tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23120433336406392332023-11-16T03:12:25.972-08:00Steven MasoodThe world I live in and the way I see it in the light of the Judeo-Christian Scriptures . . . Still a long way to go . . . but in the fellowship of this Some-One greater ... well it all leads to peace, eternal peace.Steven Masoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14825743930702568715noreply@blogger.comBlogger10125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2312043333640639233.post-1919334328318938392014-09-26T11:13:00.000-07:002014-09-26T11:49:59.149-07:00Does America need Islam?<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0ja1f1xpO-QBABkBGWgTMwuw-vVyOSJEevnDXHcaoxYvyLda_cGhrUwg9z2HpHBN-_etXLiDvNUbc0VikIYuGpsvA-U3HE_uI5Miln80dm_t_Xkwg_hNcdR2xFV_f0j9xSYrviIdT3ho/s1600/1-islaminamerica.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0ja1f1xpO-QBABkBGWgTMwuw-vVyOSJEevnDXHcaoxYvyLda_cGhrUwg9z2HpHBN-_etXLiDvNUbc0VikIYuGpsvA-U3HE_uI5Miln80dm_t_Xkwg_hNcdR2xFV_f0j9xSYrviIdT3ho/s1600/1-islaminamerica.jpg" title="Does America need Islam?" /></a><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">My response
to “The Key to Defeating ISIS is Islam” Written in the Huffington Post by Salam
Al Marayati, the executive director of the Muslim Public Affairs Council, DC.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<b><span style="color: #2e2f2d; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; letter-spacing: 0.75pt; line-height: 115%;">Does
America need Islam?</span></b><span style="color: #2e2f2d; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; letter-spacing: 0.75pt; line-height: 115%;"> I
disagree completely with Salam Al Marayati’s statement, “America needs Islam --
not to convert people to the religion, but as the antidote to the toxic and
threatening ideology of ISIS.” (Please see his article, “<i>The Key to
Defeating ISIS is Islam</i>” in <b>the</b> <b>Huffington Post</b>. The link is
posted at the end of my response.) Personally, I have felt the negative side
effects of Islam, which America most definitely does not need! I was born in
Islam, did my best to be a good Muslim for 23 years and have studied it for 40
years.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: #2e2f2d; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; letter-spacing: 0.75pt; line-height: 115%;">Salam Al Marayati’s
article seems to be a deliberate attempt to show Islam as a peaceful ideology
and ISIS as a group which Islam does not condone. Let’s look at his claims
concerning ISIS and Islam and see the real picture in the light of the Qur'an
and what Muhammad taught.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<b><span style="color: #2e2f2d; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; letter-spacing: 0.75pt; line-height: 115%;">1.)
“ISIS calls people to death. Islam responds to the Prophet who calls you to
life (8:24) and calls for serving the public interest (3:104).”</span></b></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: #2e2f2d; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; letter-spacing: 0.75pt; line-height: 115%;">Salam Al Marayati
does not mention that chapter 8 of the Qur’an is named <i>Al-Anfal</i> -
“Spoils of War, Booty.” Muslims had just won a battle against Non-Muslims and
then argued over how to divide the booty. To keep his followers from animosity
against each other, Muhammad played a spiritual card: that the spoils in fact
belong to “Allah and His messenger” – Muhammad. </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: #2e2f2d; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; letter-spacing: 0.75pt; line-height: 115%;"> In 8:24,
Muhammad urges his followers to obey:</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: #2e2f2d; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; letter-spacing: 0.75pt; line-height: 115%;">“O ye who believe!
give your response to Allah and His Messenger, when He calleth you to that
which will give you life; and know that Allah cometh in between a man and his
heart, and that it is He to Whom ye shall (all) be gathered.“ - 8:24 (Yusuf
Ali).</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: #2e2f2d; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; letter-spacing: 0.75pt; line-height: 115%;"> Salam Al
Marayati totally ignores other verses in chapter 8, which show the context:</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: #2e2f2d; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; letter-spacing: 0.75pt; line-height: 115%;">“Say to the
Unbelievers, if (now) they desist (from Unbelief), their past would be forgiven
them; but if they persist, the punishment of those before them is already (a
matter of warning for them). And fight them on until there is no more tumult or
oppression, and there prevail justice and faith in Allah altogether and everywhere;
but if they cease, verily Allah doth see all that they do. If they refuse, be
sure that Allah is your Protector - the best to protect and the best to help.
And know that out of all the booty that ye may acquire (in war), a fifth share
is assigned to Allah,- and to the Messenger, and to near relatives, orphans,
the needy, and the wayfarer,- if ye do believe in Allah and in the revelation
We sent down to Our servant on the Day of Testing,- the Day of the meeting of
the two forces. For Allah hath power over all things. “ - 8:38-41 (Y. Ali)</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: #2e2f2d; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; letter-spacing: 0.75pt; line-height: 115%;">“O Messenger! Rouse
the Believers to the fight. If there are twenty amongst you, patient and
persevering, they will vanquish two hundred: if a hundred, they will vanquish a
thousand o the Unbelievers: for these are a people without understanding. For
the present, Allah hath lightened your (task), for He knoweth that there is a
weak spot in you: But (even so), if there are a hundred of you, patient and
persevering, they will vanquish two hundred, and if a thousand, they will
vanquish two thousand, with the leave of Allah. for Allah is with those who
patiently persevere. It is not fitting for an apostle that he should have
prisoners of war until he hath thoroughly subdued the land. Ye look for the
temporal goods of this world; but Allah looketh to the Hereafter: And Allah is
Exalted in might, Wise. Had it not been for a previous ordainment from Allah, a
severe penalty would have reached you for the (ransom) that ye took. But (now)
enjoy what ye took in war, lawful and good: but fear Allah. for Allah is
Oft-forgiving, Most Merciful.” 8:65-69 (Yusuf Ali)</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: #2e2f2d; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; letter-spacing: 0.75pt; line-height: 115%;">Since we have
already seen some other verses of chapter 8 (“Spoils of War, Booty”), let’s see
the context verse of 3:102 which states: <i>“O ye who believe! Fear Allah as He
should be feared, and die not except in a state of Islam.” </i>(Y. Ali) This
obviously refers to Muslims and the desire for all people to become Muslims.
Just one verse after we find that this is instruction that among Muslims there
should always be a group that act like religious “police” - instructing people
to do good, perform their prayers and religious dues. The public interest is in
fact Muslim interest and not what Salam Al Marayati states. In fact, this verse
goes in favor of groups like ISIS.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: #2e2f2d; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; letter-spacing: 0.75pt; line-height: 115%;">2.) “<b>ISIS coerces
and punishes Muslims who are accused of not attending prayers. Islam is no
compulsion of religion (2:256).”</b></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: #2e2f2d; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; letter-spacing: 0.75pt; line-height: 115%;">This statement does
not share what Muhammad did. Once he had the power, he destroyed the idols of
the Arabs and forcibly compelled the Arabs to submit to Islam. Is Muhammad not
as Islamic as Islam can get? Does that sound like “no compulsion of religion”?
Scholars believe that Sura 2:256 is later abrogated by Sura 9:73:</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: #2e2f2d; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; letter-spacing: 0.75pt; line-height: 115%;">“O Prophet! Strive
hard against the unbelievers and the Hypocrites, and be firm against them.
Their abode is Hell,- an evil refuge indeed.” – 9:73 (Y. Ali)</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: #2e2f2d; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; letter-spacing: 0.75pt; line-height: 115%;">Al Marayati also
fails to mention that the first caliph, Abu Bakr, attacked apostates in the
Riddah (Apostasy) Wars. Obviously, “no compulsion of religion” meant nothing to
Abu Bakr as he forced the apostates to revert, fight to the death for their
right to apostate, or pay a ransom as<i> dhimmis</i> – second-class citizens.
