Islamic atttitude towards other religions

The correct title should be "The tolerance of Islam towards other religions".  The Prophet was for Islam.  Islam was not Prophet.  The Prophet derived the teaching and wisdom on tolerence from the Quran

[16:125] You shall invite to the path of your Lord with wisdom and kind enlightenment, and debate with them in the best possible manner. Your Lord knows best who has strayed from His path, and He knows best who the guided ones are.

[6:108] Do not curse the idols they set up beside GOD, lest they blaspheme and curse GOD, out of ignorance. We have adorned the works of every group in their eyes. Ultimately, they return to their Lord, then He informs them of everything they had done.  

[4:140] He has instructed you in the scripture that: if you hear GOD's revelations being mocked and ridiculed, you shall not sit with them, unless they delve into another subject. Otherwise, you will be as guilty as they are. GOD will gather the hypocrites and the disbelievers together in Hell.

[6:68] If you see those who mock our revelations, you shall avoid them until they delve into another subject. If the devil causes you to forget, then, as soon as you remember, do not sit with such evil people. 

[2:62] Surely, those who believe, those who are Jewish, the Christians, and the converts; anyone who (1) believes in GOD, and (2) believes in the Last Day, and (3) leads a righteous life, will receive their recompense from their Lord. They have nothing to fear, nor will they grieve.

[22:34] For each congregation we have decreed rites whereby they commemorate the name of GOD for providing them with the livestock. Your god is one and the same god; you shall all submit to Him. Give good news to the obedient.

  [2:256] There shall be no compulsion in religion: the right way is now distinct from the wrong way. Anyone who denounces the devil and believes in GOD has grasped the strongest bond; one that never breaks. GOD is Hearer, Omniscient.  

[18:29] Proclaim: "This is the truth from your Lord," then whoever wills let him believe, and whoever wills let him disbelieve....

[6:104] Enlightenments have come to you from your Lord. As for those who can see, they do so for their own good, and those who turn blind, do so to their own detriment. I am not your guardian.

 [10:99] Had your Lord willed, all the people on earth would have believed. Do you want to force the people to become believers?

 [2:148]  Each of you chooses the direction to follow; you shall race towards righteousness. Wherever you may be, GOD will summon you all. GOD is Omnipotent.

[73:19]  This is a reminder; whoever wills, let him choose the path to his Lord.

 Thank you and may God guide me,

Muhammed Irtaza  

Yoga and Quraan

http://quraan-today.blogspot.com/2010/10/yoga-and-quraan.html

SHOULD CHRISTIANS (and other non-Hindus) BEWARE OF YOGA?
The president of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Albert Mohler, caused a stir with a recent column decrying the practice of yoga by Christians. Eleven Texans including Mike Ghouse responds to the Texas faith panel. http://religionblog.dallasnews.com/archives/2010/10/texas-faith-should-non-hindus.html


Here is Mike's take including a reference to the Muslim clerics in Malaysia whose stand was similar to Albert Mohler, followed by Muhammad Irtaza's references from Quraan on the subject.
Mohler can chill.

It is human to protect oneself from perceived threats to his or her way of life and Al Mohler’s take on Yoga is the classic case of deficiency in one’s faith.  When Galileo supported the view that Sun was at the center of the universe, the church condemned it as false and contrary to scripture, thus he was forced to spend the rest of his life under house arrest. The discovery shook up the guardians of religion; it was like pulling the rug out from under their feet.  It was a loss of control rather than the perceived depletion of faith. 

Mohler seems to be threatened with the popularity of Yoga, a beautiful practice to bring composure to oneself. He is obsessed with the idea that Yoga is a bait to lure his congregation away into “a spiritual practice that threatens to transform their own spiritual lives into a `post-Christian, spiritually polyglot’ reality”, and then he asks, “Should any Christian willingly risk that?” How mistaken can one be? Yoga is not a mutually exclusive practice, nor is it a religion; it is indeed a catalyst in achieving the union of mind and body that is central to all spirituality.

A similar call was made in Malaysia a year ago, the Muslim clerics called Yoga was Hinduizing their faith and wanted to ban the practice of Yoga in their country, likewise, the radicals among Hindus routinely vandalize the stores that sell Valentines cards claiming that it is an invasion of their culture. The Middle Eastern nations ban display of religious symbols in public space for the fear that they may lose their flock. 

The power of faith is stronger than anything out there, even though it is an intangible possession; people have given up their lives but not their faith. Historic events like Masada, Inquisitions, Bilal, Guru Tej Bahadur and several other events of the world stand testimony to one’s commitment to faith. People should have the freedom to pursue happiness and spiritual fulfillment.  

The insecurity of self proclaimed guardians of faith is exhibited by their desire to keep a tighter leash on their followers without realizing that humans are born to be free, you cannot bind them through fatwas, but freedom. 

   

Should we stick to the earlier Christian belief that God gave the life and let’s not give medicine to the sick, because it has pagan or Muslim origins?

Throughout the history of mankind, men and women have sought methods and systems that can keep them from getting off the handle; that can ease them from tensions and bring peace of mind and tranquility to one. 

When you are scattered with too many things in a given moment, you take a break, have a cup of coffee, go for a walk, meditate or make a list. This act of refreshing oneself is called yoga, getting your act together, bringing your body and mind together to function well.

Yoga is neither Christian nor Hindu; it is a beautiful gift that originated in India for the benefit of mankind to function cohesively.  All individuals and nations should give and receive the good without labeling it.

Mike Ghouse is a speaker on Pluralism and Islam offering pluralistic solutions to the media and public on issues of the day. His blogs and sites are listed at http://www.mikeghouse.net/ 

# # # FROM QURAAN/ COMPILED BY MUHAMMAD IRTAZA

Salaam.
 
