Reconciliation - Islam, Democracy, and the West

Leaders are always the focused personalities for the people. People follow and learn many things through their intellectual decisions. They are the voices of thousands and millions of people. People bond the rope of expectations from them. Thousands of leaders' were born and died; but only few leaves their mark of identity forever. Leaders like Quaid-e-Azam, Liaquat Ali Khan, Sir Aga Khan, Allama Iqbal, Sir Syed, etc., who is still alive today, believed in a better Pakistan and against all the odds and hardships stood their ground and helped pave the way for us. Out of these great leaders, one of the most daring and confident lady, who laid down her life for the better future of our country, was Muhatarmma Benazir Bhutto.

Ms. Bhutto was brutally assassinated on December 27, just weeks after she returned from eight years in émigré. She was not only the ray of hope for the people of Pakistan as a leader, but was also an intellect writer, whose writing was greatly inspired by most of the diplomats and International people. The much-anticipated and the most awaited new book by Late Benazir Bhutto - Reconciliation: Islam, Democracy, and the West - is released last week. She wrote this book to present the real effective image of Islam to the people with positive gesture. It is also believed that she made the last few edits to her book the day she died. Her long-time friend and adviser, Washington political consultant and lobbyist Mark A. Siegel, indicates that he collaborated on the manuscript.

In a new book released Tuesday, in New York, London and Islamabad, former Pakistani Prime Minister and slain opposition leader, Benazir Bhutto says she was optimistic about her return to Pakistan, but knew about the risks to her life. Ms. Bhutto says that she had been warned that four separate suicide bomber groups had been sent to kill her. But she was the most powerful lady, who, despite of having many threats, returned back, just for the people of Pakistan and for their rights.

After the death of Indra Gandhi, and Lady Diana, she was the person, people admired the most throughout the world. She was the queen of Pakistan. She wanted liberal democratic society, and in the result, our country has given her nothing. She was an intelligent politician. Although she was exiled for many years, but her heart and soul was attached to the people of pakistan which attracted her to come back, in order to be the voices of many innocents unheard.

Bhutto was the eldest child of former prime minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, a Pakistani of Sindhi descent and Shia Muslim by faith, and Begum Nusrat Bhutto. She was the first woman elected to lead a Muslim state, having twice been Prime Minister of Pakistan (1988-1990; 1993-1996).

Bhutto was sworn in for the first time in 1988 at the age of 35, In 1993 Bhutto was re-elected but was again removed in 1996 on similar charges, this time by President Farooq Leghari. Bhutto went into self-imposed exile in Dubai in 1998. Bhutto returned to Pakistan on October 18, 2007, after reaching an understanding with President Pervez Musharraf.

In her book 'Reconciliation: Islam, Democracy and the West', Benazir Bhutto has revealed that dialogue between the Pakistan People's Party (PPP) and President Pervez Musharraf's regime went on by fits and starts from the very outset of his rule but "these negotiations failed every time because I insisted on a road map to democracy."

"For the PPP it was essential that General Musharraf retire as the army chief of staff," she explains. Benazir's great regret appears to have been Musharraf's aversion to act on any of his promises.

"If Musharraf had fulfilled his promises, Pakistan could have had an orderly democratic transition, closing the chapter on military rule once and for all," she writes.

Benazir also reveals that she was in New York in August 2006 when Musharraf called her for the first time. "He asked for my support for a bill related to women's rights. I agreed, subject to a parliamentary committee's working out the details . . . The passage of the women's bill gave momentum to the process of negotiations, although deep suspicions existed." She writes that her first face-to-face meeting with Musharraf in the United Arab Emirates was "both long and cordial", and Musharraf's response to her political demands was positive. She writes that she told Musharraf to shed his uniform, ensure free, fair and transparent elections, lift ban on twice-elected prime ministers, drop charges against politicians and declare it publicly.

"Gen Musharraf's regime knew of the specific threats against me, including the names and numbers of those who planned to kill me. It also knew the names of others, including those in his own inner circle and in his party, who we believed were conspiring," Ms Bhutto wrote in the book.

She was assassinated on December 27, 2007, after departing a PPP rally in the Pakistani city of Rawalpindi, two weeks before the scheduled Pakistani general election of 2008 where she was a leading opposition candidate. She symbolized the unity of federation. Her charismatic appeal across the country was at its peak and she succeeded in inspiring millions of people in her public rallies during her election campaign. Her father was snoozed up by the brutal leader of Pakistan. The death and killing of her brothers Shahnawaz and Murtaza shows, that they were much popular, due to which government was not satisfied. Benazir intelligence transformed the PPP into a more liberal and social democratic party. She professed democratic values, abandoned anti social values and adopted the way of humanism. She always practiced pluralism. On her death, regardless of ethnic or political dividism, the whole nation is beating its chest in grief. Her magnetic appeal depsote of many rivals in politics made it clear, that there was an element of leadership in her, which no one have. In her last rally at Liaquat Bagh, much in her father's mode she said: "Your country and my country is at risk. This government cannot handle this. We will defend it."

The most interesting part of Ms Bhutto's book is her issue with Samuel Huntington who wrote in his book "Clash of Civilizations" that a disagreement between the "West and militant Islam" was predictable after the Cold War was resolved.

Ms Bhutto asserts in the book that the West cannot treat conflict with the Islamic world as inevitable.

The former prime minister writes that she hoped to be a catalyst for change in bringing democracy to Pakistan. She also calls for a reconciliation of Islam with democratic principles, despite opposition from extremists.

Her assassination has left a great void that cannot be filled since it takes decades to build an international icon of her, but the PPP people are showing great unity and trying to move ahead as it was the mission of bibi to move for the democratic country. For us, she has become immortal. I pay my tribute to the great lady and icon of democratic society.

