Worship in Islam

The concept of worship in Islam differs from that found in other religions and is, therefore, subject to misunderstanding. In general, worship is understood to mean the observance of certain rituals: prayer, fasting, giving charity, and other 'good' works. In Islam, however, worship is much more; it is one's entire life. The definition goes something like this: "Worship is an all-inclusive term for those internal and external sayings and actions of a person that are pleasing to Allaah." In other words, worship is that which is done in obedience to Allaah's will, which obviously includes rituals but goes far beyond to the realms of one’s beliefs, social activities, and personal contributions to one's society and fellow human beings.

Islam looks at the individual as a whole. He is required to submit completely to Allaah, as the Quran instructed Prophet Muhammad sallallaahu 'alayhi wasallam to do; Allaah Says (what means): “Say: ‘Indeed, my prayer, my rites of sacrifice, my living and my dying are for Allaah, Lord of the worlds. No partner has He. And this I have been commanded, and I am the first [among you] of the Muslims.’” [Quran: 6:162-163]

The natural result of this submission is that one's activities should conform to the instructions of the One to whom the person is submitting - Allaah. Islam requires that its followers conduct every aspect of their lives according to its teachings. This might sound strange to those who view religion as a personal relationship between the individual and his Lord and which should have no relevance to those activities that are not connected specifically with any religious rituals.

The Prophet Muhammad  taught his followers that Islam is much more than a private personal matter. Islam attaches no value to rituals that are performed mechanically and have no influence on one's inner life. This issue was addressed in an incident when Muslims, as well as local Jews and Christians, disputed about the prayer direction being changed from Jerusalem to the Ka'bah (the Sacred Mosque) in Makkah: Allaah Says (what means): “Righteousness is not that you turn your faces toward the east or the west, but [true] righteousness is [in] one who believes in Allaah, the Last Day, the Angels, the Book, and the prophets and gives wealth, in spite of love for it, to relatives, orphans, the needy, the traveller, those who ask [for help], and for freeing slaves; [and who] establishes prayer and gives Zakaah; [those who] fulfil their promise when they promise; and [those who] are patient in poverty and hardship and during battle. Those are the ones who have been true, and it is those who are the righteous.” [Quran: 2:177]

The deeds mentioned in the above verse are indications that a person is righteous.

Honest work is considered a type of worship. The Prophet said: "Whoever finds himself at nightfall tired of his work, Allaah will forgive his sins." Seeking knowledge is one of the highest forms of worship. The Prophet told his companions that "Seeking knowledge is a (religious) duty on every Muslim." Social courtesy and cooperation, when done for the sake of Allaah, are also a part of worship: "Receiving your friend with a smile is a type of charity, helping a person to load his animal is a charity, and putting some water in your neighbour's bucket is a charity."

In Islam, the performing of one's duties is also considered an act of worship. The Prophet told us that whatever one spends on his family will be counted as an act of worship for which he will be rewarded, provided what he spent was acquired by Islamically acceptable means. Kindness to family members, no matter how small, is also viewed as an act of worship. Even activities that we enjoy very much, such as sexual relations with one's spouse, are considered acts of worship as long as they are performed in accordance with the relevant Quranic and prophetic guidelines. For example, the Prophet once told his Companions that they would be rewarded even for engaging in sexual intercourse with their wives. They were astonished and asked: "Are we to be rewarded for doing something that we enjoy very much?" The Prophet replied: "If you satisfy your desires illegally, will you be punished?" They replied: "Yes." So the Prophet said: "So for satisfying it legally with your wives, you will be rewarded."

It is clear from the previous discussion that the concept of worship in Islam is a comprehensive concept that includes all of the positive activities engaged in by an individual. This is in agreement with the all-inclusive nature of Islam, which regulates life on the individual, social, economic, political, spiritual, and all other levels of one's life.

Discussing non-ritualistic types of worship first does not mean those that are ritualistic are of less importance. In fact, if the latter are performed correctly and sincerely, they elevate the individual both spiritually and morally and actually help him to live a righteous life according to the guidance of Allaah.

Islam has several ritualistic activities that all Muslims are expected to perform. The most important one is the prayer (Salaah), which must be performed according to a specific style. Its importance derives from the fact that it serves as the distinctive trait of a Muslim and because it prevents a Muslim from engaging in sinful activities by putting him into direct contact with Allaah five times a day. Thus, the ritual prayer is a chance for him to renew his covenant with Allaah and to seek His guidance anew.

The second most important pillar of Islam is Zakaat, a term that signifies giving to the less fortunate a certain percentage of one's earnings and holdings. Giving the poor their due and performing the prayer are usually mentioned together in the Quran, for they are both visible manifestations of one's Islamic faith and belief that Allaah is the sole owner of everything in the universe, which He allows man to enjoy as His trustee for a specific period of time.

In addition, this act provides a means to redistribute society's wealth in a way that reduces differences between classes and groups. It makes an important contribution to social stability, by purging the soul of the rich person from selfishness and the soul of the poor from envy and resentment against society. This blocks the channels leading to class hatred and makes it possible for the springs of brotherhood and solidarity to gush forth. Such stability is not merely based on the personal feelings of the rich; it stands on a firmly established right that, if denied by the rich, would be exacted by force, if necessary.

The month-long fast of Ramadhaan (Siyaam) is the third pillar of Islam. Its main function is to make the Muslim pure from "within," just as the external legal code (the Sharee'ah) makes his external actions pure. This process of purification makes it possible for him to respond to what is true and good and to shun what is false and evil.

Fasting, then, awakens an individual's conscience and permits it to share in a communal experience that is engaged in by the entire Muslim world at the same time. Fasting also reminds Muslims of those who are deprived of life's necessities throughout the year or throughout their lives. It makes them realise the suffering of their less fortunate Muslim brothers, a feeling that promotes in them a sense of sympathy and kindness towards Muslims and other people in general.