It is a great blessing from God that He committed in our service everything. The Quran does not exclude yoga from His blessings.  Yoga is one of Creator's wonderful creations. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out that yoga can make us feel good!

[45:13] He committed in your service everything in the heavens and the earth; all from Him. These are proofs for people who reflect.

Yoga has been practiced for more than 5,000 years.  Most Westernized yoga classes focus on learning physical poses, which are called asanas. They also usually include some form of breathing technique and possibly a meditation technique as well. Some yoga classes are designed purely for relaxation. But there are styles of yoga that teach us how to move our body in new ways. Choosing one of these styles offers the greatest health benefits by enabling us to develop our flexibility, strength, and balance

[16:18] If you count GOD's blessings, you cannot possibly encompass them. GOD is Forgiver, Most Merciful.

[5:87] O you who believe, do not prohibit good things that are made lawful by GOD, and do not aggress; GOD dislikes the aggressors.

[7:32] Say, "Who prohibited the nice things GOD has created for His creatures, and the good provisions?" Say, "Such provisions are to be enjoyed in this life by those who believe. Moreover, the good provisions will be exclusively theirs on the Day of Resurrection." We thus explain the revelations for people who know.

Thank you and may God guide me,

Muhammed Irtaza

Q48:29 Ruthless to unbelievers

Mohammed is God's apostle. Those who follow him are ruthless to the unbelievers but merciful to one another. (48:29).

Qur'aan - 48:29

مُّحَمَّدٌ رَّسُولُ اللَّهِ وَالَّذِينَ مَعَهُ أَشِدَّاء عَلَى الْكُفَّارِ رُحَمَاء بَيْنَهُمْ تَرَاهُمْ رُكَّعًا سُجَّدًا يَبْتَغُونَ فَضْلًا مِّنَ اللَّهِ وَرِضْوَانًا سِيمَاهُمْ فِي وُجُوهِهِم مِّنْ أَثَرِ السُّجُودِ ذَلِكَ مَثَلُهُمْ فِي التَّوْرَاةِ وَمَثَلُهُمْ فِي الْإِنجِيلِ كَزَرْعٍ أَخْرَجَ شَطْأَهُ فَآزَرَهُ فَاسْتَغْلَظَ فَاسْتَوَى عَلَى سُوقِهِ يُعْجِبُ الزُّرَّاعَ لِيَغِيظَ بِهِمُ الْكُفَّارَ وَعَدَ اللَّهُ الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا وَعَمِلُوا الصَّالِحَاتِ مِنْهُم مَّغْفِرَةً وَأَجْرًا عَظِيمًا

Muhammadun rasoolu Allahi waallatheena maAAahu ashiddao AAala alkuffari ruhamao baynahum tarahum rukkaAAan sujjadan yabtaghoona fadlan mina Allahi waridwanan seemahum fee wujoohihim min athari alssujoodi thalika mathaluhum fee alttawrati wamathaluhum fee alinjeeli kazarAAin akhraja shatahu faazarahu faistaghlatha faistawa AAala sooqihi yuAAjibu alzzurraAAa liyagheetha bihimu alkuffara waAAada Allahu allatheena amanoo waAAamiloo alssalihati minhum maghfiratan waajran AAatheeman


48:29 (Asad) MUHAMMAD is God’s Apostle; and those who are [truly] with him are firm and unyielding [This composite gives, I believe, the full meaning of the term ashidda (sing. shadid) in the above context.] towards all deniers of the truth, [yet] full of mercy towards one another.
[Lit., "among themselves". Cf. 5:54 - "humble towards the believers, proud towards all who deny the truth".]

Thou canst see them bowing down, pros­trating themselves [in prayer], seeking favour with God and [His] goodly acceptance: their marks are on their faces, traced by prostration. [The infinitive noun sujud ("prostration") stands here for the innermost consummation of faith, while its "trace" signifies the spiritual reflection of that faith in the believer’s manner of life and even in his outward aspect. Since the "face" is the most expressive part of man’s personality, it is often used in the Qur’an in the sense of one’s "whole being".]

This is their parable in the Torah as well as their parable in the Gospel:
[Regarding the significance of the term Injil ("Gospel") as used in the Qur’an, see the surah 3 note 4] [they are] like a seed that brings forth its shoot, and then He strengthens it, so that it grows stout, and [in the end] stands firm upon its stem, delighting the sowers. [Thus will God cause the believers to grow in strength,] so that through them He might confound the deniers of the truth. [Lit., "infuse with wrath".] [But] unto such of them as may [yet] attain to faith and do righteous deeds, God has promised forgiveness and a reward supreme.[Whereas most of the classical commentators understand the above sentence as alluding to believers in general, Razi relates the pronoun minhum ("of them" or "among them") explicitly to the deniers of the truth spoken of in the preceding sentence - i.e., to those of them who might yet attain to faith and thus achieve God’s forgiveness: a promise which was fulfilled within a few years after the revelation of this verse, inasmuch as most of the Arabian enemies of the Prophet embraced Islam, and many of them became its torchbearers. But in a wider sense, this divine promise remains open until Resurrection Day (Tabari), relating to everybody, at all times and in all cultural environments, who might yet attain to the truth and live up to it.]
# # #

Mike Ghouse: Those who follow the rules for the general wellbeing and goodness of the society, God has rewards for them, those who violate the rules, they get traffic tickets or go to jail depending on the severity of the violation.

Indeed, the Talibans and their likes interpret "those who are good" as their own private club, where as Quraan has been clear that no one needs to worry about earning God's grace whether they are Jews, Christians or others. As Muslims we have a monumental task to let other Muslims understand the universality of Qur'aan; it is about good and bad and not Muslims and non-Muslims.

