A person's life in this world is not stable. One passes through alternating periods of happiness and dismay, strength and weakness, wealth and poverty, health and sickness, etc. A true believer is one who maintains a clear level of faith throughout the worldly fluctuations. He continues to remember Allah and ascribe the bounties to Him, and he turns to Him in submission, asking for relief from his affliction. This is described by the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him), who said:

"Indeed amazing are the affairs of a believer! They are all for his benefit. If he is granted ease of living he is thankful; and this is best for him. And if he is afflicted with a hardship, he perseveres; and this is best or him." (Muslim)

And Allah said:

{Certainly, We shall test you with fear, hunger, loss of wealth, lives and fruits; but give glad tidings to the patient—those who, when afflicted with calamity say, "Truly to Allah we belong, and truly to Him shall we return." It is those who will be awarded blessings and mercy from their Lord; and it is those who are the guided ones.} (Al-Baqarah 2:155–157)

Thus, a believer shows gratitude and thankfulness for all the wonderful blessings that Allah grants him. And he displays patience and submission during sickness and hardships, hunger, or other afflictions.

 

Hardships Benefit the Believer

Allah has decreed that, in this life, hardships and disasters strike both believers and non-believers. For a non-believer, they are inconveniences that hinder him from proceeding with his normal involvement in the worldly life. For a believer, on the other hand, they are instances of test and remembrance, tests that promise great rewards, and indications of atonement and expiation of sins.

Regardless of how little is the harm that strikes a believer, it carries with it good news of forgiveness and elevated rank in Paradise. The Righteous Predecessors used to be pleased when a hardship afflicted them, seeing it as a token of Allah's forgiveness and benevolence.

 

Expiations of Sins

1. Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet said,

"Hardships continue to befall a believing man and woman in their body, family, and property, until they meet Allah burdened with no sins" (At-Tirmidhi).

Sign of Allah's Love

2. Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, "Whenever Allah wills good for a person, He subjects him to adversity" (Al-Bukhari and others).

 

Sign of Faith

3. Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) and Ka`b ibn Malik (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said:

"The parable of a believer is that of a fresh and moist plant; the wind tilts it this way and that way; and so is the believer; he continues to be subject to affliction.

And the parable of a hypocrite is that of a firm cedar tree; it does not shake—until it is uprooted all at once." (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)

Sign of Righteousness

The prophets and righteous people are afflicted the most, and their rewards are the highest.

4. Sa`d (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said:

"The most in their suffering among the people are the prophets, then the best, then the (next) best. One is afflicted in accordance with his faith. If his faith is firm, his affliction is hard, and if his faith is weak, his affliction is light.

Indeed, one would be so much subjected to adversity until he walks among the people without any sins." (Ahmad and At-Tirmidhi)

 

Early Punishment

5. Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said:

"When Allah wills good for a servant of His, He expedites his punishment in this life; and when He wills retribution for a servant of His, He holds his sins for Him to judge him by them on the Day of Resurrection." (At-Tirmidhi)

 

Multiplication of Rewards

6. Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said:

"The amount of reward is in accordance with the amount of suffering. When Allah loves some people, He tries them (with affliction). He who then is content (with Allah's decree) has achieved the acceptance (of Allah), and he who is dissatisfied (with Allah's decree) will attain the anger (of Allah)." (At-Tirmidhi)

Rewards for Sickness

One should not look to sickness as a gloomy episode, but should remember the great good in it. It is one form of affliction with which Allah tests His servants, giving them a chance to acquire rewards, as was explained above, as is further emphasized below.

 

Removal of Sins and Elevation in Ranks

7. Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said,

"Whenever a Muslim is afflicted by harm from sickness or other matters, Allah will drop his sins because of that, like a tree drops its leaves" (Al-Bukhari and Muslim).

It is also an Islamic teaching about God that He is Perfect and so He does not suffer or die, because that is against His nature.

Why Evil?

The second question involved in the above argumSensitive people when faced with the magnitude of evil in the world often ask:

"If there is a Sovereign God filled with love for His creatures, why does He permit evil to exist?"

This question often leads to an argument for the non-existence of God like the following:

1- God exists and is All-powerful, All-knowing and wholly Good.

2- Evil exists.

3- As the above two are logically incompatible, they cannot both be true. And it is obvious that evil exists; so God does not exist.

Islam teaches that God is All-Powerful, but it does not mean that He does things that contradict logic or do not befit His character. For instance, He does not make a circle a square, while keeping it a circle and a square at the same time.
It is also an Islamic teaching about God that He is Perfect and so He does not suffer or die, because that is against His nature.ent is: If He is Good, why does He allow evil?

The answer is that a good God may allow evil if He has a good reason. And we need not know God's reasons for allowing evil, because God says in the Quran that we are given only very little knowledge:

Therefore, it would be enough if we know of a possible reason for God to allow evil to exist. And from the Quran we can understand that God has given humans free will, in order to test them to prove who is better in good deeds.

{Every soul shall have a taste of death: and We test you by evil and by good by way of trial; to Us must ye return.} (21:35)

One consequence of freedom is that humans may choose evil instead of good. If they are forcefully prevented from choosing evil, there won't be any freedom. That is to say, God cannot have free beings whom He forces to choose only good; because that would involve a logical impossibility.

As intelligent beings we know that most things that make life worth living require that we have free will. Moral responsibility, a sense of individual achievement, and satisfactory personal relationships are a few valuable things that cannot exist without freedom of choice.

