its difficult to cope
-
Salaam Saffy,
I can't understand his anger with me following the quran. He's not a bad person, devout in salat, fasts in the month of Ramadan even though he finds it very difficult his endurance is admirable and he has been attending Hajj every year for the past six years. I think that he is much better than me which is why i question why have i been granted this guidance and he hasn't.
I understand what you mean here, yet in my own way. I too did not understand why others got so angry when I mentioned following the Quran alone, but soon found out that their reaction is really based on what the majority will think and what the majority do. A lot of us have grown-up in Islam and have been told numerous times that it is the true religion, that Islam is the fastest growing religion in the world because everyone wants to convert to the truth etc. That reasoning for many is enough to just get on with it and look good in front of their community, but for those of us who really seek the truth of God and choose to walk that path, it becomes apparent that those who follow the majority in the way of hadith are doing something wrong. I have lost friends and now I feel ostracised from the Muslim community, but I persevere in the belief that this is God's way of testing me and giving me the opportunity to purge myself of the doubts I had and to achieve true faith.
In my experience, I know many devout traditionalists who pray five times a day, fast the whole of Ramadan, they identify themselves with all the man-made icons of Islam, yet they have never read the Quran in a language they understand. At large, they also carry themselves with a self-righteous attitude and treat others not like them with little or no respect. Every kind of religion has this kind of religious person. These, in my opinion are the proverbial 'sheep' of the religious world.
In the end, God will tell us the truth of all we did. What many of us on this forum will be able to say on the last day, is that even though it may have cost us dearly in this life, that we lived sincerely seeking God alone.
Peace be on you all,
Stitch
-
Salam,
What I find really funny is that Traditional Muslims only believe in Quranic verses that do not contradict Hadith instead of the other way around. So if there is two contradicting laws between the two, they choose to follow the one that they think comes from their God, Muhammad. ;D
-
Salam Dear Saffy,
Amazingly my story is very similiar to yours.
I was a traditional muslim before and lived with my husband and children.
But suddenly I found out that something was wrong in my life and how i performed my deen(religion) so i started to dig especially on internet for forums and groups about islam.
I came across one site God Alone Quran Alone on yahoo groups and it was an site of the submitters, but that site open my heart and lead me to read and ponder about Quran and its meaning.
I met new people I could didcuss my thoughts with and I started to feel happy again but the bad in this was that my husband wasn't so amused about this at all.
He warned me several times to stay away from kafir sites as he put it out hmm.
But I couldn't stay away and I got more and more involved and he became angry and frustrated when we discussed islam. He said I was brainwashed and lost.
My happiness turned to nearly depressions because i couldn't scope with that, his anger and he was judging me all the time.
So it lead to divorcion after 15 years of marriage and 5 beautiful children (
Now I'm on my own, my kids visit me 2 weekends a month they stay with their father.
I feel relived but also sad that we couldn't solve our problems we had!
I know how u must feel sister.
Take care and u are not alone!
Peace and alot of hugs
Sis Maria
-
Peace everyone. I've been having a right time of it with my computer brickwall, I've been informed that i need to reinstall windows before my pc will function anything like normal again. Where do i start with that???? Being totally technophobic doesn't help. Well here i am found a net cafe down the high street. I've missed this site so much. Amanda thankyou so much for sharing with me your story. I'm just about ready to flee my home and family i really do feel like i am at the absolute end of my tether. The issues at home and the resulting damage to relationships is effecting every area of my life. Including my work. I've just had to take a week off work because i'm feeling so low and drained. Amanda your post made so much sense and it was a reminder to my heart. Spiritually ihave been drifting into very negative waters with the 'woe is me' attitude and the 'why me lord' anguish. Today Allah inspired me to take some time out of my normal busy routine and find some other way of getting online. I believe that your post Amanda is heaven sent and it's saying all the right things to me this day in my life right now. Everyone's comments are so valuable to me at this time, and i appreciate everyone who has responded to this post. I love you all, thankyou everyone. I don't know when i'll next be online insha Allah i hope i get the oppertunity to meet with you all soon.
