Thursday, September 9, 2010

911 – Burning the Quran

“The pen is mightier than the sword”. “The spoken word can cause wounds that run deep”.

The success of failure of Jone’s 911 – burning the Quran, attention getting stunt, lies completely in the hands of the Press and Media. This is a tool that can and will be used by Taliban and other hate and anti-Islamic groups throughout the world, as a reason to further engage in heinous, inhuman, anti-Islamic acts. Very simple is the solution. If the press and media stop reporting this event, it would immediately lose its efficacy and purpose. The success or failure of this stunt lies completely in the hands of the media and press. The safety of our troops and communities can be achieved if only those two mediums put aside the quest for profit and sensationalism for once in the name of peace, sanity and safety. This Jones and his diabolical stunt only got to this point because of reporting. Reporters have a responsibility to its audience, the nation and the safety of the community and world at large. I know that we have freedom of speech. But that freedom must be and should, be used for good and not for destruction. We are supposed to be intelligent and we certainly know before what emotion or reaction a story can and will evoke. This is one time where the press and media is in the driving seat, totally, and can create havoc or bring us back to the road of peace and understanding. I hope and pray that good sense and intentions prevail. May we be granted the intelligence, maturity, desire for peace and judgment to do what is necessary end this fiasco before it’s too late.

Kamruz Hosein

The Islamic Theosophical Society.

Thursday, September 2, 2010

Why do we fast

Sura 2 - Al-Baqara (MADINA) : Verse 183
O ye who believe! fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you that ye may observe taqwa.

This is the verse that tells us why we fast.

We don't fast to lose weight, to become healthier, to cure diseases, to cleanse the system. At least not according to Almighty Allah in his message. Some may experience these results, but the reason for fasting is so that you may observe تَتَّقُونَ , tataqun.

Tataqun is observing your duties and obligations to Allah SWT, being aware of the Divine ordinances and observing them.

What are these duties:

In the words of our noble Prophet Muhammad SAW in his Ramadan message:

"Give alms to the poor and needy. Pay respect to your elders, have sympathy for your youngsters and be kind towards your relatives and kinsmen. Guard your tongue against unworthy words, and your eyes from scenes that are not worth seeing (forbidden) and your ears from sounds that should not be heard. Be kind to orphans so that if your children may become orphans they will also be treated with kindness. Do repent to Allah for your the wrongs yo have committed and supplicate with raised hands at the times of prayer as these are the best times".

Fasting is the only act that one does only for that sake of Allah SWT. It is the only form of worship that is witnessed only by Allah SWT.

As a result of the Taqwa observed during this month, there is a miraculous transformation taking place in the world. No other event in the world, including, World Cup Soccer, comes close to achieving this grip and transformation for so long, on so many lives, over 1.2 billion, There is no other event or observance that involves so many people in so many parts of the world. There is no other faith or circumstance that causes such change, sacrifice, awareness of Almighty God, devotion, social harmony, exodus to places of worship, sharing, abstinence and display of true brotherhood.

This is in fact an annual miracle. And Al Hamdulillah, we are part of it and contribute to making it a reality.

We should therefore take advantage of the power and nature of this month to try and correct the misconceptions of Islam and Muslims. Let our voices and actions shout out to the world the Peace, Love, Harmony and Brotherhood of Humanity that is Islam.Let our friends, neighbors, co-workers and everyone else know who we are and what are our principles. If we do this in the right way, we would have succeeded in a great Dawa.

May we have a successful Ramadan 1432 (2010) and may we have the desire and ability to fulfill our duties and obligations in this powerful and gracious month, In Shah Allah.

Let us rejoice in the knowledge that the fast that we have fasted for Allah SWT will be accepted, as are all good done for the sake of Allah SWT..

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Ramadan & Eid 2010

In Shah Allah the new moon that heralds the month of Shawwal will be born on Wednesday 8th. September 2010 at 10.30am GMT or 1.30pm Mecca time. The first of Shawwal will therefore be on Thursday 9th. September 2010, the day of Eid Ul Fitr. This is in accordance with the instruction contained in Al Quran and in accordance with the instruction of the Noble Prophet Muhammad SAW. This may not coincide with the guidelines given to the dwellers of the dessert 1430 years ago, whose method of determining the measurement was limited. This is what is stated in Sahih Al Bukhari: The book of Saum, CH9 #191: " Narrated Ibn Umar; The Prophet SAW said "We are an illiterate nation, we do not know how to measure, The months are like this and this" He indicated using his fingers 29 and 30. I hope that by now we would have evolved to being a literate nation That knows the science of measurement. We have two options, either act in accordance with the knowledge afforded us by Allah SWT, or act as if we are lacking in the relevant knowledge.
May we be rightly guided and may we be blessed with knowledge and the ability and desire to apply it.

