International Shia News Agency

Islam: a path to enlightenment and inner peace

SHAFAQNA - Islam is the Only Religion and Way of Life for Peace from Allah (The God). Non-Muslims, in general, have misconceptions about Allah, Prophet Muhammad صلي الله عليه وسلم   (Allah’s peace be upon him) and Islam. For years the prejudice against Islam (the so-called Islamophobia) has resulted in discrimination, hatred, violence and crimes against Muslims. Many non-Muslims, with their negative attitudes against Allah, Islam, and even vilification of Allah’s Messenger صلي الله عليه وسلم  have failed to understand and appreciate the beauty, rationality, practicality, completeness and excellence of Islamic teachings. For those who misunderstand the true divine mission of Prophet Muhammad صلي الله عليه وسلم  branding him  as “the Founder of the World’s Most Intolerant Religion”  or those who associate  Islam with terrorism, let them know the truth – that is the Prophet صلي الله عليه وسلم   is not the “Founder of Islam” because Islam is the religion of Allah  (The God) which  He sent to His messengers and perfected  (Qur’an,  5:3) through Prophet Muhammad صلي الله عليه وسلم  the Seal of all the Prophets (Qur’an,  33:  40).

For those who do not believe and worship Allah,  know that Allah is an Arabic word that comes from two words: “Al” (meaning “The”) and Ilah (meaning “God”).  Allah, therefore means “The God”. Allah is one of the 99 Beautiful Names and Attributes of God (e.g., He is “Al-Rahman” meaning “The Most Gracious”, “Al-Raheem” meaning “The Most Merciful”,  “Al Khaliq” meaning “The Creator”, “Al Wadud” meaning “The Loving”, “Al Ghafur” meaning “The Most Forgiving”, Al-Hayy” meaning “The Living”, “Al Ghayb” meaning “The Unseen”, “Al Wahid” meaning “The One”,  etc.). Allah Alone declares that He is the Only God Who possesses the Most Beautiful Names:

“Allah! there is no god but He! To Him belongs the Most Beautiful Names.” (Qur’an 20:8)

Allah is the only One being worshiped by Muslims whose name means “The God”.  Jesus Christ (Allah’s peace be upon him) who is being worshiped by most Christians does not have any other name that means “The God”.  Neither did Jesus call himself “The God”.  Allah Who Alone declares Himself “The God” is the One One Who is being worshiped at least five times a day by all devoted Muslims in the world. He is being worshiped 24 hours in the Holy Mosque in Makkah by many people from various races and nations worldwide who come for Umrah  or the minor Pilgrimage, which can be done at all times. He is the Only One Who claims to be the Creator and the One Who commands every one to worship no one but Him, and  He is the Only One Who makes clear to us the purpose of our creation:

“That is Allah, your Rabb (Only God, Cherisher and Sustainer)! There is no god but He, the Creator of all things: so, worship Him (Alone) and He has power to dispose of all affairs.” (Qur’an 6:102-103)

 

“I have not created the jinn and mankind except to worship me. I do not want from them any sustenance and I do not want (from them) that they feed Me. Indeed Allah is the provider, the possessor of power and strength.” (Qur’an 51:56-58)

Allah the Most Gracious, Most Merciful guides mankind to know and worship Him through the Qur’an and His Messenger. He makes it clear that He was the Only One Who revealed and sent down the Qur’an as written clearly in the following verses:

“This Qur’an is not such as can be produced by other than Allah; on the contrary it is a confirmation of (revelations) that went before it, and a fuller explanation of the Book — wherein there is no doubt — from the Rabb (God, Cherisher and Sustainer) of the Worlds.” (Qur’an 10:37) 

“Say: ‘The (Qur’an) was sent down by Him Who knows the secret (that is) in the heavens and the earth: Verily, He is the Most Forgiving, the Most Merciful.’” (Qur’an 25:6) 

“It is Allah Who has sent down the Book (the Qur’an) in truth, and the Balance (by which to weigh conduct) …” (Qur’an 42: 17)

“The Revelation of the Book (the Qur’an) is from Allah the Exalted in Power, Full of Wisdom.” (Qur’an 46:2)

The Qur’an is the only Book wherein Allah instructs mankind to read, study, and follow it for guidance. Allah the All-Knowing tells us:

“ … Read, therefore, of the Qur’an as much as may be easy (for you)… Read … and establish regular Prayer and give zakat (charity) and loan to Allah a beautiful loan. And whatever good you send forth for your souls, you shall find it in Allah’s presence. Yeah, better and greater in Reward.” (Qur’an, 73:20)

“Those to whom We have given the Book (the Qur’an) study it as it should be studied: they are the ones that believe therein: those who reject faith therein the loss is their own.” (Qur’an 2:121)

Islam is derived from two root-words: one is salam, meaning peace and the other silm, meaning submission or obedience. By definition, Islam itself is peace as it means the peaceful and complete submission to the Will of Allah, and obedience to His Law, the Shari’ah (Islamic Law). Islam is the Deen (Religion and Way of Life) for Peace from Allah who is the Source of Peace. As the true and perfect Deen (Religion and way of life) from the Only True God, Islam, therefore, is the peaceful religion. One of the beautiful  names and attributes of Allah is As-Salam which means The Peace (that is the Source of peace or the One Who gives peace). We read in the Holy Qur’an:

“He is Allah, besides Whom there is no (other) deity; knowing the unseen and the visible. He is the Mercy-giving, the Merciful! He is Allah, besides Whom there is no (other) deity, the Sovereign, the Holy, the Peace (the Source or Giver of Peace), the Secure, the Preserver, the Powerful, the Irresistible, the Grandiose: Glory be to Allah ahead of anything they may associate (with Him)! He is Allah, the Creator, the Maker, the Shaper, His are the Finest Names. Everything in Heaven and Earth celebrates Him. He is the Powerful, the Wise. (Qur’an,  59:22-24.)

A Muslim is one who peacefully (willfully and sincerely) submits to the Will of Allah. In other words, he or she is one who obeys Allah’s Law, the Shari’ah, which is based on the Qur’an (the Divine Book of Allah) and the Sunnah (Wisdom, Tradition or Practice of Allah’s Messenger, Prophet Muhammad صلي الله عليه وسلم  ) and the right deductions from these two revealed sources of guidance. Know that Allah sent Prophet Muhammad صلي الله عليه وسلم not only as His Final Messenger and the Seal of the Prophets (Qur’an 33: 40) but also as the Great Teacher (Educator) to mankind. Our Rabb (Cherisher and Sustainer) sent him to teach humanity the Qur’an and the Sunnah, his two concrete and living miracles:

“Just as We have sent among you a Messenger from yourselves reciting to you Our verses and purifying you and teaching you the Book (the Qur’an) and Wisdom (Prophet’s Sunnah) and teaching you that which you did not know.” (Qur’an 2: 151)

“It is He (Allah) Who has sent among the unlettered a Messenger from themselves reciting to them His verses and purifying them and teaching them the Book (the Qur’an) and Wisdom (the Sunnah) although they had been before in manifest error.” (Qur’an 62: 2)

“Believe therefore in Allah and His Messenger and in the Light (this Qur’an) which We have sent down. And Allah is well aware with all that you do.” (Qur’an 64:8) 

Allah’s Messenger صلي الله عليه وسلم said, “The best speech is that embodied in the Book of Allah (the Qur’an), and the best guidance is the guidance given by Muhammad (the Sunnah). The most evil affairs are their (religious) innovations (in Islam); and every (religious) innovation is an error.” (Muslim 1885)

Allah’s Messenger صلي الله عليه وسلم said, “…O People no prophet or messenger will come after me and no new Faith will be born. Reason well therefore, O People and understand words, which I convey to you. I leave behind me two things, the Qur’an and my example the Sunnah and if you follow these you will never go astray.” (Muslim)

Both the Qur’an and the Sunnah, which includes the Prophet صلي الله عليه وسلم   ’s authentic Ahadeeth (Teachings and Sayings) serve as the two authentic and divine scriptures of Allah for the guidance of all mankind. Islam guides and trains Muslims to establish and promote peace with their Creator, with themselves, with their families, relatives, neighbors, friends and fellow human beings in and outside the community or society where they belong who go forpeace. In fact, even when they read the Qur’an, Allah commands them to have peace. Likewise, whenever they mention and hear the name of the Prophet Muhammad صلي الله عليه وسلم  Allah enjoins them to send greetings ofpeace to His Messenger.  Allah the Almighty says:

“When the Qur’an is read, listen to it with attention, and hold your peace: that you may receive Mercy.” (Qur’an,  7: 204)

“Verily, Allah sends blessings upon the Prophet, and His angels ask Allah to bless him. O you who have believed, ask Allah to send blessings upon him, and (you) greet him with peace.” (Qur’an,  33:56)

In their daily lives, Muslims as taught by the Prophet صلي الله عليه وسلم  conclude their prayers at least five times a day with the words of peace saying:  السلام عليكم ورحمة الله  “May the peace and mercy of Allah be upon you”.  We read in the following authentic Hadeeth how Muslims send salam (peace) greeting to their fellow Muslims every time they perform salah (prayer):

Abdulah bin Mas’ud رضي الله عنه (May Allah be pleased with him) narrated, “We used to say the greeting, name and greet each other in the prayer. Allah’s صلي الله عليه وسلم heard it and said: “Say ‘All the compliments are for Allah and all the prayers and all the good things (are for Allah). Peace be on you, O Prophet, and Allah’s mercy and blessings (are on you). And peace be on us and on the good (pious) worshipers of Allah. I testify that none has the right to be worshipped but Allah and that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger. So, when you have said this, then you have surely sent the greetings to every good (pious) worshipper of Allah, whether he be in the Heaven or on the Earth.” (Bukhari 2, Hadeeth 294)

When the Muslims meet their fellow Muslims, they greet them with the invocation of peace sayingالسلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركاته  “May the peace and mercy of Allah be upon you”.  This greeting of peace, invoking Allah for peace is no doubt far virtuous than the greetings in the West like “Hi!”, “Hello!”, “Good morning!”, or “Good afternoon!”, etc. Muslims’ greeting of peace expresses supplication for peace and mercy from Allah, Who Alone is the Source and Giver ofPeace.

Muslims who receive the greeting of peace are expected to respond with the same greeting of peace or even better. This is a divine commandment from Allah the Source of Peace. He says in His Book:

“When a (courteous) greeting is offered you, meet it with a greeting (of peace) still more courteous, or (at least) of equal courtesy. Allah takes a careful account of all things.” (Qur’an,  4:86)

In line with the above commandment, the Prophet صلي الله عليه وسلم   encourages Muslims to greet their fellow Muslims with the best greeting of peace as shown in the following authentic hadith:

“…a man came to the Prophet صلي الله عليه وسلم    and said, “Assalamu Alaykum.” TheProphet صلي الله عليه وسلم    responded and the man sat down. The Prophet صلي الله عليه وسلم   said, “Ten rewards.” Another man came and said, “Assalamu Alikum Wa Rahmatullah.” The Prophet صلي الله عليه وسلم  said:  responded and the man sat down. The Prophet صلي الله عليه وسلم   said, “twenty rewards.” Then another man came and said: Assalamu Alakum Wa Rahmatulah Wa Barakatuh. The Prophet صلي الله عليه وسلم  said: responded and the man sat down. The Prophet صلي الله عليه وسلم   said, “thirty rewards.” (Abu-Dawood and At-Tirmithi)

Muslims who know Islam learn to promote peace. They learn to extend and answer greetings of peace to their fellow Muslims as the Prophet صلي الله عليه وسلم  taught the importance and virtue of the Islamic greeting as shown in the following authentic Ahadeeth:

Abdullah ibn Amr رضي الله عنه narrated that a man asked the Prophet صلي الله عليه وسلم  “Whose Islam is good or what sort of deeds (or what qualities) of Islam are good.” The Prophet صلي الله عليه وسلم  replied, “To feed (others) and to greet (with peace) those whom you know and those whom you do not know.” (Bukhari, Vol. 1, Hadeeth 11)

Abu Hurairah رضي الله عنه narrated that the Prophet صلي الله عليه وسلم  said, “The young should greet the old, the passerby should greet (with peace) the sitting one, and the small group of persons should greet (with peace) the large group of persons.” (Bukhari, Vol. 8, Hadeeth 250)