Lastly, we come to the annual pilgrimage to the House of Allaah (the Ka'bah) in Makkah. This ritual, known as the Hajj, is unique to Islam.

Muslims from all corners of the world, all attired in the same clothing, respond in one voice and one language with the following phrase upon entering the sacred precincts: "Labbayk Allaahumma Labbayk" (i.e., Here I am n response to your call, O Lord!). This is a time of strict self-discipline and control where not only sacred things are revered, but even the life of plants and birds is made inviolable. Pilgrimage gives an opportunity for all Muslims, regardless of their affiliations with certain groups, classes, organisations, and governments, to meet annually in a great congress. All Muslims are invited to attend, for no individual or government can deny any Muslim the right to do so. Every Muslim who attends is guaranteed full safety and freedom as long as he does not violate its sanctity.

Thus, worship in Islam, whether ritual or non-ritual, trains the individual in such a way that he loves his Creator even more, which causes him to gain an unyielding will and a means to wipe out all evil and oppression from his society and to make the word of Allaah triumphant.

The universal Da’wah of Islam

The Da’wah of the Prophet Muhammad was not restricted to a particular time or place, rather it was a universal Da’wah; one to last until the end of time.

There is much evidence to substantiate this and some wonderful examples can be found in the Quran. Allaah clarifies the timeless prophetic role of Muhammad in the following verses (which mean):

• "And We have not sent you (O Muhammad) except as a giver of glad tidings and as a warner to all mankind." [Quran 34:28]
• "Say (O Muhammad): 'O mankind! Verily, I am sent to you all as the Messenger of Allaah." [Quran 7:158] 
• "Blessed be He Who sent down the criterion (of right and wrong, i.e., this Quran) to His slave (Muhammad) that he may be a Warner to the 'Aalameen (mankind and Jinn)." [Quran 25:1]

There is a Hadeeth in which the Messenger of Allaah said: "I have been given superiority over the other Prophets in six respects: I have been given words which are concise but comprehensive in meaning; I have been helped by terror (in the hearts of enemies); spoils have been made lawful to me; the earth has been made for me clean and a place of worship; I have been sent to all of mankind and the line of Prophets is closed with me." [Muslim]

The proof that the Da’wah (call) of the Prophet was also for the Jinn is manifested in the statement of Allaah Almighty (which means): "And (remember) when We sent towards you (O Muhammad ) Nafran (three to ten persons) of the Jinns, (quietly) listening to the Quran. When they stood in the presence thereof, they said: 'Listen in silence!' And when it was finished, they returned to their people, as warners. They said: 'O our people! Verily, we have heard a Book (this Quran) sent down after Moses, confirming what came before it, it guides to the truth and to a Straight Path (i.e., Islam). O our people, respond (with obedience) to Allaah's caller, and believe in him (i.e., believe in that which Muhammad has brought from Allaah and follow him). He (Allaah) will forgive you of your sins, and will save you from a painful torment (i.e., Hell-fire).'" [Quran 46: 29-31] 

Thus, the Prophet spread his Da’wah outside of his own people, and indeed, outside the Arab world entirely. The introduction of Islamic Da’wah spread globally after a truce was made with the Quraysh in the treaty of Hudaybiyyah. He sent messengers and wrote letters to the various kings of his time. The first of these messengers according to Ibn Al-Qayyim was ‘Amr ibn ‘Umayyah ad-Dimry who was sent to Negus, King of Abyssinia (Ethiopia). He carried a letter, rather an invitation, which stated: "Come to a word that is just between us and you, that we worship none but Allaah, and that we associate no partners with Him; and that none of us shall take others as lords besides Allaah. Then, if they turn away, say: "Bear witness that we are Muslims.”

Thus, the king and whoever was with him believed in the message.

The Prophet also sent ‘Abdullaah ibn Huthayfah to Chosroes, ruler of Persia, with a letter that stated: "In the name of Allaah, the Beneficent, the Most Merciful, from Muhammad, Messenger of Allaah to Chosroes, Shah of Persia. Peace be upon those who follow the truth, who believe in Allaah and His Prophet and who testify that there is no divinity but Allaah and that Muhammad is His Messenger. I call you with the Call of Allaah, because I am His Messenger, sent that I may give warning to him who is living, and that the Word (charge) may be justified against the disbelievers, that if they do not accept His Message, they must live with the consequence. Become Muslim and you will be safe. If you refuse, then upon you is the sin of the Magians."

When Chosroes read this, he tore the letter up, so the Prophet said: "May Allaah also tear up his kingdom."

The Prophet also wrote a letter to Heraclius, the ruler of the Byzantine, in which he said: "In the name of Allaah, the Beneficent, the Merciful. This letter is from Muhammad the slave of Allaah and His Messenger to Heraclius, the ruler of the Byzantine. Peace be upon those who follow the right path. Furthermore, I invite you to Islam and if you become a Muslim you will be safe, and Allaah will double your reward, and if you reject this invitation of Islam you will be committing a sin by misguiding your subjects. And I recite to you Allaah's statement (which means): "Say (O Muhammad): 'O people of the Scripture: Come to a word that is just between us and you, that we worship none but Allaah, and that we associate no partners with Him, and that none of us shall take others as lords besides Allaah.’ Then, if they turn away, say: ‘Bear witness that we are Muslims.’" [Quran 3:64]

The Prophet similarly sent numerous messages to other kings, each conveying an identical meaning as those above.

These letters re-affirm an understood reality – that Islam is a universal religion, for all creation. Thus, it was a duty upon the Prophet to convey the pure message of Islam, calling everyone he knew, by every means available at that time with beautiful preaching in its purest form.