Why Natural Disasters? But one may ask why natural evils like earthquakes are permitted, where free will plays no part.

The answer is in the cause and effect nexus which is a part of nature. We know that our actions are to a great extent motivated by the expectation of realizing desirable results. This is possible only if our actions actually lead to results. Then our actions become meaningful, and we can hopefully engage in good works.

We know fire is useful because it burns and helps us cook our food; but the same burning quality of fire can burn down homes. That is to say, the very things that are useful for us can inevitably cause damage too. Now can we completely dispense with fire as it has a destructive side?

From the Islamic point of view, evil is like one of the twins, the other being good, as good on earth is ironically linked to evil. Because, good in this world cannot exist without bad, as they are two sides of the same coin, and both are relative concepts.

For instance, to rescue a drowning man is good work; but this is possible only when someone is drowning, which is a bad thing. That is to say, we have a chance to do good work only when there is a need, which in itself is "evil", or at any rate not "good".

We replace that evil, or the absence of good, with good. The imperfections and shortcomings of this world provide ample opportunities for us to make creative efforts for improvement, and this makes our lives and work meaningful.

It appears that the forces of good and evil work in opposite directions; but in the final analysis, their work may be seen as a covert cooperation to fulfill the divine plan. And we know, evil cannot be without God's willing it to exist; and if so, evil has a role to play. 

Necessary for Spiritual Growth? In short, both good and evil are equally necessary for the spiritual development of man. For the spirit to grow, it has to overcome evil and do good.

God says in the Quran what means:

{Nor can goodness and evil be equal. Repel evil with what is better: Then will he between whom and thee was hatred become as it were thy friend and intimate! And no one will be granted such goodness except those who exercise patience and self-restraint, none but persons of the greatest good fortune.} (41:34-5)

That is to say, we must counter evil with good. But to do this, immense patience is necessary. As for believers, good does not spoil them, nor does evil make them desperate.   

We may say that a believer should have two kinds of patience: one kind of patience in the face of moral evil; and another kind of patience in the face of natural evil. Both kinds are required for spiritual development.

An example of moral evil is the insult a believer suffers from an arrogant person. Here the believer controls his anger with patience, and he is successful in the test.

An example of natural evil is a flood in which many people, including children, suffer. Believers in this context do not curse God, because they take it as a test of their faith. So they go out to help the victims in whatever way they can.

If they themselves are victims, they are patient and seek forgiveness from God for their own failings and pray for protection. And in this act, they draw near to Allah and are successful in that test.

Prophet Muhammad once said:

"Wondrous are the believer's affairs. For him there is good in all his affairs, and this is so only for the believer. When something pleasing happens to him, he is grateful, and that is good for him; and when something displeasing happens to him, he is patient, and that is good for him." (Muslim, 2999)

God says in the Quran what means:

{Seek help in patience and prayer; It is indeed hard, except to those who bring a lowly spirit….} (2:45)

Believers have the conviction that all things and events are under the control of God and so they never lose hope. They trust in the eternal benevolence and mercy of God, who says in the Quran: 

{On no soul does God place a burden greater than it can bear} (2:286)

And again:

{And My mercy extends to all things} (7:156)

As God's mercy is all-pervading, it fulfills the smallest need of the lowliest creature in the most unexpected ways.

oluamid:


Can you discuss the subject without quotes from the Koran, please?

Why, you may ask. The reason is: I don't expect the Koran to contradict itself and say there's no God. Secondly, the Koran was written by humans. To believe it's content, I have to believe (faith) that it was inspired by God. Problem is I don't believe there is a "God', so how can I have faith in what I don't believe in?

I need concrete evidence about God's existence and not just quotes from the Koran.

After all, if there is a God what is the probability that Allah is the right one and not Jehovah, Krishna, Buddha, Obatala or any of the other God/gods known to man?

Thanks for your question

Islam is not a new religion, but the same truth that God revealed through all His prophets to every people. Muslims believe in One, Unique, Incomparable God (called Allah in Arabic); in the Angels created by Him; ; in the Angels created by Him; in the prophets through whom His revelation were brought to mankind; in the Day of Judgement and individual accountability for actions; in God’s complete authority over human destiny and in life after death. Muslims believe in a chain of prophets starting with Adam and including Noah, Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Job, Moses, Aaron, David, Solomon, Elias, Jonah, John the Baptist, and Jesus, peace be upon them. But God’s final message to man, a reconfirmation of the eternal message and a summing-up of all that has gone before was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) through Angel Gabriel.
Most religions would equate Ultimate Reality with the Creator; those who deny the existence of God would call the Ultimate Reality nature or primordial energy or something of the kind.

There is no doubt that we humans have only limited powers of reasoning and comprehension. But, from the point of view of scientists, we have enough brain power to comprehend reality, and religions base their beliefs upon faithful acceptance of revealed truth that exceeds our common understanding.

Judging from the order discernible in the world around us — from the minutest atom to the colossal galaxies — we cannot rule out the existence of a super designer, who created and organized everything in due proportion:

{Behold! In the creation of the heavens and the earth; in the alternation of the night and the day; in the sailing of the ships through the ocean for the profit of humankind; in the rain which Allah sends down from the skies, and the life which He gives therewith to an earth that is dead; in the beasts of all kinds that He scatters through the earth; in the change of the winds, and the clouds which they trail like their slaves between the sky and the earth;- Here indeed are signs for a people who are wise.} (Al-Baqarah 2:164)

Thus, we see that the Ultimate Reality according to Islam is God (Allah in Arabic), the Creator, Sustainer, and Law-Giver of the universe.