Is Abu Bakr, the first caliph, not an Islamic leader?</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<b><span style="color: #2e2f2d; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; letter-spacing: 0.75pt; line-height: 115%;">3.) ISIS
spreads cruelty. Islam is spreading mercy (21:107).</span></b></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: #2e2f2d; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; letter-spacing: 0.75pt; line-height: 115%;">It is not Islam but
Muhammad is referred to as mercy in this verse of the Qur’an, <b>“</b>We sent
thee not, but as a Mercy for all creatures.” - 21:107 (Yusuf Ali). Just
because a book states that someone is a Mercy does not necessarily mean it is
true. Did Muhammad have mercy on the people he ordered killed (men) and
enslaved (women and children), such as the Jewish clan <i>Banu Qurayza</i>? I
personally do not believe so.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: #2e2f2d; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; letter-spacing: 0.75pt; line-height: 115%;">We also find that
Sura 21 is a Meccan Sura, revealed when Muhammad did not have any political and
military power. Once that changed, Non-Muslims were in big trouble. Instead of
mercy, Muhammad said that he was sent to cause terror among those who did not accept
him as prophet of God:</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: #2e2f2d; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; letter-spacing: 0.75pt; line-height: 115%;">Allah's Apostle
said, "I have been sent with the shortest expressions bearing the widest
meanings, and I have been made victorious with terror (cast in the hearts of
the enemy…)” [<i>Sahih Bukhari</i>, Volume 4, Book 52, Hadith 220: Narrated by
Abu Huraira]</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: #2e2f2d; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; letter-spacing: 0.75pt; line-height: 115%;">About terror, the
Qur’an says the following:</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: #2e2f2d; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; letter-spacing: 0.75pt; line-height: 115%;">“Soon shall We cast
terror into the hearts of the Unbelievers, for that they joined companions with
Allah, for which He had sent no authority: their abode will be the Fire: And
evil is the home of the wrong-doers! Allah did indeed fulfill His promise to
you when ye with His permission Were about to annihilate your enemy,-until ye
flinched and fell to disputing about the order, and disobeyed it after He
brought you in sight (of the booty) which ye covet. Among you are some that
hanker after this world and some that desire the Hereafter. Then did He divert
you from your foes in order to test you but He forgave you: For Allah is full
of grace to those who believe.” – 3:151-152 (Y. Ali)</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: #2e2f2d; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; letter-spacing: 0.75pt; line-height: 115%;">“Remember thy Lord
inspired the angels (with the message): "I am with you: give firmness to
the Believers: I will instill terror into the hearts of the Unbelievers: smite
ye above their necks and smite all their finger-tips off them." This is
because they contended against Allah and His Messenger. If any contend against
Allah and His Messenger, Allah is strict in punishment.” 8:12-13 (Y. Ali)</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: #2e2f2d; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; letter-spacing: 0.75pt; line-height: 115%;">“And Allah turned
back the Unbelievers for (all) their fury: no advantage did they gain; and
enough is Allah for the believers in their fight. And Allah is full of
Strength, able to enforce His Will. And those of the People of the Book who
aided them - Allah did take them down from their strongholds and cast terror
into their hearts. (So that) some ye slew, and some ye made prisoners. And He
made you heirs of their lands, their houses, and their goods, and of a land
which ye had not frequented (before). And Allah has power over all
things.” 33:25-26 (Y. Ali)</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: #2e2f2d; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; letter-spacing: 0.75pt; line-height: 115%;">It is the ideology
of Islam that is troublesome in the first place. Yes the Qur’an does have some
nice verses, but they are from Muhammad’s life when he did not have the ability
to conquer his enemies. Once he had enough power to subdue his enemies, the
violent verses were revealed. Nowadays, countries in which Muslims are in
the minority are associated with the first period of Islam, before Islamic
violence started. The caravan raids (and the Battle of Badr in which Muhammad
first showed his military prowess) began the revenge mentality against the
unbelievers for rejecting him. Muhammad did not obey Jesus Christ’s command to
love his enemies once he had the power to attack them or retaliate against
them. ISIS is doing the same as Muhammad and later his <i>Khulafa</i>
(successors) did.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<b><span style="color: #2e2f2d; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; letter-spacing: 0.75pt; line-height: 115%;">4.)
“ISIS executes people under the rule of their iron fist. Islam is establishing
the rule of law (16:90).”</span></b></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: #2e2f2d; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; letter-spacing: 0.75pt; line-height: 115%;">What ISIS is doing
is what the majority of <i>Khulafa</i> (successors of Muhammad’s political
leadership) did. If a Muslim killed a Non-Muslim, he could not be given capital
punishment for it. In many cases not even blood money was given. If a person
was accused of blasphemy against the prophet, that person could easily be
killed.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: #2e2f2d; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; letter-spacing: 0.75pt; line-height: 115%;">About Sura 16:90, it
is said to have been revealed to Muhammad at the time when he and his people
started immigrating to Medina. The people who welcomed him there were called
the <i>Ansar</i>, the helpers. To bring unity between the immigrant Muslims
from Mecca and those of Madina, this passage refers to having justice and
kindness among the Muslim brotherhood.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<b><span style="color: #2e2f2d; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; letter-spacing: 0.75pt; line-height: 115%;">5.)
“ISIS confronts others and spreads intimidation Islam is engaging others
(16:125).”</span></b></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: #2e2f2d; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; letter-spacing: 0.75pt; line-height: 115%;">This verse, 16:125,
is about inviting Non-Muslims to convert to Islam, since the Qur’an teaches:</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: #2e2f2d; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; letter-spacing: 0.75pt; line-height: 115%;"> “It is He Who
hath sent His Messenger with guidance and the Religion of Truth, to proclaim it
over all religion, even though the Pagans may detest (it).” – 9:33 (Y. Ali)</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: #2e2f2d; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; letter-spacing: 0.75pt; line-height: 115%;">“It is He Who has
sent His Messenger with Guidance and the Religion of Truth, to proclaim it over
all religion: and enough is Allah for a Witness.” – 48:28 (Y. Ali)</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: #2e2f2d; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; letter-spacing: 0.75pt; line-height: 115%;">“It is He Who has
sent His Messenger with Guidance and the Religion of Truth, that he may
proclaim it over all religion, even though the Pagans may detest (it).” – 61:9
(Y. Ali)</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: #2e2f2d; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; letter-spacing: 0.75pt; line-height: 115%;">Once he had the
power to do so, Muhammad confronted Pagans and People of the Book (Jews and
Christians). We learn from the Qur’an, the traditions (<i>ahadith</i>), and the
biographies about Muhammad concerning how he treated those who steadfastly
rejected him. We learn that Muhammad destroyed the pagan gods that the
Arabs used to worship and forced them to submit to Islam. Muhammad forced the
Jews (that he did not expel from Medina or kill) and Christians into <i>dhimmi</i>
status, second-class citizens forced to pay the <i>jizya</i> (poll tax). He
left instructions for his successors how they should deal with non-Muslims
including Jews and Christians. We do not have to go to secondary sources like
the Ahadith. Here the Qur’an has all the ammunition of hatred:</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: #2e2f2d; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; letter-spacing: 0.75pt; line-height: 115%;">“O ye who believe!
Truly the Pagans are unclean; so let them not, after this year of theirs,
approach the Sacred Mosque. And if ye fear poverty, soon will Allah enrich you,
if He wills, out of His bounty, for Allah is All-knowing, All-wise. Fight those
who believe not in Allah nor the Last Day, nor hold that forbidden which hath
been forbidden by Allah and His Messenger, nor acknowledge the religion of
Truth, (even if they are) of the People of the Book, until they pay the Jizya
with willing submission, and feel themselves subdued. The Jews call 'Uzair a
son of Allah and the Christians call Christ the son of Allah. That is a saying
from their mouth; (in this) they but imitate what the unbelievers of old used
to say. Allah’s curse be on them: how they are deluded away from
the Truth! – 9:28-30 (Y. Ali)</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: #2e2f2d; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; letter-spacing: 0.75pt; line-height: 115%;">Muhammad made both
Christians and Jews second-class citizens. During the period of 1300 years of
the <i>Khulafa </i>rule, privileges were available to only a few who were used
as pawns by the Islamic hierarchy, to keep control over the minorities.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<b><span style="color: #2e2f2d; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; letter-spacing: 0.75pt; line-height: 115%;">6.)
“ISIS is locked into the past. Islam is looking to the future (28:83).”</span></b></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: #2e2f2d; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; letter-spacing: 0.75pt; line-height: 115%;">“The future” in this
verse of the Qur’an is mentioned as in the hereafter, <i>akhira</i>. It is for
those who are not corrupt. Anything which is not Islamic is seen as corrupt.
Thus, through the centuries it has been clearly understood that to have the
eternal life in the hereafter, one has to be a good practicing Muslim following
what Allah in the Qur’an has said and similarly, following Muhammad’s
instructions and life example. The verse Salam Al Marayati references does not
talk about the future as the secular West understands it. It talks about the
future when Allah will bring the last day, and will judge people. This verse
refers to <b>that future</b> and not what Salam Al Marayati is pretending.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<b><span style="color: #2e2f2d; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; letter-spacing: 0.75pt; line-height: 115%;">7.)
“ISIS is based on hate and vengeance. Islam is forgiving and persevering
(16:127).”</span></b></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: #2e2f2d; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; letter-spacing: 0.75pt; line-height: 115%;">I wish that were
true. However once again the context clearly refers to a time when Muhammad was
not powerful enough to conquer his enemies through force. At that time, he was
willing to be patient and persevere. But when power came, things changed. He
later basically told his followers that peace with unbelievers is only allowed
when Muslims are weak:</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: #2e2f2d; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; letter-spacing: 0.75pt; line-height: 115%;">“AND SO, [when you
fight in a just cause,] do not lose heart and [never] beg for peace: for,
seeing that God is with you, you are bound to rise high [in the end]; and never
will He let your [good] deeds go to waste. “ – 47:35 (Asad)</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: #2e2f2d; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; letter-spacing: 0.75pt; line-height: 115%;">ISIS, contrary to
some Muslims influenced by Western ideals, is not begging for peace. Since the
Qur’an and the life of Muhammad are as Islamic as Islam can get, it is
important to understand that ISIS seeks to obey the Qur’an and follow
Muhammad’s political campaign of dominance. Granted, some Muslims, heavily
impacted by Western ideals of tolerance ever since the caliphate ended in 1924,
do not obey the violent verses of the Qur’an or follow Muhammad into fighting
Non-Muslims. ISIS however despises Western influence and seeks the return of
the caliphate in order to advance the Muslim dominion of the world, begun by
Muhammad and continued by his successors.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<b><span style="color: #2e2f2d; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; letter-spacing: 0.75pt; line-height: 115%;">Interestingly,
Salam Al Marayti, in his article, neglects to mention the verses of the Qur’an
that motivate Muslims not influenced by the West to fight disbelievers: </span></b><span style="color: #2e2f2d; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; letter-spacing: 0.75pt; line-height: 115%;">(2:190-193; 2:216; 2:244; 3:167-171;
4:74-77; 4:84; 4:89; 4:95; 8:12-17; 8:38-41; 8:65-75; 9:1-5; 9:12-14;
9:28-33; 9:44-45; 9:81-83; 9:86-88; 9:123; 33:25-27; 47:4; 47:20; 48:15-17;
59:2-4; 61:4).</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<b><span style="color: #2e2f2d; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; letter-spacing: 0.75pt; line-height: 115%;">8.)
