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Understanding and Accepting Differences

Differences will always exist, then why every man likes other to be like him?

Shaykh Ahmed Saad suggests that we should try to understand diversity, so we may truly appreciate it as a blessing

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Shaykh Ahmed Saad "Understanding and Accepting Difference" // July 2010 // Radical Middle Way - YouTube

 

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[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Toward a Better World for All [/FONT]

[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] Peace and Justice in Islam[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Some might be wondering what's the tie between peace and justice.

I think peace and justice are like the two wings of the bird, who cannot fly with one. They are like the two sides of the same coin. Indeed a lot of problems in the world today pertaining to the absence of true peace may be rooted actually in the lack of justice. It's through justice that peace can become more accessible and more prominent in our lives.

But let me begin first with the notion of peace. Some critics of Islam say that Muslims keep saying peace, peace, peace, … Islam is the religion of peace, but this doesn't explain … and they start talking about certain misunderstandings of the Quran or reference to behavior on the part of some Muslims which is not in-line with what normative or ideal Islam teaches.

But we should never react to that by simply saying let's not talk about peace. On the contrary, we have to speak about peace which I described earlier as the very core of Islam...
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Peace and Justice in Islam: (Episode 1 - Part 1/2) - Islam & the World - Reading Islam - OnIslam.net

 

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[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Toward a Better World for All [/FONT]

[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] Peace and Justice in Islam - Episode 1 - Part 2/2
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[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Peace with God means to have close relationship with our Creator. A relationship that involves first of all confession of faith willingly and convincingly that God, the one God of all people, not the God of Muslims, but the God of all humanity, God of the whole universe, is the sole Creator, Sustainer and Cherisher of the universe, that’s where it begins.

It can’t be achieved without what we said earlier by being willing to submit to God and to God alone, an unqualified submission. To have a relationship which combines elements of fear of God, and fear of God here doesn’t mean like fearing from God. We might be afraid of tyrants or we might be afraid of death but we don’t like or appreciate or respect these things. No, that’s a different meaning of fear altogether. Actually the most noble fear is the fear from disconnecting oneself from God. The fear of displeasing the Creator who created us and gave us all the blessings that we are enjoying in our lives...
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Peace and Justice in Islam: (Episode 1 - Part 2/2) - Islam & the World - Reading Islam - OnIslam.net

 

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[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Concept of Repentance

Repentance (Tawbah) means that one feels regret and filled with remorse for his or her sins, turns to Allah with the intention to obey Him.

According to truth-seeking scholars, repentance signifies a sincere effort to no longer oppose the Divine Essence in one’s feelings, thoughts, intentions, and acts, and to comply sincerely with His commands and prohibitions.

Repentance does not mean being disgusted with what is bad or prohibited and thus no longer engaging in it; rather, it means remaining aloof from whatever Allah hates and prohibits, even if it seems agreeable to sense and reason ...

Stages of Repentance

1. Feeling sincere remorse and regret.

2. Being frightened whenever one remembers past sins.

3. Trying to eradicate injustice and support justice and right.

4. Reviewing one’s responsibilities and performing obligations previously neglected.

5. Reforming oneself by removing spiritual defects caused by deviation and error

6. Regretting and lamenting the times when one did not mention or remember Allah, or thank Him and reflect on His works. Such people are always apprehensive and alert so that their thoughts and feelings are not tainted by things that intervene between themselves and Allah. (This last quality is particular to people distinguished by their nearness to Allah.)...

[/FONT]Concept of Repentance - It is Never Too Late - Shari`ah - OnIslam.net

 

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[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Characteristics of Believers[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]

Why did the Prophet mention the believers’ characteristics?[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]

There are many authentic prophetic hadiths that talk about the characteristics of the believer.[/FONT]
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Someone may ask: Why did the Prophet (peace be upon him) describe the believers’ characteristics?[/FONT]
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The answer is: Because the human being always flatters himself; he constantly complains about his livelihood, even though he praises his intellect. Self-flattery is part of human nature; everyone claims that he is a believer, but if you read the authentic hadiths that mention the characteristics of true believers, you should make a comparison between these characteristics and your own, and know how many of these characteristics apply to you...