Jazahkallah Khairan
Kamruz Hosein
The Islamic Theosophical Society

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

Ramadan Basics

Ramadan

The following has been presented to explain, according to Allah's Book of instructions, Al Quran and instructions for our Noble Prophet, Muhammad SAW.

Information pertaining to this wonderful and blessed month that hopefully would clarify some of the misconceptions.

Why do you fast:

Quran: 2:183 O YOU who have attained to faith! Fasting is ordained for you as it was ordained for those before you, so that you might remain conscious of God:

When do you fast:

Quran2:185 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 the true from the false. Hence, whoever of you is alive during this month shall fast throughout it.

Conclusion: You are to fast from the beginning of the month (birth of the moon) of Ramadan to the beginning of the month of Shawaal (birth of the moon).

Who may not fast:

Quran2:184 ....but he that is ill, or on a journey, [shall fast instead for the same] number of other days. God wills that you shall have ease, and does not will you to suffer hardship; but [He desires] that you complete the number [of days required], and that you praise God for His having guided you aright, and that you give thanks to Him.

Sunrise and Sunset

For computational purposes, sunrise or sunset is defined to occur when the geometric zenith distance of center of the Sun is 90.8333
degrees. That is, the center of the Sun is geometrically 50 arcminutes below a horizontal plane. For an observer at sea level with a level, unobstructed
horizon, under average atmospheric conditions, the upper limb of the Sun will then appear to be tangent to the horizon. In simple terms, when the top of the sun is at the same level as the horizon in your area, it is sunrise and sunset respectively.

Breaking of Fast:

Volume 3, Book 31, Number 175:

Narrated Umar bin Al-Khattab: Allah's Apostle said, "When night falls from this side and the day vanishes from this side and the sun sets, then the fasting person should break his fast."

Volume 3, Book 31, Number 178:

Narrated Sahl bin Sad: Allah's Apostle said, "The people will remain on the right path as long as they hasten the breaking of the fast."

Conclusion: You are to hasten to break you fast, that is at sunset.

Tarawih Salaat

Volume 3, Book 32, Number 227:

Narrated Abu Huraira: " Ibn Shihab (a sub-narrator) said, "Allah's Apostle died and the people continued observing Nawafil offered individually, not in congregation, and it remained as it was during the Caliphate of Abu Bakr and in the early days of 'Umar's Caliphate." 'Abdur Rahman bin 'Abdul Qari said, "I went out in the company of 'Umar bin Al-Khattab one night in Ramadan to the mosque and found the people praying in different groups. A man praying alone or a man praying with a little group behind him. So, 'Umar said, 'In my opinion I would better collect these people under the leadership of one Qari (Reciter) and let them pray in congregation!. So, he made up his mind to congregate them behind Ubai bin Ka'b. Then on another night I went again in his company and the people were praying behind their reciter. On that, 'Umar remarked, 'What an excellent Bid'a (i.e. innovation in religion) this is; but the prayer which they do not perform, but sleep at its time is better than the one they are offering.' He meant the prayer in the last part of the night. (In those days) people used to pray in the early part of the night."

Volume 3, Book 32, Number 229:

Narrated 'Urwa: That he was informed by 'Aisha, "Allah's Apostle went out in the middle of the night and prayed in the mosque and some men prayed behind him. In the morning, the people spoke about it and then a large number of them gathered and prayed behind him (on the second night). In the next morning the people again talked about it and on the third night the mosque was full with a large number of people. Allah's Apostle came out and the people prayed behind him. On the fourth night the Mosque was overwhelmed with people and could not accommodate them, but the Prophet came out (only) for the morning prayer. When the morning prayer was finished he recited Tashah-hud and (addressing the people) said, "Amma ba'du, your presence was not hidden from me but I was afraid lest the night prayer (Qiyam) should be enjoined on you and you might not be able to carry it on." So, Allah's Apostle died and the situation remained like that (i.e. people prayed individually). "

