ISLAM AND THE ENVIRONMENT

ISLAM AND THE ENVIRONMENT Uncategorized • Comments (0)

“It is God, who made for you the earth a place of settlement and the sky, a ceiling and formed you,

And perfected your forms and provided you with good things. That is God, your Lord, then Blessed is Allah, Lord of the worlds.” [i]

Assalaamu’Alaykum Warahmatullah. I greet you in the Universal greeting of peace.

My introduction above, introduces us to a verse from the chapter entitled, “The Believer” from a book, which was revealed more than 1400 years ago i.e. the Quran.

 

In this verse, we are reminded of the beautiful abode upon which God has placed us, for a period of probation. It defines the placid and vast surroundings upon which we tread, giving us a chance to reflect upon the Magnificence of the One who created it all.

At the same time, it triggers an awakening to characteristics we are taught to echo through our daily actions as Muslims, .i.e. to be gentle and kind, and respect everything around us including nature.

Islam and the environment – the title alone brings a sense of comfort to the human heart, knowing, that everything Islam embraces has laws which protect and honor, producing a flow of harmony encompassing creation.

Let’s take a look at what Islam encourages when it comes to our treatment toward the environment.

 

Islam encourages us not to waste natural resources

In chapter 6, verse 141 of the Quran, entitled “The Cattle”, we are encouraged to use resources sparingly.

 

“But waste not by excess: for God loveth not the wasters” [ii]

As Muslims, we  are told not to waste and instead practice moderation and display gratitude. We pray five times a day, utilizing water for ablution, and the  above verse therefore, encourages us to use water abstentiously. As humanity, we are asked not to waste water even if we are at a stream as these are divine provision from the Almighty and are not to be abused.

Charity through planting

In Islam, the planting of trees is highly encouraged. We are made aware, through the words of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon his soul) that any form of life which derives benefit from the planting of a tree will be regarded as charity to the one who planted it.  Islam goes as far as to say that even  if the hour of Ressurrection approaches and one were to have a shoot ready to be planted, to go ahead with it. Such, is the sanctity of planting trees. [iii]

But planting trees and conserving water, is not all that is mentioned in Islam. When we take a closer look at the environment we are exposed to all types of living creatures including animals, as they form part of the environment and eco system.

Treatment toward animals

In Islam, the ill treatment of animals is highly discouraged and we acknowledge this through the behavior and actions of the gentlest of human beings, Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him).

Upon seeing a bird distressed, he immediately ordered her chicks to be returned to her, made certain that a she camel had her rights to be milked only, near a place of water, and treated all other animals with love and respect.

Love and Respect: The basis for the treatment of the environment in Islam, as you may have taken heed to by now, and this is further clarified in chapter 6 of the Holy Qur’an, whereby God says,”

“And  there is no creature on (or within) the earth or a bird that flies with its wings except that they are  nations (communities) like you”[iv]

Just as other creatures upon earth, do not have the mental capabilities of human beings, we are held responsible for respecting them.

We are repeatedly encouraged to display harmony toward nature, but we are also told to avoid abusing it.

In Chapter two, entitled, “The Cow” verse 60, God compels us not to abuse the environment and resources he has provided us with.

“Eat and drink from the provision of Allah , and do not commit abuse on the earth, spreading corruption.”

This verse motivates us to restrain ourselves from abusing these provisions, and show gratitude for all that he has given us.

So the question that now remains is, how do we solve the ongoing deforestation, global warming and pollution that forms our current  environmental crisis?

In order for humanity to have a reversal of our global crisis, it requires the assistant of us, the inhabitants of this earth. What better guide has the Creator of this earth, given us, than the Quran, in order to wake our senses, as He tells us in verse 41 of the chapter entitled, “The Roman Empire”,

“Corruption has appeared throughout the land and sea by [reason of] what the hands of people have earned so He may let them taste part of [the consequence of] what they have done that perhaps they will return [to righteousness].”[v]

The answer is simple. In order for our motives to be purified to toward being gentle with the eco system, we need to educate ourselves, and others, so that our own free will, will not be detrimental to society. As Muslims, we are taught to do this, under the guidance of the Quran and the practices of Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon Him), which displays answers to every problem we come across in our daily lives.