Islam and essential needs

Islam came to complete the previous Divine religions and faith on earth. In fact, the Prophet completed the missions of the previous Prophets, may Allaah exalt their mention. Allaah’s Messenger said: “My example, and the example of the prophets, who preceded me, is like that of a person who built a beautiful house. The house was perfect, magnificent and great except for a place of a single brick (in one corner). People, who visited (or saw) that house admired it but always wondered, why did not the owner complete that missing single brick?’ I am that (missing) brick. I am the final Prophet (for mankind on the earth).” [Al-Bukhaari, Hadeeth No.3341 and at-Tirmithi, Hadeeth No.2862]

Islam diligently acts to provide the basic needs of man on earth, like the previous Divine religions and works hard to secure his rights.

Let us read together the following verse of the Glorious Quran (which means): “Fight in the cause of Allaah those who fight you, but do not transgress limits; for Allaah loves not transgressors.” [Quran 2:190]

Allaah, the Exalted and Sublime, has made Jihaad (fighting and struggling for His cause), a rewardable act that Muslims believe in and practice. In fact, Jihaad is looked upon as the “hump” of the camel, the highest most important point on the body of the camel, and a Muslim should regard it similarly. Struggle for the sole cause of Allaah Almighty must be cherished by the sincere believing Muslims in this life. It should be treated with reverence and taken seriously, with a mature understanding of its objectives. Jihaad is not an innovation in Islam. In fact, Jihaad is an accepted, well-established, and known practice in the previous faiths and nations as well.

Jihaad was established earlier, Allaah knows best, because of the fact that there have been conflicts and differences among people all over the earth. Moreover, good and evil have always co-existed in societies all over the world throughout history. Therefore, Jihaad was founded and defined in order to stop tyranny and remove tyrant rulers, who deviate from Allaah’s Path and the code of life that He laid down for man to follow. Jihaad is also laid down, Allaah knows best, in order to stop people from worshipping other people and false deities, and introduces them to the reality of the worship of Allaah alone, Who has no son, partners or associates.

Jihaad is also laid down for man on earth to remove all injustices committed by man and introduce the world to the mercy, justice, peace and tranquility of Islam as a way of life. Moreover, Jihaad is laid down, in principle, to protect the call to Islam and help spreading it all over the world. It is for the interest of humankind on earth and not for the interest of Arabs or Muslims, as Islam has no geographic borders.

The final word underlying Jihaad is for the people to either accept or reject Islam as a way of life. Islam has a message for the entire humanity. Islam has the most comprehensive code of morals and ethics for people in every walk of life. Islam laid down the principles of justice, fairness, equality, freedom, prosperity, success and truthfulness for man on earth. Jihaad has not been laid down to force people against their will to join Islam; rather it is a tool and mechanism to help spread the religion of monotheism, justice and equality to the entire world. After the various peoples receive the message, it is up to them to accept Islam as a way of life or choose otherwise.

In any event, the essential purpose of Jihaad is to carry the Message of Islam to people and introduce it to them. Almighty Allaah states in the Glorious Quran (what means): “Let there be no compulsion in religion: Truth stands out clear from Error: whoever rejects Evil and believes in Allaah has grasped the most trustworthy hand-hold, that never breaks. And, Allaah hears and knows all things.” [Quran 2: 256]

The directive principle cementing relationships between government and people is based on peace. Yet, Allaah Almighty laid down the foundations of Jihaad in Islam for a special reason and purpose. There is a major difference between the terms “Jihaad” and “War”. Jihaad, as interpreted and understood in Islam, is not a “Holy War” as described in the Western media; rather, it is an honorable ‘struggle’ against the enemies of Allaah Almighty who reject His Word and faith in Him and His religion of Islam. “War” on the other hand, is a drive for personal interests and ownership of lands, natural resources for political or economic reasons. Islam ordered for Jihaad in the three situations as follows:

 

1- Defense of life, property and national boundaries

This concept is based on the verse of the Glorious Quran (which means): “Fight in the cause of Allaah those who fight you, but do not transgress limits; for Allaah loves not transgressors.” [Quran 2: 190]

2- Removing oppression and preserving the just rights of the oppressed people. This concept is based on the verse of the Glorious Quran, (which means): “And why should you not fight in the cause of Allaah and of those who, being weak, are ill-treated people (and oppressed)? Men, women, and children, whose cry is: ‘Our Lord! Rescue us from this town whose people are oppressors; and raise for us from You one who will protect; and raise for us from You one who will help!’”[Quran 4:75]

3-Defence of Faith and Religion

A fighter must purify his intention to please Allaah Almighty alone and he must have a sound understanding that he is not participating in this Jihaad for any unfair reasons. The fighters must realize that they are taking part in such a Jihaad in order to spread the Word of Allaah Almighty. This concept is based on the verse of the Glorious Quran, (which means): “And fight them on until there is no more tumult or oppression, and there prevails justice and faith in Allaah altogether and everywhere; but if they cease, verily Allaah does see all that they do.” [Quran 8:39]

Moreover, if the enemies of Islam cease their fire and resort to stop the war, accepting to make peace with the Islamic Jihaad government, the Muslim fighters must, as well, cease their fires and stop all Jihaad activities. In fact, it becomes unlawful for Muslims to continue to fight in Jihaad against the troops of the other side, if the confronted party cease their fire and ask for peace. This concept is based on the verse of the Glorious Quran, (which means): “Therefore if they withdraw from you but fight you not, and (instead) send you (guarantees of) peace, then Allaah has left no way for you (to war against them).” [Quran 4:90]

Furthermore, all other types of wars that aim at land expansion, colonial interests and revenge that result in wide-scale destruction, are totally prohibited according to Islam. Although Islam permitted fighting against enemies for necessary reasons, it has laid articulate rules of conduct while waging wars against the enemies of Islam. Islam does not allow fighters to kill anybody: it is permissible to attack only combatants and supporting forces on the other side. Islam does not permit, accept or condone the killing of elderly people, children, women, sick people under medical treatment, medical staff workers and monks who have secluded themselves for worship of Allaah Almighty.