Volume 3, Book 32, Number 230:

Narrated Abu Salama bin 'Abdur Rahman: that he asked 'Aisha "How was the prayer of Allah's Apostle in Ramadan?" She replied, "Hedid not pray more than eleven Rakat in Ramadan or in any other month. He used to pray four Rakat ---- let alone their beauty and length----and then he would pray four ----let alone their beauty and length ----and then he would pray three Rakat (Witr)." She added, "I asked, 'O Allah's Apostle! Do you sleep before praying the Witr?' He replied, 'O 'Aisha! My eyes sleep but my heart does not sleep."

As you can see most instructions and guidance are quite straightforward and simple, if we follow Alla's guidance and our exemplar.

May we be able to heed the above and may we have love and harmony among men.


Thursday, August 12, 2010

Ramadan - Why we fast

Sura 2 - Al-Baqara (MADINA) : Verse 183
O ye who believe! fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you that ye may observe taqwa.

This is the verse that tells us why we fast.

We don't fast to lose weight, to become healthier, to cure diseases, to cleanse the system. At least not according to Almighty Allah in his message. Some may experience these results, but the reason for fasting is so that you may observe تَتَّقُونَ , tataqun.

Tataqun is observing your duties and obligations to Allah SWT, being aware of the Divine ordinances and observing them.

What are these duties:

In the words of our noble Prophet Muhammad SAW in his Ramadan message:

"Give alms to the poor and needy. Pay respect to your elders, have sympathy for your youngsters and be kind towards your relatives and kinsmen. Guard your tongue against unworthy words, and your eyes from scenes that are not worth seeing (forbidden) and your ears from sounds that should not be heard. Be kind to orphans so that if your children may become orphans they will also be treated with kindness. Do repent to Allah for your the wrongs yo have committed and supplicate with raised hands at the times of prayer as these are the best times".

Fasting is the only act that one does only for that sake of Allah SWT. It is the only form of worship that is witnessed only by Allah SWT.

As a result of the Taqwa observed during this month, there is a miraculous transformation taking place in the world. No other event in the world, including, World Cup Soccer, comes close to achieving this grip and transformation for so long, on so many lives, over 1.2 billion, There is no other event or observance that involves so many people in so many parts of the world. There is no other faith or circumstance that causes such change, sacrifice, awareness of Almighty God, devotion, social harmony, exodus to places of worship, sharing, abstinence and display of true brotherhood.

This is in fact an annual miracle. And Al Hamdulillah, we are part of it and contribute to making it a reality.

We should therefore take advantage of the power and nature of this month to try and correct the misconceptions of Islam and Muslims. Let our voices and actions shout out to the world the Peace, Love, Harmony and Brotherhood of Humanity that is Islam.Let our friends, neighbors, co-workers and everyone else know who we are and what are our principles. If we do this in the right way, we would have succeeded in a great Dawa.

May we have a successful Ramadan 1432 (2010) and may we have the desire and ability to fulfill our duties and obligations in this powerful and gracious month, In Shah Allah.

Let us rejoice in the knowledge that the fast that we have fasted for Allah SWT will be accepted, as are all good done for the sake of Allah SWT..

Saturday, August 7, 2010

Islam, Muslims and the Mosque/Community Center at Ground Zero

Islam, Muslims and the Mosque/Community Center at Ground Zero

The conversion of a historic building, in the vicinity of Ground Zero, to a Mosque/Community Center, will inevitably evoke tremendous emotional reactions. Many will be opposed to to construction of such a facility symbolizing the faith of those responsible for the horrific and inhuman actions of 911. The faith in question is Islam and responsible villains, Muslims.To the misinformed,those who chose to live in ignorance and those who are unfortunate in not having the relevant knowledge, the objection to such a center will appear to be reasonable and just. This is very unfortunate because of the misconceptions about Islam and Muslims. We Muslims, individuals and to a greater extent, Muslim organizations, will have to bear the responsibility for these misconceptions. We have not been vocally effective enough in condemning the actions and speech of those purporting to be acting in accordance with the principles of Islam or acting as Muslims. We have to stop the "buts" and offering excuses for behavior and speech that are in direct contradiction to the principles of Islam. Right is right and wrong is wrong and we have to stand for justice at all cost, even if it against ourselves, family, country, custom or tradition.