[i] Quran, 40: 64

[ii] Quran, 6: 141

[iii] Shahih Al Bukhari –The book of agriculture

[iv] Quran, 6: 38

[v] Quran, 30: 41

» Uncategorized » ISLAM AND THE ENVIRONMENT

• October 12, 2011

Women in Islam

Women in Islam Uncategorized • Comments (4)

 

At a time where Killing baby girls solely for being a female; At a time where women were given no right to education, inheritance, voting, choice in marriage; At a time where women were seen as possessions; At a time where men were seen as the “superior” sex was the norm all over the world in the seventh century. The Prophet( Pbuh) brought down the message of Islam, which came down to truly liberate and honour women by restoring their rights and dignity.

When the companion of the Prophet, pbuh, entered a town to bring them the message of Islam, he put it very beautifully. He said, “I have come to free you from the servitude of the slave and bring you to the servitude of the Lord of the slave.”
Within this statement lies a powerful treasure and message. Locked within these words, is the key to empowerment and the only real path to true liberation.
The moment we allow anything, other than our Creator (Allah), to define our success, our failure, our happiness, or our worth, we have entered into a silent, but destructive form of slavery. That thing which defines your self worth, your success and your failure is what controls you. And it becomes your Master.

The master which has defined a woman’s worth, has taken many forms throughout time. One of the most prevalent standards made for woman, has been the standard of men. But what we so often forget is that God has honoured the woman by giving her value in relation to Himself—not in relation to men. Yet, as western feminism erased God from the scene, there was no standard left—but men. As a result the western feminist was forced to find her value in relation to a man. And in so doing she had accepted a faulty assumption. She had accepted that man is the standard, and thus a woman can never be a full human being until she becomes just like a man: the standard.
When a man cut his hair short, she wanted to cut her hair short. When a man joined the army, she wanted to join the army. She wanted these things for no other reason than because the “standard” had them.
What people didn’t recognize was that God dignifies and honours both men and women in their distinctiveness–not in their sameness. When we accept men as the standard, suddenly anything uniquely feminine becomes by definition inferior. Being sensitive is an insult, becoming a full-time mother—a degradation. In the battle between stoic rationality (considered masculine) and selfless compassion (considered feminine), rationality reigned supreme.
As soon as we accepted that everything a man has and does is better, all that followed was just a knee jerk reaction: if men have it—we want it too. Somewhere along the line we’d accepted the notion that having a position of worldly leadership is some indication of one’s position with God.
But a Muslim woman does not need to degrade herself in this way. She has God as the standard. She has God to give her value; she doesn’t need a man to do this.
Given our privilege as women, we only degrade ourselves by trying to be something we’re not–and in all honesty–don’t want to be: a man. As women, we will never reach true liberation until we stop trying to mimic men, and value the beauty in our own God-given distinctiveness.
And yet, in society, there is another prevalent “master” which has defined for women their worth. And that is the so-called standard of beauty. Since the time we were little, women have been taught a very clear message by society. And that message is: “Be thin. Be beautiful . Be attractive. Or…be nothing.”
So women were told to put on their make-up and wear their short skirts. Instructed to give their lives, their bodies, and their dignity for the cause of being pretty. They came to believe that no matter what they did, they were worthy only to the degree that they could please and be beautiful for men. So they spent the lives on the cover of Cosmo and they gave their bodies for advertisers to sell.
They were slaves, but they taught them we were free. They were their object, but they swore it was success. Because they taught them that the purpose of life was to be on display, to attract and be beautiful for men. They had them believe that their bodies were created to market their cars. But they lied.
A woman’s body, A women’s soul was created for something higher. Something so much higher.
The image of a woman wearing a veil from head to toe, these days is considered to be “ Oppressive”. But in fact, when a woman puts on a headscarf out of her own free will, it is a unique moment in which her private relationship with God is manifested in a very public way. Unlike prayer, fasting or even reading the Quran, when a Muslim woman chooses to cover herself she is suddenly putting a piece of her religiosity on display. In Islam, women are honoured. But it is not by the relationship to men—either being them, or pleasing them. The value of women is not measured by the size of their waist or the number of men who like them. Their worth as a human being is measured on a higher scale of righteousness and piety. And the purpose in life–despite what the fashion magazines say–is something more sublime than just looking good for men.
God says in the Quran: ‘Verily, the most honoured of you in the sight of God is the one who is most righteous’ (Quran 49:13).
Islam teaches women that they are a soul, a mind, a servant of God. And that their worth is defined by the beauty of that soul, that heart, that moral character.. As Muslims our submission is to something higher.
As Muslim women, we have been liberated from this silent bondage. We don’t need society’s standard of beauty or fashion, to define our worth. We don’t need to become just like men to be honoured. Our worth, our honour, our salvation, and our completion lies not in the slave.
But, in the Lord of the slave.