The Quran says what means:

{He is the First and the Last, the Evident and the Immanent: and He has full knowledge of all things.} (Al-Hadid 57:3)

{And verily, it is We Who give life, and Who give death: it is We Who remain inheritors after all else passes away.} (Al-Hijr 15:23)

The above verses clearly point to the fact that God is the Ultimate Reality, and all other things we see as existent have only a transient existence, which they owe to the Ultimate Reality. And as free and responsible beings, our ultimate concern must be to have undiluted and total faith in the Ultimate Reality.

To quote the German-American theologian Paul Tillich (1886–1965), our faith ought to be "a cognitive affirmation of the transcendent nature of Ultimate Reality. This is achieved, not simply by a process of intellectual inquiry, but by an act of acceptance and surrender." (Paul Tillich, Dynamics of Faith. New York: Harper & Row, 1957)

In Islamic parlance, faith must be based on strong conviction as well as unconditional submission to Allah Almighty. Conviction is possible when faith is compatible with reason.

In Islam, there is no conflict between faith and reason; rather, faith complements reason and vice versa. And both faith and reason derive their validity from the Ultimate Reality.

Islam and the World

The world from the point of view of Islam is Allah's creation, and so it had a beginning and it will have an end. The world is made up of matter and it exists in the space-time continuum as Einstein called it.

We humans have been created as Allah's vicegerents on earth, and so we are permitted to use the blessings of the world for our own benefit, but only with responsibility. Allah says in the Quran what means,

{It is He Who has created for you all things that are on earth} (Al-Baqarah 2:29)

{Know you that the life of this world is but play and amusement, pomp and mutual boasting and multiplying, in rivalry among yourselves, riches and children. Here is a similitude: How rain and the growth which it brings forth, delight the hearts of the tillers; soon it withers; you will see it grow yellow; then it becomes dry and crumbles away. But in the hereafter is a penalty severe for the devotees of wrong. And forgiveness from Allah and His good pleasure for the devotees of Allah. And what is the life of this world, but goods and chattels of deception?} (Al-Hadid 57:20)

As evidenced by the above verses, Islam attaches little value to this world and its allurements as opposed to the eternal world of happiness prepared in the hereafter for those who believe and do good.

All the same, this world has its importance as the tilth for the hereafter. So anyone who seeks the blessings of the hereafter should work for it in this world, even by making good use of its provisions:

{But seek, with the wealth which Allah has bestowed on you, the Home of the hereafter, nor forget your portion in this world: but do you good, as Allah has been good to you, and seek not occasions for mischief in the land: for Allah loves not those who do mischief.} (Al-Qasas 28:77)

The above verse about this world clearly underscore the middle course, or the path of moderation, that Islam designates for its adherents. Because of this, Muslims are advised to pray:

{Our Lord, give us good in this world and good in the hereafter and defend us from the torment of the Fire} (Al-Baqarah 2:201)

Humanity

Allah tells us in the noble Quran about the creation of humans,

{Behold, your Lord said to the angels, "I will create a vicegerent on earth." They said, "Will You place therein one who will make mischief therein and shed blood?- whilst we do celebrate Your praises and glorify Your holy (name)?" He said, "I know what you know not."

And He taught Adam the nature of all things; then He placed them before the angels and said, "Tell me the nature of these if you are right."

They said, "Glory to You, of knowledge We have none, save what You have taught us: In truth, it is You Who are perfect in knowledge and wisdom."

He said, "O Adam, tell them their natures." When he had told them, Allah said, "Did I not tell you that I know the secrets of heaven and earth, and I know what you reveal and what you conceal?"

And behold, We said to the angels, "Bow down to Adam" and they bowed down. Not so Iblis. He refused and was haughty. He was of those who reject Faith.} (Al-Baqarah 2:30–34)

The above verses mean that the role of humans on earth as decreed by Allah Almighty is that of a khalifah (i.e., a vicegerent). In order to fulfill their role as vicegerents, humans are given all the required faculties. They are given special qualities that make them competent to be Allah's vicegerents. This means that humans possess powers of intelligence, imagination, critical faculty, memory, and so on. It is these qualities that make humans superior to all other creatures of Allah.

One of Allah's most important spiritual gifts to humans is their free will, which makes them unique among Allah's creation. This implies that humans can rise spiritually to become angels or plunge to the depths to become "the lowest of the low":

{We have indeed created man in the best of moulds, then do We abase him (to be) the lowest of the low,- except such as believe and do righteous deeds} (At-Tin 95:4–6)

Just as we have a lot of creative potential (the best of moulds), we have a latent tendency for evil (the lowest of the low) that often drives us to lead a precarious existence that militates against our very survival on the planet.

We need not forget that Allah the All-Merciful has bestowed on humans a self-transcending nature that enables them to critically evaluate themselves and find meaning in their existence. Through His prophets, Allah has also sent humans His guidance, by means of which they can raise themselves to the level of angels or they can plunge to the level of the lowest of the low. The choice is theirs.

chidekings:
this world is really a strange and odd place.