Narrated Muawiya ibn Suwaid رضي الله عنه: “I heard Al-Bara ibn`Azib saying, ‘The Prophet صلي الله عليه وسلم  ordered us to do seven things and prohibited us from doing seven other things.” Then Al-Bara mentioned the following: ‘1. to pay a visit to the sick (inquiring about his health), 2. to follow funeral processions, 3. to say to a sneezer, “May Allah be merciful to you” (if he says, “Praise be to Allah!”), 4. to return greetings (ofpeace), 5. to help the oppressed, 6. to accept invitations, (and) 7. to help others to fulfill their oaths.’” (Bukhari, Vol. 3, Hadeeth 625)

Abu Ayub Al-Ansari رضي الله عنه narrated that Allah’s Messenger صلي الله عليه وسلم said, “It is not lawful for a man to desert his brother (Muslim) for more than three nights. (It is unlawful for them that) when they meet, one of them turns away his face from the other, and the other turns his face from the former, and the better of the two will be the one who greets (with greeting of peace) to the other first.” (Bukhari, Vol. 8, Hadeeth 100)

Anas رضي الله عنه narrated that whenever the Prophet صلي الله عليه وسلم  asked permission to enter, he knocked the door thrice with greeting (of peace) and whenever he spoke a sentence (said a thing) he used to repeat it thrice. (Bukhari Vol. 1, Hadeeth 94 and Vol. 8, Hadeeth 261)

Sincere and practicing Muslims strive to follow the Islamic teachings of promoting peace as it is part of righteousness. They believe that by being peaceful they become among those who are righteous who deserve Allah’s rewards. Allah the Most Merciful will grant them His Mercy and attain eternal success in the Hereafter and enjoy everlasting peace. They believe in Allah’s supreme rewards for those who believe and do righteous deeds. Allah the Almighty says:

“This is the Way of your Rabb (only God and Sustainer), leading straight. We have detailed the Signs for those who receive admonition. For them will be a Home of Peacewith their Rabb (only God and Sustainer). He will be their Friend, because they practiced (righteousness).” (Qur’an,6: 126-127)

“But Allah does call to the Home of Peace: He does guide whom He pleases to a Way that is straight. To those who do right is a goodly (reward) — Yea, more (than in measure)! No darkness or shame shall cover their faces! They are Companions of the Garden; they will abide therein (for aye)!” (Qur’an, 10: 25- 26)

“Those who fulfill the Covenant of Allah and do not break the covenant; those who join together those things which Allah has commanded to be joined, hold their Rabb (only God and Sustainer) in awe, and fear the terrible reckoning; those who patiently persevere, seeking the countenance of their Rabb (only God and Sustainer); establish regular prayers; spend, out of the gifts) We have bestowed for their sustenance, secretly and openly; and turn off Evil with good: for such there is the final attainment of the (Eternal) Home Gardens of perpetual bliss: they shall enter there, as well as the righteous among their fathers, their spouses, and their offspring: and angels shall enter unto them from every gate (with the salutation): `Peace unto you for that you persevered in patience! Now how excellent is the final Home!’” (Qur’an, 13: 20 -24)

“The righteous will be amid Gardens and fountains of clear-flowing water. (Their greeting will be): `Enter you here in Peace and Security.’ And We shall remove from their departure any lurking sense of injury: (they will be) brothers (joyfully) facing each other on raised couches.” (Qur’an, 15: 45-47)

“Except those who repent and believe, and work righteousness: for these will enter the Garden and will not be wronged in the least Gardens of Eternity, those which (Allah) Most Gracious has promised to His servants in the Unseen: for His promise must (necessarily) come to pass. They will not there hear any vain discourse, but only salutations of Peace: And they will have therein their sustenance, morning and evening. Such is the Garden which We give as an inheritance to those of Our Servants who guard against evil.” (Qur’an,19: 60 – 63)

“Verily the Companions of the Garden shall that Day have joy in all that they do; they and their associates will be in pleasant shade, reclining on raised couches; (every) fruit will be there for them; they shall have whatever they call for; `Peace!’ — a Word (of salutation) from a Rabb  (only God and Sustainer) Most Merciful.” (Qur’an,36: 55 -58)

“As to the Righteous (they will be) in a position of Security, among Gardens and Springs….There can they call for every kind of fruit in peace and security; nor will they there taste Death, except the first Death; and He will preserve them from the Chastisement of the Blazing Fire as a Bounty from your Rabb (only God and Sustainer)! That will be the supreme achievement!” (Qur’an 44: 51-55.)