1. Whatever the situation, a believer does not change

Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:

[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]"How wonderful is the situation of the believer, for all his affairs are good. If something good happens to him, he gives thanks for it and that is good for him; if something bad happens to him, he bears it with patience, and that is good for him. This does not apply to anyone other than the believer." (Muslim)[/FONT]
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In the status of welfare, most people praise and thank Allah, but when they face a sign of any problem, many mistrust Allah (SWT) and begin to neglect worship....[/FONT]
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2. Love and caring for believers[/FONT]
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This is the second characteristic. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]

“The believers are like a structure, each supporting the other.” (Muslim)[/FONT]
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It means that your cooperative action toward your brothers is an indication of your true belief, if you love your Muslim brothers and relieve them of their difficulties, this will be an indication of your true belief; helping each other is one of the believer's characteristics....
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Characteristics of Believers (Part 1/2) - Growing in Faith - Reading Islam - OnIslam.net

 

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The Only Shelter in the Storm

It’s never easy to stand when the storm hits…

As soon as it starts raining, lightning shortly follows. Dark clouds replace the sun and all you can see are the waves of an ocean, once calm, surrounding you. No longer able to find your way, you reach out for help.

You begin by calling the coast guard. No reply. You try again to redirect the boat. No use. You look for the lifeboat. It’s gone. You reach for a life jacket. Torn. Finally after you’ve exhausted every means, you turn your face upward.

And ask God.

A Unique Moment

But there’s something completely unique about this moment. At this instant, you experience something you otherwise could only theorize about: true tawheed. Oneness. See, on shore, you may have called on God. But you called on Him along with so many others. You may have depended on God. But you depended on Him along with so many other handholds. But for this singular moment, everything else is closed. Everything. There is nothing left to call on. Nothing left to depend on. But Him.

And that’s the point.

Do you ever wonder why when you’re most in need, every door you seek of the creation remains closed? You knock on one, but it’s slammed shut. So you go to another. It’s also shut. You go from door to door, knocking, pounding on each one, but nothing opens. And even those doors you had once depended on, suddenly shut. Why? Why does that happen?

See, we humans have certain qualities which God knows well. We are constantly in a state of need. We are weak. But, we are also hasty and impatient. When we are in trouble, we will be pushed to seek assistance. And that’s the design. Why would we seek shelter if it’s sunny and the weather is nice? When does one seek refuge? It is when the storm hits...

The Only Shelter in the Storm - Growing in Faith - Reading Islam - OnIslam.net

 

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[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] Islam and the Cohesive Family (Part 1) [/FONT]

[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] The Role of Husband and Wife [/FONT]

[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] if the purposes of marriage are known and the responsibilities that marriage will entail are understood at the outset, once again, the probability that the marriage will be a successful marriage will be enhanced. The person will know what is expected of him, both with respect to his responsibilities and duties and his rights.[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]

Obviously, the purpose of marriage is not simply “fun” or the release of “animal urges”. There is much more to marriage than that. Some of the goals behind marriage include procreating, experiencing permissible physical pleasure, attainment of one’s complete maturity, mutually assisting one another in making one’s life in this world, attaining numerous psychological and physiological benefits, forming the cornerstone of a moral society, bringing up the next generation in a setting that is most conducive for moral and spiritual growth and binding peoples and families together...[/FONT]
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Islam and the Cohesive Family (Part 1) - Social Sphere - Reading Islam - OnIslam.net

 

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Minor Signs of the Day of Judgment

No one can know when the Day of Judgment will occur. However, God has mercifully taught His messengers some of the signs that alert one to the fact that the Hour is approaching.

These signs play a very important role, especially for those who live at a time distant from the Prophet and who did not experience firsthand his teaching and example.

The signs of the Hour can be divided into two types. First are those that occur as part of the changes in everyday life. These are known as the “minor signs.” The second are the extraordinary or supernatural events that will occur just before the actual Hour, known as the “major signs.”

