Never Say: " I am a Muslim!"
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The point is, however the A3rabs were portrayed, they were still permitted to call themselves "muslims".
But to say Allah permits a faithless creature to call himself a muslim, then it is that Allah causes chaos. For permission this way means unjust. Yet Allah is not unjust; the way we have construed the meaning alone is wrong.
If we take the meaning as Allah gives permission only to the Arabs to call themselves muslims even if they do not have faith in their hearts, then why not the same with the other nationals too? Allah is not unjust. Now give me the meaning in the righteousness, samia.
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But to say Allah permits a faithless creature to call himself a muslim, then it is that Allah causes chaos. For permission this way means unjust. Yet Allah is not unjust; the way we have construed the meaning alone is wrong.
If we take the meaning as Allah gives permission only to the Arabs to call themselves muslims even if they do not have faith in their hearts, then why not the same with the other nationals too? Allah is not unjust. Now give me the meaning in the righteousness, samia.
Maybe it means that at best they can be muslims, and that's when they work hard on it and are less harmful or not harmful. So muslim will simply be peaceful someone who does not harm others, far less than mu'min, which would be "someone who extends safety to others". Mu'min is one of God's attributes; muslim isn't.
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Peace,
I agree with Samia, Muslim and Mumin are secular, not specifically bound to religious beliefs, but on their peaceful and humanistic output.
The famous Arabic dictionary Taj-ul-Roos mentions
Momin is one who stands guarantee for peace, upon whom one can depend, rely and then rest at peace, one who guarantee international peace.
Naq'atun Amoon is a she-camel which is dependable by virtue of her qualities and can take one through the journey without getting weak or falling down after stumbling
Amana is to satisfy someone and put him at ease without fear, to provide peace or protection to someone, to take over the responsibilities of someone's protection
In the Holy Quran, Allah has called Himself Al-Momin (59/23) - as He is responsible for the safety, security of the entire universe - and, therefore, Momin is also a person who ensures peace and security in the world by acting and enforcing the Laws given by Allah.
Professor Arne Ambros says in his "A Concise Dictionary of Koranic Arabic"
"Amina/ ya'manu To be or feel safe, to be safe and secure, not to fear. Mumin giving security, rendering safe. Whereas most derivatives of the root '-m-n are genuinely Arabic (to be and create safety), the technical religious meaning of 'believing' appears to have developed under the influence of Aramaic and/or ethiopic." (page 29 under the root amina)
Lane's Lexicon also says Amina means "To be secure, safe or free from fear."
When using cross-reference, the root amina is mostly used as referring to security and safety. For example
96 Wa-in ahadun mina almushrikeena istajarakafaajirhu hatta yasmaAAa kalama Allahithumma ablighhu ma/manahu thalika bi-annahum qawmun layaAAlamoona
And if anyone of the idolaters seeketh thy protection , then protect him so that he may hear the Word of Allah, and afterward convey him to his place of safety. That is because they are a folk who know not.16112 Wadaraba Allahu mathalanqaryatan kanat aminatan mutma-innatanya/teeha rizquha raghadan min kulli makaninfakafarat bi-anAAumi Allahi faathaqaha Allahulibasa aljooAAi waalkhawfi bima kanooyasnaAAoona
Allah coineth a similitude a township that dwelt secure and well content, its provision coming to it in abundance from every side, but it disbelieved in Allah's favours, so Allah made it experience the garb of dearth and fear because of what they used to do.7028 Inna AAathaba rabbihim ghayru ma/moonin
Verily, the punishment of their Developer is that before which none can feel secure -1064 Allathee atAAamahum min jooAAinwa amanahum min khawfin
Who hath fed them against hunger and hath made them safe from fear.26193 Nazala bihi alrroohu al-ameenu
Which was brought down by/with the securing/protecting spirit/blessing/wind4451 Inna almuttaqeena fee maqamin ameenin
Lo! those who kept their duty will be in a place secured.953 Wahatha albaladi al-ameeni
And by this land made safe;I had a long discussion with Abdur Rab (author of Exploring Islam in anew Light) about the same issue. Here are some excerpts
"Yu'minuna bil-Graib(22) is better translated as "Those that feel safe with the unknown/that which is beyond perception". Amana refers to make safe and feel safe and secure. So no, the root still is not connected to believing. I can belief in ghosts, but do not feel safe about it. Amana does refers to believing or acting in a certain way or thing which makes you feel secure and safe, and also makes you make other people safe and secure. Acknowledging as Edip translates it still is not a correct defintion of amana, since you can acknowledge anything without directly feeling safe about it. While the root amana is all about feeling and creating safety and security. So it is rather to trust and feel secure, although you find that to fall under belief also, I personally see the original rootmeaning explaining itself more clearer. And many dictionaries agree that believing is a more later development of the word amana, created after the revelation.
