1. http://www.godallah.com/
2. http://www.beconvinced.com/archive/en/main.php?action=showcat&catid=03
3. http://www.islamreligion.com/category/39/
4. http://www.islamreligion.com/category/51/
5. http://www.islaam.net/main/display.php?category=3
6. http://www.islaam.net/main/display.php?category=27
7. http://kalamullah.com/aqeedah.html
8. http://www.alghurabaa.org/books/aqeedah-tawheed/
Showing posts with label Pillars of Belief- Allah. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Pillars of Belief- Allah. Show all posts
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
The Mercy of Allah (God) (IISNA pamphlet)
“Limitless is your Lord in His mercy…” Qur’an 6:147
God Almighty is full of love and kindness to His creation. All blessings and goodness in this world and the next are clear proofs of His Mercy. Indeed, Islam teaches that God is more merciful toward us than our own mothers. How can it be otherwise, when some of God’s names and attributes include:
1. The Acceptor of Repentance;
2. The Compassionate;
3. The Loving;
4. The Forbearing One;
5. The Most Gracious;
6. The Most Merciful;
7. The Source of Goodness;
8. The Most Generous;
9. The Bestower
These names all indicate that God is characterized by mercy, goodness and generosity. They testify to the vastness and perfection of His mercy, which He blesses all of His creation. This same creation is addressed by God, when He says, “O son of Adam, were you to come to Me with sins nearly as great as the earth and were you then to face Me, ascribing no partner to Me, I would bring you forgiveness nearly as great as the earth.”
Examples of Allah's Mercy & blessings
“Then which of the Blessings of your Lord will you deny?” Qur’an 55:13
Throughout life, people continually receive Allah’s blessings, be it good health, sight, hearing, nourishment, clean air, children, wealth and countless others. Some use their Godgiven gifts of intelligence and reasoning to acknowledge these blessings, grasp the purpose of their existence, and thereby submit themselves to Allah. Others, however, do not appreciate the mercy of Allah toward their own selves, even though He feeds and sustains them despite their disobedience toward Him. They are given mobility, enjoyment, freedom of thought and action, despite their outright denial of Him. Their very existence would not be, were it not for the Mercy of Allah.
Ultimately, everyone has the free will to acknowledge their blessings, use them in a manner ordained by Allah (the Lord of mankind) and worship Him alone. Below, we have outlined a glimpse of such blessings, because “... if you were to try and count the favors of Allah, you could not enumerate them. Indeed, Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.” Qur’an 16:18
Guidance Through Divine Scriptures & Prophets
“It is He Who has sent down the Book (the Qur’an) to you (Muhammad) with truth, confirming what came before it. And He sent down the Taurah and the Injeel (the original revelations revealed to Prophets Moses and Jesus respectively).” Qur’an 3:3
From the beginning of creation, man was not left to face the struggles of life alone. Due to God’s mercy, man received revelation through Prophets, who conveyed and taught it to their people to guide and protect them. The most perfect and merciful of revelations was the Qur’an and the last of the prophets was Muhammad (peace be upon him).
The Qur’an – the final revelation – superseded and abrogated previous revelations, and is the ultimate mercy and guidance for mankind. Just as God sent Messengers in the past, He also sent mankind a living, perfect and practical example of how the Qur’an’s teachings of mercy and justice should be practically applied in our daily lives. This example was Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) - a mercy to mankind.
“And We (God) have not sent you (Muhammad) except as a mercy for mankind.” Qur’an 21:107
Following are just some of the Prophet’s sayings which are indicative of his mercy, kindness, tolerance and beautiful teachings:
1. “Kindness is not found in anything except that it adds to its beauty, and is not withdrawn from anything except that it makes it deficient.”
2. “The most perfect of believers in belief is the best of them in character.”
3. “He is not a perfect Muslim who eats his fill while his neighbor goes hungry.”
4. “Allah will not show mercy to him who does not show mercy to others.”
How desperately do we, as a society, and in these times, need such beautiful advice?
Mercy Towards The Creation
The creation of human beings and all their faculties is a great mercy in itself. The fact that we can get out of bed, work, eat, play and sleep should make us grateful.
“And out of His mercy He made for you the night and the day that you may rest therein and [by day] seek from his bounty and [that] perhaps you will be grateful.” Qur’an 28:73
A spouse is one of the greatest of mercies, a means to tranquility and affection.
“And of His signs is that He created for you, from yourselves, mates that you may find tranquility in them; and He placed between you affection and mercy. Indeed in that are signs for a people who give thought.” Qur’an 30:21
Another mercy is the fact that He created us sinless and will not hold us to account until the age of maturity and decision making. This is in stark contrast to the “Original Sin” concept in Christianity.
Forgiveness of sins is another example of Allah’s mercy, as Allah knows we are imperfect and commit mistakes. Allah knows we are imperfect and consequently commit mistakes throughout life. The fact that believers commit sins does not mean that we should lose hope of Allah’s mercy or that we have exhausted Allah’s forgiveness.
“O My servants who have transgressed against their souls! Do not despair of the Mercy of God: for God forgives all sins: for He is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.” Qur’an 39:53
Even animals are not exempt from Allah’s Mercy. They have faculties of hearing and sight, are provided with sustenance and offspring, and are granted many other blessings. Allah’s mercy envelops them to the point that because of one single portion of Allah’s mercy sent to earth, “...His creatures are merciful to each other, so that even the mare lifts up its hoof away from its baby animal, lest it should trample on it.” The Merciful Creator ensures that every creation is looked after - from the fish in the depths of the ocean, to the insects in the earth, and the birds in the skies – all are sustained by Him.
How to increase Allah's Mercy upon us
“Indeed, the mercy of Allah is near to the doers of good.” Qur’an 7:56
Due to God’s Mercy, He has promised to forgive and pardon whosoever follows the appropriate means as mentioned in the following verse:
“And surely, I am indeed forgiving to him who repents, believes (in My Oneness, and associates none in worship with Me) and does righteous good deeds, and then remains constant in doing them.” Qur’an 20:82
Part and parcel of having the correct belief is believing and obeying the final Messenger, Muhammad (peace be upon him).
In short, the people who receive more of Allah’s mercy are those who have acknowledged His blessings and favors; used them in a way which pleases God; spent their God-given wealth in charity and to look after the needy; employed their hands to care for orphans; utilized their gift of speech to speak good; and performed other honorable acts ordained by God.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Allah will show mercy to those who show mercy to people. Show mercy to those who are on earth - the One Who is in Heaven will show mercy to you.”
Below, are some ways to attain God’s Mercy.
1. “Obey Allah and the Messenger that you may obtain mercy.” Qur’an 3:132
2. By following the teachings of mercy and justice found in the Qur’an: “And this is a blessed Book We have revealed; therefore follow it and protect yourself (against evil), that mercy may be shown to you.” Qur’an 6:155
3. “Keep up prayer and pay the compulsory charity (to the needy) and obey the Messenger, so that mercy may be shown to you.” Qur’an 24:56
4. Sincerely asking for Mercy from God. “Our Lord! Make not our hearts to deviate after you have guided us aright, and grant us mercy from Yourself; surely You are The Bestower.” Qur’an 3:8
Mercy & Accountability
Alongside Allah’s attribute of Mercy is His attribute of Justice.
“Verily, for the Righteous, are Gardens of Delight, in the Presence of their Lord. Shall We then treat the People of Faith like those who do not believe? What is the matter with you? How do you judge?” Qur’an 68:34-36
Allah is the Most-Merciful, however, He is also Swift in Reckoning. One cannot try to deceive Allah and take advantage of His Mercy by constantly committing the same sins without sincere repentance or resolving never to go back to the sin again.