Love and peace xxx
-
Peace Saffy. Take it easy,and take care... group
-
Peace be with you Saffy,i
m happy that youve shared your experience with us,but one thing youve got to remember is that progress(of the conscious or your mind)never ends,youve found this simply because your heart is open,and you were wondering why you did find all this and not your husband even though he fast,makes hajj and salaat....well,let me tell you a storyA christian priest,devoted all his life to God (at least to what he believed in),many people came and asked for his help,sometime he did help,and sometimes he didnt,because a prostitute came and asked him for help but he didnt want to,because according to him she was going to go to hell,a thief did the same thing and he also refused because again according to his belief he was going to go to hell.years passed and before his death he thought that he was going to make it to heaven,because he dedicated his whole life to God,but wen he died he saw that nothing was happening,that he was still on earth among us,so he thought he has been fooled all his life,but because he was really religious he prayed to God so that God could help him,an angel suddenly came,and the priest asked him why he wasn``t in heaven yet,the angel brought him to see what happened to the prostitute he refused to helped,in his amasement he saw that she changed and was very happy,same thing for the thief.So the priest asked the angel how come they were so happy now,the answear he got was that they had an open heart,they were open to everybody,while his fanatism closed him the door to understand the mercy of God and the love and compassion we should give to one another(wether being christian,jew,muslim....it doesnt matter).So the key to progression is to have an open mind to hear and listen to what people have to say,but in that,you use your reasoning in the best of your ability(its your choice),your family will understand somedays,so dont rush it on them every body is different some will progress faster than others while some need more time.The only advice i can give you,is to continue searching it never ends,the more your conscious will progress the more it will be hard to explain your view to others(especially for those who did not attain your level yet),but in this way some will feel stuck,like theyve finished evolving and some will only feel stronger days after days,but you should never stop,because fanatism is just behind you !!!. By the way,progress is a divine law of God,we can`t go against it,this is why the traditional muslims are loosing.Peace be with you,sister. -
Peace komla. Excellent,beautiful,and heartwarming post... sun bravo
-
Salaam Saffy,
I've been informed that i need to reinstall windows before my pc will function anything like normal again. Where do i start with that?
Okay, I'll help you in this. I just need to know one thing. Do you have the Windows XP (assuming you are using this version of Windows) CD? Usually if you buy a new PC, you will receive this CD. However, if your PC is like mine, which is assembled personally to my very own liking, you might not have a "legal" copy of this CD. ;D
=adley=
-
Salam Saffy, relate to them the Hadith of the man who went up to the Prophet and asked him what the most fundamental tenet of Islam was, and the Prophet replied La ilaha illa Allah, it is a paraphrase of a translation but I know that there is at least one hadith along those lines.
A good start for the pressure to be taken off you is to go about in this way as the only means of reason they have is through the Hadith, you can convince them even through their own teachings that they can in no way brand you a non-Muslim. From this point perhaps you will find some of them slowly but surely coming to accept or even take on some of your beliefs.
And your husband calling you a Christian, I find this quite strange as, in my vew Sunni Islam's teachings of Jesus are much closer to Christianity than those Muslims who believe otherwise.
But always remember, there is a fine line between wanting to find the true Islam for the sake of finding the truth and wanting to change it for the sake of the Kuffar and fitting in the Western world. This is not necessarily guided at you but at everyone - if people are deep down doing it for the latter then their intentions are very badly misplaced indeed - perhaps your own family sees you as doing this and you will have to try convincing otherwise.
And regarding your daughters, remember there are many interpretations of 'What must appear thereof' but if you look at all the verses regarding this you'll see perhaps going from wearing a hijab to nothing (around your hair) is not necessarily a step closer to the true Islam. Islam preaches men and women to cover themselves properly; western attitudes should not dictate this - perhaps this is what your family views your change as.
Remind them that even according to their beliefs you have not left the fold of Islam and that your 'Qur'an Alone' stance does not warrant you being treated as a non-Muslim. You believe in no other deity but God and you believe Muhammad was the last Prophet of God, these are the two basic tenets of even Sunni Islam, and you believe in them, just like the Shias and just like every other Muslim <sect> in this world.
And one last thing, remember to greet your hardships with Alhamdullilah, for they may merely be cleansing you of past wrongs and preparing you for something better - remember that all this persecution, of being different was also given to our beloved Prophet Muhammad (if you believe in the general historicity of hadith) remember that if it even comes to the case of being thrown entrails at you from your family due to your being different (as was said to have happened to our Prophet), treat it as an elevation rather than a degradation, trust me, keep strong to your faith in God and remember these hardships may be of your own doing and perhaps now it is time for you to be prepared for something better.
