General Issues / Questions

There is no ULTIMATE SOURCE OF AUTHORITY (god) except GOD (ALLAH), THE CREATOR, Who is ONE, and is neither self-created nor created by another. The Creator is ABSOLUTE, INDEPENDENT REALITY. The CREATION is an ordered collection of THINGS which are dynamic processes that interact with each other. The Creation is RELATIVE, DEPENDENT REALITY. All things, including the human being, are created in PAIRS by The Creator, GOD (ALLAH). Each and every created thing SURRENDERS itself, voluntarily or involuntarily, to GOD (ALLAH) Who CREATES them, FITS them into the interactive scheme of created things, DETERMINES a finite potential and power for their SELF-REALISATION, and DIRECTS them on their course of DEVELOPMENT. Human beings have been endowed by GOD (ALLAH) with SELF and with FREEDOM OF BELIEF and a limited capacity for VOLUNTARY ACTION. Human beings are ACCOUNTABLE to GOD (ALLAH) for the way in which they exercise these endowments. Ultimately, there are ONLY two possible outcomes for the human being ? SUCCESS (THE GARDEN) and FAILURE (THE FIRE) ? which will manifest completely in THE AFTERLIFE, an existential reality that is to follow the present created order. The SOLE OBJECTIVE of the human being is to SERVE GOD (ALLAH) and PURIFY and DEVELOP the human SELF, thereby attaining SUCCESS. This is achieved through the performance of ACTIONS which are CORRECT in relation to SELF and OTHER-THAN-SELF. Correct actions serve to promote a condition of JUSTICE (BALANCE, equilibrium) which means a state in which a thing is in its right or proper place. Incorrect actions serve to promote a condition of INJUSTICE (IMBALANCE, disequilibrium) which means a state in which a thing is no longer in its right or proper place. Thus, injustice constitutes an UPSETTING of the created order. GOD (ALLAH) has provided human beings with DIRECTIVES (guidance) in order to CLARIFY to them which actions are CORRECT (constructive) and which actions are INCORRECT (destructive). These directives take the form of SIGNS (messages) which can be either EXPLICIT OR IMPLICIT. EXPLICIT signs - The WORD OF GOD (ALLAH) - are REVEALED to SPECIFIC human beings - MESSENGERS of GOD (ALLAH) - who are charged by GOD (ALLAH) with the MISSION of communicating them to the rest of humanity. Human beings are FREE to ACCEPT or REJECT the Word of GOD (ALLAH). REVELATION from GOD (ALLAH) in its COMPLETE and FINAL form is safely preserved in THE QUR?AN, a collection of signs (messages) that is the UNIVERSAL and PERMANENT source of guidance for ALL human beings. No further revelation, nor recipient of such revelation from GOD (ALLAH), is required nor can come to humanity. MUHAMMAD is the LAST of those who received the WORD OF GOD (ALLAH). The WORD OFGOD (ALLAH) is DEFINITE, ABSOLUTE and CERTAIN. It is primarily MORAL and ETHICAL in nature, placing limits on INDIVIDUAL and COLLECTIVE action in the created order. The REVEALED TRUTHS of THE QUR?AN transcend the limitations of space and time. However, in order to comprehend these truths, it is necessary to keep abreast of advances made in human KNOWLEDGE. This is because GOD (ALLAH) continues to SHOW His Signs to the human beings in the horizons (external world) and within themselves (internal world) in order to establish the ENDURING VALUE of THE QUR?AN for human beings. IMPLICIT signs - the WORK OF GOD (ALLAH) ? are SHOWN to ANY human human being who ENGAGES with them in APPROPRIATE ways. The KNOWLEDGE associated with IMPLICIT SIGNS is INDEFINITE, RELATIVE and PROVISIONAL. It is primarily SCIENTIFIC and TECHNOLOGICAL in nature and provides MEANS by which to HARNESS forces operative within the created order to fulfill the PROGRAM of GOD (ALLAH) for humanity. This program is SELF-REALISATION of the potential of ALL human beings in accordance with the LAWS, VALUES and PATTERNS OF BEHAVIOUR defined in THE QUR?AN. This program is what is known as DEEN. DEEN is a SYSTEM of (1) Dominance, (2) Obedience, (3) Law, and (4) Retribution that defines an existential POWER RELATION and LIFE TRANSACTION between a servant and his or her master. In the non-human sphere, DEEN can take ONLY ONE form and that is ISLAM, wherein each thing surrenders itself to GOD (ALLAH), willingly or unwillingly. Al-ISLAM is the BASIS (foundation) of the created order since all created things are servants of THE CREATOR, their MASTER. In the human sphere, DEEN can take ONE of TWO possible