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Islam, Q&A
Q: Who is Allah, and is He the same as God?
A: When talking about God, Muslims automatically think of Allah (swt). Allah, in
Arabic language, is "God". He is the Almighty, the One Creator who created the
universe, mankind and all other forms of life.
Q: Is it true that Adam was the first messenger of God
(swt)?
A: Yes, Adam had the responsibility to convey God's message and laws to his
descendants. From the beginning, Adam's message to the first generation of mankind was to
worship One True God, Allah (swt).
Q: Who is Satan and what's his name in Arabic?
A: Satan belongs to another form of life "jinnkind" or spirits. His name
in Arabic is (Iblis) and he goes by another name "Sheetan" (Devil).
Q: Why does Satan despise humans and desire their
destruction?
A: When God (swt) created Adam, God wanted to give Adam some sort of respect, value
and position among the other creations. God (swt) commanded the Angels, including Satan
from the Jinn, to prostrate to Adam as a sign of respect and not as a sign of worship. All
prostrated to Adam but Satan. Satan was a mighty & a distinguished Jinn. God (swt)
asked him what made you not prostrate to Adam and disobeyed my commandment? Satan replied,
I am better than Adam, you created him from Clay and created me from Fire. God (swt)
cursed Satan. Satan vowed to destroy Adam and his descendants forever.
Q: I am still confused, I thought Satan was an Angel like
Gabriel and he has no free will but to worship God?
A: False. If Satan was an Angel, then we wouldn't have any problems with him at
all. Angels are a special creation of God (swt). God (swt) created Angels from divine
light (Nur). Angles don't have free will in doing things but to worship God (swt) and obey
his commandments. Satan, on the other hand, is a Jinn "spirit", and like humans,
Satan and his race "jinnkind" have free will in their actions; free will of
doing good and free will of doing bad. Ref. QURAN (18:50)
Q: Why did God (swt) send messengers, and why not instead,
communicated with us directly?
A: First, that is God's (swt) will. Second, and because of God's greatness and
might, humans, in their earthly bodies, can't withstand God's direct presence. We would
die instantly if God (swt) would to manifest Himself to us. Only from the mercy of God
(swt) prophet Moses (as) fell unconscious when God (swt) began manifesting him self near
the mount. The mount itself exploded to pieces. God's messengers are nothing but human
beings, who ate like us, dressed like us, grew up amongst us, spoke our language in order
for mankind to comprehend what they utter. God (swt) equipped His messengers with miracles
to prove the authenticity of their message.
Q: What is Islam, and what does the word "Islam"
mean?
A: Islam is God's eternal message to mankind. Islam originated by our father Adam
(as) and then the torch was passed on to other God's elect messengers. Islam's message
was, still and will be the belief in and submission to ONE God (swt), the Creator and the
Sustainer of all things, the Exalted and the Redeemer of all things. The word Islam itself
means "submission and surrendering" to God (swt).
Q: What is the deal with the term(s)
"Mohammadeen", "Muhammedanism" or Mohammedans in Islam?
A: There are no such terms at all. Other religions have been named after their
founders or after the community in which the religion was prospered. For example,
Christianity has been named after Christ. Judaism after the tribe of Judah, and Buddhism
after Buddha. Westerners falsely gave the name "Muhammedanism" or
Mohammadeen" to Islam after Mohammad (pbuh) the prophet of Islam, and also called his
followers "Mohammedans". Islam and Muslims are the words of the QURAN (27:31),
(3:19) & (22:78). Again, Islam is God's eternal message to mankind that originated by
Adam (as) and sealed by prophet Mohammad (pbuh).
Q: I heard something about the 5 pillars of Islam and the
5 pillars of faith. Could you elaborate more on these pillars?
A: You are right! Islam has two different types of pillars: The pillars of Islam
and the pillars of faith in Islam. The 5 pillars of Islam are: "Al-Shahadatan"
the testimony that there is no God but Allah and Mohammad is Messenger of Allah,
performing prayer (Salah), giving Alms (Zakah), fasting (Sawm), and performing Pilgrimage
(Hajj) for those who are able.
The 5 pillars of Faith in Islam are: The belief in One God, Allah
(swt), the belief in His Angels, the belief in His Scriptures, the belief in His
Messengers, and the belief in Judgment Day.
Q: Who is Mohammad?