» Uncategorized » Women in Islam

• October 12, 2011

Jesus was Muslim

Jesus was Muslim Uncategorized • Comments (10)

Muslims are Christians

For starters, Muslims are Christians – if “Christian” means someone following the teachings of Christ, so by learning about Islam you are not disobeying Jesus.

For example the Quran forbids Swine, (Holy Quran 2:173) and so too does the bible (Deuteronomy 14:8). This is also the case with interest whereby it is forbidden in the Quran 3:130 and also in Deutronomy 19:20. This is the case of many others aswell. So why is it that Muslims are the only one’s forbidding swine and forbidding Interest – as Jesus taught?

Muslims are following the teachings of Jesus, while most Christians have began to follow the Church – this is why the Quran needed to be revealed.  (Holy Quran 9:31)

Does son of God mean begotten son of God?

For starters the word begotten has officially been removed from the Revised Standard Version of the Bible.

John  (5:7) For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.

John (3:16) For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

(These verses do not exist anymore in the RSV).

In the bible it also states that God has many sons (Luke 3:38), and in my opinion there is nothing wrong with this. As long as you are referring to sons as in followers of God. What makes Jesus more of a miracle than Adam? (who had no father nor mother). To God it is simple “be and it is” (Holy Quran 2:117).

For example, Jesus never said I am God worship me, rather he would say statements such as “OUR father who art in heaven”, and not MY father. I have also posted the link to one of the first Bible’s which states that Jesus is the servant of God.

 

This verse is also found in the Quran.

“I am a servant of Allah. He will reveal the Book to me and make me a prophet. He blessed me wherever I am. In the rules revealed to me there will be a special attention given to prayers and charity. Allah predestined that I will be kind to my mother and not a tyrant with a bad ending. Peace was on me the day I was born, peace will be on me on the day I will die, and on the day I am raised alive again!”

Holy Qur’an, Chapter 19 Maryam, verse 30-33

Did Jesus ever speak of Muhammad?

Jesus has said that “Every spirit (meaning every prophet) that confesses that Jesus Christ is come in flesh is of God (John 4:2). Muhammad did indeed confess Jesus Christ as a messenger of God.

Muhammad is also mentioned by name in (Song of Solomon 5:16). In the original Hebrew transcript it clearly states the word “Muhammad” when Solomon is talking about His “friend” and “how sweet his words are”.

Also in the prophecy of Jesus he states that a spirit is to come after him and reside as “The comforter”.

Many Christians claim that due to the presence of the word spirit, we must conclude that it is reffering to the Holy Spirit. However in Revelation 1:4, Seven spirits are mentioned. As there is only one “Holy spirit” (according to Christian belief), we cannot conclude on this statement so easily.

Also the comforter is described with 8 masculine pronouns (“He”), nowhere else in the bible is the Holy Spirit referred to in such terminology as the “Holy Spirit” is neither male nor female and is regarded as “it”. Therefore the assumption that it is referring to a man, would be quite possible.

Let’s take a further look.

When the Comforter comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who goes out from the Father, he will testify about me” John 15;26

Muhammad testified that Jesus was of God.