“ISIS responds to evil with evil. Islam is repelling evil with goodness so
those with whom there is animosity become your close friends (41:34).”</span></b></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: #2e2f2d; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; letter-spacing: 0.75pt; line-height: 115%;">Let’s see what this
passage says:</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: #2e2f2d; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; letter-spacing: 0.75pt; line-height: 115%;">Who is better in
speech than one who calls (men) to Allah, works righteousness, and says,
"I am of those who bow in Islam"? Nor can goodness and Evil be
equal. Repel (Evil) with what is better: Then will he between whom and thee was
hatred become as it were thy friend and intimate!” - 41:33-34 (Y. Ali)</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: #2e2f2d; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; letter-spacing: 0.75pt; line-height: 115%;">This passage needs
to be compared with other verses in the Qur’an concerning friends:</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: #2e2f2d; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; letter-spacing: 0.75pt; line-height: 115%;">“O YOU who have
attained to faith! Do not take for your bosom-friends people who are not of
your kind. They spare no effort to corrupt you; they would love to see you in
distress. Vehement hatred has already come into the open from out of their
mouths, but what their hearts conceal is yet worse. We have indeed made the
signs [thereof] clear unto you, if you would but use your reason. “ 3:118
(Asad)</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: #2e2f2d; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; letter-spacing: 0.75pt; line-height: 115%;">“O ye who believe!
Take not my enemies and yours as friends (or protectors),- offering them (your)
love, even though they have rejected the Truth that has come to you, and have
(on the contrary) driven out the Prophet and yourselves (from your homes),
(simply) because ye believe in Allah your Lord! If ye have come out to strive
in My Way and to seek My Good Pleasure, (take them not as friends), holding
secret converse of love (and friendship) with them: for I know full well all
that ye conceal and all that ye reveal. And any of you that does this has
strayed from the Straight Path.” – 60:1 (Y. Ali)</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: #2e2f2d; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; letter-spacing: 0.75pt; line-height: 115%;">Many Muslims accuse
me of rejecting the “Truth” and “Faith” and “the Straight Path” (Islam to
them but not to me). Thus, I am considered by some a “renegade.” The Qur’an
gives the following command to Muslims about what to do to renegades:</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: #2e2f2d; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; letter-spacing: 0.75pt; line-height: 115%;">“They but wish that
ye should reject Faith, as they do, and thus be on the same footing (as they):
But take not friends from their ranks until they flee in the way of Allah (From
what is forbidden). But if they turn renegades, seize them and slay them
wherever ye find them; and (in any case) take no friends or helpers from their
ranks;” – 4:89 (Y. Ali)</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: #2e2f2d; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; letter-spacing: 0.75pt; line-height: 115%;">Some Muslims also
accuse me of be waging “war against Allah and His Messenger” though I have
never killed anyone. They accuse me of striving “for mischief” though I teach
the Truth (Jesus Christ is the Son of God, the Messiah who died for us, rose
again and will return). Because of this, they consider me a prime candidate for
the punishment stated in the Quran:</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: #2e2f2d; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; letter-spacing: 0.75pt; line-height: 115%;">“The punishment of
those who wage war against Allah and His Messenger, and strive with might and
main for mischief through the land is: execution, or crucifixion, or the
cutting off of hands and feet from opposite sides, or exile from the land: that
is their disgrace in this world, and a heavy
punishment is theirs in the Hereafter;” – 5:33 (Y. Ali)</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: #2e2f2d; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; letter-spacing: 0.75pt; line-height: 115%;">As a result, several
sincere Muslims, including my own father, have attempted to kill me after I
became a Christian. (I thank my Heavenly Father for rescuing me!)</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: #2e2f2d; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; letter-spacing: 0.75pt; line-height: 115%;">Back to Salam Al
Marayati’s article, I do wholeheartedly agree with this statement: “Bombs
cannot destroy ideas. Decapitating the leadership of ISIS will not stop violent
extremism.”</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: #2e2f2d; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; letter-spacing: 0.75pt; line-height: 115%;">Jesus Christ did not
teach violence against enemies, but rather taught love for one’s enemies (<a href="http://bib.ly/Mt5.44.ESV" title="Read Matthew 5:44"><span style="color: #895034;">Matthew 5:44</span></a>; <a href="http://bib.ly/Lk6.27-37.ESV" title="Read Luke 6:27-37"><span style="color: #895034;">Luke 6:27-37</span></a>). While it is difficult to love
those who hate, God’s love through Jesus Christ dissolves the cycle of revenge
and hatred in the hearts of those hurt by injustice. As a former Muslim who has
accepted God’s salvation through Jesus Christ, I love those who hate me through
God’s Spirit filling me with His love even for those who want my death.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: #2e2f2d; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; letter-spacing: 0.75pt; line-height: 115%;">It is the ideology
in the Qur’an and traditions that is a problem. A true Muslim is just the prey
of it. Unless Muslims fully shun the ideology of Islam, movements like ISIS and
others will keep rising.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: #2e2f2d; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; letter-spacing: 0.75pt; line-height: 115%;">This article is in
response to the article “The Key to Defeating ISIS Is Islam” by Salam Al
Marayati. <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/salam-al-marayati/the-key-to-defeating-isis-is-islam_b_5844164.html?ir=Religion&utm_campaign=091814&utm_medium=email&utm_source=Alert-religion&utm_content=Photo" target="_blank"><span style="color: #895034;">http://www.huffingtonpost.com/salam-al-marayati/the-key-to-defeating-isis-is-islam_b_5844164.html?ir=Religion&utm_campaign=091814&utm_medium=email&utm_source=Alert-religion&utm_content=Photo
(link is external)</span></a></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: #2e2f2d; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; letter-spacing: 0.75pt; line-height: 115%;">Thank you for taking
the time to read my response.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: #2e2f2d; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; letter-spacing: 0.75pt; line-height: 115%;">Blessings,</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: #2e2f2d; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; letter-spacing: 0.75pt; line-height: 115%;">Steven Masood</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
</div>
Steven Masoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14825743930702568715noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2312043333640639233.post-30061229505254956072014-02-01T11:50:00.001-08:002014-09-25T13:08:09.869-07:00Steven Masood’s response to “30 Facts about Islam”<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Some Muslims
and Non-Muslims have directed me, a former Muslim from Pakistan, to a
particular website to “learn about the real Islam.” These Non-Muslims have more
than likely not grown up in a Muslim-dominated country, yet they try their best
to persuade Americans that Islam is not what apostates of Islam or conservative
Non-Muslim Americans portray. When a friend of our ministry asked me to check
this same website, I decided to answer these alleged “facts” about Islam. </span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The article
“30 Facts on Islam” can be found here: </span></span><a href="http://www.islamondemand.com/30_facts.html"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #0071bb; font-family: Calibri;">http://www.islamondemand.com/30_facts.html</span></span></a></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Please read
the article and my response together. While I have not copied and pasted all of
the alleged facts, those I did are boldened. </span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-top: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">1) ‘Islam’ means ‘Peace through the submission to God<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="anchor291934"></a>.’”</span></b></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">To say that
Islam means “peace through submission to God” is not accurate; to say Islam
means “submission” is accurate. </span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">If the writer
is saying that in Islam, peace is based on submitting and surrendering to God
in the way the Qur’an (the first-hand authority of the religion of Islam) dictates,
then where is the evidence? From the 1500 years of Islamic history, along with the
commentaries penned by the greatest Muslim scholars, we can easily conclude
that Peace and Justice cannot exist on the basis of submission and surrender as
outlined in the Qur’an.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>2) ‘Muslim’
means ‘anyone or anything that submits itself to the will of God.’”</span></span></b></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Here the
writer is misleading the readers. Many people believe themselves to submit to
the will of God, yet they do not follow Muhammad and are not defined as
Muslims. For example, I believe I submit to God by following Jesus’ example,
which entails not following after my own will but rather desiring God’s will be
done in my life. Am I accepted as a Muslim? No. After I came to believe that
Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life (John 14:6) and accepted Jesus Christ
as the only name by which we are saved (Acts 4:11-12), I was disowned by my
Muslim family and almost killed by several Muslims. Muslims most definitely do
not consider me a Muslim anymore, ever since my conversion to Christianity. The
writer deliberately does not mention that the condition of following Muhammad
is what makes a person a Muslim. </span></span></div>
<br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS Mincho"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">3)</span></b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS Mincho"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span><b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Islam is not a cult. Its followers number over 1.5 billion worldwide.