Indeed Islam means peacekeeping. And Deen is a word that conveys the meaning "shared values/morality" and "obligation" in its original root meaning. Thus Islam, peacekeeping, is the natural morality and obligation shared by all humans on earth as expressed in 3030, the Deen is our fitrah, our instinct & natural behaviour. This is why I do not see the Qur'an conveying a religion, but a natural universal and secular morality with guidelines how to keep globalpeace and universal development as a species.
The root Salama means to be safe and in good health. Amana is to feel safe yourself, and to make others be safe and secure. Thus salama is a result of amana in a sort of sense. When we look at a sentence as aslamtu lirabbi alAAalameena (2131), I agree the general understanding of submit is not enterily wrong, but it again does not convey the purpose of the word used. The submitting is done as the person is safe with Rabbi alameen. Thus the sentence is by my understanding better renditioned as
"I am safe and will be in good health by submitting to the Developer of all universes."
Thus the word salama reflects the reason why submission is accepted voluntarily.We can all submit to a tyrant, but we are not safe and in good health with a tyrant. Thus it is very important to do justice to the word used and use the whole root meaning because it reflects a contract between us and God. If we are not safe and secure because of the contract, it means we do not understand the contract (i.e.Quran) correctly as is the case with hadith followers.
But this again is not related to "faith" or "belief" in the sense as it is understood now. The word religion (mazhab) is never used in the Qur'an, and deen reflects more the sense of morality and obligation towards the community and the results of acting upon that obligation by neglecting it or fulfiling it.
When we look at 671 it uses umirna from Amr. Which means both commanded and directed. Thus personally I would rather use "We are directed that we be safe and secure by submitting ourselves to the Developer of all universes". Directed conveys more the concept of Free Will and also reflection on the goal of the direction, and nuslimau reflects the reason why the direction is accepted. As we are safe and secure with our beings when we accept the direction of the guidance.
3954 And turn back to the right path (anibu from naba/to return from time to time) towards your Rabb and be safe and secure by submitting (aslimu) with Him (lahu (i.e. to his Guidance)) before that there comes to you the punishment, then you will not be helped/aided/given victory (tunsaruna).
So Salama refers to being safe and secure with the guidance given by God, as this is the reason why they accept it. Muslims are the ones that are safe and in good health by accepting the conditions, and they are protected by the Mumin, the ones that are entrusted with the safety and security of others."
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I have written a longer article on my Blog on this subject
A reflection on Muslim and Mumin, Islam and Iman; Titles of humane behaviour
http//deenresearchusa-com.web26.winsvr.net/Blogs/tabid/73/EntryId/17/A-reflection-on-Muslim-and-Mumin-Islam-and-Iman-Titles-of-humane-behaviour.aspx -
Dear drfazl.
Again the same response (Your ideas without the backing of verses)and I think the reason is that you take your understanding of the words without using any source. This is the way of two kind of people. Those who are given knowledge directly from God (but when they give the meanings they do not contradict with other verses) or those who really don't have any knowledge and also don't give a damn about the sources(they create contradictions in the way).
I am replying in sequence without your quotes because i don't want to make my post lengthy.-
Please paste which part of my answer says so. God has created everything for us to use it for our benefit or loss and God don't do miracle for us anymore. That in no way means that He cannot do miracles anymore. Please tell me the verse which gives your idea. I may be unaware of that verse.
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What do you mean by miracle? If you mean to say his origination of things then it is already answered that without original creation we cannot produce but again do you see anything which is now produced for you out of miracle? What is your opinion about messengers? are they a necessity or God is enough? According to my understanding of the message of Quran everything is discovered by humans through knowledge and guidance which comes from God and He chooses from humans, whom he wills but he does not do the work by himself. This is the reason of creating humans. There is no contradiction in my understanding but what you are trying to say has lots of contradictions. If God alone is enough for everything then can you explain the verses 2245, 512, 5711 and many more.
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What you are trying to say is already told in my answer but again you fail to see that. The line in blue My dear God does not produce the wheat on its own for humans unless we sow,water and take care of it but yes without seed and water it is not possible. The verse 1311 tells that so. Quran is all about changing ourselves or taking control of the bad given to us From him. He also tells us that we cannot change but can control.