Thank you so much for your very interesting comments I congratulate you for your logical ability and critical way of looking at things. which emanates from a thoughtful heart. May He who put here on earth for a short period let you know your purpose of existence. Dear brother is time for you to start searching for truth about why you are here, where you are from, where you are going and your duties. I wish you a happy journey

Allah in the Noble Quran commands Muslims to learn lessons from history so that they do not repeat old mistakes and they discover new ways of solving problems while making headway in different areas of life.

Deriving inspiration from the Quran, Muslims ought not only to undertake the quest for knowledge with the intention of discovering the meaning of existence, but also to work for the welfare of all human beings, indeed of all creation. They have to combine faith in God with love for His creation. This is what we learn from the Quran as well as from the example of the Prophet (peace be upon him).

The foregoing tells us why Islam can lead the world to peace, progress, and happiness in the future — if Muslims once again {hold fast to the Rope of Allah all together} (Aal `Imran 3:103) and {strive with their might and main in Allah's cause} (At-Tawbah 9:20).

One can mention the egalitarianism of Islam as a great service to the cause of humanity. H.A.R. Gibb noted the following:

No other society has such a record of success in uniting in an equality of status, of opportunity, and of endeavors so many and so various races of mankind. ... Islam has still the power to reconcile apparently irreconcilable elements of race and tradition. If ever the opposition of the great societies of East and West is to be replaced by cooperation, the mediation of Islam is an indispensable condition. In its hands lies very largely the solution of the problem with which Europe is faced in its relation with East. If they unite, the hope of a peaceful issue is immeasurably enhanced. But if Europe, by rejecting the cooperation of Islam, throws it into the arms of its rivals, the issue can only be disastrous for both. (H.A.R. Gibb, Whither Islam, London, 1932, p. 379)

The Japanese commander in chief who had defeated the Russian army in 1905 was once quoted by the Islamic sage Bediuzzaman Said Nursi as having said

History shows that the Muslims increased in civilization and progressed in relation to the strength of the truths of Islam; that is, to the degree that they acted in accordance with that strength. And history also shows that they fell into savagery and decline, and disaster and defeat amidst utter confusion to the degree of their weakness in adhering to the truths of Islam. (http://www.nur.org/treatise/biography/from_Bediuzzamans_life08.htm)

But later as people live in this world, they come under various influences that keep them forgetful of their original natural belief in Allah. But there are signs in all regions of the earth and in their own souls that point to the fact that there is only one true God.

Islam as a religion is not only natural but is also rational in the sense that it bases its fundamental beliefs on principles furnished by reason. In fact, the elemental simplicity of its creeds points to its natural and rational basis.

It is no wonder, therefore, that its creeds, devoid of any theological complexity, are so easily accessible to the understanding of ordinary humans.

That is how Islam is realized in space and time, and this is the truth that God wished to teach the Muslim community when He said what means:

{Truly God does not change the state of a people until they change that which is within themselves.} (Al-Ra`d 13:11)

One question which arises here is: How can all people be expected to believe in Allah, given their varying backgrounds, societies, and cultures? We read in the Glorious Quran that all humanity has the recognition of Allah imprinted on their souls, a part of their very nature with which they are created:

{When thy Lord drew forth from the Children of Adam — from their loins — their descendants, and made them testify concerning themselves, (saying): "Am I not your Lord (who cherishes and sustains you)?" — They said: "Yea! We do testify!" (This), lest ye should say on the Day of Judgment: "Of this we were never mindful."} (Al-A`raf 7:172)

This means that Allah made all the souls before their birth on earth to testify that He is their Lord. In other words, every child is born with a natural belief in Allah and an inborn inclination to worship Him alone.

Allah says in the Quran what means:

{And those who strive in Our (cause), — We will certainly guide them to our Paths: For verily Allah is with those who do right.} (Al-`Ankabut 29:69)

This means that we need to strive in the path of Allah as a condition for getting His Guidance. So it is clear that Islam is brought into being by people who undertake that task, believing in it completely and conforming to it as closely as possible. That is to say, we need to struggle against our own weaknesses while struggling against those who resist divine guidance.

Islam is certainly a divinely ordained path for human life. But we should understand that its realization in the life of mankind on earth is not imposed from above, nor does it come as a miracle. Islam becomes a reality because of the exertions of  people, within the limits of their human capacities, in keeping with the material realities of human existence.

That is to say, Islam never ignores the nature of human beings, particularly their shortcomings. All the same, Islam gives them enough strength and inspiration to attain a higher point than that reached by any other system. This higher point was attained at various periods in human history and can always be attained.

The Noble Quran urges the study of nature, which it sees as filled with the signs of Allah. The Quran urges the observation and investigation of the phenomena of nature with a view to learning how to live in communion with nature and derive benefits from it while taking care not to make mischief and cause corruption in the world. The Quran promotes love of science and love of humanity, justice, and truth.

According to the description given by the Prophet, "A Muslim is one from whose hand and tongue everyone is safe and secure" (Al-Bukhari).

The word mu'min (believer) is derived from the word amn meaning "security and safety." So a mu'min is the guarantor of security, order, justice, and love.

By the light disseminated by Islam, Muslims are obliged to work for the happiness of their fellow beings, if necessary by self-denial, as the Ansar (the Helpers who received the Muhajirun, the Immigrants, from Makkah) did in Madinah. That is the core of the Islamic way of salvation or felicity in an eternal world.