“And of no effect is the repentance of those who continue to do evil deeds until death faces one of them and he says: ‘Now I repent;’ nor of those who die while they are disbelievers.” Qur’an 4:18
Muslims are encouraged to have hope of reward for good deeds, while being concerned about sins they may perform. When they commit sins, they repent sincerely, and are hopeful of being forgiven. And finally, they feel content with the words of their Creator, and keep it close to their heart:
“Surely Allah is Most Gentle, Ever Compassionate to people.” Qur’an 22:65
God Almighty is full of love and kindness to His creation. All blessings and goodness in this world and the next are clear proofs of His Mercy. Indeed, Islam teaches that God is more merciful toward us than our own mothers. How can it be otherwise, when some of God’s names and attributes include:
1. The Acceptor of Repentance;
2. The Compassionate;
3. The Loving;
4. The Forbearing One;
5. The Most Gracious;
6. The Most Merciful;
7. The Source of Goodness;
8. The Most Generous;
9. The Bestower
These names all indicate that God is characterized by mercy, goodness and generosity. They testify to the vastness and perfection of His mercy, which He blesses all of His creation. This same creation is addressed by God, when He says, “O son of Adam, were you to come to Me with sins nearly as great as the earth and were you then to face Me, ascribing no partner to Me, I would bring you forgiveness nearly as great as the earth.”
Examples of Allah's Mercy & blessings
“Then which of the Blessings of your Lord will you deny?” Qur’an 55:13
Throughout life, people continually receive Allah’s blessings, be it good health, sight, hearing, nourishment, clean air, children, wealth and countless others. Some use their Godgiven gifts of intelligence and reasoning to acknowledge these blessings, grasp the purpose of their existence, and thereby submit themselves to Allah. Others, however, do not appreciate the mercy of Allah toward their own selves, even though He feeds and sustains them despite their disobedience toward Him. They are given mobility, enjoyment, freedom of thought and action, despite their outright denial of Him. Their very existence would not be, were it not for the Mercy of Allah.
Ultimately, everyone has the free will to acknowledge their blessings, use them in a manner ordained by Allah (the Lord of mankind) and worship Him alone. Below, we have outlined a glimpse of such blessings, because “... if you were to try and count the favors of Allah, you could not enumerate them. Indeed, Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.” Qur’an 16:18
Guidance Through Divine Scriptures & Prophets
“It is He Who has sent down the Book (the Qur’an) to you (Muhammad) with truth, confirming what came before it. And He sent down the Taurah and the Injeel (the original revelations revealed to Prophets Moses and Jesus respectively).” Qur’an 3:3
From the beginning of creation, man was not left to face the struggles of life alone. Due to God’s mercy, man received revelation through Prophets, who conveyed and taught it to their people to guide and protect them. The most perfect and merciful of revelations was the Qur’an and the last of the prophets was Muhammad (peace be upon him).
The Qur’an – the final revelation – superseded and abrogated previous revelations, and is the ultimate mercy and guidance for mankind. Just as God sent Messengers in the past, He also sent mankind a living, perfect and practical example of how the Qur’an’s teachings of mercy and justice should be practically applied in our daily lives. This example was Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) - a mercy to mankind.
“And We (God) have not sent you (Muhammad) except as a mercy for mankind.” Qur’an 21:107
Following are just some of the Prophet’s sayings which are indicative of his mercy, kindness, tolerance and beautiful teachings:
1. “Kindness is not found in anything except that it adds to its beauty, and is not withdrawn from anything except that it makes it deficient.”
2. “The most perfect of believers in belief is the best of them in character.”
3. “He is not a perfect Muslim who eats his fill while his neighbor goes hungry.”
4. “Allah will not show mercy to him who does not show mercy to others.”
How desperately do we, as a society, and in these times, need such beautiful advice?
Mercy Towards The Creation
The creation of human beings and all their faculties is a great mercy in itself. The fact that we can get out of bed, work, eat, play and sleep should make us grateful.
“And out of His mercy He made for you the night and the day that you may rest therein and [by day] seek from his bounty and [that] perhaps you will be grateful.” Qur’an 28:73
A spouse is one of the greatest of mercies, a means to tranquility and affection.
“And of His signs is that He created for you, from yourselves, mates that you may find tranquility in them; and He placed between you affection and mercy. Indeed in that are signs for a people who give thought.” Qur’an 30:21
Another mercy is the fact that He created us sinless and will not hold us to account until the age of maturity and decision making. This is in stark contrast to the “Original Sin” concept in Christianity.
Forgiveness of sins is another example of Allah’s mercy, as Allah knows we are imperfect and commit mistakes. Allah knows we are imperfect and consequently commit mistakes throughout life. The fact that believers commit sins does not mean that we should lose hope of Allah’s mercy or that we have exhausted Allah’s forgiveness.
“O My servants who have transgressed against their souls! Do not despair of the Mercy of God: for God forgives all sins: for He is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.” Qur’an 39:53
Even animals are not exempt from Allah’s Mercy. They have faculties of hearing and sight, are provided with sustenance and offspring, and are granted many other blessings. Allah’s mercy envelops them to the point that because of one single portion of Allah’s mercy sent to earth, “...His creatures are merciful to each other, so that even the mare lifts up its hoof away from its baby animal, lest it should trample on it.” The Merciful Creator ensures that every creation is looked after - from the fish in the depths of the ocean, to the insects in the earth, and the birds in the skies – all are sustained by Him.
How to increase Allah's Mercy upon us
“Indeed, the mercy of Allah is near to the doers of good.” Qur’an 7:56
Due to God’s Mercy, He has promised to forgive and pardon whosoever follows the appropriate means as mentioned in the following verse:
“And surely, I am indeed forgiving to him who repents, believes (in My Oneness, and associates none in worship with Me) and does righteous good deeds, and then remains constant in doing them.” Qur’an 20:82
Part and parcel of having the correct belief is believing and obeying the final Messenger, Muhammad (peace be upon him).
In short, the people who receive more of Allah’s mercy are those who have acknowledged His blessings and favors; used them in a way which pleases God; spent their God-given wealth in charity and to look after the needy; employed their hands to care for orphans; utilized their gift of speech to speak good; and performed other honorable acts ordained by God.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Allah will show mercy to those who show mercy to people. Show mercy to those who are on earth - the One Who is in Heaven will show mercy to you.”
Below, are some ways to attain God’s Mercy.
1. “Obey Allah and the Messenger that you may obtain mercy.” Qur’an 3:132
2. By following the teachings of mercy and justice found in the Qur’an: “And this is a blessed Book We have revealed; therefore follow it and protect yourself (against evil), that mercy may be shown to you.” Qur’an 6:155
3. “Keep up prayer and pay the compulsory charity (to the needy) and obey the Messenger, so that mercy may be shown to you.” Qur’an 24:56
4. Sincerely asking for Mercy from God. “Our Lord! Make not our hearts to deviate after you have guided us aright, and grant us mercy from Yourself; surely You are The Bestower.” Qur’an 3:8
Mercy & Accountability
Alongside Allah’s attribute of Mercy is His attribute of Justice.
“Verily, for the Righteous, are Gardens of Delight, in the Presence of their Lord. Shall We then treat the People of Faith like those who do not believe? What is the matter with you? How do you judge?” Qur’an 68:34-36
Allah is the Most-Merciful, however, He is also Swift in Reckoning. One cannot try to deceive Allah and take advantage of His Mercy by constantly committing the same sins without sincere repentance or resolving never to go back to the sin again.
“And of no effect is the repentance of those who continue to do evil deeds until death faces one of them and he says: ‘Now I repent;’ nor of those who die while they are disbelievers.” Qur’an 4:18
Muslims are encouraged to have hope of reward for good deeds, while being concerned about sins they may perform. When they commit sins, they repent sincerely, and are hopeful of being forgiven. And finally, they feel content with the words of their Creator, and keep it close to their heart:
“Surely Allah is Most Gentle, Ever Compassionate to people.” Qur’an 22:65
The Oneness of God in Islam (IISNA pamphlet)
Say: He, Allah, is One. Allah is He on Whom all depend. He begets not, nor is He begotten. And none is like Him. Qur’an 112:1-4
The teaching of God’s complete Oneness is the essence of Islam. All other laws, beliefs and commands of Islam are built on this foundation. Take it away, and there is nothing left of the religion.