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Please tell me where did you Got that meanings? Good deeds as far as my Knowledge is concerned is written as
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same answer as 6.
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Your answer to the question Posted on December 11, 2008, 041218 AM Posted by Edip Yuksel was that
I base my opinion upon the plead both Ibrahim and Ismail made with Allah "O God! Make us Muslims! Teach us how to pray!" The fear they had for their God and the humility the two prophets showed before their God; and they were not ordinary people; Allah had made Ibrahim imam for the people as Ibrahim complied fully with the command of Allah to His fullest satisfaction; they were the foundation stone for Islam. And further Allah adjudges Ibrahim as the dearest of the prophets. Allah commands Muhammad to follow only Ibrahim in Islam. And it is incumbent upon every human to follow the path showed by Ibrahim and Muhammad who followed Ibrahim as per Allah's dictum.
Please don't make your opinion on just one or few verses because God has told in verse 20114 that one must not haste in making decisions regarding Quran until one finishes it completely regarding any matter in question.
Prayer Practicing that God is the Only One for all your needs, the Best of the Providers; and commit not shirk during the testing times and show your Faith and steadfastness in the path of Allah; practice the "AHAD"
Where did you get this idea from?
Do you mean to say that we should wait for miracles?
what is there to practice when there is one God?
How can I practice "AHAD" where the same "AHAD" tells me to "Follow Allah and follow the Messenger"?Regarding Islam what i understood is that one should not fight because salam is peace. Am I right in my understanding? If wrong please explain with the verses so that i can understand correctly.
Regards.
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Dear drfazl.
Again the same response (Your ideas without the backing of verses)and I think the reason is that you take your understanding of the words without using any source.
If you had read my post carefully, you would know that I just had given the readiness to discuss Quran. Until now I was discussing from quran without quoting assuming we both can understand what we speak is over all view of various verses. I do not think it is wrong unless we decide to speak on verses specifically, dealing with individual verses with reference to its application for the present and the future.
This is the way of two kind of people. Those who are given knowledge directly from God (but when they give the meanings they do not contradict with other verses) or those who really don't have any knowledge and also don't give a damn about the sources(they create contradictions in the way).
!!!
- Please paste which part of my answer says so. God has created everything for us to use it for our benefit or loss and God don't do miracle for us anymore. That in no way means that He cannot do miracles anymore. Please tell me the verse which gives your idea. I may be unaware of that verse.
This is from what you have said; contradicting statements
I just tried to tell you simple fact that God does not help us with some kind of miracle but He helps us with his creations which are made to serve us and I have clearly mentioned that in my post. God has created everything for us to use it for our benefit or loss and God don't do miracle for us anymore. That in no way means that He cannot do miracles anymore.I will tell you the verse when we start discussing references on any point.
- What do you mean by miracle? If you mean to say his origination of things then it is already answered that without original creation we cannot produce but again do you see anything which is now produced for you out of miracle?
]Miracle means origination/creation beyond all materialistic human means of understanding. Originator/Creator cannot stop originating/creating. That is the miracle/Truth. And you have to believe and seek His Wisdom to have the vision to see the miracle being created. 168 And I just do not believe in simply pasting an ayat; I will deal with it later in depth.
What is your opinion about messengers? are they a necessity or God is enough? According to my understanding of the message of Quran everything is discovered by humans through knowledge and guidance which comes from God and He chooses from humans, whom he wills but he does not do the work by himself. This is the reason of creating humans. There is no contradiction in my understanding but what you are trying to say has lots of contradictions. If God alone is enough for everything then can you explain the verses 2245, 512, 5711 and many more.
And more verses like 6417 also we will discuss later each ayat one by one. I will base my views on ayat 42 51 and many more.
- What you are trying to say is already told in my answer but again you fail to see that. The line in blue My dear God does not produce the wheat on its own for humans unless we sow,water and take care of it but yes without seed and water it is not possible. The verse 1311 tells that so. Quran is all about changing ourselves or taking control of the bad given to us From him. He also tells us that we cannot change but can control.
I post here what you failed to see in my answer for the same question Applying the common sense, simple - I ask of you to say where from the seed, water and air came? Even before man came to this world all food were available as miracle creations; for your breathing where from the air originated even now? Do you think air once created is only recycled through the vegetation until the world ends and is not originated again without a source? Or do you still wish to maintain some source is very much necessary for the God to create or to originate? When God enters to help you it is indeed the beginning of the miracles. He does not need a source.
- Please tell me where did you Got that meanings? Good deeds as far as my Knowledge is concerned is written as
From 42 51; 2 186, 286 and many, many more.