Islam prohibits killing a wounded man in a battle and forbids mutilating the bodies and organs of the deceased enemy fighters. Islam also forbids the killing of cattle or any type of animals of the enemies, destroying the houses of innocent people, polluting the potable waters, rivers, lakes, springs and wells of water of the fighting enemies. Moreover, Islam prohibits chasing people who flee the battlefield. This concept is based on a verse of the Glorious Quran (which means): “But seek, with the (wealth) which Allaah has bestowed on you, the Home of the Hereafter, nor forget your portion in this World: but do you good, as Allaah has been good to you, and seek not (occasions for) mischief in the land: for Allaah loves not those who do mischief.” [Quran 28:77]

Who invented the Trinity? -II

The Church Puts Its Foot Down

The matter was far from settled, despite Constantine’s high hopes. Arius and the new bishop of Alexandria, a man named Athanasius, began arguing over the matter even as the Nicene Creed was being signed; "Arianism" became a catchword from that time onward for anyone who did not hold to the Doctrine of the Trinity.

It was not until 451 CE, at the Council of Chalcedon that, the approval of the Pope, with the Nicene/Constantinople Creed was set as authoritative. Debate on the matter was no longer tolerated; to speak out against the Trinity was now considered blasphemy, and such earned stiff sentences that ranged from mutilation to death. Christians now turned on Christians, maiming and slaughtering thousands because of a difference of opinion.

Debate Continues

Brutal punishments and even death did not stop the controversy over the Doctrine of the Trinity, and it continues even today.

The majority of Christians, when asked to explain this fundamental doctrine of their faith, can offer nothing more than: "I believe it because I was told to do so." It is explained away as "mystery" -- yet the Bible says in I Corinthians 14:33 that: "... God is not the author of confusion..."

The Unitarian denomination of Christianity has kept alive the teachings of Arius in saying that God is One; they do not believe in the Trinity. As a result, mainstream Christians abhor them, and the National Council of Churches has refused their admittance. In Unitarianism, the hope is kept alive that Christians will someday return to the preachings of Jesus: "...Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and Him only shalt thou serve." [Luke 4:8]

Islam and the Matter of the Trinity

While Christianity may have a problem defining the essence of God, such is not the case in Islam.

The Quran says (what means):

"They have certainly disbelieved who say: ‘Allaah is the third of three’. And there is no god except One God." [Quran 5:73]

Suzanne Haneef, in her book, What Everyone Should Know About Islam and Muslims, (Library of Islam, 1985), puts the matter rather concisely when she says: "But God is not like a pie or an apple which can be divided into three thirds which form one whole; if God is three persons or possesses three parts, He is assuredly not the Single, Unique, Indivisible Being which God is and which Christianity professes to believe in." (pp. 183-184)

Looking at it from another angle, the Trinity designates God as being three separate entities -- the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. If God is the Father and also the Son, He would then be the Father of Himself because He is His own Son. This defies logic.

Christianity claims to be a monotheistic religion. Monotheism, however, has a fundamental belief that God is One; the Christian doctrine of the Trinity -- God being Three-in-One -- is seen by Islam as a form of polytheism. Thus, Christians do not worship just One God, they worship three.

This is a charge not taken lightly by Christians, however. They, in turn, accuse the Muslims of not even knowing what the Trinity is, pointing out that the Quran sets it up as Allaah the Father, Jesus the Son, and Mary his mother. While veneration of Mary has been an invention of the Catholic Church since 431 CE, when she was given the title "Mother of God" by the Council of Ephesus, a closer examination of the verse in the Quran (5:116) most often cited by Christians in support of their accusation, shows that the designation of Mary by the Quran as a "member" of the Trinity, is simply not true.

While the Quran does condemn both trinitarianism (Quran 4:17) and the worship of Jesus and his mother Mary (Quran 5:116), nowhere does it identify the actual three components of the Christian Trinity. The position of the Quran is that who or what comprises this doctrine is not important; what is important is that the very notion of a Trinity is an affront against the concept of One God.

In conclusion, we see that the Doctrine of the Trinity is a concept conceived entirely by man; there is no sanction whatsoever from God to be found regarding the matter, simply because the whole idea of a Trinity of divine beings has no place in monotheism. In the Quran -- God's Final Revelation to humankind -- we find His stand quite clearly stated in a number of eloquent passages (which mean): "Say: ‘I am only a man like you, to whom has been revealed that your god is One God. So whoever would hope for meeting with his Lord – let him do righteous work and not associate in the worship of his Lord anyone.’” [Quran 18:110]

And (which means):

"...And do not make (as equal) with Allaah another deity, lest you be thrown into Hell, blamed and banished." [Quran 17:39]

Allaah tells us over and over again in a Message that is echoed throughout all His Revealed Scriptures (what means):

"...and I am your Lord, worship Me ..." [Quran 21:92] 

Atoms that come alive

Atoms are the building blocks of both animate organisms as well as inanimate objects. Since atoms are inanimate particles, it evokes extreme astonishment that they are the building blocks of living beings. This is an issue evolutionists can never explain.

Just as it is impossible to imagine pieces of stone coming together to form living organisms, it is impossible to imagine inanimate atoms coming together by themselves to form living organisms. Think about a lump of rock and a butterfly -- one is inanimate, the other is animate. Yet, when we delve into their essences, we see that both are made up of the same sub-atomic particles.