Our biggest challenge now is to dissociate Islam from all the ills and dastardly acts being perpetuated by those claiming to act as Muslims. We have to convince the world that not because one has a name or nationality that indicates that he is Muslim, signifies that he is acting as a Muslim or in accordance with the principles of Islam. The same for those claiming to be Jews, Christians, Hindus, etc.

We have to uphold the principles of Islam as stated in Al Quran such as:

CH4. V135 O ye who believe! Stand firmly for justice, as witnesses to Almighty God, even against yourselves, or your parents, or your kin, and whether it be against rich or poor: for Almighty God can best protect both. Follow not the lusts of your hearts, lest ye swerve, and if ye distort justice or decline to do justice, verily Almighty God is well acquainted with all that ye do.

CH49. V13 O mankind! We created you from a single pair of a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes that you may know and understand each other, not that you may despise each other. Verily the most honored of you in the sight of Almighty God is he who is the most righteous of you. Moreover, Almighty God has full knowledge and is well acquainted with all things.

We have to work very hard to undo what has been propagated by the enemies of Islam and Muslims. There are those who preach their twisted ideologies under the guise of Islam and entrap the minds of the uninformed, gullible and weak minded. Hence our task of educating and increasing the awareness of the true teachings and principles of Islam.

It is our duty to inform non-Muslims and a great majority of Muslims of the basic teachings of Islam. Here are some facts about Islam and Muslims that all should be made aware of:

39:41 " Lo! We have revealed unto mankind a Book (Scriptures) of truth." from this we learn that this message was sent to mankind and as such mankind (Muslims and non-Muslims alike) has the permission and right to inquire into it and investigate its contents and teachings.

3:5 ........"This day have I perfected your religion for you and completed My favor unto you, and have chosen for you AL- ISLAM as your religion (way of life)." Here Almighty God has given the the name of the religion "The Way of Peace and of obedience to Him".

Hence Muslims have to aware of this and non-Muslims have to be made aware of this very important fact. Therefore anything, actions or speech that do not lead to or result in Peace and obedience to Almighty God cannot fall under the banner or name of Islam. From this statement anyone, Muslim or non-Muslim can determine with certainty and know when actions or speech can be considered "Islamic".

We have to find a way to get the support of the press and media in distinguishing those actions that are "Islamic" and those actions perpetuated by those with hidden and evil agendas. This has to be done in the same manner as used in differentiating Christianity and Judaism from wrong action carried out by "Jews" and "Christians".

Those who think that all Muslims condone acts of terrorism and other inhuman acts are as guilty as those peoples of different countries, traditions and customs who believe that the peoples of the west, and America in particular, want to harm,destroy and prevent them from practicing their faiths. In other words, ignorance, wherever it exists, will lead to hate, destruction and disharmony. One people's ignorance is as dangerous as another's.

Some other quotations from The Quran to make things clearer:

CH5. V69. Those who believe in the Qur'an, those who follow the Jewish scriptures, and the Sabians and the Christians, - anyone who believes in Almighty God (Allah) and the Last Day, and work righteousness, - on them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve.

CH3. V3. 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 Quran, as a guide to mankind, and He sent down the criterion of judgment between right and wrong.

CH2.V136. Say ye: "We believe in Almighty God (Allah), and the revelation given to us, and to Abraham, Isma'il, Isaac, Jacob, and the Tribes, and that given to Moses and Jesus, and that given to all prophets from their Lord: We make no difference between one or the other. We bow to Almighty God in faith."

Not only in peace but also in war Islam prohibits terrorism, kidnapping, and hijacking, when carried against civilians. Whoever commits such violations is considered a murderer in Islam, and is to be punished accordingly by the state. During wars, Islam prohibits Muslim soldiers from harming civilians, women, children, elderly, and the religious men like priests and rabbis. It also prohibits cutting down trees and destroying civilian constructions.

I hope and pray that the above will be a form of enlightenment to the readers and will help to bring about a understanding and appreciation of what is "Islam" and who are Muslims. Remember that the greeting of Muslims to all is "Assalamu Alaikum", meaning "May the Peace and Blessings of Almighty God be with you".