- same answer as 6.
Same as above
- Your answer to the question Posted on December 11, 2008, 041218 AM Posted by Edip Yuksel was that
Please don't make your opinion on just one or few verses because God has told in verse 20114 that one must not haste in making decisions regarding Quran until one finishes it completely regarding any matter in question.
You are correct; it reminds me of the verse now which holds good in your case 2 44
Where did you get this idea from?
Do you mean to say that we should wait for miracles?
what is there to practice when there is one God?
How can I practice "AHAD" where the same "AHAD" tells me to "Follow Allah and follow the Messenger"?20 114 will answer you. Be a humble listener until such time quran is completed on you.
Regarding Islam what i understood is that one should not fight because salam is peace. Am I right in my understanding? If wrong please explain with the verses so that i can understand correctly.
Did I ever disagree on that? Or have discussed over it at length?
Regards.
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Dear drfazl,
Thanks for the reply with the reply that you will deal everything later.
What you have dealt in this post does not seem to have any Arabic word which can mean good deeds in the verses you mentioned.
It seems that you have some strange way of understanding Quran which is beyond my understanding. I will wait till you enlighten me with your way of understanding.
Regards.
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Peace to all,
The problem with words like "muslim" and "islam" is the misinterpreted influence of them throughout society. Abraham and the Patriarchs used the words as DESCRIPTIONS, not as titles. Frankly, there shouldn't be a title, and there shouldn't be people stating, "I'm a Muslim." The word "muslim" itself refers to one who has surrendered or submitted (i.e. "a submitter". One can submit to anything and anyone. It doesn't necessarily refer to worship of God at all... In today's world, muslimeen should be proud to call themselves "submitters"/ones who submit to Go ALONE. By using the title "Muslims", we only separate ourselves from the base on monotheism promoted by all the prophets, and we are therefore forming our own sect (distinct group) of monotheists instead of maintaining the one unity, as God instructed us to do. We should instead use the DESCRIPTION "muslim", not the title.
Who is better in saying than one who invites to Allah, and does good works, and says, "I am one of those who have peacefully surrendered." (4133)
May God guide us all to the truth...
Peace,
Ahmad
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Frankly, there shouldn't be a title, and there shouldn't be people stating, "I'm a Muslim."
There should be people stating that they're Muslims if they are Muslims. I don't see why not.
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Peace Bosnian Thinker,
There should be people stating that they're Muslims if they are Muslims. I don't see why not.
There is a difference between a "Muslim" (as in the title) and a "muslim" (as in the description). In reference to titles, Sunnis, Shias, Salaafis, Wahhaadis, and Sufis are all "Muslims", as well as mis-structured groups who use this name, such as the Moorish Science Temple, the Nation of Islam, Ahmadiyya, Jarudiyah, Hanafiyah, Saltiyah, Hujjatiyah, and all the others. ALL OF THESE GROUPS MAINTAIN THE TITLE OF "MUSLIM". However, none of them maintain the description of what a "muslim" is (i.e. one who has submitted), and none of them submit to God ALONE in real "islam"/submission. So, in itself, the titles of "Muslim" and "Islam" are only titles. The words as used in the Qur'an are descriptions. They are not the same thing...
Peace,
Ahmad
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Peace Bosnian Thinker,
There is a difference between a "Muslim" (as in the title) and a "muslim" (as in the description).
Can we bring the title and description together as 2 in 1? Then the whole understanding will change and elevate the present status to the higher plane? The title must be in the form of peace in the heart and we shall revere it in our heart and it is for us to live peacefully and be ever in gratitude with Him who blessed us with the peace. Being a muslim (a possessor of Salam, in any occasion, in any circumstance, in any stressful situation) is important to make them imbibe or to influence the society towards such a life. Muslim is not a title to show others but a status to turn others to the way of salam, Islam.
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Dear drfazl,
Thanks for the reply with the reply that you will deal everything later.What you have dealt in this post does not seem to have any Arabic word which can mean good deeds in the verses you mentioned.
