Another Question From Your New Muslim Brother

[Anyabwile]

As suggested by you all i have started reading the Quran for myself despite the quite unusually high number of emails i'm receiving from christians telling me not to. It's almost amusing. Does everyone else get this? I've had to change email although i still check the one linked to this site, i just have to sift through the mails. But im not being sent Links to websites, it's the actual texts fully reproduced in the email what i'm getting, so i can't ignore it.




Here is the latest thing that was sent to me, which has bought tears to my eyes, but for the wrong reasons. I don't think i've ever felt such a swirl of emotions over the course of two weeks that i have since embraced islam... Pleeeeeease don't tell me to ignore this, or to read the Quran as i have just started reading an online version, although i desire to one day learn arabic as i have said but please someone explain this. As these things hurt me deeply, those who have read my original posts will know why...




Once again please don't tell me to read Quran i am reading it now, and please dont tell me not to read what people send to me in OPEN emails, it's impossible not to. Basically either the things here are true or not, i'd rather check with my fellow brothers and sisters than at a christian site right? It's being sent from a christian so i am highly sceptical, and the amount of holes and ten thousand versions of the bible have no interest to me at all, this is after personal research. I must say since embracing Islam the love has been like nothing else, people from here have offered me gifts and suchlike, and i love you all so much for guiding me. i just need clearence on the below article i was sent in email, i will not disclose their name, they know who they are though, as they would have got the email from this board. Please tell me what i'm reading here isn't true...this is what was in my email...




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Anyabwile




Mohammed had no respect for BLACKS, whites and Arabs were equal to him, but Blacks were Below.




Mohammed Owned Black Slaves only. Therefore it is only natural that <b>Islam Looked Down on Blacks </b>
Islam is not the Haven of Freedom and Equality.




<b>Mohammed owned several black slaves. </b>
Ibn Qayyim al-Jawziyya relies heavily on the prophet's biographies written by great ancient scholars. Therefore, he is regarded by Muslims as an authority, a primary source and a leader among the students of Islamic religion.




This scholar tells us in his book, "Zad al-Ma'ad" (part 1, pp. 114-116), the following:




"These are the names of Muhammad's male slaves: Yakan Abu Sharh, Aflah, 'Ubayd, Dhakwan, Tahman, Mirwan, Hunayn, Sanad, Fadala Yamamin, Anjasha al-Hadi, Mad'am, Karkara, Abu Rafi', Thawban, Ab Kabsha, Salih, Rabah, Yara Nubyan, Fadila, Waqid, Mabur, Abu Waqid, Kasam, Abu' Ayb, Abu Muwayhiba, Zayd Ibn Haritha, and also a black slave called Mahran."




<b>Even in modern times, in Saudi Arabia the homeland of Islam, the common word for "Black" is "Abd" meaning slave.</b>





What was Mohammed's position on freeing the slaves? In one instance , a man freed a slave that he kept as a sexual partner. When Mohammed heard what happened, he auctioned the boy and sold him for 800 derhams to Na-eem Ebn Abdullah Al- Nahham. (Sahih Moslem vol. 7, page 83)




According to Mohammed, the punishment for committing adultery is different between a free man, a free woman and a slave-woman. The man is to be flogged one-hundred stripes and be exiled for one year. The free woman must be stoned to death. But the slave-woman <b>(since she has a monetary value) </b>
will not be exiled or killed, she is to be flogged one-hundred stripes. If the violation is repeated, the slave-woman is to be sold.(Sahih Al Bukhary vol. 8:821 & 822)




top




<b>Islam is a religion, whose sacred Scriptures contain explicit denigrating remarks about Black people.</b>
<b>Mohammed referred to Blacks as "raisin heads</b>
". (Sahih Al Bukhary vol. 1, no. 662 and vol. 9, no. 256).




<b>In another Hadith, Mohammed is quoted as saying that Blacks are, "pug-nosed slaves". </b>
(Sahih Moslem vol. 9 pages 46 and 47).




Islam is not the Haven of Freedom and Equality




I wouldn't want to be a Muslim because Islam is anti freedom, which is one issue so close to the hearts and minds of African Americans, considering the inequities they have suffered in their past.




One thing Islam does not believe in is freedom of religion. If Islam takes over America there wouldn't be a choice of religion. The Quran states: "If anyone desires a religion other than Islam, never will it be accepted of him; and in the hereafter he will be in the ranks of those who have lost".(Surah 3:85)




My fellow African Muslims don't care for your skin color, they are only using that to gain control over you.




Jesus Christ came to give us eternal life, where everybody stands equal in the sight of God. "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female; for ye are all one in Christ Jesus".




Galatians 3:28 The difference between Islam and the teachings of Jesus Christ is great. The choice is clear, the choice is yours.




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Ignore all the Jesus christ nonesense at the end, but can someone explain more on the sections that were highlighted. However on the opposite hand, I will never forget how i felt when i read this at a website...