Along with Judaism and Christianity, it is considered to be one of the three
Abrahamic traditions.”</span></b><br />
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Jesus is
Jewish, though he came to save all who believe in him, both of his Jewish
brethren and also Gentiles! Jesus says that salvation is from the Jews (John
4:22), whereas Muhammad (not Jewish) claimed to be given the words of Allah,
which includes severe punishment for those who do not believe the revelations
he proclaimed (Qur’an 4:56). </span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Concerning
the USA, Judeo-Christian values have been an integral part of American culture,
yet some Muslims now seem to want to have a “piece of the pie” too, in the name
of interfaith and multiculturalism. They seem to be persuading Americans to
drop the term “Judeo-Christian” and replace it with “Abrahamic tradition” – in
order to add Islam. While the term Abrahamic religions is popular, it neglects
the crucial differences between the teachings and lives of the Jewish Jesus and
the non-Jewish Muhammad. </span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-top: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">4)<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> </i></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">There are five pillars of practice in Islam. These practices must be
undertaken with the best of effort in order to be considered a true Muslim: A)
Shahadah - declaration of faith in the oneness of God and that Muhammad is the
last prophet of God. B) Formal prayer five times a day. C) Fasting during the
daylight hours in the month of Ramadan. D) Poor-due "tax" - 2.5% of
one's savings given to the needy at the end of each year. E) Pilgrimage to
Mecca at least once, if physically and financially able.”</span></b></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">It is interesting comparing this with alleged
fact #2. A true Muslim then obeys mandates from Muhammad’s life. It would have
been great if the author had explained that when Muslims perform the second
pillar of Islam, this can include reciting verses of the Qur’an that are
against Non-Muslims. With regard to the tax, why does the writer not tell that
such a fund or part of it cannot be given to a poor Non-Muslim but can be given
to a Mujahid – war with Non-Muslims? </span><br />
<br />
<div style="margin-top: 0in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">5) There are six
articles of faith in Islam. These are the basic beliefs that one must have in
order to be considered a true Muslim. They are belief in: A) the One God. B)
all the prophets of God. C) the original scriptures revealed to Prophets Moses,
David, Jesus, and Muhammad. D) the angels. E) the Day of Judgment and the
Hereafter. F) the divine decree (or destiny).”</span></b></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">First of all,
in Arabic the articles of faith are simply to believe in Allah, his angels, his
books, his prophets, the last day, and that all good and bad are destined by
Allah. It is interesting to see that when it comes to C), the writer states
“the original scriptures...” Most Muslims believe that the present Torah, the
Psalms, and the Gospel accounts are not God’s books. In <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Bible and the Qur’an: A Question of Integrity</i>, I have dealt
with this subject after researching it thoroughly. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The writer
should have mentioned that in Islam, “destiny” is big. According to the Qur’an,
Allah misleads those he wants to mislead and guides whom he wants to guide (Sura
14:4; 16:93). However, the Bible states that God “is patient … not wanting
anyone to perish but wants everyone to come to repentance” (II Peter 3:9). Ezekiel
33:11 shows that God does not take pleasure in the death of the wicked, but wants
wicked people to repent, turning from their wicked ways to live for Him! </span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">6) Islam is a complete way of life that governs all
facets of life: moral, spiritual, social, political, economical, intellectual,
etc.”</span></span></b></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Many in the
USA think that Islam is only a religion like any other, but that is not true.
Here the writer tells it all in one line: “Islam is a complete way of life that
governs all facets of life…” <u>Islam is not only a religion but is a political
system too</u>. What does that mean? Well, the Muslim writer does not want to
tell it but clearly means that a (true) Muslim’s choice at the end of the day
will always be not the Constitution of the USA for example but rather Islamic
Sharia (law). It has to be accepted for all facets of life: personal, social,
spiritual, economics, and even as the governing political system. Deep down a true
and practicing Muslim has to believe God has revealed Islam to take over all
and even work towards that goal for “all facets of life: moral, spiritual,
social, political, economical, intellectual, etc.” (As the writer has put it).
These are not farfetched ideas. In fact, the Qur’an dictates in several places
that Allah has revealed this religion (Islam) to take over all (Sura 9:33;
48:28; 61:9).</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Concerning
points 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11 </span></span></b></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Although many
Jews and Christians who speak Arabic use the word Allah for God, it is
important for readers to understand that this does not mean that
Arabic-speaking Jews and Christians agree with the theology of God as
prescribed in the Qur’an and Islamic tradition. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Christians
for example believe that God is our Father in Heaven, due to Jesus’ teachings
(Matthew 5-7, 18, 23…). Jesus called God our “Father in Heaven.” God’s promise
concerning the Anointed One that He promised on King David’s throne forever
being called the Son of God (1 Chronicles 17:11-14; Psalm 2) is not important
to Muslims, since the Qur’an denies God having a son. </span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Many in the
United States rallying interfaith conferences do not understand that while Islam
uses many of same adjectives to describe God as Jews and Christians do,
including loving and merciful, Islam has its own dictionary for these
attributes. For example in Islam, God’s love is conditional. It is the person
who has to take the initiative to love Allah by following the prophet Muhammad
and then in return, Allah will love him (Sura 3:31). This contradicts
Christianity because the Bible states that we love God because “He first loved
us” (1 John 4:19). </span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">A Muslim in
this life is never sure whether God truly loves him. Only on the Day of
Judgment will he come to know this. The same is the case as well concerning the
question of assurance and salvation. A Muslim is not sure what will happen to
him. If a Muslim says he knows – well then he is claiming to be greater then
his own prophet, Muhammad. The Qur’an states that Muhammad was told by Allah to
tell people clearly, “I do not know what will happen to me” (Sura 46:9).</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">12) Muslims believe in and acknowledge all the
prophets of old, from Adam to Jesus. Muslims believe that they brought the
message of peace and submission (islam) to different peoples at different
times. Muslims also believe that these prophets were ‘muslims’ because they
submitted their wills to God.”</span></span></b></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Certainly
Muslims believe in prophets from Adam to Jesus. However, the writer does not
tell us that the Muslim beliefs about these prophets are different than what is
in the Bible. For example, Muslims believe that Jesus is a prophet of God but they
do not believe he was crucified, nor do they believe in his resurrection.
According to Muslim beliefs, Jesus did not die - thus no victorious
resurrection. Due to <em>Ahadith</em> (Islamic traditions), they believe Jesus will one
day come back (though they do not believe he died and resurrected) and
establish Islam by helping the Mahdi, through a great battle killing of the
Jews and Christians who refuse to become Muslims.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Concerning
calling the Jewish prophets “Muslims”, this is just an attempt to Islamize
Jewish history and replace the <em>Tanakh </em>and Christian Bible with the Qur’an. </span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">13) Muslims neither worship Muhammad nor pray
through him. Muslims solely worship the unseen and Omniscient Creator, Allah. “</span></span></b></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Indeed that
is correct. In fact, Muslims ask God in their prayers to bless Muhammad and his
descendants as he blessed Abraham and his descendants. It is ironical that one
may blaspheme God, but if anything is said against Muhammad, that person is
then in big trouble. This is not something new. Classical historians Ibn Ishaq
(d) and Ibn Hisham related to us how Muhammad allowed his followers to kill
those of the Jews who “blasphemed” about his prophethood or person. He even
allowed people to lie and deceive in order to kill them, whereas Jesus Christ
taught his followers to bless those who curse and to love, be merciful, pray
for, and do good to one’s enemies (Luke 6:27-36).</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">When Muslims
utter the name of Muhammad they always add “peace be upon him.” They are
surprised to hear Christians uttering the name of Jesus but never saying “peace
be upon him.” It is time that Muslim friends be told of the Biblical facts.
According to the Bible, Jesus himself is the source of all peace. It is us who
need his peace. He himself said, “My peace I leave with you …”(John 14:27).</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Points 14-18 concerning the Qur’an and the Bible</span></span></b></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The Muslim
writer seems to want to accuse the Bible as being corrupted while he alleges that
the Qur’an is word for word the same as was revealed by Muhammad to his
followers. This theory concerning the Bible is a belief that goes against the
Qur’anic teaching about the Torah and the Injil (the Gospel). In fact, the
Qur’an encourages the people of the book (Christians and Jews) to abide and
judge by what is revealed in their Scriptures (Sura 3:3-4; 5:45-48). Scriptures
from before Muhammad’s time, such as the Greek Old Testament (second century
BC) and New Testament manuscripts (dating back to 125-200 AD) have been
reliably copied and translated into different languages for centuries. </span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<a href="http://www.godandscience.org/apologetics/bibleorg.html"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #0071bb; font-family: Calibri;">http://www.godandscience.org/apologetics/bibleorg.html</span></span></a><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> is a great website concerning the
reliability of the Bible throughout the centuries. </span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Now, as the
writer of the “30 Facts about Islam” suggests that the Bible is corrupted, that
would mean that Allah of the Qur’an did not know that the Torah and the Injil
were corrupted. It is point worthy to note that the Qur’an claims that there is
guidance and light in them. It also claims that God’s words cannot be changed.
