Ramadan

Praise be to the Creator and Master Planner, Originator and Designer of this wonderful Universe. We are indeed thankful for having survived another year. Whatever our condition, the fact is that we are alive and been blessed with all the amenities that was required for our survival, thus far.
What are these amenities? Did we breathe this year? I certainly hope so. So we got to partake of the life sustaining air, supplying oxygen, without having to look or work for it. We got the beautiful sunlight and moonlight, giving us day and night, giving us the opportunity to work, play and rest. We got the rainy days, the rivers and the lakes, supplying us the most essential water. We had the beautiful starlit and moonlit skies. We had the beautiful symphony created by the wind, the whistling birds, croaking frogs, insects and animals. All with different sounds and melodies. We have met so much beautiful people sharing our joys and sorrows, laughing and crying with us, comforting and sympathizing with us, lending us a helping hand, when needed. We have been able to walk, talk, smell, hear, feel and love and be loved.
If we packaged these amenities and placed a bow on top of it, would it not be the most beautiful gift in the world. Do you know that we are presented with this gift by the Beneficent, every second, every day and every year that we are alive, gratis. We don't have to pay a penny or work for a second to be the recipient of this gift. Give Thanks. What's most amazing is that even if you deny the Presenter, He still presents you with the gift.
Ramadan is here again, a time for stocktaking, rekindling our relationships, coming back on course, making new resolutions, giving thanks for all we have, remembering the less fortunate, recreating bonds that were broken or weakened, listening to the message of Al Quran and looking into the life of Muhammad, Servant of Allah and all the previous messengers. This, with the hope and desires that we will be able to correct our mistake and put into practice Allah's bidding.
Traditionally this has been a time for visiting the Mosques daily, enjoying the Iftar, reading much more salaat and reading or listening the verses of Al Quran. For a lot of us these are the highlight of the month and we look forward to it with much zeal and enthusiasm. This is wonderful as it affords a lot of us the opportunity to participate and enjoy some very fundamental aspects of Islam.
What does Al Quran say about Fasting:

2:183 O YOU who have attained faith! Fasting is ordained for you as it was ordained for those before you, so that you might remain God conscious (Tataqun/258)

2:185 It was the month of Ramadan in which the Qur'an was first bestowed from on high as a guidance unto man and a self-evident proof of that guidance, and as the standard by which to discern truth from falsehood. Hence, whoever of you lives to see this month shall fast throughout it; but he that is ill, or on a journey, shall fast instead later for the same number of days. God wills that you shall have ease, and does not will you to suffer hardship; but He desires that you complete the required number of days, and that you extol God for His having guided you aright, and that you render your thanks unto Him.
So we see in Al Quran Allah SWT instituted fasting so that we may maintain our God consciousness but at the same time we should not have difficulty in so doing.

How do we demonstrate our God Consciousness?
By constantly remembering Him and as a result acting in accordance with His dictates, advice and desire. By doing the things that will bring us closer to Him. By following the example our Noble Messenger and Servant of Allah and all previous messengers. In other words, being righteous. This is clearly defined in AL Quran:
2:177 True piety does not consist in turning your faces towards the east or the west but truly pious is he who believes in God, and the Last Day; and the angels, and revelation, and the prophets; and spends his substance - however much he himself may cherish - it - upon his near of kin, and the orphans, and the needy, and the wayfarer, and the beggars, and for the freeing of human beings from bondage; and is constant in prayer, and renders the purifying dues; and [truly pious are] they who keep their promises whenever they promise, and are patient in misfortune and hardship and in time of peril: it is they that have proved themselves true, and it is they, they who are conscious of God.

Here Allah SWT is saying that true piety (righteousness). It is not the formal rituals but the putting into practice the teachings and principles of Al Islam.

Whatever we do by way or formal worship should lead us and ultimately result in our achieving the above prescription for true piety (righteousness).

The reading of additional salaat, reading or listening to Al Quran is not an end in itself but they are the paths to achieving true righteousness (tataqun).

Guidance and direction

As Muslims we look for guidance and direction in Al Quran and Allah's previous revelations, substantiated by the Servant and Messenger of Allah, Muhammad, SAW and the previous messengers. Since Al Quran is the confirmation of all previous messages from Almighy God, it is easy for us to use it as our prime reference. It is worth noting that it is also the only message of Almighty God that exists in its original form of text and content.
It is there mandatory that reference be always made to Al Quran and if necessary, demonstrated by the life Muhammad SAW.
Whenever views, opinions, guidance, direction and injunctions are stated, they must always have the following properties:

1 15:1 A. L. R. These are the Ayats of Revelation,- of a Qur’an that makes things clear .