-
peace, I am having an awful time with my family. I rejected hadith over a year ago after much research, study and most of all prayer. Finding and following the quran was like being given sight after a life time of blindness. I consider this a miracle and have had to ask myself numerous times why on earth me. but here i am and i know in my heart i can never turn away from this now, However my joy and serenity is blighted due to the way my family now view me as none muslim. It hurts so much at times it is a real physical pain. I feel like a stranger at times in my own family. My husband regulary refers to me as a christian and my Daughters who wear full hijab including the veil are distant and totally disapproving. They refuse to look at any evidence or research for themselves. They believe that i have been led astray and i am the victim of a dangerous brain washing internet group, which is totally untrue because i found the quran and guidance before i found this web site. Im finding it harder and harder to deal with their attitudes and hurtful remarks. Any conversation about Islam ends in tears, tempers and ill feeling. Im wondering if i should just leave and live alone. I don't want to do this because i love my family a lot. But i'm just so sad and having such a hard time. any words of advice or if anyone has been through any thing similar i would appreciate hearing how they managed the situation and what the outcome was. thanks for reading this post.
As salamu alaykum wr wb.
Respectfully.Hi and welcome to the forum.
Listen, you are certainly not alone in this war against the satan, the rejected.I have started fllowing Quran alone, without hadeeth and sunna in 2004 and ever since, my own mother is threatning me that she will soon eject me from the apartment.
She openly tells me and the others that i have been led astra by the devil and that i will end up in Hell. my father hates me because sometimes i don't shave for two weeks although, soemtimes i shave all the time.I have to pray and read Quran in secrecy like my brother. You have no idea how it is hard when i have to pray and my brother has to watch the door so that our mother doesn't walk in on me and then we change. Same goes for the reading of the Quran.
Trust me, just stay strong and be patient, you will make it if you rely ONLY on THE GOD ALMIGHTY, because i don't know what waits for you in the future, but i do know one thing for sure this is a test for you and God is testing you if you succeed, you get a reward - Paradise and i believe that you can succeed.
You are strong and when i decided to follow Quran alone, i also decided that i will remove myself from mother's apartment and go anywhere else.
I also love my family and i want to be with them but the thing is, they don't like me at all. They look at me with a smile and love but i feel it is fake.You have to ask yourself this question WHO is more important to you THE GOD, ALMIGHTY, MOST MERCIFUL, LORD OF THE WORLDS, THE CREATOR or people who insult you and hate you because you think and believe different?????
I lvoe my mother and my father but if they hate me, i can't help to change that. However, i can remove myself from them. I'd rather live alone and follow Quran alone then be with people who keep telling me i'm possessed by satan the rejected and casing tears to come from my eyes.
I know how this sounds but you have to decide what will you do with your life. I can tell you this read Quran and ask GOD to help you find an exit from the difficult situation you're in. I'm sorry you gotta go through all that but stay strong. ALLAH will find you a way to live this life easily.
Pray, read Quran, ask ALLAH to guide you and seek ALLAH's help. Read Quran 14, it's very important to you right now, this very moment. Go, read it right now.
May The God Almighty, The Most High, The Most Wise help you, guide you and protect you at all times, dear sister. Stay firm in islam and read Quran, it has ALL the answers you need.
As salamu alaykum wr wb.
-
Dear Saffy,
I don't know if you will still look at this thread because it is very old but I have just read it today. I am also from Northwest of england and so would be happy to talk on the phone or meet up.
I don't know how we can arrange to do this as I have not made my email address public.
Moderators - any ideas?Iyesha
-
Salam Dear Saffy,
Amazingly my story is very similiar to yours.
I was a traditional muslim before and lived with my husband and children.
But suddenly I found out that something was wrong in my life and how i performed my deen(religion) so i started to dig especially on internet for forums and groups about islam.
I came across one site God Alone Quran Alone on yahoo groups and it was an site of the submitters, but that site open my heart and lead me to read and ponder about Quran and its meaning.