God’s name is unique
“Allah” is the proper and personal name applied to The One True God. Nothing else can be called Allah. The term has no plural or gender unlike the English word “God” which can be made both plural and feminine (i.e. gods/goddess). The unique usage of “Allah” as a personal name of God is a reflection of Islam’s emphasis on the purity of the belief in one God.
There is no god except Allah
And your god is One God. There is no god but He. Qur’an 2:163
The Oneness of God in Islam is a comprehensive teaching and can be further understood through the following attributes of Allah:
1. Allah has no partners, no equals and no rivals
2. Allah has no father, mother, sons, daughters or wives
3. Allah is worshipped directly without anyone or anything acting as an intermediary
4. Allah is not in need of anyone’s worship
5. Allah is not answerable to anyone
6. Allah is not dependant on any person or thing, but all persons and things are dependant on Him
7. Allah created everything without any assistance
8. There is nothing above or comparable to Allah
9. There is nothing that exists except that it is completely subservient to Him
10. No one can withhold what Allah provides and no one can provide what Allah withholds
11. Allah alone can benefit or harm
Allah has no equals
Are many lords differing among themselves better, or Allah, the One, the Supreme? Qur’an 12:39
Muslims believe that the existence of the One True, Unique, Supreme, Almighty God, is the only logical concept of God. There cannot be, for example, two Absolutely Powerful Creators, and a moment’s thought shows that this is not feasible. If there were more than one God it would surely lead to confusion, disorder, chaos and destruction in the universe. The universe however, is in complete harmony. The Qur’an summarizes this in the following verse:
No son (or offspring) did Allah beget, nor is there any god along with Him. (If there had been many gods) then each god would have taken away what he had created, and some would have tried to overcome others! Glorified be Allah above all that they attribute to Him. Qur’an 23:91
Allah alone is worthy of worship
And worship Allah and associate none with Him. Qur’an 4:36
From the Islamic standpoint, believing in the Oneness of God means to realize that all prayer and acts of worship should be exclusively to God. None have the right to be invoked, supplicated, sworn upon or prayed to but God alone. Nothing else is worthy of worship: not statues, crosses, tombs, the sun, the moon, stars, temples, animals, Prophets, Messengers, saints, priests or religious scholars. All of these things are created and limited, hence imperfect - they are not worthy of worship in Islam, whereas Allah is perfect.
The Qur’an reminds us of the falsity of all alleged gods as follows:
1. Do you worship what you have carved yourself? But Allah has created you and what you make. Qur’an 37:95-96
2. Surely those you call upon besides Allah, are only slaves like yourselves. Qur’an 7:194
The creation does not share in Allah’s Perfect attributes
And there is nothing like Him. Qur’an 112:4
Islam teaches that no part of Allah is present in anyone or anything (although His knowledge encompasses everything). The idea of any created object or being possessing any of Allah’s perfect attributes is completely rejected in Islam. To give a created thing attributes or powers only befitting the Creator is to elevate the creation to a level of partnership with the Creator. For example, the belief that good-luck charms, amulets and superstitions, such as rabbits’ feet, horse shoes and the number 13, have the ability to bring benefit or harm is effectively making partners with Allah. This is because He alone is All-Powerful, and therefore He alone is able to harm or benefit:
And do not call besides Allah on that which can neither benefit you nor harm you, for if you do then surely you will be amongst the wrong-doers. Qur’an 10:106
Other examples include fortune telling and astrology. Whoever claims to know the future is attributing to himself/herself one of the attributes of Allah, i.e. the only Knower of the unseen and hidden things.
He alone has the keys of the Unseen, none knows them but He. Qur’an 6:59
Allah is not like His creation
Similar to how Islam forbids attributing Allah’s divine attributes to His creation, Islam also rejects the notion of attributing human qualities and limitations to Allah. An example of this is how some religions claim that “God rested on the 7th day” after He created everything. Allah does not need rest and to believe so is to attribute imperfection to Allah:
We created the heavens and the earth and what is in between them in six days, and no weariness touched Us. Qur'an 50:38
Islam makes a clear distinction between the imperfection of creation and the perfection of Allah. He is far above any imperfections that His creation has described Him with. Some religions however, believe that Allah fashioned Himself into a human body and was both fully God and fully man at the same time. We should consider that God has attributes of perfection such as being All-Knowing, All-Powerful and Immortal. Man however, has imperfect attributes. Man has limited knowledge, limited power and is mortal. Muslims are saved from having to ponder over this illogical concept (that God became man or any aspect of His creation) due to the pure and comprehensive Islamic concept of God.
Allah is worshipped directly
There is nothing to prevent a person from calling directly upon Allah and asking for His help and forgiveness. Allah hears all who praise and call upon Him. There is no “middle man” in Islam; everyone has uninterrupted and direct access to God. Muslims are required to maintain a direct relationship with God. Worshipping Allah indirectly (e.g. through an idol, statue or other intermediaries) is viewed as compromising Allah’s Oneness and contaminating the purity of worship that Allah surely deserves.
Surely pure religion (Worship and obedience) is for Allah only. And those who take protectors besides Him (say): “We worship them only that they may bring us closer to Allah” … Truly Allah guides not him who is a liar and a disbeliever. Qur’an 39:3
All Prophets called to the Oneness of God
And certainly We raised in every nation a messenger (saying): Serve Allah and avoid false gods. Qur’an 16:36
Muslims believe in all the Prophets that Allah sent to every nation. They all came with the same message – the Oneness of God. Below we see some examples:
1. Noah (peace be upon him) said [Qur’an 7:59], “O my people! Worship Allah! You have no other gods besides Him.”
2. Abraham (peace be upon him) said [Qur’an 21:66], “Do you worship besides Allah, things that can neither be of any good to you nor do you harm?”
3. Moses (peace be upon him) said [Qur’an 7:140], “What! Shall I seek for you a god other than Allah while He has made you excel (all) created things?”
4. Jesus (peace be upon him) said [Qur’an 43:64], “For Allah, He is my Lord and your Lord: so worship Him: this is the Straight Way.”
5. Muhammad (peace be upon him) was commanded to say [Qur’an 18:110], “I am only a man like you. It has been revealed to me that your God is One God. So whoever expects to meet his Lord then let him do good deeds and associate none as a partner in the worship of his Lord.”
The foundation of the Islamic faith is belief in the Oneness and Uniqueness of Almighty God, and as we have seen, Islam discards any concept which leads to the denial of Allah’s Oneness. There is One God, and none has the right to be worshipped but He.
The teaching of God’s complete Oneness is the essence of Islam. All other laws, beliefs and commands of Islam are built on this foundation. Take it away, and there is nothing left of the religion.
God’s name is unique
“Allah” is the proper and personal name applied to The One True God. Nothing else can be called Allah. The term has no plural or gender unlike the English word “God” which can be made both plural and feminine (i.e. gods/goddess). The unique usage of “Allah” as a personal name of God is a reflection of Islam’s emphasis on the purity of the belief in one God.
There is no god except Allah
And your god is One God. There is no god but He. Qur’an 2:163
The Oneness of God in Islam is a comprehensive teaching and can be further understood through the following attributes of Allah:
1. Allah has no partners, no equals and no rivals
2. Allah has no father, mother, sons, daughters or wives
3. Allah is worshipped directly without anyone or anything acting as an intermediary
4. Allah is not in need of anyone’s worship
5. Allah is not answerable to anyone
6. Allah is not dependant on any person or thing, but all persons and things are dependant on Him
7. Allah created everything without any assistance
8. There is nothing above or comparable to Allah
9. There is nothing that exists except that it is completely subservient to Him
10. No one can withhold what Allah provides and no one can provide what Allah withholds
11. Allah alone can benefit or harm
Allah has no equals
Are many lords differing among themselves better, or Allah, the One, the Supreme? Qur’an 12:39
Muslims believe that the existence of the One True, Unique, Supreme, Almighty God, is the only logical concept of God. There cannot be, for example, two Absolutely Powerful Creators, and a moment’s thought shows that this is not feasible. If there were more than one God it would surely lead to confusion, disorder, chaos and destruction in the universe. The universe however, is in complete harmony. The Qur’an summarizes this in the following verse:
No son (or offspring) did Allah beget, nor is there any god along with Him. (If there had been many gods) then each god would have taken away what he had created, and some would have tried to overcome others! Glorified be Allah above all that they attribute to Him. Qur’an 23:91
Allah alone is worthy of worship
And worship Allah and associate none with Him. Qur’an 4:36
From the Islamic standpoint, believing in the Oneness of God means to realize that all prayer and acts of worship should be exclusively to God. None have the right to be invoked, supplicated, sworn upon or prayed to but God alone. Nothing else is worthy of worship: not statues, crosses, tombs, the sun, the moon, stars, temples, animals, Prophets, Messengers, saints, priests or religious scholars. All of these things are created and limited, hence imperfect - they are not worthy of worship in Islam, whereas Allah is perfect.