forms ? which constitute a PAIR, one CORRECT (positive, foundational) and one INCORRECT (negative, deviant) - and ONLY ONE form can DOMINATE in human affairs at any one time. The CORRECT form of DEEN is AL-ISLAM, which means voluntary self-surrender to GOD (ALLAH). It is the DEEN acceptable to GOD (ALLAH) that human beings have been commanded by GOD (ALLAH) to follow in order to achieve SUCCESS. The INCORRECT form of DEEN is self-surrender to TAAGHOOT, which means self-surrender to other-than-GOD (ALLAH), a condition that is destructive of SELF and OTHER-THAN-SELF and caused by ALIENATION from GOD (ALLAH). The dominance of TAAGHOOT in the human sphere is a TEMPORARY condition that arises as a result of human DEVIATION from the PERMANENT BASIS of the created order, AL-ISLAM, and which comes to conceal the latter. The relation between AL-ISLAM and TAAGHOOT in the human sphere is such that if and when AL-ISLAM comes into conflict with TAAGHOOT, the end result is the elimination of TAAGHOOT. However, it is in the nature of TAAGHOOT to resurface in different forms at different times and in different places, thereby TEMPORARILY arresting the RAPID forward movement of AL-ISLAM. The CALL (invitation) of AL-ISLAM is to voluntary self-surrender to the Laws of GOD (ALLAH) which LIBERATES human beings from enslavement to themselves, to other human beings and to their idols/constructions (TAAGHOOT). This is the meaning of LA ILAAHA ILL?ALLAH (no god/ultimate power or authority EXCEPT GOD/ALLAH). DEEN is a power relation and life transaction between an INDIVIDUAL servant and his or her master. However, COMPREHENSIVE obedience to the Laws of GOD (ALLAH) is only possible through the establishment of a SOCIAL SYSTEM of OPEN GOVERNANCE ? THE ISLAMIC SYSTEM (MILLAT) - based on these laws. The Islamic System necessitates having DOMINION (that is, CONTROL or AUTHORITY) over LAND (territory), RESOURCES (wealth) and PEOPLE (labor) with the objective of providing the BASIC NECESSITIES of life (food, clothing, shelter, education, health care etc), and an OPPORTUNITY for SELF-REALISATION of human potential to all those who live within the domain of the Islamic System. Once ESTABLISHED, the Islamic System must be MAINTAINED by the collective efforts of those who live within it, its dominion must be EXPANDED as required in order to accommodate others who wish to live within the system, and its mode of operation must be REFINED in order to ensure that the system runs more efficiently and effectively for the collective benefit of all who live within it. ONLY two forms of DEEN are possible, Al-ISLAM or self-surrender to TAAGHOOT, and ONLY one can DOMINATE in the human sphere at any one time. Therefore, if the Islamic System is not dominant, a non-Islamic system based on TAAGHOOT must have dominion. If and when such dominion extends to encompass the entirety of the Earth, such a system becomes GLOBAL. In order to ESTABLISH the Islamic System under these circumstances, it becomes necessary to RENDER INEFFECTIVE all oppressive forces that stand in the way of the achievement of this objective. This necessitates CONFRONTING the global system based on TAAGHOOT in all major areas of human activity including economics, education, entertainment, labor, law, language, politics, religion, sex and war. The Islamic METHOD for confronting TAAGHOOT and establishing Al-ISLAM is defined in THE QUR?AN. However, this method must be INTERPRETED CORRECTLY in a manner that is functionally appropriate to the current situation prior to its APPLICATION. The foundation of this method lies in CONVICTION in the validity of AL-ISLAM and in CONSTRUCTIVE ACTION which means any action that brings about corrective transformation in SELF and OTHER-THAN-SELF. In order to be in a position to confront the global system based on TAAGHOOT, it is necessary to CORRECTLY IDENTIFY the NATURE of this system and to UNDERSTAND its MODES OF OPERATION. Once this has been done, this understanding must be disseminated as widely as possible through all various means, agencies and channels of communication as a precursor to CORRECT ACTION. The STRUGGLE against TAAGHOOT and for Al-ISLAM is a life-long struggle which requires the ACTIVE and CONTINUOUS commitment of both PEOPLE (labor) and their RESOURCES (wealth) in order to achieve the objective that GOD (ALLAH) has set for the human being. http//www.bandung2.co.uk/home/IslamicCharter.htm