She was an International icon and role models for many womens. Her courage, bravery, talent, leadership qualities can not be revived without her.

This book is an indispensable bounty for all the people.

Munir Moosa Sewani is one of the notorious, prominent and creative names in the field of Education since 8 years. He is a Master Trainer In Special Education, Post Graduate, Teacher Educator and a Teacher. He is a Freelance Writer and Photographer too. He is an author of the famous self-published storybook for children named as "The MORAL STORIES FOR CHILDREN" and has also written Biology course book for Secondary Classes. He has written almost more than 30 articles on social, health, educational and cultural issues, which are internationally recognized and published on most of the famous world wide websites, magazines and newspapers. He is also a Social worker, private tutor, career counselor, musician, lyrics writer and have multi- dimensional talents. His future plan is to write dozens of informative books and articles and to work for education and media too.

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Business Ethics In Islam

A person can earn money by two means; one is agriculture and the other is business. If business is not done according to the ethics then there will always be inflation and shortage of goods. As it can be seen in the case of many commodities like wheat, sugar etc. It is due to the stocking in, speculation and the selfishness of some businessmen. The government has also become a trader itself, while the shariah has stopped the Islamic government from trading.

As it can be seen that business is an important part of life, the Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) said, "People get 9/10 of their daily bread by trade." Islam explains the concept of righteous trade by telling business ethics. If trade or any other thing is done against the morals and creed then this will lead to the bad end on the day of resurrection. Also by the law the person guilty of illegal business would end up no where. Islam emphasizes on the importance of the business ethics a lot. Allah says in the Quran, "they say that buying is also like interest but Allah has declared buying as permissible and interest as forbidden." And "When you buy or sell then make someone a witness of it." The Holy Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) said, "If trade was not there then you would have become a burden on others." He also said that "A trader is the guardian of the means of daily bread and a keeper of the dignity of himself and other people." The Holy Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) encouraged the trust worthy traders by these words, "A trustworthy and truthful merchant shall be with the prophets and the truthful and the martyrs and the righteous." "God shows mercy to a person who is kindly when he sells, when he buys and when he makes a claim" The prophet emphasized on the truthfulness and the righteousness of the businessmen a lot. He said that "Verily, merchants shall be raised up sinners on the day of resurrection, except he who fears God, and is good, and speaks the truth."

Business and ethics

As Muslims, we have to adhere to ethical standards, not only in business but also in all aspects of life. Both business and ethics are interrelated. There is a reference to this point in the Qur'an, "For you in the Messenger of Allah is a fine example to follow." Allah Almighty says, "To the Madyan people (we sent) Shu'aib, one of their own brethren: he said: 'O my people! Worship Allah. You have no other god but Him. And give not short measure or weight. I see you in prosperity, but I fear for you the penalty of a day that will compass (you) all rounds. And O my people! Give just measure and weight, nor withhold from the people the things that are their due: commit not evil in the land with intent to do mischief. That which is left you by Allah is best for you, if you (but) believed! But I am not set over you to keep watch!"

Prophet Muhammad was chosen by God to be His last prophet and messenger at the age of 40. Before that he was very much involved in business. He and his wife Khadija were both merchants. It is reported that he traveled to Syria, Yemen, Bahrain, and many other places in Arabia for trade. Some historians have also suggested that he probably traveled to Iraq and Ethiopia. From his early age, he was involved in commerce. He had a good reputation as a hardworking, honest, truthful, and very successful businessman.

Fair dealings in business

The Holy Qur'an and Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) have made it clear that a Muslim must be honest and upright in his business and monetary dealing. Also the true Muslim should keep his word and fulfill his promises, shun fraud and avoid deceit and perfidy, encroach not upon the rights of others, nor take part in wrongful litigation. Also a good Muslim does not give false testimony, and abstains from making unlawful money as from usury and graft. According to Islam whoever is not free from these vices, is not a true believer but a renegade and a worthless transgressor.

And the Qur'an is rich with verses that confirm all this. Allah says in the Quran, "Eat not up each other's property by unfair and dishonest means."

Allah forbids all unclean and corrupt means of making money, such as, dishonest trading, gambling, and bribery. And the Holy Quran has explained and described such practices in many of its verses. He says, "Woe to those that deal in fraud, - those who, when they have to receive by measure from men, exact full measure, but when they have to give by measure or weight to men, give less than due. Do they not think that they will be asked on a Mighty Day when (all) mankind will stand before the Lord of the lords."

Another example is given in the coming verse, where Allah urges Muslims to be very particular about their trusts and about other people's rights. "Allah does command you to render back your trust, to those to whom they are due."

Major principles of fair business dealings

According to Islam, the following things must be avoided to commence fair business.

1. No fraud or deceit, the Prophet (P.B.U.H) is reported to have said, "When a sale is held, say, There's no cheating"

2. Sellers must avoid making too many oaths when selling merchandise. The Prophet (P.B.U.H) is reported to have said, "Be careful of excessive oaths in a sale. Though it finds markets, it reduces abundance."

3. Mutual consent is necessary. The Prophet (P.B.U.H) is reported to have said, "The sale is complete when the two involved depart with mutual consent."

4. Be strict in regard to weights and measures. The Prophet (P.B.U.H) said, "When people cheat in weight and measures, their provision is cut off from them." He told the owners of measures and weights, "You have been entrusted with affairs over which some nations before you were destroyed."

5. The Prophet (P.B.U.H) forbade monopolies. "Whoever monopolizes is a sinner."

6. Free enterprise, the price of the commodities should not be fixed unless there is a situation of crisis or extreme necessity.

7. Hoarding merchandise in order to increase the prices is forbidden.

8. Transaction of forbidden (Haram) items, such as intoxicants, is forbidden.

Fraud and dishonesty in business

Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) has stressed the importance of honesty in most of his sermons, saying, "Remember, there is no faith in him who is not trustworthy; there is no place for him in religion who cares not for his pledged word or promise. He (PBUH) also said, "The signs of a hypocrite are three, when he speaks, he is false, when he promises, he fails; and when he is trusted, he plays false."