The Qur’an reminds us of the falsity of all alleged gods as follows:
1. Do you worship what you have carved yourself? But Allah has created you and what you make. Qur’an 37:95-96
2. Surely those you call upon besides Allah, are only slaves like yourselves. Qur’an 7:194
The creation does not share in Allah’s Perfect attributes
And there is nothing like Him. Qur’an 112:4
Islam teaches that no part of Allah is present in anyone or anything (although His knowledge encompasses everything). The idea of any created object or being possessing any of Allah’s perfect attributes is completely rejected in Islam. To give a created thing attributes or powers only befitting the Creator is to elevate the creation to a level of partnership with the Creator. For example, the belief that good-luck charms, amulets and superstitions, such as rabbits’ feet, horse shoes and the number 13, have the ability to bring benefit or harm is effectively making partners with Allah. This is because He alone is All-Powerful, and therefore He alone is able to harm or benefit:
And do not call besides Allah on that which can neither benefit you nor harm you, for if you do then surely you will be amongst the wrong-doers. Qur’an 10:106
Other examples include fortune telling and astrology. Whoever claims to know the future is attributing to himself/herself one of the attributes of Allah, i.e. the only Knower of the unseen and hidden things.
He alone has the keys of the Unseen, none knows them but He. Qur’an 6:59
Allah is not like His creation
Similar to how Islam forbids attributing Allah’s divine attributes to His creation, Islam also rejects the notion of attributing human qualities and limitations to Allah. An example of this is how some religions claim that “God rested on the 7th day” after He created everything. Allah does not need rest and to believe so is to attribute imperfection to Allah:
We created the heavens and the earth and what is in between them in six days, and no weariness touched Us. Qur'an 50:38
Islam makes a clear distinction between the imperfection of creation and the perfection of Allah. He is far above any imperfections that His creation has described Him with. Some religions however, believe that Allah fashioned Himself into a human body and was both fully God and fully man at the same time. We should consider that God has attributes of perfection such as being All-Knowing, All-Powerful and Immortal. Man however, has imperfect attributes. Man has limited knowledge, limited power and is mortal. Muslims are saved from having to ponder over this illogical concept (that God became man or any aspect of His creation) due to the pure and comprehensive Islamic concept of God.
Allah is worshipped directly
There is nothing to prevent a person from calling directly upon Allah and asking for His help and forgiveness. Allah hears all who praise and call upon Him. There is no “middle man” in Islam; everyone has uninterrupted and direct access to God. Muslims are required to maintain a direct relationship with God. Worshipping Allah indirectly (e.g. through an idol, statue or other intermediaries) is viewed as compromising Allah’s Oneness and contaminating the purity of worship that Allah surely deserves.
Surely pure religion (Worship and obedience) is for Allah only. And those who take protectors besides Him (say): “We worship them only that they may bring us closer to Allah” … Truly Allah guides not him who is a liar and a disbeliever. Qur’an 39:3
All Prophets called to the Oneness of God
And certainly We raised in every nation a messenger (saying): Serve Allah and avoid false gods. Qur’an 16:36
Muslims believe in all the Prophets that Allah sent to every nation. They all came with the same message – the Oneness of God. Below we see some examples:
1. Noah (peace be upon him) said [Qur’an 7:59], “O my people! Worship Allah! You have no other gods besides Him.”
2. Abraham (peace be upon him) said [Qur’an 21:66], “Do you worship besides Allah, things that can neither be of any good to you nor do you harm?”
3. Moses (peace be upon him) said [Qur’an 7:140], “What! Shall I seek for you a god other than Allah while He has made you excel (all) created things?”
4. Jesus (peace be upon him) said [Qur’an 43:64], “For Allah, He is my Lord and your Lord: so worship Him: this is the Straight Way.”
5. Muhammad (peace be upon him) was commanded to say [Qur’an 18:110], “I am only a man like you. It has been revealed to me that your God is One God. So whoever expects to meet his Lord then let him do good deeds and associate none as a partner in the worship of his Lord.”
The foundation of the Islamic faith is belief in the Oneness and Uniqueness of Almighty God, and as we have seen, Islam discards any concept which leads to the denial of Allah’s Oneness. There is One God, and none has the right to be worshipped but He.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Allah (III&E brochure)
The Creator And Lord Of The Universe
by M. Amir Ali, Ph.D.
Allah is the name of the true One God in the Arabic language. In the Hebrew language His name is Eloh, Elohim for respect. It is well known that when a word is borrowed from one language to another it’s spelling and pronunciation is often altered. It is, therefore, reasonable to say that Eloh and Allah are names of the same Deity of Abraham believed by the three monotheistic religions of Judaism, Christianity and Islam. Islam is the most rigorously monotheistic religion among the three dedicated to the worship of Allah, never seen by a human eye.
Who is Allah? The translation of verses from the Qur’an are given to answer this question. References of the verses are given in brackets, the number before the colon represents the Surah (chapter) and the following number represents the verse number.
Allah, the One Only
1. "Proclaim: Allah is One. Allah is Eternal. He neither begets nor was begotten." (112:1-4)
2. "Nothing is like unto Him." (42:11)
3. "If there were therein Gods besides Allah, then verily both (the heavens and the earth) would have collapsed into disorder and chaos. Glorified be Allah, the Lord of the Throne, transcendent beyond all they ascribe unto Him." (21:22)
4. "Sight can never reach Him; His sight reaches all things." (6:103)
5. "And proclaim: Praise be to Allah, Who has not taken unto Himself a son, and Who has no partner in the Sovereignty, nor has He (need for) any protecting friend through dependence. (17:111)
6. "Allah! There is no God save Him." (3:2, 2:255)
7. "Is there any God beside Allah? Nay, but they are folk who ascribe equals (unto Him)! (27:60).
8. "Is there any God beside Allah? Nay, but most of them know not." (27:61)
Attributes of Allah
Muslims talk about ninety-nine attributes of Allah; a few are given in the following verses of the Qur’an.
1. "And He is the Mighty, the Wise. His is the Sovereignty of the heavens and the earth; He gives life and He gives death; and He is able to do all things. He is the First and the Last, and the Outward and the Inward; and He is the Knower of all things." (57:1-3)
2. "Allah is He, other than Whom there is no deity. He knows (all things) both secret and open; He, Most Gracious, Most Merciful. Allah is He, other than Whom there is no deity; the Sovereign, the Holy One, the Source of Peace (and Perfection), the Guardian of Faith, the Preserver of Safety, the Exalted in Might, the Irresistible, the Supreme: Glory to Allah! (High is He) above the partners they attribute to Him. He is Allah the Creator, the Evolver, the Bestower of Forms (and Colors). To Him belong the Most Beautiful Names: Whatever is the heavens and on earth, do declare His Praise and Glory; and He is exalted in Might, the Wise." (59:22-24)
3. "Allah! There is no God save Him, the Alive, the Eternal. Neither slumber nor sleep overtakes Him. Unto Him belongs whatsoever is in the heavens and whatsoever is in the earth. Who is he that intercedes with Him save by His permission? He knows that which is in front of them and that which is behind them, while they encompass nothing of His knowledge save what He will. His throne includes the heavens and the earth, and He is never weary of preserving them. He is the Sublime, the Tremendous." (2:255)
4. "The Originator of the heavens and the earth!" (6:101)
5. "The Beneficent, the Merciful: Owner of the Day of Judgment. (1:3-4)
6. "Say: Call upon Allah, or call upon Ar-Rahman: by whatever name you call upon Him, (it is well): For to Him belong the Most Beautiful Names." (17:110)
7. "And you seek the Grace of Allah: for Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful." (73:20)
8. "The revelation of this Book is from Allah, Exalted in Power, Full of Knowledge, Who forgives sin, accepts repentance, is strict in punishment, and has a long reach (in all things). There is no god but He: to Him is the Final Goal." (40:2-3)
Allah the Creator
1. "Have not those who disbelieve known that the heavens and the earth were of one piece, then We parted them, and We made every living thing from water? Will they not then believe?" (21:30)
[In this verse ‘We’ belongs to imperial language, not of plurality. In the Qur’an, Allah uses ‘I’, ‘Me’ ‘We’ and ‘Us’ for Himself.]