“And the Garden will be brought nigh to the Righteous, –  no more a thing distant. (A voice will say:) `This is what was promised for you for every penitent heedful one, who feared the Most Gracious Unseen, and brought a heart turned in devotion (to Him): Enter you therein in Peace and Security; this is a Day of Eternal Life!’ There will be for them therein all that they wish and there is more with us.” (Qur’an, 50:31-35)

In line with the above very inspiring Qur’anic injuntions, the Prophet صلي الله عليه وسلم , further encouraged Muslims to learn to spread the Salam (greeting of peace) and make it their day-to-day practice because they know that by doing so they earn rewards that entitle them to enter Paradise in peace. Here are some quoted teachings of peace from Allah’s universal Messenger and Prophet صلي الله عليه وسلم :

Abu Hurairah رضي الله عنه narrated that the Allah’s Messenger صلي الله عليه وسلم  said: “You shall not enter paradise so long as you do not affirm belief (in all those things which are the articles of faith) and you will not believe as long as you do not love one another. Should I not direct you to a thing which, if you do, will foster love amongst you: Give currency to the practice of paying salutation to one another by sayingالسلام عليكم  ورحمة الله وبركاته May the peace and blessings of Allah be upon you.” (Muslim, Hadeeth 96)

Abu Yusuf Abdullah ibn Salam  رضي الله عنه narrated that he heard the Prophet صلي الله عليه وسلم  said: “O people! Spread the Salam (peace greetings, feed (the poor and needy), behave kindly to your blood relations, offer prayer when others are asleep, and (thus) enter Paradise in peace.” (Tirmidhi 849)

To promote peace, Islam teaches fair treatment, respect and justice in dealing with the People of the Book (the Jews and the Christians).  It prohibits Muslims from disputing and fighting with them. Allah the Almighty says:

“This day are (all) things good and pure made lawful unto you. the food of the People of the Book (the Jews and the Christians) is lawful unto you and yours is lawful unto them. (Lawful unto you n marriage) are (not only) chaste women who are believers, but chaste women among the People of the Book, revealed before your time, when you give them their due dowers, and desire chastity, not lewdness, taking them as lovers. If any one rejects faith, fruitless is his work, and in the Hereafter he will be in the ranks of those who have lost (all spiritual good).” (Qur’an 5: 5)

“And dispute not with the People of the Book, except in the best way; unless it be with those of them who do wrong but say, “We believe in the Revelation which has come down to us and in that which came down to you; our God and your God is One; and it is to Him we submit (in Islam).’”  (Qur’an 29: 46)

“Allah forbids you not, with regard to those who fight you not for (your) Faith nor drive you out of your homes, from dealing kindly and justly with them: for Allah loves those who are just. Allah only forbids you, with regard to those who fight you for (your) Faith, and drive you out of your homes, and support (others) in driving you out, from turning to them (for friendship and protection). It is such as turn to them) in these circumstances), that do wrong.” (Qur’an 60: 8-9)

Likewise, killing innocent people is never allowed in Islam.   It is more of saving lives not killing. Read how beautiful andpeaceful Allah’s injunctions in the Qur’an:

“…If anyone  kills a person, it would be as if he has killed the whole people, and if anyone  saves a life, it would be as if he has saved the whole people.” (Qur’an, 5:32)

There is no room for murder, massacre, violence and terrorism in Islam. True, there is jihad in Islam but not as misunderstood by non-Muslim. Jihad is an Arabic word which means “striving and expending one’s energy”. Jihad has been misunderstood by many non-Muslims as “Holy War” to force non-Muslims to accept Islam.  The aim of jihad is not to force anyone to enter Islam, because Allah says:

“Let there be no compulsion in religion. Truth has been made clear from error. Whoever rejects false worship and believes in Allah has grasped the most trustworthy handhold that never breaks. And Allah hears and knows all things.” (Qur’an, 2:256)

