It's not twist and turn; but clear-cut truth

Submitted by Shaji (United Arab Emirates), May 28, 2009 at 06:24

Plato, I appreciate your sense of criticism unlike some others out here. I get very little time to reply in between my works and I need to address many responses. I regret for the delay caused.

You wrote - The verse does not mention battlefield. This is what it says: 009.005 YUSUFALI: But when the forbidden months are past, then fight and slay the Pagans wherever ye find them, an seize them, beleaguer them, and lie in wait for them in every stratagem (of war); but if they repent, and establish regular prayers and practise regular charity, then open the way for them: for Allah is Oft-forgiving, Most Merciful.The verse says 'slay the pagans WHEREVER ye find them'. Does it sound like the Koran is talking only of the battle field? You can also wait in ambush for them anywhere. You don't lie in wait for your enemy on the battlefield. The Koran is asking you to exterminate the unbelievers when the forbidden months are past.

I repeat here what I wrote to Mr. Dhimmi.

That is why we say, to learn Qur'an with context. The context doesn't come in the verse 9:5. This verse must be learnt as per the incidents happened in connection with this verse. Please be patient to read the full incident.

It has been mentioned by Islamic Scholars again and again that Qur'an cannot be understood just by reading the verses; one has to read the exegesis of Qur'an or study from an authentic scholar. This verse is thrown at Muslims time and again without proper research being done; even if the critics read from the first verse until around the thirteenth verse, it would have still clarified few of their doubts. But it looks like that some of them knowingly keep quoting this verse out of context just to throw dirt on the religion of Islam.

The whole background of this verse is discussed here and after a thorough analysis of the explanation of the first few verses of this, chapter 9, Insha Allah (God willing), the readers will understand how the critics of Islam are mistaken or deliberate misrepresent to suit for their wicked purpose.

The first thing to keep in mind is that the word mentioned in the verse 5 is Mushrikeen which means polytheists and thus it does not include all the Non-Muslims. Secondly, God has mentioned different types of polytheists in this chapter. If one does not understand the different types of polytheists then two major problems occur: firstly, one does not know in which verse God is talking about which group of polytheists, and secondly one who has not read the exegesis of Qur'an puts all the polytheists in one category as a whole, and thus thinks that God has commanded to kill all the polytheists.

It is imperative to understand some of the historical incidences which took place after five Hijri (five years after the Muslims migrated to Medina). After the unsuccessful attempt of the Non-Muslims in the war of Khandaq (in which the Non-Muslims tried to annihilate Muslims) they returned back to Makkah. Prophet (peace be upon him) told his companions that now the Makkans will never attack us again. Some time later the Prophet (peace be upon him) also saw a dream that Muslims are doing Umrah (small pilgrimage). Since the dream of the Prophet (peace be upon him) was always a revelation, it was decided that Muslims will go for Umrah. Muslims had left Makkah for six years and they yearned to go back to their birthplace and to the place where the Holy Kaaba was present (as the polytheists had forbidden their entry into Makkah and it was impossible for them to go there).

Consequently the Muslims departed for Makkah (without any ammunition to show that they had no intention to fight, and they just wanted to perform the Umrah), but they were stopped by the polytheists at a place called Hudaibiyah. They did not allow them to perform Umrah. The Polytheists had intentions to fight, but at that time Prophet (peace be upon him) said that he would make peace with them if they want to make peace and he would accept any condition put forth (no matter how unjust so that a peace treaty could be signed; this further shows that Islam is not a religion of violence but peace). So in the end Muslims signed a peace treaty even though the conditions were extremely unjust.

The first condition Quraish (main tribe of the polytheists) put forth was that Muslims cannot perform Umrah that year. The Prophet (peace be upon him) accepted this condition (and when asked that your dream was a revelation and how is it possible that we cannot perform Umrah, he replied that the dream did not necessarily mean that we will do Umrah this year; we will do it eventually in the near future). The second condition they put forth was that if anyone turns away from your religion (Islam) and comes to us we will not return that person; on the other hand, if someone from one of us immigrates to Medina, the Muslims will return that person to us. The Prophet (peace be upon him) accepted this as well. It was also decided that Muslims and Polytheists will not fight each other for the next ten years. The fourth condition was that any Arab tribe is free to join either Muslims or the Polytheists if they wish. Along with this condition it was decided that if some tribe joins with Quraish or the Muslims, and if someone fights with that tribe then it will be considered an act of war on Quraish or the Muslims (as they have joined with either of them and thus are considered a part of them). The fifth condition was that next year Muslims will come for Umrah. The sixth term was that Muslims will come next year for Umrah for three days only without any ammunition. Hence, the treaty was signed on these conditions and next year in seventh Hijri Muslims came for three days and performed their Umrah.