2. "And He it is Who created the night and the day, and the sun and the moon. They float each in an orbit… And from among His signs are the night and the day, and the sun and the moon. Prostrate not to the sun nor to the moon, but prostrate to Allah Who created them, if you (really) worship Him." (21:33, 41:37)
3. "He has created man: He has imparted unto him articulate thought and speech. [At His behest] the sun and the moon run their appointed courses; the stars and the trees prostrate themselves [before Him]. And the skies has He raised high, and has devised [for all things] a measure, so that you [too, O men,] might never transgress the measure [of what is right]: weigh, therefore, [your deeds] with equity, and cut not the measure short! (55:3-9)
4. "It is Allah Who created everything in the best of form…It is He Who created and perfected all things." (32:7, 87:2)
5. "It is Allah Who created life and death that you may prove yourself worthy in your deeds." (67:2)
6. "Such is Allah, your Lord. There is no god except Him, the Creator of all things, so serve Him. And He takes care of all things." (6:102)
7. "He is the Cleaver of the daybreak, and He has appointed the night for stillness, and the sun and the moon to run their appointed courses: [all] this is laid down by the Will of the Almighty, the All-Knowing. (6:96)
8. "Allah is He Who created seven heavens and of the earth a similar number. Through the midst of them (all) descends His command: that you may know that Allah has power over all things, and that Allah comprehends all things in (His) knowledge." (65:12)
9. "He it is Who has made the sun a [source of] radiant light and the moon shining [surface], and has determined for it phases so that you might know how to compute the years and to measure [time]. None of this has Allah created without [an inner] truth. Clearly does He spell out these messages unto people of [innate] knowledge." (10:5)
10. "Allah has indeed made all things in heaven and earth subservient to humankind; it is all from Him. Lo! Herein verily are portents for people who reflect." (45:13)
Allah, the Sustainer, the Cherisher, the Lord (Al-Rabb)
1. "All praise is due to Allah Alone, the Lord [the Sustainer, the Cherisher] of the worlds." (1:2)
2. "Everything We have created and prescribed for its measure, its character and destiny…No creature creeps on earth but Allah provides for it its sustenance. He knows its purpose and destiny. For it is He Who prescribed them in His eternal order…The sun rises and sets traversing its orbit exactly as the Almighty, the All Knowing has ordained. And the moon passes regularly through its phases, returning to its original thin crescent form. Neither sun nor moon overtakes the other; neither night nor day deviates from their preordained courses. Each moves in the orbit Allah has ordained for it. (54:49, 11:6, 36:38-40)
In the Qur’an, the name Allah is used more than 2,600 times and His attribute, Al-Rabb (the Lord, the Cherisher, the Sustainer), has been used over 1,000 times.
Allah Revealed the Truth – Option Given
1. "We revealed to you the Book in truth, that you may proclaim it to the world. Whoever decides to be guided by its guidance does so to his own credit. Whoever rejects its guidance does so to his own discredit and you are not a warder over them." (39:41)
2. "Let there be no compulsion [or coercion] in religion: Truth stands out clear from error; whoever rejects evil and believes in Allah has grasped the most trustworthy handhold that never breaks. And Allah hears and knows all things." (2:256)
3. "And say: The Truth [has now come] from your Lord: let, then him who wills, believe in it, and let him who wills, reject it." (18:29)
4. "And if your Lord willed, all who are in the earth would have believed together. Would you [Muhammad] compel men until they are believers?" (10:99)
5. "No person is responsible for the guilt of another. To every person belongs the merit or demerit of what he had wrought… Allah does not charge a person with more than he can bear. Therefore, to everyone belongs the credit or discredit which he had personally earned." (53:38-39, 2:286)
6. "Whoever guides himself by Our revelation does so to his own credit. Whoever goes astray does so to his own peril. Nobody will be responsible for another’s deeds, and We will not judge but after a messenger sent [to proclaim and warn] … Whoever does good will have that good reckoned for him. Whoever does evil will have that evil marked against him. Your Lord commits no injustice to His servants." (17:15, 41:46)
7. "Say: You are not accountable for our crimes; nor are we for the evil you do… On the Day of Judgment, no person will of any avail to another, neither for good nor for ill. Those who committed injustice will be assigned to the Fire which they denied." (34:25,42)
8. "Say: Are those who know equal with those who know not? But only men of understanding will pay heed." (39:9)
9. "There is not an animal in the earth nor a flying creature flying on two wings, but they are community like unto you. We have neglected nothing in the Book. Then unto their Lord they will be gathered." (6:38)
10. "Allah has made what is in the heavens and on the earth subservient to you… And He has made subservient to you the sun and the moon, predetermined in their orbits, and the day and the night… It is Allah Who made you His trustees on earth… Can you not see that Allah made all that is on earth subservient to you?" (14:33, 31:29, 35:39, 22:65)
Allah was the God-in-Chief of the Pagan Arabs
1. "If indeed you ask them (the pagan Arabs) who has created the heavens and the earth and subjected the sun and the moon (to His Law), they will certainly reply, ‘Allah’… And if indeed you ask them Who it is that sends down rain from the sky, and gives life therewith to the earth after its death, they will certainly reply, ‘Allah!’" (29:61,63; similar message is found in 31:25; 39:38; 43:9)
2. "And those unto whom they (the pagan Arabs) call instead of Him (Allah) possess no power of intercession, … And if you ask them who created them (gods of the pagans and pagans themselves), they will surely say, ‘Allah!’" (43:86,87)
Fabrications against Islam
In 1990, one of the most anti-Islam demagogues, named Robert Morey, published an anti-Islam book in which he claimed that Allah is the name of the moon-god, therefore, Islam is another old pagan religion. The claim that Allah is the moon god did not exist before the publication of Robert Morey’s book in 1990; apparently he is the originator of this idea. Allah is the name of the originator of the Universe who has a variety of names in various languages. "Moon-god" has existed in many animist societies but it is Morey who combined two into one and the same deity. Others, like Jack Chic of Chick Publications of California and a few additional Islam-haters have picked up the Morey fabrication of moon-god, and are publishing tracts, brochures, flyers and comic books distributing them by the millions all over the world. These Islam-haters subscribe to the Nazi belief that if a lie is spoken loud enough and spoken repeatedly, it will be believed. Thus, Robert Morey, Jack Chick and others like them are disciples of the Nazis and are not ashamed of using the scare tactics of McCarthyism. Muslim leaders have met both of them and asked for the proof of their allegations; they had none but refused to cease their propaganda of lies and deception. For documentary evidence of Robert Morey’s fabrication of "Allah, the moon-god", see on Internet "Islamic Awareness" by Shabbir Ally.
Any intelligent reader, however much he may be ignorant of Islam, can see from the above quoted sixty plus verses of the Qur’an, that the moon is one of the creations of Allah. The moon is a tiny part of Allah’s universe.
Arab Christians and Arab Jews believe in Allah
Arabs include Christians and Jews who speak Arabic language as their mother tongue. In the Arabic language Bible the name "Allah" is written wherever "God" appears in the English language. The Arabic language Bible printed in the U.S. uses the name, Allah, on the first page of Genesis. Does this mean that the Christians also believe in "Allah, the moon-god" of Robert Morey and Jack Chic?
