The True Lovers of Jesus Christ

INTRODUCTION 

There is one true God who truly possesses the qualities of divinity and lordship, the Creator and Sustainer of the heavens and earth. He is the Lord, the master, the absolute. He has no partner, has no equivalent, and has no son. He is superpower, All knowing, All hearing and All seeing. The true God sent prophets and messengers to tell people about the God’s religion. Messengers like Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus and finally Muhammad (PBUT) were sent to bring peace and happiness for you. These prophets were sent from one source (one God), and logically their message and religion should be same.

Jesus Christ taught his people to follow the teachings and the religion of previous prophets. The followings are some examples of teachings which all prophets including Jesus Christ followed. However, most of these teachings were revived in the final message of Islam by Prophet Muhammad and remain as a fundamental part of Muslim practices until today.

WHO IS THE TRUE FOLLOWERS

The followings are some examples of teachings which all prophets including Jesus followed. However, most of these teachings were revived in the final message of Islam by Prophet Muhammad and remain as a fundamental part of Muslim practices until today.

By making a quick comparison in term of the teachings of Islam and the teachings of Christianity, and between Muslims and Christians, undoubtedly, we find Muslims men and Muslim women are closer to Jesus Christ and Virgin Mary by following their teaching and their character.

       1. ONENESS OF ONE GOD
Islam preaches a plain and simple belief in the oneness of God (Allah). It affirms the uniqueness of Allah and states that He has no partner; He has no son; He neither gives birth nor is born. Nothing can come out of Him; He is the self-sufficient one upon whom all of creation depends and who depends on no one.

Quran (112:1-4)
"Say, He is Allah, [who is] One, Allah, the Eternal Refuge. He neither begets nor is born. Nor is there to Him any equivalent."

All previous prophets preached the oneness of God. Jesus Christ himself had the same concept as he never claimed divinity; instead he affirmed the divinity of God alone. Jesus Christ himself never mentioned the Trinity. Neither Jesus nor his disciples taught and none of the earlier great scholars or the followers of Jesus preached the Trinity. Such acts and claim do not befit the majesty of God and contradict the sayings and teachings of Jesus Christ.

Mark (10:18) 
“And Jesus said to him, why do you say I am good? No one is good but one, and that is God”

Mark (12:28-29)
“And one of the scribes came, and hearing their argument together, and seeing that he had given them a good answer, put the question to him, Which law is the first of all?(28) Jesus said in answer, The first is, Give ear, O Israel: The Lord our God is one Lord; (29)”

       2. GREETING OF PEACE 
Islam instructs all Muslims to give greetings of peace (Peace be with you) when they meet each other. Earlier, Jesus Christ greeted his people by saying “Peace be upon you” as mentioned in The New Testament.

John (20:19)
“Jesus said to them again, ‘Peace be with you”.

       3. ABLUTION BEFORE PRAYER
Islam instructs all Muslims to perform ablution prior to making formal prayers. Jesus Christ used to wash his limbs according to the teachings of the Torah.

Exodus (40:30-31) 
“And he set the laver between the tent of meeting and the altar, and put water in it for washing, with which Moses and Aaron and his sons washed their hands and their feet.... as the Lord commanded Moses.” 

       4. PROSTRATION DURING PRAYER 
Muslims bow down (prostrate) during prayers to show the meaning of submission to God. Jesus Christ is recorded and described in The New Testament to have fallen (prostrating) on his face during prayers (worship).

Matthew (26:39)
“He (Jesus Christ) fell on his face and prayed” 

       5. FASTING
Muslims during the Arabic month of Ramadan are requested to observe fasting. According to The New Testament, Jesus Christ fasted for 40 days.

Matthew (4:20)
“And he (Jesus Christ) fasted forty days and forty nights, and afterward he was hungry” 

       6. CHARITY
Muslims are requested to give zakah (a system of compulsory charity) to the poor and needy. Jesus Christ confirmed the payment of charity, known as “(tenth)”, which was required from the annual harvest to be given back to God in celebration. He followed the laws of Moses
.
Deuteronomy (14:22)
“You shall tithe all the yield of your seed, which comes forth from the field year by year.” 