There were two Arab tribes (Banu Bakr and Banu khuza) who used to fight each other a lot. Banu khuza joined the Muslims and Banu Bakr joined the Quraish in Makkah. After a while, there arose a conflict between these two tribes regarding a stream of water. The conflict was pre-planned by Banu Bakr and they used this excuse to carry out their plot. A lot of people from Banu khuza were killed in that conflict. The Quraish were not only aware of this plan of Banu Bakr, but they provided Banu Bakr with ammunition as well. So knowing that Quraish were on their side, Banu Bakr settled some of their previous scores with Banu Khuza.

When this news reached Prophet (peace be upon him) he conducted an investigation and when this incidence was confirmed, he sent a delegation to Quraish with the message that you have three options: the Quraish must pay compensation for the murders committed (hundred camels for one life), or the Quraish should clearly declare that they have broken their ties with Banu Bakr and then the Muslims will deal with them, or the Muslims should be allowed to kill same number of people from a sub tribe of Banu Bakr (i.e. Banu Nafaasa) on the principle of life for life. Quraish rejected this proposal and said if Muslims attack any of our allies we will take action against them with equal might. They further said that Muslims can do whatever they want with us (meaning we are not afraid of them and we will take care of them). Because of this act of Quraish, the treaty of Hudaibiyah was annulled (as the fourth condition of the treaty was not honored).

When the treaty was null and void, Muslims conquered Makkah in eighth Hijri, and Prophet (peace be upon him) assured Banu Khuza that appropriate action will be taken. In ninth Hijri some Muslims went for pilgrimage and then these verses of Surah Taubah were revealed. Prophet (peace be upon him) sent Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) to Makkah to recite these verses to the Polytheists (one of the reason being that from next year only Muslims will be allowed to perform pilgrimage and not the polytheists). Now in Makkah there were four types of Polytheists.

The first type of Polytheists was of those with whom Muslims had a treaty of peace without mention of any timeframe. The second type was of those with whom there was no treaty at all as they used to live far away and there was no need for any treaty with them. The first, second and third verse of Surah Taubah talks about these polytheists and Allah says Qur'an 9:1-3 - "This is a declaration of] disassociation, from Allah and His Messenger, to those with whom you had made a treaty among the polytheists. So travel freely, [O disbelievers], throughout the land [during] four months but know that you cannot cause failure to Allah and that Allah will disgrace the disbelievers. And [it is] an announcement from Allah and His Messenger to the people on the day of the greater pilgrimage that Allah is disassociated from the disbelievers, and [so is] His Messenger. So if you repent, that is best for you; but if you turn away – then know that you will not cause failure to Allah. And give tidings to those who disbelieve of a painful punishment". God has commanded here that the treaty will be honored, but from next year only Muslims will be allowed to perform pilgrimage. It is further stated in the narrations of the Prophet (peace be upon him) that he told Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) to announce that from now on no one will circle the Kaaba in nude (as was the practice in the days gone by) and that no polytheist will enter paradise unless they repent.

The third type of polytheists was of those with whom Muslims had treaty for a certain amount of time: they were the two tribes of Banu Kanaana (Banu Zamaara and Banu Madlij). The verse revealed in the Quran was in the month of Shawaal 9th Hijri and so the treaty with them was valid until nine more months. Allah says in Qur'an 9:4 - "Excepted are those with whom you made a treaty among the polytheists and then they have not been deficient toward you in anything or supported anyone against you; so complete for them their treaty until their term [has ended]. Indeed, Allah loves the righteous [who fear Him]". The Muslims were commanded to fulfill their treaty and not to renew it with those who did not break their treaty or supported anyone against the Muslims.

Fourth type was of the ones who broke the treaty of Hudaibiyah (i.e. Quraish, Banu Bakr and Banu Nafaasa). Allah gave them permission that for four months you can stay here but after that time you must leave this area. This is mentioned in the verse five which says in Qur'an 9:5 - "And when the sacred months have passed, then kill the polytheists wherever you find them and capture them and besiege them and sit in wait for them at every place of ambush. But if they should repent, establish prayer, and give zakah, let them [go] on their way. Indeed, Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.". Basically if they leave then they will not be harmed but if they do not, then God allowed Muslims to fight them, and in the battlefield kill those who broke the treaty (as their act of killing people of Banu Khuza was equivalent to the act of war on the Muslims). So verse 5 speaks about killing those polytheists who did not honor the treaty of Hudaibiyah in the battlefield, and the critics of Islam try to project that Muslims are allowed to kill all the Non-Muslims. Note that God says if they repent then let them go (even after their horrendous acts Islam teaches forgiveness and peace and not fighting).

