Noble Qur'an - HH The Aga Khan

The Noble Qur’an – An Inexhaustible Well-Spring of Inspiration and Knowledge

By His Highness the Aga Khan

A portrait of His Highness the Aga Khan. Jehangir Merchant Collection.

…Rich in parable and allegory, metaphor and symbol, [the discourse of the Qur’an-e-Sharif] has been an inexhaustible well-spring of inspiration, lending itself to a wide spectrum of interpretations. This freedom of interpretation is a generosity which the Qur’an confers upon all believers, uniting them in the conviction that All-Merciful Allah will forgive them if they err in their sincere attempts to understand His word. Happily, as a result, the Holy Book continues to guide and illuminate the thought and conduct of Muslims belonging to different communities of interpretation and spiritual affiliation, from century to century, in diverse cultural environments.

The Noble Qur’an extends its principle of pluralism also to adherents of other faiths. It affirms that each has a direction and path to which they turn so that all should strive for good works, in the belief that, wheresoever they may be, Allah will bring them together.

Tradition honours the vocation of the learned scholars who are gathered here for this colloquium. The Qur’an itself acknowledges that people upon whom wisdom has been bestowed are the recipients of abundant good; they are the exalted ones. Hence Islam’s consistent encouragement to Muslim men and women to seek knowledge wherever it is to be found. We are all familiar that al-Kindi, even in the 9th century, saw no shame in acknowledging and assimilating the truth, whatever its source. He argued that truth never abases, but only ennobles its seeker. Poetising the Prophet’s teaching, Nasir Khusraw, the 11th century Iranian poet-philosopher, also extols the virtue of knowledge. For him, true jihad is the war that must be waged against the perpetrators of bigotry, through spreading knowledge that dispels the darkness of ignorance and nourishes the seed of peace that is innately embedded in the human soul.

This colloquium covers a range of Muslim expressions in the Arts, across time and space. Some among the eminent scholars present today have observed that, while the Qur’an may not propound a doctrine of Islamic art or material culture, it does offer imaginative scope in this direction. From early on, its passages have inspired works of art and architecture, and shaped attitudes and norms that have guided the development of Muslim artistic traditions.

In this context, would it not also be relevant to consider how, above all, it has been the Qur’anic notion of the universe as an expression of Allah’s will and creation that has inspired, in diverse Muslim communities, generations of artists, scientists and philosophers?

Scientific pursuits, philosophic inquiry and artistic endeavour are all seen as the response of the faithful to the recurring call of the Qur’an to ponder the creation as a way to understand Allah’s benevolent majesty. As Sura al-Baqara proclaims: ‘Wherever you turn, there is the face of Allah’.

Does not the Qur’an challenge the artist, as much as the mystic, to go beyond the physical – the outward – so as to seek to unveil that which lies at the centre but gives life to the periphery? Is not a great work of art, like the ecstasy of the mystic, a gesture of the spirit, a stirring of the soul that comes from the attempt to experience a glimpse of, and an intimacy with, that which is ineffable and beyond being?

The famous verse of ‘light’ in the Qur’an, the Ayat al-Nur, whose first line is rendered here in the mural behind me, inspires among Muslims a reflection on the sacred, the transcendent. It hints at a cosmos full of signs and symbols that evoke the perfection of Allah’s creation and mercy.

…It is my sincere hope that this colloquium will bring additional insights to an understanding of the Holy Qur’an as a message that encompasses the entirety of human existence and effort. It is concerned with the salvation of the soul, but commensurately also with the ethical imperatives which sustain an equitable social order. The Qur’an’s is an inclusive vision of society that gives primacy to nobility of conduct. It speaks of differences of language and colour as a divine sign of mercy and a portent for people of knowledge to reflect upon.

Ours is a time when knowledge and information are expanding at an accelerating and, perhaps, unsettling pace. There exists, therefore, an unprecedented capacity for improving the human condition. And yet, ills such as abject poverty and ignorance, and the conflicts these breed, continue to afflict the world.

The Qur’an addresses this challenge eloquently. The power of its message is reflected in its gracious disposition to differences of interpretation; its respect for other faiths and societies; its affirmation of the primacy of the intellect; its insistence that knowledge is worthy when it is used to serve Allah’s creation; and, above all, its emphasis on our common humanity.