This topic has been moved to Islamic Calendar & Ramadhan.. http//free-minds.org/forum/index.php?topic=15086.0

As Salamu aleikum, I dont know if this topic has allready been brought up, but while reading the Quran translations I have at my disposal, I keep wondering when the certain ayah/surah was inspired to prophet Muhammad (pbuh). Would make it bit easier to understand if they where set in a historical perspective. Anyone got a link about this?

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Building Bridges The unrest among British Muslims both young and old is not only due the British policies abroad but also due the policies at home for the last fifty years. Anti-immigration was the norm during 60s & 70s and the British society and the Establishment just closed its eyes and even state schools tried to hide all physical and verbal abuse of Muslim children and teachers under the carpet. Muslims do not feel equal; that leads to a victim identity and extremism can take place. On top of that the young generation was deprived of their cultures and languages making them cut off from their cultural and linguistic roots. The second and the third generation were educated in State schools and they all speak English in local accents but not well versed in Standard English. Schools do not encourage and teach Arabic, Urdu and other community languages. They are even discouraged to speak their own languages at home. Now young generation of English speaking Muslims have an opportunity to build many more bridges between the British society and the Muslim community. Instead of building bridges both the societies are splitting apart at a point of no return. The words ISLAM & MUSLIMS have become the pre-occupation, biggest headache of and anathema to western politicians, media and public. These two words irritate them beyond imagination. Majority of Muslim pupils leave schools with low grades and now the few British Muslims who are in the institutions of higher education are under suspicion and the universities authorities have been urged to keep on eye on Muslims so that they do not involve in any subversive activities. This means a Muslim in an institution is not going to concentrate on his/her education and I am afraid to say that now majority of Muslim students are not going to complete their studies or research. The proposal is an act of racism. In my opinion, 7/7 bombers were the product of the British education system. They were mis-educated and de-educated by the native teachers who are not interested to understand their needs and demands. British society is reluctant to open up its sense of citizenship to all those that have come to live here. It has failed to help Muslims feel part of society. Institutional racism, drugs, crime incivility, binge drinking, anti-social behavior, rise in the rate of abortion and teen age pregnancies are common part of life in modern Britain. Muslim parent do not want their children to become integrated into such barbarity. The DFES document clearly states that children should be encouraged to maintain and develop their home languages. The research of Jim Cummins (2000) high lights, how bilingualism is a positive benefit to cognitive development and bilingual teacher is a must. A Muslim is a citizen of this tiny village. He/She does not want to become notoriously monolingual Brits. Muslim children need state funded Muslim schools to be well versed in English, Arabic, Urdu and other community languages. They need Standard English to follow the National Curriculum and go for higher studies and research to serve humanity. They need to be proud of their cultural heritage. Iftikhar Ahmad www.londonschoolofislamics.org.uk

Peace all, Ive heard many people now arguing about "riba" many claiming that it's interest i.e. a fixed amount to be paid on a loan. Almost all coservative sunnis/shias give this definition. Even the old Christians and Jews kinna had this definition and some at freeminds. But at the same time none of these guys would say anything if someobody rents out a car to a businessman ofcurse charging a fixed loan per month depending on the type of car(the more luxurious the greater the rent). No Mullah has ever claimed that the renter of the car should first wait and see whether the businessman makes a profit from his trip and then take a share of that profit for his car, NO ONE. Dont you see that this is exactly the same case with lending out a currency to do business for example? It sure is. Its exactly the same only the name is different. This time im expecting a proper reply. GOD Bless!