       7. VEILING
Muslim women wear modest dress and observe veiling to comply first with God’s command, secondly to follow the character of pure women like Virgin Mary. It is well known that Virgin Mary wore modest dress and covered her head and chest. In addition, the women around Jesus veiled themselves according to the practice of the women around the earlier prophets.

Genesis (24:64-5)
“And Rebekah lifted up her eyes, and when she saw Isaac, she alighted from the camel, and said to the servant, ‘Who is the man yonder, walking in the field to meet us?’ The servant said, ‘It is my master.’ So she took her veil and covered herself.”

       8. ALCOHOL
In Islam, drinking alcohol is totally forbidden. Jesus Christ abstained from alcoholic drinks and never drank it according to the instructions recorded. He followed the laws of Moses.

Numbers (6:1-4)
“And the Lord said to Moses, ‘Say to the people of Israel, when either a man or a woman makes a special vow, the vow of the Nazirite to separate himself to the Lord, he shall separate himself from wine and strong drink”

       9. EATING PORK
In Islamic law, pork (swine) and its products are prohibited. Jesus Christ did not eat pork (swine). He followed the laws of Moses who did not eat pork too.

Leviticus (11:7-8)
“And the swine, because it parts the hoof and is cloven-footed but does not chew the cud, is unclean to you. Of their flesh you shall not eat, and their carcasses you shall not touch; they are unclean to you.” 

       10. EATING BLOOD
In Islam, eating blood is totally forbidden. Jesus Christ also did not eat blood and he followed the laws of Moses. God instructed Prophet Moses in the Torah to not eat the blood.

Deuteronomy (12:16)
“Only you shall not eat the blood; you shall pour it upon the earth like water,”

       11. CIRCUMCISION
All Muslims are circumcised following the teaching and the tradition of Prophet Abraham. Jesus Christ was circumcised according to the New Testament. Circumcision is a part of Jesus’ way. However, today most Christians are not circumcised.

Luke (2:21)
“And at the end of eight days, when he was circumcised, he was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.”

       12. POLYGAMY
At the time of Abraham, David, Solomon, and Jesus Christ, polygamy was part of the culture. In Jesus' times, polygamy was allowed and part of the customs of the Israeli people. There is no record proving that Jesus Christ was against polygamy. Both Old Testament and New Testament have mentioned polygamy:
                     • Prophet Abraham had (2) wives, according to Genesis 16 
                     • Prophet David had (2) wives, according to Samuel 27:3 
                     • Prophet Solomon had (700) wives, according to 1st Kings 11:3 
                     • Prophet Jacob had more than one wife
Islam did not invent start polygamy as it was a normal practice before Islam. Polygamy in Islam is permissible but not mandatory. Islam limited polygamy to a maximum of four wives requiring fair and justice treatment among them.

       13. INTEREST
Interest is strictly forbidden in Islam. Jesus Christ also opposed the giving or taking of interest and he followed the laws of Moses.

Deuteronomy (23:19)
“You must not charge interest on a loan to your fellow Israelite, whether on money, food, or anything else that has been loaned with interest”

CONCLUSION 

All messengers were sent from one source (Allah) and they all were teaching one message and one religion (Islam). Jesus Christ was teaching the same message and invited his people to the same religion of previous prophets (Islam). Jesus Christ before his departure, he informed his people about the last prophet (Muhammad) who would come after him, and instructed his people to follow his teachings and his religion (Islam). Upon the departure of Jesus Christ from this world, his teachings were totally distorted and corrupted. Six centuries later, the laws and teachings of Jesus Christ were revived in their pure and final form (Islam). Nowadays, only Muslims actually follow the original teachings of Jesus and his true message. Loving, following and respecting Jesus Christ is an article of faith in Islam.

(by Mohammed Al-Abdulhay)

What Does Islam Say about Terrorism?