You wrote - The Copts are people of the book and were tolerated to live as dhimmis. The Arabian peninsula was almost entirely pagan idol worshippers. Can you find a single one there now? They were either put to the sword or converted. The only idol worshippers are the Arabs and other Muslims themselves who have to prostrate themselves facing a black stone and are required to go on pilgrimage to this place, kill millions of animals to please the Lord of this stone and run between two peaks which the Koran says are Allah's symbols (IDOLS):

002.158 YUSUFALI: Behold! Safa and Marwa are among the Symbols of Allah. So if those who visit the House in the Season or at other times, should compass them round, it is no sin in them………

If Copts were allowed to live as dhimmis, why only pagan idol worshippers were either converted or put to sword…..??. Why then Muslims left dhimmis free….??. According to you, Muslims intention was to convert or put to sword, isn't it…..??. Not only that, idol worshipping was there throughout history. Now it is being restricted to India and some neighboring countries. Rest if anywhere idol worship is there, it is due to Hindus migrated from India. Then what happened to those aboriginal idol worshippers….??. Also read Bible, Deuteronomy 9:21 – "Also I took that sinful thing of yours, the calf you had made, and burned it in the fire. Then I crushed it and ground it to powder as fine as dust and threw the dust into a stream that flowed down the mountain.". This is believed by both Jews (as Torah) and Christians (Old Testament). Why Moses crushed the idols….??. According to you, it is insulting them, isn't it….??.

Again read Deuteronomy 13:6-9 – "If your very own brother, or your son or daughter, or the wife you love, or your closest friend secretly entices you, saying, "Let us go and worship other gods" (gods that neither you nor your fathers have known, gods of the peoples around you, whether near or far, from one end of the land to the other), do not yield to him or listen to him. Show him no pity. Do not spare him or shield him. You must certainly put him to death. Your hand must be the first in putting him to death, and then the hands of all the people."

That means, death sentence to those who worship other gods. Qur'an never asks to kill those who worship other Gods. It was said to those pagans who worship other gods when they come to kill Muslims during war. Still Qur'an is the culprit to initiate violence……!!!!.

Yes, Qur'an 2:158 says "Safa" and "Marwa" are symbols of Allah. But nobody is worshipping them. Even "black stone" also. Muslims are doing prostration on the surface of earth. That doesn't mean Muslims are praying to earth. There is an important verse in Qur'an to clarify this misconception and to Whom one should pray. Qur'an 41:37 says – "And from among His Signs are the night and the day, and the sun and the moon. Prostrate yourselves not to the sun nor to the moon, but prostrate yourselves to Allah Who created them, if you (really) worship Him".

So worshipping (worshipping in the sense of "prayers") is not to the "created" things but the "Creator" Who created that. It is further confirmed in Qur'an 40:60 - And your Lord says: "Call on Me; I will answer your (Prayer): but those who are too arrogant to serve Me will surely find themselves in Hell - in humiliation!"

Killing animals as sacrifice for Allah is not something new introduced by Islam. Regarding sacrifice, Qur'an says in 22:36 – "The sacrificial camels we have made for you as among the symbols from Allah. in them is (much) good for you: then pronounce the name of Allah over them as they line up (for sacrifice): when they are down on their sides (after slaughter), eat ye thereof, and feed such as (beg not but) live in contentment, and such as beg with due humility: thus have We made animals subject to you, that ye may be grateful."

Also, Qur'an 6:162 says - Say: "Truly, my prayer and my service of sacrifice, my life and my death, are (all) for Allah, the Cherisher of the Worlds:

Now see what Bible says. Genesis 22:13 - Abraham looked up and there in a thicket he saw a ram caught by its horns. He went over and took the ram and sacrificed it as a burnt offering instead of his son.

Again Exodus 10:25 says - But Moses said, "You must allow us to have sacrifices and burnt offerings to present to the LORD our God.

Exodus 20:24 says - 'Make an altar of earth for me and sacrifice on it your burnt offerings and fellowship offerings, your sheep and goats and your cattle. Wherever I cause my name to be honored, I will come to you and bless you.

Exodus 22:20 says - "Whoever sacrifices to any god other than the LORD must be destroyed.

2 Samuel 6:13 says - When those who were carrying the ark of the LORD had taken six steps, he sacrificed a bull and a fattened calf.

More and more are there, I stop here.

Now see what Hindu books have to say - Manu Smruti, the law book of Hindus, 5:30 says - "The eater who eats the flesh of those to be eaten does nothing bad, even if he does it day after day, for God himself created some to be eaten and some to be eater."

Next verse of Manu Smruti, that is, 5:31 says - "Eating meat is right for the sacrifice, this is traditionally known as a rule of the gods."

Further in Manu Smruti, 5:39,40 says - "God himself created sacrificial animals for sacrifice, ... , therefore killing in

a sacrifice is not killing."

Why Islam is alone blamed……??. Nothing but organized conspiracy to malign Islam and Muslims.

