different Sects in Islam

[Kate]

ariel


Hi, I was just wondering why there are different sects in Islam? Is there one "true/correct" sect? If so what is it and why.

Thanks,

Kate

[wel_mel]

hello kate,

in my opinion... Islam doesn't have any sects. there are people who called themselves Shi'at, Hanifi, Wahabi etc etc .. but there is no such word of these sects mentioned in the Holy Book of Islam (The Qur'an) . so shortly. the religion in the sight of Allah (God Almighty) is Islam and its followes called MUSLIMS and the laws of all Muslims is the Qur'an and the sunnah (what prophet Muhammad did, said or approved ) as well as following the way of all prophets before Muhammad peace be upon them all..

and Allah knows Best.

wel_mel

[Purgetroy]

well kate, what wel means is that he doesnt consider the "sects" that are not sunni as muslims.

never the less, to answer your question, the majority of the muslims are Sunnis. i think next comes the Shia.

as far as i know, the shias believes that the message of Allah came by mistake to the prophet Mohammad as it was suppose to go to Ali (i think). the shias also have some loud rituals where they ask blessings from several great muslims which we the sunnis see as blasphemy cause blessing comes from God only and there is no need to have a medium or someone to send your blessings for you. the shias also go to graves of those great muslims looking for blessings from them. by great muslims i mean people that used to live at the time of the prophet or even relatives of the prophet, like his son or something.

they also have this great thing with the prophet's son Hussain. they have this motto which says something like "we are from Hussain and Hussain is from us". so you see, they are too much into the great people and forgot that God is the greatest and doesnt need anyone to help Him hear the prayers of His servants.

there are alot more differences as well. hope i gave a little light to the subject tho.

[Kate]

thanks, I think I somewhat understand it better. But I have another question- what or who is the Caliph(we learned about it in school, but I was confused) is he like the equivalent to the pope of the catholic church, or the Archbishop of Canterbury for the Anglican Church? Also, are there any other prophets after Muhammad? And another question, What role does Mary (the mother of Jesus) play in Islam? Thanks!

Kate

[wel_mel]

hello again kate.

But I have another question- what or who is the Caliph(we learned about it in school, but I was confused) is he like the equivalent to the pope of the catholic church, or the Archbishop of Canterbury for the Anglican Church? Also, are there any other prophets after Muhammad? And another question, What role does Mary (the mother of Jesus) play in Islam? Thanks!

Caliph was the person acting in Muhammad's place after his death, i.e. the leader of Islam . When Muhammad died , the Muslim community faced a problem on how their community should be governed, and how leaders should be appointed. There were conflicting stories on what Muhammad had said, So Caliph was the most knowledgable one who is also following the same exact teaching of Islam's law (the Holy Qur'an) and following also the same sunnah (what Muhammad said, act , or approved).

regarding prophets after Muhammad peace be upon him:

No there is no any other prophet coming after Muhammad peace be upon him as the Qur'an explained:

Chapter 33 (Al-Ahzab) Verse#40 - Muhammad is not the father of any of your men, but (he is) the Apostle of God, and the Seal of the Prophets: and God has full knowledge of all things.

Regarding Mary in Islam:

According to Islam, Mary is highly regarded and revered as a mother of one of God’s prophets, Jesus, peace and blessings be upon him. She is regarded as one of the purest of God’s servants. In fact, there are more verses in the Qur'an that mention Virgin Mary, than there are mentions of her in the whole of the New Testament. This confirms her high status in Islam.

Mentioning her is not only confined to the Qur’an. Rather, there are many traditions of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) whereby Mary is given one of the finest descriptions accorded people in general, i.e. ‘perfection’. This is clear in the hadith narrated by Ali Ibn Abi Talib:

The Prophet (pbuh) says ‘The best of the world's women is Mary( in her lifetime)

and he said some other ahadith about her. but i couldn't remember all of them righ now.

well, here are some of the verses from the Qur'an which Mentioned Mary. as well as the story of the birth of the Holy Son of Mary Jesus Christ peace be upon him:

(3:42)Behold the angels said: O Mary God hath chosen thee and purified thee chosen thee above the women of all nations.

(3:43)O Mary worship thy lord devoutly: prostrate thyself, and bow down (in prayer) with those who bow down.

(19:16) relate in the Book (The story of) Mary, when she withdrew from her family To a place in the east.

(19:17)She placed a screen (To screen herself) from them; then we sent to her our angel, and he appeared before her as a man in all respects.

(19:18)She said: I seek refuge from thee to (God) Most Gracious: (come not near) if thou dost fear God.

(19:19) He said: Nay, I am only A messenger from thy Lord, (To announce) to thee the gift of a holy son.

(19:20) She said: how shall I Have a son, seeing that non man has touched me and I am not unchaste?

(19:21)He said: So (it will be): Thy Lord saith, That is easy for Me: and (we wish) to appoint him as a sign unto men and a Mercy from Us: It is a matter (so) decreed.

