Islam stands the test of history
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Muslims claim that Islam is the eternal religion. Any claim of this kind invites people to judge its validity on historical grounds. If latter day history testifies to its claim, it stands endorsed, otherwise it must be rejected. Marxism in the 20th century CE is a clear-cut example of historical rejection. |
According to his concept of historical determinism, Karl Marx held that modern industrial Capitalism bore within it the seeds of its own destruction. He further observed that according to its own inherent laws, its antithesis would emerge which would destroy it whereupon a new synthesis would come into being. But, quite contrary to his prediction, industrial Capitalism has not only survived, but is making great progress. Historical events have thus buried Marxist theory.
Then there is the case of Adolph Hitler who made grandiose claims that Germans were the “master race” and were destined to rule over all of Europe. The rout of Hitler and his Nazi party at the end of World War II put paid to all such theorising.
But the case of Islam is quite different. Even after a period of more than 1,400 years, Islam has suffered no erosion of its validity. The well known British historian, Edward Gibbon, describes the rise and expansion of Islam as “one of the most memorable revolutions which has impressed a new and lasting character on the nations of the globe.”
An Indian historian, M.N. Roy, has observed: “Muhammad must be recognised as by far the greatest of all prophets, before or after him.” He goes on to say that “the expansion of Islam is the most miraculous of all miracles.” (The Historical Role of Islam, pp. 4-5)
The American writer, Michael Hart, in his book, The 100 has made a selection of the 100 most influential persons in history, who have achieved the most outstanding success in this world. Right at the top of this list is the Prophet Muhammad, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, (may Allah exalt his mention) of whom the author writes: “He was the only man in history who was supremely successful on both religious and secular levels.”
The great success that Prophet Muhammad, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, had predicted for his mission at the very outset came true. This success came in spite of the stiff opposition which Prophet Muhammad, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, faced right from the beginning, both from within his own family and from the outside world. This was in 610 CE, the year when he first started receiving divine revelations. At this stage he felt totally helpless. But then, in this adverse situation, he received a revelation from Allah, which says (what means): “They want to extinguish Allah’s light with their mouths. But Allah will perfect His light, even though the unbelievers may detest it. It is He who has sent His Messenger with guidance and the Religion of Truth, so that he may exalt it over all religions, much as the pagans may dislike it.” [Qur’an 61:8-9]
At the very beginning of his prophetic career, the Qur’an declared that Prophet Muhammad, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, would certainly succeed in his mission. All his opponents, however powerful they might be, would ultimately be defeated. (This is pointed out at several places in the Qur’an in different wording). In history we find numerous personalities who began their work with towering claims, but none of them achieved the success they envisioned. Throughout human history, Prophet Muhammad, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, is the only exception to this rule, in that his predictions were fulfilled to the fullest extent.
Through the efforts of the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, and his companions, a unique event took place: starting from scratch, they succeeded in extending their influence to the entire populated world of that age. During this brief period, they not only conquered Arabia but also succeeded in crushing the two great empires of their time – the Roman and the Sasanid empires. This exceptional phase in history has been almost universally acknowledged by historians.
The Qur’an was revealed prior to the modern age of knowledge, yet over 1,400 years ago at the time of its revelation, the Qur’an declared that the proof of its divine origin lay in its being in complete accordance with historical facts and its consistency with contemporary discoveries and those that might be made in future times. Advances may be made in human knowledge, but they will never contradict Qur’anic statements. To a remarkable degree, latter day history has testified to this. While many statements contained in all the ancient books have been at loggerheads with the latest scientific discoveries, the Qur’an is unique in steering clear of all such contradiction.
As the Qur’an says (which means): “Do they not ponder on the Qur’an? Had it been from other than Allah, they would surely have found therein much discrepancy.” [Qur’an 4:82]. (The word “discrepancy” here means inconsistency, that is, a Qur’anic statement not agreeing with eternal knowledge).
Much has been written on this aspect of the Qur’an in modern times. The French scientist, Maurice Bucaille, has shown in detail in his book, The Bible, The Qur’an and Modern Science, how the statements contained in the Qur’an are astonishingly in exact accordance with the discoveries of modern science. This shows that the Qur’an perfectly comes up to the scientific standards.