Islam, a religion of mercy, does not permit terrorism.  In the Quran, God has said:  God does not forbid you from showing kindness and dealing justly with those who have not fought you about religion and have not driven you out of your homes.  God loves just dealers.  (Quran, 60:8)

The Prophet Muhammad  used to prohibit soldiers from killing women and children,¹ and he would advise them: {...Do not betray, do not be excessive, do not kill a newborn child.}²  And he also said: {Whoever has killed a person having a treaty with the Muslims shall not smell the fragrance of Paradise, though its fragrance is found for a span of forty years.}³

Also, the Prophet Muhammad  has forbidden punishment with fire.⁴

He once listed murder as the second of the major sins,⁵and he even warned that on the Day of Judgment, {The first cases to be adjudicated between people on the Day of Judgment will be those of bloodshed.⁶}⁷

Muslims are even encouraged to be kind to animals and are forbidden to hurt them.  Once the Prophet Muhammad  said: {A woman was punished because she imprisoned a cat until it died.  On account of this, she was doomed to Hell. While she imprisoned it, she did not give the cat food or drink, nor did she free it to eat the insects of the earth.}⁸

He also said that a man gave a very thirsty dog a drink, so God forgave his sins for this action.  The Prophet was asked, “Messenger of God, are we rewarded for kindness towards animals?”  He said: {There is a reward for kindness to every living animal or human.}⁹

Additionally, while taking the life of an animal for food, Muslims are commanded to do so in a manner that causes the least amount of fright and suffering possible.  The Prophet Muhammad  said: {When you slaughter an animal, do so in the best way.  One should sharpen his knife to reduce the suffering of the animal.}¹⁰

In light of these and other Islamic texts, the act of inciting terror in the hearts of defenseless civilians, the wholesale destruction of buildings and properties, the bombing and maiming of innocent men, women, and children are all forbidden and detestable acts according to Islam and the Muslims.  Muslims follow a religion of peace, mercy, and forgiveness, and the vast majority have nothing to do with the violent events some have associated with Muslims.  If an individual Muslim were to commit an act of terrorism, this person would be guilty of violating the laws of Islam.

_____________________________

Footnotes:

(1) Narrated in Saheeh Muslim, #1744, and Saheeh Al-Bukhari, #3015. 

(2) Narrated in Saheeh Muslim, #1731, and Al-Tirmizi, #1408. 

(3) Narrated in Saheeh Al-Bukhari, #3166, and Ibn Majah, #2686. 

(4) Narrated in Abu-Dawood, #2675. 

(5) Narrated in Saheeh Al-Bukhari, #6871, and Saheeh Muslim, #88. 

(6) This means killing and injuring. 

(7) Narrated in Saheeh Muslim, #1678, and Saheeh Al-Bukhari, #6533. 

(8) Narrated in Saheeh Muslim, #2422, and Saheeh Al-Bukhari, #2365. 

(9) This saying of Muhammad  has been mentioned in more detail on this page.  Narrated in Saheeh Muslim, #2244, andSaheeh Al-Bukhari, #2466. 

(10) Narrated in Saheeh Muslim, #1955, and Al-Tirmizi, #1409. 

Islam Guide

These Are Scary Times for Muslims and Not Just Because of Anti-Muslim Rhetoric

As the anti-Muslim rhetoric persists and as we enter what some are calling a "post-religious America," will Muslim Americans feel there is a place for them to practice Islam without deliberate compromise? With the holidays behind us, I saw several articles about how Muslims celebrate Christmas and Muslims wishing others a "Merry Christmas." A friend of mine, after reading an article about Muslims celebrating, asked if this will be the new litmus test for the "moderate" Muslim.

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: "There will come a time when holding on to your religion will be like holding on to hot coals."

That time may not be now, but it is scary times as we Muslims struggle to hold on to our beliefs and subsequent practice with pressures of what is known as "liberal" culture and the desperation to change misperceptions.

I have observed and want to briefly explore some reasons for these challenges Muslims are facing to withstand changing social and political climates.