Date article posted: Saturday, August 20, 2011
Credit: The Institute of Ismaili Studies, London, UK, www.iis.ac.uk.
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The above excerpts are from the speech delivered by His Highness the Aga Khan at the Ismaili Centre, London, on October 19, 2003. To read the full transcript and watch His Highness delivering the speech, please click Word of God.

Please also click Seeking the Forgiveness of the Imam of the Time: A Short Explanation, published for Lailat al-Qadr (2011).

Courtesy: Simerg.com

About this site - Quraan Today

 

God wants his creation to co-exist in harmony and the Qur’aan is God’s guidance to live in peace with oneself and what surrounds one; life and matter. The human weakness manufactures imaginary enemies, so did the European Medieval Kings in the 11th century, who paid to deliberately mis-translate the Qur’aan for their obvious gains, they duped the public then, and most of non-Muslim Islamic Scholars today are doing the same thing.

Hilali Khan, a Muslim also mistranslated the book to appease his extremist friends, that is the free copy you may have it in your hands. Just remember God wants goodness for his creation, every one of it, then read Qur’aan in that light. Mohammad Asad’s translation is recommended at this time until a good one comes along where anyone on the earth can read it and feel that God wants all of us to live in peace and harmony. Finding the truth is your own responsibility.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this blog is to clarify the misunderstandings about Qur'aan. Qur'aan is the word of God, and God is about Justice and peace. It is his creation and he certainly wants harmony and co-existence and a balance for his creation.

Qur’aan is in Arabic language and every word of it is preserved through the process of memorization over a period of fourteen centuries. Every t and I are checked thoroughly to ensure its accuracy.

As the curiosity to learn about Islam arose, translation work began. Since, translations hinge on one's understanding of God's words, three versions were produced; Genuine translations, ill-translations and mis-translations.

The first known translation was made in 1143 CE upon the request of the Abbot of monastery and abounds in inaccuracies, several translations have occurred since then multiplying the errors. European knowledge base on Islam is founded on mis-translations. Most of the Christian and Jewish scholars draw their knowledge from it and propagate the same for material gains. The European and American Islamic Scholars need to add a refresh button to their knowledge.

To you, the common man, who has access to the translation in English, you are genuinely confused, which one is the right one.

Apply the litmus test: Does the translations build hatred and ill-will in you, then it is the wrong one. On the other hand if it causes you to think in terms of harmony and co-existence, you got the right one.

Today we have about 22 translations on the net; many are closer to the word of God and some are not. It is up to you to find the truth.

Recommended:  Mohammad Asad's translation.

Falsified Translation: Hilali Khan - it is the free Qur'aan you pick up in the market. It is hateful towards Jews and Christians.

Orgins of Islamophobia

Deliberate defamation & Propagation of Misconceptions.

Roots of Islamophobia in the early Orientalist Translations

The first Qur'an translation was into Latin by Robert of Ketton in 1143. It was made at the request of the Abbot of the monastery of Cluny. (Abounds in inaccuracies)
 
Another Latin translation by Ludovicus Marracci was published in 1698. It was supplemented with quotes from Qur'an commentaries "carefully juxtaposed and sufficiently garbled so as to portray Islam in the worst possible light" (Colin Turner, 1997 p. xii).

The title of the introductory volume of such translation was A Refutation of the Qur'an.

Such translations formed the foundation for a number of subsequent translations into English, French, Italian, German, etc.

The first English translation was that of Alexander Ross published in 1649. In his introduction, Ross says "I thought good to bring it to their colours, that so viewing thine enemies in their full body, thou must the better prepare to encounter … his Alcoran" (p. A3).


Similarly, H. Reckendorf (1857) says in his Hebrew translation of the Qur'an, "I can now stop writing and ask God's pardon for the sin I committed when I profaned our sacred language and transferred to it the talk of lies and falsehood" (as cited in Abdul Aal, January 29, 2006, p. 78).


In 1734, George Sale’s translation came out based on Marracci’s earlier notorious work. In 1861, J. M. Rodwell’s work provided a further example of a writer "gunning for Islam" (Turner, 1997, p. xii).