Kamruz Hosein.

kamruzh@gmail.com

The Islamic Theosophical Society.


Saturday, July 24, 2010

Should the Quran be burnt?

Should the Quran be burnt?

Why should we want to burn any book, manuscript, work of art or any form of printed matter that contain information, instructions, guidance, words of inspiration and knowledge in general? Why should we want to do this, especially now that we are supposed to be in a time of enlightenment, when we have evolved to the point of accepting freedom of speech, expression and religion?

When I consider who Jesus, (Isa) UWBP, was and what were his noble teachings, Message from Almighty God and way of life, I am appalled at the behavior and example set by those who are charged with the responsibility propagating his teachings. By now, they should have learnt that their actions of the past were certainly not in accordance with his dictates or desires. This also applies to leaders of other faiths.

Jesus, and this was not his real name, was a kind, gentle, loving, peaceful, simple, humble and favored Messenger of Almighty God. I am certain that he would be appalled at what is being propagated under his name. If those who purport to accept him as their messenger, guide, exemplar or other, should follow his teachings, way of life and principles they will not want to be antagonistic to those who hold him very high esteem and accept his message and teachings. Muslims have to accept the teachings of Jesus UWBP as he is a messenger of God Almighty. Jesus will not tolerate the desecration of any scripture that Honors God and His messengers. He will therefore not sanction the desecration of The Quran.

I have some bad news for those who want to burn the Quran. What do you think you would achieve. Your only achievement will be to confirm that you are bigots, intolerant and full of hate. All of these being in direct contradiction to the faith you are claiming to represent. Jesus will be so annoyed with you. Do you think that by your proposed action you will affect Islam or Muslims in any way? The only ones who will be affected will be those wish to fight hate with hate, ignorance with ignorance, bigotry with bigotry and those whose emotions overcome their intelligence and true teachings of their religion.

The good news is that if you were to start burning every Quran in existence, in every country of the world there will be children, men and women reproducing it in writing, so that before the fire is out there will be written Qurans all over the world, exactly duplicated, down to the last dot. This is because these words of Almighty God are imbedded in the hearts, minds and memory of millions of Muslims in every part of the world, in ages ranging 5 years up. Muslims of all countries, regardless of their language and whether or not they can speak Arabic, have memorized the entire Quran in the original Arabic text.

Here are some excerpts from Al Quran that will help the uninformed decide if this is a book that should be burnt:

CH2.V136. Say ye: "We believe in Almighty God (Allah), and the revelation given to us, and to Abraham, Isma'il, Isaac, Jacob, and the Tribes, and that given to Moses and Jesus, and that given to all prophets from their Lord: We make no difference between one or the other. We bow to Almighty God in faith."

CH5. V69. Those who believe in the Qur'an, those who follow the Jewish scriptures, and the Sabians and the Christians, - anyone who believes in Almighty God (Allah) and the Last Day, and work righteousness, - on them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve.

CH3. V3. 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 Quran, as a guide to mankind, and He sent down the criterion of judgment between right and wrong.

CH2.V285. “The Messenger believes in what was revealed to him from his Lord, as do the men of faith. Each one of them believes in Almighty God (Allah), His angels, His books, and His apostles. "We make no distinction between one and the other of Almighty God’s apostles." And they say: "We hear, and we obey: We seek Thy forgiveness, our Lord, and to Thee is the end of all journeys."

CH2:V256There is no compulsion in religion".

CH46:V9 Say: “I am not the first of [God’s] apostles; and [like all of them,] I do not know what will be done with me or with you: for I am nothing but a plain warner

CH4. V135 O ye who believe! Stand out firmly for justice, as witnesses to Almighty God, even against yourselves, or your parents, or your kin, and whether it be against rich or poor: for Almighty God can best protect both. Follow not the lusts of your hearts, lest ye swerve, and if ye distort justice or decline to do justice, verily Almighty God is well acquainted with all that ye do.

CH5. V8 O ye who believe! Stand out firmly for Almighty God, as just witnesses, 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 Almighty God. For, Almighty God is well acquainted with all that ye do.

CH16. V90 Almighty God commands justice, the doing of good, and liberality to kith and kin, and He forbids all shameful deeds, and injustice and rebellion: He instructs you, that ye may receive admonition.

