The Other Face of Islam

By Ran Farhi

The Ahmadiyyah movement (Ahmadi) is a sect in Islam which was founded towards the end of the 19th century in Punjab, India, and spread from there to different countries. Most members of the sect are centered in South-East Asia: India, Pakistan and Indonesia, and it numbers 15 Million believers.

The members of the sect preach enlightenment, peace, and brotherhood between nations and love of others. The Ahmadiyyah way opposes religious coercion, and therefore does not support spreading Islam through Jihad, "Holy War". They prefer placatory persuasion. The sect is named for its founder, Mirza Ghulam Ahmad of Qadian (1835-1908), who, at the age of 40, announced that Allah has entrusted him with the task of renewing the Muslim religion and bringing justice and integrity to the world.

The Principles of the Ahmadiyyah obligate its believers to be loyal to their country of residence. A believer of the sect can not defy the laws of his country, so he can live in peace in this world. Muhammad Sharif, head of the Ahmadiyyah in Israel, explains: "As a citizen I am bound to obey Allah, the Prophet and those who lead the country even if I do not approve of the leader". The Ahmadiyyah are forbidden from joining demonstrations, even ones on behalf of peace.

Faced with the traditional Islamic belief, that Muhammad is the Final Prophet, the Ahmadis maintain that even following his death prophecy still remained, and it was transferred to the founder of the sect and his students. The Ahmadiyyah sees itself as a global religion that is supposed to include not only Muslims, but also Christians, Jews and Hindis.

According to Ahmadi belief, Jesus was a man who was neither crucified nor transported to heaven, but was taken down from the tree by his students, traveled to India, where he died at the age of 120 in Srinagar, Kashmir. Ghulam Ahmad, the founder of the sect, is in their eyes a reincarnation of both Jesus and Muhammad. He is the promised "Mujaddid". For his followers, he is the "Mahdi", a savior or a messiah, and there are those who see him as a prophet.

Once India split into a Hindu state and a Muslim state, the religious center was transferred to Pakistan. The movement was persecuted in Pakistan for years, and moved its religious activity to London. Today, centers of the Ahmadi movement can be found in many countries. During the hundred years of its existence, the Ahmadiyyah sect has managed to create a well organized movement, including missionary forces, educational institutions and cultivated religious centers, spread over many countries around the world: In Asia, Africa, Europe and America.

The Ahmadis in Israel 

According to Muhammad Sharif Odeh, head of the Ahmadi in Israel, the sect has 1500 members in Israel. On the 17th of March 1928, the "Center of the Ahmadi Delegation to the Middle-East Countries" was transferred from Damascus to Kababir village on Mt. Carmel in Haifa. Today the village is a neighborhood of a thousand, surrounded by Jewish neighborhoods. The Ahmadi community in Haifa has a large octagonal Mosque patterned after the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem. The current head of the sect in Israel is the son of its founder in Israel. The sect has a number of vehicles to spread its beliefs: A monthly magazine named "Al-Busra Al-Islamia Al-Ahmadiyyah" (The Ahmadiyyah Muslim Gospel); a website, as well as a satellite television station, mta.tv.

Although the sect's religious center hosts organized groups from the entire country, not many have heard of it. "It does not interest the media, because we provide no action", Muhammad Sharif Odeh tells Omedia, "Maybe because we do not throw rocks". It is possible that they are ignored because they broadcast a message of "Love for All, Hatred for None", while the media in Israel is deficient in its reporting methods and publishes mainly news items and articles of the "dog bites man" genre.

According to the Ahmadis, the main problem of radical Islam is the distorted interpretation of the Quran that the fundamentalists have adopted. According to Sharif, the problem in Islam, as in other religions, is the total adherence to the words of clerics, whose words are perceived as the words of Allah. "We believe that the interpreter can be mistaken. Let us return to the source rather than to interpretations that divide between people, as if a religious ruling of a cleric is the divine word, similar to what obtains in the Catholic Church, where the Pope is infallible".

Sharif notes that the perception of "Muhammad Baseif", i.e. the call to spread Islam by the sword, does not appear at all in the Quran, nor is it mentioned in the Hadith (Interpretations by Muslim wise men). "It is just an invention of some Sheikh. It does not obligate me, nor any other Muslim".

According to Sharif, the meaning of the word Jihad as it appears in the Quran means a supreme effort, endeavor, and not the interpretation adopted later. They are bound, so they say, by the original interpretation of the word. The call of Jihad, for them is: "Call to your sovereign, and argue with him in the best way possible. Islam clearly states that you can not employ coercion and force in matters of religion and faith".

Elastic Rules 

Bu the problem of the Ahmadis is not with normal interpretation, but specifically with an interpretation that "contradicts the text". Sharif defines it: "An interpretation that harms the principles of justice or contradicts science. All the time you need to return to the source, reinvestigate the religion. In Islam the rules are not set in stone, but elastic, and dependent on the changing situation. If there is a scientific development that contradicts an existing interpretation then that interpretation is no longer holy". It should be noted that one of the recent Nobel Laureates in physics, Prof. Abdul Salam, is a member of the Ahmadi sect.

The Ahmadiyyah Movement published an ad opposing the latest comments by the Pope against Muhammad, but which also criticized the "barbaric" reaction, as Sharif terms it, to these comments. Sharif says it would have been better to respond to the Pope with words, "With scientific proof and not by burning churches (Such as after the caricatures in Denmark). Nobody has the right to injure another for no reason. The Quran clearly states that you are forbidden to damage the prayer locations of other faiths".