The following example may elucidate the impossibility of inanimate matter transforming by itself into animate matter in a better way: Can aluminum fly? No. If we mix aluminum with plastic and gasoline, can it fly? Of course it still cannot. Only if we bring these materials together in a way so as to form an airplane, can they fly. So, what makes an airplane fly? Is it the wings, the engine or the pilot? None of these can fly by themselves. In fact, an airplane is manufactured by the assemblage in a special design consisting of different pieces each of which has no ability to fly. The ability to fly is derived neither from aluminum, nor plastic, nor gasoline. The specifications of these substances are important, but the ability to fly can only be gained by bringing these substances together in a very special design.

Living systems are no different. A living cell is formed by the arrangement of inanimate atoms in a very special design. Faculties of living cells such as growth, reproduction and others are results of perfect design rather than the properties of molecules. The design we find at this point is only Allaah's creating the living from the dead. Allaah Says (what means): "Indeed, Allaah is the cleaver of grain and the date seed. He brings the living out of the dead and brings the dead out of the living. That is Allaah; so how are you deluded?" [Quran 6:95]

When the Theory of Evolution was advanced in the middle of the 19th century CE, scientific research conducted with primitive microscopes had created the impression that the cell was just a simple lump of matter. However, in the 20th century CE, observation and research made using advanced instruments and electron microscopes revealed that the cell has an extremely complex structure that could only have been formed as a result of perfect design. Most importantly, research showed that it is absolutely impossible for life to arise spontaneously out of inanimate matter. The source of life is life alone -- a fact has been proved experimentally too. This is a problem evolutionists can never resolve.

It is for this reason that renowned evolutionary scientists find themselves in a  great impasse and instead of presenting solid scientific evidence, resort to telling hypothetical 'tales' which amount to nothing but window-dressing. They put forward completely illogical and unscientific claims that matter has a consciousness, ability and will of its own. However, they themselves do not believe these absurd tales and are eventually forced to confess that the main questions that need to be answered cannot be answered scientifically: "The outstanding evolutionary mystery now is: how matter has originated and evolved, why it has taken its present form in the Universe and on the earth, and why it is capable of forming itself into complex living sets of molecules." [C. D. Darlington, Evolution for Naturalists, (NY, John Wiley, 1980) p. 15]

As the evolutionary scientist quoted above confesses, the basic purpose of the Theory of Evolution is to deny that Allaah (God) created living beings. This is the scenario claimed by evolutionists, describing the transformation of inanimate and unconscious atoms into animate organisms, and most significantly, into people with high levels of consciousness and intelligence: "After the Big Bang, atoms, containing precisely balanced forces, somehow brought themselves into being...These atoms first transformed themselves into cells with highly complex structures and then produced copies of the cells they formed by splitting into two, after which they started speaking and hearing. Subsequently, these atoms transformed into university professors viewing themselves under the electron microscope and claiming that they came into being coincidentally…"

It is possible to prolong this story but let us stop here and see whether unconscious atoms can spontaneously form the DNA molecule, the cornerstone of life and proteins.

DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid), which is located in the nucleus of a cell contains the codes carrying the information that controls the formation of all organs and characteristics of the body. This code is so complex that scientists were only able to translate it (to a very limited extent) as late as the 1940s. Proteins are the building blocks of living beings and play a key role in many vital functions of the organism.

DNA is a series of nucleotides arranged in a special sequence. A protein is a series of amino acids arranged again in a special sequence. First of all, it is mathematically impossible for either DNA molecules or protein molecules that come in thousands of different types to sort out the appropriate sequences necessary for life by chance. Probabilistic calculations reveal that the probability of even the simplest protein molecules achieving the right sequence by chance is zero. In addition to this mathematical impossibility, there is also an important chemical obstacle to the coincidental formation of these molecules. If the relationship between DNA and protein were a result of time, chance and natural processes, then there would be some sort of chemical affinity of DNA and protein to react, as acids and bases have a great tendency to react. In that case, if chance had really played a role, a whole host of other natural chemical reactions would occur among any random fragments of DNA and protein and the living beings we see today would not have formed.

Just as the entire Universe was created from nothing, so were living beings created from nothing. Just as only nothing can come into existence out of nothing by chance, inanimate matter cannot combine by chance to form living beings. Only Allaah, Possessor of Infinite Power, Infinite Wisdom and Infinite Knowledge, has the power to do all these. Allaah Says (what means): "Indeed your Lord is Allaah, who created the Heavens and Earth in six days and then established Himself above the Throne. He covers the night with the day (another night) chasing it rapidly; and (He created) the sun, the moon, and the stars, subjected by His command. Unquestionably, His is the creation and the command; blessed is Allaah, Lord of the worlds." [Quran 7:54]

Marriages Lead Women to Islam

‘Aaishah Abid Choudry - her given name is Harumi - adopted her Muslim name and faith four years ago, at the age of 26, to marry a Pakistani. Two years later, like many Japanese women married to Muslim men in Japan, she remained reluctant to abide by Islamic laws. Then one day about two years ago, she decided to act on her own intuition that Islam meant having a personal relationship with Allaah [Arabic for God]. She got on her knees to pray for the first time. Her husband, a devout Muslim who had never asked her to adopt Islam but had prayed silently on her behalf for years, cried openly at the sight.

Once distant and unknown in Japan, Islam has found reverts among young Japanese women. Many are married to men who come to Japan to find work from countries with Islamic traditions such as Iran, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Malaysia.
A hub of Islamic activity in Tokyo, the Islamic Center in Setagay-ku registered over 80 new members this year, the majority were Japanese women.

Although some women reverted with no thought of marriage, many more reverted to Islam to marry Muslims; the center reports a record number of 40 marriages between foreign Muslims and Japanese women reverts this year.

Women are attracted to Islam because they want freedom. Islam gives them independence because they do not have to be a slave of any man. Islam is against moral aggression against women. The chastity and honor of women are protected. No illicit relations are allowed. All these things attract women," said Siddiqi.