Courtesy: Ibrahim Saleh & Dahlia Sabry Researchers at Al-Azhar University, Cairo

Foundationless castles

You may discover to your chagrin, that many of the Neocons Doctors on Islam have built their castles on wrong foundation. In fact Pat Robertson, Jerry Falwell, Billy Graham Junior's information on Islam comes from these falsities.

When the European Kings were attacked by the invading Arab Armies, one of the ways they could get their subjects to defend their Kingdoms was through a campaign of hate.

They roped in the pope to issue a fatwa against 'infidel' Muslims, and then paid the evil writers to mis-translate the Qur'aan with the intent of enraging the good Christians to go on crusades to kill the infidels. This is one part of the equation; the second part is even the Arab Kings had the Qur'aan mistranslated to enrage Muslims against the other infidels. Check out the Hilali translation in the title Bismillah on this Blog.

Neither Islam nor Christianity would have approved any of the non-sense of crusades, inquisitions and other massacres. It was all done to protect and annex the lands that belonged to each other.

I wish the average Christians and Muslims had not fallen into the trap of hatred for the gains of the dead Kings and today's virtual Live Kings with similar goals of controlling resources with no care for their faith or human lives.

It is time for the humanity to go for the truth. All religions were issued by the creator for the individuals to find a balance and peace for themselves and with other humans and environment.

The truth is all religions are for the good of mankind, where ever you see wickedness; it has the non-Godly element in it.

Musilms Together sites and Blogs

The following twelve (12) blogs highlight and nurture the pluralistic values embedded in Islam. To be a Muslim is to be a peacemaker, one who seeks to mitigate conflicts and nurtures goodwill for peaceful co-existence.

America Together Foundationwww.AmericaTogetherFoundnation.com

The organization is committed to bring Muslims together regardless of the denomination, it is something every Muslims dreams of, it is coming together to do good for humanity. What is good for Muslims has got to be good for the world and vice versa to sustain peace and goodwill for years to come. Our Mission

World Muslim Congresswww.WorldMuslimCongress.org http://WorldMuslimCongress.blogspot.com

This site chronicles events that affect co-existence and offers solutions to build cohesive societies. It is about nurturing pluralistic values embedded in Islam.

www.WorldMuslimCongress.com
A new site is in the making, this would be the mother site for all the sites.


Quraan Todaywww.Quraantoday.com http://quraan-today.blogspot.com/
God wants his creation to co-exist in harmony and Qur’aan is God’s guidance to live in peace with oneself and what surrounds one; life and matter. There are nearly 25 translations available now with two of them deliberately mistranslated by the right wing European Kinds in 11^th Century and right wing Muslims in the 20^th century. At this time Mohammad Asad’s translation is recommended until a good one comes along where anyone on the earth can read it and feel that God wants all of us to live in peace and harmony. Finding the truth is your own responsibility.


Quraan Conference www.QuraanConference.com http://www.quraanconference.com/

Myths are manufactured about others without any substantiation; it is an old business of maligning others to have a momentary gain. The purpose of this conference is to remove such myths in an open forum in the public and restore the cohesiveness of our society and build a safe and secure America. Details are in the link Qur’aan Conference. The holy book is about living in harmony with free will, there are mis-translations and mis-interpretations that are addressed, and it will done by non-Muslim clergy from all faiths.

Sharia Laws www.ShariaLaws.com http://sharialaws.blogspot.com/


First of all, Sharia Law is not divine; it is the human interpretation of God’s word to create just societies, as with all human endeavors, a few clauses of Sharia Law needs amendments. I have made an effort to write in an easy to understand language. The personal Sharia guides an individual to live a life of piety and gratitude to the creator while the Public Sharia governs the relationships between individuals and the society like the civil laws. Like all other laws of any given society, abuses creep into Sharia Law as well. The old west mindset is still prevalent in Iran, Saudi Arabia, Afghanistan, Sudan and Nigeria, where 50 other Muslim majorities nations are are in line with the civil laws of the world.

The American civil and criminal laws serve justice to all of her population and American Muslims have no desire to replace the American laws with Sharia. Even though the right wingers among Muslims like the right wingers among Christians dream of imposing their laws on others, the desire to impose on others stems out of insecurity and inability to handle the otherness of other.