An Appeal
The reader of this brochure is requested to distribute this brochure to the widest possible audiences. Photocopies may be made and distributed to American people. You may obtain printed copies of this brochure and other brochures about Islam from the III&E for a small donation. Islam-haters are trying to widen the gap between the Muslims and their non-Muslim American brethren. The goal of anti-Islam demagogues is to create hate against the Muslim minority in the non-Muslim majority of America. Would you, as a decent human being allow it happen? The reader of this brochure is requested to bridge the gap between fellow Americans of different faiths by participating in the education of the American people about the correct faith of the Muslims.
Additional Reading
1. Muhammad Asad, translator, THE MESSAGE OF THE QUR’AN, Dar al-Andalus Limited, 3 Library Ramp, Gibralter.
2. Abdullah Yusuf Ali, translator, THE HOLY QUR’AN, Text, Translation and Commentary, Amana Corporation, 4411 41st Street, Brentwood, MD 220722.
3. Muhammad Marmaduke Pickthall, translator, THE GLORIOUS QUR’AN, various publishers.
4. Zafar Ishaq Ansari, translator, TOWARDS UNDERSTANDING THE QUR’AN, English rendering of Tafhim al-Qur’an by Sayyid Abul A’la Mawdudi, The Islamic Foundation, Leicester, U.K.
5. M. Amir Ali, A BIRD’S EYE VIEW OF ISLAMIC BELIEFS & PRACTICES, The Institute of Islamic Information & Education (III&E), Chicago, Illinois, U.S.A.
6. Brochures and booklets published by the III&E
7. There are many Internet sites. See www.iiie.net and links to others.
8. Isma’il Raji al Faruqi, TAWHID: ITS IMPLICATIONS FOR THOUGHT AND LIFE, International Institute of Islamic Thought (IIIT), Herndon, Virginia, U.S.A.
9. Hammudah Abdalati, ISLAM IN FOCUS, American Trust Publications, Indianapolis, Indiana, U.S.A.
10. Suzanne Haneef, WHAT EVERYONE SHOULD KNOW ABOUT ISLAM AND MUSLIMS, Library of Islam, Des Plaines, Illinois, U.S.A.
by M. Amir Ali, Ph.D.
Allah is the name of the true One God in the Arabic language. In the Hebrew language His name is Eloh, Elohim for respect. It is well known that when a word is borrowed from one language to another it’s spelling and pronunciation is often altered. It is, therefore, reasonable to say that Eloh and Allah are names of the same Deity of Abraham believed by the three monotheistic religions of Judaism, Christianity and Islam. Islam is the most rigorously monotheistic religion among the three dedicated to the worship of Allah, never seen by a human eye.
Who is Allah? The translation of verses from the Qur’an are given to answer this question. References of the verses are given in brackets, the number before the colon represents the Surah (chapter) and the following number represents the verse number.
Allah, the One Only
1. "Proclaim: Allah is One. Allah is Eternal. He neither begets nor was begotten." (112:1-4)
2. "Nothing is like unto Him." (42:11)
3. "If there were therein Gods besides Allah, then verily both (the heavens and the earth) would have collapsed into disorder and chaos. Glorified be Allah, the Lord of the Throne, transcendent beyond all they ascribe unto Him." (21:22)
4. "Sight can never reach Him; His sight reaches all things." (6:103)
5. "And proclaim: Praise be to Allah, Who has not taken unto Himself a son, and Who has no partner in the Sovereignty, nor has He (need for) any protecting friend through dependence. (17:111)
6. "Allah! There is no God save Him." (3:2, 2:255)
7. "Is there any God beside Allah? Nay, but they are folk who ascribe equals (unto Him)! (27:60).
8. "Is there any God beside Allah? Nay, but most of them know not." (27:61)
Attributes of Allah
Muslims talk about ninety-nine attributes of Allah; a few are given in the following verses of the Qur’an.
1. "And He is the Mighty, the Wise. His is the Sovereignty of the heavens and the earth; He gives life and He gives death; and He is able to do all things. He is the First and the Last, and the Outward and the Inward; and He is the Knower of all things." (57:1-3)
2. "Allah is He, other than Whom there is no deity. He knows (all things) both secret and open; He, Most Gracious, Most Merciful. Allah is He, other than Whom there is no deity; the Sovereign, the Holy One, the Source of Peace (and Perfection), the Guardian of Faith, the Preserver of Safety, the Exalted in Might, the Irresistible, the Supreme: Glory to Allah! (High is He) above the partners they attribute to Him. He is Allah the Creator, the Evolver, the Bestower of Forms (and Colors). To Him belong the Most Beautiful Names: Whatever is the heavens and on earth, do declare His Praise and Glory; and He is exalted in Might, the Wise." (59:22-24)
3. "Allah! There is no God save Him, the Alive, the Eternal. Neither slumber nor sleep overtakes Him. Unto Him belongs whatsoever is in the heavens and whatsoever is in the earth. Who is he that intercedes with Him save by His permission? He knows that which is in front of them and that which is behind them, while they encompass nothing of His knowledge save what He will. His throne includes the heavens and the earth, and He is never weary of preserving them. He is the Sublime, the Tremendous." (2:255)
4. "The Originator of the heavens and the earth!" (6:101)
5. "The Beneficent, the Merciful: Owner of the Day of Judgment. (1:3-4)
6. "Say: Call upon Allah, or call upon Ar-Rahman: by whatever name you call upon Him, (it is well): For to Him belong the Most Beautiful Names." (17:110)
7. "And you seek the Grace of Allah: for Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful." (73:20)
8. "The revelation of this Book is from Allah, Exalted in Power, Full of Knowledge, Who forgives sin, accepts repentance, is strict in punishment, and has a long reach (in all things). There is no god but He: to Him is the Final Goal." (40:2-3)
Allah the Creator
1. "Have not those who disbelieve known that the heavens and the earth were of one piece, then We parted them, and We made every living thing from water? Will they not then believe?" (21:30)
[In this verse ‘We’ belongs to imperial language, not of plurality. In the Qur’an, Allah uses ‘I’, ‘Me’ ‘We’ and ‘Us’ for Himself.]
2. "And He it is Who created the night and the day, and the sun and the moon. They float each in an orbit… And from among His signs are the night and the day, and the sun and the moon. Prostrate not to the sun nor to the moon, but prostrate to Allah Who created them, if you (really) worship Him." (21:33, 41:37)
3. "He has created man: He has imparted unto him articulate thought and speech. [At His behest] the sun and the moon run their appointed courses; the stars and the trees prostrate themselves [before Him]. And the skies has He raised high, and has devised [for all things] a measure, so that you [too, O men,] might never transgress the measure [of what is right]: weigh, therefore, [your deeds] with equity, and cut not the measure short! (55:3-9)
4. "It is Allah Who created everything in the best of form…It is He Who created and perfected all things." (32:7, 87:2)
5. "It is Allah Who created life and death that you may prove yourself worthy in your deeds." (67:2)
6. "Such is Allah, your Lord. There is no god except Him, the Creator of all things, so serve Him. And He takes care of all things." (6:102)
7. "He is the Cleaver of the daybreak, and He has appointed the night for stillness, and the sun and the moon to run their appointed courses: [all] this is laid down by the Will of the Almighty, the All-Knowing. (6:96)
8. "Allah is He Who created seven heavens and of the earth a similar number. Through the midst of them (all) descends His command: that you may know that Allah has power over all things, and that Allah comprehends all things in (His) knowledge." (65:12)
9. "He it is Who has made the sun a [source of] radiant light and the moon shining [surface], and has determined for it phases so that you might know how to compute the years and to measure [time]. None of this has Allah created without [an inner] truth. Clearly does He spell out these messages unto people of [innate] knowledge." (10:5)
10. "Allah has indeed made all things in heaven and earth subservient to humankind; it is all from Him. Lo! Herein verily are portents for people who reflect." (45:13)
Allah, the Sustainer, the Cherisher, the Lord (Al-Rabb)
1. "All praise is due to Allah Alone, the Lord [the Sustainer, the Cherisher] of the worlds." (1:2)
2. "Everything We have created and prescribed for its measure, its character and destiny…No creature creeps on earth but Allah provides for it its sustenance. He knows its purpose and destiny. For it is He Who prescribed them in His eternal order…The sun rises and sets traversing its orbit exactly as the Almighty, the All Knowing has ordained. And the moon passes regularly through its phases, returning to its original thin crescent form. Neither sun nor moon overtakes the other; neither night nor day deviates from their preordained courses. Each moves in the orbit Allah has ordained for it. (54:49, 11:6, 36:38-40)
In the Qur’an, the name Allah is used more than 2,600 times and His attribute, Al-Rabb (the Lord, the Cherisher, the Sustainer), has been used over 1,000 times.