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"NO RACIAL DISCRIMINATION IN ISLAM




In another khutba at Mina Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) proclaimed this profound message: "O people! Verily your Rabb (Allah) is One and verily your father is one (Aadam alaihis salaam). Remember! There is no virtue of an Arab upon a Non-Arab and vice versa, nor is there any virtue of a White above a Black or for a Black person over a White except in taqwa (piety). Verily the noblest among you in the sight of Allah is the one who is most pious" (Baihaqi).




Racial and colour barriers were totally destroyed by Islam. Superiority is not determined on such aspects. The criteria for superiority is the fear of Allah and obedience to Him. Whoever fulfils these criteria the best, whether it be a man or woman, Arab or non-Arab, Black or White, will be the most superior. However, it is most unfortunate that the legacy of apartheid lingers to some extent in many Muslims. Often the non-discriminatory policy of Islam is violated in various ways. There is an urgent need to cleanse ourselves from this malady. This message of Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) must also be deeply ingrained into our families and children. "




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But the above i posted contradicts. Please remember i am reading Quran, and am only debating, asking questions. Thank you!!


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[Dan]

Bismillah


As Salam alaikum


Give a little truth and drench it in lies seems to be the trend that most of these sites follow. The VERY FIRST caller to prayer (the one who calls the adthan) was a black man hand picked by Muhammad to do so. This great honor was not given to anyone else. The brother's name was Bilal. He was also one of the very few people who the prophet said that he was promised heaven. Does not sound racist to me. Have you forgotten to what brother Malcolm said about his travels in the Middle East? This was during a time when whites in America were committing horrible violent acts and discrimination. Malcolm travels to this "racist" area and come back a changed man.


Sudan, Somalia, parts of Kenya, Mali, Maurtania, and on and on are all muslim countries with black Africans. Would these countries voluntarily take up a religion that discriminates against them?


To me christianity is more racist, white god for all people? This image was propagated for centuries until it was no longer profitable. The Passion of the Christ claims authenticity because of the language yet still uses a white man in the lead of Jesus. Come on.


Hopefully, I have answered some questions for the sake of our brotherhood as sanctioned by Allah. Trust me, brother. My stepmother is African-American and I have a half brother from that marriage as well. I would not involve myself in a religion that would have me hate or degrade those whom I love.


As Salam alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatu

[Anyabwile]

If only i received random emails from people like yourself brother as opposed to the nutters who were sending me stuff. I don't mind closed links i can save and explore at a later time, but blatant subject lines of course im gonna look, it's corny. Anyway Dan despite my post i do agree with your words, i just wanted it out in the open and not swirling around in my own head. I've already got soo much to think about and learn being a new Muslim. And a man as great and intelligent as Malcolm wouldn't have embraced Islam if what i quoted was true. I know this of course, it just hit me as a shock when i read these things sent to me. I also never knew this about bilal.


I don't really understand it, so far the vicious emails and harsh words i've been receiving have been coming from the Christians, who i have no hate in my heart for, before or after i embraced Islam. What's the concern with me? Don't get it. The natural pull within me was toward Islam, no influence, it was out of my control. Why wasn't i naturally pulled toward christianity? Why do i need emails telling me to come over, and not the natural embrace from god that i physically felt with Islam. Anyway, thanks again Dan...i think i need a sleep

[wel_mel_2]

Assalamo ALikum


i think its the time to gain more knowledge about Islam in order to be able to defend your faith. and remember, God will always test your faith with these kind of harsh words i am too used to it.. i have very LOOOOOOOOOONG list attack from Christians websites but ALhamdulelah i have the answers too, so stand firm and gain more and more knowledge about your faith. its so important.. the prophet Muhammad said, seek knowledge from the cradle to the grave..


i just remember a beautiful saying of the prophet Muhammad pbuh regarding equality.. he said.. before God men are all equal as the teeth of a comb. "The old Arabic combs had equal in height and width teeth for combing the hair".


and ALlah says..


"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. Verily the most honoured of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you. And Allah has full knowledge and is well-acquainted. (The Noble Quran, 49:13)"


salam


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Anyabwile can you PM me your address, will try to send you copy of the Qur'an..

[Anyabwile]

i think its the time to gain more knowledge about Islam in order to be able to defend your faith. and remember, God will always test your faith with these kind of harsh words i am too used to it..

Yes, thing is, i am learning more about Islam, but alongside that other stuff keeps popping up i have to question. I'm not of the mind to ignore blindly, it's not in my nature. But so far my own research is cutting Christian propaganda down. All this alongside still trying to convince a girlfriend to read on this, who's seeing these things as well, especially some of the stuff i'm being sent about women. I'm currently reading an Online Quran someone put a link to up here a week or so back. But yeh i want to get a physical book i can hold and read, then i'm not limited to staring at a monitor uncomfortably. What's the most accurate English translation any Arabic speakers on here can suggest me seeking out. Unless thats what you're suggesting sendig me wel_mel! Which i can't accept, i think i'm too proud.

