of the true God, Allah. The Name, Allah, is the same Name used by all of the Prophets and Messengers. Allah is the same name of God in the Aramaic language of our beloved Prophet Jesus, peace be upon him.]
His love of me, reached the point whereby he trusted me to supervise the fire he lit. He would not let it die down.
A Different Religion?
My father owned a Daye’ah: great country with arable land. One day and while busy with his constructions, he told me to go and inspect his Daye’ah and to bring from it some things he wanted. On my way to his Daye’ah, I came across a Christian Church. I heard the voices of the prayers of the people inside. I did not know what goes on with (the lives) of people outside, because my father kept me confined to his house! So, when I came across those people (of the Church) and I heard their voices, I went inside watching what they were doing.
The Interest Arises
When I saw them, I liked their prayers and became interested in their matter (i.e., religion). I said to myself: 'By Allah, this religion is better than ours'.
[He gave himself the time to find out about this religion which he thought then it was the right belief. A perceiving and a kind heart charged with patience is needed to drive oneself from being confined to such thought as: " 0 well! I will try to find out, but I am kind of busy now. etc.!' Death may knock the door sooner than one hopes
I left without actually inspecting my father’s Daye’ah. I asked (i.e., the people of the Church), "What is the origin of this religion?
[seeking the "origin". This is a guide for those in search. The "origin", "original", the "essence" are essential terms that will help in the search process. What is the "origin" of Islam and what is its essence? It came from Allah, the Creator, the True God and its essence is the submission? to Him, Most Glorified and Exalted He is.]
They said: "From Ash-Shaam". I returned to my father who, became worried and sent (someone) after me. Upon my arrival he said: 'O son! Where have you be? Didn't I trust you with an assignment?' I said: 'I came across some people praying in their Church and I liked what they were on from their religion. By Allah I sat with them until sunset".
[ Amazing honesty from a person who knows well his father's commitment to his religion. It is the kind of openness that is necessary for someone who searches truth.]
READ THE REST FROM THE LINK BELOW
http://www.youngmuslims.ca/online_library/...rsian/index.htm