Radical Islam is a misrepresentation of Islam. The Ahmadi call upon their fellow Muslims "Let us return to the Quran. We will not find any verse in the Quran that forces anyone to accept the religion or a verse that speaks of a Muslim theocracy. The Quran clearly states 'if you are a ruler - rule justly'. If an atheist is fit to be a minister or prime minister, there is no reason not to choose him. I need to choose a person who fits the job professionally, not because of his religion and nationality. We should return to the Quran and not the interpretations that serve as a stumbling block by differentiating between religions and nations. This interpretation has transformed religion into a source of hatred and hostility - into a new form of Paganism. It is an attempt to conquer another in Allah's name". The Ahmadi sect, according to Sharif is a nonpolitical movement and therefore is opposed to involving religion being in political issues.

"As Muslims, We Have Made Terrible Mistakes" 

Sharif does not deny Islam's militant past, and notes that "The Muslims have made terrible mistakes". However, according to him it can not be attributed to the core of Islam. The Quran teaches how to treat the enemy. The founder of the sect said, based on the Quran: "The principle is that in our heart we have love for all of humankind. Loving every human is the duty of a good believer. I love humankind as a mother loves her children. The Muslim within you is the part doing its best to bring happiness to all. And that is a universal message, rather than one based on sector".

Muhammad Sharif does not know where the Muslim insult to Jews "sons of monkeys and pigs" derives from. "Some very horrible mistakes resulted from interpretations which originated in Islam", and notes that the Inquisition in Spain and Portugal, furnishes a similar example of horrible deeds inspired by Christianity.

No Religious Distinction 

According to Sharif, the Quran is a collection of all holy books which preceded it. "A Muslim has no qualms with any religion. There is no real difference between Chirstianity and Judaism and Islam. Each one complements the other". He states that in the Quran there is a call for an alliance between those who believe in one God, "that we have no god aside from Allah". The sect forbids looking down on others because of their religion and nationality. The prayers in the Ahmadiyyah mosque are the same as in any other mosque, but Sharif emphasizes that "once the rite becomes an end and not a means, religion transforms itself into a form of paganism".

When it comes to the sacredness of Islamic land (The Waqf), the Ahmadiyyah movement also takes a different approach. As Sharif explains: "The Prophet of Islam said that it is better that the Kaaba (The holiest location in Islam) be destroyed brick by brick, than to allow one drop of blood to be shed. Why die for Al-Aqsa? For the holiness of stones?

An Unequivocal Stance Opposing Terror 

As a result of his approach, Sharif's stance on terror is clear. Sharif notes that those who executed terror attacks "Received legitimization from religious rulings" and notes that he has managed to make some people transfer from activity in radical Palestinian movement to adopting the Ahmadi views. "Not with Apache helicopters, but by proving to them that terror goes against the Quran". For example, a former terrorist from Tul-Karem, currently lectures at the Ahmadiyyah religious center.

In an interview to Omedia, Sharif also referred to September 11 unequivocally. "It is a terrible thing, even in the midst of a war of self defense. Islam clearly states 'God does not like to create hostility', but even during an attack and in a war of self defense, the Prophet of Islam said clearly to all 'do not kill women and elders, do not kill children, do not kill a woman, do not even harm a tree'. These are the words of the Prophet Muhammad. A true Muslim does not harm others, not by words nor by deeds".

Islam's Treatment of Ahmadis 

In the Arab press the Ahmadis are venomously attacked: "They depict us as evil, as collaborators with the English, and even as creatures of the English. They also call us enemies and collaborators with the Jews", and they have even termed us the 'new Islam from Tel-Aviv'. The internet has hundreds of hate sites against the sect and the malevolent preaching against them in the Mosques, before mass audiences, continues.

The Ahmadis in Israel, unlike their brethren in the West Bank, are not ashamed for being part of the sect. "In the West Bank the members of the sect fear to reveal their identity, because there is a new religious ruling issued by the supreme council of the Muftis", says Sharif. "The Mufti of Nablus delivered a ruling last year against the sect characterizing us as converts. This is worse than being a heretic. In the orthodox Muslim approach, those who convert from Islam are sentenced for death".

Sharif notes that the newspaper of the Islamic Movement in Israel "Sauth Al Haq" also terms them converts. The Movement has also published a book against the Ahmadis. This situation has physical repercussions in the Muslim world. Last year, a terrorist entered an Ahmadiyyah mosque in Bangladesh and carried out a mass murder of worshippers during prayer.

Despite the war waged against them, there are new members from the West Bank as well - from Tul-Karem, Nablus, Bethlehem, East Jerusalem, and villages near Jenin. According to Sharif, a few also join from villages in the Galilee and the Sharon. He is happy to note that most of the new members are young and most of them are academics.

The Right of the Jewish People to the Land of Israel 

Beyond noting the fact that Ahmadis are loyal to the country where they dwell, such as Israel, Sharif does not hesitate to mention the right of the Jewish People to the Land of Israel, as it appears in the Quran. "It is clearly written in the Sura (chapter) of the People of Israel that this right is granted them by Allah", says Sharif. And he adds: "A prophecy written in the Quran 1400 years ago, clearly declared that God will bring the People of Israel to the Land of Israel from all over the world, and there would be an ingathering of the exiles in the land of Israel - and this enjoins a true Muslim to enter a dialog with the 'People of the Book' (The Jewish People were first called so in the Quran - R.F.) and it states: 'Do not argue with the People of the Book, but only in the most appropriate of ways".

According to Sharif, the Quran does not call for harming a Jew because he is a Jew. He notes the opening Sura that states: "God, bless me as you have blessed them (The Jews)". As for the inter-religious dialogue, Sharif notes that despite his meeting with Rabbi Shaar Yishuv Hacohen, Haifa's Rabbi, there is no inter-religious dialogue of real depth. He believes that "If you know the other well rather than superficially, you will change your opinion of him".

Peace Begins with Moderate Islam 

In light of the rampage of radical Islam, it is refreshing to listen to one who clearly corresponds to the definition of "moderate Islam" - the Ahmadiyyah movement. If there is to be a prospect for a better world in general and in our region specifically, it is important that the messages transmitted by the Ahmadis reach attentive ears in the Muslim world, especially Muslims in Israel, and even those within pre 1967 Israel..