CH9. V6 If anyone amongst the polytheists, idolaters, pagans or disbelievers in One God, asks thee for asylum, grant it to him, so that he may hear the word of Almighty God. Then escort him to where he can be secure. That is because they are men without the knowledge.

2:87 And verily We gave unto Moses the Scripture and We caused a train of messengers to follow after him, and We gave untoJesus, son of Mary, clear proofs (of Allah's sovereignty), and We supported him with the holy Spirit

2:136 Say (O Muslims): We believe in Allah and that which is revealed unto us and that which was revealed unto Abraham, and Ishmael, and Isaac, and Jacob, and the tribes, and that which Moses andJesus received, and that which the Prophets received from their Lord. We make no distinction between any of them, and unto Him we have surrendered.

2:253 Of those messengers, some of whom We have caused to excel others, and of whom there are some unto whom Allah spake, while some of them He exalted (above others) in degree; and We gaveJesus, son of Mary, clear proofs (of Allah's sovereignty) and We supported him with the holy Spirit.

3:45 (And remember) when the angels said: O Mary! Allah giveth thee glad tidings of a word from Him, whose name is the Messiah,Jesus, son of Mary, illustrious in the world and the Hereafter, and one of those brought near (unto Allah).

3:55 (And remember) when Allah said: O Jesus! Lo! I am gathering thee and causing thee to ascend unto Me, and am cleansing thee of those who disbelieve and am setting those who follow thee above those who disbelieve until the Day of Resurrection. Then unto Me ye will (all) return, and I shall judge between you as to that wherein ye used to differ.

4:163 Lo! We inspire thee as We inspired Noah and the prophets after him, as We inspired Abraham and Ishmael and Isaac and Jacob and the tribes, and Jesus and Job and Jonah and Aaron and Solomon, and as we imparted unto David the Psalms

5:46 And We caused Jesus, son of Mary, to follow in their footsteps, confirming that which was (revealed) before him, and We bestowed on him the Gospel wherein is guidance and a light, confirming that which was (revealed) before it in the Torah a guidance and an admonition unto those who ward off (evil).

5:110 When Allah saith: O Jesus, son of Mary! Remember My favor unto thee and unto thy mother; how I strengthened thee with the holy Spirit, so that thou spakest unto mankind in the cradle as in maturity; and how I taught thee the Scripture and Wisdom and the Torah and the Gospel; and how thou didst shape of clay as it were the likeness of a bird by My permission, and didst blow upon it and it was a bird by My permission, and thou didst heal him who was born blind and the leper by My permission; and how thou didst raise the dead, by My permission and how I restrained the Children of Israel from (harming) thee when thou camest unto them with clear proofs, and those of them who disbelieved exclaimed: This is naught else than mere magic;

42:13 He hath ordained for you that religion which He commended unto Noah, and that which We inspire in thee (Muhammad), and that which We commended unto Abraham and Moses and Jesus, saying: Establish the religion, and be not divided therein. Dreadful for the idolaters is that unto which thou callest them. Allah chooseth for Himself whom He will, and guideth unto Himself him who turneth (toward Him)

43:63 When Jesus came with clear proofs (of Allah's sovereignty), he said: I have come unto you with wisdom, and to make plain some of that concerning which ye differ. So keep your duty to Allah, and obey me.

57:27 Then We caused Our messengers to follow in their footsteps; and We caused Jesus, son of Mary, to follow, and gave him the Gospel, and placed compassion and mercy in the hearts of those who followed him. But monasticism they invented. We ordained it not for them. Only seeking Allah's pleasure, and they observed it not with right observance. So We give those of them who believe their reward, but many of them are evil-livers.

These are the actual translations taken from the Holy Quran, revealed to the Prophet Muhammad 1431 years ago. Having read these excerpts, would you want to destroy such a book that holds Jesus (Isa) UWBP in such high esteem and acknowledges his position of honor in Almighty God’s Creation? Would you want to destroy a message that confirms and endorses the message of Jesus (Isa) UWBP?

I hope and pray that the above information will serve to open the eyes, hearts and minds of those seeking the peace, love, harmony and understanding in accordance with the teachings and desires of Jesus (Isa) UWBP . This is the Message of all of God’s messengers.