This development of human knowledge in favour of Qur’anic contents is no mere accident. It is another historical proof that the Qur’an is a Book revealed by the Creator of the Universe, Whose Knowledge is not bound by the limitations of space and time. Hence we find in the Qur’an a unique prediction to this effect (what means): “We will soon show them Our signs in the Universe and in their own souls, until they clearly see that it is the truth.” [Qur’an 41:53]
After completing his comparative study of the Qur’an and modern science, Maurice Bucaille comes to this conclusion:
“In view of the level of knowledge in Muhammad’s day, it is inconceivable that many of the statements in the Qur’an which are connected with science could have been the work of a man. It is moreover, perfectly legitimate, not only to regard the Qur’an as the expression of a Revelation, but also to award it a very special place, on account of the guarantee of authenticity it provides and the presence in it of scientific statements which, when studied today, appear as a challenge to explanation in human terms.” (p. 252)
To sum up, there is no other scripture that, having challenged all of mankind to disprove its authenticity as the Qur’an did, finally gained total rational support for its supernatural origin and veracity, even from its most bitter opponents. And there is no other historic figure whose future success was as uncertain as that of the Prophet Muhammad, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, who was finally crowned with such supreme success.
Article source: http://www.islamweb.net/emainpage/
Our duty towards people who introduce misconceptions
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Now, what should be our stance towards these people who introduce and arouse misconceptions? Should we sit with them? Should we listen to what they say? Did Allah not command us not to sit with them and not to listen to what they say in the Qur’anic verse? Did the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam not warn us against them in this regard when he said: “Beware of mixing with them.” |
Did the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam not comment on the saying of Allah which means: “…As for those in whose hearts is deviation [from truth], they will follow that of it which is unspecific, seeking discord and seeking an interpretation [suitable to them]…” [Qur’an 3: 7] by saying: “When you see people who arouse misconceptions, beware of them, because they are the ones referred to in this (verse).” [Al-Bukhari & Muslim]
Our Salaf, may Allah have mercy upon them, would adopt a very tough stance towards those who aroused and spread misconceptions. Once, ‘Umar ibn Al-Khattaab, may Allah be pleased with him, heard that a man named Subaygh ibn ‘Aslam was asking questions that created doubts and misconceptions in the minds of the people, so ‘Umar, may Allah be pleased with him, summoned him and beat him until the man said: “O leader of the believers! Please! This is enough! I am now clear about the things I inquired about.” After this, ‘Umar, may Allah be pleased with him, sent him to live in exile in another city and commanded the people to boycott him, which they did. This continued until the governor of that city sent a letter to ‘Umar, may Allah be pleased with him, seeking permission to allow people to talk to him, as his life had become a miserable one.
Also Ibn ‘Umar, may Allah be pleased with him, was once informed that a man by the name of Najdah, who was a member of the deviant Khawaarij sect, was spreading doubts and misconceptions, but he, may Allah be pleased with him, avoided listening to the specific details of what he was propagating, lest it would affect his heart. Note that he did this despite him being one of the well-established scholars amongst the Companions, may Allah be pleased with them.
Ibn Mas’ood, may Allah be pleased with him, said regarding misconceptions: “He who lives long enough to see those who spread misconceptions should run away and refuse to talk or listen to them.” One does not have to physically leave the city they are in, but he must allow his heart and mind to escape, for his own protection.
Al-Fudhayl, may Allah have mercy upon him, said: “If a man consults a person about a matter and the later directs him to inquire from an innovator, then he has betrayed Islam. Beware of sitting with innovators because they will divert you from the truth … he who sits with innovators has become poisoned (i.e. in his mind), so be aware of him.”
How did Jahm ibn Safwaan, to whom the deviant sect of Al-Jahmiyyah is attributed, divert from the right path? He did this by sitting with atheists who asked him: “Sit with us and discuss your religion, if we convince you then follow our way, and if you convince us, then we will follow yours.” He thought of this as a good opportunity to convince them. They then asked him: “You claim to have a Lord, but did you ever see him, hear him, smell him, find any trace of him, or see a statue that resembles his form?” He replied: “No!” So they said: “Then he does not really exist” Jahm sat for forty days after that, not knowing who to worship as a result of this debate.