The success of this progressive movement would gradually moderate the hate level radical Islam in Israel, i.e. the Islamic Movement and all its wings, including the Southern one (The Southern branch of the Islamic Movement in Israel is considered more moderate), so that it would harbor less hatred to Jews and the Jewish State. Then there would be hope for true peace in the region. It is also important for Jews to know of this sect, so that we may understand that there is a different Islam, and the desire for peace begins not only with us, but with them, as well.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ran_Farhi

The Burqa and Islam

By Suzanne Zacharia

After France banning the burqa, public opinion is divided in the UK as to whether it was right or not and whether Britain should follow suit.

First of all, let us get one thing clear. The burqa is not an Islamic garment. The prophet Mohammad did not recommend it or ask for it. He did not say it was decreed by God either. The burqa is purely a cultural thing and nowhere in the original Quran is it mentioned. I should know - I have read it from cover to cover in Arabic.

So, the debate about the burqa in the UK is a debate about a cultural thing which has nothing to do with religion.

To say the burqa is a religious garment is like saying that Charles Manson was a Christian priest.

I would actually go further than that. The prophet Mohammad was kind to girls and women. His message from God was one designed to save women and girls from cultural atrocities committed on them. For example, sometimes baby girls were buried alive in the sand to get rid of them so that the family would not have to pay a dowry when the girl grows up and gets married. And women went around wearing a flimsy shirt and were often treated with disrespect as a sexual object. Islam put an end to all that, and rightly so. It differentiated women by a respectful dress code.

This dress code exposed the face, hands, and feet of the woman.

The prophet Mohammad was not a cruel or stupid man. And his wife was an independent woman who was a trader - a travelling saleswoman. He decreed that alcohol is banned, just like now heroin is illegal in the West. And although I am not Muslim, I can see the wisdom in that. I may disagree about whether banning alcohol is the best way to stop the effects of alcoholism, but I do see where the prophet Mohammad was coming from and respect that. In other words, I can see how the prophet Mohammad not only cared about the dignity of his people but also about their health.

I cannot see how any God-fearing person could possibly sentence babies to rickets and women to a low immunity. This happens when women are deprived of Vitamin D, which we were designed to get from exposure to the sun.

I am sure that if the prophet Mohammad was living in this day and age, he himself would ban the burqa. It is against the health and dignity of women, as well as the health of their children. Sadly, it is not up to the prophet Mohammad to decide on this one.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Suzanne_Zacharia

ZAKAT (Alms) In Context of ISLAM

By Kate Perryy

(In the Name of Allah, the Most Magnificent, the Most Merciful)

Ramadan comes as a blessing to Muslims and whosoever experience this month is considered to be lucky that he/she is awarded another chance to make certain corrections within selves to gain the recognition, mercy, forgiveness and rewards from ALLAH (SWT) and our Beloved Prophet (SAWS).

It is of extreme importance that you understand the special divine month in which ALLAH (SWT) showers His blessing upon and with all the appropriate knowledge you would be able to achieve the right rewards and make the best of it. Remember, this month is stated in various authenticated sources to be of high importance.

This is the reason that our Beloved Prophet (SAWS) has set us examples where HE use to show more kindness and generosity than other months as this month is the Month of giving and kindness. In addition, it was his practice to pay Zakat (Alms) in the given month allowing you with the beautiful opportunity to combine and perform to very important pillars of Islam in the given Month of Ramadan.

The meaning of Zakaat comes from the word Zakaa which means to purify, increase and bless, thus making it clear that it is the share of the wealth which believer takes out and distribute among the needy and the poor for the pure sake of ALLAH (SWT). It is to be an obligation to all Muslims and thus it is mandatory to every Muslim.

This is where ALLAH (SWT) stated that: "Of their goods take alms so that thou mightiest purify and sanctify them..." (Holy Quran, 9: 103).

Imam Ibn Hazim said that every Muslim young or old sane or insane needs to cleanse his or her wealth with Zakat because of generality of the evidence.

Anas bin Malik reported that the Messenger of Allah (saws) said: "Trade with the money of the orphan, lest it is eaten up by Zakat." (At-Tabraani) In another Hadith 'Amru bin Shuaib related from his grandfather that the Messenger of Allah said: "Whoever is entrusted with money of an orphan should trade with it and should not leave it sitting to be used up by charity." (Tirmidhi)

Therefore it is important to understand the vital aspect in context of Islam where this remains to be one of the significant Pillar of Islam, learn more from online sources to be a better believer and make the most out of our religion, may God be pleased with you (AMEEN).

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kate_Perryy

Five Benefits of Islam's Alcohol Prohibition

By Imran Patel

Muslims are forbidden from drinking alcohol. While few other faiths share the ban, this article will explain some of the benefits that others could also receive if they too abstained from alcohol consumption.

A Brief Background and History

Alcohol is mentioned numerous times in the Quran, though to be pedantic, it is generally referred to via intoxicating substances available at the time of the Quran's writing. For example, 4:43 states that Muslims are banned from praying while intoxicated, but the word for intoxicated is sukara, which is derived from sugar and means drunk or intoxicated. My Muslim friends have told me that the general gist of the message is that substances which affect a person's mind from functioning properly should be avoided, and that mind altering drugs therefore fall under this category too.

The Benefits

1 - Save Money

Alcohol is expensive. And in these times of financial uncertainty, even people with good jobs are cutting back on their spending, as they are concerned of being made redundant. If people stopped drinking and put the saved money towards their pension funds, then it could help to provide for them during their old age, as the pension black hole is a very real and uncertain problem facing today's working generation.

2 - Improve Health

Alcohol contains many calories, and a pint or two of beer can often lull the drinker into a desire for more. Obesity is a big problem in western society, and the problem could be partially alleviated through a cessation of alcohol consumption.