How then did Muslims arrive at the conclusion that God’s words in the Torah and
Injil have been changed? </span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">On this subject
I have written in detail two leaflets, namely: “The Bible is changed, REALLY?”
and “The Bible has been abrogated, Really?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Anyone who desires to read them can send me an email with an address and
I will send them. I also have written a book on the integrity of the Bible and
the Qur’an (250 pages) to show that both the Bible and the Qur’an textually are
reliable and to address their compilations. It is the message of these books we
should consider. </span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">19) Muslims do not believe in the concept of
‘vicarious atonement’ but rather believe in the law of personal
responsibility…”</span></span></b></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Since Muslims
do not believe in the integrity of the Torah, it is easy for them to reject the
redemption plan fulfilled through Jesus, the Lamb of God who fulfills Isaiah 53
and fulfills the demands of the Law of Moses for blood sacrifice as atonement
for sins. Muslims misunderstand the sacrifice that Jesus did once for all,
thinking that those who believe in atonement do not believe in the law of
personal responsibility. A believer in Christ desires to obey God and strives
to please God out of love, because God loves us so much that He sent Jesus to
save us from our sins. True Christians show our love and reverence for God by
obeying what Jesus commanded. </span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">20) Islam was not spread by the sword. It was
spread by the word (Islamic teachings) and the example of its followers. Islam
teaches that there is no compulsion in religion (the Holy Qur'an 2:256 and
10:99).”</span></span></b></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">No matter
how you cut it, Muhammad was not only a religious leader; he was also a
military leader, waging physical war against his enemies as soon as he had the
means. Following his example, Muslims quickly carved out an enormous empire. What
ended Muslim expansion was not a change of heart or doctrine, but European
military might.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The writer is
not honest when quoting the “no compulsion verses” from the Qur’an. Muslim
exegetes agree that such verses have been superseded by the later verses in the
Qur’an. In Islam, this doctrine is known as <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">al-Nasikh
wa al-Mansukh</i> – “the abrogater and the abrogated.” Muhammad preached nonviolence
for 13 years in Mecca when he had little power. It was in Madina, when he acquired
a large following of men and a community of Muslims was firmly established,
that he changed his mind. </span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">There is
even evidence in the Qur’an and Ahadith that some followers complained about
Jihad and the qital (kill) doctrine of their own non-Muslim folks (Qur’an
2:216; 4:77; 8:5; 9:29-83) However, Muhammad reminded them that it was God
telling him that they should fight and that those non-Muslim family members are
not truly their family. Only a Muslim is a brother of Muslim. )</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">For example
what does the following tell you from the Qur’an: </span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“[And] fight against those who - despite
having been vouchsafed revelation [aforetime] -do not [truly] believe either in
God or the Last Day, and do not consider forbidden that which God and His
Apostle have forbidden, and do not follow the religion of truth [which God has
enjoined upon them] till they [agree to] pay the exemption tax with a willing
hand, after having been humbled [in war].” (9:29 Asad)</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">There are
Ahadith that are quite clear how Muhammad and later his successors sent military
expeditions to call upon Non-Muslims to convert to Islam, or pay Jizya (a kind
of poll tax) or fight. What does that tell you? It is quite clear here that
Islam was pushed on people. Muslim historians accounted how Muslims treated
Non-Muslims; those among Christians and Jews who surrendered to pay taxes were
treated as second-class citizens. </span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">If Islam was
only spread by peaceful means, why do we find threatening words against unbelievers
uttered by Muhammad in the Qur’an and in hadiths? According to Islamic sources,
Muhammad himself took part in many military expeditions and also sent out
around 60 military expeditions He claimed, “I have been made victorious with
terror.” (Sahih Bukhari, Vol. 4, Book 52, Hadith 220)..</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">When Muhammad
called people to Islam, the sword accompanied his call. He commanded his
leaders to do likewise. Here is just a little example out of many: Both Al-Bukhaari
(3009) and Muslim (2406) mention how Ali Ibn Abi Talib was told what to do with
the people at Khaybar.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When Muhammad
gave him the flag, Ali asked, “Shall I fight them so that they will be like
us?” He said: “Go ahead, until you reach their encampment, then call them to
Islam and tell them what they are obliged to do, for by Allah if Allah were to
guide a man at your hands that would be better for you than having red camels
[the best kind].” And certainly many were put to the sword because they
did not accept Islam.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">21) Terrorism, unjustified violence and the killing
of innocent people are absolutely forbidden in Islam. Islam is a way of life
that is meant to bring peace to a society, whether its people are Muslim or
not. The extreme actions of those who claim to be Muslim may be, among other
things, a result of their ignorance or uncontrolled anger. Tyrant rulers and
those who commit acts of terrorism in the name of Islam are simply not
following Islam. These people are individuals with their own views and
political agendas. Fanatical Muslims are no more representative of the true
Islamic teachings than Timothy McVeigh or David Koresh are of Christianity.
Extremism and fanaticism is a problem that is common to all religious groups…”</span></span></b></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">This is word
play. I have seen billboards by Muslims voicing, “Islam condemns Terrorism.” It
is quite interesting that when we point out the everyday news of terror attacks
by Muslim groups, then the comment changes stating, ‘What you call terrorism is
actually a freedom fight.” So there we go.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">There is no
evidence that what McVeigh did was because he was influenced by Jesus to do so.
Jesus did not kill anyone yet was killed for everyone, and rose again. Jesus
specifically commanded his followers to love their enemies (Matthew 5:44; Luke
6:27-37) and practiced what he preached. Christians are to follow Jesus’
example of loving others, telling them the Good News and fulfilling the great
commission Jesus gave us (Matthew 28:18-20).</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Yes, we do
hear about Hindu radicals, Buddhist radicals and Christian radicals. However,
one has to ask this question, does the Qur’an promote violence against
Non-Muslims? A researcher very soon finds that it is the ideology portrayed in
the Qur’an that is causing the problem. When a Muslim hears or reads about Allah's love for him because of his killing for HIM, his natural reaction would be of a militant attitude towards non-Muslims. For example, the Qur’anic words: <em>Innallaha Yuhibul-ladhina yuqatiluna fi sabilihi ...'</em> meaning ‘Allah
loves those who kill for him ...” (Sura 61:4). Oh, yes I remember the days as a Muslim reciting all such passages even more radical ones with the interpretation from classical <em>Tafsirs</em> along with commentaries on <em>Ahadith</em> in my Islamic Studies program at Islamic institutions. I remember all such passages in the Qur'an which would bring me to conclusion, 'Masood, there is no way knowing whether you will finish up in hell or paradise, however, the Qur'an is very clear that those who
die for Allah in Jihad will go straight into the paradise of Allah.'</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I am so thankful that came to know the real dilemma of Assurance of eternity in Islam and found that it is available only through Jesus.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">22) The word "jihad" does not mean
"holy war". Instead, it means the inner struggle that one endures in
trying to submit their will to the will of God. Some Muslims may say they are
going for "jihad" when fighting in a war to defend themselves or
their fellow Muslims, but they only say this because they are conceding that it
will be a tremendous struggle. But there are many other forms of jihad which
are more relevant to the everyday life of a Muslim such as the struggles
against laziness, arrogance, stinginess, or the struggle against a tyrant ruler
or against the temptation of Satan, or against one's own ego, etc. “</span></span></b></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Yes,
literally jihad means struggle. It appears around 40 times in the Qur’an. Let
it be known that this word in the Qur’an is also used for war against
unbelievers, along with other words like “qital” – to kill, and several others.
After Muhammad’s death, during the early Caliphs’ rule, Muslim commentators and
collectors of Ahadith mentioned the word “Jihad” when referring to military
struggle. To explain other situations like the inner struggle, they used phrases
like<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>jihad bil qalb/nafs (struggle of
the heart).</span></span></div>
<br />
<b><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Point 23-26 concerning women in Islam, with emphasis on alleged fact 23:
</span></b><br />
<br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">23) Women are not oppressed in Islam. Any Muslim man that oppresses a
woman is not following Islam. Among the many teachings of Prophet Muhammad that
protected the rights and dignity of women is his saying, "...the best
among you are those who treat their wives well." (Tirmidhi)</span></b><br />
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Very
interesting. First of all, Tirmidhi is a very late collection. However, if we
accept this then what about those sayings mentioned by Sahih Bukhari and Sahih
Muslim and other authentic traditions? For example, the following saying of
Muhammad basically equates women with dogs and donkeys: "Prayer is
annulled by a dog, a donkey and a woman (if they pass in front of the praying
people)." Does it require too much intelligence to understand this hadith?
For more on the role of women in Islam, please visit our website: </span></span><a href="http://www.jesustomuslims.org/articles/role-women-islam"><span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">http://www.jesustomuslims.org/articles/role-women-islam</span></span></a></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Points 27-
28: </span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Islam
and the "Nation of Islam" are two different religions … All Muslims
are not Arab …</span></b></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I somewhat agree on 27. Yes, not all Muslims
are Arab and not all Arabs are Muslims. Some Muslim Arabs nowadays however are
descendants of Christian Arabs, such as those conquered by the Umayyad Empire.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">29) In the five daily
prayers, Muslims face the Kaaba in Mecca, Arabia. It is a cube-shaped stone
structure that was originally built by Prophet Adam and later rebuilt by
Prophet Abraham. Muslims believe that the Kaaba was the first house of worship
on Earth dedicated to the worship of one god. Muslims do not worship the Kaaba.