26:2 These are verses of the Book that makes (things) clear

They must be clear. (easy to understand and not confusing)

2 18:1 Praise be to Allah, Who hath sent to His Servant the Book, and hath allowed therein no Crookedness:

They must be straightforward.

3. 27:2 A guide: and glad tidings for the believers,-

31:3 A Guide and a Mercy to the Doers of Good,-

44:6 As Mercy from thy Lord: for He hears and knows (all things);

They must offer hope.

4. 43:3 We have made it a Qur'an in Arabic, that ye may be able to understand (and learn wisdom).

41:3 A Book, whereof the verses are explained in detail;- a Qur'an in Arabic, for people who understand;-

They must make sense.

4. 3:110 YOU ARE indeed the best community that has ever been brought forth for [the good of] mankind: you enjoin the doing of what is right and forbid the doing of what is wrong, and you believe in God. Now if the followers of earlier revelation had attained to [this kind of] faith, it would have been for their own good; [but only few] among them are believers, while most of them are iniquitous:

They must enjoin what is right and forbid wrongdoing.
When this is achieved then and only then will we become the best community.

5. 5:3 ............This day have I perfected your religion for you, completed My favour upon you, and have chosen for you Islam as your religion.............

They lmust lead to or result in Peace, love, harmony and tolerance.

6. 2:256 THERE SHALL BE no coercion in matters of faith. Distinct has now become the right way from [the way of] error: hence, he who rejects the powers of evil and believes in God has indeed taken hold of a support most unfailing, which shall never give way: for God is all-hearing, all-knowing.

They should not force religious beliefs on others nor compel non-Muslims to become Muslims.

7. 4:135 O YOU who have attained to faith! Be ever steadfast in upholding equity, bearing witness to the truth for the sake of God, even though it be against your own selves or your parents and kinsfolk. Whether the person concerned be rich or poor, God's claim takes precedence over [the claims of] either of them. Do not, then, follow your own desires, lest you swerve from justice: for if you distort [the truth], behold, God is indeed aware of all that you do!

They should lead to justice and equity.

The above guidance from Al Quran will enable to determine when we are being given the correct advice and leadership. It does not matter the apparent scholar, reputation, piety or status of the person delivering the message.

Fasting: The determination of time

Fasting

When do we begin fasting?

It is unfortunate that today, in the twenty-first century, such a simple task as determining when to begin fasting and when to stop is still baffling the minds of Muslim scholars and others.

Let us go to the Book of Wisdom (1) for the answer, Al Quran:

2:185 Ramadhan is the (month, moon,( شَهْرُ) in which was sent down the Qur'an, as a guide to mankind, also clear (Signs) for guidance and judgment (Between right and wrong). So every one of you who is at his home during that month (moon) should spend it in fasting, but if any one is ill, or on a journey, the prescribed period (Should be made up) by days later. Allah intends every facility for you; He does not want to put to difficulties. (He wants you) to complete the prescribed period, and to glorify Him in that He has guided you, perchance ye shall be grateful.

The Quran here states that we are to fast in the month (moon) of Ramadan. Moon and month being the same word, Shahrun (شَهْرُ), because we use the lunar calendar.

If we are to be guided by “15:1 A. L. R. These are the Ayats of Revelation,- of a Qur’an that makes things clear (2)”, then we will not have a problem in knowing when to begin fasting nor will be have any problem formulating a calendar, like everyone else. This is why Allah SWT have mentioned the root word and its four forms about 21 times in Al Quran, trying to get us to understand the concept of time and its determination.

Al Quran, simply and unambiguously, states “So every one of you who is at his home during that month (moon) should spend it in fasting”

Nowhere does Al Quran say to look for the moon. It says “spend the month of Ramadan fasting”. When the month of Ramadan starts? The same time the moon of Ramadan is born. Do we know when that is? Yes!

Alhamdulilah, Allah SWT, in His infinite Wisdom, have blessed us with the knowledge today. As Muslims, we are therefore bound to act in accordance with this knowledge and not act as if we are living in an age of ignorance. If we did we will be rejecting Allah’s mercy.

The only other possible issue of contention which time are we going to use. Are we going to use International time or Makkah time? We are supposed to use Makkan time since it central to Islam and Muslims throughout the world.

The start of a month or birth of a new moon is International time plus three hours.

