General Issues / Questions

I recommend www.StudyQuran.org How likely do you think it is that God, The Almighty, The Wise, The Knowledgeable would send us a book that only a tiny tiny minority could understand? This concept is nowhere to be heard of in The Quran itself. Good point. As far as the questions raised in the opening post I would freelance, meaning I would see what people here say and then see what the sects(Sunni/Shia) believe and see which is the one most closest to the Quranic teachings and which is the one that makes sense. But one thing you do get here that you don't elsewhere is personal freedom in interpretation and practice. I am tired of Sunnism and their intolerance. They never debate you just attack and slander and try to marginalize your views and make it hidden from the public. This ain't cool. Prophets preached in public and the Quran encouraged and indeed ordered the prophet to debate and preach in public and private. I believe in freedom like the Quran says. As far as Hamza Yusuf, he is a maliki scholar who follows what the Sunni orthodoxy says. He has Sufi influence which means he knows how to dodge and duck controversial issues in Sunnism and sticks with the religious and spiritual aspects of Sunnism rather than the legalistic and political aspect. Hamza Yusuf also like many converts sees Sunnism as the "original" Islam practiced by the Muslim world. But is this Sunni Islam consistent with the Quran?

Peace, Respectfully. I also ask sunnis...oops, pagans the same question regarding the ablution and they always quote obey Allah SWT and obey the messenger and then they add that obediance to messenger means follow his hadith and his sunna. When i ask why is their version of ablution split into two books, they start talking about everythihng else, except that. They will always - always - use this obey Allah SWT and obey the messenger - as a portal into the world where they can and will do as they please and as they see fit and just to not follow The Quran, because according to most pagans (yes, sunnis) nobody truly and really understand The Quran except messenger/prophet Muhamamd. And scholars and sheiks of course. They will also add that The Quran was not given to all humans but it was given to messenger/prophet Muhammad so he can explain it to us. Like we're that dumb. Okay, some humans can be dumb sometimes but humans are actually pretty smart. Peace. I am a new muslim, but to be sure your whimsical labeling of Sunnis as Pagans seems out of line. Who gave u the authority to do that? Dont you think it is better to be fearful of God and just worry about yourself. Leave it be. Im kinda hurt to see mean spirited folks here. Brother, take a deep breath and remeber Allah created us all. Whats ur beef?

Salaam, Even if you are famlar with the concept it is always nice to read a good article backed up by signs from the Qur'an. peace

A.D.D

Peace When anything relating to islam comes up we usually say "this in not in Quran" "show us where it is in the Quran" "It is not essential to know because it is not in the Quran" So exactly in the same way the question can arise about ijtihaad.Is this present in the in Quran ? (I hope you will not ask this highly intellectual question "show the tooth brushing" in the Quran" ) Regards

Great writings.. I'm mostly agree with your views.. As I said in many circumstances earlier, islam is not a religion, islam is an attitude/character. It is commonality shown nearly in every 'wisdom teachings' all around the world (Buddhisms, Taoism, Hinduism, Judaism, Christianism, Suniism, Shiaishm etc..), that the best attitude/character is surrenders to God's will a.k.a peacefully accepting the fate as universally events dictate you through time. There are also commonality around every 'wisdom teachings' all around the world about 'you'll get what you deserves' or better known as "Karma Law" in eastern 'wisdom teachings'. That's why in the Quran it is stated that God had sent messengers to every ummah / group of people around the world. They may teach using different 'rites', 'cultures' and 'languages', but the essence of the messages and wisdom is very much the same. Although 'human additions' to that essential teachings which shall formed the 'cultural rites' within specific group of people might vary.. But the message was always 'islam'. (without the capital I ) Salam / Peace

Peace, Respectfully. 448 God does not forgive that partners be set up with Him, and He forgives other than that for whom He pleases. Whoever sets up partners with God has indeed invented a great sin. 4116 God does not forgive that partners be set up with Him, and He forgives other than that for whom He pleases. Whoever sets up partners with God has indeed strayed a far straying. 2570 - Except for the one who repents and believes and does good works, for those God will replace their sins with good, and God is Forgiving, Merciful. 9104 Did they not know that it is God who accepts repentance from His servants, and He takes the charities, and that God is the Pardoner, Merciful. 4110 And whoever does any evil, or wrongs himself, then seeks the forgiveness of God; he will find God is Forgiver, Merciful. 4145 The hypocrites will be in the lowest level of the Fire; and you will not find for them a victor. 4146 Except those who repent, and amend, and hold fast to God, and dedicate their system to God; then these will be with the believers. And God will give the believers a great recompense. 573 Rejecters indeed are those who have said ?God is a trinity!? There is no god except One god. If they do not cease from what they are saying, then those who reject from among them will be afflicted with a painful retribution. 574 Would they not repent to God and seek His forgiveness? God is Forgiving, Merciful. 651 - O you prophet, if any of you have divorced the women, then they should be divorced while ensuring that their required interim is fulfilled, and keep count of the interim. You shall reverence God your Lord, and do not evict them from their homes, nor should they leave, unless they commit an evident lewdness. And these are the boundaries of God. And anyone who transgresses the boundaries of God has wronged his soul. You never know; perhaps God will make something come out of this. 652 Then, once the interim is fulfilled, either you remain together equitably, or part ways equitably and have it witnessed by two just people from among you; and give the testimony for God. This is to enlighten those who believe in God and the Last Day. And whoever reverences God, He will create a solution for him. 3953 - Say ?O My servants who transgressed against themselves, do not despair of the mercy of God. For God forgives all sins. He is the Forgiver, the Merciful.? May The Exalted God makes us better Muslims. Glory be to our God. Peace.