(19:27)At length she brought The (babe) to her people, carrying him (in her arms). they said: O Mary! Truly an amazing thing hast thou brought.

(19:29)But she pointed to the babe. They said: How can we talk to one who is a child in the cradle?

(19:30)He said: I am indeed A servant of God: He hath given me revelation and made me A prophet,

(19:31)And He hath made me blessed wheresoever I be, And hath enjoined on me prayer and Charity as long As I live,

(19:32) He hath made me kind To my mother, and not overbearing or miserable;

(19:33)So peace is on me The day I was born, the day that I die, and the day that I shall be raised up to life (again)

(19:34) Such (was) Jesus the son Of Mary: (it is) a statement of truth, about which they (vainly) dispute.

(19:35)It is not befitting To (the majesty of) God that He should beget a son. Glory be to him! when he determines a matter, He only says To it, be, and it is.]

(19:36)Verily God is my Lord And your Lord: him therefore serve ye: this is a way that is straight.

i hope this answered your questions. and please feel free to ask more if you do have some other questions. we will be more than happy with Allah's guidance and help to answer you.

salam

wel_mel.

[Muslimah]

as salam a`ala man itab`alhoda

kate welcome to our board

Mash aAllah Wel_mel gave u complete answer on Mariam (Mary), only one more point to add, not only she is mentioned in many verses. But also a whole chapter carries her name.

Quran 19, I suggest u read it:

go to this link:

www.qurancomplex.com

and choose: Translations: then Surat 19

I join Wel-mel in his invitation for u to post any questions u need to be answered

[Kate]

Wow, I didnt know Mary was so highly regarded in the Islamic faith. But when I reading, it says "Mary is given one of the finest descriptions accorded to people in general, i.e. ‘perfection’, and "(3:42)Behold the angels said: O Mary God hath chosen thee and purified thee chosen thee above the women of all nations.", well in my faith I believe this, but I was wondering, why would Mary be perfect in Islam? Well, see in my religion Mary needed to be purified and free of sin so that her womb would be pure, because Jesus was in it, and believing that he is the Son of God, that would make sense to me, but if Mary is perfect in Islam, I was just wondering why? Like what would be the purpose of her being in a state of 'perfection'. I know that you said she was honored because she was the mother of a prophet, but then is Muhammad's mother honored too? And why would God need to purify her, like what's the point?Thanks! This is really interesting!

Kate

[Kate]

Do you beleive that only Muslims can enter heaven, or can Christians and/or Jews enter too? Do Muslims use the Torah or the New Testament at all? Or just the Quran? And does Islam say anything about aboration? And why don't you believe that Jesus was Crucified?thanks!

Kate

[wel_mel]

welcome again Kate

ok here we go....

why would Mary be perfect in Islam?

the reason is so simple Kate.. the story of Mary in the Qur'an started when she was still in her mother's womb:

The mother of Mary, said: "O my Lord! I do dedicate into Thee what is in my womb for Thy special service: So accept this of me: For Thou hearest and knowest all things." (Quran 3:35).

so Mary's mother in the very beginning asked God to purify Mary and to protect her from Satan. She wanted the baby in her womb to serve only the Creator. When Mary was delivered, she said:

"O my Lord! Behold! I am delivered of a female child!" (Quran 3:36)

She had expected her baby to be a male child who would grow up to be a scholar or religious leader. However, God had a better plan. God is the best of planners. Quran 3:36 continues "…and God knew best what she brought forth- 'And no wise is the male like the female. I have named her Mariam, and I commend her and her offspring to Thy protection from Satan, the Rejected.'" Mariam literally means "maidservant of God."

In Quran 3:37, God states that He accepted Mary as her mother had asked. He made Mary grow in purity and beauty. She was assigned to the care of a priest named Zacharias.

"Every time that he entered (her) chamber to see her, he found her supplied with sustenance. He said: 'O Mary! Whence (comes) this to you?' She said: 'From God. for God provides sustenance to whom He pleases without measure.'" (Quran 3:37). Upon hearing Mary's answer, "There did Zakariya pray to his Lord, saying: 'O my Lord! Grant unto me from Thee a progeny that is pure: for Thou art He that heareth prayer!'" (Quran 3:38).

so as you can see our beliefs about God is.. HE provides sustenance to whom He pleases without measure.'" and that's another simple reason why did he choose Mary.

without going into details about your faith which i think its CATHOLIC i would like you to have a look in NON MUSLIMS FORUM and check out some topics regarding Jesus peace be upon him.. there are a lot of topics about him in non muslims section.

Do you beleive that only Muslims can enter heaven, or can Christians  

Allah (God Almighty) said in the Qur'an in one of the verses regarding heavens or paradise:

Allah hath promised to believers men and women gardens under which rivers flow to dwell therein and beautiful mansions in gardens of everlasting bliss.

But the greatest bliss is the Good Pleasure of Allah.