3 - Avoid Embarrassment

People who are drunk are not in full control of themselves, and often do things that they regret later. For example, they may vomit in inappropriate locations, say rude things or lose control of their bodily functions. As an example, in a recent episode of The Inbetweeners, a young college student wetted himself in a friends' bed after drinking cider. I have known real students who have performed similar acts while under the influence of alcohol.

4 - Saves Time

Excessive alcohol can lead to memory loss and hangovers. If an enjoyable evening is lost from a person's memory then the evening may as well not have occurred. Also, hangovers prevent victims from performing productive activities and have caused lost study in students and unnecessary sick days by employees.

5 - Reduces Violence and Social Problems

Alcohol is known for causing violence in certain individuals, as it reduces their inhibitions and self control.

It can also lead to unwanted romantic encounters, which can cause family breakdowns.

Conclusion

The Quran states that alcohol contains both good and evil, but that the evil outweighs the good. A positive aspect of alcohol is that it can lead to a removal of personal insecurities, which can help people to become more outgoing and enjoy themselves more in social situations. However, if they consume too much it can lead to problems that are already listed above.

While it is unlikely that this article will stop anyone from drinking alcohol, I hope that it helps to explain some of the problems that it can cause, and encourages alcoholics to limit their consumption in the future.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Imran_Patel

Shaikh-ul-Islam Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri - A Beaming Soul!

By Muhammad Umer Mumtaz

Man on the first level, or - logically speaking - Man as a species, is in the intermediary stage between the Absolute and the world, and, as an intermediary, occupies the highest position in the hierarchy of the created beings. As soon as we begin to consider Man on the individual level, however, we cannot help noticing the existence of many degrees. Otherwise expressed, on the cosmic level Man himself is the Perfect Man, but on the individual level not all men are 'perfect'; on the contrary, only a few deserve the title of the Perfect Man. Ibn 'Arabi recognizes in the Perfect Man a particular kind of mystifying power. This is hardly to be wondered at, because the Perfect Man, as a "knower" (Arif), is by definition a man with an unusually developed spiritual power. His mind naturally shows an extraordinary activity.

All those civilizations which have renounced faith as a unifying force have yet to discover new principles to construe the disintegrated vision of modern man. Ironically the Muslim world where Din-e-Islam is still believed, at least, in theory, to be a wellspring of all moral and legal codes, finds itself in the grips of an even more intensive schizophrenia. Ours is a confused situation: a cauldron wherein radically different chefs are simultaneously jockeying to get their favorite dishes cooked, unmindful of the fact how heterogeneous the broth will ultimately turn out.

This onslaught on our consciousness is infinitely many: religious, political, cultural, and educational. The traditionalist with a strong dose of medievalism in blood, the politician with his eternal hunger for power and above all, the Shylock clamoring for his pound flesh, leave no room for the rotting humanity to lift itself above the subsistence level and meditate on the fundamental issues of human existence.

Undoubtedly, for centuries, Sufism has remained popular in the East for its in-built humanism and equally congenital rebellion against the out-war line of the jurist. Working as a unifying force through spiritual influences, Sufis fashioned the moral behavior and attitudes of the multitudes who thronged their hospices (Khanqahs). Thus, even if gnosis is not something real, through this it was a popularity - and hence a direct contact with masses, Sufis enjoyed penetrating insight into the psyche of people.

In the face of rapid urbanization and vastly expanding populations traditional hospices cannot possibly flourish. But here is a man, named Professor Dr. Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri, who never sits like a saint among people. He is the most auspicious star on the shadowy and cloud-capped galaxy of the Islamic world whom God has blessed with knowledge, guidance and eloquence to steer the rocking world of Islam through the tempestuous billows of strife and dissension to put it back on the rollers to make it self-reliant and self-sustaining. It seems God has chosen him for a specific divine mission, which is of course the restoration of the pristine glory of Islam and the reawakening of Muslim from the slumber induced in them by Western morphia and their consequent derailing from the right track. His very presence is a source of consolation for the teeming millions who are the victims of all sorts of world-weariness and hallucinations.

As Sa'di remarks in his Gulistan, "Intellect without firmness is craft and chicanery; and firmness without intellect, perverseness and obstinacy", Dr. Tahir-ul-Qadri possesses the same twin virtues of knowledge and integrity as integrity without knowledge for him is weak and useless, and knowledge for him without integrity is dangerous and dreadful. His curiosity is not motivated by a utilitarian interest but by a sense of genuine pride to extend the frontiers of knowledge and to illuminate the dark corners of the world with its luminous rays. He is internally organized; he does not drift as his inner discipline never lets him swerve from the path of righteousness. The direction of the mind is more important for him than its progress because he does not measure success; he applies his mind and does not let his intellect rest.

Shaikh-ul-Islam Dr. Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri is definitely an answer to the monopoly of the unlettered clergy over our lives. He is the shield against the clerical tendency to emphasize the doctrine in lien of an intellectual understanding of Islam. His gift of speeches clarifies, and then offers a definition that brings to consolation without causing alienation from our current civilization.

His good reputation which is current among the people, the renown of his eloquence which has spread on the surface of the earth, the products of his friendly pen which are consumed like sugar, and the scraps of his works which are hawked about like bills of exchange, can be ascribed to his "perfection". The most fascinating aspect of his entire life is that he completely believes in total dedication to Prophet's (P.B.U.H) Ummah.

He has delivered over 20,000 lectures in international conferences, universities and institutions all over the world on all types of issues which are available on DVDs, Video/Audio Cassettes and CDs. His lectures broadcast on many TV channels in Arabian and Western countries, too. As part of his vast struggle for equality for all, he has written over 400 books on all kinds of modern, religious, spiritual and secular issues in English, Urdu, and Arabic. His intellectual and social services to the welfare of mankind are globally recognized. He and his organization are great sources for inter-sect and interfaith peace, harmony and unity.