http//free-minds.org/forum/index.php?topic=9598972.0

From my discussions here, i am seeing different positions from the folks that only regard the Quran as guide in their as muslims. I will run this poll for 7 days and publish the results. Again please dont take this poll if you follow hadiths in your islam or if you are not muslim. Plaese check out what your holy man is saying here will you not believe him. Is there any other notable distinction of the Holy Quran? One that may be mentioned is that the Holy Quran tells us all about itself. From various places in it we learn that it is a Book called the Quran, a revelation from God, communicated to the Holy Prophet Muhammad, coming through the angel Gabriel, in the Arabic language. The Quran also tells us that it has been revealed in portions, not all at once, and that the first revelation came to the Holy Prophet in the month of Ramadaan. The Holy Quran refers to itself by several names which show its qualities and the work it came to do. For instance, al-furqan which distinguishes between right and wrong, al-Hakim full of wisdom, al-nur the Light, al-huda the guidance, etc. The unique features mentioned here and in the answer to the last question concern just the text of the Holy Book. There are many distinctive points about the Holy Quran as regards its teachings, and these will be found throughout this booklet http//www.ahmadiyya.org/islam/int-is5.htm

Peace, Respectfully. My theory is this you should listen to your heart and ask God for more Strength. In the end, you should first notify the public that you intend to lead in the prayer. If they get a surprise prayer, they might get angry or God forbid violent. Tell them that you will lead them in a prayer according to The Quran. When i was praying with a brother, i told him that i will pray half in Arabic and half in Bosnian languages and also that i don't pray like traditional sunni person. I just wanted to let him know that there will be differences. Then again, this is your choice, brother. God bless you for taking a big step. Peace. Peace, thanks for your sincere and kind words and advice. May God bless you. peace

Given that I'm not getting any in this life, (and will probably die a virgin since I'm not going to marry), I hope that we get to have sex in the Hereafter D Peace, Respectfully. I'm a virgin too but i can't wait to get married. May i ask why won't you get married? And yes, in Paradise you can have everything you want and wish for. It's Paradise, not .... you know, one of the earth's countries when you enter they give you 17000 restrictions. Peace.

Peace, Respectfully. I've made several friends just by mentioning to them that The Quran confirms The Bible and also agrees on some points. I mean, people watch TV way too much. brickwall We need to think more. hmm Peace.

What is the cause of God? -Establishment of His rule in the holy land. -Feeding and sheltering the poor. -Freeing the oppressed.

Muhammad was not the founder of Islam and Jesus was not the founder of Christianity bravo thats right! bravo

Peace Brother Wakas Thanks for the hint! I found it by typing in the word you recommended. I had typed a search for "wash or wipe" instead of being more general. I guess I am too used to Google But thanks, that thread was useful. So it's wipe then, not wash... cheers Peace

Peace all Look at this link it is a dictionary entry for the Trademark name Hoover, which is a brand of vacuum cleaner. Also has been used for so long since the invention of it by J Edgar Hoover, that it is also now a standard verb as well as a noun. "I am hoovering up." "She hoovered the living room." "I am using the Hoover I am doing the hoovering. Can even be meant to mean "devour" She was so hungry, she hoovered her plate clean. Anyway, my point is this... Once an object is assigned a name, and that name becomes standard through use, to the point where it gets dictionary status, doesn't that make things more confusing for the future? Try telling an arabic speaking person that the word "hijab" does not necessarily mean headscarf/head cover or veil. They look at you as if you are from a different planet! Someone is insisting to me that the hijab is in the Qur'an because they claim it's what Mary wore in 1917... Is that really what it means?! Peace

rotfl how much did you get? Wow this is easY!

I agree with Samia.