A: Mohammad (pbuh) was born in Mecca 570 AD. At age forty he was elected by God
(swt) to convey His Message to mankind. The Message is to worship only One God, Allah
(swt). Mohammad (pbuh) spent the last 23 years of his life conveying God's Message to all
people. Prophet Mohammad (pbuh) died at age 63 and his resting place lies in the city of
Medina in Saudi Arabia. He is God's final Messenger to mankind. Prophet Mohammad (pbuh)
came to re-institute Islam, the religion of Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses and Jesus (as). The
following prophecy is obtained from the Bible regarding Mohammad's cometh from Arabia. In
HABAKKUK 3:3 " God (Jesus) came from Teman, and the Holy One from mount Paran. Selah.
His glory covered the heavens, and the earth was full of his praise." The place of
Teman is the area located southeast of Palestine, and Paran is the area of Mecca in Saudi
Arabia where the Holy One (Mohammad pbuh) came from.
Q: Are you telling me both Moses and Jesus were Muslims?
If so, prove it and I would like to see something from the Bible in this regard?
A: Both Moses and Jesus (as) were Muslims, since both had conveyed the very same
Message, "Submission and surrendering" to One God (swt). Here is the proof from
the Bible: Moses said: "Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God is ONE Lord."
(DEUTERONOMY 6:4). Approximately 1500 years later Jesus said: "...The first of all
the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; the Lord our God is ONE Lord." (MARK 12:29), and
of course Prophet Mohammad (pbuh) came along approximately 600 years later, bringing
identical message again: "And your God is ONE God: There is no God but He, ..."
(The QURAN 2:163)
Q: I am still confused, if Mohammad was to be God's final
and most glorified Prophet, how come we don't see his name in the Bible?
A: Mohammad's name is indeed mentioned in the original Bible manuscripts. The word
"Mahmad" is found in the original Hebrew manuscript and it means the
"desired one", or the "glorified one". In the 15th century, exactly in
1539, "Great Bible" was the first and official English translated bible to be
authorized for public use, and when the Bible was translated to the English language, many
words and expressions were translated differently and sometimes omitted altogether,
including the word "Mahmad" which is the name of Prophet Mohammad, the prophet
of Islam (pbuh). Here is the verse in the Bible: HAGGI 2:7 "And I (God) will shake
all nations, and the "desire one" of all nations shall come."
Also the Bible says: Deuteronomy 18:18-19 "" I will
raise them up a Prophet from among their brethren, like unto thee, and will put my words
in his mouth; and he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him. And it shall come
to pass, that whosoever will not hearken unto my words which he shall speak in my name, I
will require it of him.""
Prophet Mohammad (pbuh) was similar to Moses (as) and he was the
only prophet from whose mouth the words of God were spoken (Quran). Prophet Mohammad
(pbuh) spoke in God's name all the time. Also in Isaiah 51:4, it is said that there will
be a new law for all the people. Also, in Isaiah 66:20, it was made clear that the prophet
would come from BRETHREN, not children of the Israel.
Q: Are you telling me, all other religions are bogus and
Islam is the only true religion?
A: Well, isn't that the case with all religions! Every religion claims that he is
right and others are wrong. Islam is the belief in One God, Allah (swt), the Creator of
all things. Islam doesn't believe in the "middleman" fallacy as the case with
many religions including Christianity. In Christianity, to be saved you have to believe in
Jesus (as) as the Son of God, and without such confession and belief in Jesus, you're most
definitely going to Hellfire. Islam, on the other hand, declares that believing in One
God, Allah (swt) and that Mohammad is His messenger, and obeying God's laws and His
prophet's doctrine is the only passport to Heaven.
Q: Is it really sensible that God will reward Heaven only
to Muslims and punish others that can easily add up to millions or even billions of people
of various religions?
A: Yes it is very sensible. If you read both the Bible and the Quran you will
uncover that God (swt) severely punished the unbelievers and the wicked people through out
the history of mankind. That includes the people of Prophet Noah (as), the people of
Prophet Abraham (as), Lot, Moses (as), etc... Numbers don't mean a thing in the eyes of
God (swt) and that shouldn't be considered as an exception at all. Only faith counts and
not numbers.
Q: But what about people in our time! We don't know
anything about Islam and Mohammad! Would that be considered against us on Judgment Day?
A: Yes it will be considered against you. Before the cometh of prophet Mohammad
(pbuh), God (swt) vowed not to punish people or hold them responsible without sending
messengers. Unlike Moses & Jesus (as), prophet Mohammad (pbuh) was very distinct since
he was sent to all mankind with God's final message to humanity and before Judgment Day.