Unfortunately, Jahm did not possess the intelligence to debate, because if he did, he could have asked them in return if they possessed brains, to which the answer would of course be yes; after this he could have asked them the same questions that they asked regarding Allah about their brains, and conclude that they did not possess any.
A man came to a scholar and asked him: “What are the Jinn created from?” He answered: “Fire.” The man then asked: “Then how can they be punished with fire if they are created from it?” The scholar asked: “What are you created from?” The man replied: “Clay.” So the scholar asked him: “Well, why do you get injured if you are hit with dried clay?”
Many people deviated simply due to allowing themselves to sit with others who aroused certain misconceptions; they listened to what they had to say and thus became confused and doubtful. Others read books that addressed and discussed misconceptions. Yet others deviated due to surfing websites that propagate misconceptions and by chatting online to the people behind them. There is a final type whose curiosity led them to browse such websites simply to see what they contained, and they thus fell into their traps.
One may ask why Allah decreed for such misconceptions to spread. We say that it is a means of testing people generally, as well as their reaction and steadfastness. Of course Allah knew how people would react before they were even created, but it is to make their reaction evident, as He Says what means: “Or do you think that you will enter Paradise while Allah has not yet made evident those of you who fight in His cause and made evident those who are steadfast?” [Qur’an: 142] How can anyone be admitted into Paradise without having persevered and fought Jihad? It is not possible. The Knowledge of Allah must become manifested in reality.
The issue of listening to misconceptions is a grave one, especially during the era in which we live when we are exposed to so many things via numerous means that could divert people and poison their hearts and minds. Yes we must face these misconceptions and expose their reality to people, but this is the responsibility of the people of knowledge and not that of the common masses – their task is to stay away from such evils and their propagators and not expose themselves to them, because they would not then have the tools to defend themselves and protect their minds and hearts from being influenced. If a common person were to become exposed to any misconception, or even think about one, he should immediately refrain from this thinking and rush to inquire from trustworthy scholars to clarify the matter for him as Allah Says what means: “…So ask the people of the message (i.e. people of knowledge) if you do not know.” [Qur’an 21: 7]
What are the methods that the deviants deploy to confuse people? They might quote a text from the Qur’an or the Sunnah that is general in it is meaning and apply it to specific cases were it is not applicable, or quote a part of it, or explain it to mean other than what Allah or the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam intended it to mean. They decorate their ideas with eloquent phrases to confuse people; and many people are deceived by these decorations, because they are presented in a very clever way.When a follower of the truth tries to refute these misconceptions, the propagators of doubt prevent him from doing so and play around with the words and terms he uses, but when a deviant requests to speak, they open the way for him via numerous satellite television channels, or various other media.
Lastly, deviant people generally do not dare to debate with well founded scholars. This is why the deviant Khawaarij deviant sect refused to debate with Ibn ‘Abbaas, may Allah be pleased with him, when he went to publicly debate with them regarding their beliefs.
Article source: http://www.islamweb.net/emainpage/
Morality in Islam
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ne of the most important aspects of a Muslim’s life is to have high moral standards. Since the beginning of Islam, Prophet Muhammad sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam was mainly concerned with teaching and disciplining Muslims to have the best manners and personal characteristics. His personal life and behaviour were reflective of his teachings, which were revealed to him by Allah. In the Noble Qur’an, Allah describes Prophet Muhammad, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, saying (what means): “And indeed, you are of a great moral character.” [Qur’an, 68:4]
The Prophet’s high standard of manners made him a model for all Muslims to follow. The Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, used to emphasise how important good manners are for Muslims. He sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam has said: “The best of you is the best among you in conduct.”[Al-Bukhari and Muslim]
In another authentic narration, the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, mentioned that: “The heaviest thing to be placed in the balance of a believing slave on the Day of Judgement will be good behaviour. And Allah hates the one who uses bad language.” [Al-Bayhaqi]
Someone once asked the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, what deed would lead a man to paradise, and he sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam answered: “Piety and good conduct.”