“But I tell you the truth: It is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Comforter will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you. When he comes he will convict the world of guilt in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment” John 16; 7,8 

Muhammad came after Jesus and did indeed convict righteousness and judgement, while the Holy Spirit was present the entire time even during the birth of Jesus and his ministry. (Elizabeth in Luke 1:41 and Zechariah in Luke 1:67). If Christians still want to argue that it is indeed the Holy Spirit, then they must admit their bible has been corrupted as there is a clear inconsistency.

But when he, the Spirit of Truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own, he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. He will bring glory to me by taking from what is mine and making it know to you. All that belongs to the Father is mine. That is why I said the Spirit will take from what is mine and make it known to you. John 16:13-15

Muhammad did not speak of his own (Holy Quran 69:41-46). He also spoke of what he heard from Angel Gabriel, and he told us of what is yet to come. This verse is also clearly referring to a spirit that can speak, while the Holy Spirit is incapable of speech as it only groans and utters words which are in-comprehensive (Romans 8: 25-30). As mentioned before he did enforce what Jesus had enforced aswell, and did spread the same message as Jesus.

The comforter was also to reside with us forever. This is in tune with the Quran that Muhammad is the final messenger, the Quran is the final testament, and the message will remain forever.

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His teachings are in tune with the Quran, the Quran IS the final testament. So what is stopping you from accepting Muhammad, when Jesus told you to. I hope I have shed light on this.

And (remember) when Allâh will say (on the Day of Resurrection): “O ‘?s? (Jesus), son of Maryam (Mary)! Did you say unto men: ‘Worship me and my mother as two gods besides Allâh?’ ” He will say: “Glory be to You! It was not for me to say what I had no right (to say). Had I said such a thing, You would surely have known it. You know what is in my inner-self though I do not know what is in Yours, truly, You, only You, are the All-Knower of all that is hidden (and unseen). “Never did I say to them aught except what You (Allâh) did command me to say: ‘Worship Allâh, my Lord and your Lord.’ And I was a witness over them while I dwelt amongst them, but when You took me up, You were the Watcher over them, and You are a Witness to all things. – Holy Qur’an 5:116-117

Please remember Islam = following Jesus. Muhammad confirmed Jesus.

» Uncategorized » Jesus was Muslim

Father, Final, God, hebrew, isa, islam, islamic, Jerusalem, jesus, King James, mary, messiah, muhammad, muslim, New, prophet, quran, testament, torah, Virgin • October 11, 2011

What is the Quran

What is the Quran Islam • Comments (2)

As Muslims, we believe that certain Prophets were revealed divine books. For example the Torah, Zabur, Injeel (Gospel) and of course the Quran. All these books taught the belief and worship of One God, but overtime were changed, apart from the Quran, in which Allah promises to protect as his final revelation. The Quran also contains many scientific and unexplained miracles to prove it the book in which “there is no doubt”.

The Quran is for all people, from  all walks of life, it was sent to the entirety of mankind. And is the most beautiful of books, and is even more beautiful when it is recited.

Blind Muslim convert from Canada “Abu Hafsa”, reciting the Quran.

 

Allay says in the Quran: “Do they not then meditate on the Qur’an? And if it were from any other than Allah, they would have found in it many a discrepancy.” (Quran 4:82)

Allah says in the Quran, if you want to contest it, come up with just “One Chapter” of it’s like, but you will not be able to.

“‘If all the humans and all the jinns bonded together in order to produce a Quran like this, they could never produce anything like it, no matter how much assistance they lent one another.'” (Qur’an 17:88)

And if you are in doubt as to which We have revealed to Our servant, thenproduce a sura like it, and call on your helper, besides Allah, if you are truthful. (Qur’an 2:23)

“O mankind! verily there hath come to you a convincing proof from your Lord: for We have sent unto you a light (that is) manifest.