Everybody, the least, heard of Mohammad's name. We live in the information age, and within
our finger tips, using computers or TVs, we can learn just about anything including
religions. The Prophet (pbuh) told us that everyone of us is born a submitter "
Muslim" to the One God, the Almighty Allah (swt), but many factors have tendency to
force a person to deviate from the right path such as: Satan's influence, Parents,
Society, etc.
Q: How many prophets and messengers did God send to
mankind?
A: Our prophet (pbuh) told us approximately 124 Thousand prophets and messengers
were sent to mankind. The Quran lists 25 of the most popular ones. They are: Adam, Enoch
(Idris), Noah, Hud, Salih, Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Lot, Jacob (Yaqub), Joseph (Yusuf),
Shu'aib, Job (Ayyob), Moses (Musa), Aaron (Haroon), Ezekiel (Dhul-Kifl), David (Dawood),
Solomon (Sulaiman), Elias, Elisha (El-Yasa), Jonah (Yunus), Zechariah, John (Yahya),
Jesus, and Mohammad, peace be upon them.
Q: Why can't Muslims accept the term "Son of
God", even though it is in the Bible and referring to Jesus?
A: The term "Son of God" was used metaphorically speaking to those who
were godly and pious men. It was never meant to be used literally as the case with
Christianity toward Jesus (as). In fact, the term "Son of God" is used all over
the Bible referring to people other than Jesus, check out the following verses: LUKE 3:38
" the son of Enosh, the son of Seth, the son of Adam, the son of God.", GENESIS
6:2 " that the sons of God saw that the daughters of men were beautiful; and they
took wives for themselves, whomever they chose.", EXODUS 4:22 " Then you shall
say to Pharaoh, Thus says the LORD, Israel is My son, My firstborn." , JEREMIAH 31:9
"
For I am a father to Israel, And Ephraim is My firstborn.", ROMANS 8:14
"For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.". So how
come Christians don't regard those people as Gods, the way they regard Jesus (as)?
Q: Why Muslims don't eat Swine (Pork) meat?
A: For the same reason both Moses & Jesus (as) refused to eat it. God (swt)
commanded Muslims not to eat Swine meet. God (swt) also commanded Moses not to eat or even
touch the Swine meat as in the following verses in the Bible: LEVITICUS 11:7-8 "and
the pig, for though it divides the hoof, thus making a split hoof, it does not chew cud,
it is unclean to you. You shall not eat of their flesh nor touch their carcasses; they are
unclean to you. "
Q: But hey, we are not Jews! We are Christians governed by
Grace and not Law?
A: Who said anything about the Jews. The above verses are found in the Christian
Bible. Plus, we all know that God (swt) gave Moses (as) numerous commandments and laws
including the Ten Commandments, for people to obey, comply and to adhere to. Jesus (as)
came along 1500 years later to re-institute Moses's laws & commandments and that by
itself is a sign that Prophets came from the same institution with the same message &
guidance. Jesus (as) said: MATTHEW 5:17 " Think not that I am come to make void the
law or the prophets; I am not come to make void, but to fulfill." Jesus (as) said:
JOHN 14:15 " If you love me, keep my commandments." One of these commandments is
not to eat Swine meet. I don't see Grace at all, all I see Laws and Commandments that
ought to be followed.
Q: According to Muslims, God vowed to preserve the Quran.
How come the earlier scriptures weren't persevered, and after all, they are God's words?
A: Nowhere in the Quran God (swt) promises such protection or preservation to the
former scriptures as the case with the Quran. Every prophet was armed with special
miracles to prove the authenticity of his message. Moses came to people who rely heavily
on magic, so God (swt) gave him immense power through his Cane. Jesus came to people who
were known of strong medical abilities, so God (swt) gave him the ability to cure people
and even to raise the dead. Both prophets Moses & Jesus (pbut) were sent to specific
people (sons of Israel) with the mentioned miracles and the scriptures. On the other hand,
Mohammad (pbuh) was sent to people who were fluent in Arabic Language and its grammar. God
(swt) gave him the Quran as his Main and lasting Miracle. The Quran is very unique in its
originality and delivery, and the Arabic Language is the best to preserve such revelation.
