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Considering Islam

Knowledge is Light

Islam is Peace
May Allah's peace, mercy and blessings be upon you sister Nerthus

Regarding the changes, life will become meaningful and more beautiful. One will come to understand the purpose of life and be on a clear path.

I agree with sister Amica. You can obtain useful books from the following link
https://www.islamicvision.co.uk/index.php

Regarding the changes, the following article 'is for those who wish to become Muslim; as to what would be their benefits after accepting Islam'
http://www.beconvinced.com/archive/en/article.php?articleid=0071&catid=09&subcatname=Conversion To Islam

The following link is about Women in Islam
http://www.islamreligion.com/category/101/

If you need any more information or help let me know, I will do my best to help you

............................................................
www.theradiantlight.blogspot.com
 

Knowledge is Light

Islam is Peace
To brother Lawrence, May Allah's peace mercy and blessings be upon you

I have typed about several aspects, which includes sin, Prophethood in Islam, Prophet Jesus and Mohammed in the Holy Quran and previous scriptures, God's mercy, love and forgivness, salvation in Islam. I will be continuing to post information regarding "Faith, kindness, humility"
 

Nerthus

Wanderlust
Thanks for your responses, and I will reply to each of you.

I've been reading a little this morning and have a couple of questions

I have read that Muslims believe it has already been decided what will happen to each person after death, but that there is also a Day of Judgement.

Does that mean that the decision on whether people are going to Heaven or Hell will change, or that that will be the day they find out?

Because if Muslims believe that it has already been decided who is going to Heaven, why lead a good Muslim life? And, when has this been decided? Birth?

If it has already been predetermined, and nothing will change that, leading a good life won't matter?
 

Nerthus

Wanderlust
Also, another big topic is that of Sharia Law. I understand a lot of it, but when it comes to Justice and the punishments it states, I have difficulty understand/ accepting it.

For example, the amputation of hands for theft - is that something that all Muslims tend to agree with? I know Muslims belief on Sharia Law varies, but don't know how it is regarding this part.

How do Muslims on this forum see it, do you agree that it should be a punishment today, if at all?
 

fatima_bintu_islam

Active Member
Also, another big topic is that of Sharia Law. I understand a lot of it, but when it comes to Justice and the punishments it states, I have difficulty understand/ accepting it.

For example, the amputation of hands for theft - is that something that all Muslims tend to agree with? I know Muslims belief on Sharia Law varies, but don't know how it is regarding this part.

How do Muslims on this forum see it, do you agree that it should be a punishment today, if at all? __________________
Robberies (most recent) by country

Try to find Saudia Arabia ( #64) , compare the number to its surface ; then compare the number with Luxembourg ( #66). And finally, compare the surface of Luxembourg with Saudia Arabia.

Just to bring the statistics into concret life, when my dad first went to Hajj (Pelgrimage) in Mekkah, he told us that money converters ( hope thats how we call it) , in that time they had money in huge bags, those people used to deal deal deal,and when they heard the sound of Adhan ( call for prayer) they used to let everyhting there and just go pray.

Human minds has not come yet to such an effective law, dont listen to those who say an eye by an eye leave the whole world blind, those have never come across the results of such laws and heres one of the proofs among many.

Now regarding this:
I have read that Muslims believe it has already been decided what will happen to each person after death, but that there is also a Day of Judgement.

Does that mean that the decision on whether people are going to Heaven or Hell will change, or that that will be the day they find out?

Because if Muslims believe that it has already been decided who is going to Heaven, why lead a good Muslim life? And, when has this been decided? Birth?

If it has already been predetermined, and nothing will change that, leading a good life won't matter?

Do you know where you're going? Imagine that you were born and that an angel came to you telling you that you're going to hell, what would that mean? It would mean Allah is unjust, but nenni ;Allah is the most just, take yourself or myself for example, you and I have no idea where are we supposed to go, so we work hard hard hard to get to paradise, and what is beyond our minds such as our destiny and similar, we do not think about it. But one verse only recomfort us: Quran (2:143)

[SIZE=+1][SIZE=+1][SIZE=+1][SIZE=+1][SIZE=+1][SIZE=+1][SIZE=+1][SIZE=+1][SIZE=+1][SIZE=+1][SIZE=+1][SIZE=+1][SIZE=+1]And Allah would never make your faith to be lost . Truly, Allah is full of kindness, the Most Merciful towards mankind.[/SIZE][/SIZE][/SIZE][/SIZE][/SIZE][/SIZE][/SIZE][/SIZE][/SIZE][/SIZE][/SIZE][/SIZE][/SIZE]

(i.e Your faith or efforts will be rewarded )



On the contrary, and by experience, the idea that it might be written on me that Im going to Hell, make me work very hard . Its not how you have portrayed it in your mind: I might be going to hell, so let me sleep all day. On the contrary, I have no idea where I am going, so LET ME WORK.