Muslims believe that Allah is the Creator and Sustainer of the whole universe and He knows what is best for us to lead a life of happiness and contentment on earth.

Out of His infinite mercy, He has revealed His guidance to us through His prophets; our duty as His creation is to accept that guidance wholeheartedly and lead a life of submission to Allah alone. The way of achieving success here and in the hereafter is nothing else than that.

The true religion of God has always been Islam (literally "peace" as well as "obedience to God" taught by all the prophets of God, including Abraham, Moses, Jesus, and Muhammad (peace be upon them all).

Islam teaches us all the values necessary for the peaceful coexistence of communities as well as their welfare and progress here on earth: the virtues of courtesy, respect for human values, love, tolerance, honesty, brotherhood, and a readiness to sacrifice one's own comforts for the sake of one's fellow beings. All these are Islamic values.

Ifeann:


Islam means submission to the moon god in that black kabba in mecca..if u don't submit or pay jizyah then Muslims must kill the infidel.


Please mods, oma4j can this nonsense topic be moved to the Islamic section. The well known bigot op broke the rule. Cc lalasticlala ishilove


Qur’an 8:12— Remember thy Lord inspired the angels (with the message): “I am with you: give firmness to the Believers: I will instil terror into the hearts of the Unbelievers: smite ye above their necks and smite all their finger-tips off them.”

Qur’an 9:73—O Prophet! strive hard against the unbelievers and the hypocrites and be unyielding to them; and their abode is hell, and evil is the destination.”

Quran 2:193. "And fight with them until there is no persecution, and religion should be only for Allah, but if they desist, then there should be no hostility except against the oppressors."

Quran 8:39. "And fight with them until there is no more persecution and religion should be only for Allah; but if they desist, then surely Allah sees what they do."

Qur'an (9:29)-"Fight those who believe not in Allah nor the Last Day, nor hold that forbidden which hath been forbidden by Allah and His Messenger, nor acknowledge the religion of Truth, (even if they are) of the People of the Book, until they pay the Jizya with willing submission, and feel themselves subdued."

Sura 9:5. "When the sacred months are over slay the idolaters wherever you find them. Arrest them, besiege them, and lie in ambush everywhere for them."

Bukhari 2:24: Allah's Apostle said: "I have been ordered (by Allah) to fight against the people until they testify that none has the right to be worshipped but Allah and that Muhammad is Allah's Apostle, and offer the prayers perfectly and give the obligatory charity, so if they perform a that, then they save their lives and property from me except for Islamic laws and then their reckoning (accounts) will be done by Allah."

And what of this infamous narration from your authentic sources;
Tabari VIII:35/Ishaq:464 "The Jews were made to come down, and Allah's Messenger imprisoned them. Then the Prophet went out into the marketplace of Medina (it is still its marketplace today), and he had trenches dug in it. He sent for the Jewish men and had them beheaded in those trenches. They were brought out to him in batches. They numbered 800 to 900 boys and men."
Tabari VIII:40 "The Messenger of God commanded that furrows should be dug in the ground for the Qurayza. Then he sat down. Ali and Zubayr began cutting off their heads in his presence."

Mohammed was the original terrorist.

. Muslims believe that Allah is the Creator and Sustainer of the whole universe and He knows what is best for us to lead a life of happiness and contentment on earth.

Out of His infinite mercy, He has revealed His guidance to us through His prophets; our duty as His creation is to accept that guidance wholeheartedly and lead a life of submission to Allah alone. The way of achieving success here and in the hereafter is nothing else than that.

The true religion of God has always been Islam (literally "peace" as well as "obedience to God" taught by all the prophets of God, including Abraham, Moses, Jesus, and Muhammad (peace be upon them all).

Islam teaches us all the values necessary for the peaceful coexistence of communities as well as their welfare and progress here on earth: the virtues of courtesy, respect for human values, love, tolerance, honesty, brotherhood, and a readiness to sacrifice one's own comforts for the sake of one's fellow beings. All these are Islamic values.

I congratulate you for your logical ability and critical way of looking at things.
As regards your question, I'd like to inform you that in Paradise believing men and women will be showered with blessings; there is no room for discrimination based on sex in Paradise. The life of women in jannah will be as pleasant and happy as the life of men. Allah is not partial to any sex. He created both of them and He will take care of both of them according to their needs and desires. Let us all work to achieve the jannah and then, in sha’ Allah, we will find there what will satisfy all of us fully.
Heaven is meant for both men and women, both of them are equally entitled to get what they wish for.

Certainly, there would be no clashes in their wishes, if any, the Almighty knows how to please each of them. Having said that, I shall inform you that the existing setup of humans in terms of desire, would be changed on the Day of Judgment.
In other words, both men and women would not be allowed to enter Heaven in their existing physical makeup. They will be in a better and greater form as stated by the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him). Both of them would enjoy living together and having whatever they wish and like.

Finally, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) describes Heaven as a place where there are many things which no eyes have ever seen, no ears have ever heard before and no heart has ever felt. Let us pray the Almighty to grant us this great and wonderful place. Let us work harder and harder to be in this place. It is only through our full submission to the will and the orders of Allah that we will one day be granted this place.

Allah Almighty knows best.

NaijaOptimist:
Dear scholars in the house, please educate me of the rewards for women in islam.

We have had that part of the reward for men in Aljanah is beautiful young women, will women also get men as reward?