Condemning those who cheat in business Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) has said, "He who cheats is not of us. Deceitfulness and fraud are things that lead one to Hell."

Once Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) came upon a heap of corn in the market of Madinah and thrust his hand onto it. His fingers felt damp. On being asked, the trader replied that rain had fallen upon it. The Prophet (P.B.U.H) observed, "Why did you not then keep (the wet portion of) it above the dry corn, so that men may see it? He, who deceives, is not one of us."

Thus traders who deceive by showing to customers a false sample or by concealing from them the defects of the product they're selling are not true Muslims in the judgment of Allah Prophet (PBUH) and, they are going to end up in hell.

Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) said, "The seller must explain to the buyer the defects, if any, in the quality of the article offered for sale. Should this not be done, the seller will permanently be caught in the Wrath of Allah."

In short, all manner of deceit and dishonesty in business is prohibited in Islam. The Holy Prophet has expressed his strong dislike for those who do so.

Bribery in business transactions

Bribery and usury, although might be practiced by mutual consent and agreement, are totally prohibited and forbidden. Those who are guilty of them have been condemned by Allah and His Prophet (P.B.U.H). Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) said, "The curse of Allah rests on him who offers loan on usurious terms, and on him who receives, and on those who are witnesses to the transaction, and on the writer who writes the deed thereof."

Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) said, "If a person made a recommendation for anyone in a just manner and gratified party gave him something as a gift (in return for it) and he accepted it, then he committed a grave error (meaning that it, too, is a form of bribery)."

Usurpation of another's property by force or fraud or dishonest litigation is even worse. Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) made this clear, as he says, "Whoever occupies land belonging to another unjustly will be sunk into the ground along with the plot of land on the Doomsday till he reaches the lowest layer of the earth." And "He who acquires the property of a Muslim unjustly by taking a false oath (before an Officer) is debarred by Allah from entering Paradise and the Fire of Hell is made inevitable for him." Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) again, is reported to have warned a person who was very fond of entering into litigation with others in these strong words, "Remember, he who will obtain the property of another by swearing a false oath will appear as a leper before Allah (on the Day of Judgment)."

And, again he (P.B.U.H) said, "Whoever laid a claim on a thing that was not his is not of us."

Conclusion

The Prophet's general advice to all people was that, "What is lawful is clear and what is unlawful is clear, but between them are certain doubtful things which many people do not recognize. He who guards against the doubtful things keep his religion and his honor blameless, but he who falls into doubtful things falls into what is unlawful, just as a shepherd who pastures his flocks round a sanctuary will soon pasture them in it. Every king has a sanctuary, and God's sanctuary is the things he had declared unlawful." Before the Prophet invited his people towards Islam, it was his truthfulness and trustworthiness which had earned for Muhammad (S.A.W.) the glorious titles of "Sadiq" (truthful) and "Amin". Therefore, one must follow the teachings of the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) in regard to business and all other aspects of life; to become a good Businessman and hence, a better Muslim.

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Americans Generalize That Islam is Radical and Backward

In this post 9/11 decade, our world continues to brim with tension, discord and conflict. Americans now seem to be even more concerned about "Islamic radicalism", violence and terrorism thanks to our media and its agenda setting, while the overwhelming majority of Muslims in the Arab world condemn terrorism as an affront to Islam. Generalizations and stereotypes abound about Arab Muslims. Everything from polygamy, terrorism and violence, Islam, their marriage system, and women's rights to being walking time bombs living in a collectivistic society.

People are going to generalize; it's human nature. What we must learn to do is be alert so that we recognize blanket generalizations when we hear them; allowing them to raise a red flag within our minds. Culturally, not all generalizations and stereotypes are false. Some are partially true and others might be right on. Regardless, the main message here is to seek to understand rather than judge when we hear a generalization simply because there are no right or wrong - black or white - answers. One of the best ways to demystify Arab cultural practices is to dissect the generalizations associated with them. Take, for example, a commonly-held generalization that Americans have about Muslims. Islam is a radical, backward religion.

Islam and Christianity are not as globally different as one might first think. In fact, they share many similarities. Both Muslims and Christians believe in the one true God as the creator, in the angels He created, in the prophets through whom His revelations were brought to mankind, in Judgment Day and individual accountability for one's action, in God's complete authority over human destiny, and in life after death. Neither religion condones suicide.

A major difference, of course, is the Islamic belief that God's message was revealed to Prophet Muhammed - a mortal man - in the form of the Quran; whereas, Christians believe the Bible is the word of God and Jesus, the son of God. Muslims believe that God dictates a government's legitimacy. This is in contrast to our belief that America was founded on a clear separation of church and state and that elected officials preside over our government. Islam is more than a religion; it is a way of life. Muslims are not individuals following God. When you become a Muslim, you are accepted as a brother and sister to all of the other world-wide Muslims in this society-based religion.

It is important to distinguish between religion and culture. Although intertwined, they are also very separate. Arab is a culture and Islam is a religion. Not all Arabs are Muslim and not all Muslims are Arabs. In fact, Arabs make up only 15-18% of the Muslim world. (Indonesia claims the vast majority of Muslims.)

Because the Arab culture came before Islam, the culture often takes precedence over the religion. For example, in most Gulf Arab countries, children attending government (public) schools are separated by sex. That is, boys go to a boy's school and girls attend all-girls' schools. This is culture and has nothing to do with Islam.

Parents are held accountable to God for the way they raise their children. This is an example of the Arab culture and religion holding the same weight. Sharia law is the legal framework that guides the lives of Muslims. This system is often cited when zealots go on a campaign kick proclaiming how radical and backward Islam is.