There are four types of jihad: jihad al-nafs (striving against one’s nafs or self, which means self-control to fight evil promptings within us); jihad al-Shaytaan (striving against Satan and his followers who spread evil deeds and all sorts of transgressions among mankind); jihad al-kuffaar (striving against the disbelievers for their falsehood, lies, injustices and all sorts of evil deeds and immoralities); and jihad al-munaafiqeen (striving against the hypocrites for their insincerity, two-facedness, falseness and the like). In Islamic terminology, jihad means “the Muslim striving to make the word of Allah supreme and to establish His religion on earth”.  This means to make righteous beliefs and righteous deeds prevail over falsehood and evil deeds. The purpose of jihad in Islam is not to kill non-Muslims, rather the purpose is to establish the religion of Allah on earth, to establish  Allah’s Law (the Shari’ah), and to bring people from the worship of Allah’s creation to the worship of Allah (the God) Who Alone is the Creator  of all mankind, and to save mankind from the injustice of other religions to the justice of Islam — all for the promotion of universal peace in this world and thus, attain eternal peace and success in the eternal world to come.  In short, jihad is a means to establish peace in this world for the sole pleasure of Allah so He will grant us everlasting peace in the eternal world to come. Jihad is not something that any Muslim or group of Muslims can just declare or initiate.  Allah has set conditions for Jihad in Islam as stated in the  following verses of  the Glorious Qur’an:

“Fight in the way of Allah those who fight you but do not transgress. Indeed. Allah does not like transgressors. And kill them wherever you overtake them and expel them from wherever they have expelled you, and fitnah (trial –i.e., civil warfare) is worse than killing. And do not fight them at al-Masjid al- Haram (Holy Mosque in Makkah) until they fight you there. But if they fight you, then kill them. Such is the recompense of the disbelievers. And if they cease, then indeed, Allah is the Most Forgiving and the Most Merciful. Fight them until there is no [more] fitnah and [until] worship is [acknowledged to be] for Allah. But if they cease, then there is to be no aggression except against the oppressors.” (Qur’an 2:190-193)

“To those against whom war is made, permission is given (to fight), because they are wronged; and verily Allah is Most Powerful for their aid.  (They are) those who have been expelled from their homes in defiance of right, (for no cause) except that they say, “Our Rabb (only God and Sustainer) is Allah”… they are) those who, if We establish them in the land, establish regular prayer and give zakat (compulsory charity to the poor), enjoin the right and forbid wrong: with Allah rests the end (and decision) of (all) affairs.”   (Qur’an, 22:39-41)

“And why should you not fight in the cause of Allah and of those who, being weak, are ill treated (and oppressed); men, women and children, whose cry is:  “Our Rabb (only God and Sustainer)! 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!”  (Qur’an, 4:75)

“Those who believe fight in the cause of Allah, and those who reject Faith fight in the cause of Evil; so fight against the friends of Satan.  Feeble indeed is the cunning of Satan.”  (Qur’an, 4:76)

Those who lie against Islam branding it as a religion of terrorism need to know that Allah the Most Merciful has prohibited the taking of life, which He has made sacred, except by way of justice and law (Qur’an 6: 151). A believer should never kill a believer; but (if it so happens) by mistake, then, compensation is due (Qur’an 4: 92). If a man kills a believer intentionally, his recompense is Hell (Qur’an 4: 93). To promote peace and avoid any dispute, Islam enjoins mankind to observe the law of equality and justice as shown in the following Qur’anic injunctions and prophetic hadeeth:

“In the Law of Equality there is (saving of) life to you, O you men of understanding that you may restrain yourselves.” (Qur’an 2: 179)

“Allah does command you to render back your Trusts to those to whom they are due; and when you judge between people that you judge with justice. Verily how excellent is the teaching, which He gives you! For Allah is He Who hears and sees all things.” (Qur’an 4: 58)

“O you who believe! Stand out firmly for justice, as witnesses to Allah, even as against yourselves, or your parents, or your kin, and whether it be (against) rich or poor: for Allah can best protect both. For not the lusts (of your departure), lest you swerve, and if you distort (justice) or decline to do justice, verily Allah is well-acquainted with all that you do.” (Qur’an 4: 135)

“O you who believe! Stand out firmly for justice, as witnesses to fair dealing, and let not the hatred of others to you make you swerve to wrong and depart from justice. Be just: that is next to piety. And fear Allah for Allah is well-acquainted with all that you do.” (Qur’an 5: 8)

“Allah commands justice, the doing of good, and giving to kith and kin, and He forbids all indecent deed, and evil and rebellion, He instructs you that you may receive admonition.” (Qur’an 16: 90)