Allah Revealed the Truth – Option Given
1. "We revealed to you the Book in truth, that you may proclaim it to the world. Whoever decides to be guided by its guidance does so to his own credit. Whoever rejects its guidance does so to his own discredit and you are not a warder over them." (39:41)
2. "Let there be no compulsion [or coercion] in religion: Truth stands out clear from error; whoever rejects evil and believes in Allah has grasped the most trustworthy handhold that never breaks. And Allah hears and knows all things." (2:256)
3. "And say: The Truth [has now come] from your Lord: let, then him who wills, believe in it, and let him who wills, reject it." (18:29)
4. "And if your Lord willed, all who are in the earth would have believed together. Would you [Muhammad] compel men until they are believers?" (10:99)
5. "No person is responsible for the guilt of another. To every person belongs the merit or demerit of what he had wrought… Allah does not charge a person with more than he can bear. Therefore, to everyone belongs the credit or discredit which he had personally earned." (53:38-39, 2:286)
6. "Whoever guides himself by Our revelation does so to his own credit. Whoever goes astray does so to his own peril. Nobody will be responsible for another’s deeds, and We will not judge but after a messenger sent [to proclaim and warn] … Whoever does good will have that good reckoned for him. Whoever does evil will have that evil marked against him. Your Lord commits no injustice to His servants." (17:15, 41:46)
7. "Say: You are not accountable for our crimes; nor are we for the evil you do… On the Day of Judgment, no person will of any avail to another, neither for good nor for ill. Those who committed injustice will be assigned to the Fire which they denied." (34:25,42)
8. "Say: Are those who know equal with those who know not? But only men of understanding will pay heed." (39:9)
9. "There is not an animal in the earth nor a flying creature flying on two wings, but they are community like unto you. We have neglected nothing in the Book. Then unto their Lord they will be gathered." (6:38)
10. "Allah has made what is in the heavens and on the earth subservient to you… And He has made subservient to you the sun and the moon, predetermined in their orbits, and the day and the night… It is Allah Who made you His trustees on earth… Can you not see that Allah made all that is on earth subservient to you?" (14:33, 31:29, 35:39, 22:65)
Allah was the God-in-Chief of the Pagan Arabs
1. "If indeed you ask them (the pagan Arabs) who has created the heavens and the earth and subjected the sun and the moon (to His Law), they will certainly reply, ‘Allah’… And if indeed you ask them Who it is that sends down rain from the sky, and gives life therewith to the earth after its death, they will certainly reply, ‘Allah!’" (29:61,63; similar message is found in 31:25; 39:38; 43:9)
2. "And those unto whom they (the pagan Arabs) call instead of Him (Allah) possess no power of intercession, … And if you ask them who created them (gods of the pagans and pagans themselves), they will surely say, ‘Allah!’" (43:86,87)
Fabrications against Islam
In 1990, one of the most anti-Islam demagogues, named Robert Morey, published an anti-Islam book in which he claimed that Allah is the name of the moon-god, therefore, Islam is another old pagan religion. The claim that Allah is the moon god did not exist before the publication of Robert Morey’s book in 1990; apparently he is the originator of this idea. Allah is the name of the originator of the Universe who has a variety of names in various languages. "Moon-god" has existed in many animist societies but it is Morey who combined two into one and the same deity. Others, like Jack Chic of Chick Publications of California and a few additional Islam-haters have picked up the Morey fabrication of moon-god, and are publishing tracts, brochures, flyers and comic books distributing them by the millions all over the world. These Islam-haters subscribe to the Nazi belief that if a lie is spoken loud enough and spoken repeatedly, it will be believed. Thus, Robert Morey, Jack Chick and others like them are disciples of the Nazis and are not ashamed of using the scare tactics of McCarthyism. Muslim leaders have met both of them and asked for the proof of their allegations; they had none but refused to cease their propaganda of lies and deception. For documentary evidence of Robert Morey’s fabrication of "Allah, the moon-god", see on Internet "Islamic Awareness" by Shabbir Ally.
Any intelligent reader, however much he may be ignorant of Islam, can see from the above quoted sixty plus verses of the Qur’an, that the moon is one of the creations of Allah. The moon is a tiny part of Allah’s universe.
Arab Christians and Arab Jews believe in Allah
Arabs include Christians and Jews who speak Arabic language as their mother tongue. In the Arabic language Bible the name "Allah" is written wherever "God" appears in the English language. The Arabic language Bible printed in the U.S. uses the name, Allah, on the first page of Genesis. Does this mean that the Christians also believe in "Allah, the moon-god" of Robert Morey and Jack Chic?
An Appeal
The reader of this brochure is requested to distribute this brochure to the widest possible audiences. Photocopies may be made and distributed to American people. You may obtain printed copies of this brochure and other brochures about Islam from the III&E for a small donation. Islam-haters are trying to widen the gap between the Muslims and their non-Muslim American brethren. The goal of anti-Islam demagogues is to create hate against the Muslim minority in the non-Muslim majority of America. Would you, as a decent human being allow it happen? The reader of this brochure is requested to bridge the gap between fellow Americans of different faiths by participating in the education of the American people about the correct faith of the Muslims.
Additional Reading
1. Muhammad Asad, translator, THE MESSAGE OF THE QUR’AN, Dar al-Andalus Limited, 3 Library Ramp, Gibralter.
2. Abdullah Yusuf Ali, translator, THE HOLY QUR’AN, Text, Translation and Commentary, Amana Corporation, 4411 41st Street, Brentwood, MD 220722.
3. Muhammad Marmaduke Pickthall, translator, THE GLORIOUS QUR’AN, various publishers.
4. Zafar Ishaq Ansari, translator, TOWARDS UNDERSTANDING THE QUR’AN, English rendering of Tafhim al-Qur’an by Sayyid Abul A’la Mawdudi, The Islamic Foundation, Leicester, U.K.
5. M. Amir Ali, A BIRD’S EYE VIEW OF ISLAMIC BELIEFS & PRACTICES, The Institute of Islamic Information & Education (III&E), Chicago, Illinois, U.S.A.
6. Brochures and booklets published by the III&E
7. There are many Internet sites. See www.iiie.net and links to others.
8. Isma’il Raji al Faruqi, TAWHID: ITS IMPLICATIONS FOR THOUGHT AND LIFE, International Institute of Islamic Thought (IIIT), Herndon, Virginia, U.S.A.
9. Hammudah Abdalati, ISLAM IN FOCUS, American Trust Publications, Indianapolis, Indiana, U.S.A.
10. Suzanne Haneef, WHAT EVERYONE SHOULD KNOW ABOUT ISLAM AND MUSLIMS, Library of Islam, Des Plaines, Illinois, U.S.A.
Concept of God in Islam (Why Islam? brochure)
Every language has one or more terms that are used in reference to God and sometimes to lesser deities. This is not the case with the word Allah. Allah is the personal name of the One True God. Nothing else can be called Allah. The term has no plural or gender. This shows its exclusivity when compared to the word god which can be made plural, i.e. gods or feminine, i.e. goddess. It is interesting to note that Allah is the personal name of God in Aramaic, the language of Jesus (p). The word Allah is a reflection of the unique concept that Islam associates with God.