There's that generalization again. Did just hearing it prompt you to form an opinion? Have you ever wondered how opinions are formed? I can think of five components right off the top of my head: lack of facts, listening to what others say without thinking for ourselves, ignorance, prejudice, and justifying a generalization by pointing to the actions of a few garnering all the media attention. Most Americans don't understand - or are unaware - that Islam is interpreted and practiced differently depending on the Islamic country.

Islam has two complementary aspects. There is the set of unchangeable principles that guide behavior, values and faith, and then there is a second one consisting of practical application for the first. These applications adapt and evolve according to conditions and the ever-changing times, and yes, these applications vary by country.

We constantly hear about the Taliban in Afghanistan and Pakistan. The Taliban's version of Islam, according to experts, is often described as narrow minded, intolerant and punitive. Their practice of Islam is very different from "mainstream" Islam, which is generally thought of as moderate and flexible. Raja Zafar ul-Haq, an Islamic scholar and Pakistani political activist, tries to close the gap when he counters the argument about Sharia law and punishments, such as cutting off a thief's hand. "They don't realize that there are 13 preconditions that have to be met before that punishment is ordered. That's why nobody's hand is ever cut off here," says Zafar ul-Haq.

Much of the radical violence associated with Islam originated with Osama bin Laden and his salifist belief that violence - rather than peaceful means - was the way to solve Islam's "problems". A strong minority of these extremists exist, having originated in Saudi Arabia, and are using their ideology to export violence worldwide for political gains. If you believe promoting awareness and understanding is important, a good first step is to recognize a generalization when you hear it. Don't unabashedly repeat it or accept it as truth. Demystifying cultures and religions begins with dispelling ignorance and blanket generalizations.

Mary Coons works with professionals who want to communicate more clearly in the marketplace. She does this through writing. Mary also works with different entities who want to leave a lasting legacy by documenting their family stories and life histories.

Culturally Speaking: Promoting Cross-Cultural Awareness in a Post-9/11 World was a finalist for two U.S. book awards for literary excellence in 2008 and '09.The book is available through http://www.bookhousefulfillment.com, http://www.culturallyspeak.com or amazon.com

Coons is also the international editor for the Bahrain Telegraph, a monthly business magazine of the Kingdom of Bahrain.

Mary Coons; Pen & Ink Communications; Powered by Passion;

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Understanding Islam

Hello my precious brother,

I had talked about the five existence dimensions of the human to you in my previous articles. The human gathers on himself all the physical and chemical features of the matters world in first dimension, all the physiological features of the plants world in second dimension, all the psychological features of the animals world in third dimension. He also obtains a humanistic personality different from the other creatures, with the thinking, deciding and adjudicating ability, in fourth dimension.

The uncounted benefactions have been given to the human

Certainly the wonderful benefactions have been provided to himself until the human comes this level. Now, try to think only the physiological dimension. Thousands of chemicals play their roles in this mechanism. Imagine that only one enzyme or only one hormone doesn't do it's function. How distressed days human lives.

Try to remember the benefactions at your psychological dimension. Think of your attention has weakened, your memory is absent, or you lost your consciousness. Imagine that you have afflicted with mental deficiency. How bad case for you!

Now, think that you are deprived of "reason" benefaction. Everybody treats you like dirt, for you can not think and for you can not be possessed of the power of deciding and responsibility. You can not manage yourselves. You can not manage your wares and properties. Your relations with the society in which you live completely breakdown. You can not sign an agreement and a contract. You can not vote. Even, if you bring any information, nobody believes this news. This is how much bad case.

The human, here, in his first four dimensions, has attained measureless benefactions of his creator Almighty God (Allah) who has possession of mercy and compassion. But, I'm sorry to say, the majority of the humans are not aware of these benefactions.

Almighty Allah wants to complete this beneficence

My dear brother,

Almighty Allah (God), who is the creator and the greatest protector of the human, has equipped with such measureless benefactions the human up to fourth reason dimension. And He also wishes to complete His benefactions and favors on the human by carrying him to the peak of the matureness for making him much more precious and excellent in fifth dimension after this point.

"Allah does not wish to place you in a difficulty, but to make you clean, and to complete his favor to you, ..." (Qur'an, Maide, 6)

But these favors, which will be realized after this phase, has been made dependent on the own volition of person. Namely, for this, it is necessary that person must abandon his own personality, his own arrogance, and his own egoism; and he must completely subject to his creator's volition and surrender to him. This submission is called, briefly, as Islam.

I had tried to expound the human in the previous articles. In this article, I'll try to explicate Islam.

Islam is to be subject to the will of Allah

My dear brother,

Islam is an Arabic originated word and it means "submittal, to lay down one's arms". Its meaning as a religious term is the submission and being subject to the will of Almighty Allah that He has not the similars, partners and assistants; He has created the physical and metaphysical worlds; He keeps them in existence by supplying their needs; He provides necessary power, force and energy for them; He arranges and organizes them at will; He makes present or absent everything at will and at any time; He is real owner the whole property and is unique sovereign on the worlds. "Islam" is to live according to the commandments, the wills and the rules of this Almighty Allah, but not according to the desires of person's own ego.

Certainly, this only comes true with "faith". Can it be under discussion to be subjected to God's volition, without believing and not being accepted His existence? For this reason, the religion erudites have accepted that the belief is the fundamental of the religion.

My precious brother,

Religions are the systems in which divine education comes true. Divine mercy turns into well behaviours in the personality of the human by means of religions. By the help of religions, the human obtains a clean and mature divine personality, by getting rid of the bad and egoist humanistic personality. The Creator saw fit to Himself the name Allah in His Last Book. This name gathers all nice attributes of Him on self. For this reason, I'll prefer to use this name in my articles.