Since Mohammad (pbuh) is the final messenger to mankind and the Quran was his Main
miracle, God (swt) has promised to protect the Quran forever. Remember, if the miracle
dies, then its authenticity will most definitely die and perish. Moses and Jesus (pbut)
had their miracles but not in their books, but rather in their actions (the power of the
Cane & Healing), and once they're gone, it was easy for people to edit and interpolate
their scriptures (Torah & Bible) to fit their own selfish desires. So far, and after
1400 years later, the Quran remains untouched and persevered from corruption. Muslims
still believe in Mohammad's original revelation and divine message. The preservation isn't
only limited to the text, but to the divine message, and to the delivery and originality.
Q: I heard many comments as in: "bibles aren't
identical" or "bibles aren't the same"! In Christianity, we do have the
original manuscripts somewhere in Greece, but the bibles we have in our hands are only
translation based on those original manuscripts. So, what's the big deal! Don't Muslims
have many different English translations that aren't a like?
A: The original Quranic manuscript is written in Arabic Language. Every single
Muslim have an identical Arabic copy based on the original Quranic manuscript written in
Arabic. When Muslims perform their 5 daily prayers, they recite the Quran in its original
language, the Arabic Language. Many Muslims memorize the Quran by heart at young age. The
English, Spanish or French Quranic translations are nothing but interpretation to the
meanings of the words of the Quran, and they are only used as a reference for those
Muslims who don't speak Arabic. Unlike Muslims, almost the majority of Christians don't
even know where the original manuscripts are located at. None of the Christian Churches
have, in their possession, a copy in either Hebrew or Greek that is based on the original
manuscripts. Christians have translations, translations, translations and as for the
original Bible, it's buried somewhere overseas collecting dust.
The Bible (OT & NT) has endured many severe predicaments
because of the language barrier. The original manuscripts (ancient Hebrew and Aramaic
scriptures) were translated to Greek and Latin. In fact, from the year 800 AD to 1539 AD,
Latin was the only language of the Bible. Because of the continuous waves of translations;
Aramaic, to Greek, to Latin, to English; Christians most definitely and seriously
handicapped any attempts to faithfully translate the original author's intended meanings.
This problem, all thanks be to the Almighty (swt), has been completely avoided in the
Qur'an, since it has remained from the time of its inspiration to the present day in the
same language it was originally revealed in, the Arabic Language. The Arabic Language has
remained a living language from that day to this, and the book itself has always been in
the hands of the people and not "the elite."
The foremost miracle of the Qur'an is in its text. The text of
the Arabic language. You can not translate a miracle no matter how you may try. The Arabic
language can not be compared to any other language in its intricate complexity, diversity
of form, richness of meaning, brevity of parlance, beauty of construct and power of
delivery.
Q: I am spiritually confused! What should I do?
A: You owe it to yourself to search for the truth, and I am sure if you have an
honest intention searching for the truth, God (swt) will aid you in your endeavor. Read
more about Islam and weigh your options. Read more about the early revelations &
messengers of God (swt) and comprehend their law & guidance that they had conveyed to
their people at that time, then compare all present religions and see which one coincide
with the early revelations.
Q: But I am satisfied with my own belief, so why should I
pursue other religion in the first place?
A: Remember, mankind has a free will to do whatever he desires, and we are all held
accountable for what we do. If you are content with your religion, then you are solely
responsible for your actions & belief and no one else.
Q: Is it true the Quran has scientific and medical facts?
A: Yes it is. But remember though, the Quran is not a scientific book. The Quran
carries a divine message and guidance from the Almighty (swt) to all mankind. This message
touches upon all aspects of human's life including science and medical aspects. When
people embraced Islam, it wasn't because of the scientific facts the Quran brought
forward, but rather because of the divine message in the belief of the One, the Almighty
(swt). People embraced Islam because Islam is a simple religion that is sensible and
harmonize with the human instinct. Islam is a complete way of life that is based on
fairness, equality, and purity amongst all mankind.
Q: How do I become a Muslim?
A: Unlike other religions, Islam doesn't have certain rituals or baptism by
religious groups or individuals. All you need to do is to declare the Testimony
(Shahadatan). The Testimony is: "I testify that there is no God but Allah, and
Mohammad is the Messenger of Allah". Once you establish this pure belief in your
heart, then you can proceed unto the rest of the pillars of Islam. Many Islamic
foundations and Mosques will be able to help you getting started learning about Islam..
Q: I noticed various Islamic Sects! Could you list them
for me?