To a Muslim, Allah is the Almighty, Creator and Sustainer of the universe, who is similar to none and nothing is comparable to Him. The Prophet Muhammad (p) was asked by his contemporaries about Allah. The answer came directly from God Himself in the form of a short chapter of the Quran that is considered the essence of the Unity of God or the motto of monotheism. Say: He is Allah, the One; Allah, the Eternal, Absolute; He begetteth not, nor is He begotten, and there is none like unto Him. [Al-Quran 112:1-4]
Some non-Muslims allege that the concept of God in Islam is that of a stern and cruel God who demands to be obeyed fully. He is not loving and kind. Nothing can be farther from the truth than this allegation. It is enough to know that with the exception of one, each of the 114 chapters of the Quran begins with the verse: In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful In one of the sayings of Prophet Muhammad (p) we are told: God is more loving and kinder than a mother to her dear child.
Besides being Merciful, God is Just too. Hence evildoers and sinners must have their share of punishment and the virtuous their rightful reward. Actually, Gods attribute of Mercy has full manifestation in His attribute of Justice. People suffering throughout their lives for His sake and people oppressing and exploiting other people all their lives should not receive similar treatment from their Lord. Expecting similar treatment for them will amount to negating the very belief in the accountability in the Hereafter and thereby negating all the incentives for a moral and virtuous life in this world.
The following verses from the Quran are very clear and straightforward: Verily, for the righteous are Gardens of delight in the Presence of their Lord. Shall we then treat the people of Faith like the people of Sin? What is the matter with you? How judge you? [Al-Quran 68:34-36]
Islam rejects characterizing God in any human form or depicting him as favoring certain individuals or nations on the basis of wealth, power or race. He created the human beings as equals. They may distinguish themselves and earn His favor through virtue and piety alone.
The concept that God rested on the seventh day of creation, that God wrestled with one of His soldiers, that God is an envious plotter against mankind, or that God is incarnate in any human being are considered blasphemy from the Islamic point of view. The unique usage of Allah as the personal name of God is a reflection of Islam's emphasis on the purity of the belief in God. This belief in the Unity of God, is the essence of the message of all the Prophets of God. Because of this, Islam considers associating any deity or personality with God as a grave sin that God will never forgive if the person dies without repenting.
The Creator must be of a different nature from the things created because if He is of the same nature as they are, He will be temporal and will therefore need a maker. It follows that nothing is like Him. If the maker is not temporal, then He must be eternal. But if he is eternal, He cannot be caused, and if nothing caused Him to come into existence, nothing outside Him causes Him to continue to exist, which means that He must be self-sufficient. And if He does not depend on anything for the continuance of His own existence, then this existence can have no end. The Creator is therefore eternal: He is the First and the Last, the Evident and the Immanent: and He has full knowledge of all things. [Al-Quran 57:3]
He is self-sufficient or self-subsistent or, to use a Quranic term, He is Al-Qayyum. The Creator does not create only in the sense of bringing things into existence. He also preserves them and takes them out of existence and is the ultimate cause of whatever happens to them.
1. Allah is the Creator of all things, and He is the Guardian and Disposer of all affairs. To Him belong the keys of the heavens and the earth: and those who reject the Signs of Allah,- it is they who will be in loss. [Al-Quran 39:62-63]
2. There is no moving creature on earth but its sustenance dependeth on Allah: He knoweth the time and place of its definite abode and its temporary deposit: All is in a clear Record. [Al-Quran 57:3]
Gods Attributes
If the Creator is Eternal and Everlasting, then His attributes must also be Eternal and Everlasting. He should not lose any of His attributes nor acquire new ones. If this is so, then His attributes are absolute. Can there be more than one Creator with such absolute attributes? Can there be for example, two absolutely powerful Creators? A moments thought shows that this is not feasible. The Quran summarizes this argument in the following verses:
No son did Allah beget, nor is there any god along with Him: (if there were many gods), behold, each god would have taken away what he had created, and some would have lorded it over others! Glory to Allah! (He is free) from the (sort of) things they attribute to Him! [Al-Quran 23:91]
The oneness of God
The Quran reminds us of the falsity of all alleged gods. To the worshippers of man-made objects it asks:
1. Worship ye that which ye have (yourselves) carved? But Allah has created you and your handwork. [Al-Quran 37:95-96]
2. Say: Do ye then take (for worship) protectors other than Him, such as have no power either for good or for harm to themselves?" [Al-Quran 13:16]
3. To the worshippers of heavenly bodies it cites the story of Abraham: When the night covered him over, He saw a star: He said: This is my Lord. But when it set, He said: I love not those that set. When he saw the moon rising in splendor, he said: This is my Lord. But when the moon set, He said: unless my Lord guide me, I shall surely be among those who go astray. When he saw the sun rising in splendor, he said: This is my Lord; this is the greatest (of all). But when the sun set, he said: O my people! I am indeed free from your (guilt) of giving partners to Allah. For me, I have set my face, firmly and truly, towards Him Who created the heavens and the earth, and never shall I give partners to Allah." [Al-Quran 6:76-79]
The Believers Attitude
In order to be a Muslim (i.e., to submit oneself to God), it is necessary to believe in the Oneness of God, in the sense of His being the only Creator, Preserver, Nourisher, etc. But this belief, later on called Tawhid Ar-Rububiyyah, is not enough. Many of the idolaters knew and believed that only the Supreme God could do all this. To acquire Tawhid Ar-Rububiyyah one must add Tawhid Al-Uluhiyyah, i.e. one acknowledges the fact that it is God alone who deserves to be worshipped, and thus abstains from worshipping any other thing or being.
Having achieved this knowledge of the One True God, man should constantly have faith in Him, and should allow nothing to induce him to deny the truth. When true faith enters a persons heart, it impacts the persons outlook and behavior. The Prophet said, Faith is that which resides firmly in the heart and which is proved by deeds. One of the striking results of faith is the feeling of gratitude towards God, which could be said to be the essence of Ibada (worship). The feeling of gratitude is so important that anyone denying the Truth is called kafir, one who is ungrateful. A believer loves, and is grateful to God for the bounties He bestowed upon him. He is aware of the fact that his good deeds are far from being commensurate with Divine favors, and therefore he is always anxious to please God. He remembers God often. The Quran promotes this feeling of gratitude by repeating the attributes of God very frequently.
Allah is He, than Whom there is no other god; Who knows (all things) both secret and open; He, Most Gracious, Most Merciful. Allah is He, than Whom there is no other god; the Sovereign, the Holy One, the Source of Peace (and Perfection), the Guardian of Faith, the Preserver of Safety, the Exalted in Might, the Irresistible, the Supreme: Glory to Allah! (High is He) above the partners they attribute to Him. He is Allah, the Creator, the Evolver, the Bestower of Forms (or Colors). To Him belong the Most Beautiful Names: whatever is in the heavens and on earth, doth declare His Praises and Glory: and He is the Exalted in Might, the Wise. [Al-Quran 59:22-24]
Allah! There is no god but He, the Living, the Self-subsisting, Eternal. No slumber can seize Him nor sleep. His are all things in the heavens and on earth. Who is there can intercede in His presence except as He permitteth? He knoweth what (appeareth to His creatures as) before or after or behind them. Nor shall they compass aught of His knowledge except as He willeth. His Throne doth extend over the heavens and the earth, and He feeleth no fatigue in guarding and preserving them for He is the Most High, the Supreme (in glory). [Al-Quran 2:255]
O People of the Book! Commit no excesses in your religion: Nor say of Allah aught but the truth. Christ Jesus the son of Mary was (no more than) a messenger of Allah, and His Word, which He bestowed on Mary, and a spirit proceeding from Him: so believe in Allah and His messengers. Say not Trinity : desist: it will be better for you: for Allah is one Allah: Glory be to Him: (far exalted is He) above having a son. To Him belong all things in the heavens and on earth. And enough is Allah as a Disposer of affairs. [Al-Quran 4:171]
[Source : WAMY2 Series on Islam]
1 (p) here stands for peace be upon him
2 World Assembly of Muslim Youth
Monday, August 17, 2009
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