[wel_mel_2]

Assalamo Alikum brother Anyabwile,


but alongside that other stuff keeps popping up i have to question. I'm not of the mind to ignore blindly, it's not in my nature

am not asking you to ignore them brother, actually am in touch with many christians and most of them are using these anti islamic websites to put me down, but Alhamdulelah i can handle them. and i also never ignore them. i am only asking you to gain more knowledge about Islam in order for you to be able to answer them, and as i can see you are doing lots of efforts Masha'Allah. and YES please ask whatever you need. and May Allah give us the ability to answer your questions, Insha'Allah.


as for the Qur'an i have many copies here that's why i asked your permission to send you one copy. its for free dont worry or else you can visit any Islamic centre near to your place and they will also give you one free. Insha'Allah.


the best English translation approved by almost all Muslims Scholars is "ABDULLAH YUSUF ALI" translation, they said its the best for English speaking people.


anything else you need please let us know.


Salam brother


wel_mel.

[lifutushi]

Assalamu'alaykum...


about the list of Rasulullah's slaves, i think the sender missed some words there:


it shoud be "the black slaves freed by the prophet Muhammad (pbuh)"


the black had been the slaves for arabs before Islam (jahiliyyah) and Islam came to free them...

[Muslimah]

as salam alykom my dear brother and of course all other brothers on this thread


Anya, Dan Mash aAllah gave u a good explanation about Bilal, however, I d like to add one thing. That our leader and teacher and Messenger of Allah (Peace and prayer be upon him) who sent as mercy to mankind not only he picked up Bilal, no but also he said Islam took out Abu Lahab (who was his immediate uncle: father's brother) from my lineage <b>and added Bilal to my lineage. Imagine
</b>. Not only this, he asked Bilal, I hear your footsteps in Jannah what do u exactly do, and Bilal explained that each time he makes wodu (ablution) he offers two Raka`a voluntray. Anya I will not tell just think to yourself why the effort? I m sure u can see it, u r a major threat to those people, u r an alive proof to them that they are wrong and they can not let u be.


Just look at how Allah describe this ( Iam not trying to evade the rest of the topic which I think my dear brothers covered fully unless u still need more):


"<b>Many of the people of the Scripture (Jews and Christians) wish that if they could turn you away as disbelievers after you have believed, out of envy from their ownselves, even, after the truth (that Muhammad ﺻﻠﻰ ﺍﻟﻠﻪ ﻋﻠﻴﻪ ﻭﺳﻠﻢ is Allah's Messenger) has become manifest unto them
</b>. But forgive and overlook, till Allah brings His Command. Verily, Allah is Able to do all things." (Quran 2:109)


No comment after Allah's clear word


However, they also forgot to tell u that one of Prophet Mohamed's (PAPBUH) slaves was a white man called Zaid Ibn Haritha who refused to go back with his father after he found him preferring to remain with Mohamed (PAPBUH). They also forgot to tell u that one of the best companions and much repected was slave Salman al farsiy (meaning the Pursian) whom I admire soooooo much. Originally he was a free man tried to learn Christianity, then people took him on a trip when he found out about a potential Messenger who will appear in Arabia, they deceived him and sold him as a slave. Messenger Mohamed (PAPBUH) after Salman embraced Islam urged the Muslims in Medina to raise fund for Salman to free himself since his master was a Jew.


Brother Islam came not to establish slavery but to dry its sources


I know we have a thread on that, Insh a Allah I will look for it and post the link


Now they also forgot to mention what was the source of slavery, many either war captives, or slave brokers used to just kidnap people and sell them like slaves. Islam came to dry the sources bit by bit.


They also forgot to tell u that when the Messenger (PAPBUH) opened Mecca he freed more than 10.000 war captives all at one time....Sobhan Allah

[Muslimah]

U know what Anya good thing u brought this in public here so that people know what is happening behind the screen may Allah Help us and u to remain firm ameen

[Dan]

Bismillah


As Salam alaikum


Alhamdulillah brother that you are bringing this stuff up rather than, like you said, let it rattle around in your head.


I have noticed that most christians upon hearing that I am a muslim at the very least disapprove and many times try to convince me that I should "accept Jesus as lord."


Recently, I have also noticed a difference between the devout muslims and devout christians. Muslims who live their religion seem to be very peaceful in demeanor and are enjoyable to be around. Lately, when I am around "fanatical" christians, they give off this almost angry enthusiasm for their beleifs. I have seem them get so worked up when talking about the faith and this glint fires up in their eyes. It can be kind of creepy to me. I definately not saying that all christians are like this. I know that some people are going to want to jump on that.


Hang in there brother.


As Salam alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatu


Love,


Dan