Q4:101 Unbelievers are inveterate enemies

In Circulation: The unbelievers are your inveterate enemy. (4:101)

Quraan: 4:101

وَإِذَا ضَرَبْتُمْ فِي الأَرْضِ فَلَيْسَ عَلَيْكُمْ جُنَاحٌ أَن تَقْصُرُواْ مِنَ الصَّلاَةِ إِنْ خِفْتُمْ أَن يَفْتِنَكُمُ الَّذِينَ كَفَرُواْ إِنَّ الْكَافِرِينَ كَانُواْ لَكُمْ عَدُوًّا مُّبِينًا

Waitha darabtum fee alardi falaysa AAalaykum junahun an taqsuroo mina alssalati in khiftum an yaftinakumu allatheena kafaroo inna alkafireena kanoo lakum AAaduwwan mubeenan

Muhammad Asad

4:101 (Asad) AND WHEN you go forth [to war] on earth, you will incur no sin by shortening your prayers [127] if you have reason to fear that those who are bent on denying the truth might suddenly fall upon you: [128] for, verily, those who deny the truth are your open foes.


Note 127 (Quran Ref: 4:101 )
Lit., "the prayer": a reference to the five obligatory daily prayers - at dawn, noon, afternoon, after sunset and late in the evening - which may be shortened and combined (the noon prayer with that of the afternoon, and the sunset prayer with that of the late evening) if one is travelling or in actual danger. While the extension of this permission to peaceful travel has been authorized by the Prophet's sunnah, the Qur’an mentions it only in connection with war situations; and this justifies the interpolation, in the opening sentence, of the words "to war". The prayer described in the next verse - with the congregation praying in shifts - is called salat al-khawf ("prayer in danger").(Quran Ref: 4:101 )


Note 128 (Quran Ref: 4:101 )
Lit., "might cause you an affliction" - implying, according to almost all the commentators, a sudden attack.(Quran Ref: 4:101 )

Mike Ghouse : self explanatory

Q8:55 Vilest animals are disbelievers

In circulation: Surely the vilest of animals in Allah’s sight are those who disbelieve. (8.55)

Quraan: 8:55

إِنَّ شَرَّ الدَّوَابِّ عِندَ اللّهِ الَّذِينَ كَفَرُواْ فَهُمْ لاَ يُؤْمِنُونَ
Inna sharra alddawabbi AAinda Allahi allatheena kafaroo fahum la yuminoona

Muhammad Asad

8:55 (Asad) Verily, the vilest creatures in the sight of God are those who are bent on denying the truth and therefore do not believe.
Asad (8,58)
[58]


Note 58 (Quran Ref: 8:55 )
Cf. verse 22 of this surah, where the same epithet is applied to human beings "who do not use their reason". In the present instance, it should be noted, the particle fa at the beginning of the phrase fa-hum Ia yu'minun has the meaning of "and therefore" ("and therefore they do not believe"): thus showing that lack of belief in spiritual verities is a consequence of one's being "bent on denying the truth". Expressed in positive terms, this amounts to the statement that belief in any ethical proposition depends on one's readiness to consider it on its merits and to admit the truth of whatever one's mind judges to be in conformity with other-empirically or intuitively established-truths. As regards the expression alladhina kafaru, the use of the past tense is meant here, as so often in the Qur’an, to stress the element of intention, and is, therefore, consistently rendered by me - wherever the context warrants it - as "those who are bent on denying the truth" (see also surah 2, note 6).

# # #

Mike Ghouse: The vilest citizens in your city are those who are bent on violating the traffic rules, those who do not believe in the laws of the land. Those who drink and drive make hell for themselves and for others.

Q3:85 Other than Islam

Verse 3:85 is one of the most quoted verses,  and there are two different understandings of it, depending on your view of Islam between a limited exclusive  religion for Muslims or an open religion as wide as the milky way for humanity. URL : http://quraan-today.blogspot.com/2010/09/q385-other-than-islam.html

IN CIRCULATION BY INSECURE  MUSLIMS

Qur'aan - 3:85 - In circulation among Muslims: "If anyone desires a religion other than Islam, never will it be accepted of him." (3: 85)

وَمَن يَبْتَغِ غَيْرَ الإِسْلاَمِ دِينًا فَلَن يُقْبَلَ مِنْهُ وَهُوَ فِي الآخِرَةِ مِنَ الْخَاسِرِينَ
Waman yabtaghi ghayra alislami deenan falan yuqbala minhu wahuwa fee alakhirati mina alkhasireena

Also 3:64 - http://quraan-today.blogspot.com/2015/03/364-other-than-your-religion-related.html

THE UNIVERSAL MEANING OF THE VERSE


The above understanding is based on making God to play the role of good-cop and bad-cop which is funny, as God does not play games. The word Islam is the general meaning for those who subscribe to the the system of harmonious living. Here are a few translations from the most accepted translators of Quran, that differ from the circulated version above.  The usage of Word Allah is not about a specific God, but simply a name of God.

3:85 (Asad) For, if one goes in search of a religion other than self-surrender unto God, it will never be accepted from him, and in the life to come he shall be among the lost.

3:85 (Pickthall) And whoso seeketh as religion other than the Surrender (to Allah) it will not be accepted from him, and he will be a loser in the Hereafter. 

3:85 (Y. Ali) If anyone desires a religion other than Islam (submission to Allah., never will it be accepted of him; and in the Hereafter He will be in the ranks of those who have lost (All spiritual good).
.......

The above scholars have had full understanding of Quran. They have studied verses that guarantee God's grace to Jews, Christians and others, if they are good to fellow beings, where as the insecure Muslims chose to ignore the other verses of Quran. Islam is not a private club determined to keep people out of Paradise, Islam guides all humanity to subscribe to justice so all of us can live in harmony in that elusive paradise.