Example: This year, 2007, the moon of Ramadan will be born at September 11th. 12.44pm, International time. Makkah time will be 3.44pm. Sunset at Makkah on that date will be at 6.28pm. Therefore, at Sunset on the 11th. We will be in the month of Ramadan. Hence we have to begin fasting on September 12th.

For us to begin becoming the people mentioned in Al quran:

2:143 Thus, have We made of you an Ummat justly balanced, that ye might be witnesses over the nations…………

We first have to act and think in that manner. And in so doing, we have to establish a standard in one of the most important aspects of life, the determination of a calendar. Thank Allah, this calendar already exist, we only have to adopt it.

Having established that the authority of the Quran, is a clear and easy guide for Muslims, revealed in a manner of text and content so as not to confuse or mislead, we look to it for its guidance in the matter of ‘”Time”. A people cannot be in a position of leadership if they cannot establish a system of determining time, despite repeated guidance and instructions from Almighty Allah.

These are some selected verses confirming the above:

2:2 This is the Book; in it is guidance most certainly, without doubt, to those who fear Allah.

3:3 It is He Who sent down to thee (step by step), in truth, the Book, confirming what went before it; and He sent down the Law (of Moses) and the Gospel (of Jesus) before this, as a guide to mankind, and He sent down the criterion (of judgment between right and wrong).

10:1 A.L.R. These are the ayats of the Book of Wisdom (1).

11:1 A. L. R. (This is) a Book, with verses basic or fundamental (of established meaning), further explained in detail,- from One Who is Wise and Well-acquainted (with all things):

12:1 A.L.R. These are the symbols (or Verses) of the perspicuous Book.

12:2 We have sent it down as an Arabic Qur’an, in order that ye may learn wisdom.

13:1 A.L.M.R. These are the signs (or verses) of the Book: that which hath been revealed unto thee from thy Lord is the Truth; but most men believe not.

14:1 A. L. R. A Book which We have revealed unto thee, in order that thou mightest lead mankind out of the depths of darkness into light – by the leave of their Lord – to the Way of (Him) the Exalted in power, worthy of all praise!-

15:1 A. L. R. These are the Ayats of Revelation,- of a Qur’an that makes things clear (2)

18:1 Praise be to Allah, Who hath sent to His Servant the Book, and hath allowed therein no Crookedness:

18:2 (He hath made it) Straight (and Clear) in order that He may warn (the godless) of a terrible Punishment from Him, and that He may give Glad Tidings to the Believers who work righteous deeds, that they shall have a goodly Reward,

26:2 These are verses of the Book that makes (things) clear.

27:1 These are verses of the Qur'an,-a book that makes (things) clear;

27:2 A guide: and glad tidings for the believers,-

27:3 Those who establish regular prayers and give in regular charity, and also have (full) assurance of the hereafter.

28:2 These are Verses of the Book that makes (things) clear

31:2 These are Verses of the Wise Book,-

31:3 A Guide and a Mercy to the Doers of Good,-

32:2 (This is) the Revelation of the Book in which there is no doubt,- from the Lord of the Worlds.

41:2 A Revelation from ((Allah)), Most Gracious, Most Merciful;-

41:3 A Book, whereof the verses are explained in detail;- a Qur'an in Arabic, for people who understand;-

41:4 Giving good news and admonition: yet most of them turn away, and so they hear not.

43:2 By the Book that makes things clear,-

43:3 We have made it a Qur'an in Arabic, that ye may be able to understand (and learn wisdom).

43:4 And verily, it is in the Mother of the Book, in Our Presence, high (in dignity), full of wisdom.

44:2 By the Book that makes things clear;-

44:3 We sent it down during a Blessed Night: for We (ever) wish to warn (against Evil).

44:4 In the (Night) is made distinct every affair of wisdom,

44:5 By command, from Our Presence. For We (ever) send (revelations),

44:6 As Mercy from thy Lord: for He hears and knows (all things);

45:2 The revelation of the Book is from Allah the Exalted in Power, Full of Wisdom.

45:3 Verily in the heavens and the earth, are Signs for those who believe.

46:2 The Revelation of the Book is from Allah the Exalted in Power, Full of Wisdom.

These are the verses where Allah SWT instruct and guide us in the determination time. The instructions are repeated so that we will not be mislead and that it will be easy for us to understand. I have quoted from three translations in order to demonstrate the clarity of the information.