His style of speeches touches base of everything with the religion Islam to keep the dialogue culturally anchored. He is master of the analyses of feelings of human inter-relations of passions between the sexes; he reconciles materialism with a life of the spirit and offers solace even to those whose life has little meaning beyond the pursuit of wealth.

Finally, I would like to quote few words of Professor Sheikh Iftikhar Ahmad for Shaikh-ul-Islam Dr. Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri: "A glimpse into the personal life of the Professor is quite consistent with the practice of the Prophet (P.B.U.H.) and it is not intended as an exercise in self-display. Its main purpose is to warn people not to suffer from any misunderstanding on account of ignorance of facts and to serve as a source of inspiration for all those who are actively engaged in the struggle for preserving their faith". Besides, every aspect of his life really looks like an open book so that people are thoroughly familiar with the inside and outside of his personality and evaluate his contribution in a broader and more catholic perspective. He is definitely our PERFECT MAN.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Muhammad_Umer_Mumtaz

Islamic Clothes Promoting Islam With Slogan

By Sohail Khan

With the ever evolving world looking for newer trends to promote and market to their targeted niche market, clothing articles with various slogans have become very popular. Islamic clothes with catchy phrases depicting Islam have also gained a lot of popularity amongst the Muslim communities. In particular Muslims living in non Muslim countries rely on these types of Islamic clothes to voice out their feelings about their religion.

Today the Islamic clothes with phrases like "I Love Islam", "Proud to be a Muslim" and many other similar ones can be widely seen all around Europe and the Americas. Young men and women in particular are very focused on stating to the world about their choice of being Muslim. For them it is important to let others know that regardless of being born in Muslim families, they choose to practice Islam for its teachings and values. Therefore, they opt to inform the people around them by wearing stylish Islamic clothes with religious phrases printed on them.

There are numerous Islamic clothes retailers who sell creative and captivating one line statements in favour of Islam. These slogans portray the true feelings behind Islam as opposed to the extremist and fundamentalist view that people have developed about the peace loving religion. Wearing these clothing items allows the younger generation to express their point of view and freedom in addition to letting the people around them understand the significance of Islam.

T-shirts, caps, bags and Islamic clothes for children are available in an array of colours, designs and slogans. People can choose the styles they prefer to wear and express themselves. These apparel and accessory items are easily available at numerous Islamic retail stores and online shops catering to the needs of the Muslims across the globe.

The most commonly seen attractive statements on Islamic clothes include:"Mini Muslim", "I only eat Halal", "Muslim for Life", "I Love my Prophet", "Allah's Little Angel" and "Jannah under mother's feet" to list a few. These slogans are not only eye catching but also create good feelings about the religion. Other messages include different names of Allah printed on apparel items or verses from the Quran in beautiful fonts and styles to emphasize the importance of these verses in a Muslim's life. These slogan bearing clothing articles are a great way to not only express your religion but to also promote the goodness behind its teachings.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sohail_Khan

Islamic World Domination

By Maureen Metcalf

The question is not whether terrorism is now a world-wide reality, but why is terrorism happening at all? And, is it possible to thwart the activities of the Islamic extremists?

To understand how to deal with an enemy, one must first seek to understand the issues. What is their motivation? Do they have a goal?

Who are these people? Why are they willing to go to such desperate lengths? Why are their own lives apparently expendable? Why do they target innocent civilians who have no direct conflict with them, and have no understanding of their agenda? Why attack office towers? Why attack buses carrying innocent, unarmed civilians? Why disguise themselves as normal passengers, or shoppers, or college students? Why hide in the everyday crowd, then attempt to perpetrate as much carnage and damage as possible? How do you fight an enemy you cannot identify until it is too late?

Why are all these attacks committed by Islamic adherents? Is this only coincidence, as some would make us believe? Would it not be expedient to pay some attention to the Islamic religious orientation, and ask some searching questions?

In our multi-cultural democratic society we embrace diversity. On the surface this is an applaudable virtue. However, the Islamic terrorists are taking advantage of our propensity to be accepting, and are wielding our ideological "freedom for all" against us! They hide within their own religious people, most of whom, on the surface at least, appear to be peaceful. They also know it is unacceptable for the rest of the western democratic population to single out one religion for vilification. While we are busy bending over backward to make certain religious freedom is available to all, those of a religious orientation that desires to destroy all other religions, operate from within that freedom and safety to wage war against us!

And, it matters not whether others of their own Islamic faith are marginalized, or attacked, or even murdered, so long as the goal is ultimately reached. Muslim against Muslim is perfectly acceptable, and apparently even necessary! We observe this being played out in Iraq where militants are attacking other Muslims, simply because they align themselves with those who promote peace and democracy. This is not merely a conflict between one group of Muslims and another, or even simply between Muslim and those of other faiths, although that is used as an excuse. Rather it is a
martyrdom ideology, where life is expendable, and loss of ones life is desirable in pursuit of the cause.

We view this as extreme, but in their belief system, it is the ultimate jihad to be shahid, or to cause other Muslims to be shahid in the name of Allah.

The terrorists are not simply fighting against the West and democracy. They are not simply fighting against Jews and Christians. Rather, these are necessary conflicts in their view, to further their Islamic world-wide cause. They are for peace, but only on their terms, which means when Islam rules the world there will be peace. Until that day, jihad must be performed in the name of Allah.

The so-called terrorists are not insane. Neither are they fringe. Rather, they are the military "troops" for Islam! The rank and file are on a different level in the jihad, but none-the-less are equally as dangerous, because they soften up the unsuspecting masses by being peaceful law-abiding citizens who simply wish to live and let live. These fortunately honestly are peaceful citizens, and yet they also are misunderstood in relation to the greater Islamic picture They have no desire to blow themselves, or others, to smitherines! But they, and we, are being deceived by this peacefulness! Their peace is a jihad, because it allows Islam to infiltrate society. Once Islam becomes an accepted part of society, the more extreme jihad forces are able to begin operating. That is the strategy now taking place in Britain, in Europe, and in America! This is war through first wielding "peace"as the weapon of choice, and it is obviously very effective!