My understanding of Islam is, it is a way of life, indeed it is a way of life perfected to create cohesive societies where every thing functions in relative harmony.

The general meaning of Islam is subscribing to the system that assure a smooth functioning of the society, and the bottom line is the behavior that creates such societies.  It is indeed the behavior, the key word is “self-surrender unto the creator”. Any one who follows the laws of goodness (surrender) to keep peace in the society is following the deen, the dharma, the righteous path to sustain peace.

Technically it is submission to the will of God; which is caring for life and environment and maintaining the balance within oneself and with others, it establishes ones duty towards self and towards God's whole creation.

Politically, it is a private club bent on individuals and self appointed guardians of faith deciding who is in and who is out of faith, based on their narrow understanding of the faith.

God assures the humanity of this:

[2:62] Surely, those who believe, those who are Jewish, the Christians, and the converts; anyone who (1) believes in GOD, and (2) believes in the Last Day, and (3) leads a righteous life, will receive their recompense from their Lord. They have nothing to fear, nor will they grieve.

[2:136] Say, "We believe in GOD, and in what was sent down to us, and in what was sent down to Abraham, Ismail, Isaac, Jacob, and the Patriarchs; and in what was given to Moses and Jesus, and all the prophets from their Lord. We make no distinction among any of them. To Him alone we are submitters."

[22:17] Those who believe, those who are Jewish, the converts, the Christians, the Zoroastrians, and the idol worshipers, GOD is the One who will judge among them on the Day of Resurrection. GOD witnesses all things.

[4:152] As for those who believe in GOD and His messengers, and make no distinction among them, He will grant them their recompense. GOD is Forgiver, Most Merciful.


Finding the truth is our own responsibility; we are accountable for our actions as individuals. God assures that those who are responsible to preserve peaceful societies and work on maintaining harmony between life and environment, they will earn his grace. No matter what faith you follow.

Islam is meant to be a universal faith and created one world under one god, and not the political one to keep every one out of it. 

Mike Ghouse
http://mikeghouse.net/MuslimSpeaker.MikeGhouse.asp


 

Q3:19 What is acceptable to God

In Circulation -“ the (only) religion (acceptable) before God is Islam." (3:19)

Qur'aan 3:19

إِنَّ الدِّينَ عِندَ اللّهِ الإِسْلاَمُ وَمَا اخْتَلَفَ الَّذِينَ أُوْتُواْ الْكِتَابَ إِلاَّ مِن بَعْدِ مَا جَاءهُمُ الْعِلْمُ بَغْيًا بَيْنَهُمْ وَمَن يَكْفُرْ بِآيَاتِ اللّهِ فَإِنَّ اللّهِ سَرِيعُ الْحِسَاب
Inna alddeena AAinda Allahi alislamu wama ikhtalafa allatheena ootoo alkitaba illa min baAAdi ma jaahumu alAAilmu baghyan baynahum waman yakfur biayati Allahi fainna Allaha sareeAAu alhisabi


3:19 (Asad) Behold, the only [true] religion in the sight of God is [man's] self-surrender unto Him; and those who were vouchsafed revelation aforetime [12] took, out of mutual jealousy, to divergent views [on this point] only after knowledge [thereof] had come unto them. [13] But as for him who denies the truth of God's messages - behold, God is swift in reckoning!

Note 12 (Quran Ref: 3:19 )

Most of the classical commentators are of the opinion that the people referred to are the followers of the Bible, or of parts of it - i.e., the Jews and the Christians. It is, however, highly probable that this passage bears a wider import and relates to all communities which base their views on a revealed scripture, extant in a partially corrupted form, with parts of it entirely lost.
Note 13 (Quran Ref: 3:19 )

I.e., all these communities at first subscribed to the doctrine of God's oneness and held that man's self-surrender to Him (islam in its original connotation) is the essence of all true religion. Their subsequent divergencies were an outcome of sectarian pride and mutual exclusiveness.

# ##
Mike Ghouse: The key word is “self-surrender unto the creator”. Any one who follows the laws of goodness (surrender) to keep peace in the society is following the deen, the dharma, the righteous path to sustain peace. Jesus also said those who surrender are Muslims in the Aramaic version, meaning submission to the will (caring for his creation) of the creator.

Muslims for Freedom of Speech

A DEFENSE OF FREE SPEECH BY AMERICAN AND CANADIAN MUSLIMS

We, the undersigned, unconditionally condemn any intimidation or threats of violence directed against any individual or group exercising the rights of freedom of religion and speech; even when that speech may be perceived as hurtful or reprehensible.

We are concerned and saddened by the recent wave of vitriolic anti-Muslim and anti-Islamic sentiment that is being expressed across our nation.

We are even more concerned and saddened by threats that have been made against individual writers, cartoonists, and others by a minority of Muslims. We see these as a greater offense against Islam than any cartoon, Qur’an burning, or other speech could ever be deemed.

We affirm the right of free speech for Molly Norris, Matt Stone, Trey Parker, and all others including ourselves.

As Muslims, we must set an example of justice, patience, tolerance, respect, and forgiveness.

The Qur’an enjoins Muslims to:
* bear witness to Islam through our good example (2:143);
* restrain anger and pardon people (3:133-134 and 24:22);
* remain patient in adversity (3186);
* stand firmly for justice (4:135);
* not let the hatred of others swerve us from justice (5:8);
* respect the sanctity of life (5:32);
* turn away from those who mock Islam (6:68 and 28:55);
* hold to forgiveness, command what is right, and turn away from the ignorant (7:199);
* restrain ourselves from rash responses (16:125-128);
* pass by worthless talk with dignity (25:72); and
* repel evil with what is better (41:34).