What are the rewards for women being obedient to their husband, for being pious and chaste?

Why are no emphasis in the reward that awaits the muslim woman?

. Sister, first of all, we’d like to say that we are impressed by your question, which emanates from a thoughtful heart. May Allah Almighty help us all adhere to the principles of this true religion, Islam, and enable us to be among the dwellers of Paradise in the Hereafter.
Paradise is the abode of the believers in the Hereafter. Allah has prepared for His believing servants, males and females, in Paradise indescribable bliss which no eye has seen, no ear has heard of, and that has never ever crossed the minds of people, to the extent that even the person who has the least blessings in Paradise will think that he is the most blessed one.

In more than one Qur’anic verse, Allah Most High, calls upon His servants to do their utmost in order to be favored with Paradise. For example, He says, "And vie one with another for forgiveness from your Lord, and for a Paradise as wide as are the heavens and the earth, prepared for those who ward off (evil)." (Aal `Imran 3: 133)

oluamid:


Please finish up on this. I have been waiting a long time to get the perception of an open minded Muslim on this subject matter. Seems you fit the bill. I'v a lot of questions but first I'll like to read the concluding part of your write up.

. may Allah always make us of those who seek true knowledge to better understand our purpose of this life, Ameen.

This question has to be evaluated on its merits and restated according to Islamic understandings.

First and foremost, Muslims do not compare Allah to His creation. Therefore, the question can be answered as such due to the fact that Allah is completely Exalted and far above mortal description; He is not “like” His creation.

Allah tells us in His Book that He is “As-Samad” (The eternally Besought of all). He is also the “Al-Awwal” (First) and the “Al-’Akhir” (Last) He is without beginning or end. This is how He always was and always is, and always will be, so to speak.

Second, Islam is clear on the issue of asking questions about Allah, warning people against being influenced by such question which could plant doubt into someone’s mind or drive him away from the Right Path.

Let us consider the Hadith of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) wherein he mentioned that the Shaytan (Satan) will come to you and trouble you with questions like: “Who created this or that?” To which you would logically respond: “Allah.” Until he would come to the question: “Then who created Allah?” At which point the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) instructed us to say: “I seek refuge in Allah from the accursed devil.” And then leave off this train of thought. (Reported by Muslim)

You might also consider similar questions that the enemies of Islam have used for centuries to weaken one’s faith in the existence of Allah.

To illustrate:

When the disbelievers come to you and ask you if you believe in God, you would logically reply: “Yes.”

Then they would ask you: “Can your God do anything?” You would say: “Yes.”

Then they would ask you: “Can your God make something huge?” You would say: “Of course.”

They would say: “Can your God make something so big that nothing can move it?” Then you would say: “Yes.”

Then they would say: “You mean that your God could make something so big that nothing could ever move it?” Again, you say: “Yes.”

Then they say: “So big that even your God can’t move it?” Now you have a problem.

Either you answer: “Yes.” They will say: “Then that means your God cannot do everything. Because now there is something that your God cannot do. He cannot move the object.”

But if you answer: “No.” They will simply say: “Then this is something that your God cannot do.”

This is a similar problem to the one you have mentioned. This is the idea of a god that is having problems with his own creation. The concept of Allah in Islam is that He is never compared to His creation. He merely says: “Be.” And it is. So, Allah does not operate like a human or anyone or anything within His creation. Within the laws of creation is the rule that nothing moves except that there is a fulcrum, a lever and a force. Allah does not have to use a fulcrum and lever to move anything. One of His attributes is that He is “Al-Qawiyy” (The All Powerful).

So, He is the Power. He does not come under the rules of His creation. He makes the rules. He operates within His own rules; He changes His rules as He pleases, and according to the way He deems fit. That is the understanding of the Muslims.

“I like your question and may God always make us of those who seek true knowledge to better understand our purpose of this life, Ameen.

This question has to be evaluated on its merits and restated according to Islamic understandings.

First and foremost, Muslims do not compare God to His creation. Therefore, the question can be answered as such due to the fact that God is completely Exalted and far above mortal description; He is not “like” His creation.

God tells us in His Book that He is “As-Samad” (The eternally Besought of all). He is also the “Al-Awwal” (First) and the “Al-’Akhir” (Last) He is without beginning or end. This is how He always was and always is, and always will be, so to speak.

Second, Islam is clear on the issue of asking questions about God, warning people against being influenced by such question which could plant doubt into someone’s mind or drive him away from the Right Path.

Let us consider the Hadith of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) wherein he mentioned that the Shaytan (Satan) will come to you and trouble you with questions like: “Who created this or that?” To which you would logically respond: “God.” Until he would come to the question: “Then who created God?” At which point the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) instructed us to say: “I seek refuge in God from the accursed devil.” And then leave off this train of thought. (Reported by Muslim)

You might also consider similar questions that the enemies of Islam have used for centuries to weaken one’s faith in the existence of God.

To illustrate:

When the disbelievers come to you and ask you if you believe in God, you would logically reply: “Yes.”

Then they would ask you: “Can your God do anything?” You would say: “Yes.”

Then they would ask you: “Can your God make something huge?” You would say: “Of course.”

They would say: “Can your God make something so big that nothing can move it?” Then you would say: “Yes.”

Then they would say: “You mean that your God could make something so big that nothing could ever move it?” Again, you say: “Yes.”

Then they say: “So big that even your God can’t move it?” Now you have a problem.