I met new people I could didcuss my thoughts with and I started to feel happy again but the bad in this was that my husband wasn't so amused about this at all.
He warned me several times to stay away from kafir sites as he put it out hmm.
But I couldn't stay away and I got more and more involved and he became angry and frustrated when we discussed islam. He said I was brainwashed and lost.
My happiness turned to nearly depressions because i couldn't scope with that, his anger and he was judging me all the time.
So it lead to divorcion after 15 years of marriage and 5 beautiful children
Now I'm on my own, my kids visit me 2 weekends a month they stay with their father.
I feel relived but also sad that we couldn't solve our problems we had!
I know how u must feel sister.
Take care and u are not alone!
Peace and alot of hugs
Sis Maria
Don't have religious discussion. They will think you are trying to propagate and convert them. Just make it clear that the Koran is what matters. Really there is nothing they can do, they can't deny the Koran. Tell them you don't trust the hadith. Sometimes people try to persuade the others and it back fires. People have different preferences and there is not one road that leads to God but many roads.
Just tell them you only trust the Koran and they will shut up. No need to attack hadiths and Sunni Islam. Just make sure they can't attack you. Its actually easy. No Muslim can deny the authority of the Koran. But some here try to attack others and this creates hostility. To each is his own way and what matters is our faith and our sincerity reflected in our deeds.
-
Salaam,
I think that is a good point made by Bigmo. In fact it is a good tactic instead of fighting something that others defend, just praise something they cannot deny praising. Don't talk against the hadith, extol the Quran.Another thing which is common, although may be not necessarily the case here, is that most angry and irrational reactions spring from fear. When you question the hadith or anything that is the apparent basis for people's building of their own identity, in fact you are pulling the ground from under their feet. Don`t expect to get thanks for it. You have to realise how they feel and reassure them, that in fact nothing has changed, in fact God is still there, He still takes care of everything and still answers, and since you ask Him for guidance for yourself and you family and others, He will hear your faithful requests, and other thanthat avoid getting into useless debate. And always keep in mind that they are in a way like children who need to be told what to do and feel lost if they suddenly find they are resposible of what they do and believe, not somebody (so e scholars) who supposedly knows it all, they feel insecure and fearful, and the world crumbles, they feel panic indeed, like what happens to some children when they hear something about their parents divorcing, what they fear is many times worse of what happens whent it comes to pass. One has to understand that. And we must fight the tendency to infantilise ourselves which is so common.
Salaam
-
Salam Saffi!
My story is similar.I finded God Alone way after my marriage with sunni husband.I think best worlds to you is sayd already here.Just be patient and think about next life.Maybe I can meet you in future, by God willing,just give me personal message,
Be strong,
Salam,K.
-
Salaam to all.
The personal accounts in this thread have been both heart breaking and heart warming for this submitter. I too have had my share of battles with the unkind ways of my brothers and sisters under a wide variety of circumstances, and dealt with them successfully only because of my submission to Allah as He revealed Himself in the Quran. Such battles are never without their share of pain and sorrow.
I shall go ahead and quote some effective suggestions I have found here for all those who find themselves in a position similar to that of Prophet Lot, and endeavor to stay righteous in cruel and intolerant surrounding and the ridicule of those who find ultimately counterproductive satisfaction in making others feel small.
? Just tell them you only trust the Koran and they will shut up. No need to attack hadiths and Sunni Islam. Just make sure they can't attack you. Its actually easy. No Muslim can deny the authority of the Koran. But some here try to attack others and this creates hostility. To each is his own way and what matters is our faith and our sincerity reflected in our deeds.
In light of ?
Salaam,
What I find really funny is that Traditional Muslims only believe in Quranic verses that do not contradict Hadith instead of the other way around. So if there is two contradicting laws between the two, they choose to follow the one that they think comes from their God, Muhammad. ;D
True from what I have seen from some if not most 'Madhabist' Muslims. Some traditional scholars on the other hand, and most of the 'normal' masses of Muslims, especially here in rural Bangladesh, rightly look at the Holy Quran as the primary source in spirit as well as intellectual practice and perceptions. There are also many who also look at the Holy Quran as the ONLY divine source the same ways. Just one man's limited observations here ... )
Anyway, it's all good.