Islam calls for vigorous condemnation of both hateful speech and hateful acts, but always within the boundaries of the law. It is of the utmost importance that we react, not out of reflexive emotion, but with dignity and intelligence, in accordance with both our religious precepts and the laws of our country.

We uphold the First Amendment of the US Constitution and the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Both protect freedom of religion and speech, because both protections are fundamental to defending minorities from the whims of the majority.

We therefore call on all Muslims in the United States, Canada and abroad to refrain from violence. We should see the challenges we face today as an opportunity to sideline the voices of hate—not reward them with further attention—by engaging our communities in constructive dialogue about the true principles of Islam, and the true principles of democracy, both of which stress the importance of freedom of religion and tolerance.


SIGNATORIES:

Prof. Hassan Abbas, Quaid-i-Azam Chair, South Asia Institute, Columbia University
Anisa Abd el Fattah, Founder and Chairwoman, National Association of Muslim American Women (NAMAW)
Khaled M Abdel-Hamid, MD, PhD, writer
Ammar Abdulhamid, Executive Director, Tharwa Foundation
Imam Johari Abdul Malik, Director of Outreach, Dar-Al-Hijrah Islamic Center
Mehnaz M. Afridi, PhD, Adjunct Professor (Judaism, Islam & Genocide Studies) Antioch University
Asma Afsaruddin, PhD, Professor of Islamic Studies, Indiana University, Bloomington
Imad-ad-Dean Ahmad, PhD, Director, Minaret of Freedom Foundation
Ahrar Ahmad, PhD, Professor of Political Science, Black Hills State University
Prof. Akbar S. Ahmed, PhD, Ibn Khaldun Chair of Islamic Studies, American University
Osman Ahmed,PhD, President Islamic Society of Essex County, Newark, NJ
Prof. Parvez Ahmed, PhD, Fulbright Scholar & Assoc. Prof. Univ. of North Florida
Barbara Al-Bayati, Co-Founder, Orphan Whispers
Aman Ali, writer, stand-up-comedian
Javed Ali, founder and publisher, Illume magazine
Wajahat Ali, playwright, journalist, and producer of “Domestic Crusaders”
Sumbul Ali-Karamali, JD, LLM (Islamic Law), author of “The Muslim Next Door”
Shaykh al-Hajj Dawud Ahmad al-Amriki, Director, Muslim America
Salam al-Marayati, Pres., Muslim Public Affairs Council (MPAC)
Shahed Amanullah, Editor-in-Chief, Altmuslim
Patricia Anton, Board member, Muslim Peace Fellowship
M. Saud Anwar, Co-Chair, American Muslim Peace Initiative
Abdul Cader Asmal MD, PhD, Past President, Islamic Council of Mew England
Aref Assaf, PhD, President, American Arab Forum
Hussam Ayloush, Exec. Director, CAIR Greater Los Angeles Area
Hazami Barmada, Pres, American Muslim Interactive Network (AMIN)
Bahar Bastani, M.D., Professor of Medicine, S.L.U., Secy. General Shia Islamic Education Center, VP of IMANA-St. Louis
Victor Ghalib Begg, Senior Advisor, Chairman Emeritus, Council of Islamic Organizations of Michigan
Jannah bint Hannah, activist, al-Fatiha Foundation
Farah Brelvi, Board of Directors, ACLU-NC
Arsalan Bukhari, Executive Director, CAIR-WA
M. Ali Chaudry, PhD, President, Center for Understanding Islam (CUII)
Kamran Cheikh, Activist, Committee member, Muslims for Peace, Justice & Progress (MPJP), researcher for Deen Research Center (DRC)
Noor-Malika Chishti, Vice Chair, So. CA Committee for a Parliament of the World’s Religions, Representative, the Sufi Order International, Member, World Council of Muslims for Interfaith Relations
Robert D. Crane, JD, author of numerous books
Prof Golam Dastagir, PhD, Visiting Research Scholar, New College, University of Toronto, Canada
Almoonir Dewji, blogger - “That We May Know Each Other”
Mustafa Stefan Dill, blogger;/PR/social media analyst for Muslim issues; musician
Ramsey El-Moslimany, member, Board of Directors, Islamic School of Seattle
Lamia El-Sadek, political and human rights activitist
Mohamed Elsanousi, Director of Communications and Community Outreach for the Islamic Society of N America (ISNA)
Mona Eltahawy, journalist
Aziz Enhaili, Political analyst, columnist for Tolerance.ca
Yusuf Estes, Chaplain ret., author of many books, public speaker
Prof. Mohammad Fadel, PhD
Fatemeh Fakhraie, Editor-in-Chief, Muslimah Media Watch
Mike Ghouse, President, World Muslim Congress
Iftekhar Hai, President, UMA Interfaith Alliance
Rabia Terri Harris, Founder and Coordinator, Muslim Peace Fellowship
Hesham Hassaballa, M.D., author, journalist, blogger - “God, faith, and a pen”
Amir Hussain, PhD, Professor of Theological Studies, Loyola Marymount University