Then those who believe in Allah and hold fast to Him soon will He admit them to Mercy and Grace from Him and guide them to Himself by a straight Way.” Qur’an 4:174-175   Surah An-Nisaa (The Women)The Quran has never ever been changed since the moment it was brought down, studies have concluded these findings, and it is a true testament to the verse:“Verily, We have sent down the remembrance (The Qur’an) and surely We will preserve it.” [Sooratul-Hijr 15:9].There are many scientific miracles in the Quran, which have been proved by modern science these include examples of embryology, geology, oceanology and many more. Please check out this website for more. www.miraclesofthequran.com/ » Islam » What is the Quran

• October 11, 2011

Who is Muhammad?

Who is Muhammad? Islam, Uncategorized • Comments (0)

The Final Prophet

We believe that all Prophets received divine inspiration to propagate the message of “One God”. This includes Adam, Moses, Noah, David, Abraham, Jesus and Muhammad (being the final and seal of all prophets). We do not worship any of the prophets, nor do we say they wrote the messages, they are simply messengers chosen by God to spread the message.

Muhammad is the final Prophet and seal of all Prophets. And was a mercy to mankind, and a man of the highest moral standard.

“And We have not sent you, [O Muhammad], except as a mercy to the worlds.” Quran 21:107.

“And indeed, you are of a great moral character.” Quran 68:4

We don’t worship our Prophets, we just follow their teachings, as they are not acting from their own interest, but from what God has inspired them.

“Say (O Mohamed): I am only a man like you. I have been inspired that your God is One God (Allah). So whoever hopes for the meeting with his Lord, let him work righteousness and associate none as a partner in the worship of his Lord.”

 

What Non Muslim Scholars have said 

Sir George Bernard Shaw:
“I believe that if a man like him were to assume the dictatorship of the modern world, he would succeed in solving the problems in a way that would bring the much needed peace and happiness. Europe is beginning to be enamored of the creed of Muhammad. In the next century it may go further in recognizing the utility of that creed in solving its problems.”

Michael H. Hart of USA, compiled a ranking list of the 100 most influential persons in the history of the entire humanity, who authored book ?The 100 most influential persons”, published in 1978 by Hart Publishing Company Inc. He ranked Muhammad peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, as the number one, at the top of his list.
Following are brief excerpts from the chapter on Muhammad peace and blessings of Allah be upon him. “My choice of Muhammad to lead the best of the world?s most influential persons may surprise some readers and may be questioned by others, but he was the only man in history who was supremely successful on both the religious and secular levels.

“The idea of the unity of God proclaimed amidst the exhaustion of the fabulous theogonies, was in itself such a miracle that upon it’s utterance from his lips it destroyed all the ancient temples of idols and set on fire one-third of the world. His life, his meditations, his heroic revelings against the superstitions of his country, and his boldness in defying the furies of idolatry, his firmness in enduring them for fifteen years in Mecca, his acceptance of the role of public scorn and almost of being a victim of his fellow countrymen… This dogma was twofold the unity of God and the immateriality of God: the former telling what God is, the latter telling what God is not; the one overthrowing false gods with the sword, the other starting an idea with words.”

“Philosopher, Orator, Apostle, Legislator, Conqueror of Ideas, Restorer of Rational beliefs…. The founder of twenty terrestrial empires and of one spiritual empire that is Muhammad. As regards all standards by which human greatness may be measured, we may well ask, is there any man greater than he?”.
Alphonse de LaMartaine in ‘Historie de la Turquie,’ Paris, 1854.

Sayings of the Prophet Muhammad (Pbuh)

The most perfect of the believers in faith are the best of them in morals. And the best among them are those who are best to their wives.

None of you believes (completely) until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself.

The merciful are shown mercy by the All-Merciful. Show mercy to those on earth, and God will show mercy to you.

Smiling at your brother is charity…

Whoever believes in God and the Last Day (the Day of Judgment) should do good to his neighbor.

God does not judge you according to your appearance and your wealth, but He looks at your hearts and looks into your deeds.

Pay the worker his wage before his sweat dries.

» Islam, Uncategorized » Who is Muhammad?

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Who is Allah?

Who is Allah? Islam, Uncategorized • Comments (3)

Allah means the one and only God who is worthy of worship. We believe God is one, indivisible, has no associates and  has no partners. He is the First and the Last. He is the creator and owner of all things in the entire universe and He is the only One worthy of worship. There is nothing like Him.