1) The increase in anti-Muslim rhetoric puts Muslims further under the microscope. Terms like "extremist Muslims" or "radical Islam" has Muslims scurrying to dispel false notions about who we are and what we believe. This has some Muslims wanting to be seen as or called a "moderate" or "liberal" Muslim. However, this lends itself to shedding parts of our beliefs to fit into the mainstream culture and not be seen as "extreme." For example, this is the case for those who struggle to stand firm in the belief that Islam does not condone homosexuality. Unfortunately, it is counterproductive to abandon some of our beliefs as this does nothing to cement Muslims and our practice as a part of the American fabric.

2) The Muslim population is largely made up of people of color. We know the history of people of color in America so I don't need to explain that. But, as a result, there is still a need for some of us to be accepted by the white majority. Such as the case of Muslims celebrating Christmas under the guise that they are celebrating Jesus' birth as our Prophet and not the begotten son of Jesus as in Christianity. This is the tendency of some to readily adopt dominant culture and misappropriate a practice under the name of Islam. Imam Dawud Walid summarized this issue on social media when he said: "Internalized oppression [is what] drives people to seek acceptance [while] being masked in religious language..." It is the forever lingering belief that we (people of color) and our way is in inferior and others are superior, and the inclination to seek their validation. The more we attempt to assimilate, the more difficult it will become for Muslims, as a whole, to practice our religion.

3) Thirdly, some of us have yet "to be comfortable with the uncomfortable." We have to get comfortable with standing out as "different" when not going along with the masses. We have to become comfortable challenging the notion that the status quo is the only way.

I took part in an interfaith panel discussion where the question was posed how my faith can remain relevant today considering the decline in religious affiliation. This was a great question with an answer that could help reconcile the struggle some of us may have with being uncompromisingly Muslim.

Islam is relevant today and does have a place in America without alteration of its core practice.

Islam is a religion that was revealed by God for all times and societies. It was not just revelation that was meant for the people of 1400 years ago. It is a complete way of life as described in the Qur'an and Hadith (teachings) of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). It addresses current societal ills and social issues such as poverty, racism, bigotry, family values, financial oppression, physical and emotional decay, disease/illness, etc. The list goes on.

It defines human rights, freedoms, and social and moral justice. In this way, Islam is progressive as it provides solutions to the very things many of us are battling today. We shouldn't feel shy in contributing what we know and our values to society. We also have to be comfortable explaining our beliefs outside of the pre-defined terms that have been given to us.

We do not have to speak of our religion as conservative Islam, liberal Islam, or moderate Islam. Islam is already a religion of moderation that strikes a balance in all matters. There are no other forms of the religion itself, only in the way people choose to express it. Following Islam properly is the middle path. There is no real way to discern Islam in these terms, nor is it necessary to accept these confines given to us.

The understanding that Islam does have a place today in America is an understanding that can't be forgotten among Muslims. If it is forgotten, we will find ourselves transformed by other than what we belief. There is a saying by one of the wisest Muslim caliphs in history, Umar ibn Al-Khattab, which says, "He who does not live in the way of his beliefs, starts to believe in the way that he lives."

There is a place in America for Muslims and Islam, but that doesn't mean it will be without struggle. It is our test filled with winding roads, but we can't forget our belief system that we hold dear and true.

Dr. Sherman Jackson made a compelling point in this regard in his article on Muslim Americans and liberalism:

"... Muslims will have to find the fortitude to stand up for their values, in the same way that liberals stand up for theirs. This will be difficult, if for no other reason than the fact that liberalism tends to break down communities into individual, autonomous parts, leaving Muslims with the thought and feeling that they are isolated individuals who have little choice but to conform to what are presented as "societal norms"...Muslims have to get comfortable with the fact that dissenting from all this makes Islam no more a threat to America than Judaism, Christianity or atheism."

Sajdah Nubee

ISIS Terrorism Is Like a Cancer; It Can Only Be Cured By Uniting Muslims & Christians

Muslims Condemn Paris Attacks: Killing innocent people is forbidden in Islam.