Also, all capitalist western countries put no restriction in killing animals for food. I hope you will realize the truth and learn properly about Islam.

You wrote - Would anybody want to kill his own relatives and that of his followers? Mecca was full of blood relatives of the invaders. He did kill some who had ridiculed him.

If there was influx to Islam it was clearly because of the fear of Muhammad's sword. If you know your history, as soon as Muhammad died many tribes apostatized and Abu Bakr had to fight several wars (the ridda wars) to force them back into Islam.

Narrated Abu Huraira:When Allah's Apostle died and Abu Bakr became the caliph some Arabs renegade (reverted to disbelief) (Abu Bakr decided to declare war against them), 'Umar, said to Abu Bakr, "How can you fight with these people although Allah's Apostle said, 'I have been ordered (by Allah) to fight the people till they say: "None has the right to be worshipped but Allah, and whoever said it then he will save his life and property from me except on trespassing the law (rights and conditions for which he will be punished justly), and his accounts will be with Allah.' " Abu Bakr said, "By Allah! I will fight those who differentiate between the prayer and the Zakat as Zakat is the compulsory right to be taken from the property (according to Allah's orders) By Allah! If they refuse to pay me even a she-kid which they used to pay at the time of Allah's Apostle . I would fight with them for withholding it" Then 'Umar said, "By Allah, it was nothing, but Allah opened Abu Bakr's chest towards the decision (to fight) and I came to know that his decision was right."

Whose ignorance is showing, Shaji?

No Sir, you are wrong. Makkah was never been in pool of blood. During conquest of Makkah, every attempt was made to grant pardon to the people. Ikrimah bin Abu Jahl, who had attacked Khalid's detachment at the time of the entry into Makkah, was forgiven. To Wahshi, the murderer of Hamzah, the Prophet's (peace be upon him) uncle, and to Hind, who had chewed his liver, was also extended his generous clemency. The same generous treatment was accorded to Habar who had attacked the Prophet's (peace be upon him) daughter with a spear, while on her way from Makkah to Madinah, so grievously that she ultimately died of the fatal injuries.

No doubt, if the Prophet (peace be upon him) has killed them he will not be unjust with them because they have tortured him and his companions, killed several of them, took their money, exiled them from their houses, fought them for their religion, supported their enemies and satirized them by their poets!!. See his mercy in dealing with his people, his enemies and his opponents.

It must also be noted that those who were granted protection were not forced to embrace Islam. Historians and biographers have all stated that the Muslim force at the battle of Hunain, which took place a little after the Fall of Makkah, had in its ranks a good number of non-believers from Makkah who still stuck to their old beliefs.

Ridda wars happened in early Islam against the Arab tribes who withheld the remittance of the alms-tax to the State and whom the State fought but without declaring them disbelievers. With reference to Hadith you quoted, you must know, when Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) died, some of the Muslims had deserted Islam for several reasons. The biggest of those reasons was that they opposed paying the Zakah (2.5% of annual income of Islamic taxes for the poor). Keep in mind that Allah Almighty constantly Warning the Prophet and the Muslims from the hypocrites (false believers). The Arabs before Islam were used to exploit each others. The strong ate the poor, and high interest rates were enforced on loans given to the poor to ultimately force them to sell of their cattle, sons, daughters and/or wives as slaves.

After the death of our Prophet, some of the rich hypocrites decided to join with the Pagan Arab tribes to fight the Muslims and end Islam. The leader of the apostates/renegades was Musylama Al-Kath-thab (the liar), started his army of infidels in what we call today the country of Oman, which is more than 1,000 miles away from Makkah and Medina where the Muslims resided.

After Musylama became strong and popular and was able to gather a big amount of pagans and hypocrites to form an army, he led them to march to Makkah and Medina to fight the Muslims. When his army finally reached the mountains near Makkah, the Muslims had fought them several battles until he ultimately was killed and his army was soundly defeated.

Remember, it was the renegades or apostates that declared the war on the Muslims. The Muslims did not start the war. Musylama was not a peaceful renegade. He wanted to destroy the Muslims through war. He had to be fought and killed.

You wrote - This means you have explored the Koran with unprejudiced mind and found it wonderful. What did your unprejudiced mind think when you read this verses 9:111 or 9:28 and 9:29. They made me look at all Muslims with suspicion.

What I said is true. Many attempts are being made to malign Qur'an and on the incidents behind revelation of verses. Let us analyze the verses you quoted.

9:111 – "Allah hath purchased of the believers their persons and their goods; for theirs (in return) is the garden (of Paradise): they fight in His cause, and slay and are slain: a promise binding on Him in truth, through the Law, the Gospel, and the Qur'an: and who is more faithful to his covenant than Allah. then rejoice in the bargain which ye have concluded: that is the achievement supreme."