In addition to the excellent suggestions and insights quoted above, I shall humbly suggest that you may also choose to refer them to certain traditional scholars such as Sheikh Hamza Yususf. Here in this interview, he talks about his translation of Imam At-Tahawi's Creed of Ahlus Sunnah Wa Al-Jama'ah and much, much more.
Here are the links to the video -
Part 1
http//uk.youtube.com/watch?v=lJlZeb_tdnYPart 2
http//uk.youtube.com/watch?v=6SE4_f7FyIUPart 3
http//uk.youtube.com/watch?v=h8xm9ndF_YwPart 4
http//uk.youtube.com/watch?v=bWnV0XVoMS8Part 5
http//uk.youtube.com/watch?v=gBQhrxYeNGUPart 6
http//uk.youtube.com/watch?v=y3kyRCwYydoAfter all these years, I still derive a great deal of comfort from his gentle ?qualifications? with regards the 'traditional' Shahadah of Abu Hurairah (Part 3), and his diligent belief in pluralism and 'invitation' rather than the exclusivism and 'imposition' of the ?my way or the highway? types perhaps inadvertently indulging in blasphemy by playing a role they are forbidden to play.
Some 'traditional' scholars like him are keenly aware of their true role in Islam and know how to use their scholarship in order to find common ground and bring people together through the Holy Quran, rather than fuel the fire of sectarianism and hatred.
I shall end with a demonstration of one of my personal responses to a vicious attack during a ?debate? about the Shahadah of Abu Hurairah and its uses as de facto ?shirk? in many if not all cases ? only Allah knows what is truly in the hearts of His creations ? and included the use of resources available in this website.
When the aforementioned ?debate? degenerated into to attacks such as the one quoted here ?
Any idiot who accuses a great Sahabi like Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) of fabrication of Hadith is a deviant imposter. I can clearly see why Sunni muslims are so harsh with some of Shi'i extremists who ritually curses Sayyidina Abu Bakr, Umar and Uthman (whom Allah is pleased with)...Talking about "anti-sectarianism"!!!
? I responded by saying -
Such angry and bitter posts fool no one. I for one DO NOT wish for the poster to get banned from this forum despite what I as a member find to be clear violations of the spirit of its rules, and despite the thinly veiled personal and misconceived communal attacks being sifted through a perceived loophole ... )
After you have had enough venting, I would humbly suggest that you revisit the following Islamic etiquette as suggested by the Holy Quran, suggestions which I hope the eminent leaders of the Madhab of your choice will not object to too much. Some of the verses may possibly be somewhat more relevant than others IMHO -
Islamic Etiquette
By Layth (e-mail [email protected])Besides the laws revealed by GOD that were designed to govern our lives, the Quran has also indicated a list of 'Etiquette' which we are advised to maintain in our dealings with each other on this planet.
"This Reading (Quran) guides to the best path, and brings good news to the believers who lead a righteous life, that they have deserved a great recompense." (179)
The below list are not LAWS, but when GOD makes a recommendation, it is always very advisable for us to 'hear & obey' in a guarantee that it will lead to happiness for all involved.