Peace Came across this site http//www.islamic-awareness.org/History/Islam/Coins/ The site shows pictures of early Islamic coins. Summary of the date and inscription on the coins Chronological Arrangement Of Islamic Coins From 1st Century AH 31 AH / 652 CE - bism Allh ("In the name of God&quot. 34-50 AH / 654-70 CE - lillh ("Unto God&quot. 43 AH / 663-664 CE - Maawia amir i-wruishnikan ("Mu?wiya, commander of the faithful&quot Allh ("In the name of God&quot. 47 AH / 667 CE - bism Allh al-malik ("In the name of God, the King&quot. 46 AH / 666 CE - bism Allh rabb ("In the name of God, my Lord&quot. AH / 676-677 CE - bism Allh rabb al-hukm ("In the name of God, the Lord of judgement&quot. 61 AH / 681 CE - ("Year one of Yazd&quot. There is no indication of the "Islamic" character of this coin. 64 AH / 683 CE - Talha lillh ("Talha, unto God&quot. 66 AH / 685-86 CE - bism Allh al-?azz ("In the name of God, the Great&quot. 66 AH / 685-686 CE - bism Allh / Muhammad rasl / Allh ("In the name of God, Muhammad is the messenger of God&quot. This is the earliest occurance of the name "Muhammad" in a dated Muslim text. 67 AH / 686-87 CE - bism Allh ("In the name of God&quot 68 AH / 687-688 CE - lillh al-hamd ("Unto God be praise&quot. 69 AH / 688 CE - bism Allh ("In the name of God&quot BPRWY (in Middle Persian) with a countermark lillh ("Unto God&quot in the fourth quadrant. 72 AH / 691 CE - bism Allh / bakr bihi ("In the name of God. This was initiated by&quot. 72 AH / 691 CE - Muhammad rasl Allh ("Muhammad is the messenger of God&quot. The conventional Pahlavi benediction formula khurra afzut is behind the bust. Obverse margin bism Allh ("In the name of God&quot. This is an extremely rare coin and marks the initial steps of ?Abd al-Malik's monetary reforms in Damascus. 72 AH / 691 CE - bism Allh wal al-Amr ("In the name of God, the Master of affairs&quot. This is a lesser known slogan of the Kharijites. 73 AH / 692 CE - bism Allh / l-ilaha il-Allh wa / hdahu Muhammad ra / sl Allh ("In the name of God. There is no god but God alone. Muhammad is the messenger of God&quot. 73 AH / 692 CE - bism Allh / l-ilaha il-Allh / wahdahu Muhammad / rasl Allh ("In the name of God. There is no god but God alone. Muhammad is the messenger of God&quot. 75 AH / 694-695 CE - bism Allh Muhammad / rasl Allh ("In the name of God. Muhammad is the messenger of God&quot. 75 AH / 694-695 CE - l hukm ill lillh ("Judgement belongs to God alone 75 AH / 694-695 CE - bism Allh / l-ilaha il-Allh / wahdahu Muhammad ra / sl Allh ("In the name of God. There is no god but God alone. Muhammad is the messenger of God&quot. 76 AH / 695-696 CE - bism Allh l-ilaha il-Allh wa / hdahu Muhammad rasl Allh ("In the name of God. There is no god but God alone. Muhammad is the messenger of God&quot. Reverse field shows a mutiliated cross on steps along with the date. The "standing-caliph" coin was only minted for three years (74-77 AH / 693-697 CE) before giving way to a wholly aniconic form, that is, engraved only with words and no images at all. 77 AH / 696 CE - l-ilaha il-Allh wahdahu la sharkalah ("There is no god but God alone, He has no associate&quot. 77 AH / 696 CE - l-ilaha il-Allh wahdahu la sharkalah ("There is no god but God alone, He has no associate&quot. And Obverse margin Muhammad rasl Allh arsalahu bi-l-huda wa dn al-haqq liyudhhiru ?ala al-dini kullahi wa-law karih-al-mushrikn ("Muhammad is the messenger of God whom He sent with guidance and the religion of truth that He might make it prevail over all religions even if the associators are averse&quot. 78 AH / 697 CE - quwwat Yazd billh ("Strength of Yazd is from God&quot. 79 AH / 698-699 CE - l-ilaha il-Allh wahdahu Muhammad rasl Allh ("There is no god but God alone, Muhammad is the messenger of God&quot. 81 AH / 700 CE - bism Allh / rabb harasahu ("In the name of God. May God protect him&quot. 82 AH / 701 CE - bism Allh / baraka ("In the name of God. Blessing&quot. 82 AH / 701 CE - bism Allh / al-Azm ("In the name of God, the Mighty&quot. 83 AH / 702 CE - bism Allh / ?Amr lillh ("In the name of God. ?Amr, unto God&quot. 89 AH / 708 CE - bism Allh / al-?izza lillh ("In the name of God. Unto God belongs the honour&quot. What we can see is that in the early coins they referred to God alone. However, in 66 AH / 685-686 CE we have the earliest occurrence of the name Muhammad in a dated Muslim text. What happened? Also, after 78 AH / 697 CE no coin has images at all. What happened? In 77 AH / 696 CE, we can see that God is mentioned in the centre of the coin "There is no god but God alone, He has no associate" and Muhammad is mentioned along the margin "Muhammad is the messenger of God whom He sent with guidance and the religion of truth that He might make it prevail over all religions even if the associators are averse". However, 3 years later they are joined "There is no god but God alone, Muhammad is the messenger of God". Again, what happened? Maybe some one with good knowledge of history can let us know. Peace Hope

No. hmm handshake