9:28 – "O ye who believe! Truly the Pagans are unclean; so let them not, after this year of theirs, approach the Sacred Mosque. And if ye fear poverty, soon will Allah enrich you, if He wills, out of His bounty, for Allah is All-knowing, All-wise."

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

All you quoted from Chapter 9 of Qur'an. Before we analyze you should know the context of these verses. Background - After the Treaty of Hudaibiyah Prophet (peace be upon him) sent missions to several parts of Arabia to convince people about the truth of Islam. One such mission visited the clans which lived in the northern areas adjacent to Syria. The majority of these people were Christians, who were under the influence of the Roman Empire. Contrary to all the principles of the commonly accepted international law, they killed fifteen members of the delegation near a place known as Zat-u-Talah (or Zat-i-Itlah). Only Ka'ab bin Umair Ghifari, the head of the delegation, succeeded in escaping and reporting the sad incident. Besides this, Shurahbll bin Amr, the Christian governor of Busra, who was directly under the Roman Caesar, had also put to death Haritli bin Umair, the ambassador of the Prophet (peace be upon him), who had been sent to him on a similar minion.

These events convinced the Prophet (peace be upon him) that a strong action should be taken in order to make the territory adjacent to the Roman Empire safe and secure for the Muslims. Accordingly, in the month of Jamadi-ul-Ula A. H. 8, he sent an army of three thousand towards the Syrian border. When this army reached near Ma'an, the Muslims learned that Shurahbil was marching with an army of one hundred thousand to fight-with them and that the Caesar, who himself was at Hims, had sent another army consisting of one hundred thousand soldiers under his brother Theodore. But in spite of such fearful news, the brave small band of the Muslims marched on fearlessly and encountered the big army of Shurahbil at M'utah. And the result of the encounter in which the Muslims were fighting against fearful odds (the ratio of the two armies was 1:33), as very favorable, for the enemy utterly failed to defeat them. This proved very helpful for the propagation of Islam. As a result, those Arabs who were living in a state of semi independence in Syria and near Syria and the clans of Najd near Iraq, who were under the influence of the Iranian Empire, turned towards Islam and embraced it in thousands. For example, the people of Bani Sulaim (whose chief was Abbas bin Mirdas Sulaimi), Ashja'a, Ghatafan, Zubyan, Fazarah, etc., came into the fold of Islam at the same time. Above all, Farvah bin 'Amral Juzami, who was the commander of the Arab armies of the Roman Empire, embraced Islam during that time, and underwent the trial of his Faith in a way that filled the whole territory with wonder. When the Caesar came to know that Farvah had embraced Islam, he ordered that he should be arrested and brought to his court. Then the Caesar said to him, "You will have to choose one of the two things. Either give up your Islam and win your liberty and your former rank, or remain a Muslim and face death." He calmly chose Islam and sacrificed his life in the way of the Truth.

No wonder that such events as these made the Caesar realize the nature of the danger that was threatening his Empire from Arabia. Accordingly, in 9 A.H. he began to make military preparations to avenge the insult he had suffered at M'utah. The Ghassanid and other Arab chiefs also began to muster armies under him. When the Prophet (peace be upon him), who always kept himself well-informed even of the minutest things that could affect the Islamic Movement favorably or adversely, came to know of these preparations, he at once under- stood their meaning. He knew that the show of the slightest weakness would result in the utter failure of the Movement which was facing three great dangers at that time. The Hypocrites of Al Madinah, who were always on the look-out for such an opportunity, might make full use of this to do the greatest possible harm to it. For they had already made preparations for this and had, through a monk called Abu Amir, sent secret messages of their evil designs to the Christian king of Ghassan and the Caesar himself. Besides this, they had also built a mosque near Al-Madinah for holding secret meetings for this purpose. The third danger was of an attack by the Caesar himself, who had already defeated Iran, the other great power of that period, and filled with awe the adjacent territories.

It is obvious that if all these three elements had been given an opportunity of taking a concerted action against the Muslims. That is why in this case the Prophet (peace be upon him) made an open declaration for making preparations for the Campaign against the Roman Empire, which was one of the two greatest empires of the world of that period. The declaration was made though all the apparent circumstances were against such a decision: for there was famine in the country and the long awaited crops were about to ripen: the burning heat of the scorching summer season of Arabia was at, its height and there was not enough money for preparations in general, and for equipment and conveyance in particular. But in spite of these handicaps, when the Messenger of Allah realized the urgency of the occasion, he took this step which was to decide whether the Mission of the Truth was going to survive or perish. The very fact that he made an open declaration for making preparations for such a campaign to Syria against the Roman Empire showed how important it was, for this was contrary to his previous practice. Usually he took every precaution not to reveal before and the direction to which he was going nor the name of the enemy whom he was going to attack; nay, he did not move out of Al-Madinah even in the direction of the campaign.