I hope my answers were kinda clear and helpful Inshallah
Best regards
 
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Starsoul

Truth
Also, another big topic is that of Sharia Law. I understand a lot of it, but when it comes to Justice and the punishments it states, I have difficulty understand/ accepting it.

For example, the amputation of hands for theft - is that something that all Muslims tend to agree with? I know Muslims belief on Sharia Law varies, but don't know how it is regarding this part.

How do Muslims on this forum see it, do you agree that it should be a punishment today, if at all?
Most has been said in the posts above me, would just like to add that Sharia Laws apply in totality in such a way that crime is prohibited and prevented to its MAXIMUM extent. If you are a good person,Why would you steal , you may have many justifications ; because you really needed it, there's no other way, plenty of insensitive rich people around who won't care if they loose a purse or a gadget etc.

For instance, It is in Sharia system to provide for the poor, have sufficient support system for the widows and for the sustenance of their kids, sufficient fixed and required stipends for the disabled for their comfortable living and allowances for even travelers who may need assistance in boarding lodging at a transit location, allowances for their health care etc.

So when misery at such base level is Prevented with such generous measures, it becomes hard for any sane citizen to find a justification to steal and loot other people to burn the oil of his home. But then there are other things as well.

The punishment of stealing is applicable to a minimum level of amount stolen, not the minutest of thing that one may carry, although he is answerable for that on the day of judgment, but in any case if he regrets that act, he can seek forgiveness and give alms to the poor for compensation of that act in the days of ignorance or temptation.

Secondly, There is a law God acts by. He says, (hadess Qudsi)I don't let a person get caught for a crime when its the first time he's done it, I give him time to think and rethink its consequences for a many number of times while he keeps on committing it, trying to stop him from that crime in many instances in many ways, and then a point comes when he crosses all limits of repentance and NEEDS to be stopped in a forceful way, only THEN he gets caught.

I have seen this with my own eyes many times. There are people who do mean-ish or criminal-ish things and they never get caught initially, and then one day they get caught red handed or in a way that could really stop them.

Allah says, "I hide the flaws of a person untill he exposes himself to the world'. The invisible system of Allah ensures that He hides a person's flaws as long as the person keeps on receiving warnings from the divine system to stop doing it on his own, (like being really close to getting caught, being close to a mishap etc) BEFORE his crimes get registered and get known in the public. A person gets a plenty of chances to repent and leave that crime, it is only when a person becomes a repetitive nuisance to the society that the system of Allah brings him to pay for his crimes because such a person is causing harm to other people and going without justice.

So the first effect of the system in ensure justice in such a way that no one sleeps on an empty stomach and no one is in dire need of assistance in such a way that he'd go around stealing people's things. Then when that is ensured, the second leg of the system gets incorporated which eradicates crime in a forceful way.

And yes in systems where the first CANNOT be or is Not implemented and there are many destitute and poor people prone to pick things, the 2nd system cannot be implemented. And first, work is done to make sure that poverty is eliminated first. So, this is how things go. Hope you got the gist of some of it. :)
 

Knowledge is Light

Islam is Peace
May Allah's peace, mercy and blessings be upon you sister Nurthus

Regarding your question on decree

There are Six Articles of Faith :

Belief in God
http://www.islamreligion.com/articles/39/viewall/

Belief in Angels
http://www.islamreligion.com/articles/41/

http://www.islamreligion.com/articles/2782/viewall/

Belief in Scriptures
http://www.islamreligion.com/articles/36/


Belief in the Prophets
http://www.islamreligion.com/articles/37/

Belief in Life after Death
http://www.islamreligion.com/articles/38/

Belief in Divine Decree
http://www.islamreligion.com/articles/40/
http://www.islambasics.com/view.php?bkID=103&chapter=10
...................................................................................

Other Islamic Beliefs
http://www.islamreligion.com/articles/669/viewall/

...............................................................................................

Belief in Divine decree
IslamReligion.com

The sixth and last article of Islamic faith is belief in divine decree which means that everything good or bad, all moments of happiness or sorrow, pleasure or pain, come from God.