A: About 96% of Muslims are Sunni, the word Sunni is based on the word Sunnah which
is an Arabic word means the Prophet's Doctrine. Sunnis believe in Allah (swt) as the One
Creator and Mohammad is His last and final Messenger. Also, Sunnis believe in the Quran
and Sunnah as the two main sources of Islam. There are, however, Muslim bunches who
deviated from the right path of Islam such as: Shia, Baha'i, Sufi, Ahmadiya, etc. So be
cautious in knowing who you are dealing with.
Q: What is the total number of Muslims around the world?
A: 1997 Statistics shows a population of 1.78 Billion Muslim. Click here for more details.
Q: Could you list some Islamic countries in the world?
A: Sure, please click here
for the list.
Q: Why do Muslims pray so much, you know, 5 times a day!
Isn't belief in Allah enough?
A: Besides the fact it's a Commandment from the Almighty (swt), the prayer (Salah)
is considered to be a continuos and daily discipline for Muslims. It's true we have the
belief in One God (swt) and His messenger Mohammad (pbuh) embedded in our hearts, but like
earlier Muslims, God (swt) has proscribed Laws and Commandments for us to observe and
adhere to. When we pray, we recite the Quran that has God's genuine words and directions.
We also offer supplications and blessings to God (swt). The line of communication between
Muslims and God (swt) never slows down ever. The prayer (Salah) itself is considered a
supplication to the Almighty (swt).
Q: Is it true that the Bible had prophesied many Islamic
Events?
A: Yes it had. The Bible had clearly prophesied the Conquest of Jerusalem at the
time of the Muslim Caliph, Omar Ibn Al-Khattab. In the year 637 AD, The people of
Jerusalem, mostly Christians & Jews, refused to give up Jerusalem without a personal
pledge from Omar that he will spare their lives and let them practice their religion
freely and without restraints. Omar traveled from Medina to Jerusalem on an Ass, when the
people of Jerusalem saw him, they ran outside welcoming him since Omar had fulfilled a
prophecy in the Bible: The Bible says: ZECHARIAH 9:9 Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion;
shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy Leader cometh unto thee: he is just, and
having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass."
Also the Bible had prophesied the Conquest of Mecca by prophet Mohammad (pbuh) along with
his 10,000 followers (Sahaba) in 630 AD. DEUTERONOMY 33:2 " And he said, The LORD
came from Sinai, and rose up from Seir unto them; he shined forth from mount Paran, and he
came with 10,000 of saints: from his right hand went a fiery law for them."
Q: But Mohammad doesn't relate to Abraham?
A: False. Prophet Mohammad (pbuh) is a direct descendent of Prince Kedar. Kedar was
the second son of Ishmael, and the children of Kedar later formed a tribe called Quraish,
which is Mohammad's tribe. The Bible says: GENESIS 25:13-18 " And these are the names
of the sons of Ishmael, by their names, according to their generations: the firstborn of
Ishmael, Nebajoth; and Kedar, and Adbeel, and Mibsam, . And Mishma, and Dumah, and Massa,
. Hadar, and Tema, Jetur, Naphish, and Kedemah: . These are the sons of Ishmael, and these
are their names, by their towns, and by their castles; twelve princes according to their
nations
"
Q: So what about Ishmael! How does he fit in the picture?
A: From the early prophecies found in the Bible. God (swt) blessed Ishmael with
twelve sons (princes) and God made a great nation (Muslim nation) from his seed, through
prophet Mohammad (pbuh) that reaches from the Euphrates to the Nile forever. The Bible
says: GENESIS 17:20 " And as for Ishmael, I have heard thee: Behold, I have blessed
him, and will make him fruitful, and will multiply him exceedingly; twelve princes shall
he beget, and I will make him a great nation."
Q: Christians believe that Jesus is the way and their Only
Savior, could you give me a solid proof to indicate otherwise?
A: Yes I could, and again, it will be from the Bible. The Bible says: ISAIAH
43:9-11 " Let all the nations be gathered together, and let the people be assembled:
who among them can declare this, and show us former things? let them bring forth their
witnesses, that they may be justified: or let them hear, and say, It is truth. . Ye are my
witnesses, saith the LORD, and my servant whom I have chosen: that ye may know and believe
me, and understand that I am he: before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be
after me. . I, even I, am the LORD; and beside me there is no Savior."
God (swt) said, to let all nations and people gather together to bear witness to this
truth (Islam), and know that I (God) have chosen my servant (Mohammad). And that He is God
with none other before or after. The Chapter talks about all nations being unified under
one flag (Islam). Also, In verse 11, God very clearly and categorically stated that He is
the Only Savior and none else.
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