YUSUFALI: He it is that cleaveth the day-break (from the dark): He makes the night for rest and tranquillity, and the sun and moon for the reckoning (of time): Such is the judgment and ordering of (Him), the Exalted in Power, the Omniscient.

PICKTHAL: And He it is Who hath set for you the stars that ye may guide your course by them amid the darkness of the

land and the sea. We have detailed Our revelations for a people who have knowledge.

SHAKIR: He causes the dawn to break; and He has made the night for rest, and the sun and the moon for reckoning; this is an arrangement of the Mighty, the Knowing.

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YUSUFALI: It is He Who maketh the stars (as beacons) for you, that ye may guide yourselves, with their help, through the dark spaces of land and sea: We detail Our signs for people who know.

PICKTHAL: And He hath constrained the night and the day and the sun and the moon to be of service unto you, and the stars are made subservient by His command. Lo! herein indeed are portents for people who have sense.

SHAKIR: And He it is Who has made the stars for you that you might follow the right way thereby in the darkness of theland and the sea; truly We have made plain the communications for a people who know.

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YUSUFALI: It is He Who made the sun to be a shining glory and the moon to be a light (of beauty), and measured out stages for her; that ye might know the number of years and the count (of time). Nowise did Allah create this but in truth and righteousness. (Thus) doth He explain His Signs in detail, for those who understand.

PIKTHAL: He it is Who appointed the sun a splendor and the moon a light, and measured for her stages, that ye might know the number of the years, and the reckoning. Allah created not (all) that save in truth. He detaileth the

night for stillness, and the sun and the moon for reckoning. That is the measuring of the Mighty, the Wise.

SHAKIR: He it is Who made the sun a shining brightness and the moon a light, and ordained for it mansions that you might know the computation of years and the reckoning. Allah did not create it but with truth; He makes the signs manifest for a people who have knowledge.

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YUSUFALI: Allah is He Who raised the heavens without any pillars that ye can see; is firmly established on the throne (of authority); He has subjected the sun and the moon (to his Law)! Each one runs (its course) for a term appointed. He doth regulate all affairs, explaining the signs in detail, that ye may believe with certainty in the meeting with your Lord.

PICKTHAL: Allah it is Who raised up the heavens without visible supports, then mounted the Throne, and compelled the

sun and the moon to be of service, each runneth unto an appointed term; He ordered the course; He detaileth the revelations, that haply ye may be certain of the meeting with your Lord.

SHAKIR: Allah is He Who raised the heavens without any pillars that you see, and He is firm in power and He made the sun and the moon subservient (to you); each one pursues its course to an appointed time; He regulates the affair, making clear the signs that you may be certain of meeting your Lord.

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YUSUFALI: And He hath made subject to you the sun and the moon, both diligently pursuing their courses; and the night and the day hath he (also) made subject to you.

PICKTHAL: And maketh the sun and the moon, constant in their courses, to be of service unto you, and hath made of

service unto you the night and the day.

SHAKIR: And He has made subservient to you the sun and the moon pursuing their courses, and He has made subservient to you the night and the day.

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YUSUFALI: He has made subject to you the Night and the Day; the sun and the moon; and the stars are in subjection by His Command: verily in this

PICKTHAL: And He it is Who created the night and the day, and the sun and the moon. They float, each in an orbit.

are Signs for men who are wise.

SHAKIR: And He has made subservient for you the night and the day and the sun and the moon, and the stars are made subservient by His commandment; most surely there are signs in this for a people who ponder;

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YUSUFALI: It is He Who created the Night and the Day, and the sun and the moon: all (the celestial bodies) swim along, each in its rounded course.

PICKTHAL: Hast thou not seen how Allah causeth the night to pass into the day and causeth the day to pass into the night, and hath subdued the sun and the moon (to do their work), each running unto an appointed term; and that Allah is Informed of what ye do?

SHAKIR: And He it is Who created the night and the day and the sun and the moon; all (orbs) travel along swiftly in their celestial spheres.

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YUSUFALI: Blessed is He Who made constellations in the skies, and placed therein a Lamp and a Moon giving light;

PICKTHAL: Blessed be He Who hath placed in the heaven mansions of the stars, and hath placed therein a great lamp and a moon giving light!

SHAKIR: Blessed is He Who made the constellations in the heavens and made therein a lamp and a shining moon.

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YUSUFALI: If indeed thou ask them who has created the heavens and the earth and subjected the sun and the moon (to his Law), they will certainly reply, "Allah". How are they then deluded away (from the truth)?