Almighty Allah has named his own education system as Islam

Islam is the appearance of the Rab (educator) attribute of Allah on the human. Allah Taala has given Islam name for own schooling system that will bear away the human to the peak of matureness. Islam is a doctrine. It is the name of a schooling system being notified by a prophets chain ranging from Adam aleyhissalaam to Muhammed aleyhissalaam. There is no religion other than Islam before Allah.

"The Religion before Allah is Islam." (Qur'an, Al-i Ä°mran, 19)

The essence of all the celestial religions is Islam, though there are some differences between their sharia. Islam is an ego educating system. Islam means to live a person according to The Almighty Creator's wills, but not his ego's desires. Islam means that submittal of the human to the rules of Allah by witnessing the existence of Allah Taala who is the creator and educator of him; to prefer the wills of Allah rather than his own desires; limiting his own wishes by the wills of Allah; not exceeding the limits which has been determined by Allah Taala.

Islam means to be subject to His rules, believing only a one God, that He has no partner, no similar, no equal; He has created all the alems (worlds) and the universe; He keeps them in existence; He provides all the needs of them by His mercy and His kindness. And also the persons who are subject to the rules of Allah Taala are called as "Muslims". The Arabic originated word "Muslim" means the surrendered person to Allah. If you believe such a unique Creator and if you accept to be subject to Him, you are also a Muslim.

All Messengers has advised Islam

The religion being notified by all the prophets since Adam aleyhissalaam is Islam. Each one of the prophets didn't bring different religions such as Judaism, Christianity, Mohammedanism that the majority of people such suppose; contrarily, all the prophets have notified only one religion Islam. The people has nicknamed afterward as Judaism, Christianity. All the prophets were Muslims. All of them were sent for making known Allah Taala that He has no partner and no similar; for teaching to the people to behave according to the rules of Allah, but not according to the wishes of their self; for pointing the correct way to them. All of them also advised not to kill the humans unmeritedly; not to do harm the humans' body and goods; not to live intercourse out the marriage, namely not to fornicate. All of them also advised to love each other; not to do spitefulness; not to tell lies. Today, all merits being possessed by the humans, either prayerful or atheist, have arrived up to us by means of the prophets of Allah. However, each one of the prophets brought partially different rules according to the conditions of that time. The each one of these is called as sharia. The last prophet Mohammed aleyhissalaam has also announced the rules that both to correct the false comments coming out at previous times, and to keep its validity along all the times for maturing all the humans eternally.

To be subject to the latest Sharia is matureness

For this reason, a human finds the right by being subject to any prophet, on condition that he must subject to essence of religion. A person who is subject to previous sharia must take into consideration the abolished rules by the subsequent sharia. To be subject to the last prophet Mohammed aleyhissalaam is also a fully matureness. It is like to prefer the latest model car to arrive at the destination.

My dear brother,

I'll try to tell you Islam also in my subsequent articles. Islam is a perpetual happiness way of the human who is a precious creature. A person walking in this road reaches the salvation both in this and the other world. But the persons who have strayed from the correct way, by being subject to their disdainful ego, have fallen to heresy for their own harm.

Be entrusted to Allah.

Dr. Ismail Ulukus is a former phytopathologist and researcher. He has various articles written on plant diseases. In these days, he has begun to write articles on the religion and moral values due to a moral degeneration growing up on all the world.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ismail_Ulukus

Is Islam a Synonym to Terror?

This is a question that would more or less get affirmative answers from all across the world. However, this article tends to give a "NO" as an answer to the question.

In order to back up this answer, one must first understand the reasons as to why Islam is thought of the source of terrorism. A few are listed below:

1. Most of the terrorists identified are/were Muslims.
2. All of them made a terror-attack in the name of the religion i.e. Islam.
3. A part of the Quranic verse from the chapter 'Al-Ma'idah 5:45' which implies the punishment severity in Islamic law: "an eye for an eye".
4. Islam oppresses women, in terms of education, work and clothing as well.

This article tries to put forth satisfying explanations for each of the above mentioned misconceptions. At the outset, it requires only simple common sense to understand that the first point is nothing but a stereotyping or a hasty generalization done by people. One must be aware that apart from being the only religion after Christianity which guarantees the existence of Jesus Christ, Islam is also the second largest religion with a current strength of 1.8 billion followers (30% of the entire world population) which also makes it the fastest growing religion. It is quite likely, as can be understood from these facts, that every major terror-attack that had ever happened at least had one or more Muslims involved in it.

Now taking in to account, it is true and is painful to accept but a large number of Muslim youths are often mislead and are drawn in to terrorism by treacherous Islamic & Non-Islamic leaders. These leaders blanket their actual political intentions with the name "Jihad" which in Islam means "a holy war waged by Muslims against infidels" and win their confidence by raising their passion for spirituality. The concept of Jihad is mentioned in the Quran but what these leaders deliberately don't teach the youth is that it is to be applied only when the existing infidels pose a threat to their existence. So long as Islam is allowed to be followed undisturbed and unperturbed conducting Jihad would in fact be a sin.

But one must notice that such actions generally occur in countries that have a democratic plus a secular government. For instance, India, the largest democracy of the world is a secular country and as such there are many political parties in the country. Now in order to exemplify the poor governance of the ruling political party, an opposing party would try and create havoc in the city or country by engaging mislead youngsters in to religious riots since India has the second largest Muslim population in the world and is also largely dominated by Hindus. With this cunning strategy, which is similar to the famous "Divide & Rule" strategy of the British, enables the opposing party to beat the otherwise well governing ruling party at the time of elections. Since,little knowledge is a dangerous thing, young Muslims are brainwashed and are victimized. They are not even taught the meaning of the word Islam which means "Submission" and by submitting to the will of God Islam tends to teach its followers to live in harmony with nature and thus is "Peace". One must understand that there are as many bad muslims as there are bad followers in other religions.