All the parties in Arabia fully realized the grave consequences of this critical decision. The remnants of the lovers of the old order of 'ignorance' were anxiously waiting for the result of the Campaign, for they had pinned all their hopes on the defeat of Islam by the Romans. The 'hypocrites' also considered it to be their last chance of crushing the power of Islam by internal rebellion, if the Muslims suffered a defeat in Syria. They had, therefore, made full use of the Mosque built by them for hatching plots and had employed all their devices to render the Campaign a failure.

That is why these lovers of Islam began to make enthusiastic preparations for the Campaign. Everyone of them tried to surpass the other in making contributions for the provision of equipment for it. Hadrat Uthman and Hadrat Abdur Rehman bin Auf presented large sums of money for this purpose. Hadrat Umar contributed half of the earnings of his life and Hadrat Abu Bakr the entire earnings of his life. The indigent Companions did not lag behind and presented whatever they could earn by the sweat of their labor and the women parted with their ornaments. Thousands of volunteers, who were filled with the desire of sacrificing their lives for Islam, came to the Prophet (peace be upon him) and requested that arrangements for weapons and conveyance be made for them so that they should join the expedition. Those who could not be provided with these shed tears of sorrow; the scene was so pathetic that it made the Prophet (peace be upon him) sad because of his inability to arm them. In short, the occasion became the touchstone for discriminating a true believer from a hypocrite. For, to lag behind in the Campaign meant that the very relationship of a person to Islam was doubtful. Accordingly, whenever a person lagged behind during the journey to Tabuk, the Prophet (peace be upon him), on being informed, would spontaneously say, "Leave him alone. If there be any good in him, Allah will again join him with you, and if there be no good in him, then thank Allah that He relieved you of his evil company".

In short, the Prophet (peace be upon him) marched out towards Syria in Rajab A. H. 9, with thirty thousand fighters for the cause of Islam. The conditions in which the expedition was undertaken may be judged from the fact that the number of camels with them was so small that many of them were obliged to walk on foot and to wait for their turns for several had to ride at a time on each camel. To add to this, there was the burning heat of the desert and the acute shortage of water. But they were richly rewarded for their firm resolve and sincere adherence to the cause and for their perseverance in the face of those great difficulties and obstacles.

When they arrived at Tabuk, they learned that the Caesar and his allies had withdrawn their troops from the frontier and there was no enemy to fight with. Thus they won a moral victory that increased their prestige manifold and, that too, without shedding a drop of blood.

In this connection, it is pertinent to point out that the general impression given by the historians of the campaigns of the Prophet (peace be upon him) about the Campaign of Tabuk is not correct. They relate the event in a way as if the news of the mustering of the Roman armies near the Arabian frontier was itself false. The fact is that the Caesar had begun to muster his armies, but the Prophet (peace be upon him) forestalled him and arrived on the scene before he could make full preparations for the invasion. Therefore, believing that "discretion is the better part of valor," he withdrew his armies from the frontier. For he had not forgotten that the three thousand fighters for the cause of Islam had rendered helpless his army one hundred thousand strong at M'utah. He could not, therefore, even with an army of two hundred thousand, dare to fight against an army of thirty thousand, and that, too, under the leadership of the Prophet (peace be upon him) himself. Above all, this moral victory of Tabuk afforded a golden opportunity to the Muslims to strengthen their hold on Arabia.

So the verse 9:111 actually preparing believers to fight for a cause. It is worth stressing that any Army General to boost up the standard of his men asks to prepare for the fight with all their efforts. How such a preparation violates the international law….??. Basically it was in the context that the enemy had serious plan to attack Muslims and the enemy already violated the international law by killing 15 men from mission in the beginning.

Now the verse 9:28, A decree was issued that the guardianship of the Ka'aba that all the customs and practices of shirk of the era of 'ignorance' should be forcibly abolished: that the mushriks should not be allowed even to come near the "House". This was to eradicate every trace of shirk from the "House" that was dedicated exclusively to the worship of Allah. I don't know what's wrong in it. Actually idol worship, naked circumambulation and many other evil practices were abolished at Ka'aba.

Take 9:29, it is instruction to fight similar like 9:111 but an additional instruction to levy jizyah from People of book. For your understanding, I will quote a situation to convince you when words use out of context. We know that America was once at war with Vietnam. Suppose the President of America or the General of the American Army told the American soldiers during the war: "Wherever you find the Vietnamese, kill them". Today if I say that the American President said, "Wherever you find Vietnamese, kill them" without giving the context, I will make him sound like a butcher. But if I quote him in context, that he said it during a war, it will sound very logical, as he was trying to boost the morale of the American soldiers during the war. Same is the situation above also. If a command expressed in the context of war singles out and apply in the normal situation, result would be the same.