It serves as a central focal point for Muslims around the world, unifying them
in worship and symbolizing their common belief, spiritual focus and direction. Interestingly,
the inside of the Kaaba is empty.</span></span></b></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">30) The hajj is a
simultaneous pilgrimage to the Kaaba made by millions of Muslims each year. It
is performed to commemorate the struggles of Abraham, Ishmael and Hagar in
submitting their wills to God.</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “</span></b></span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></span></b></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The belief
that Abraham rebuilt the Ka’ba (Kaaba) is an Islamic idea. Did Abraham and
Ishmael actually build the Ka’ba?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There
is no archaeological or scriptural evidence outside Islamic sources. The
earliest documentations of Abraham and other patriarchs and prophets did not
mention the building of the Ka’ba or any connection of Abraham with it.
Researchers interested in such claims point that this claim only appeared
during the rise of Islam. I have written on this subject in my book, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Jesus or Muhammad: A Question of Assurance, </i>as
well as compared the Qur’an and the Bible and their key texts on Creation, the
prophets, the message, the guidance, the salvation and eternal purpose through
the eyes of Muhammad and of Jesus.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">A question
each person can ask oneself is the following: Did God speak to us in these last
days through Jesus or Muhammad? Who should we follow? I leave that up to each
reader to decide. As for me, an ex-Muslim who used to strive to follow
Muhammad, I now love and follow Jesus Christ, my Redeemer who loved me before I
was even born! </span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></span></div>
Steven Masoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14825743930702568715noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2312043333640639233.post-59680360124832235812011-09-04T18:22:00.000-07:002011-09-06T12:02:56.906-07:00ChrislamThere is a subtle, dangerous and perilous movement roaming about, raising voices for a false unity between Islam and Christianity. It is called Chrislam, claiming to share the same God, the prophets and the Truth. The idea behind it is to relativize all differences for the common good to create a utopian society. Interestingly, here are some Muslims also propagating it and yet after a glance, one finds that they are only involved so to take advantage of preaching and propagating their faith. Pick up any program organized by interfaith or by Muslims in the USA, in the name of interfaith, and you will find them teaching Islamics at the expense of others. The agenda is to bring Jesus to the level of Muhammad and then convince participants, that like Jesus, Muhammad should be accepted by Christians as the prophet of God.
<br />
<br />
As ambassadors of the crucified and risen redeemer, Christians have a message to deliver to all everywhere. Thanks be to God for the freedom we still have available in the USA that we can still share the message and even search and choose.
<br />
<br />
According to Wikipedia, 76% of the USA is Christian. I am sure, like others, all of us are concerned with the evil of terrorism. If we want Muslims to stop terrorism, let us, along with other precautions, not forget the ultimate calling; to share the Good News of Jesus with them. Share with them the assurance of eternal life that God gives to us all, through Jesus, the Christ.
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg21c2Cg1heUU33CPd0oWQ75fJKvn_sPZ-NBlOBW-TciYl8DyMJLm4KSFgaEyjKpSrQ8LKr4jTHIq3eWV1FMyzta0KYMwn-gAAaoBsiQgP-_XvTf4FXH6IfytcERk1Y6V0LHy98weHIqgo/s1600/image010.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg21c2Cg1heUU33CPd0oWQ75fJKvn_sPZ-NBlOBW-TciYl8DyMJLm4KSFgaEyjKpSrQ8LKr4jTHIq3eWV1FMyzta0KYMwn-gAAaoBsiQgP-_XvTf4FXH6IfytcERk1Y6V0LHy98weHIqgo/s1600/image010.png" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<blockquote>
What Muslims think of Jews and Christians </blockquote>
<br />
Many Muslims have no idea what the Bible is all about and what Christians really believe. Like a typical Muslim child, I learned the first chapter of the Qur’an by heart at age 6 with translation and commentary. If you even look at the translation, it is very encompassing but do you know that when it comes to the commentary, there it creates hatred. Let me share with you how. Verse 6 and 7 state: ‘Show me the straight path; the path of those whom you have blessed and not the path of those with whom you are angry, nor of those condemned.’ Do you know that Muslims interpret that the condemned by God are the Jews and those with whom he is angry are the Christians? (See for example, Ibn Kathir, <em>Tafsir Ibn Kathir</em>, p. 28. (Lebanon: Resalah Publishers, 2001)<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5GtaIp1hQHzKENS7z5jReHa7dnfM2asDBO00p2IJtxg5CsrdPlpyZpmZDND-_8W-fbnP9YxYKy6kYzp6IwMkMAxA8s1kzQzI8pjjLDMtQAMm_gSMAVM9WiN-bhI3fRDXBs0xwe_MiRw0/s1600/jew.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="28" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5GtaIp1hQHzKENS7z5jReHa7dnfM2asDBO00p2IJtxg5CsrdPlpyZpmZDND-_8W-fbnP9YxYKy6kYzp6IwMkMAxA8s1kzQzI8pjjLDMtQAMm_gSMAVM9WiN-bhI3fRDXBs0xwe_MiRw0/s320/jew.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
Such an interpretation is taught to Muslim children in the mosques and Islamic centers even in the United States of America.
Part of the Islamic faith is to believe in Abraham and all the prophets and their scriptures and do not make any distinction among them (see Sura 3:84). Yet Muslims do make a distinction by claiming that the Bible is corrupted. They claim to believe in Jesus and yet hate the Jews, not even for a moment thinking that Jesus, as a human being was a Jew. Every day in their prayers, Muslims also recite a special prayer dozens of times; asking God to bless Muhammad and his descendants, as he has blessed Abraham and his descendents.
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZY_yoOn4GRLVxP_DCOf0oBtda2aD-12-QDnt7wxAkc6SJnff1b8-SZJHCGnT1HjP1e8P10ZzbOQNDvxPI7qazqL2pZKzeamul8rTCNB7pLe3_HJJ__RhlvXyEBDz4UXwtSfHDF8OLi98/s1600/image011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZY_yoOn4GRLVxP_DCOf0oBtda2aD-12-QDnt7wxAkc6SJnff1b8-SZJHCGnT1HjP1e8P10ZzbOQNDvxPI7qazqL2pZKzeamul8rTCNB7pLe3_HJJ__RhlvXyEBDz4UXwtSfHDF8OLi98/s1600/image011.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />Ironically, the same Muslims, not for a moment, question their intention to destroy the descendents of Abraham, including the Israelites, who are Jews. What a contradiction! I thank God for someone like you sharing the gospel with me. I thank God for the Bible being available to me in my language and for the Christians who spent many hrs in conversation with me, answering questions about Jesus.
<br />
<br />
Help your Muslim friend to read: “The LORD had said to Abraham. “I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you” (Geneses 12:1-3. Promise repeated in 15, 17 and 22). Someone (following the Messiah, Jesus) distributed copies of John’s gospel and one reached me. Today when I look back, it was then that the seed was sown in my life.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYaN9fw2T0QSVoZn2Z3e_nC4Jd4fEjMxI2W4WKzEKcTrIsATVNVW-4IRVbzlO1quS9K3Zuq1moCzFS-ri3au3vogtYUTbIOy3MpbZRGPdOFD-xaiv79BHKHpB-P6UW3FvIjb55N5bA_0M/s1600/darood.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYaN9fw2T0QSVoZn2Z3e_nC4Jd4fEjMxI2W4WKzEKcTrIsATVNVW-4IRVbzlO1quS9K3Zuq1moCzFS-ri3au3vogtYUTbIOy3MpbZRGPdOFD-xaiv79BHKHpB-P6UW3FvIjb55N5bA_0M/s200/darood.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
If you want Muslims to stop terrorism, why not reach them with the message of Jesus? Otherwise how can you expect a Muslim to stop hating Jews and Christians, when 5 times daily, he is reminded of it in his prayer? As a Muslim, I believed in Jesus but hated Jews and Christians also. Well, Jesus was a Jew. Then I read in the Qur’an: Believe in Abraham and the Prophets; Moses and Jesus that led me to read the Bible. – Thanks be to God for his grace, mercy and assurance available to me through Jesus, who I found to be more than a prophet!<br />
<br />
<strong>Let us share with Muslims</strong> that they do not have to kill themselves and others for God to get into his paradise as ‘martyrs’. God already sent his own to give his life once and for all, as the great sacrifice.