Some people also point out the verses from the Quran to portray Islam as a religion that encourages violence. A typical example is the verse in the Quran from the chapter 'Al-Ma'idah 5:45' - "an eye for an eye". Nevertheless, people tend to read or listen to only a part of the entire verse and hence interprets the statement out of the context. The complete verse is as follows: "And We ordained for them in that (Torah): A life for a life, and an eye for an eye, and a nose for a nose, and an ear for an ear, and a tooth for a tooth, and a (similar) retribution for wounds;" which mentions the law that God had revealed in the "Torah" which refers to the whole body of Jewish sacred writings and comprises the first five books of the Hebrew Bible.

This also implies that Islam is yet another Abrahamic religions following Judaism and Christianity. Jews and Christians are referred to as the people of the book in the Quran. Now Islam does ordain an equivalent revenge for a murder (as per the verse) however in order to arrive to a conclusion one must also consider the other scriptures such as the Hadith and the Sharia in one context. on an analysis of these scriptures one would understand that Islam firmly imposes that criminal rulings should be applied by a government and not by an individual and there are a series of conditions which must be met before applying the punishments as per the Islamic law. Also such the severity of such punishments can be reduced considering the factors such as the circumstances in which the crime was committed, mental condition of the accused etc. Hence, by individually implementing the "an eye for an eye" punishment is definitely a sin in Islam which confirms that Islam doesn't encourage violence.

Lastly, the most common accusation that a Muslim has to face is that Islam oppresses women. Well it has nowhere been said in the Quran or the other Islamic scriptures that Islam prohibits women from being educated. In fact, the Islamic Prophet, Mohammad (peace be upon him) had said, "God, His angels and all those in Heavens and on Earth, even ants in their hills and fish in the water, call down blessings on those who instruct others in beneficial knowledge" (Al-Tirmidhi, Hadith 422). As can be seen that the prophet (peace be upon him) had mentioned "others" and not a specific gender, it implies that in Islam knowledge is supposed to be acquired by all irrespective of their gender. Clothing is another aspect that is to be discussed.

People argue that women in Islam are oppressed since they are forced to wear over-modest clothes. It is true, that in Islam, women in presence of male strangers (and also men other than certain members in the family), are supposed to reveal only their face and hands. Now, before getting in to the depth of this condition, one question that is to be answered is that is it only Islam which imposes such laws? Christian Nuns wear clothes identical to that of Islamic women. Why do they do so? Why aren't the Christians or the Church questioned on their oppression to nuns? According to the first book of Timothy, women are told to adorn themselves in modest clothing - "...that women adorn themselves in modest apparel..." (1 Timothy 2:9). Similar practices are also evident in Jewish traditions as well. Now as to why is this modest clothing required? Consider a scenario where a man with an ill-intention (or say a rapist) sees two women walking towards him. One in a modern outfit while the other in a modest clothing pretty much like the Islamic way or that of a Christian nun. Which among them would tempt the man more towards his malicious intentions? Obviously, the man wouldn't give a second look towards the more modest woman.

Towards the conclusion, Islam only tends to bring light and knowledge to one's life just as any other religion. It's teachings are either misinterpreted or are wrongly presented by some people for personal gains. People are advised to confirm their understanding about the religion from authentic sources before arriving at a conclusion about Islam.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Abudhar_Al_Hassan

Do Women Have Any Rights In Islam?

I know that by saying this many eyebrows will be raised: Islam is a modern religion with the aim of emancipation. Yes, I know, looking at the Burka of Afghan women, looking at the hijab of Iranian women, reading that FGC is mostly done in the Islamic countries of Africa, reading how poorly women in Islamic countries are treated does not really prove my point. But give me a chance to explain my point without stopping to read my paper, and I am sure that at the end of this you will understand my statement.

Since it would be too broad to consider all the Islamic countries, I will concentrate on Iran as a sample and compare it to some other Islamic countries when necessary.
Before the islamization of Persia, Persians were mainly Zoroastrians. Women had numerous rights: right to divorce, right to own real property, right of leadership etc. I could go on and on. The other Middle Eastern countries did not have any of those rights. Women were seen as "birth-machines" for male production only. Now, do not ask me how they imagined future reproduction without girls!

Islam came from Saudi Arabia, a country where girls were buried right after their birth and women who dared to give birth to baby girls were mostly kicked out of their homes, had to see their husbands bringing other women into their homes to finally produce a male child. Women had no right to education, nor to real property and were seen as property of their fathers first and then their husbands. The motto was very simple: Be happy that I allow you to live at all.
When Islam was introduced to Saudi Arabia, the Koran (translated meaning: recitation) became a revolutionary rule-book. Not only did it speak about how to believe in God and how to appreciate nature, but additionally it spoke about family law, about wills and inheritance, and about women.

Many might be surprised to hear that Islam is the first world religion, dedicating one chapter (sure) to women (Sure 4, Nessah). It speaks about giving girls the right to live, and that those parents who buried their baby girls should fear the Judgment Day, since those girls would want to know why they had to die because of their gender. It continues about the woman in the marriage, and it also speaks about divorce. Unlike most other religions, Islam does give women the right of requesting a divorce for numerous reasons (one of them being if the husband does not pay any sexual attention to her).

It continues with the rights of women after their divorce, indicating that no man should mistreat his ex-wife; neither should he take their children away, mostly not if they are still being nursed by her. He should give her dowry and make sure that she is provided for. [[4.4] And give women their dowries as a free gift, but if they of themselves be pleased to give up to you a portion of it, then eat it with enjoyment and with wholesome result.]
After saying all of this I can imagine anyone asking me: if this religion is so modern, why are women in Islamic countries treated so poorly?