Yes, Quran verses are to be pondered over for practical understanding in righteousness with reference to the situation to gain the benefit therefrom, from the ever-evolving inherent wisdom that every single verse of it contains. In this way Allah says if you were to explain Allah's words, the trees as pens and the seas as ink will not be sufficient. If you understand this you will not say as follows
http//It seems that you have some strange way of understanding Quran which is beyond my understanding. I will wait till you enlighten me with your way of understanding.
khyaletanzim,
Arabic word and dictionary application contribute only to the physically oriented meanings. What we understand or get from it is only from the dikr. Quran is a complete Dikr; and if it is understood as per dictionary meanings and further make the meaning rigid with its grammatical application and punctuation then there is no nothing left for pondering the ayats over; the very ordinance that we have to think and ponder over and above the dictionary-wise and grammatically applied meanings makes it mandatory upon us that we start living from the revelation that God sends down upon each of us. All messengers say that they only followed the revelations that dawn in their hearts from Allah; and we too are ordained to follow the sunnah of God 7 3 (similar lines, The way).To start with let us ponder the dictionary meaning Good deeds. Put in your revelations. This is not the strange way of understanding, but this is the way to quran.
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Dear khyaletanzim,
Any deed is a good deed provided it is not done in a haste; for allah is with those who do believe in Him and maintain patience in their activities. Allah further says "Patience is the firmest and most decisive of all activities, eternal."
13 24; 42 43
Please put in your revelations here with regard to 'Good Deeds' / God Deeds.
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Peace Bosnian Thinker,
There is a difference between a "Muslim" (as in the title) and a "muslim" (as in the description). In reference to titles, Sunnis, Shias, Salaafis, Wahhaadis, and Sufis are all "Muslims", as well as mis-structured groups who use this name, such as the Moorish Science Temple, the Nation of Islam, Ahmadiyya, Jarudiyah, Hanafiyah, Saltiyah, Hujjatiyah, and all the others. ALL OF THESE GROUPS MAINTAIN THE TITLE OF "MUSLIM". However, none of them maintain the description of what a "muslim" is (i.e. one who has submitted), and none of them submit to God ALONE in real "islam"/submission. So, in itself, the titles of "Muslim" and "Islam" are only titles. The words as used in the Qur'an are descriptions. They are not the same thing...
Peace,
Ahmad
Thank you Ahmad for explaining your view. I'll think about this.
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Dear drfazl,
Dear khyaletanzim,
Any deed is a good deed provided it is not done in a haste; for allah is with those who do believe in Him and maintain patience in their activities. Allah further says "Patience is the firmest and most decisive of all activities, eternal."
13 24; 42 43
Please put in your revelations here with regard to 'Good Deeds' / God Deeds.
I was not able to understand your question. Please state your question clearly.
If you are trying to say that patience is good deed then my dear your are confusing the quality with deed. Truth, patience,forgiveness and determination are the qualities and not good deeds according to my understanding.
Good deeds combine with the qualities surely can make one best in the sight of God.Hope that will clarify my understanding.
Regards.
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Dear drfazl,
I was not able to understand your question. Please state your question clearly.
If you are trying to say that patience is good deed then my dear your are confusing the quality with deed. Truth, patience,forgiveness and determination are the qualities and not good deeds according to my understanding.
Good deeds combine with the qualities surely can make one best in the sight of God.Hope that will clarify my understanding.
Regards.
Dear Khyaletanzim,
First of all, yes, you got it clarified.
Secondly, to clarify to you regarding what I said "Any deed is a good deed provided it is not done in a haste." This clarifies that hastiness destroys all the good qualities whereas Patience delivers better understanding of things that you want to do and all the good qualities will be inherently evident in all that you do; and thereafter the good qualities are added to your deeds for best recompense. If you still maintain that I have confused you, you can say so with privilege, citing it.
Patience is the root-cause for all the best qualities; and hastiness is the root-cause for all the evil nature.
Regards brother.
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5 82
Certainly you will find the strongest in enmity for the mumins are the Jews and those who are polytheists.
And you will certainly find the nearest in friendship to the mumins are those who say We are Christians.
This is because there are priests and monks among them and because they do not behave proudly.From this do we understand that
By name we cannot be mumins; by saying shahada we are not mumins; by going to mosque we are not; by reciting quran in prayers we are not. In the same way by name one cannot be christian and so on. A true christian and a true mumin can alone be nearest in friendship. Come out of the clutches of the priests, poojaris, imams and mullahs and become humans by staying out of the mosques, churches and temples; then Allah will like you. Quran is a guide for the life out side of the mosque; so stay clear of these places of worship; and such are the people Allah says true mumins and true christians.When it comes to jews hardly they have such capacity to understand this concept nor there is willingness to follow this peace; and with regard to the polytheists they are hard liners already.
5 82
Verily you will find the Jews and the associaters the worst enemies to the truthful; yet, you will find those who say, ?We are true Christians!? ? the dearest to the truthful; for among them are the people wise and pure; yet they are not proud