PICKTHAL: And if thou wert to ask them: Who created the heavens and the earth, and constrained the sun and the moon (to their appointed work)? they would say: Allah. How then are they turned away?

SHAKIR: And if you ask them, Who created the heavens and the earth and made the sun and the moon subservient, they

will certainly say, Allah. Whence are they then turned away?

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YUSUFALI: Seest thou not that Allah merges Night into Day and he merges Day into Night; that He has subjected the sun, and the moon (to his Law), each running its course for a term appointed; and that Allah is well-acquainted with all that ye do?

PICKTHAL: Hast thou not seen how Allah causeth the night to pass into the day and causeth the day to pass into the night, and hath subdued the sun and the moon (to do their work), each running unto an appointed term; and that Allah is Informed of what ye do?

SHAKIR: Do you not see that Allah makes the night to enter into the day, and He makes the day to enter into the night, and He has made the sun and the moon subservient (to you); each pursues its course till an appointed time; and that Allah is Aware of what you do?

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YUSUFALI: He merges Night into Day, and he merges Day into Night, and He has subjected the sun and the moon (to his Law): each one runs its course for a term appointed. Such is Allah your Lord: to Him belongs all Dominion. And those whom ye invoke besides Him have not the least power.

PICKTHAL: He maketh the night to pass into the day and He maketh the day to pass into the night. He hath subdued the sun and moon to service. Each runneth unto an appointed term. Such is Allah, your Lord; His is the Sovereignty; and those unto whom ye pray instead of Him own not so much as the white spot on a date-stone.

SHAKIR: He causes the night to enter in upon the day, and He causes the day to enter in upon the night, and He has made subservient (to you) the sun and the moon; each one follows its course to an appointed time; this is Allah, your Lord, His is the kingdom; and those whom you call upon besides Him do not control a straw.

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YUSUFALI: And the sun runs his course for a period determined for him: that is the decree of (Him), the Exalted in Might, the All-Knowing.

PICKTHAL: And the sun runneth on unto a resting-place for him. That is the measuring of the Mighty, the Wise.

SHAKIR: And the sun runs on to a term appointed for it; that is the ordinance of the Mighty, the Knowing.

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YUSUFALI: And the Moon,- We have measured for her mansions (to traverse) till she returns like the old (and withered) lower part of a date-stalk.

PICKTHAL: And for the moon We have appointed mansions till she return like an old shrivelled palm-leaf.

SHAKIR: And (as for) the moon, We have ordained for it stages till it becomes again as an old dry palm branch.

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YUSUFALI: It is not permitted to the Sun to catch up the Moon, nor can the Night outstrip the Day: Each (just) swims along in (its own) orbit (according to Law).

PICKTHAL: It is not for the sun to overtake the moon, nor doth the night outstrip the day. They each float in an orbit.

SHAKIR: Neither is it allowable to the sun that it should overtake the moon, nor can the night outstrip the day; and all float on in a sphere.

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YUSUFALI: He created the heavens and the earth in true (proportions): He makes the Night overlap the Day, and the Day overlap the Night: He has subjected the sun and the moon (to His law): Each one follows a course for a time appointed. Is not He the Exalted in Power - He Who forgives again and again?

PICKTHAL: He hath created the heavens and the earth with truth. He maketh night to succeed day, and He maketh day to succeed night, and He constraineth the sun and the moon to give service, each running on for an appointed term. Is not He the Mighty, the Forgiver?

SHAKIR: He has created the heavens and the earth with the truth; He makes the night cover the day and makes the day

overtake the night, and He has made the sun and the moon subservient; each one runs on to an assigned term; now surely He is the Mighty, the great Forgiver.

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YUSUFALI: The sun and the moon follow courses (exactly) computed;

PICKTHAL: The sun and the moon are made punctual.

SHAKIR: The sun and the moon follow a reckoning.

From the above passages from Al Quran we know the following:

It is not permitted to the Sun to catch up the Moon, nor can the Night outstrip the Day: Each (just) swims along in (its own) orbit (according to Law).

He has subjected the sun and the moon (to His law): Each one follows a course for a time appointed

And the sun runs his course for a period determined for him: that is the decree of Allah.

The sun and the moon, both diligently pursue their courses

Allah SWT ordained for it mansions that you might know the computation of years and the reckoning of time. Allah did not create it but with truth; He makes the signs manifest for a people who have knowledge.

He makes the night for rest and tranquillity, and the sun and moon for the reckoning (of time).