For being able to answer this question, I will give you a little historical background of Islam: As I mentioned above, before Islam women had basically no rights. And while reading Islamic rules now, we do not have to look at them from our modern, maybe western point of view, but mostly from the eyes of the women from 1,400 years ago. I give you one sample: Islamic rules indicate that in a legal situation, one would need two female witnesses, which would be the equivalent to one male witness. I have to admit, the first time I read this in the Koran, I was furious! What does that mean? Are women worth half of a man? The answer is NO! Put yourself in the same position of an Arab woman in the year 600 B.C.: You had no rights before Islam, and now you can even become a witness. Now, how does that sound? Or another sample: You were not able to stay in your house if your husband decided to leave you, and now he has to make sure that you will do fine after a divorce. See the difference?

Another question people usually ask me is about the hijab. Hijab means cover in Arabic. I did a lot of research on this, since the Islamic revolution, which required that (literally from one day to another) women should wear a scarf over their head and a longer coat or a veil (chador). I could not understand why women should cover themselves up, while men could walk around anyhow they wanted. While no where in the Koran is written that a woman should wear a Burka or cover her head, I found a historical explanation: The head cover was originally for the Prophet Muhammad's wife, or any other female related to the Bani-Hashem Family and the Quaraish tribe (While Surnames did not exist at that time in history, people used their tribal names to indicate where they belonged to.). Originally this cover was meant to make a distinction between the women form the higher groups and the working class women. Similar to the difference between women in the US Northern and Southern States: women of the South, who had their slaves working for them on the farms, were not supposed to have a tanned skin, since it would show that they were working outside.

Here, it was supposed to show a woman's cleanliness to cover her head in order for her not to get dust or dirt into her hair. The body cover also is not written literally in the Koran, but is based on history. Saudi Arabia is geographically one of the hottest countries on the globe. With temperatures of around 120 F (50 Celsius) in the summer, it is logical that people like to wear fewer clothes. And since back then women did not have any rights, imagine who would have come to rescue a woman in case of a sexual crime? Exactly: no one! To protect women the Koran indicated that women should cover the space between their shoulders, meaning their cleavage and should not show their body jewelry. (At that time working women would wear ankle bracelets with bell-charms, which would make a tremendous sound while walking.) Now you will probably ask: Why are women then wearing the hijab or Burka?

First, let us look at Iran. Iran is the only country where women wear their head scarves differently than in the other Islamic countries. In Taliban- Afghanistan women were forced to wear a Burka, in Saudi Arabia they also wear a Burka, which looks different than the Afghan one. In conclusion one could say that the different understanding of the koranic word of "cover your cleavage" is based on the geographical location of the practicing countries. In Pre-Islam Iran women were wearing something similar to the "Greek-dress", a simple dress with a shawl in the back. The shawl became the head cover. In Saudi Arabia, people did not want to compromise and covered the whole woman. Do you see the difference? It is not Islam indicating what women should wear; it is the original tradition of the countries adapting their life styles to their understanding of the Islamic way of life.

The second question I am usually asked is about the famous Islamic statement, why men can have four wives, and that this would degrade women. First of all, the Koran does not say that any man can have four wives. There are numerous conditions on that statement: first, the man must be financially sound, he has to have the permission of his first wife, and most importantly he has to have some supporting reasons. If for example, his wife is ill, or she can not bear any children (see the difference to the pre-Islam time: the Koran does not make a gender differentiation), and most of all treat them all equally. [[4.3] And if you fear that you cannot act equitably towards orphans, then marry such women as seem good to you, two and three and four; but if you fear that you will not do justice (between them), then (marry) only one or what your right hands possess; this is more proper, that you may not deviate from the right course.] In case he does not, any of the women could request a divorce.

I believe the latter one explains everything! I can not even treat two pairs of shoes the same way! How should it be possible to treat two women exactly the same? Hence, one can see that the Koran makes it very difficult for men to take advantage of the rule. But, before closing this chapter I should explain why it is written in the book at all. Again, this has protective reasons for women. At a time in history, where women were not able to work, where society would treat a widowed woman poorly, or where a woman who did not have any male supporters was seen as an easy target, a man who was financially sound, and hence able to support her, was allowed to have another wife. This was also the Islamic way of keeping women away from prostitution.
I could go on and on and bring you more samples. However, concluding I would say that Islam does give women a lot of rights.

Sadly, around 80% of the Islamic population is illiterate, and from that number more than half are women. Some people take advantage of their illiteracy by saying that no matter what gets done with them, they should obey, since this is the Islamic way. The countries traditions do not want women to be able to read and write, in order for them to read the Koran and become able to defend themselves based on the Islamic rules. Unfortunately the newest political developments and the involvement of terrorists in the name of Islam put a bad light on a religion, which was supposed to bring people closer and give women rights. Personally it makes me very sad and upset to see how people, who do not understand anything about Islam, act and try to explain their un-Islamic actions under the guise of the religion.

Islam is probably the most misinterpreted religion, and until people are not willing to find out the true base of Islam, people like me have to continue telling others about the meaning of the Islamic rules in order to reveal the un-Islamic actions of some countries.

http://www.mohadjer.blogspot.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nina_Mohadjer

Islam : The Beginning

Islam is the articulated by the Qur’an, a religious book considered by its adherents to be the verbatim word of the single incomparable God (Arabic: الله‎, Allāh), and by the Prophet of Islam Muhammad's demonstrations and real-life examples (called the Sunnah, collected through narration of his companions in collections of Hadith). Islam literally means submission to God (see Islam (term)).^[1]

An adherent of Islam is a Muslim, meaning "one who submits (to God)".^[2][3] The word Muslim is the active participle of the same verb of which Islām is the infinitive. Muslims regard their religion as the completed and universal version of a monotheistic faith revealed at many times and places before, including, notably, to the prophets Abraham, Moses and Jesus. Islamic tradition holds that previous messages and revelations have been changed and distorted over time.