There is a Scripture passage in the book of Daniel that sheds much light on this use of "peace" as an effective weapon.

Dan 8:23 And in the latter time of their kingdom, when the transgressors are come to the full, a king of fierce countenance, and understanding dark sentences, shall stand up.
Dan 8:24 And his power shall be mighty, but not by his own power: and he shall destroy wonderfully, and shall prosper, and practice, and shall destroy the mighty and the holy people.
Dan 8:25 And through his policy also he shall cause craft to prosper in his hand; and he shall magnify himself in his heart, and by peace shall destroy many: he shall also stand up against the Prince of princes; but he shall be broken without hand.
Dan 8:26 And the vision of the evening and the morning which was told is true: wherefore shut thou up the vision; for it shall be for many days.

How can "peace "be used to destroy many? We are seeing this phenomonon even now, as so-called peaceful Islam is waging an insideous jihad against all that is democratic, or of other religious persuasions, or even of alternate Islamic groups.

There will soon arise a world ruler who will use peace to destroy and subjugate many nations. Bit this ruler will not suddenly arise out of thin air! He will rise to power because of an ideology, a religious/ political system which is aligned against the Jews, Christians, and all who are considered infidels and dhimmies. He specifically comes against the "Prince of princes." Who is the "Prince of princes," and why is he antagonistic toward him in particular? The "Prince of princes" is the Prince of Peace, Moshiach, who is to rule the nations from Jerusalem. This Prince of Peace is ethnically a Jew, and the Muslims know he is to come. Therefore they have a burning motivation to annihilate the Jews to prevent his arrival on the world stage! They are on a jihad to prevent Messiah from ruling the world. They desire instead to make sure Islam rules the world.

This thinking influenced the "Final Solution!" that Hitler tried to implement during WWII. Not commonly reported is the fact that Hitler had close connections to the Islamic world through the Imam of Jerusalem. A major portion of Hitler's military was headed by Muslims. The Holocaust takes on a rather different twist when we consider this connection! Why would there be need for a "Final Solution?" Why would annihilating the Jews be a "Final Solution?" What was the "Jewish question?" Hitler feared the Jews had plans to take over the world! The "solution?" Rid the world of all Jews. Prevent them from producing the Messiah! Where did he get this idea from? Not from his own head, but from Islam! Hitler was not insane! Hitler was indoctrinated! Did Hitler embrace Islam? Not entirely, but Islam influenced his
world-view.

The Ottoman Empire of Islam had been slowly but surely taking over Eastern Europe and the Middle East, and had designs on taking over Russia and Western Europe. World War I halted the Islamic quest for world domination in its tracks, but it was not completely knocked out. Although most of the territory administered by the Ottoman Empire was taken over by the British during the course of World War I, the Islamic ideology was not dealt a death-blow, but went underground. By the time Hitler arose on the scene, the Islamic goals were well on the way to regrouping. Hitler's Mein Kampf, and the forgery The Protocols of the Elders of Zion, gained popularity throughout eastern, then western Europe, and prepared the groundwork for Hitler's Holocaust "Final Solution" to "the Jewish question." World War II dealt a decisive blow to Hitler's regime, and won a great victory for freedom. However, the sinister ideologies behind Nazism, Fascism, and Islam were not annihilated. Hitler tried to deal with the nations head-on, army to army. His strategy did not work! What we are now witnessing, and experiencing, is a third wave of a bid for Islamic dominance, but this time, it is not taking the form of huge armies fighting other huge armies, instead, the war is being waged in a manner that is sinister, diabolical, and underhanded. There are no clearly identifiable enemy troops. Rather, the tact this time is to subvert, infiltrate, and from a clandestine position, gain ground through terror tactics. In essence, the world is now fighting World War III, but we haven't recognized it yet!

The Islamic connection has again reared it's head, and interestingly is being fed again by Hitler's Mein Kampf, and The Protocols of the Elders of Zion, which are best sellers in Pakistan, Turkey, Iran, and other Islamic nations. So, is Nazism dead? Absolutely not!! Unfortunately, it was not killed along with the soldiers of World War II, but rather is reviving again in the form of the terrorists, and the Neo-Nazis, most of whom also are Muslims! The Nazi/ Muslim connection is still alive
and very strong! Unfortunately, most western world leaders fail to recognize the threat for what it is, but are resting in the shadow of the World War II victory, not realizing the monster was only knocked unconscious, not eliminated! In fact, most do not want to positively identify the Islamic connection!

We are in danger of being subjugated to the ideology of Islamic world domination. The Jews are again in grave danger, and so are all Christians, along with the nations and societies that are democratic. The Ottoman Empire failed. Hitler's "Final solution"and his Third Reich failed. The Islamic quest has no intention of failing a third time! "First the Saturday people, then the Sunday people," is not simply their slogan, but their strategy!

Do all Muslims believe in the insidious multi-level jihad? Absolutely! They are well aware that the ultimate goal of Islam, in obedience to Allah, is world domination. Most however, are not willing to be part of the militant terrorist and shahid forces. In fact, the majority of Muslims are embarrassed by suicide bombers, and the destructive terrorist activities. They would rather bring in world wide Islamic rule through peaceful means, such as through infiltration and winning converts. However, we must understand that the line between being a peaceful Muslim citizen, and becoming a terrorist or a shahid in the cause, is merely ideological. Some are willing to pick up the gauntlet because of their personalities, and their religious fervor. The problem is that it is impossible to accurately pick out from among them who desires to become a terrorist, or who a shahid. That is why an apparently upright peaceful productive chemist can suddenly appear to flip-out, and become the brains behind the bombs. That is why an apparent loving teacher and father can
become a suicide bomber. The cause is greater than the life of the individual, and certainly greater than the lives of other Muslims, or of innocent non-Muslims.