Iftekhar Hussain, Chair, Board of Directors, CAIR-PA
Arsalan Iftikhar, author, human rights lawyer, blogger - “The Muslim Guy”
Jeffrey Imm, Director, Responsible for Equality And Liberty (R.E.A.L.)
Ghazala Irshad, journalist, blogger - “The Floating Lotus”
Nakia Jackson, writer
M. Zuhdi Jasser, MD, President, American Islamic Forum for Democracy
Safi Kaskas, President & CEO Strategic Edge
Mohja Kahf, PhD, Assoc. Professor of Comparative Literature, Univ. of Arkansas, author “The Girl in the Tangerine Scarf”
Prof. Muqtedar Khan, PhD, author of several books, Blogger - “Globalog”
Farah Kinani, Journalist, blogger - “Global Voices”
Shaikh Ahmad Kutty, Resident Senior Scholar, Islamic Institute of Toronto
Faisal Kutty, Visiting Asst. Prof. of law, Valparaiso University School of Law and Adjunct Professor of Law, Osgoode Hall Law School (Toronto)
M. Junaid Levesque-Alam, writer, blogger - “Crossing the Crescent”
David Liepert, M.D., blogger and author of “Muslim, Christian AND Jew”
Radwan A. Masmoudi, PhD, President, Center for the Study of Islam & Democracy (CSID)
Melissa Matos, President, Al-Ghazali Legal Society, Saint Louis University
Shelina Merani, community activist, artist, blogger “Muslim Presence”
Yahya Merchant, Interfaith Worker, Outreach contact for Islamic Center of Conejo Valley CA
Melody Moezzi, JD, MPH, writer and attorney
Daniel Abdal-Hayy Moore, author of many books of poetry
Ebrahim Moosa, Assoc. Professor of Islamic Studies, Dept. of Religion, Duke University
Lt. Col. Abdul-Rasheed Muhammad, U.S. Army Chaplain
Imam Abdul Malik Mujahid, President Sound Vision
Arman Musaji, artist
Sheila Musaji, Editor, The American Muslim (TAM)
Muneeb Nasir, President, Olive Tree Foundation, Editor IQRA Canada
Q. Amin Nathari, National Representative, Islam in America Movement (IAM)
Ahmed Naumaan, PhD, Director, Karsaz Inc.
Imam Abdul Hai Patel, Dir. Interfaith Relations, Canadian Council of Imams, Muslim Chaplain University of Toronto & York Regional Police
Aziz H. Poonawalla, PhD, scientist and blogger - “City of Brass” on Beliefnet
M.Waheed-uz-Zaman Rana, Imam, Prof. Emeritus, Dept. of Surgery, Saint Louis University
Hasan Zillur Rahim, PhD, journalist
Shaykh Ahmed Abdur Rashid, The Circle Group
Prof. Hussein Rashid, PhD, blogger - “Religion Dispatches”
Shafi Refai, President, United Muslims of America
Irfan Rydhan, Co-Founder of Muslim Unity Foundation
Muhamed Sacirbey, lawyer, diplomat, writer
Louay Safi, PhD, Common Word Fellow, Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Center for Christian Muslim Understanding, Georgetown University
Ghulam Abbas Sajan, Director Islamic Ahlul Bayt Assembly of Canada
Robert Salaam, blogger - “The American Muslim”
Raquel Evita Saraswati, activist, writer, blogger
Sarah Sayeed, President of One Blue
Sophia Rose Shafi, MA, MTS, doctoral candidate (Islamic Studies), writer
T.O. Shanavas. MD, Vice President, Islamic Research Foundation, author
S. Abdallah Schleifer, Distinguished Prof., Dept. of Journalism & Mass Com, American University Cairo
Ricka Shorish, M.S., R.N., volunteer/consultant, Avicenna Community Health Center
Jihad Shoshara, community organizer and activist, Chicago
Jafar Siddiqui, blogger - “Penjihad”
Prof. Laury Silvers, PhD
Gwendolyn Zoharah Simmons, PhD, Sr. Lecturer, Islamic Studies & African American Religion, University of Florida
Prof. Ibrahim B. Syed, PhD, President of Islamic Research Foundation International, Inc., author
Dr. Sayyid M. Syeed, Nat’l Director, Office for Interfaith & Community Alliances, Islamic Society of N America (ISNA)
J.Tayeb, MD, President, CAIR-MI, ISNA founders committee member, Vice chair, HUDA free Clinic, Detroit
Pamela Taylor, Co-founder Muslims for Progressive Values, Panelist for On Faith
Tayyibah Taylor, Editor, Azizah Magazine
Dr. Hashim El-Tinay, President, International Peace Quest Institute (IPQI)
Mahdi Toourage, PhD, Assistant Prof., U of Western Ontaio
Tarik Trad, writer, humorist, photographer, artist and activist
Asma T. Uddin, Attorney, The Becket Fund for Religious Liberty and Editor, Altmuslimah
Wahida Valiante, President, Canadian Islamic Congress and Chair of Islamic History Month Canada
Jason van Boom, Host of “Islam and Authors”, writer
Amina Wadud, PhD, consultant on Islam and gender, visiting scholar Starr King School for the Ministry
Danya Wellmon, Co-Founder Women Transcending Boundaries interfaith group
Svend White, blogger - “Akram’s Razor”, activist, writer
G. Willow Wilson, author of “Butterfly Mosque” and “Air” graphic novel series
Ani Zonneveld, President, Muslims for Progressive Values