Let us also reach the Muslim who thinks that “only a Muslim is a brother of a Muslim and worthy of love and fellowship”, by sharing what Jesus said, ‘Love your neighbor like yourself’. Let them see that Christ-like love is in us. Love will not be satisfied with anything less than the total salvation of its object. ̶ Steven Masood
Steven Masoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14825743930702568715noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2312043333640639233.post-4834236878906132452011-01-25T13:48:00.000-08:002011-01-25T13:48:29.904-08:00Building Bridges – but what kind of bridges?Building Bridges – but what kind of bridges?<br />
<br />
When it comes to sharing the Gospel with Muslims, we find that Muslims comprise at least 39% of all un-evangelized people of the world. Only 1% of mission force is directed to reach them. Most of the work by some nowadays is directed towards Muslims to make them feel at home in their own religion in the name of ‘tolerance’ and ‘love’. Indeed many of such churches, their mission committees quote the scriptures as ‘Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love’ (1 John 4:8).<br />
<br />
I desire that many friends who are trying to ‘create peace between faith’ will realize that Love will not be satisfied with anything less than the total salvation of its object. I have seen again and again in my past 40 years that the matter of salvation of Muslims is totally ignored for the sake of and in the name of ‘multi-culturalism’, ‘multi-faith societies’ and multi faith trends with the idea that all roads lead to God.<br />
<br />
‘Creating peace between faiths’ is very good but is it possible without watering down the status of Jesus? I wonder what happened to the peace Jesus talks about and claims to be the giver of it. No matter how much we try to bring peace between faiths and people, if we keep Christ, the original source of peace, out of it, there can be no peace.<br />
And what do you do when one finds that the people who are teaching how Islam is peaceful, behind your back support militant Islam? The predicament is not the people, but Islamic ideology. It has 2 faces both the peaceful and militant and Muslims use both of them as the case may be. When we look at the Qur’an, the Ahadith, the schools of thought and classical commentaries, we find both trends used and being used even today. <br />
<br />
One of the top methods that the majority of Muslims have used is not only their insistence that Islam should always have the upper hand but profess it through a military type of radicalism. I can quote to you from the Arabic Qur’an and what Muhammad has said and from the classical Muslim era, people like Urwah ibn Zubayr (d. 712), Wahb ibn Munabbih (d. 728), Ibn Ishaq (d. 761), al-Waqidi (745-822), Ibn Hisham (d. 834), al-Maqrizi (1364–1442), and Ibn Hajar Asqalani (1372-1449) and you will be surprised at how the 2 faces of Islam, its jurisprudence and communities have been used in expansion of Islamic empires and are used today to renew and restore the zenith of the Islamic empires. In the West, today, those Muslim tactics amount to hypocrisy, manipulation and unprovoked attacks.<br />
<br />
Having said that, as Christians, indeed we should be peaceable to our neighbors, including our Muslim neighbors, in-spite that Islam has exclusivity that ‘al-Muslim akhwal Muslim, a Muslims is a brother of a Muslim.’ Let us not ignore the matter of salvation of Muslims for the sake of and in the name of ‘multi-culturalism’, ‘multi-faith societies’ and multi faith trends with the idea that all roads lead to God. If we really love Muslims, then we have to share the love of Jesus with them, by telling them that He is the only way to have the eternal life.Steven Masoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14825743930702568715noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2312043333640639233.post-50442363784220440152011-01-18T14:14:00.000-08:002011-01-18T14:14:36.718-08:00Why is Islam spreading fast in the USA?Why is Islam spreading fast in the USA?<br />
<b>1.</b> Islamic <i>Da’wa</i> (Islamic evangelism). Islam is a “works religion”, Muslims believe they will get into paradise by winning non-Muslims to Islam. They marry Christians and Jews to eventually convert them to Islam, although they don’t tell them up front, nor do they tell them that they must raise their children as Muslims, even if she remains a Christian or Jew.<br />
<b>2.</b> Islam is a community oriented system, especially when Muslims are in a minority in a new country. Leaders convince followers to unite and do good so to entice the non-Muslims around them, to ultimately convert them to Islam.<br />
<b>3.</b> Islam is seen as dealing with every aspect of a Muslim’s life, religious or political. Thus while Christians may be hesitant to share their views, Muslims feel obligated to share their faith anywhere.<br />
<b>4.</b> Muslims are allowed to lie for a greater purpose, the ‘domination of the world for Islam’ and so they hide the points of weaknesses in Islam.<br />
<b>5.</b> Also to be an instrument to fulfill what Muhammad predicted that his community will over populate the<br />
world through propagation. Muhammad advised, “Marry beautiful women, especially those women who will bear you lots of children”.Steven Masoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14825743930702568715noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2312043333640639233.post-70462719889545013742011-01-18T14:05:00.000-08:002011-01-18T14:05:54.754-08:00Pastor Terry Jones and the burning of the Qur’anAn Opportunity lost<br />
Well, we heard it all - Pastor Terry Jones and the burning of the Qur’an. We thank the Lord that he did not follow the conviction and withdrew from it. However, I believe he could have used the opportunity while announcing his withdrawal to remind the media of the atrocities against Christians that are committed day and night in Muslim majority countries. Churches are burned down and even members killed and their Scriptures are destroyed. The Pastor could have easily reminded the media asking ‘where are you when such things happen? Why don’t you report them? I am calling on you to look into your conscience and ask yourselves which side you are on.’<br />
<br />
This would at least been heard in the media somewhere, but Terry did not use such an opportunity. Let us please pray for each other, that whenever we all are given such an opportunity, we may glorify Him, use the Lord’s wisdom and be counted to say words that will be a warning and loving too. (Ezekiel 3:18)Steven Masoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14825743930702568715noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2312043333640639233.post-89226912827940638962011-01-18T14:01:00.000-08:002011-01-18T14:01:08.221-08:00Be warned of the ‘Interfaith’ delusion that is about in the USAWe are living in a time where in the name of tolerance we try to find<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2k9hMqk2ODUabh4oOWjbiRDThFRWGkRNXwZYDhYn8Qo-N-sGcfrKaltCAvgW3rJUfXN7GvyNhuy93cDQWcY0vRR2Vg9Dn3HRwsnWGnGLDnHb2w2oI-fk10JzC_dIiHqnjTdW7Eb2UEE0/s1600/coexist_big.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:right; float:right; margin-left:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="52" width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2k9hMqk2ODUabh4oOWjbiRDThFRWGkRNXwZYDhYn8Qo-N-sGcfrKaltCAvgW3rJUfXN7GvyNhuy93cDQWcY0vRR2Vg9Dn3HRwsnWGnGLDnHb2w2oI-fk10JzC_dIiHqnjTdW7Eb2UEE0/s200/coexist_big.jpg" /></a></div> something good anywhere and everywhere and whatever the situation may be. Mindful people claiming to be from various faiths in the USA, have established themselves into what is known as Interfaith dialogue. On the surface, when you look at it, you find that in the forefront Judaism, Christianity and Islam as ‘Abrahamic faiths’ and not as Judeo-Christian faith is presented. They claim that ‘The Torah, the New Testament, and the Quran all contain exceptional teachings instructing us to love God, to love one another, and to care for all people.’ Then they go a little further, stating that it is ‘crucial… that we honor both the universal as well as the particularly exclusivist teachings of each of our faith’s traditions.’ (http://www.countercurrents.org/falcon150910.htm). Although as a Christian, I have no problem with such statements, what I find is that many Muslims on these “Interfaith committees” are actually using the forum to their own propagation agenda, while the prominence of salvation through Jesus is shunned by them and many of the pastors and reverends attending these meetings just keep quite in the name of so-called ‘tolerance’ not even pointing out their reservation of the matter.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOj4diEGN8KaOSLZ3zWDaicGBj_xJsaNbGbLfhcdUlxeyKhEoj4jtFFRI6c_le3G1z7nuoSiEpIal9qOnBq-9z6yVK7-qmoMLJyBg9_2vX8l1tyA-l6-TLwwgGyMe0njiZwd1Vms6DVOE/s1600/interfaithlogo2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:right; float:right; margin-left:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="99" width="100" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOj4diEGN8KaOSLZ3zWDaicGBj_xJsaNbGbLfhcdUlxeyKhEoj4jtFFRI6c_le3G1z7nuoSiEpIal9qOnBq-9z6yVK7-qmoMLJyBg9_2vX8l1tyA-l6-TLwwgGyMe0njiZwd1Vms6DVOE/s200/interfaithlogo2.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<br />
In these interfaith dialogues while it is talked how badly Muslims are treated in America, we hear rarely Muslims and other raising their voices on what goes on in Muslim majority countries against Christians, in losing their lives and belongings. In fact in the name of ‘Interfaith’ Muslims hold meetings in churches and synagogues to convince non-Muslims how good the Islamic ideology is. They go to the extent to invite attendees to perform some of the rituals and even are given Islamic polemic material showing that it is not Christianity, but Islam that should be followed.<br />
<br />
As far as being loving and kind to each other that is indeed Biblical, but to allow a Muslim on a church platform to go on to do Islamic evangelism, is not Jesus, but Muhammad who is presented to be followed. Such a notion is a total negation of the gospel which declares that Jesus is the only way unto Salvation.<br />
<br />