It is with heartfelt sorrow that this newspaper must report that ISIS has once again cut short the lives of innocents by committing heinous terrorists attacks.  ISIS claimed responsibility for suicide bombings in Beirut, Lebanon on November 12th and in Paris, France on November 13th according to purported statements by ISIS posted on social media. The multiple blasts caused nearly 200 fatalities and wounded hundreds.  The death toll may rise as a result of the critical condition of some of the wounded.  CNN reported that “a would-be suicide bomber who survived the Beirut terrorist attack told investigators he was an ISIS recruit” according to a Lebanese security source. The suicide blasts, which attacked two locations in Beirut and six in Paris, have spawned the condemnation of world leaders from around the world. Unfortunately, they have also caused a rippling effect of negativity, divisiveness and violent repercussions directed towards Muslims.  This is, in fact, the overall purpose behind ISIS --- to hijack Islam and give it a bad name with the goal to organize the world governments together and wage a global war against Muslims.

ISIS is the brainchild of Israel. It is not a Muslim organization and the members of the so-called Islamic State are not Muslims. ISIS even attempts to appropriate the Kalimah (Muslim attestation of faith) and the seal of the Holy Last Messenger (peace be upon him) by placing both on flags prominently displayed throughout their propaganda. Their claim to the Khilafaat is an egregious falsehood.  Authentic Muslims know and believe that life is sacred and would never shed the blood of thousands of men, women and children in an effort to establish Khalifah.  In fact, we have a clear example by the first and second Khalifahs of Islam, Hazrat Abu Bakr and Hazrat Umar (May Almighty Allah bless them) respectively.  Without shedding one drop of blood they were declared Khalifahs by common consensus from among the people. Hazrat Abu Bakr and Hazrat Umar (peace be upon them) were leaders of Islam and protectors of humanity, qualities that ISIS does not possess. The lacking of these qualities is due to their origin.

This deceptive Israeli-backed group specializes in the killing of Muslims and is obsessively intent on establishing the Kingdom of David One World Order.  No member of humanity is safe from this nefarious conspiracy.  The fight against ISIS is ongoing and the Islamic Post remains committed to exposing the truth about ISIS, their activities and the people behind the name. Previous editions of this paper published photographs of ISIS using highly sophisticated weapons that were made in Israel.  Due to the complex nature of their existence, it is essential that a well-prepared and orchestrated plan be devised to annihilate ISIS cancer that cannot be cut out from the body of humanity by one government.  ISIS terrorists, masquerading as Muslims, must be stopped by a united Muslim-Christian Coalition that is representative of all countries.  This coalition will have to devise a strategy to contain and subsequently eradicate them.  Meanwhile, the global hate campaigns against Muslims must end.  Overwhelmingly, Muslims are peaceful members of their communities leading normal lives.  Such tactics will encourage law-abiding citizens to act adversely due to a natural desire to feel safe and protected.  However, Muslim citizens throughout North America and Europe should not become victims of ISIS’ evil and treachery.  The Imam of The Muslims of America, Inc. (TMOA), Sheikh Syed Mubarik Ali Shah Gilani, along with the members of TMOA and the staff and students of the International Qur’anic Open University (IQOU) will continue to condemn ISIS and have pledged to give complete cooperation to the cause of ridding mankind of the ISIS cancer.  All peace-loving individuals should follow suit.

Source: The Islamic Post

Praying behind a man who shaves off his beard (Fatwa)