http://www.theamericanmuslim.org/tam.php/features/articles/a_defense_of_free_speech_by_american_and_canadian_muslims/0018241

Muslims act, rather pro-act against Quraan Burning

Muslims act; rather pro-act against Quraan Burning
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/mike-ghouse/muslims-proact-against-qu_b_705571.html

Imam Zia Shaikh and Mike Ghouse
The world will perhaps watch Terry Jones, senior pastor at Dove World Outreach Center in Florida burn the Quraan on his Church grounds on September 11, 2010. Obviously this incendiary act is intended to provoke reaction from the Muslims.

The actions of a few Muslims would be as representative of Islam as the actions of Pastor Jones representing Christianity. There will be some among Muslims who will mirror Pastor Jones.

The Majority of Muslims would act the same way as the Christian or other Majorities in other faiths; do nothing. However, “silent no more, speak up” is the new paradigm among Muslims. They had enough of the blame of 9/11 placed on them while the criminal is at large. The Muslims want Osama Bin Laden caught and punished as much if not more than the families of the victims of the 911 do, their loved ones have journeyed to paradise and resting in peace. No doubt bigotry is germinating from a miniscule percentage of Americans against fellow Americans, the majority of Americans have not felt the need to stop what is un-American; to treat fellow Americans with suspicion and blame for things they have no part in it.


The issue can be framed in two questions.

What is God going to do about it as Pastor Jones burns the Quran?
The simple answer is “Nothing!”

Muslims do not own Quraan; it is a book of guidance for those who chose to be guided. Indeed, Qur'aan starts with the word "God of Universe" Al-Fatiha (The Opening) 1:2 “All praise is due to God alone, the Sustainer of all the worlds” and ends with addressing humanity as a whole again, An-Nas (The Mankind) 114:1 SAY: "I seek refuge with the Sustainer of men.”

It is understood that God, the cause behind creation of life and matter belongs to all of us. No one owns him or any group has exclusive favors with him over the other.

God knows every thing we do, and neither Osama Bin Laden nor Pastor Jones will go scot free, every one of us has to account to ourselves in our solitude and again on the day of reckoning.

Quraan, 14:4, and never have we sent forth any apostle otherwise than [with a message] in his own people's tongue (language), so that he might make [the truth] clear unto them; but God lets go astray him that wills [to go astray], and guides him that wills [to be guided] -for He alone is almighty, truly wise.

God is not going to do a thing, he has blessed us with free will and encourages and guides us to do good and holds us responsible when we fail.

What are Muslims going to do about it?
They will pray for the well being of the pastor.
That is what Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) did when the miscreants pelted rocks at him, instead of getting even with them, he asked his associates to join him and pray for their well being. Angel Gabriel offered help to go get those rascals, the prophet said no to him and instead prayed for their goodwill. He believed that there is goodness in every human soul and we have to appeal to it. He chose the non-violent way of goodwill nurturing.

Most Muslims will follow that beautiful example of the prophet; it is one of the peace models he presented for the world to follow, just as most Christians would follow the teachings of Jesus Christ and not burn the Quraan. There will be fringe elements among Muslims who will mirror Pastor Jones. You can count them to be no more than 1/100th of 1% of the population.

Quraan, 14:12 and how could we not place our trust in God, seeing that it is he who has shown us the path which we are to follow? "Hence, we shall certainly bear with patience whatever hurt you may do us: for, all who have trust [in His existence] must place their trust in God."

Let Pastor Jones burn the Quraan if he so chooses, however, we request him to read the right translations and understand the verses in their right context. There are at least 18 decent translations against the two he may have read and bases his judgment upon. We will be happy to sit with him and clarify any thing he may have possibly misunderstood.

What does it take to build orderly societies? What does it take for you, me and others to feel safe and live in peace? Can we follow Jesus and remove the fears and bring peace to all?

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."

We have to consciously create institutions and systems that will become a catalyst to a positive change and bring about cohesive functioning of the society. It is our duty to keep law and order and faithfully guard the safety of every citizen. As an individual, I cannot be safe if the people around me aren’t, it is in my interest to seek peace for all of us.

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.

Imam Zia Shaikh is the resident scholar of the Islamic Center of Irving, Texas and a Hafiz-e- Quraan. Mike Ghouse is a speaker on Islam and Pluralism offering pluralistic solutions to the media and the public on the issues of the day, his work is expressed in 22 blogs and 3 websites listed at www.MikeGhouse.net

If anyone leaves Islam, kill him (4:89)

Xavier Gomez

Coercion is a normative in Islam. though some may disagree and claim that it occours only in certain countries, the unwritten law and subliminal compulsion is fundamental. You will find Muslims quoting this verse to non-Muslims and potential converts: "there is no compulsion in Islam(Quran 2:256), but not the Meccan period verses like: "if anyone leaves Islam, kill him. (Quran 4:89)

Mike Ghouse
- Xavier, I was in your shoes, a Muslim atheist for a long time and did not want to have anything to do with Islam, then a verse changed my life - finding the truth is one's own responsiblity. A lot of mistranslations are the basis for steretyping any one including Muslims.

My integrity and intellectual honesty demands that I verify the verse and translation and sure enough the way you have been given is wrong and misleading.

Take a reading of this4:89 (Asad)

They would love to see you deny the truth even as they have denied it, so that you should be like them. Do not, therefore, take them for your allies until they forsake the domain of evil [108] for the sake of God; and if they revert to [open] enmity, seize them and slay them wherever you may find them. And do not take any of them [109] for your ally or giver of succour.

Muslims are willing to take the next step, not all, but a few, that my faith is beautiful to me as yours is to you and further, I proclaim that my faith is not superior to any. That ends the arrogance part and bring in humility and I know the trend among intellectually honest spiritualists in every religion that is seeing the path.Thanks for giving me the opportunity to check on yet another mistranslation and mis- representation.

Mike Ghouse
http://www.mikeghouse.net/

Quraan on Terrorism

In the name of GOD, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

The following was compiled by Henry Najaf Pir, right after 9/11 - and since it quotes verses from Quraan extensively, it is placed on this Blog.

Terrorism cannot be justified

Like all the other religions of God, Islam, Submission in English, promotes peace, love and harmony among the people. In fact the word “Islam” in addition to meaning Submission to God alone, is also derived from the Arabic word, Salaam, peace.

Submitters or Muslims in the Arab language, greet each other by saying “Salaam Alaikum”, Peace be upon you. This is similar to Shalom in Hebrew.