The attributes of Allah are described in the Holy Quran, whereby Allah says:

“Allah – there is no deity except Him, the Ever-Living, the Sustainer of [all] existence. Neither drowsiness overtakes Him nor sleep. To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth. Who is it that can intercede with Him except by His permission? He knows what is [presently] before them and what will be after them, and they encompass not a thing of His knowledge except for what He wills. His Kursi extends over the heavens and the earth, and their preservation tires Him not. And He is the Most High, the Most Great.” [Quran 2:255]

There is also other examples included Chapter 112 of the Holy Quran, whereby Allah says:

Say, “He is Allah , [who is] One, Allah , the Eternal Refuge. He neither begets nor is born, Nor is there to Him any equivalent.” [Quran 112]

We believe the greatness of God is something we cannot imagine, because he was the creator of everything in this universe and more. We believe Allah is the God of all people, the same God of Jesus, the same of God of Abraham, the same God of all Muslims and Christians today, because God is One. Allah is the pinnacle and there is nothing before Him. Allah says in the Quran:

“Allah is He, than Whom there is no other god; Who knows (all things) both secret and open; He, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.”

“Allah is He, than Whom there is no other god; the Sovereign, the Holy One, the Source of Peace (and Perfection), the Guardian of Faith, the Preserver of Safety, the Exalted in Might, the Irresistible, the Supreme: Glory to Allah! (High is He) above the partners they attribute to Him.”

“He is Allah, the Creator, the Evolver, the Bestower of Forms (or Colours). To Him belong the Most Beautiful Names: whatever is in the heavens and on earth, doth declare His Praises and Glory; and He is the Exalted in Might, the Wise.”

[Quran 59: 22-24]

We don’t say God is human, because the “human” is a creation, we say God cannot not have children because God does not have attributes of humans nor animals. Allah teaches us that there is nothing like Him at all.“There is nothing like Him, and He is the All-Hearer, the All-Seer” [Quran 42:11]

 

» Islam, Uncategorized » Who is Allah?

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What is a Muslim

What is a Muslim Islam • Comments (0)

A Muslim is by definition one who submits his will to Allah and adheres to the principles of Allah’s religion. We therefore believe that all Prophets were by definition Muslim.

When his Lord said to him (Abraham), “Submit”, he said “I have submitted [in Islam] to the Lord of the worlds.” [Quran 2:131]

A Muslim is  the one who accepts Allah as the One and Only God who is worthy of worship and that Muhammad (pbuh) is the last and Final Messenger.

There is also however a difference between a Muslim (One who submits) and a Mu’min (One who believes). As Allah states in the Quran:

“The bedouins say, “We have believed.” Say, “You have not [yet] believed; but say [instead], ‘We have submitted,’ for faith has not yet entered your hearts. And if you obey Allah and His Messenger, He will not deprive you from your deeds of anything. Indeed, Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.” [Quran 49:14]

To attain the status of a true believer in Islam one must strive to attain true faith. This is exemplified through the Quran and many of the Hadith ( Narrations) of Muhammad (pbuh).

“The believers are only those who, when Allah is mentioned, their hearts become fearful, and when His verses are recited to them, it increases them in faith; and upon their Lord they rely,The ones who establish prayer, and from what We have provided them, they spend. Those are the believers, truly. For them are degrees [of high position] with their Lord and forgiveness and noble provision.” [Quran 8:2-4]

In the Hadith of Muhammad (pbuh) we also find

“”No one of you becomes a true believer until he likes for his brother what he likes for himself”. [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

“The most perfect believer in faith is the one who is best in moral character. The best of you are those who are the best to their spouses in manners.” [Al-Tirmidhi 1082].

“A true Muslim is one from [the transgressions of whose tongue and hands, all other Muslims are safe; And a true Mu’min is one from whom people’s lives and wealth are secured;” [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

“None of you will truly believe until I am more beloved to him than his father, his son and all of mankind.”  [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

» Islam » What is a Muslim

• January 2, 2014