So, how do we fight an ideology of death, destruction, disruption, and hate? The truth is, when such an enemy hides among the population, and attacks the innocent and unsuspecting, it is next thing to impossible. We can set up security cameras, send out security forces, check bags, ask questions, use electronics, but this enemy wears the best and most effective camouflage -- they look normal.

Our only real defense is to pay attention to their rhetoric. Do not dismiss their Imam's sermons as being the rantings of misguided religious crackpots. They are influencing and motivating the suicide bombers, and recruiting mostly idealistic youth to perpetrate their atrocities, offering promises of the excesses of the Islamic Paradise. They will deny they are being inflammatory, but rather they try to point out they are only giving sermons on their religious views, which is absolutely
true, and that is why their words are so dangerous!

An Imam in Vancouver was recently taken in for questioning regarding anti-Semitic remarks against Jews. Imams in Britain have been indicted for inflammatory remarks. The same sentiments can be heard in Jerusalem, Iraq, Iran, and from many other Islamic locations around the world. The timing of these diatribes against Jews, and against the United States and Britain, are not coincidence, but rather the Islamic community honestly believes they are soon to take over the entire world.

The scary thing is, they are right! They will soon take over under the regime of the coming Man of Sin, who Paul the Apostle mentions will be revealed soon.

2Th 2:3 Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;

2Th 2:4 Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.

2Th 2:5 Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things?

2Th 2:6 And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time.

2Th 2:7 For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way.

2Th 2:8 And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming:

2Th 2:9 Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders,

2Th 2:10 And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.

2Th 2:11 And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:

2Th 2:12 That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.

2Th 2:13 But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth:

2Th 2:14 Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Who is the Man of Sin. SIN was the name of an ancient Chaldean pagan moon god. Muhammed picked him out from a line-up of the ancient gods, dusted him off, and presto gave the world the apparently monotheistic religion called Islam. The Arabic name for this moon god was, and still is, Allah! The soon to be revealed ruler Paul calls the Man of Sin, will be a Muslim! This despotic Islamic dictator will rule from Jerusalem. He will arise under the apparent quest for peace, but in the process, according to Daniel the Prophet, will destroy many.

Islam is on the move toward world domination, and it is time the world woke up to the reality before it is too late! The Islamic terrorists are well on the way to taking over in the Middle East, especially in Gaza, which, if all goes to their plan, is to become a haven for several powerful terrorist organizations. Following their victory provided by the Israeli Withdrawal, they will go after Jerusalem and Judea, resulting in two more world wars, Gog and Magog, and Armageddon. They will have a short, but devastating time in power, then the true Prince of Peace will appear!

But, we have at our disposal a slim moment of defense, to slow down their progress one more time, just as we did with World Wars I and II. The question is, will our world leaders recognize this final opportunity to stem the Islamic tide for a while longer? Or are they all so busy attempting to appease the terrorists through pressuring Israel into giving away parts of the Land of Covenant, to her, and our, avowed enemies?

According to Scripture, Islamic world domination will come about for a short time. That should make us shudder!! But, Islamic world domination will be short-lived!! That should make us rejoice!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Maureen_Metcalf

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Difference between Muslim Culture and Local Culture

As you can see from above, Muslim culture can cover a wide variety of subjects. However, I believe it is important to differntiate between what is truly Islamic and what is just culture. Many things that are done today are not supported by the Word of Allah in the Quran or the teachings of Prophet Muhammad in the Hadith. Many things that Muslims practice today, are simply local customs taken as Islamic culture.
Now I’m not saying that these local customs and traditions are haraam, or forbidden, in Islam. I’m just saying that most of them have no basis or foundation in the Islamic religion. For certain, some local practices are definitely forbidden in Islam. And some of them are okay.
But we should know which parts of Islamic art and culture are truly Islamic and which parts are not.
And Allah knows best.

http://islamiclearningmaterials.com/muslim-culture/

Local Customs and Muslim Culture

There are also many practices amongst Muslims that were never mentioned in either the Quran or the Hadith. Most of these practices were introduced by the societies and cultures that accepted Islam. Here are some examples:

• Men kissing each other on the cheek when greeting (Middle East
  )
• After greeting someone, putting their hand to your head (West Africa
  )
• Prostrating when one’s child has reached 40 days old (Pakistan)

The Hadith and Muslim Culture

Many practices that are prevalent in the Muslim world were never mentioned in the Quran. Instead, these practices were derived from the practices, sayings, traditions, and stories of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and his companions. These traditions are called Hadith.
Here are some examples of Muslim culture that come from the Hadith:

• Men growing their beards and trimming the moustache.
• Using the right hand to eat with and the left hand for the bathroom.
• Using a miswak (stick used for cleaning teeth).
• Shaking hands when greeting someone.

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The Quran and Muslim Culture

Many aspects of our culture is derived from the Quran. Some things that Muslims do almost subconsciously are actually mandated, or encouraged, or allowed by Allah in His holy book the Quran. For example:

• Women wearing the hijab and other Islamic dress standards.
• Greeting other Muslims with “As-Salaamu Alay-kum.” This greeting is standard amongst all Muslims the world over.
• Saying Bismillah (In the Name of Allah) before doing just about anything.
• Saying Inshallah (If Allah Wills) when speaking of future events.

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Origins of Muslim Culture

But where does Muslim culture come from? Who made it up? Did it just fall from the sky?
Not exactly. There are several sources of Muslim Culture, but I’ve narrowed them down to the three most prevalent ones.