Islamic law also provides that men may have more than one wife. "This cannot seem to leave Japanese heads," said Siddiqi. "We explain one thousand times that marrying four times is permissible only in certain unavoidable circumstances such as impotency, infertility and so forth. As a result there is no prostitution in Islam. If you need another women, then marry her, take care of her children."

Asked why a woman can't have more than one husband, Siddiqi explained, "Because she can't decide on whose child it is. It is confusing for her." (Japanese law uses the same logic, forbidding women to remarry within six months of divorce.) [In Islam the waiting period, ‘idda’ is shorter].

Japanese women who marry men from Islamic countries often face ostracism from their families and alienation from friends; living by Islamic laws requires major changes in nearly every aspect of their lives.

The Muslim's daily ritual of prayer (salat) facing Makkah, before sunrise, at noon, mid-afternoon, after sunset, and before sleep, for example, is a major hurdle for anyone who wants to hold onto a steady job. One resourceful young woman who works for a major electronics company in Tokyo manages to pray in the company changing room. [An MIT-Japan Program Intern at another major electronics company, Sharp, finds that prayer is no hurdle to holding onto a steady job.]

The new Muslim must also make major changes in her diet. Muslims who strictly follow the Qur’an may not consume pork and alcoholic beverages. Nor eat animal products that have not been blessed.

Juices and ‘Tsukamoto’ may contain preservatives with low levels of alcohol; chocolate, ice cream, cakes and other processed desserts may contain animal fats, and gelatins may be made from animal bones.

Although lawful and blessed (halaal) products have become increasingly available from shops that specialize in halaal or imported products, many basic products sold in supermarkets are off limits to the Muslim.

The most obvious obligatory symbol of the Muslim woman is the veil (‘Hijaab’) that covers her head, and the long sleeves, and pants that cover her limbs. Countries have variations on this; Saudi women cover the nose and mouth as well, while Malaysian Muslims [women] wear short scarves over their heads.

An energetic face framed within her black Hijaab, Aysha says, "I wasn't born a Muslim, so I'm strict (about Islam). Before I became a Muslim, I was the secretary to a company president so I drank alcohol, played, wore miniskirts, everything. After I became a Muslim, everything changed. I threw away or gave away five bags of clothing. To become a good Muslim takes time, though."

Although strict Islamic life may not be incongruous with lifestyles in Saudi Arabi, in Japan, Islam means accepting a life radically different from the ordinary Japanese. Perhaps, for some, herein lies the appeal.

Before I became a Muslim I didn't know what I was put here on earth for. I thought that the purpose of working was to make other people think highly of me. I believed that a person's worth was based on what university he went to and how much money he made. Now I know that work is to nourish my body and I am here to live each day to praise Allah," said a woman in her 20's married to a Pakistani truck driver.

Others, like Noureen, a 30-year-old teacher of nursing at a women's university in Saitama, had tried other religions, including Christianity, which she found unsatisfying before finding Islam. She met her husband, a 29-year-old Pakistani factory worker, while attending study sessions at the Islamic Center (their trip home took them in the same direction) and officially became a Muslim before their marriage four years ago.

Also, for many Muslims in Japan who open Indian restaurants, serving alcohol is a painful dilemma. Although prohibited by the Quran it is all but impossible to run a restaurant in Japan without it.

While adult Muslims may somehow overcome the difficulties of living under Islamic law in Japan, for children it is virtually impossible. Noureen hasn't seen their 2-year-old son for six months since they sent him to Pakistan to live with his grandparents to receive a true Islamic upbringing.

She tried sending him to a nursery for a year in Japan and asked the staff not to feed him. Still she worried that he might be taking food from other children. "When he gets older, we would have to worry about him attending birthday and Christmas parties and it would be sad and hard for him to make friends.

At present there are no Islamic schools in Japan. Noureen says, "the problem is not just food, it's the concept: In Japan people think their body is their own, and that a child should stay up all night studying and only think about exams. “But we believe that one's body belongs to God and should be treated with respect.”

Facts & misunderstandings about the Bible

In the Quran Allaah informs us that He revealed a number of books, including the pages of Prophet Abraham (Ibraaheem ), the Psalms of Prophet David (Daawood ), the Torah of Prophet Moses (Moosaa ), the Injeel (Gospel) of Prophet Jesus (‘Eesaa ), and finally, the Quran of Prophet Muhammad . Of these revealed texts only the Quran remains intact in its original form. All of the others (as complete books) have been lost, their remains have survived only as fragments or tampered with in some way so as to make their authenticity doubtful. Nowhere in the Quran is the Bible even mentioned, to say nothing of its being among the revealed texts of Allah, or as Christian claim “The Word of God.”  Further, we know from respected scholars that although some fragments of the Psalms, the Torah, and the Injeel (the teachings of Prophet Jesus) may be found in the Bible, comprised of the Old and New Testaments, the Bible cannot rightfully be called “The Word of God.”  Why is this so?

As one publisher (Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois) stated: “The Bible may look like one book, but it is actually sixty-six books in one. Thirty-nine books make up what we call the Old Testament, and twenty-seven make up the New Testament. It is possible that more than forty writers were used by God to write all sixty-six books.” (Quoted from the “Holy Bible” – New Living Translation, Gift & Award Edition, l997, p. vii)

So if the Bible is neither narrated by God nor written by Him, and, as such, is not ‘the word of God,’ then what is it?  By any objective criteria, the Bible is a book containing a compilation of stories, legends, folk tales, folk lore, myths, sagas, narratives, poetry, fragments of scriptures (fragments from the Psalms, the Torah, and the Injeel as already mentioned), letters (esp. in New Testament), visions, dreams, accounts of events from doubtful sources (not eye witnesses), editors’ or scribes’ notes, as well as human errors.