Religious practices include the Five Pillars of Islam, which are five duties that unite Muslims into a community Islamic law (Arabic: شريعة Šarīʿah) touches on virtually every aspect of life and society, encompassing everything from dietary laws and banking to warfare, welfare, and Jihad.The vast majority of Muslims belong to one of two major denominations, the Sunni (87-90%) and Shi'a (10-13%).

Islam is the predominant religion in northern Africa, the Middle East and major parts of Asia. Large communities are also found in China, Russia, parts of Europe and the Caribbean. About 13% of Muslims live in Indonesia, the largest Muslim country,31% in the Indian Subcontinent, and 20% in Arab countries.^[ Converts and immigrant communities are found in almost every part of the world. With 1.57 billion Muslims (see Islam by country), Islam is the second-largest religion in the world and arguably the fastest growing religion in the world.

The word Islam is a verbal noun originating from the triliteral root s-l-m, and is derived from the Arabic verb Aslama, which means "to accept, surrender or submit." Thus, Islam means acceptance of and submission to God, and believers must demonstrate this by worshiping him, following his commands, and avoiding polytheism. The word is given a number of meanings in the Qur'an. In some verses (ayat), the quality of Islam as an internal conviction is stressed: "Whomsoever God desires to guide, He expands his breast to Islam."

Other verses connect islām and dīn (usually translated as "religion"): "Today, I have perfected your religion (dīn) for you; I have completed My blessing upon you; I have approved Islam for your religion." Still others describe Islam as an action of returning to God—more than just a verbal affirmation of faith.Another technical meaning in Islamic thought is as one part of a triad of islam, imān (faith), and ihsān (excellence) where it represents acts of worship (`ibādah) and Islamic law (sharia)

Muhammad (c. 570 – June 8, 632) is the prophet of Islam. He was a religious, political, and military leader who founded the religion of Islam. Muslims view him not as the creator of a new religion, but as the restorer of the original, uncorrupted monotheistic faith of Adam, Abraham, Moses, Jesus and others. In Muslim tradition, Muhammad is viewed as the last and the greatest in a series of prophets—as the man closest to perfection, the possessor of all virtues.^[42] For the last 23 years of his life, beginning at age 40, Muhammad reported receiving revelations from God. The content of these revelations, known as the Qur'an, was memorized and recorded by his companions.^[43]

During this time, Muhammad preached to the people of Mecca, imploring them to abandon polytheism. Although some converted to Islam, Muhammad and his followers were persecuted by the leading Meccan authorities. After 13 years of preaching, Muhammad and the Muslims performed the Hijra ("emigration") to the city of Medina (formerly known as Yathrib) in 622. There, with the Medinan converts (Ansar) and the Meccan migrants (Muhajirun), Muhammad established his political and religious authority. Within years, two battles had been fought against Meccan forces: the Battle of Badr in 624, which was a Muslim victory, and the Battle of Uhud in 625, which ended inconclusively. Conflict with Medinan Jewish clans who opposed the Muslims led to their exile, enslavement or death, and the Jewish enclave of Khaybar was subdued. At the same time, Meccan trade routes were cut off as Muhammad brought surrounding desert tribes under his control.^[44] By 629 Muhammad was victorious in the nearly bloodless Conquest of Mecca, and by the time of his death in 632 (at the age of 63) he ruled over the Arabian peninsula.^[45]

In Islam, the "normative" example of Muhammad's life is called the Sunnah (literally "trodden path"). This example is preserved in traditions known as hadith ("reports"), which recount his words, his actions, and his personal characteristics. The classical Muslim jurist ash-Shafi'i (d. 820) emphasized the importance of the Sunnah in Islamic law, and Muslims are encouraged to emulate Muhammad's actions in their daily lives. The Sunnah is seen as crucial to guiding interpretation of the Qur'an.

Muhammad (c. 570 – June 8, 632) is the prophet of Islam. He was a religious, political, and military leader who founded the religion of Islam. Muslims view him not as the creator of a new religion, but as the restorer of the original, uncorrupted monotheistic faith of Adam, Abraham, Moses, Jesus and others. In Muslim tradition, Muhammad is viewed as the last and the greatest in a series of prophets—as the man closest to perfection, the possessor of all virtues.For the last 23 years of his life, beginning at age 40, Muhammad reported receiving revelations from God. The content of these revelations, known as the Qur'an, was memorized and recorded by his companions.

During this time, Muhammad preached to the people of Mecca, imploring them to abandon polytheism. Although some converted to Islam, Muhammad and his followers were persecuted by the leading Meccan authorities. After 13 years of preaching, Muhammad and the Muslims performed the Hijra ("emigration") to the city of Medina (formerly known as Yathrib) in 622. There, with the Medinan converts (Ansar) and the Meccan migrants (Muhajirun), Muhammad established his political and religious authority. Within years, two battles had been fought against Meccan forces: the Battle of Badr in 624, which was a Muslim victory, and the Battle of Uhud in 625, which ended inconclusively. Conflict with Medinan Jewish clans who opposed the Muslims led to their exile, enslavement or death, and the Jewish enclave of Khaybar was subdued. At the same time, Meccan trade routes were cut off as Muhammad brought surrounding desert tribes under his control. By 629 Muhammad was victorious in the nearly bloodless Conquest of Mecca, and by the time of his death in 632 (at the age of 63) he ruled over the Arabian peninsula.

In Islam, the "normative" example of Muhammad's life is called the Sunnah (literally "trodden path"). This example is preserved in traditions known as hadith ("reports"), which recount his words, his actions, and his personal characteristics. The classical Muslim jurist ash-Shafi'i (d. 820) emphasized the importance of the Sunnah in Islamic law, and Muslims are encouraged to emulate Muhammad's actions in their daily lives. The Sunnah is seen as crucial to guiding interpretation of the Qur'an.