Question: A man who shaves off his beard is the khateeb in the central masjid. Do you advise we pray behind him? Please explain.
Response: All Praise is for Allaah the One, and prayers and salutations upon His Messenger, upon his family and his companions. To proceed…
Trimming off the beard is haraam for that which has been transmitted by Ahmad, al-Bukhaaree and Muslim on the authority of Ibn 'Umar (radhi-yallaahu 'anhumaa) that the Prophet (sal-Allaahu `alayhe wa sallam) said:
((Differ from the mushrikoon and leave the beards (to grow) and trim the moustaches)).
Also, that which has been transmitted by Ahmad and Muslim on the authority of Abu Hurayrah (radhi-yallaahu 'anhu) that the Prophet (sal-Allaahu `alayhe wa sallam) said:
((Trim the moustaches and leave the beards (to grow) and oppose (differ) from the magians)).
So, to insist on shaving off the beard is from amongst the major sins, therefore it is obligatory that we advise the one who shaves off his beard and admonish him for it.
So based upon this, if he is an imaam of a masjid and does not take the advice, then it is obligatory to replace him if possible providing it does not cause any major fitnah. Otherwise, it is obligatory to pray behind other than him, from those who are noble, if this is possible for them. This is so as to rebuke and admonish him, so long as this too does not create any major fitnah. If this is not possible then it is legislated to pray behind him for the benefit of the congregation and if one fears any fitnah by praying behind other then him. He should then pray behind him and prevent any fitnah by selecting the lesser of the two evils.
And with Allaah lies all success and may Allaah send prayers and salutations upon our Prophet (sal-Allaahu `alayhe wa sallam) and his family and his companions.

The Permanent Committee for Islaamic Research and Fataawa, comprising -
Head: Shaykh 'Abdul 'Azeez Ibn Abdullaah Ibn Baaz;
Deputy Head: Shaykh 'Abdur-Razzaaq 'Afeefee;
Member: Shaykh 'Abdullaah Ibn Ghudayyaan;
Member: Shaykh 'Abdullaah Ibn Qu'ood
Tahreem Halq al-Lihhaa - Page 24;
Fataawa al-Lajnah ad-Daa.imah lil-Buhooth al-'Ilmiyyah wal-Iftaa. - Fatwa No.1640

22 Dua’s from The Holy Quran

1. Our Lord! Grant us good in this world and good in the life to come and keep us safe from the torment of the Fire (2:201)

2. Our Lord! Bestow on us endurance and make our foothold sure and give us help against those who reject faith. (2:250)

3. Our Lord! Take us not to task if we forget or fall into error. (2:286)

4. Our Lord! Lay not upon us such a burden as You did lay upon those before us. (2:286)

5. Our Lord! Impose not on us that which we have not the strength to bear, grant us forgiveness and have mercy on us. You are our Protector. Help us against those who deny the truth. (2:286)

6. Our Lord! Let not our hearts deviate from the truth after selves, and unless You grant us forgiveness and bestow Your mercy upon us, we shall most certainly be lost! (7:23)

13. Our Lord! Place us not among the people who have been guilty of evildoing. (7:47)

14. Our Lord! Lay open the truth between us and our people, for You are the best of all to lay open the truth. (7:89)

15. Our Lord! Pour out on us patience and constancy, and make us die as those who have surrendered themselves unto You. (7:126)

16. Our Lord! Make us not a trial for the evildoing folk, and save as by Your mercy from people who deny the truth (10:85-86)

17. Our Lord! You truly know all that we may hide [in our hearts] as well as all that we bring into the open, for nothing whatever, be it on earth or in heaven, remains hidden from Allah (14:38)

18. Our Lord! Bestow on us mercy from Your presence and dispose of our affairs for us in the right way. (18:10) & (59:10)

19. Our Lord! In You we have placed our trust, and to You do we turn in repentance, for unto You is the end of all journeys. (60:4)

20. Our Lord! Perfect our light for us and forgive us our sins, for verily You have power over all things. (66:8)


21. Surah Al-An'am 6.162: Say (O Muhammad SAW): "Verily, my Salât (prayer), my sacrifice, my living, and my dying are for Allah, the Lord of the 'Alamîn (mankind, jinns and all that exists). Our Lord! Perfect our light for us and forgive us our sins, for verily
You have power over all things. (66:8)


22. Surah Al-An'am 6.162: Say (O Muhammad SAW): "Verily, my Salât (prayer), my sacrifice, my living, and my dying are for Allah, the Lord of the 'Alamîn (mankind, jinns and all that exists).

Arabi Bol Chal

Muhabbat aur Yaum-e-Muhabbat(ValentineDay)