The laws of the scriptures that apply to the Christians and the Jews are repeated and emphasized for the Muslims in the Quran. Muslims are commanded to follow such laws as:

[Quran Chp 5 vs. 32] “...we decreed for the Children of Israel that anyone who murders any person who had not committed murder or horrendous crimes, it shall be as if he murdered all the people. And anyone who spares a life, it shall be as if he spared the lives of all the people. ...”

The true religion of Islam forbids the killing of innocent people, irrespective of the cause, whether religious, political or social beliefs.

[Quran Chp 6 vs. 151] “...You shall not kill-- GOD has made life sacred except in the course of justice. These are His commandments to you, that you may understand.”

[Quran Chp 7 vs. 28] “They commit a gross sin, then say, “We found our parents doing this, and GOD has commanded us to do it.” Say, “GOD never advocates sin. Are you saying about GOD what you do not know?”

From the following verses, the religion of Submission, which is Islam in the Arabic language, it advocates freedom, peace, trust, mutual respect and condemns aggression.

[Quran Chp 5 vs. 87] “...and do not aggress; GOD dislikes the aggressors.”
[Quran Chp 7 vs. 199] “...You shall resort to pardon, advocate tolerance, and disregard the ignorant. “

The theme in the Quran is peace, unless there is oppression or injustice that cannot be resolved by all the peaceful means available.

It is true and clear from the Holy Quran that the believers must be strong and defends themselves but never aggress.

However, this call is to use the strength to secure peace, provide freedom for the society and the country but never to aggress unless aggressed upon.

Freedom of Religion

The religion of Islam condemns the killing or even the persecution of people merely because they embrace a different religion.

The Quran mandates the absolute freedom of religion in a society.
It does not allow Muslims to fight, except for self-defense and to enforce peace.
It does not allow restrictions on those who disagree on religious matters.
It urges the Muslims to treat such people kindly and equitably:

[Quran Chp 2 vs. 256] “There shall be no compulsion in religion...”
[Quran Chp 60 vs. 8] “GOD does not enjoin you from befriending those who do not fight you because of religion, and do not evict you from your homes. You may befriend them and be equitable towards them. GOD loves the equitable.”
[Quran Chp 4 vs. 90] “...Therefore, if they leave you alone, refrain from fighting you, and offer you peace, then GOD gives you no excuse to fight them.”

Regrettably, many terrorists groups have used the name Islam to promote their causes, and this gave many non-Muslims an opportunity to attack Islam vigorously and label the Muslims as terrorists. Deliberately, ignored on the other hand, are terrorists who profess to belong to other religions, or non-religious groups.

With all the great laws established on earth by God, the evil among the human beings find a way to abuse, distort or misinterpret them.

This does not make God’s laws evil, but rather proves the evil nature of these criminals.
Terrorism does not recognize any boundaries, such as we encountered with the:

- CEO’s of the Enron Corporation, who stole the retirement funds of their trusting employees and subsequently, they sent a wave of terror in the hearts of millions of employees in our nation, or,

- Timothy McVey, who was brought up in a Christian environment and who carried out a Bombing attack on the Federal Building in Oklahoma, killing men, women and even the children of these employees, or,

- David Koresh and his Christian followers who caused Federal Task Forces to
massacre them in Waco Texas, or,

- The Japan subway nerve gas attack by Aum guru, Shoko Asahara in 1995, or,
- The ministry of reverend Jim Jones who called himself the re-incarnation of Father divine in the west coast, and subsequent mass killing of more than 900 of his followers in 1978, or,
- The genocide and mass graves of thousands of Muslims by so called Christians in Bosnia, or,
- How about Jewish or Palestinian who have being living under fear of terrorist attacks for the last 60 years and using their religious beliefs to claim legitimacy for the violence and terrorism they commit.
- And the other terrorist groups in England, Ireland, Germany, Spain… and
on and on.
Thousands of men, women, children, young and old have been terrorized or killed in attempts to achieve or hold on to special interests whether political, financial, social or religious.
None of these terrorists represent the true teaching of Jesus son of Marry or the true laws of the Torah, any more than Islamic extremist represent the holy Quran.

Those who do not comprehend the True Islam, and those who have an interest in distorting the truth, about the religion of Islam, have been trying to make the words terrorists and terrorism synonymous with the religion.
Unfortunately, this is a common mistake portrayed frequently by our news media.

Attacks on the civilians and the innocent people around the world by these groups is something that cannot be justified by any religion or under any cause, and is strongly condemned in all religions, including Islam as clarified by the Quran, the Final Testament.

The blame lies with the terrorists and not the religion they claim to adhere to.
Not everyone who calls himself a Muslim is a follower of the Quran, just as not every one who thinks of himself as a Jew or a Christian is a follower of the true scriptures.
They actually are terrorists, by the definition of the Torah (the Old Testament), the Gospel (the New Testament) and the Quran (the final Testament).
The religion of God should not be confused with what these so-called “Muslims”, “Christians”, or “Jews” have done.
The God of the Muslims is the same God of the Jews, and the Christians and all the other divine religions. Our Creator is one and the same.

GOD, the ONE who does not permit killing of innocent people, commands: “Thou shall not kill”. We all have suffered and continue to suffer the consequences of not following God’s Laws.

As we stand united against all kinds of terrorism, only through unity we will be able to eradicate them.

We should not let our emotions overcome our logic and understanding.

Let the true message of Submission, be spread; which are Peace, Freedom and Justice for all, under God.

I would like to recite our prayer:

- In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
- Praise be to God, Lord of the universe.
- The Most Gracious, The Most Merciful.
- Master of the Day of Judgement.
- You alone we worship, You alone we ask for help.
- Guide us in the right path;
- The path of those whom You blessed; not of those who have deserved wrath, nor of the strayers.

Henry
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