Either you answer: “Yes.” They will say: “Then that means your God cannot do everything. Because now there is something that your God cannot do. He cannot move the object.”

But if you answer: “No.” They will simply say: “Then this is something that your God cannot do.”

This is a similar problem to the one you have mentioned. This is the idea of a god that is having problems with his own creation. The concept of God in Islam is that He is never compared to His creation. He merely says: “Be.” And it is. So, God does not operate like a human or anyone or anything within His creation. Within the laws of creation is the rule that nothing moves except that there is a fulcrum, a lever and a force. God does not have to use a fulcrum and lever to move anything. One of His attributes is that He is “Al-Qawiyy” (The All Powerful).

So, He is the Power. He does not come under the rules of His creation. He makes the rules. He operates within His own rules; He changes His rules as He pleases, and according to the way He deems fit. That is the understanding of the Muslims.

Why Can't We See God?

God is absolutely other than His creation, for the Creator cannot have the same kind of being as His creation. Although this is self-evident, some people still ask why we cannot see God directly.
Direct vision is very limited. Consider the following: A tooth contains innumerable bacteria. No bacteria is aware of the tooth in which it lives, for that would mean that it has removed itself from the tooth and used some artificial means (e.g., telescopes and microscopes) to obtain an approximate idea of the tooth's surroundings and its relationship to the human body. Even if this were possible, such awareness would not mean understanding.

Our senses are in a similar situation. We know a great deal about our environment, but all of our knowledge is just a minute fragment of the whole. However, our knowledge is conditioned by understanding. We need to have a general idea about what we see in order to understand it. For example, how could we make sense of a tree without some prior idea, no matter how vague, of it? Given such limitations, how can we know or see the Creator of everything?

As created and finite beings, our potential and capacity are limited. Our Creator, on the other hand, is Infinite. We live and die within His creation, strive for understanding and virtue, and seek our salvation by His Mercy.

Prophet Muhammad said: "Compared with the Seat of Honor, the whole universe is as small as a ring thrown upon a desert. Similarly, compared with the Throne, the Seat of Honor is as small as a ring thrown upon the desert." (Tafsir At-Tabari 3:77)

These statements show just how far His Infinitude exceeds our power of apprehending it. If we cannot conceive of the reality of the Seat of Honor and the Throne, how can we even begin to conceive of Him?

In the Quran we read what means,

{Vision comprehends Him not, but He comprehends all vision} (Al-An`am 6:103)

After the Prophet's ascent to the heavens, his Companions asked him if he had seen God. Abu Dharr (a Companion of the Prophet) reported that, on one occasion, he answered: "What I saw was the Light. How could I see Him?" (Muslim)

On another occasion he answered: "I saw a Light." (Muslim) These statements clarify the well-known saying: "The light is the limit or veil of God." (Muslim)

This light, which He created, stands between us and God. We can only see by within that light, which makes limited sight possible, and also shields or veils us from God. Just as we see only a part of it, we also see only a part of what veils Him.

Consider the matter from another angle. Ibrahim Haqqi, a Muslim thinker, says,

In all of creation, there is nothing like, equal, or contrary to God. God is above all form. Indeed, He is immune to and free of form." We can distinguish different things only because they have a like, an equal, or a contrary thing. For example, we know "long" by comparing it to "short." In the absence of such means of comparison, as in the case of God, we have no way to compare or distinguish. This is the meaning of "God is above all form.

Those who ask to see God directly seek to think of or know His Being directly. Just as we cannot see Him, we cannot think of or know His Being, for He is beyond all form, quality, quantity, and human conception or reasoning.

In the words of Muslim theologians: "Whatever conception of God we form in our minds, He is other than it." And the Sufis say: "God is beyond all our conceptions, and we are surrounded by thousands of veils."

Men and women of wisdom have said that God exists but cannot be comprehended by human reason or perceived by human senses. The only way to acquire knowledge of Him is through the Prophets, whom He appointed as bearers of His Revelation. Given this, we must accept the guidance of Revelation if we want to know about Him.

Consider the following analogy. Imagine that you are in a closed room. When someone knocks on the door, you might be able to form some vague impressions about who is knocking.

However, you can only guess at his or her attributes. All that you know for certain is that someone is knocking. You can open the door and ask the person knocking to make himself or herself known to you. In this way, you can acquire more accurate knowledge of his or her true attributes.

This analogy helps us approach the question of how to seek God. Look at creation. Its sheer immensity, unity of form, beauty and harmony, usefulness and demands upon our labor and understanding make us aware of the Creator's existence.

When we see a wide range of diverse fabrics produced from a single material, we know that someone has produced it, for we understand that it could not have produced itself. Similarly, we can deduce from what we can see of this creation that someone — the Creator — has made it.

But this is where the similarity ends. While we can find those who made the fabric and persuade them to make themselves known to us, we cannot do so with the Creator.

This would be like the pieces of fabric demanding that their producers reveal themselves. Clearly, such a thing is impossible. Without assistance from the Creator, all we can do is speculate about who is knocking.

What opens this door for us is revelation. Through God's revelation to the Prophets and their teaching, we can respond to creation as signs manifesting the Creator's existence and attributes.

Through the prophets, we learn to contemplate and call upon His attributes. A true understanding of them requires that we follow the way of the Prophets: inner experience and contemplation, which can be achieved only by our sincere and total observance of the divine decrees, objective study, and profound meditation.