For those who believe in it, it is a book that has historical, cultural, moral and ethical values, and a source of spiritual teaching and guidance. It is a book held in high esteem, primarily by Christians who see it as a divine book and the source of their religious beliefs.  But, in the final analysis it is only a book with many limitations and imperfections which disqualify it from being called “The Word of God.”  Whoever makes such a claim then the burden of proof rests with him. On the contrary, the Glorious Quran is the Speech of Allaah and, through the Angel Gabriel, was revealed to Prophet Muhammad ; later compiled into a book more than 14 centuries ago it remains preserved in its original form until today.

Some common misunderstandings about the Bible include the following:

• The Bible is one book, the Old Testament. The Bible contains sixty-six books (or more depending upon the denomination one belongs to).
• The Old Testament (OT) is the Torah followed by the Jews. The OT contains some fragments of the Torah which was lost and the Psalms, but the Talmud is the book followed by the Jews and is totally unrelated to the Bible.
• The New Testament (NT) is the Gospel of Prophet Jesus, or the Injeel. It is neither. It is made up of twenty-seven books, none of which was narrated or written by Prophet Jesus although the NT may contain fragments of the Injeel (sayings and teachings of Prophet Jesus). The Injeel as revealed through Prophet Jesus has been lost. The fragments which may be cited in the NT may not be authentic or in their proper context. So it is erroneous to equate the NT with the Injeel mentioned in the Quran.
• The Bible is a holy book, narrated, dictated by God and is infallible. While this is a claim, this misconception has already been addressed. Since the Bible is ‘only’ a book, there is no need to call it a forgery, a corrupted text, etc. The Quran is the only authentic “Word of God,” His Speech, and Allah has promised to protect it from distortion of any kind until the Day of Judgment and He has kept His promise. Not one letter or syllable has been changed over the past l4 centuries.

Islam and human happiness

If we examine all the orders and laws of Islam, we find that every single law or order aims at bringing happiness to the individual. This applies to Islamic regulations with regard to worship, economics, penal laws and all other aspects of life.

The Belief in Allaah and Psychological Security

When a person believes in Allaah, this belief gives him a strong feeling of security, which is a basic psychological need. This belief in Allaah gives the believer a strong support in critical moments and gives him continuous hope against all sources of despair. This belief gives strength to the sick and hope to the hopeless.

The Belief in Allaah and Ethical Responsibility

A person who believes in Allaah tends to be more ethically responsible than a person who does not believe. This belief makes a person feel that he is being observed by Allaah everywhere and on all occasions. This feeling makes a person try to be as uncorrupted and as far from sin as possible.
  
The Belief in Life after Death and the Feeling of Continuity

A Muslim believes in life after death. This belief gives the person a feeling of continuity. To a Muslim, death is not the end of life; rather it is a transition from the first life to the second one. A Muslim is not horrified by death because he knows that death is a change into another life.

The Day of Judgment and God's Justice

A Muslim believes in the Day of Judgment, a day when every person is rewarded or punished for his deeds in this life. This belief gives the person a feeling of satisfaction with the justice of Allaah. Allaah is fair; everybody is responsible for his actions. This responsibility makes everybody watch himself and his own deeds.
   
A Connection with God

A Muslim prays five times a day. This prayer is a connection between the believer and Allaah. Without this continual daily prayer, the man-God connection becomes weak. The stronger the man-God connection is, the more obedient to Allaah man becomes.

Self-Control

A Muslim should fast for one month every year. This fasting trains the man's will and frees him from being enslaved by his own habits. Fasting also makes man more sympathetic with others suffering poverty or deprivation.

A Sense of Belonging

A Muslim is urged to perform prayers with other men in groups. The Friday noon prayer must be a collective prayer. Pilgrimage is a collective practice. These practices help man to grow socially and to feel that he belongs. The feeling of belonging is one of the basic psychological needs of man.

Away from Tension

Islam regulates the relations of the two sexes and discourages any unnecessary intermingling of the two sexes. This helps both sexes to be away from any source of sexual temptation or tension.

Away from Sin

Islam instructs both men and women to cover certain parts of the body. The woman should cover all her body except the hands and face. The purpose is to protect both the man and the woman from sin and tension. It has been proved medically, that neurological tension ends up causing many diseases in the heart and the digestive system.

No Alcoholic Drinks

Islam prevents the drinking of alcoholic drinks in order to protect the human body from their damaging effect. Such drinks also damage the functions of the mind and the nervous system.

Preventing Crimes

Islam legislates killing of the murderer, because this is the most effective way to protect society from more murders by the same murderer or new murderers. Islam legislates severe punishments for robbers and thieves because this is the best way to stop such crimes.

Protecting Family

Islam prohibits adultery and legislates a severe punishment for adulterers and adulteresses, in order to protect marriage as a sacred institution, to protect the family as the best social cell for human life and to protect children from homelessness. Islam punishes a false accuser of adultery, because no liar has the right to spoil others' lives.
   
No Interest in Economy

Islam prohibits interest because individuals in the same society should be partners. In the interest-banking system, the depositor requires a certain interest on his deposited money, whether the bank profits or loses. The interest system is a big blow to social solidarity. In Islam, interest is not allowed. The alternative in Islam is partnership, where all partners share the profit or loss in proportion to their invested shares. This system of Islamic sharing is fairer and often more profitable to a greater number of partners.

Ready Solutions

Islam gives man solutions to his major problems. These solutions simplify the way and give him help and the guidance that he needs. Without these solutions, man is unable to reach a decision on many issues. If we look around, we find that many countries have several political parties that adopt contradictory policies and give contradictory answers to the questions of economics, politics and law.

This shows us that man is not capable of solving his basic problems on his own. If we examine Western civilization, we find that people there disagree on everything: the existence of Allaah, the role of religion, divorce, marriage, racial discrimination, crime and punishment. 