That is the Supreme Triumph. ( 9:72)

and also:

But give glad tidings to those who believe and work righteousness, that their portion gardens, Beneath which rivers flow Every time they are fed with fruits therefrom, they say: why, this is what we were fed with before, for they are given things in similitude; and they have therein companions pure (and holy); and they abide therein (for ever).(2:25_)

so as you can see God has promised the Believers to dwell in Jannah (paradise) , So the question here is .. who are the believers ? and what is the religion in the sight of God ?

also the Qur'an explained in the following verses:

Say ye: we believe in God, and the revelation given to us, and to Abraham, Ismail Isaac, Jacob, and the tribes, and that given to Moses and jesus,and that given to (all) prophets from their Lord: we make no difference between one and another of them: and we bow to God (in Islam).(2:36)

So if they believe as ye believe, they are indeed on the right path; but if they turn back, it is they who are in schism; but God will suffice thee schism; but God will suffice thee as against them, and he is the all hearing, the all knowing. (2:137)

Yet there are men who take (for worship) others besides God, as equal (with God): they love them as they should love God. but those of faith are overflowing in their love for God. if only the unrighteous could see, behold, they would see the penalty: that to God belongs all power, and God will strongly enforce the penalty.(2:165)

just i want to comment on verse (2:165)

as you know that Christians claim that they Love Jesus Christ so much more than anything else.. and this is what Allah mentioned in the above verse.. would you agree with me that you Love Jesus the son of God according to your faith more than the father himself who created Jesus ? peace be upon him

more verses:

The apostle believeth in what hath been revealed to him from his Lord, as do the men of faith. each one (of them) believeth in God, his angels, his books, and his apostles (the messengers of God). we make no distinction (they say) between one and another of his apostle s. and they say: we hear, and we obey: (we seek) thy forgiveness, our Lord, and to thee is the end of all journeys. (2:285)

Say: we believe in God, and in what has been revealed to us and what was revealed to Abraham. Ismail; Isaac, Jacob, and the tribes, and in (the books) given to Moses, Jesus, and the prophets, from their lord: we make no distinction between on and another among them, and to God we are Muslims (He who submit himself to the will of God) (3:84)

O ye who believe fear God as he should be feared, and die not except in a state of Islam (submission to God's will)(3:102)

The religion before God is Islam (submission to his will): nor did the people of the book dissent therefrom except through envy of each other, after knowledge had come to them. but if any deny the signs of. God, God is swift in calling to account. (3:19)

so i think now you will notice that the the believers are those who believe in God , his angels, his messengers (including Muhammad peace be upon him) , his Books (including the final one the holy Qir'an) and the day of Judgment. and those are the winners of heavens.. hope you will be one of them Inshaa Allah.

God can forgive anything but he dont forgive those who associate another God beside him. like for example worship Jesus Christ peace be upon him insteade of the one who created Jesus Christ.. God said in the Qur'an:

(3:59)The similitude of Jesus before God is as that of Adam; he created him from dust, then said to him: Be: and he was.

Do Muslims use the Torah or the New Testament at all?

we use them sometimes to explain to Christians some misunderstanding matters in their own Book. but we dont consider it as the word of God.. becasue we believe in the Torah of Moses and the Gospel of Jesus Christ as mentioned in the verses above.. but the Bible which is with you right now is made by 40 different Men as Christians Scholars said. for example if you will open the beginning of every Book of Luke , Math, John and Mark you will find the following words "the Gospel according to so and so... so there is no such book in the Bible saying "the Gospel according to Jesus Christ. and we believe in this Book only.. but where is it ???? only God knows.

does Islam say anything about aboration?

i dont know what you mean by aboration ???? do you mean

Abortions ? if that what you meant then please check that verses:

Say: come, I will rehearse what God hath (really) prohibited you from: join not anything as equal with him; be good to your parents; kill not your children on a plea of want; we provide sustenance for you and for them; come not nigh to shameful deeds, whether open or secret; take not life, which God hath made sacred, except by way of justice and law: thus doth he command you, that ye may learn wisdom.(6:151)

Kill not your children for fear of want: we shall provide sustenance for them as well as for you. verily the killing of them is a great sin.(17:31)

And why don't you believe that Jesus was Crucified?thanks!

please check the thread of "The resurrection" in non Muslims section.

waiting for more questions Kate. May Allah show you and us the straight way. Ameen.

take care

wel_mel.

[Muslimah]

as salam a`alaman itab`al hoda

Mash aAllah wel_mel gave u a comprehensive reply.

I d just like to add one point

"why would Mary be perfect in Islam? "

She was prepared to be pregnant without a male interference.

Allah made her pure because she would be accused of committing fornication. But the simple fact is that she got pregnant without a male partner that makes her special and pure Alhamdulelah.

She is also highly regarded because of the test she is been through, a young girl in her age to find herself pregnant having to face her people, is a difficult test

and Allah knows best

If something is correct it is from Allah, and if something is wrong it is from me and shaytan