The “minor signs” are very important to reflect upon since they are often neglected as people concentrate on the more “sensational” major signs. Minor signs are those signs that may occur long before the actual Last Day and, in general, they are related to day-to-day changes that occur in worldly events. The number of minor signs is numerous. Many have already occurred and many others continue to occur...

Minor Signs of the Day of Judgment - Afterlife - Reading Islam - OnIslam.net

 

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[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]A New Year’s Gift For My New Family Members [/FONT]
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My New Year gift to you is this reminder of your new privileges, to see you through the down times when there is no one around to take your hand along the way, and also to be your virtual flashcard of how to support other new Muslims you might meet.[/FONT]
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Welcome to the Family![/FONT]
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Remember, you haven’t just subscribed to a new set of beliefs; you’ve actually just joined a global family of 1.8 billion brothers and sisters who love you and pray for your wellbeing five times a day even though they’ve never met you and probably don’t know you well. You owe them the same: pray for their happiness and wellbeing and ask God forgiveness for them, because as you do that in good faith, you are granted the same that you ask for others whether you know them or not.[/FONT]
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God is not Just a Concept: [/FONT]
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God is really there for you, He knows you by name, He loves you personally and is watching over you every second of your life. He listens when you call on Him and He grants you when you ask. In fact, although He can see inside your heart, He loves to hear you ask so He could grant you. So ask Him everyday for every minute need you have, He’s not too busy to listen to you, and His treasures are endless, so don’t hold back, He loves to give generously.[/FONT]
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Nothing You Do is too Big for God’s Forgiveness and Mercy:[/FONT]
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His mercy encompasses everything He created. So although you should feel the shame and guilt of disobeying Him in His infinite glory, you should also hope for His unlimited compassion. Get down on your knees, put your forehead on the ground and say you’re sincerely sorry, from the bottom of your heart, let your tears flow to clean your soul, talk to Him and implore Him to forgive you and give you strength to be a better person, and be certain that He listens and forgives. By the time you sit back up, your slate is once again sparkling clean; it’s up to you now to re-write the story right from the beginning. ...[/FONT]

http://www.onislam.net/english/reading-islam/living-islam/growing-in-faith/449991-a-new-years-gift-for-my-new-family-members.html

 

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[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Researching Islam: A Suggested Methodology (Part 1)[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]

Looking for Proof? Start with Logic [/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]
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In the past decade we have been swamped with bad publicity about Islam, yet conversion statistics indicate that the number of people converting to Islam is growing at a phenomenal rate. [/FONT]
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Why is this so? [/FONT]
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Because wise people do not believe everything they read and see, they question, they apply critical thinking skills, they acquire knowledge and form their own conclusions.[/FONT]
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Where to Start?[/FONT]
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Finding the correct information does not come easily. You need to search, to look for your proofs and evidences. Do you want to know about Islam?...
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Researching Islam: Suggested Methodology (Part 1) - Society - Reading Islam - OnIslam.net

 

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[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]First Class to Paradise[/FONT]
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God illustrates how the believers will enter Paradise:[/FONT]
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“But those who feared their Lord will be driven to Paradise in groups.”[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] (Az-Zumar 39:73)[/FONT]
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In his tafsir (exegesis) Ibn Kathir says that this driving is one of “honor and esteem.” We can compare this to how royals, presidents and celebrities are driven around comfortably in expensive cars. In the hereafter, this special driving will only be for the believers. They will be riding first class to Paradise.[/FONT]
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While they are being driven to Paradise, Paradise itself will come to them: [/FONT]
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“And Paradise will be brought near to the righteous, not far” (Qaf 50:31).[/FONT]
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Jannah comes closer to the believers while they also come close to it – showing how the love to meet the other is mutual.[/FONT]
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The believers will not have to open the doors of Paradise themselves; rather they will be opened for them before they even reach it, showing how they will receive a noble reception: [/FONT]
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“Gardens of perpetual residence, whose doors will be opened to them.”[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] (Sad 38:50)[/FONT]
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It is a sign of courtesy today to open doors for others, and the believers will experience this on behalf of Allah! The word (be opened to them) in this ayah is significant because it shows how the companions of Jannah are honored in a way we may not even think about: the doors are wide open for their arrival.[/FONT]
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Also about greeting the believers Allah says: [/FONT]
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“Their greeting the Day they meet Him will be, “Peace.” And He has prepared for them a noble reward.” (Al-Ahzab 33:44)...[/FONT]

Entering Paradise First Class - Afterlife - Reading Islam - OnIslam.net

 

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[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Why Do Muslim Women Dress the Way They Do?