First, God’s foreknowledge is infallible. God is not indifferent to this world or its people. He is Wise and Loving, but this should not make us fatalists, throwing up our hands and saying, ‘what’s the point of making any effort?’ God’s foreknowledge does not compromise human responsibility. God holds us accountable for what we can do, what is within our capability, but He does not hold us accountable for things we cannot do. He is Just and, as He has given us only limited responsibility, judges us accordingly. We should think, plan and make the right choices, but, if sometimes things do not turn out the way we want, we need not lose hope or get depressed. We should pray to God and try again. If in the end we still do not achieve what we wanted, we should know we have tried our best and are not responsible for the results.

God knows what the creatures will do, encompassing everything by His knowledge. He knows all that exists, in entirety and totality, by virtue of His eternal foreknowledge.
“Truly, nothing is hidden from God, in the earth or in the heavens.” (Quran 3:5)

Whoever refuses this denies God’s perfection, because the opposite of knowledge is either ignorance or forgetfulness. It would mean God would have been mistaken in his foreknowledge of future events; He would no longer be omniscient. Both are deficiencies which God is free of.

Second, God has recorded everything that will occur until the Day of Judgment in the Preserved Tablet (al-Lauh al-Mahfuz in Arabic). The life spans of all human beings are written and the amount of their sustenance apportioned. Everything that is created or occurs in the universe is according to what is recorded there. God has said:
“Did you not know that God knows (all) that is in the heavens and the earth? It is (all) in a record. Surely that is easy for God.” (Quran 22:70)

Third, whatever God wills to happen happens, and whatever God does not will does not happen. Nothing occurs in the heavens or on earth without the Will of God.

Fourth, God is the Creator of everything.
“…He has created everything, and has ordained for it a measure.” (Quran 25:2)
In Islamic doctrine every human act both in material and spiritual life is predestined, yet it is incorrect to believe the action of fate is blind, arbitrary, and relentless. Without denying divine interference in human affairs, human liberty is kept intact. It does not discount the principle of man’s moral freedom and responsibility. All is known, but freedom is also granted.

Man is not a helpless creature borne along by destiny. Rather, each person is responsible for his acts. Lethargic nations and individuals indolent to ordinary affairs of life are to blame themselves, not God. Man is bound to obey the moral law; and he will receive merited punishment or reward as he violates or observes that law. However, if such is so, man must have within his power the ability to break or keep the law.

God would not hold us responsible for something unless we were capable of doing it:
“God does not burden any human being with more than he is well able to bear.” (Quran 2:286)

Belief in divine decree strengthens one’s belief in God. A person realizes that God alone controls everything, so he trusts and relies on Him. Even though a person tries his best, at the same time he relies on God for the final outcome. His hard work or intelligence does not make him arrogant, for God is the source of all that comes his way. Finally, a person attains peace of mind in the realization that God is the Wise and His Actions are dictated by wisdom. Things don’t happen without a purpose. If something reached him, he realizes it could never have escaped him. If something misses him, he realizes it was never meant to be. A man achieves an inner peace, inwardly at rest with this realization.

Regarding your question on sharia law, crime and punishment, I hope you find the following article useful
http://www.islamreligion.com/articles/253/viewall/
 
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Knowledge is Light

Islam is Peace
Continuing with brother Lawrance questions. Regarding humility:

Humility
Aisha Stacey

God created human beings to worship Him and a practising Muslim in, essence, should be able to worship God in every second, of every hour of every day. Islam is a way of life and it means nothing more, or less, than submission to the One God.
“And I (God) created not the jinn and humans except they should worship Me Alone.” (Quran 51:56)

The concept of God in Islam describes Him as the most Merciful and the most Loving and whatever He prescribes for humankind is in the best interest of humankind. Submission to the will of God is a pathway to purity, to peace and ultimately to Paradise.

The word Quran most frequently uses to describe worship is Ibadah. Ibadah is the root of the word ‘ubudiyyah, which means to express ones humility or humbleness, and as with most Arabic words there are many shades of meaning. Ibadah involves more then an awareness of humility. It is the complete sense of humbleness that overcomes one who is totally submitted to the will of God, the Almighty. Worship is submission to God, the essential part of submission is humility.
“So glorify the praises of your Lord and be of those who prostrate themselves (to Him).” (Quran 15:98)

Humility can guide us to Paradise, just as its opposite, arrogance, kibr in Arabic, can only lead us into Hell. It is Satan’s arrogance that caused his expulsion from Paradise; when he refused to humbly obey God’s command and prostrate before Adam, the father of mankind, he condemned himself and his followers to Hell. Satan’s lack of submission, or humility, resulted in one of the most pious of God’s creatures falling into the abyss.[1]
"Except Satan, he refused to be among the prostrators. God said, 'O Satan! What is your reason for not being among the prostrators? ‘Satan said: 'I am not the one to prostrate myself to a human being, whom You created from sounding clay...”(Quran 15:30-35)

