Author Archives: Irfan Alli

What is Islam and who is a Muslim?

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Islam is a divinely inspired way of life.  It is a way of life that is a continuation and confirmation of the same way of life taught by prophets Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus and Muhammad (peace be upon all of them). Muslims worship the same God that Jews and Christians worship and the same angel (Gabriel) that brought revelation to Moses and Jesus, brought revelation to Muhammad (peace be upon all of them).

Islam is not a religion in the way most people follow religion, but a way of life with spiritual, moral, social, political, economic and intellectual guidance. It invites and encourages people to examine and scrutinize its teachings. Only if it appeals to their reasoning and intellect they may choose to follow it. Islam teaches there is  compulsion in religion.

The word Islam means peace, submission, and obedience.  In the religious sense, Islam means - the way to peace and salvation through submission to the will and laws of God. A person who chooses this path is called a Muslim.

A common mistake is to refer to Muslims as Moslems.  To call a Muslim a Moslem is to insult that person, as the two words mean different things in the Arabic language.

The word “Moslem” has its origin in the Arabic word Zulm.  The word Zulm means to be unfair or unjust.  To call someone a Moslem would therefore mean that person is unfair or unjust.  The correct pronunciation is Muslim.

Anyone can become a Muslim, despite their religious background and does not have to be born a Muslim. When one decides to become a Muslim all his past sins are forgiven and he makes a fresh start.  Islam gives no importance to a person’s color, nationality, culture or race. Rather the emphasis is on a person’s character and piety.

Islam holds answers to life's important questions.  What is the purpose of life?  How should life be lived?  Who is God?  Who are the prophets and what are their roles?  What should one look for in a spouse?  How should one raise children?  What happens after death?  These are all questions addressed in the Quran and Hadith (the sayings and practices of Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him). When practiced as a total way of life it develops well-balanced individuals, and families. This then leads to peace and stability in society. Today it is challenged within and without. Yet, it is still the fastest growing way of life!

To find out more read What’s Up With Those Crazy Muslims? http://amzn.to/1Qr17Qa

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Can you give examples of verses from the Quran?

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Here are five sets of verses for you to read, reflect and ponder upon:

1

And fear a Day (of Judgement) when no soul will avail for another soul, nor will intercession be accepted from it, nor will compensation be taken from it, nor will they be helped. (Quran 2:48)

2

And they say: “None shall enter Paradise unless he be a Jew or a Christian” Those are their (vain) desires. Say: Produce your proof if you are truthful.” Nay, whoever submits his whole self to God and is a doer of good, he will get his reward with his Lord; on such shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve. (Quran 2: 111-112)

3

Say: “We believe in God, and the revelation given to us, and to Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob, and the Tribes, and that given to Moses and Jesus, and that given to (all) Prophets from their Lord: we make no difference between one and another of them, and we submit to God.” (Quran 2: 136)

4 

Then do remember Me I will remember you. Be grateful to Me, and reject not faith. O you who believe! Seek help with patient perseverance and prayer: for God is with those who patiently persevere. (Quran 2: 152-153)

5

And We will surely test you with something of fear and hunger and a loss of wealth and lives and fruits, but give good tidings to the patient. (Quran 2:155)

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When will the destruction of the world take place?

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The time as to when this will happen is known only to God.  God says in the Quran:

“They ask you about the (final) Hour - when will be its appointed time? Say: ‘The knowledge thereof is with my Lord (alone): none but He can reveal as to when it will occur. Heavy were its burden through the heavens and the earth. Only, all of a sudden will it come to you.’ They ask you as if you were eager in search thereof: say: ‘the knowledge thereof is with God (alone), but mostly men know not.” (Quran 7:187)

To get the whole picture read my book WHAT HAPPENS AFTER WE DIE?

 

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What are angels?

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Islam teaches that God created the angels from light.  In a saying of prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) we are told:

“The angels were created from light; the jinn (devils) were created from fire, and Adam was created from what you have been told in the Quran.”  (Aisha in Muslim, Volume 4, #7134)

As to what Adam (man) was created from, the Quran tells us man was fashioned from clay.  It says:

“God created all things in the best way and He began the creation of man from clay, and made his progeny from a quintessence of despised fluid.  But He fashioned him in due proportion, and breathed into him of His spirit.  And He gave you (the faculties of) hearing and sight and understanding.  Little thanks do you give!”  (Quran 32:7-9)

Angels carry out different functions.  There is an angel that is responsible for bringing revelation to the prophets, an angel of provision, angels for protection, recording angels, an angel of death, and so on.

To find out more read What are Angels? http://amzn.to/1oSfCzz

 

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