?Many religions see God as a seperate entity... ("He&quot. But in my view this undermines and contradicts the sum of ("His&quot being. Part1 From the heart. ?I offer you my perspective to explore and debate?.its my usual speal, its not essential, you can skip this bit if you wish and get straight to the point of the discussion in Part 2 below Because I trace all my thoughts back to my consciousness, I am of the understanding that this is their source. Because thoughts and consciousness, while in some ways can be attributed correlatively to some brain processes, the actual thoughts themselves as we experience them are incorporeal, they have no form. If there is no form to the thoughts that we experience, then despite what they describe in their content, their form is discarnate and so there is nothing there to be encapsulated or bound. (i.e. by the brain...the objects to which they refer) So, the very nature of consciousness must be infinite for only solid objects and form can be divided or bound*. It is my understanding that as consciousness is the source of our thoughts it is also our true nature. As it has no form, it has no limit, no judgment, nothing. I feel that if we can identify with this rather than the contents which our thoughts describe then we experience a Unity of all the multiplicities our thoughts describe which brings peace. I think that consciousness, the source of our thoughts, the undivisable and un containable by its discarnate nature is God/Self/Dao/Infinity. The Unity of all multiplicities that we experience when we identify with it is also God/Self/Dao/Infinity?Oneness?.God For if God is infinite, there can not be two infinities, so the infinity of God and the infinity of discarnate consciousness must be one and the same?God. *if you disagree, what formless existence can be proven to be bound or divided?...actually, what formless existence can be proven other than that of consciousness and the experience of thought? Part2 My question, as translated for two perspectives to consider. A perspective for some Athiests If you do not believe there is a God, but you believe in Infinity(in a scientific kind of theories of time and the Universe sense)?if there is infinity how can you see yourself as separate from it, as infinity is undivisable. If theoretically (but not perceptively because that is a very difficult stand point to experience) we are all contained by the un containable?then we are the sum of this?if we are the sum of this?surely it is the ultimate?the reason for existence for it is the un containable container for everything?could this not be what is meant by God?...And if God is infinite, then, again?this must be the nature of all, including humanity. A perspective for the religious If God is infinite*(1), created the world...from Himself*(2) ? Then how can anything in this Universe, not be God? What else could he have created it from if he did not create it from the infinity of himself? 1If He is not infinite?what else could He have created the Universe from? 2If He did not create it from Himself, then what did He create it from? How is this possible if He is infinite*(3) and therefore is everything? 3If He is not infinite then see 1? Selam While I was surfing on forums, I came across this interesting post above. Above post shortly claims human nature as God or part of God. This took me to ponder on the attributions of God. So that for example if we say God is love like in Christian theology, then we come up with a contradiction like love begin to come before God. If we accede all the best names/attributions belong to God on solely theological basis, then commands of God is right and good unconditionally. Rightness and goodness exist independent of God?s command. And this time we again encounter with a contradiction such as attributions/names of God with regard to substance, come before God. Then people begin to worship love or any attribution of God(or human nature like above post) not God. And here is my opinion, Names/attributions of God is what He created(like our nature), He created ?goodness, rightness, love, justice etc? and we named them like that. Names/attributions of God are not the names exist with Him, and does not belong to His substance/essence. I know this thread slides much to philosophy(as i am also not good at philosophy), and I do not want to confuse or disturb anybody but I wonder how people here think about this, any opinions, comment are welcomed? Thanks for reading.

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This topic has been moved to Questions/Comments on the Quran. http//free-minds.org/forum/index.php?topic=14397.0

Someone mentioned Dr. Ahmad Subhi Mansour, do you know anything about him? What about Gamal Al Banna? How do their ideas differ from the ideas here? Is the website ahl-alquran.com representative of the beliefs of Quran aloners?

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It's the one where bush talks about bombig aljazeera. I heard it's on the net. Obviously search engines are trying there best to keep it hidden.

This topic has been split and moved to TRASH. http//free-minds.org/forum/index.php?topic=14253.0

New meaning of Iman. What do you think? ) http//malaysia-today.net/blog2006/letters.php?itemid=4422#c Thanks.

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Please read the descriptions of the sections before posting. The General Section's description General Issues / Questions This area deals with any general questions/issues regarding God / Islam / Quran not covered under other headings. Thanks. (temporary sticky)

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