Always Respond to a 'Greeting'
"When greeted with a greeting, you shall respond with a better greeting or at least an equal one. GOD reckons all things." (486)
"O ye who believe! When ye go abroad in the cause of Allah, investigate carefully, and say not to any one who offers you a salutation "Thou art not a believer!"..." (494)
Always Say 'Good' things
"Do you not see that GOD has cited the example of a good word as a good tree whose root is firmly fixed, and its branches are high in the sky. It produces its crop every season, as designed by its Lord. GOD thus cites the examples for the people, that they may take heed." (1424-25)
Be 'Humble', and speak 'Lightly'
"Walk humbly and lower your voice, the ugliest voice is the donkey's voice." (3119)
Invite to GOD with wisdom and kindness
"Invite to the path of your Lord with wisdom and kind enlightenment, and debate with them in the best possible manner. Your Lord knows best who has strayed from His path, and He knows best who are the guided ones." (16125)
"It was mercy from GOD that you became compassionate towards them. Had you been harsh and mean-hearted, they would have abandoned you. Therefore, you shall pardon them and ask forgiveness for them, and consult them. Once you make a decision, carry out your plan, and trust in GOD. GOD loves those who trust in Him." (3159)
Be Kind to your parents
"Your Lord has decreed that you shall not worship except Him, and your parents shall be honored. As long as one or both of them live, you shall never say to them, "Uff" (the slightest gesture of annoyance), nor shall you shout at them; you shall treat them amicably. And lower for them the wings of humility, and kindness, and say, "My Lord, have mercy on them, for they have raised me from infancy." (1723-24)
Suppress Anger & Forgive People
"who (the righteous) give to charity during the good times, as well as the bad times. They are suppressors of anger, and pardoners of the people. GOD loves the charitable." (3134)
Counter Evil with Good
"Not equal is the good response and the bad response. You shall resort to the nicest possible response. Thus, the one who used to be your enemy, may become your best friend." (4134)
"They steadfastly persevere in seeking their Lord, observe the Link (Salat), spend from our provisions to them secretly and publicly, and counter evil with good. These have deserved the best abode." (1322)
Do NOT Say 'Bad' things
"And the example of the bad word is that of a bad tree chopped at the soil level; it has no roots to keep it firm." (1426)
Do NOT be 'Arrogant' or 'Carefree'
"You shall not treat the people with arrogance, nor shall you roam the earth carefree. GOD does not like the arrogant showoffs." (311
Do NOT engage in 'ignorant' talk
"The servants of the Almighty are those who tread the earth gently, and when the ignorant speak to them, they only utter peace." (2563)
Do NOT Curse the Idolaters
"And do not curse those who call on other than GOD, lest they blaspheme and curse GOD, out of ignorance. We have adorned the works of every group in their eyes. Ultimately, they return to their Lord, then He informs them of everything they had done." (610
Do NOT make fun of others, or call them names
"O you who believe, no people shall ridicule other people, for they may be better than they. Nor shall any women ridicule other women, for they may be better than they. Nor shall you mock one another, or call each other names. Evil indeed is the reversion to wickedness after attaining faith. Anyone who does not repent after this, these are the transgressors." (4911)
Do NOT be suspicious, or spy on one another, or backbite
"O you who believe, if a wicked person brings any news to you, you shall first investigate, lest you commit injustice towards some people, out of ignorance, then become sorry and remorseful for what you have done." (496)
"O you who believe, you shall avoid any suspicion, for even a little bit of suspicion is sinful. You shall not spy on one another, nor shall you backbite one another; this is as abominable as eating the flesh of your dead brother. You certainly abhor this. You shall observe GOD. GOD is Redeemer, Most Merciful." (4912)
Do NOT be 'Racist'
"O people, We created you from the same male and female, and rendered you distinct peoples and tribes, that you may recognize one another. The best among you in the sight of GOD is the most righteous. GOD is Omniscient, Cognizant." (4913)
http//www.free-minds.org/articles/q.../etiquette.htm
Being accused of ?blasphemy? for propagating the Holy Quran and ONLY the Holy Quran in other posts from those who perhaps inadvertently set up scholars and imams as de facto partners with Allah - scholars and imams who took it upon themselves to give authority to the Sunnah and the Hadith ALONGSIDE the authority of Allah and His Messenger as revealed and FULLY CONTAINED in the Holy Quran is hardly surprising at all.
For the record, and in good faith response to yet another expected and vicious attack, I am an 'anti-sectarian', 'unitarian' Muslim as per the letter and spirit of the Holy Quran, NOT A SHIA OR SUNNI in terms of my understanding of Islamic sects.
That said, there have been many Sunni, Shia and Sufi scholars, among quite a few ?non-Muslim? ones from other faiths who have added deeply to my faith since my willful submission, and continue to do so with their illuminating and erudite ideas and insights. I have no desire to rule the world, ?convert? anybody to my particular ways, or territorialize their individual Deen in any manner whatsoever. I am simply making information available to everyone in this pluralist forum, and occasionally expressing my views on the information being shared without any ulterior motives or ?hidden?, convoluted and otherwise esoteric agenda, or any malicious intent towards those comfortable in their faith.
This website has been created for all people who have a desire to allow God into their lives and follow His path alone...
This website invites all people of various beliefs (Sunni, Shia, Christian, Jewish, Buddhist, Bahai, Agnostic, Humanist, and even Atheists) to come and examine for themselves the system of Submission/Islam which is based on God Alone.