In other narrations the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, made distinctions among Muslims based on their behaviour; the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, said: “The most perfect man in his faith, among the believers, is the one whose behaviour is the most excellent; and the best of you are those who are the best to their wives.” [Ahmad]
He even clarified that people will be on different levels in Paradise based on their good manners saying: “The dearest and nearest among you to me on the Day of Resurrection will be the one who is the best in conduct…” [Ibn An-Najjaar]
Now we shall talk about ethics in Islam, and how it is different from other ethical systems today.
Unlike other systems, the ethical system in Islam derives from a divine source. This divine source is the revelation from Allah. Therefore, this system cannot be changed, or manipulated to fit our desires. It applies regardless of time or place. This system has not been changed for thousands of years, it cannot be changed today, and it will never change until the Day of Judgement. No one has the authority to change or alter this system, even if the whole world wants to do so. What was considered good morals in the past will remain as good morals throughout time.
What was considered as bad morals in the past will also remain so forever, even if society accepts it as a norm. The system of ethics is not affected by cultural norms, because Allah is the One who determines what is acceptable and what is not.
The Noble Qur’an is very detailed and clearly mentions the significance of good manners, just like it mentions the importance of belief, worship, and all our daily affairs.
The Noble Qur’an mentions several good acts of morality repeatedly, for example:
Dealing with one’s parents in the best manner
Being nice to one’s relatives and neighbours
Taking care of orphans and the poor
Being honest
Being sincere in all of one’s intentions
Fulfilling one’s promises
Treating all people fairly
The Noble Qur’an goes as far as to teach us the way that we should walk. Allah Says (what means): “And, be moderate in your walking…” [Qur’an: 31:19] Allah also Says (what means): “And the servants of the Most Merciful are those who walk upon the earth in modesty, and when the ignorant address them [harshly], they say [words of] peace.”[Qur’an, 25:63]
The Noble Qur’an even tells us the proper etiquette of visiting one another. Allah Says (what means): “O you who have believed! Do not enter houses other than your own houses until you ascertain welcome and greet their inhabitants. That is best for you; perhaps you will be reminded [i.e., advised].” [Qur’an, 24:27]
The Qur’an also teaches us the way we should behave in a gathering, Allah Says (what means): “O you who have believed! When you are told: ‘Space yourselves’ in assemblies, then make space; Allah will make space for you…” [Qur’an, 58:11]
If we were to actually practise the sayings and actions of Prophet Muhammad, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, we would find that there are many lessons to learn when eating, drinking, dressing, sleeping, travelling, greeting, taking permission, even sneezing, yawning and other seemingly trivial acts.
Unlike other ethical systems, Islam’s moral system is a very detailed and complete package. Islam addresses every aspect of human life, no matter how minor. It is a complete package - it does not lack anything that needs to be completed nor does it have any defects that need to be amended.
The Islamic religion guides our morals that deal with the individual, the community, and Muslims and non-Muslims alike. It also guides us on how to deal with rulers and how to honour and respect scholars. Islam even directs us on how to act during times of peace and war.
It goes as far as guiding us on the treatment of animals. Prophet Muhammad, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, said: “Fear Allah when you treat the animals: take care of them, keep them in good health whether you ride on them or are raising them for their meat.”[Ahmad]
In another narration, Prophet, Muhammad sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, said: “…when you slaughter an animal, make your slaughter in the best manner. Let one of you sharpen his knife and give ease to the animal (in order to reduce the pain).” [Muslim]
The Companions once asked the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, “Do we earn reward if we treat animals in a good manner? He answered: “Yes, surely you earn rewards whenever you treat any living being in a good manner.” [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]
No other ethical system can match Islam’s one. Only Allah, with His great wisdom, could have made such a system that teaches humans how to deal with every aspect of their lives. This is because Islam is not a man-made system; it is the religion of Allah. He made it complete and integrated. No man has, can or ever will come up with a system that is so perfect. If you want a successful and happy life, then simply apply Islam to it, and you will have wonderful results.