1. The Quran – the Holy book of Allah Almighty.
2. The Hadith – the statements and traditions of Prophet Mohammed (May Allah be pleased with him).
3. Local tradition.

Unique Aspects of Muslim Culture

Most people wont recognize Muslim culture, even though they see it almost every single day. That’s right. Every time you see a news story about Muslims in any part of the world, you are seeing some aspect of Muslim culture.

It’s in the way we eat.
It’s in the way we talk.
It’s even in the way we dress.
Many of these similarities are present in most, if not all, Muslim societies.
Even though there are over a billion Muslims throughout the world. Even though we speak hundreds of different languages. Even though we live in dozens of different countries. We still share a common Muslim culture.
This culture is embedded in our common beliefs that there is no God but Allah and that Muhammad is His messenger.
For instance, have you noticed how Muslim women tend to wear similar clothing? Even though the hijab is mandated by the Quran, it’s surprising to see that so many Muslim women voluntarily choose to cover their hair. Yes, in some countries wearing the hijab is mandatory. But that’s the exception, not the rule.
Another example of almost universal Muslim culture is that most Muslim men wear beards. Now, if you live in the west (or Egypt) you probably won’t see this as often. But in most Muslim countries, the men don’t shave their beards off.
Now here’s one aspect of Muslim culture which you would probably never see unless you happen to be Muslim also. Muslims always eat with their right hand! Even left-handed Muslims eat with their right hand.
As for the left hand – that’s generally relegated to bathroom use. Hence, we don’t use our left hand to eat with.

http://islamiclearningmaterials.com/muslim-culture/souce : 

The True Information on Islam

By Zahir Deen

To learn about Islam is important whether you are a Muslim or not, since 25% or 1.5 billion of the world's population is Muslim. All the media interest in Islam with the "war on terror" to get the correct information is important. Website from non-Muslim sources vary from the outright offensive to the factually incorrect only Islamic websites by Muslims can give the true picture.

The information in these sites must be backed up by the Quran and Hadiths. The Quran is the word of Allah(swt) as given directly or by angel Jibril (gabril)(AS) to the last and final seal of the prophets Muhammad (pbuh). As the verses were revealed the prophet Muhammad(pbuh) would recite them to his companions who would memorise them and also write them down and distribute them among the muslim community. So the Quran is the recorded word of Allah(swt) directly from the messenger of Allah(swt) the prophet Muhammad(pbuh) and there is only one version of the Quran with not a single word altered since the revelation to the present day. The Hadiths are saying and /or actions of the prophet Muhammad (pbuh) which were witness by the companions of the prophet Muhammad(pbuh) and then written down for record. Since muslims believe that the prophets of Allah(swt) are pure and innocent, for Allah(swt) would only choose the best among mankind who were tested in their lives to lead people who had gone astray and bring them to the right path.

Say (O Muslims), "We believe in Allah and that which has been sent down to us and that which has been sent down to Ibrahim (Abraham), Isma'il (Ishmael), Ishaq (Isaac), Ya'qub (Jacob), and to Al-Asbat [the offspring of the twelve sons of Ya'qub (Jacob)], and that which has been given to Musa (Moses) and 'Îsa (Jesus), and that which has been given to the prophets from their Lord. We make no distinction between any of them, and to Him we have submitted (in Islam)."

( Quran Al-Baqara, Chapter #2, Verse #136).

These hadiths were then checked by Imams as how many people were present when the prophet Muhammad said or did an action, was the hadith backed up by all present, what was the character of the companions present so the narration of the hadith strong or weak. Only when many checks were made that the hadiths considered authentic. The most comprehensive collection of hadiths are found in the books of Imam Bukhari, Muslim, Tirmidhi, Nasa'i, Abu Dawud and ibn Majah (may Allah(swt) be pleased with them all).

You can only make a judgement by the information you have and if that is incorrect then the judgement is most defiantly wrong. The judgement of your faith is for your eternal soul and on the day of Judgement in the court of Allah(swt) every smallest deed good and bad will have to be accounted for. No one will have an excuse to plead ignorance, as in the Quran Allah(swt) says He sent messengers to many nation

Verily, We sent (Messengers) to many nations before you (O Muhammad (pbuh)). And We seized them with extreme poverty (or loss in wealth) and loss in health (with calamities) so that they might humble themselves (believe with humility).
( Quran Al-Anaam, Chapter #6, Verse #42).

Today since the last Prophet Muhammad has already been there will be no more prophets (prophet Isa (Jesus)(AS) will come back no new book but to uphold the Quran ) so only the Quran and Hadiths can give you true guidance.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Zahir_Deen

The Quran

The Quran is the final Book of Allah. It was revealed through Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). It’s primary message is the message of Tawheed, or Islamic monotheism.
The Quran is the only one of Allah’s books that is still available in the original text. Allah has promised in the Quran that His message will be preserved forever, and 1400 years later, that is still true.
The preservation of the Quran was done in a magnificent and foolproof manner. Since the time of Prophet Muhammad, Muslims have made it a practice to memorize all or parts of the Quran. During the time of Prophet Muhammad, there were several Muslims that memorized the Quran in its entirety.
The Quran was put in full written form just a few years after Prophet Muhammad died. Not centuries later like the Bible. If anyone had made a mistake, then there were hundreds of others to correct them.
The tradition of memorizing the Quran still holds true. You can visit any Muslim country (and many non-Muslim ones also) and meet any number of Hafeez ul-Quran (Keepers of the Quran). These are people who have memorized the entire Quran.
The Quran that we use today, is exactly the same as the one used over a thousand years ago. And since the Quran is in Arabic, we always have one, standardized version.
Even if every single Quran in print today were destroyed, and every computer disk holding the Quran were destroyed, and every audio tape, CD, DVD, or film with the Quran were destroyed, it could be reproduced in a matter of hours.
The Quran is the final Book of Allah, and its core message envelopes the message of all of Allah’s Books:

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