Regarding Jizyah, I already discussed many times in the forum. Please bear with me as I not repeat again and again.

Now read Bible, Exodus 32:25-29 – "Moses saw that the people were running wild and that Aaron had let them get out of control and so become a laughingstock to their enemies. So he stood at the entrance to the camp and said, "Whoever is for the LORD, come to me." And all the Levites rallied to him. Then he said to them, "This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: 'Each man strap a sword to his side. Go back and forth through the camp from one end to the other, each killing his brother and friend and neighbor.' "The Levites did as Moses commanded, and that day about three thousand of the people died. Then Moses said, "You have been set apart to the LORD today, for you were against your own sons and brothers, and he has blessed you this day."

See, the punishment for making idol in Bible. Moses (peace be upon him) who also the Prophet for Jews and Christians had been instructed by God to punish people who did idol- worship. Bible itself gives the number of people killed…….!!!!. I wonder these people are alleging Muslims and blame Islam for killing idol worshippers though Islam never instructed to do so except at the time of war…….!!!!.

Take Bhagavat Gita, Krishna says to Arjuna in 2:33 - "If however, you do not fight this religious war, then you will certainly incur sin, for neglecting your duties, and thus loose your reputation as a fighter".

Imagine if someone were to say that the Bhagavat Gita encourages the killing of the family members to attain paradise, without quoting the context – such a deliberate attempt will be devilish. But within the context if I say that for truth and justice fighting against the evil is compulsory, even if it be against your relatives, it makes sense.

Again read Bhagavat Gita, 2:37 says - "O son of Kunti, either you will be killed in the battlefield and attain the heavenly planets (paradise), or you will conquer and enjoy the earthly kingdom, therefore get up and fight with determination".

You wrote – "I can see Islam has really penetrated your heart. Allah claims He is responsible for all creation. So an infidel is Allah's creation. Only Muslims seem unable to understand this simple logic. It is Allah who made you a believer, and dhimmi no more and me infidels."

You forgot an important point in Allah's Wise in creation. That is, Allah grand human beings to choose as per their will after showing God's guidance. This actually evident in the part of human beings. Qur'an Chapter 112 says, Allah's is not comparable to anything in this world. So how we can evaluate Allah's rule of creation with our limited minds of perception….??. Then what's the point in saying Allah made me a believer, you an infidel or dhimmi…??. But we can think from human being's point of view that our mind is free to think and distinguish truth from falsehood. We can also argue and argue in order to find evidences to reject truth. Here comes the intention and real desire to learn and follow the path shown by Allah. It's all depends on your willingness and intention.

You wrote - How can there be a choice when Allah, the Exalted in Power, Wise, threatens the most horrendous punishment for disbelief?

004.056 YUSUFALI: Those who reject our Signs, We shall soon cast into the Fire: as often as their skins are roasted through, We shall change them for fresh skins, that they may taste the penalty: for Allah is Exalted in Power, Wise.

Answer is there in your question itself. Warning and threatening there for disbelievers and not for believers. If you are serious in your approach and pure from your mind, surely Allah will show the guidance. Qur'an 19:76 says - "And Allah doth advance in guidance those who seek guidance: and the things that endure, Good Deeds, are best in the sight of thy Lord, as rewards, and best in respect of (their) eventual return."

You wrote - It only because Allah's knowledge covers everything that His abrogating His own revelation makes Allah look ridiculous. The strength Allah has given His believers is a case in point:

008.065 YUSUFALI: O Prophet! rouse the Believers to the fight. If there are twenty amongst you, patient and persevering, they will vanquish two hundred: if a hundred, they will vanquish a thousand of the Unbelievers: for these are a people without understanding.

008.066 YUSUFALI: For the present, Allah hath lightened your (task), for He knoweth that there is a weak spot in you: But (even so), if there are a hundred of you, patient and persevering, they will vanquish two hundred, and if a thousand, they will vanquish two thousand, with the leave of Allah: for Allah is with those who patiently persevere.

What was the point of revealing 8:65 if Allah knew that the task of fighting an enemy 10 times larger is futile even though booty and paradise greatly strengthened Muslims, and reduces believers' strength by a factor of five in the next verse ?

No Sir, it's the problem with your understanding. Qur'anic verses must be interpreted considering the situation it revealed. Verse number 8:66, generally regarded as the replacement of the verse 8:65, says that Allah has lightened the task of the Believers by reducing the number of unbelievers that could be encountered by the Muslims from ten times of their number to two times only. What it means is that ideally a Believer is ten times stronger than an unbeliever. However, since some of the Muslims had not as yet been thoroughly trained and had reached the desire level of maturity in their understanding, they are asked not to feel uneasy at least of challenging an enemy which is twice as strong. It should be borne in mind that the Qur'anic directive was given in 2 years after Hijra when most of the Muslims, being recent converts to Islam, had undergone little training. As they gained maturity under the Prophet's guidance, the desired ratio of one to ten between the Muslims and the unbelievers was established. To understand the situation I would correct your words as, the new Believers were not greatly strengthened with feel of paradise.