May the Blessings of Almighty God be with us all and may we have the strength, ability and fortitude to ward of hate, bigotry and malice.

May we earnestly put in to practice the essence of the true teachings of our religions so that we will all get along and be happy in each other’s company.

God Bless.

Kamruz Hosein

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

The War on Terrorism, Taliban and Al Qaida


The war against Taliban, Al Qaida and any such anti-organization, will never end, until and unless we accept the reality of who they really are and what are their goals. This is so because it not a war for land, property or any tangible property. It is a war of a twisted ideology, misinformation and lack of or warped education and knowledge. For us to effectively get a grip on this situation, we have to get some facts straight.

· Those who are wreaking havoc, carrying out acts of terrorism, disrupting communities and countries, are not acting in accordance with the teachings of Islam, or for that matter, any religion.

· Their behavior and actions are not synonymous with those associated with the term “Muslim”.

· The press and media in their quest for sensationalism, possibly unintentionally, promote the cause of the terrorists and afford them free and unworthy advertising of their cause, especially when they are labeled as Islamic terrorists or Islamic fundamentalists.

· Whenever the words “Islam” or “Muslim” are used, automatically the uneducated and ill informed, are sympathetic and accepts the actions of groups to whom such labels are assigned.

· The mainstream and vast majority of “Muslims” do not subscribe to the thinking of those mentioned above nor are they in agreement with their teachings, philosophy or actions. They are in fact normal citizens with the same aspirations, norms, fears and desire for a normal life for themselves and their families. They are also subject to the same fears and threats.

· The above mentioned have to be more vocal in their condemnation of terrorism and have to actively propagate the true principles of Islam. They have to be able to discern truth from falsehood, especially when it is coming for the “Leadership”

· Muslims have to be able to question the rhetoric of their leaders, without fear of recrimination, when they show support for the terrorists, their, teachings or causes.

To overcome them the normal rules of combat, attack and engagement cannot be the same as used for conventional armies, dissidents or enemies. Their value system and thinking are not those of civilized societies. Therefore the rules of civilized societies and peoples cannot be applied to them. If that is done the battle is lost.

Saturday, January 23, 2010

Can Christians Say 'Allah'? In Malaysia, Muslims Say No


Who gave those who claim to be Muslims the right over the Allah, Cherisher and Creator of all of mankind?

Allah: God of all the worlds and all therein

We believe that there is only One God, Allah. The acceptance of God, the desire to call or worship Allah is not a privilege for only Muslims. Allah is God of all the worlds and all contained therein. Allah is accessible to all who wishes call on Him, Praise Him, Worship Him, Adore Him, and Plead with Him or simply talk to him. Being created by Him qualifies you for this privilege. The message of all religions is to bring people to Almighty God, Allah. They were supposed to be simple messages until their messages and interpretations were contaminated by the human ego. No one has the authority or right to prevent anyone from addressing Almighty God, Allah, in fact, we should wish for everyone to address Allah so that their lives will be positively affected, thus making this world a more God (Allah) conscious one. One of our prime functions as Muslims is to invite our brothers and sisters Allah. We are supposed to do so in a manner that is encouraging, loving and peaceful. Remember, that as Muslims, whenever we do or say something in a manner to cause people to get a wrong impression of Allah, Muhammad SAW and Islam, we are doing a great disservice and wrong to that which we claim to believe in. We should all, therefore, hope and pray that everyone call on, prayer to, speak to, adore, worship or acknowledge Allah.

Remember that Muhammad, Servant and Messenger of Allah SWT requirement was to deliver the message of Islam, the acceptance or non-acceptance was not under his control. We therefore have to be aware of what are our functions and duties and don't try to change that which in Allah's master plan.

Let’s stop being divisive, especially in the Name of Allah. Let us stop complicating the message of Islam, despite Allah's repeated reference to it being simple and that its Book of Guidance is unambiguous and easy to understand and follow. Let us live by the spirit of the Message and the beautiful and perfect example of Muhammad, servant and messenger of Allah SWT and not by twisted interpretations of those who chose to lead us down the path of confusion and hate and away from Al Islam (Peace) in order to protect their status quo and perpetuate their own misinterpretations.

May we be rightly guided along the path peace, understanding, love, harmony, intelligence ie. The path of Al Islam

There is but one Allah (God), accessible and welcoming to all of mankind.