If our inner faculties are not developed, we cannot grasp the meaning of creation and so cannot contemplate the divine attributes manifested within creation.

Even then, it is not possible for just anyone to comprehend the Divine Essence. That is why it is said: "His Names are known, His Attributes are comprehended, and His Essence exists."

In the words of one of the Companions, Abu Bakr: "To comprehend His Essence means to confess that His Essence cannot be comprehended."

The duty of believers is to remain committed to their covenant with God, and to beseech Him as follows:

O You alone who are worshipped. We cannot attain to true knowledge of You, yet we believe that You are nearer to us than our jugular veins. We feel Your existence and nearness in the depths of our hearts through the universe, which You created and opened to us like a book, and through the wonderful harmony of form between all parts of Your creation.

We come to perceive that we are integrated into the whole realm of Your theophanies, and thus our souls are rested and consoled, and our hearts find serenity.

Who Created God?

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said that some people would ask this very question: "A day will certainly come when some people will sit with their legs crossed and ask: 'If God created everything, who created God?'" (Al-Bukhari)
At best, the question is based on perceived "cause and effect" relationships. Everything can be thought of as an effect and attributed to a prior cause that, in turn, is attributed to a prior cause, and so on.

However, we must remember that cause is only a hypothesis, for it has no objective existence. All that objectively exists is a particular sequence of circumstances that is often (but not always) repeated. If such a hypothesis is applied to existence, we cannot find a creator of the first cause, because each creator must have had a prior creator. The end result is a never-ending chain of creators.

The Creator must be Self-Subsistent and One, without like or equal. If any created being "causes" anything, that capacity "to cause" was created within that being, for only the Creator is Self-Existent and Self-Subsistent.

Only the Creator truly creates and determines possible causes and effects for His creation. Therefore, we speak of God as the Sustainer, who holds and gives life to all of His Creation.

All causes begin in Him, and all effects end in Him. In truth, created things are "0"s that will never add up to anything, unless God bestows real value or existence by placing a positive "1" before the "0".

In the sphere of existence, what we call causes and effects have no direct or independent influence. We may have to use such words to understand how a part of creation is made intelligible to us and available for our use.
But even this confirms our dependence upon God and our answerability before Him. God does not need causes and effects to create; rather, we need them to understand what He has created.

The futile notion of a never-ending chain of creators was one of the arguments used by Muslim theologians to explain the necessity of believing in God.
To be continue......

SHAAWA: Nope, it's arabic. It means praise be to God the Lord of mankind.

means all praise and thanks be to ALLAH the lord of mankind, jinns and all that exists

Abagworo: Ordinary marijuana. I saw drug and thought it was cocaine, heroin or amphetamine. Very soon they'll kill people for cigarette and beer.

u are among the people dat are causing mischievious on land

We leave what is best for us and practising what is wrong ......what a misery world

Yeah electro My guy, I am as ignorant as they come. When next you meet a genie that lives in a bottle and can grant you three wishes let me know, maybe I'll ask him to make me as smart as you.

Thats why some of you are crazy enough to fly planes into buildings.[/quote] genie is different from jinn

ichidodo: Thank GOD no casualties.

two killed more than 100 people injured and 49 badly injured

obowunmi: This is mad. In some countries, soccer is a religion and not just a sport.

are u alrite?

..

Victoriousvic: After someone will say "Islam is a religion of peace". . .Peace my foot!

take it or leave it Islam is a peaceful religion .... Who is sponsorin these thugs and terrorist isn't UK,USA,FRaNce and Israhell afterall they are claimin dat they are fightin terrorism bt they are the real terrorist and they keep terrorisin peaceful nations becos of their self intrest if u dnt knw anytin abt the situation in Syria pls keep silent.. Peace

lucenzo: VENUES
WE have already heard rumblings about Brazil's approach to the World Cup stadia being slow.

Remember, Brazil did not face any competition in being awarded the 2014 World Cup, so complacency has crept in, whilst the 2016 Olympic organisers are being praised for their haste.

The stadiums are typically South American in style and whilst they are not quite as stylish as South Africa or Germany, there is no question they will be filled by thousands of fans watching the local club teams long after the tournament finishes.


Brasilia — Estadio Nacional

Capacity: 71,000

NATIONAL STADIUM ... Brasilia

Belo Horizonte — Estadio Mineirao

Capacity: 62,500

ESTADIO MINERAO ... Belo Horizonte


Fortaleza — Estadio Castelao

Capacity: 64,800



CASTELO ARENA ... Fortaleza


Recife — Estadio Pernambuco

Capacity: 46,000

ARENA PERNAMBUCO ... Recife



Salvador — Arena Fonte Nova

Capacity: 55,000

ARENA FONTE NOVA ... Salvador




Rio de Janeiro — Maracana

Capacity: 77,000

MARACANA ... Rio de Janeiro

bros ar u on drugs? I dnt knw anytin about other stadium capacity bt i knw maracan stadium capacity is 120,000

Kamanda: 77 children!! Waoh!!!

My condom,Sorry,hats off for MKO.

The man was a Top Strker...

hahahahaha see tweet If mubashiru said that IBB has bin supporting MKO's family dat is understandable bt IBB is not supporting Aboila's family whats does dat mean

Even if the whole 36states governors join APC Wat is thr assurance that they wil win the masses heart? They are all arrogant and liar