No one who behaves arrogantly or who acts as if he or she has power over others is capable of true submission. All power and strength is from God Alone. All human beings are equal in the sight of God and the distinctions between nations, tribes, and families are only to know each other and not for the sake pride.
“O mankind! We have created you from a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that you may know one another. Verily, the most honourable of you with God is that (believer) who has At-Taqwa (God consciousness). Verily, God is All-Knowing, All-Aware.” (Quran 49:15)

Humility is Piety

The main pillar of worship, Ibadah, is the prayer. The congregational prayer is performed in rows where all men stand before God as equals.[2] There is no special place for the rich or powerful, the meek and poor are not relegated to the back lines. Each man bows his head in humility knowing that his brothers, on either side of him are equally important in the sight of God. Only one thing raises one man or woman above another – piety. True piety or righteousness is not achievable without cultivating a sense of humility.
“And turn not your face away from men with pride, nor walk in insolence through the earth. Verily, God likes not each arrogant boaster.” (Quran 31:18)

Humility comes from knowing about God and recognising His greatness, venerating Him, loving Him and being in awe of Him; and it comes from knowing about oneself and one’s own faults, and weaknesses. God gives this characteristic to those who struggle to become close to Him through deeds of piety and righteousness.[3] A companion close to the Prophet Muhammad heard him say,
“Wealth does not decrease because of charity, and God increases His slave in honour when he forgives others. And no one humbles himself before God but God will raise him (in status).” (Saheeh Muslim )

Humility is one of the greatest blessings God can bestow on a human being. It allows one to achieve genuine submission. Prophet Muhammad was truly submitted to God; his character was one of complete humility and based on sincere trust in God. He was a model of kindness and humbleness. In fact, the characteristics displayed by Prophet Muhammad were the exact opposite of pride and arrogance. Every aspect of his life reflected humbleness, even his walking, talking, sitting or eating.

The Prophet did not behave towards others as if he was better than they were, nor did he spurn manual work. One of his companions reported that Prophet Muhammad worked happily with servants or workers. Other companions related that the Prophet tidied his house, tied camels, feed animals, ate meals with his servants, and helped them in kneading dough and bringing provisions from the market. It was also reported that he used to visit the sick, attend funerals, ride on a donkey, slow down his pace for the sake of the weak and accept invitations from the poor.

The companions of Prophet Muhammad and the early generations of Muslims understood the concept of humility. They behaved humbly towards God and mankind because of their love for God, and their fellow man, and fear of punishment in the Hereafter.
During his Caliphate, Omar ibn Al Khattab was marching upon Damascus with his army. Abu Ubayda was with him. They came upon a little lake. Omar descended from his camel, took off his shoes, tied them together, and hung them on his shoulder. He then took the halter off his camel and they entered the water together. Seeing this in front of the army, Abu Ubayda said, “O Commander of the Believers! How can you be so humble in front of all your men?” Omar answered, “Woe to you, Abu Ubayda! If only anyone else other than you thought this way! Thoughts like this will cause the downfall of the Muslims. Don't you see we were indeed a very lowly people? God raised us to a position of honour and greatness through Islam. If we forget who we are and wish other than the Islam which elevated us, the One who raised us surely will debase us.”

The one who is truly humble is the one who is truly blessed. Every time he feels superior to others, he remembers God, the Most Great and Omnipotent, and humbles himself in true submission.
“And the slaves of God are those who walk on the earth in humility and calmness, and when the foolish address them (with bad words) they reply back with mild words of gentleness.” (Quran 25:63)


Footnotes:

[1]Satan was a being from among the Jinn. His level of piety was so high he was eligible to worship with the Angels.
[2] In congregational prayer, men and women are separated. Women often have their own separate area.
[3] Ibn ul Qayyim

The Ideal personality of a Muslim
http://www.islamreligion.com/articles/3960/

Other islamic morals and practices can be found in the folowing link
http://www.islamreligion.com/category/58/
 
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J2hapydna

Active Member
Also, another big topic is that of Sharia Law. I understand a lot of it, but when it comes to Justice and the punishments it states, I have difficulty understand/ accepting it.

For example, the amputation of hands for theft - is that something that all Muslims tend to agree with? I know Muslims belief on Sharia Law varies, but don't know how it is regarding this part.

How do Muslims on this forum see it, do you agree that it should be a punishment today, if at all?