Women in Islamhttp://muslimwomenandmen.blogspot.com/.

Whether it is the American society, India, Chinese, Mexican, Greek, Arab or the English Autocrats, men have always taken advantage of women. While a few Muslim men shamelessly beat their wives, a few African men mutilate the women genitally do deprive them of the joys of live, a few American men will brutally kill their wives or drown them under water, Hindu Mother in laws may douse the women in Kerosene. While a few men will not go to a place of worship where women preach, the other would not shake hands with females that include Imams, Rabbis, Monks and Priests. No one can cast the first stone and all us must work on creating a spiritual balance and harmony between men and women to have a peaceful life with the fear of waiting for the opportunity to get even. Without any reserve men and women have equal rights in Quraan and Islam, even a few of the Muslims have misunderstood the value Islam places on justness and fairness.
Blasphemy Laws www.BlasphemyLaws.com http://blasphemylaws.blogspot.com/

The purpose of this site is to bring together differing views on Blasphemy, and develop an understanding from Islamic point of view for the good of all humanity. Current Blasphemy laws and practices do not go with the values of Islam; free will and respect for life. Quraan prohibits judgment, prejudice is discouraged and there is no punishment for the ones who maligns God or his prophet. It is a political tool of oppression by right wingers among Muslims.

Muslim Press Releases http://muslimpressrelease.blogspot.com/ Muslim Press releases concerning issues of the day. Since the formation of the organization in 2003, we have continuously condemned any wrong doing and appreciated the good work. Much of the work is the blogs listed on the site.

Dallas Muslim Center www.DallasMuslimCenter.com http://dallasMuslimCenter.blogspot.com

The purpose of this site was to provide information about Dallas Muslims. The information is updated as and when I get the time.

Ramadan Exclusivehttp://ramadanexclusive.blogspot.com/

There are three great seminal articles on the spirit, politics and Rituals of Ramadan. In the spirit of Ramadan, I pray that Ramadan gets into our hearts and minds and make us embrace all factions of Muslims without undermining their tradition and further pray that we treat every human on the earth with dignity, respect and care. The first year to set the pace, I worshipped and did the Iftaar (breaking the fast at the dusk) in every Muslim Denomination including praying at Masjid-al-Aqsa, the third most revered place of worship for Muslims, that completes my pilgrimage to all the three Mosques.

That is indeed the wisdom expressed in Qur'an, Al-Hujurat, and Surah 49:13: "O mankind! We have created you male and female, and have made you nations and tribes that ye may know one another. The noblest of you, in sight of God, is the best in conduct. God Knows and is Aware of everything you do."

Ground Zero Mosque
http://groundzeromosque.blogspot.com/
This issue is engaging the American Public, both for and against, in this blog I will save the links of articles that come across my knowledge as a reference for the researchers. We have to find solutions for co-existence and sustainable harmony. It is a shrine and it is a catalyst to consciously create a society we desire; where all of us will learn to respect the otherness of other and accept the God given differences. It is anti-theatrical to radicals from all traditions.

Peter King Hearings
http://www.peterkinghearings.blogspot.com/

We are concerned about the hearings and hope and pray that Mr. King would be honest, sincere and fair, although his record is marred with bigotry. We hope he will not destroy the fabric of our society and pit one American against the other. If he does, the American people will not put up with it, as they have done that time and again. I trust our system and our people who have stood up against Vietnam War, Iraq war and supported abortion and civil rights and one of these days’ rights for GLBT and every American.

 

Our Mission

World Muslim Congress

To be a Muslim is to be a peace maker, one who constantly seeks to mitigate conflicts and nurtures goodwill for peaceful co-existence of humanity. God wants us to live in peace and harmony with his creation; Life and Matter.

We are driven by the Qur'an, Al-Hujurat, Surah 49:13: "O mankind! We have created you male and female, and have made you nations and tribes that ye may know one another. The noblest of you, in sight of Allah, is the best in conduct. Allah Knows and is Aware."