We therefore learn from the above:

• The number of months in a year is 12
• The period of each month is fixed and exactly computed.
• The orbits are fixed, they do not change.
• The Sun and Moon are to be used for the reckoning of exact times.

If we use the above knowledge we will then be able to establish the Islamic Calendar with certainty. We will then be able demonstrate in our lives that we are the people chosen by Allah SWT, to be exemplars to the others.

If we don’t have the ability to determine the most important guideline in our lives after Allah SWT have tried to enlighten us as to its determination by telling us over sixteen time in Al Quran, then we will not be able to earn our true status.

The matter of time has been mentioned more often that other matters that we pay more cognizance to. Is it that time is important in Allah’s plans. Is it that Allah SWT wanted to prevent what is happening now, hence the reason for putting such emphasis on time’s determination?

If we heed Allah SWT’s guidance, then we will never have any problem in the determination of the Islamic calendar and the determination of the month of Ramadan and the day of Eid ul Fitr. These days are fixed and are always determinable even for the future.

God's Canvas

Did we take a little of our precious time to observe the beautiful changing scenery prepared for us by Almighty God today. Every day, from the time we were born, He prepared, for each of us, our own panorama. A special customized panorama, each one different from the other. Prepared for us with such care and attention to details, with the perfect blend of colors, action and scents. Unfolding with such precision and timing that even the best of Hollywood and Bollywood coming together could not approach. Let us take some time off everyday to enjoy our own personal and wonderful show. Best of all its free and we can view it anywhere and anytime at our convenience. When we have had a chance to view it, it will be appropriate to express our appreciation and gratitude for it. That will be a most beautiful prayer, indeed.

If we have more time, we can then contemplate all aspects of the panorama.
We can admire, by day, the beautiful canopy above, with its ever changing patterns, colors, hues, movements and depth.
By night, we can become totally absorbed in the beautiful vastness of the scintillating diamonds in the heavens. We become lost in the vast expanse of the universe only to realize our role, our status and our significance.
In the day we can step outside and enjoy the most beautiful symphony created by the birds, the winds, the rustle of the trees, the movement of the waters and the harmony of voices.
Observe the exquisite blend of colors of the leaves and flowers all dancing to the rhythm of the breeze.
Having done that, we can now go on to be aware of how we act our part in this play of life.
We can now observe how we control some of the other actors in the play.
We smile at them and we cause them to smile.
We compliment them and pat them on their backs and we boost their spirits and self confidence.
We assist them and cause them to be thankful to God and feel good.
We sympathize with them and give them the strength to carry on with their lives.
So every morning when we wake up don't forget to view Almighty God's super photoshop presentation and to enjoy our role in His play.
God Bless

In response to Waffa Sultan - "A Crack in the wall"

For an educated and intelligent woman, I am surprised at her apparent lack of understanding of Islam. She is very brave and a good promoter of herself. Such persons do make the limelight and get heard and those who don't know better accept their opinions as gospel. She refers to the behavior of those living in Muslims countries as Islam. Arabs that do stupid things are stupid Arabs. It has nothing to do with Islam. They may be acting in accordance with their customs or culture, which may not be in accordance with the principles of Islam.
To lay blame with the religion of Islam is folly. If the spirit of the laws of Islam is followed by "Muslims" then the world of non-Muslims will have have an entirely different opinion of us. Open mindedness is the keyword of Islam. freedom of thought and religion are fundamentals of the religion. Muhammad UWBP said in his last sermon "....let reason be your guide..." Islam permits people to agree to disagree. There is a reason why Islam disbanded the priesthood.
The reason why we are having all this controversy and Muslims being labeled terrorists is because we chose to reintroduce the priesthood. The Muslims who chose to remain blind intellectually, follow leaders who perpetuate their anger, ignorance, hatred, jealousy, stagnant thinking, backward culture and customs using Islam, Al Qu'ran and the Sunnah as representing the religion of Islam.
I am 99% percent certain that your views and opinions are the same as mine, a Muslim, if you are an honest, sincere and peace loving person. I am sure that your value system is the same as mine. I will be happy to compare notes.

There are no Islamic countries in the world today. People assume that the inhabitants of these countries are peace loving and are acting as Muslims. These are not "Islamic Countries", they are countries where the ignorant follow leaders acting under the guise of "Islam".
The killing of innocent non combatants, children, the aged, infirm, priests and women in war is wrong. So is the destruction of hospitals, schools, civilian homes, churches (All), vegetation and utilities. Whoever does these thing are not acting in accordance with Islam.

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