Imam Khalid Griggs:

it's very important to understand that the parameters of dress for Muslim women and Muslim men are parameters that were established by the creator of the universe, by Allah, and those parameters do not change.

They have been established for a reason. It's for the modesty of the Muslim sister, and it's to safeguard the morality of the society itself...

Why Do Muslim Women Dress The Way They Do? - Society - Reading Islam - OnIslam.net[/FONT]

 

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Researching Islam: Suggested Methodology (Part 3)

God's Message is Not Hidden

Prophet Muhammad and the new Muslim community were persecuted and even tortured. Sanctions were enforced and families disowned their own sons and daughters, leaving many to be beaten and starved by the more aggressive members of Makkan society.

Muhammad’s followers came from all social ranks, from slaves to wealthy traders and entrepreneurs. Within a short space of time many people, including Prophet Muhammad, had lost respect, status and wealth.

Muhammad’s claim to prophethood was not for fame or glory.

Prophet Muhammad said:

“By God, if they place the sun in my right hand and the moon in my left hand to leave this matter I would not leave it, until God makes it apparent or until I am killed calling people to it” (Al-Albani)

Nor was Prophet Muhammad's claim for status or wealth. The Makkan elders offered Prophet Muhammad money and prestige to renounce his call to Islam. They even offered to make him the leader of all the tribes and clans yet he consistently refused...

Researching Islam: Suggested Methodology (Part 3) - Islam & the World - Reading Islam - OnIslam.net

 

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[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] Researching Islam: Suggested Methodology (Part 4) [/FONT]

[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]God's Wisdom Is Sometimes Beyond Our Understanding [/FONT]

[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Thus we research and ask all the relevant questions. What is Islam and what do Muslims believe? Soon, sometimes very quickly, or after long hours, months or years of study we discover the answer, but what happens now? When it becomes clear that Islam is the true religion, what should be your next move?[/FONT]
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Next Steps[/FONT]
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At this point, the point where the sheer overwhelming power of God becomes self evident it would make perfect sense to embrace the religion of Islam. Many people do just that. They begin their new life’s journey secure in the knowledge that they are standing firmly on the right path.

However, the research does not end there. Islam tells us that acquiring knowledge is a life long journey. New Muslims busy themselves in learning their new religion and marvel at the simplicity of a life lead by instructions from the Creator.[/FONT]
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Others however feel driven to ask more questions, seek more answers and delve deeply into issues that are not immediately necessary. The age old saying: "you must walk before you can run", is no less true when you apply it to learning about Islam...
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Researching Islam: Suggested Methodology (Part 4) - Islam & the World - Reading Islam - OnIslam.net

 

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Kindness beautifies whatever it touches

People are in need of help, not condemnation. They need help and assistance. So the Prophet (peace be upon him) would raise the people.

In Sahih Al-Bukhari, when a drunk man got drunk the first place he went into was to the Prophet (peace be upon him) in the Masjid. He didn’t only came to the masjid, but came to the Prophet (peace be upon him).

In America, I can speak on behalf of America, in most communities except a few, the last place when young Muslims who have problems go to is the Masjid. Why? Because they don’t feel comfortable.