Our Mission

Our Mission is to work for a world of co-existence through inclusiveness and participation. As a member of diverse family of faiths, our efforts will be directed towards justice and equity to attain peace for the humankind with a firm grounding in commonly held values. We cannot have advantages at the cost of others. Such benefits are temporary and deleterious to lasting peace. We believe what is good for Muslims has got to be good for the world, and vice versa, to sustain it.

Indeed we aspire to promote goodwill amongst people of different affiliations, regardless of their faith, gender, race, nationality, culture or any other uniqueness blessed by the creator.

Goals

Our short term goal is to understand different faiths and let the values of Islam be understood as well. So we may know one another.

Our Long term goal is simply to bring the realization that the purpose of all religions is to bring peace and tranquility to an individual and further create a balanced relationships between the individual, society and the environment. Learning about other faiths need not imply infidelity, but rather the search will enrich one's own faith, it reaffirms the idea that the intent of every faith is to "fix" the individual as an active working and participating spoke in the wheel of life. Most people get it and a few don't.

Islam defined

The essence of Islam: Justice for every human being under one Creator (Universe is the only creation we know)

The Qur'aan starts with the word "God of Universe" (not necessarily Muslims) and ends with "Humankind" (and again not Muslims). As such it is understood that God, the cause behind creation of life and matter belongs to all of us. No one owns him (her or it) nor does one group has an exclusive favors over the other. The creator will offer equal opportunities to all and will not sign a deal behind one's back with the other.

Al-Fatiha (The Opening) 1:2 All praise is due to God alone, the Sustainer of all the worlds, [2] Alhamdu lillahi rabbi alAAalameena

الْحَمْدُ للّهِ رَبِّ الْعَالَمِينَ (1:2)

An-Nas (The Mankind) 114:1 SAY: "I seek refuge with the Sustainer of men,

قُلْ أَعُوذُ بِرَبِّ النَّاسِ (114:1

We have a monumental task to repair the World, and we will do our part in working towards a World of co-existence, one person at a time. We are committed, and now help us God. Amen.

Good Deeds

Islam teaches one to be non-judgmental, and consistently encourages individuals to do good. It emphasizes about individual responsibility towards the peace and security of society at large.

Prophet Mohammad (pbuh) described a good deed as an act which benefits others, such as planting a tree that serves generations of wayfarers with fruit and the shade. The world is a better place today because of a good legacy bequeathed to humanity by people of all faiths that came before us. We owe it to coming generations to leave the world a little better than we found it, to usher an era of justice and peace.

With Prejudice towards none

Almost all Muslims are cognizant and repeat the verse “God is the master of the Day of Judgment, and he alone we worship”. A fully observant Muslim recites this verse at least 50 times a day and refrains from judging others, as he or she believes God only can make that call. There is no compulsion in the matters of faith, say the Qur'aan.

Al-Fatiha (The Opening) 1:4 Lord of the Day of Judgment!

مَـالِكِ يَوْمِ الدِّينِ (1:4)

Individual responsibility

Qur'an, Al-An'am, Surah 6:163-164: I ask whether I should seek any god besides God--when he is the Lord of all things. All people will reap the harvest of their own deeds; no one will bear another’s burden. Ultimately, all of you will return to your Lord, and he will resolve your disputes.

Al-An'am (The Cattle)

6:163 in whose divinity none has a share: for thus have I been bidden-and I shall [always] be foremost among those who surrender themselves unto Him."

Topics discussed in this Verse:

[Allah:has no partner] [Allah's attributes:Cherisher and Sustainer] [Muslims]

لاَ شَرِيكَ لَهُ وَبِذَلِكَ أُمِرْتُ وَأَنَاْ أَوَّلُ الْمُسْلِمِينَ (6:163)

Al-An'am (The Cattle)

6:164 Say: "Am I, then, to seek a sustainer other than God, when He is the Sustainer of all things?" And whatever [wrong] any human being commits rests upon himself alone; and no bearer of burdens shall be made to bear another's burden. [163] And, in time, unto your Sustainer you all must return: and then He will make you. [truly] understand all that on which you were wont to differ. [164]

Topics discussed in this Verse:

قُلْ أَغَيْرَ اللّهِ أَبْغِي رَبًّا وَهُوَ رَبُّ كُلِّ شَيْءٍ وَلاَ تَكْسِبُ كُلُّ نَفْسٍ إِلاَّ عَلَيْهَا وَلاَ تَزِرُ وَازِرَةٌ وِزْرَ أُخْرَى ثُمَّ إِلَى رَبِّكُم مَّرْجِعُكُمْ فَيُنَبِّئُكُم بِمَا كُنتُمْ فِيهِ تَخْتَلِفُونَ (6:164)

Al-An'am (The Cattle)

6:165 For, He it is who has made you inherit the earth, [165] and has raised some of you by degrees above others, so that He might try you by means of what He has bestowed upon you. [166] Verily, thy Sustainer is swift in retribution: yet, behold, He is indeed much-forgiving, a dispenser of grace.

Topics discussed in this Verse:

[Allah:raises people to ranks (degrees)] [Allah's attributes:Most Merciful] [Allah's attributes:Oft_Forgiving] [Allah's attributes:Quick in punishment] [Trials and tests] [Vicegerent creation of]

وَهُوَ الَّذِي جَعَلَكُمْ خَلاَئِفَ الأَرْضِ وَرَفَعَ بَعْضَكُمْ فَوْقَ بَعْضٍ دَرَجَاتٍ لِّيَبْلُوَكُمْ فِي مَ

ا آتَاكُمْ إِنَّ رَبَّكَ سَرِيعُ الْعِقَابِ وَإِنَّهُ لَغَفُورٌ رَّحِيمٌ (6:165)

A Just society

Islam emerged to bring peace, tranquility and equilibrium to the multitudes of tribes at conflict with each other in the 6th century AD. In a period of 23 years, thru suffering, persecution and sacrifice a just society evolved. Diversity was it’s basis, respecting each tradition and bringing them together and appreciating the creator was the foundation stone of Islam. Justice, liberty and freedom are the core values enshrined in Islam.

Pluralism

Islam is indeed a pluralistic faith and imbues a sense of humility and ideals of equality of humankind. These values are embedded in its rituals practices. All people harvest their own deeds.

He fashioned each one of you--and each one of you is beautiful. To God you will all return. He knows all that the heavens and the earth contain. He knows all that you hide and all that you reveal. He knows your deepest thoughts.

At-Taghabun (Loss and Gain)

64:1 ALL THAT IS in the heavens and all that is on earth extols God's limitless glory: His is all dominion, and to Him all praise is due; and He has the power to will anything.

يُسَبِّحُ لِلَّهِ مَا فِي السَّمَاوَاتِ وَمَا فِي الْأَرْضِ لَهُ الْمُلْكُ وَلَهُ الْحَمْدُ وَهُوَ عَلَى كُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدِيرٌ (64:1)

64:2 He it is who has created you: and among you are such as deny this truth, and among you are such as believe [in it]. [1] And God sees all that you do. هُوَ الَّذِي خَلَقَكُمْ فَمِنكُمْ كَافِرٌ وَمِنكُم مُّؤْمِنٌ وَاللَّهُ بِمَا تَعْمَلُونَ بَصِيرٌ (64:2)

64:3 He has created the heavens and the earth in accordance with [an inner] truth, [2] and has formed you - and formed you so well; [3] and with Him is your journey's end.

خَلَقَ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضَ بِالْحَقِّ وَصَوَّرَكُمْ فَأَحْسَنَ صُوَرَكُمْ وَإِلَيْهِ الْمَصِيرُ (64:3)

64:4 He knows all that is in the heavens and on earth; and He knows all that you keep secret as well as all that you bring into the open: for God has full knowledge of what is in the hearts [of men].

64:5 HAVE THE STORIES of those who, in earlier times, refused to acknowledge the truth never yet come within your ken? [They denied it -] and so they had to taste the evil outcome of their own doings, [4] with [more] grievous suffering awaiting them [in the life to come]:

أَلَمْ يَأْتِكُمْ نَبَأُ الَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا مِن قَبْلُ فَذَاقُوا وَبَالَ أَمْرِهِمْ وَلَهُمْ عَذَابٌ أَلِيمٌ (64:5

The Madinah pact, prescribes the rights of its Citizens and Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) was the signatory to it as the head of the City State. It was an all inclusive agreement between the Jews, Christians, Sabeans, Quraish, Muslims and other tribes for a peaceful co-existence. An example was set for a pluralistic society in documenting the rights of individuals. Perhaps it was the first historical document that included diverse people with freedom to practice what they believe. The Word Ummah was used in the document to mean all residents of the City.