Many of you may outwardly be content with your current faith or that which you inherited from your parents and community...but to some out there, there will always be a tugging at the back of their mind that 'there is something more', and that 'some things don't always make sense'...
If you are one of those people, then open your eyes, put on your thinking cap, and welcome to an open examination of the system of Submission/Islam which very few know about...
http//www.free-minds.org/The key word is INVITE, not ?coerce? or ?impose?.
I shall respond to all attacks from with the following verses from the Quran -
"...We have revealed to you this book to provide explanations for everything, and guidance, and mercy, and good news for the submitters/muslims." (1689)
"Shall I seek other than GOD as a judge, when He revealed THIS BOOK FULLY DETAILED? (6114)
"The word of your Lord is COMPLETE in truth & justice." (6115)
"Say (O Muhammad), 'Whose testimony is greater?' Say, 'God is the witness between me and you that THIS QURAN was given to me to preach it to you, and to whomever it reaches.' However, you certainly bear witness that you set up other gods beside. Say, 'I will never do what you are doing; I disown your idol-worship.'" (619)
"When our verses are recited for them, those who do not expect to meet us would say, 'Bring a Quraan other than this, or change it.' Say (O Muhammad), 'I cannot change it on my own initiative. I simply follow what is revealed to me. I fear, if I disobey my Lord, the retribution of a terrible day.' ...Who is more wicked than one who invents lies about God, or rejects His revelations? The guilty never succeed. Yet, they idolize beside God those who possess no power to harm them or benefit them, and say, 'These are our intercessors with God.' ...such is idol-worship." (1015-1
"The followers will say to their leaders, "It was you who schemed night and day, then commanded us to be unappreciative of GOD, and to set up partners to rank with Him." They will be ridden with remorse, when they see the retribution, for we will place shackles around the necks of those who disbelieved. Are they not justly requited for what they did?" (3433)
"Why do they not study the Quraan? Or are their locks on their hearts?" (4724)
"When they are told, "Follow what GOD has revealed herein," they say, "We follow only what we found our parents doing." What if their parents did not understand, and were not guided?. The example of those who reject is that of one who repeats what he hears of sounds and calls, without understanding. Deaf, dumb, and blind; they cannot understand." (2170-171)
"And who is more wicked than one who is reminded of his Lord?s verses but he turned away from them, and he forgot what his hands had done. We have made veils upon their hearts from understanding them, and a deafness in their ears. And if you invite them to the guidance, they will never be guided." (The Message 1857)
http//www.free-minds.org/
A gentle reminder to those who fear death and believe that scholars and imams, not good intent complimenting good deeds, will 'intercede" on their behalf when the time comes ?
"Say, 'To God belongs ALL INTERCESSION. To Him belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth, then to Him you will be returned.' When GOD ALONE is advocated, the hearts of those who do not believe in the hereafter shrink with aversion. But when idols are mentioned along with Him, they become satisfied." (3945)
"Spend from our provisions to you before a day comes wherein there will be no trade, no nepotism, and NO INTERCESSION." (2254)
"Beware of the day when no soul will help another soul, no ransom will be accepted, NO INTERCESSION will be useful, and no one will be helped." (2/123)
http//www.free-minds.org/articles/gods_system/intercession.htm
And that we are responsible for our own actions ?
"That is because God was not to change anything He bestowed to a people, unless they change what is in themselves. God is Hearer, Knowledgeable." (The Message 853)
This post will be my repeated response to all accusations, name-calling, and no doubt 'refutations' in the future from all those who at times inadvertently try 'refute' something without the in-depth, 360 degree knowledge of what they're 'refuting'. Since this will be a perpetual response to all personal attacks, name-calling, slander, malicious misdirection, and intolerant, attempted imposition masquerading as 'refutation' and debate, please feel free to quote yourself and copy and paste it after such posts. If you don?t, I certainly will.
A good faith, real refutation which displays detailed knowledge of the posts, on the other hand, is most welcome ... )
Peace
The result has been excellent so far, and the brother may even be on his way to finding more peace and tolerance in his heart. Such is the power of Allah.
Thank you for your time and I pray that some may find elements this longish post of use, and apologize with the utmost sincerity if any of it appears self-indulgent in any way.
Peace, Sohel ? )