The Prophet was honest and trusted before he was a Prophet, but we want to have religious authority without earning the trust of the people. Whereas the Prophet earned the trust of the people then he was given the religious authority by them, he didn’t have to demand it...
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[/FONT]I Want to Repent, But

 

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[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Should Islam Seem Foreign in a Non-Muslim Society? [/FONT]

[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]In Ramadan, I gave a sermon about pondering over the Quran in your native tongue. A well-established non-Arab person who is a Doctor in his late 40’s told me that through his whole life he never really read the Quran in his native tongue, yet he had completed reading it in Arabic many times.[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]I told him, “Dear brother, the Quran is not a mystical holy talisman that blesses through osmosis. Rather, it is a clear book of divine guidance which is meant to be pondered and contemplated.”[/FONT]
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This man came to me over the next month with many questions about his reading and his faith and practice grew immensely as a result of pondering over the meanings of the Quran...[/FONT]

Should Islam Seem Foreign in a Non-Muslim Society? - In Their Own Words - Reading Islam - OnIslam.net

 

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How Do We Know God is One?

This question is important as it addresses a fundamental concept in Islamic theology, the concept of Oneness. The Oneness of God, in Arabic tawhid, is a central theme in the Quran and a message of all of the Prophets, the Quran eloquently describes the nature of God and His oneness in the 112th. chapter:

{Say: He is God, the One. God the Eternal. He begot no one, nor was He begotten. No one is comparable to him.} (Al-Ikhlas 112: 1 - 4)

Before I begin to answer the question, it is important to add that the concept of Oneness in Islam is not limited to God’s singularity and uniqueness. There are many aspects to this concept which involve the way human beings should worship God, how they should understand His lordship, and how they should understand God’s names and attributes...

How Do We Know God is One? (Part 1) - Allah - Reading Islam - OnIslam.net

 

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The Hereafter: Two Parties and Two Faces

Radiant and Joyous

For the Believers, that Day will be one of celebration. They made it into Paradise, by God’s mercy...

Radiance implies beauty, so their faces will not only be joyous and smiling, but beautiful and glowing. Some Believers will be blessed with having the brightest of faces. The Prophet, peace be upon him, said:

“A group of my Ummah (community) consisting of seventy thousand persons would enter Paradise; their faces would be as bright as the brightness of the full moon.” (Muslim)

If you have ever been outside during a full moon, then you know how bright it can be. The full moon gives off a serene light. Unlike the sun, it is not a light with intense heat. Looking directly at the sun can hurt your eyes, but looking directly at a full moon is enjoyable. The Prophet used the example of the full moon to imply that their faces will be beautiful, radiant, and easy to look at...

The Hereafter: Two Parties and Two Faces - Afterlife - Reading Islam - OnIslam.net

 

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[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]How Do We Know God is One? (Part 2)[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]
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Uniqueness[/FONT]
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The cause of the universe must be unique, as the Quran mentions: [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]{There is nothing like Him}. (Ash-Shura 42: 11)[/FONT]
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If the cause of the universe was not unique that would mean there are some similarities between the cause of the universe and the universe itself. This is not possible as that would place the cause of the universe within the universe (if you define the universe as the sum of all matter) and this would lead to an absurdity as it would imply that the universe created itself.[/FONT]
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Now you may ask the question: Why can’t the cause of the universe resemble the universe? The answer is straight forward; this cause must be immaterial because it created the sum of all material – which is the universe itself – and another principle that supports this is the 1st. law of thermodynamics, it states: “Energy cannot be created or destroyed”, simply put energy (in other words matter) cannot create itself. If the cause was material then it would defy this principle as it would mean matter and energy self create. So you can conclude that the cause of the universe must be immaterial and therefore unique.
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How does this relate to the Oneness of God?[/FONT]
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Well if there were more than one cause for the universe that would mean they are not unique anymore...
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How Do We Know God is One? (Part 2) - Allah - Reading Islam - OnIslam.net

 

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Marriage: God’s Gift to Humanity

in Islam, the highest honor is given to those who honor their Creator; who plan their lives and direct their desires toward the permissible channels in order to gain both worldly pleasure as well as fulfilling their roles as obedient servants of God.

With no guilt on the conscience, a couple is able to fully give love and devotion to each other, raise healthy children who are fully secure in having both loving father and mother on their sides while they are growing up. What a blessing!...

Marriage: God