Anas Bin Malik رضي الله عنه narrated that the Prophet صلي الله عليه وسلم  said: “The prescribed Law of Allah is the equality in punishment (i.e. Qisas).” (Bukhari, Vol. 6 Hadeeth 26)

Those who attribute the crime committed in 9/11 must know that suicide bombing of innocent people is never the teaching of this very peaceful religion and way of life.  Who were behind the 9/11 are clearly non-Muslims for anyone who believes in Allah and His Messenger will never do any act contrary to any of the peaceful teachings of Islam.  What was the very motive behind 9/11 (which caused too much injuries and sufferings to innocent people, especially the numerous deaths of Muslim children, men and women, young and old in Afghanistan and Iraq and the inhumane treatment and imprisonment of   innocent Muslims in Guantanamo Bay Naval Base, Cuba), was certainly an evil act — created to establish turmoil instead of peace in the world. Those who want to find the truth regarding 9/11 are invited to search in the Internet who really did the 9/11 bombings. (Please, see samples of the website links at the end of this paper.)*

It is interesting to note that many non-Muslims have exposed who are behind the 9/11 attack.* They testify that the Muslims did not do the 9/11.** Many non-Muslims who read and researched about this peaceful religion and way of life from Allah have reverted to Islam after the 9/11 incident.  Today, the world has declared that Islam is the fastest growing religion in the world. “According to the Guinness Book of World Records, Islam is the world’s fastest-growing religion by number of conversions each year: “Although the religion began in Arabia, by 2002 80% of all believers in Islam lived outside the Arab world. In the period 1990-2000, approximately 12.5 million more people converted to Islam than to Christianity”. (Please, see samples of the website  that declare Islam is the fastest growing religion:)***

Indeed, truth prevails about Islam as the  only peaceful religion from Allah. Very clearly both the Qur’an and the Sunnah stress the importance of peace. Peace in Islam serves as one of the important keys to our peaceful entrance in Paradise forever. Therefore, we need to establish peace with Allah by peacefully submitting ourselves to Him in Islam. We need to establish peace within ourselves, our family members, relatives, neighbors, friends, the society or community where we belong and the rest of mankind in the international body-politic as a whole who go for peace by knowing and applying the fundamental teachings of Islam and following the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad صلي الله عليه وسلم .  Islam is a religion based on divine teachings, which we need to learn, apply and share to others in order to promote universal peace and enjoy everlasting peace in the eternal life hereafter. It is the only religion that Allah has chosen and perfected for us. It is the only religion that is acceptable to Him and hence, the only religion and way topeace both in this world and in the everlasting life hereafter. Allah the Almighty clearly says:

“…This day have I perfected your religion for you, completed My favor upon you, and have chosen for you Islam as your religion.” (Qur’an 5: 3)

“If anyone desires a religion other than Islam (submission to Allah), never will it be accepted of him; and in the Hereafter he will be in the ranks of those who have lost (all spiritual good).” (Qur’an 3: 85)

For your eternal success, see the beauty and excellence of Islam by what you directly read from the two revealed sources of knowledge and Guidance: the Holy Qur’an and the Sunnah. 
Do not judge Islam from the bad behaviors and misdeeds of some Muslims who do not practice Islam according to these two authentic sources of Guidance. Do not be influenced by the false propaganda and lies made against Islam by those who want to destroy the image of Islam out of their ignorance of the Truth. The enemies of Islam read some portion of the verses in the Qur’an and parts of ahaadeeth and misquoted them in their writings and speeches to disprove the truth about Islam. They quoted abrogated verses from the Qur’an and early events in the lives of the Prophet صلي الله عليه وسلم  and his companions to further prove their lies.  Know that the Qur’an was revealed in stages and so with Islam until Allah has perfected it (Qur’an 5: 3) as the Truth from Him.  Verily, the Truth (Islam) comes from Allah (The God):

“Truly, the religion with Allah is Islam. Those who were given the Scripture (Jews and Christians) did not differ except, out of mutual jealousy, after knowledge had come to them. And whoever disbelieves in the Ayat (proofs, verses and signs) of Allah, then surely, Allah is Swift in calling to account.” (Qur’an 3: 19)

“(This Islam is) the Truth from your Rabb (God, Cherisher and Sustainer), so be not of those who doubt.” (Qur’an 3: 60)

By Dr Norlain Dindong

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