Freedom

God could have made us all alike; instead he chose to make us humans, giving guidance on one hand, temptations on the other – then giving room to make mistakes, and room for correction. Islam has not claimed monopoly to heaven; it is assured to those who do good deeds. Good deeds are defined by Prophet Mohammad (pbuh) as how your treat others. He told his daughter that it would be her deeds that would earn her a place in the Kingdom of God and not because she is the daughter of the Prophet. There is no free lunch, you have to take responsibility for your actions and earn the grace of God through serving his creation.

Qur'an, Al-Inshiqaq, Surah 84:7-15: Each person will be given a book. Those who are given their books in their right hands (understanding the book correctly) will be judged leniently; and they will return to their people joyfully. But those who are given their books in their left hands (misunderstanding) will call their own destruction on themselves, and burn in the fire of hell. There are the people who have never cared for their neighbors; they thought they would never return to God. Their Lord watches all that people do.

For Millions of years, the physical dimension of the Universe has existed in a perfect balance as it did not have the ego to compete with each other nor had the freedom to mess with it. They do, what God intended them to do. It is the human dimension that needed religion, and every religion is meant to bring peace to individuals and balance to the world around them through free choice.

God willing, the Muslim community will be drawing the blue prints and developing a 14 year plan to find their space in the world of communities, as contributors and active participants in the peaceful co-existence for the people of the World. The Book “Muslim Vision 2020” is on the horizon.

The human desire to monopolize World resources is the root cause of all evil. The pockets of anarchy and problems of the world are born out of fear and insecurities of evil men. Religion is not the source of wars or conflict. In fact, Religion is the best Gift humans have received from God, without which the World would be chaotic.

Praise the Lord. We are pleased to announce the formation of The World Muslim Congress, A non-profit organization dedicated to promoting co-existence and contributing towards a just world. (Formed: 5/25/2006)

Our silence has done more damage to us, our faith and our World. Silent no more, God willing, we will resolutely take back our faith for our good and the good of mankind.

A Major Paradigm Shift

The world has indeed become a global community. Everyone is a neighbor to everyone else; we aspire to nurture the concept of good neighborliness in the world. Our advisory board will be represented by individuals from every faith. It is time for us to be equal citizens of one world, our home. This is a major paradigm shift in how the religious organizations would be conducting their business in the coming years.

Our upcoming website: www.WorldMuslimCongress.com will present a range of values in Islam. It is a shame that some of the translations of Qur’an contain phrases that are not in Qur’an. A dozen translations will be presented verse by verse, with the source. So you may know the truth!

Speak up, silent no more ®

Mike Ghouse, President, World Muslim Congress, 2665 Villa Creek Dr, Suite 206, Dallas, TX 75234

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Additional Notes

We are drawing the blue prints, and developing a 14 year plan to find our space in the world of communities, as contributors and active participants in the peaceful co-existence of the people of the World.

God willing (Insha Allah) by the September 11, we plan to role out a Seven point program achieving the mission encrusted in the press release below. We are driven by the thought "How can we make the world a better place for every one".

Nothing has ever happened without taking a step forward. The website www.WorldMuslimCongress.com is scheduled to be launched on Monday, September 11, 2006. It will be interactive and accommodative of diversity within Islam and aims to be a voice of the Majority of Muslims who chose moderation.

Islam is not a monolithic religion and has allowed diversity from its very inception. Justice, Liberty and freedom are its core values. God could have made us desire-less and sinless angels, instead he chose to make us human, giving guidance on one hand, temptations on the other – then giving room to make mistakes, and room to correct ourselves thru repentance. Forgiveness is a full cycle concept and not merely utterance of words. Hence, Islam is a deed based religion.

Our silence has done a lot more damage to us than the damage done by the extremists. We have a forum now to speak up and present the majority view to the world.

If you would like to join the discussions on any topic, please send your email request to: WorldMuslimCongress-Subscribe@yahoogroups.com