If you love Jesus and accept him as the only Savior, then it is of utmost importance that you, as his follower, should draw a line and state – this far is fine, but not beyond Biblical values. State clearly indeed I have to love as the Lord loves, but when it comes to the matter of Salvation, even God has drawn the line. There is only one name under heaven through whom we can be saved. He is Jesus. Be warned. The Scriptures is quite clear and warns us of ‘no other gospel’ to be accepted.Steven Masoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14825743930702568715noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2312043333640639233.post-33526318195405837602011-01-18T13:44:00.000-08:002011-01-18T13:44:28.642-08:00Resurgent Islam has adopted Muhammad's season of diplomacyIn the USA, instead of a military attitude the resurgent Islam has adopted Muhammad’s season of diplomacy from his Meccan period. Although traces can be found of militant Islam and of terror, Muslims are using, in the forefront, all legal means to spread their ideology. Financial aid in the millions is given to Islamic organizations and secular Universities and colleges by Saudi Arabia and Gulf states to enlighten people in the USA to see Islam as the best way of the Abrahamic path. Muslim organizations are using every available source from IT to PR. Packages of pro-Islamic books and media materials by the thousands are provided to libraries, teachers, State officials and Representatives. Many Muslims have made contacts with influential people at Radio, TV and newspaper mediums and seek their help to give a peaceful picture of Islam. Several Muslim organizations, such as CAIR, ISNA and MSA are campaigning against those Non-Muslims who want to expose the hidden face of Islam and Muslims. Indirectly some Muslims are trying to replace America’s freedom of speech with hate-crime bills. They are relentless in the nomination of Muslim sympathizers and Muslims in political and religious offices. They are getting involved in demonstrations on immigration issues, as well. <br />
<br />
On a Christian response, the Church in America is divided into two extremes from hatred to totally unconditional love. There are ‘Christians’ who believe that Islam and Muslims are not included in ‘The Great Commission’, thinking God has finished with them. On the other hand there are those who are so ‘loving’ that they do not want to share Jesus in the name of interfaith slogan of ‘co-exist’, thus compromising the gospel. Their doctrine seems to be that Islam or any other faith can be accepted as a way to God. In both cases it is obvious that their ‘will and affections’ are set upon their fallen nature and thus they have become an offense to Christ. Both of these courses lead to spiritual ruin because the first group has totally closed the door of salvation on Muslims and the other in their compassion has gone too far to even offend God by showing an attitude that is contrary to the Gospel. (See how Carter Conlon, co-pastor of David Wilkerson, explains in his sermon “When Compassion Offends God”. http://jgospel.org/faith/sermon/when-compassion-offends-god-carter-conlon.c15451.aspx).<br />
<br />
There are, however, a portion of Christians in between these two extremes that believe in loving the Muslims ‘the God way’ and are willing to take a stand for the uniqueness of the message of Christ and assurance for all, including Muslims. They use the utmost of their abilities to share the love of Christ with Muslims through friendship, and meaningful dialogue.Steven Masoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14825743930702568715noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2312043333640639233.post-66529030404256094062010-05-26T10:35:00.000-07:002010-05-26T10:37:14.199-07:00Punishment of Apostasy in IslamThe majority of scholars in Islam stand for the punishment of an apostate. The following key passage in the Qur'an is used: ‘But if they turn renegades, seize them and slay them wherever ye find them; and (in any case) take no friends or helpers from their ranks; except those who join a group between whom and you there is a treaty (of peace) or those who approach you with hearts restraining them from fighting you as well as fighting their own people. (4:89-90). Other passages are used with an interpretation to punish apostates: 2:217; 3:72,90; 4:137; 5:54; 16:106.<br /><br />Since the Qur’an does not have many aspects of religion in detail, Muslims follow what Muhammad said and did. For example, the Qur’an states to establish prayer however it is in the traditions (Ahadith/Sunnah) that Muslims find the number and methodology of prayer. According to the Qur’an what Muhammad say or do has to be followed: ‘Whoso obeyeth the Messenger obeyeth Allah.’ (Qur’an4:80).<br /><br />The most reputed Hadith conveying the death penalty was reported by Ibn Abbas that Muhammad said: “Whoever renounces his religion, kill him.” This statement has been related in the following collections accepted by all Muslims.<br />{Sahih Al-Bukhari, “Bab Hukm al Murtad wa al Murtadah”, Vol. 8, pp. 50, 163;<br />Al Muwata’, “Kitab al Hudud”, Vol. 2, p. 736;<br />Sunan Al Tirmidhi, “Kitab al Hudud”, Vol. 4, p. 48;<br />Sunan Abi Daud, ‘Kitab al Hudud”, Vol. 4, p. 126;<br />Sunan Ibn Majah, “Kitab al Hudud” Vol. 2, p. 848;<br />Sunan AL Nasaee “Al Hukm fi al Murtad”, Vol. 7, pp. 103-104;<br />Al Musnad, “Musnad ‘Abd Allah b. ‘Abbas”, Vol. 1, pp. 466, 605, 606, 691;<br />Sunan Al Daraqutni, “Kitab al Hudud”, Vol. 3, p. 113}<br /><br />Also Al Hakim reported on the authority of Ibn Abbas that the Prophet Muhammad said: “ The Muslim who converts his religion, kill him. If the person says: {there is no god but God and that Muhammad is His Messenger}, then you have no right to punish him except for the crime he commits.”(Al Mustudrak, “Kitab al Hudud”, Vol. 4, p.366.<br /><br />All schools of thoughts among the Sunni and Shia agree for the punishment of an apostate except some disagreement on detail of prescription (For a quick example read: http://www.light-of-life.com/eng/ilaw/). <br /><br />Imam Shafi’s manual of Islamic Law, ‘Umdat al-Salik (pp. 595-96) states: ‘Leaving Islam is the ugliest form of unbelief (kufr) and the worst…When a person who has reached puberty and is sane voluntarily apostasies from Islam, he deserves to be killed. In such a case, it is obligatory…to ask him to repent and return to Islam. If he does it is accepted from him, but if he refuses, he is immediately killed.<br /><br />Hizb at-Tahrir (HT) an Islamic group that has taken up re-establishment of Khilafah as its core mission, in a draft constitution (dustoor), proposed by its founder/leader Taqiuddin al-Nabhani and adopted by HT states in Article 7c:<br />“Those who are guilty of apostasy (murtad) from Islam are to be executed according to the rule of apostasy, provided they have themselves renounced Islam.” (Taqiuddin al-Nabahani. “The System of Islam,” Hizbut Tahrir, p. 116, also on line: http://www.hizb-ut-tahrir.org/PDF/EN/en_books_pdf/system_of_islam.pdf).<br /><br />One of the most dangerous issue the West is facing is the ‘2 faces of Islam.’ On one hand Muslims tell us there is no compulsion in their religion (http://www.islamonline.net/livedialogue/english/Browse.asp?hGuestID=Gz9HCK) and yet on the other they tell among themselves to clear up apostasy from among them. (See: Qardawi: http://www.islamonline.net/English/contemporary/2006/04/article01c.shtml)Steven Masoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14825743930702568715noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2312043333640639233.post-42275060865022795352010-05-26T10:20:00.000-07:002010-05-26T10:32:19.972-07:00Why I followed Jesus and not Islam?Like the Jews of Paul’s day Muslims too are very zealous for God. But their zealousness is in the wrong place. Like Paul’s heart cried for his fellow Jews, my heart cries for Muslims to know Christ. I love them all. It is not the Muslims but the ideology of Islam that is the problem. The ideology and faith that is very much ‘works’ related and still a Muslim is not sure whether God will accept him in His paradise as only martyrs in the way of Allah have Qur’anic assurance.Although the Qur’an talks about reward for good deeds, it also states that God has created some to lead them into the straight path of God and yet others to lead them astray. As a young Muslim this was my dilemma. From with one scholar of Islam to the other, I studied. My question was how could we be sure that we are on the right path, doing the right things that Allah has commanded and that we have assurance that we love him so much by keeping all the commands, that He now in return is loving us. Well, there was no easy answer. I looked into the life of Muhammad and found Muhammad saying to his companions:`No one of you will enter Paradise through his good works.' They said: `Not even you, O Apostle of God?' `Not even I,' he replied, `unless God covers me with His grace and mercy.'" (Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim).I asked, so how can one get this covering of His grace and mercy? Neither the Qur’an nor the Ahadith tells how. Well, one night scared of death, hiding in a secure place, as there was a war going on between India and Pakistan and because of the air raid shells were falling, I was reciting one after another verses of the Qur’an from memory. It was, as if I was asked, that what I was reciting, did I really believe it? And indeed in my heart and mind I said, yes, I do. The next question came, so why don’t you act upon them? When was the last time you read what was revealed to Moses and given through Jesus? You say, you believe in them but you really do not act upon them. You say, you do not make any distinction among them, yet you claim whatever Moses and Jesus brought are corrupted. Well, I was reciting Sura 3:84.<br /><br />The next day I got myself a Bible. Although at age 13 I had been given the Gospel of John and at age 15, a Gideon NT, but I always thought the message was corrupted and only the message of Islam was intact. Now at age 21 I started reading the Bible carefully. To make the whole story short, one day I found what I was looking for. I found God’s grace and mercy I was looking for. Right in the first chapter of John I found that the law was given through Moses but grace has been granted through Jesus. While the Qur’an was offering me conditional love of Allah, that it is I who had to take the initiative to love him first and still not know whether he loved me, the Christian Scripture was telling me that before I loved Him, he has loved me. There was Muhammad in the Qur’an who does not know what will happen to him or me (Sura 46:9), here was Jesus who knew where he came from and where he was going. Here was Muhammad who said to his own daughter Fatima, I cannot save you. Here is Jesus who claims, believe in me and you will have eternal life.<br /><br />At age 23, I accepted the message of Jesus and him as my Savior and Lord. My situation since then has been like a beggar finding food and now wants to tell other beggars where to find it.We are living in a world where in the name of interfaith and so-called bridge building, Christians who have been blessed with the truth, are sadly letting Muslims die having no hope. If we really love Muslims, we should be sharing the Gospel of Jesus with them.Steven Masoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14825743930702568715noreply@blogger.com1