Constant Ethical Values

Islam gives man a stable system of ethical values. Islam makes it clear to believers that certain acts are good and certain acts are bad, that certain acts are allowed and certain other acts are prohibited. Islam gives man a clear reference to refer to in all aspects of life. With this reference, man's chances to make mistakes are minimized.

The Just Ruler

Islam orders the ruler to base his rule on justice and consultation. Islam orders subjects to obey the ruler as long as he obeys Allaah. Islam gives the ruler fair rights and fair duties and gives subjects fair rights and fair duties as well.

Basic Needs

In Islam, the ruler must secure the basic needs to everybody under his rule regardless of religion or race. The individual is entitled to the rights of housing, eating, clothing, learning and medical care.

Equality of All

Socially and ethically, Islam emphasizes the equality of all persons before law and the equality of all humans in origin since all humans belong to the same father, Aadam (Adam) . Islam emphasizes fraternity and mercy as two major qualities of good believers.

Every single verse in the Quran and every single tradition of the Prophet Muhammad, aims at the happiness of the individual. Let us pray that Allaah guide us all to His right way. Let us submit to Allaah. Let us believe in all His Prophets and all His Apostles, may Allaah exalt their mention. Let us believe in all Revealed Books and the final Revealed Book, The Holy Quran.

The entire world is asking: what is Islam?

According to various reports in the Arab press, a wave of Americans has converted to Islam since September 11.

'Alaa Bayumi, director of Arab Affairs at the Council for American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), wrote in the London daily Al-Hayat : "Non-Muslim Americans are now interested in getting to know Islam. There are a number of signs... Libraries have run out of books on Islam and the Middle East... English translations of the Quran head the American best-seller list. 
The Americans are showing increasing willingness to convert to Islam since September 11. Thousands of non-Muslim Americans have responded to invitations to visit mosques, resembling the waves of the sea (crashing on the shore) one after another. All this is happening in a political atmosphere that, at least verbally, encourages non-Muslim Americans' openness towards Muslims in America and in the Islamic world, as the American president has said many times in his speeches. ..."

CAIR Chairman Nihad Awad told the Saudi paper 'Ukaz: "34,000 Americans have converted to Islam following the events of September 11, and this is the highest rate reached in the US since Islam arrived there."

According to Dr. Walid Al-Fatihi, instructor of medicine at HarvardMedicalSchool Boston has recently become a center of Islamic proselytizing aimed at Christians. On September 22, 2001, Al-Fatihi sent a letter to the Egyptian weekly Al-Ahram Al-Arabi, in which he described the unfolding of events since September 11.

"On Saturday, September 15, I went with my wife and children to the biggest church in Boston (Trinity Church) in Copley Square by official invitation of the Islamic Society of Boston, to represent Islam by special invitation of the senators of Boston " wrote Fatihi. "Present were the mayor of Boston his wife and the heads of the universities. There were more than 1,000 people there, with media coverage by one of Boston's main television stations. We were received like ambassadors. I sat with my wife and children in the front row, next to the mayor's wife. In his sermon, the priest defended Islam as a monotheistic religion, telling the audience that I represented the Islamic Society of Boston.

After the sermon was over, he stood at my side as I read an official statement issued by the leading Muslim clerics condemning the incident (i.e., the attacks). The statement explained Islam's stance and principles, and its sublime precepts. Afterwards, I read verses of the Quran translated into English... These were moments that I will never forget, because the entire church burst into tears upon hearing the passages of the words of Allaah!

"Emotion swept over us," Al-Fatihi continued. "One said to me: 'I do not understand the Arabic language, but there is no doubt that the things you said are the words of Allaah.' As she left the church weeping, a woman put a piece of paper in my hand; on the paper was written: 'Forgive us for our past and for our present. Keep proselytizing to us.' Another man stood at the entrance of the church, his eyes teary, and said: 'You are just like us; no, you are better than us.'"

Al-Fatihi recounts the next day the Islamic Society of Boston issued an open invitation to the Islamic Center in Cambridge.
"We did not expect more than 100 people, but to our surprise more than 1,000 people came -- among them the neighbors, the university lecturers, members of the clergy, and even the leaders of the priests from the nearby churches, who invited us to speak on Islam," Fatihi wrote. "All expressed solidarity with Muslims. Many questions flowed to us. Everyone wanted to know about Islam and to understand its precepts.

Of all the questions, not a single one attacked me; on the contrary, we saw (the people's) eyes filling with tears when they heard about Islam and its sublime principles. Many of them had never heard about Islam before. Well, they had heard about Islam only through the biased media. That same day, I was invited again to participate in a meeting in the church, and again I saw the same things.

On Thursday, a delegation of 300 students and lecturers from Harvard visited the center of the Islamic Society of Boston, accompanied by the American Ambassador to Vienna. They sat on the floor of the mosque, which was filled to capacity. We explained to them the precepts of Islam, and defended it from any suspicions (promulgated in the media). I again read to them from the verses of Allaah, and (their) eyes filled with tears. The audience was moved, and many asked to participate in the weekly lessons for non-Muslims held by the Islamic Center..."

Al-Fatihi says on September 21, the Muslims participated in a closed meeting with the Governor of Massachusetts. They discussed introducing Islam into the school curriculum. He claims Gov. Jane Swift agreed to implement their plans.

"These are only some of the examples of what happened and is happening in the city of Boston and in many other American cities, during these days," Al-Fatihi continued. "Proselytizing in the name of Allaah has not been undermined, and has not been set back 50 years, as we thought in the first days after September 11. On the contrary, the 11 days that have passed are like 11 years in the history of proselytizing in the name of Allaah.

I write to you today with the absolute confidence that over the next few years, Islam will spread in America and in the entire world, Allaah willing, much more quickly than it has spread in the past, because the entire world is asking: 'What is Islam?!'"