I dont think moderate Muslims, as a practical matter, believe Shariah laws such as this should apply. In countries like Pakistan, in national elections, over 90% of Muslims rejected candidates who support Shariah laws. Most moderate Muslims believe these punishments were describing an ideal world, in which there was compassion, fairness and justice. A world without oppression, hunger and exploitation etc. Although, that is the punishment for theft, the thief would expect to receive mercy and forgiveness from the victim, in an ideal world. The victim would deeply care about the conditions which led the thief to commit such a crime. For practical purposes, most moderates, I think, believe the victim of a crime is permitted to pardon and atleast expected to come to some other arrangement with the perpetrator than chopping off any hands.
 
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fatima_bintu_islam

Active Member
I dont think moderate Muslims, as a practical matter, believe Shariah laws such as this should apply. In countries like Pakistan, in national elections, over 90% of Muslims rejected candidates who support Shariah laws. Most moderate Muslims believe these punishments were describing an ideal world, in which there was compassion, fairness and justice. A world without oppression, hunger and exploitation etc. Although, that is the punishment for theft, the thief would expect to receive mercy and forgiveness from the victim, in an ideal world. The victim would deeply care about the conditions which led the thief to commit such a crime. For practical purposes, most moderates, I think, believe the victim of a crime is permitted to pardon and atleast expected to come to some other arrangement with the perpetrator than chopping off any hands.


Are you a Muslim?
 

EiNsTeiN

Boo-h!
correct me if im wrong. To my understanding, under shariah law, it requires 4 witness to prove rape or it would be considered as adultery, and victim is punished. In such circumstances, would there be enough boldness in women to report the rape?

What I know is that it requires 4 witnesses to prove adultery. In my country, rape is proved by medical investigations, and this makes more sense to me.

Islam's mercy provided the 4 witnesses rule for adultery, since the punishment is huge, but the concept doesn't apply for rape, I see.
 

Nerthus

Wanderlust
What I know is that it requires 4 witnesses to prove adultery. In my country, rape is proved by medical investigations, and this makes more sense to me.

Islam's mercy provided the 4 witnesses rule for adultery, since the punishment is huge, but the concept doesn't apply for rape, I see.

Although, I don't know much about Sharia Law, this way round does make much more sense to me.

~

So, do all Muslims agree with Sharia law? One poster said not so, but then someone seemed to disagree - because for me, there are some areas of it that I can't see myself agreeing with, so it would be good to know how other Muslims feel (from all over the world).
 

EiNsTeiN

Boo-h!
As Muslims, we have to obey Sharia, because it's what Allah wants us to do. The question though is whether Sharia is interpreted the same way by all Muslims?

No of course. Sharia has a deep philosophical aspect that spans to cover many interpretations.

Sharia is so flexible that if two persons interpreted a certain issue totally oppositely, both might still be correct. (provided that they followed the agreed way of interpretation)
 

Nerthus

Wanderlust
As Muslims, we have to obey Sharia, because it's what Allah wants us to do. The question though is whether Sharia is interpreted the same way by all Muslims?

No of course. Sharia has a deep philosophical aspect that spans to cover many interpretations.

Sharia is so flexible that if two persons interpreted a certain issue totally oppositely, both might still be correct. (provided that they followed the agreed way of interpretation)

Yeah, of course. And, a lot of Sharia makes sense to me, and I agree with it - but like I mentioned before, the amputation of hands? I understand the principle behind it, and how it can deter people from theft - but I don't like the violence.
 

fatima_bintu_islam

Active Member
Islam must be accepted as a whole, when one converts to Islam it means to him that Sharia laws are from Allah the most wise, therefoer it must be accepted and that what Islam (submission) is about: the minute you believe and accept with your mind and heart that Islam is the religion of Allah, Allah says in Quran:

36. It is not for a believer, man or woman, when Allah and His Messenger have decreed a matter that they should have any option in their decision. And whoever disobeys Allah and His Messenger, he has indeed strayed in a plain error.

This is what Islam is about basically :)

As for violence, Sufyan (May Allah have mercy upon him) said: Do you know what kindness is? It is to put matters in their proper place; To put harshness in it's place, to put leniency in it's place, to put the sword in it's place, and the whip in it's place.

And Allah knows best
 

J2hapydna

Active Member
Although, I don't know much about Sharia Law, this way round does make much more sense to me.

~

So, do all Muslims agree with Sharia law? One poster said not so, but then someone seemed to disagree - because for me, there are some areas of it that I can't see myself agreeing with, so it would be good to know how other Muslims feel (from all over the world).

I think Shariah law is important to some Muslims, esp. those who think of Islam in a fast food cafeteria style, superficial kind of way. They are the equivalent of the so many hail marys and so many Lords prayers and off I go to work brand of Christianity. Ask a Shariah type, why they believe in the God of Islam rather than a Jewish or Christian God and they are stumped.
 
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