It is not subject to change because it is not limited by the boundaries of time. This means that when Allah Almighty reveals something in the Qur'an and later on gives a fresh command that adjusts the old one or cancels it, He surely knows already that He is going to reveal something to adjust the old command or cancel it. In other words, the new command is not new to Him; it is new to us because we have no access to His knowledge and we are bound by time limitations.<<

What you say cannot apply to a book which claims to be valid for all time. The underlined sentence means that the Koran was meant only for the Arabs who lived during the lifetime of the prophet. If commands had to be 'adjusted' to suit the context of the time how can they be timeless?

I would correct your inference as follows. Qur'an is valid from the time it revealed till the final day. Allah adjusted His commands for the people who started learning Islam from the Prophet (peace be upon him). That is what Qur'an 3:110 says – "Ye are the best of peoples, evolved for mankind, enjoining what is right, forbidding what is wrong, and believing in Allah….". So through revelations a group of best people were being created. Depending on the situations they were asked to follow Commandments. This way the later generation could learn how those righteous predecessors' learnt and practiced Islam. So the usage of "timeless" is not appropriate. Except the basic teaching to "worship One and Only God", prophets appointed to mankind had difference in some rulings depending upon the community they were sent. Qur'an is the last and final revelation sent through Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) for the mankind. Qur'an 39:41 says - "Verily We have revealed the Book to thee in Truth, for (instructing) mankind." Also, Bukhari quotes from Jabir bin Abdullah: Allah's Messenger said,

"Every Prophet used to be sent to his nation only but I have been sent to all mankind."

In the light of this, we can understand that Allah Almighty has already had knowledge that He is going to give a new command at a certain point in the life of people telling them to change their way of life or correct certain concepts in ways that suit the new stage.<<

In reply, you wrote - This means Allah knew at the time He revealed a verse He would have to change it to suit changing circumstances and it indicates that the verses have significance only for times of the prophet. After the end of Allah's revelations the verses will have significance only if everything is frozen as they were at the time of the prophet's death.

Yes, Allah knows about the revelations and the changing circumstances. But that knowledge has no present, past or future. These tenses only applicable for us, not for Allah. You mentioned everything has to be frozen for Qur'anic verses to have significance since Prophet's (peace be upon him) death. Here should understand one thing. Qur'an is essentially a Book of guidance. It has some glimpses of science but that is for human beings to think about Allah's excellence in creation. This is what Qur'an says in 3:191 – "Men who celebrate the praises of Allah, standing, sitting, and lying down on their sides, and contemplate the (wonders of) creation in the heavens and the earth, (With the thought): "Our Lord! not for naught Hast Thou created (all) this! Glory to Thee! Give us salvation from the penalty of the Fire."

Qur'an guides human being to right path. Qur'an says in 2:2 – "This is the Book; in it is guidance sure, without doubt, to those who fear Allah".

As Qur'an is a book of guidance, it targets the moral code of human beings. Above all, it makes the human being to conscious about God and remind about judgment in the hereafter. These aspects of human beings have not changed and remain as it is.

Behind this, there is surely great divine wisdom, which sometimes we are aware of and sometimes we are not

In reply, you wrote - This is Mullah-speak. When the book that claims to be clear and easily understood becomes opaque you blame it on Allah's divine wisdom.

I am not a Mullah. I am trying to fulfill a religious duty of conveying truth. Also what I convey you are from what I know. This is a continuous process of learning. Qur'an never said it contains the whole knowledge of universe. Human beings also not to be boasted upon their knowledge. Qur'an addressing to those seek divine guidance and remind those who ignore. Yes, Qur'an is easily understood if somebody approaches to it with pure mind and fear Allah about his/her actions.

To illustrate this, let's think about a father whose five-year-old child asks him about the origin of life; where do males and females come from? At this point of the child's age, the most suitable answer will be something like "We come from Adam and Eve." But later on when this same child grows up, the simple answer will be abrogated by telling him about the mechanism of production and fertilization. This example gives a bit of an idea about how this process of abrogation works.<<

In reply, you wrote - Taking this example to the development of human beings would mean that we as human beings stopped growing after Muhammad died.

But you must know, every human being unlike other creatures learns from he grows. You or me, not come with knowledge when we born. The process of exploring and learning is taking place mainly in human beings.

As for Allah, His infinite knowledge neither has a start nor an end.<<

In reply, you wrote - Allah in his infinite knowledge failed to put an end to end slavery. Muslims enjoyed taking and keeping slaves right into the twentieth century until kaffirs forced Muslims to abrogate Allah's verses that allow slavery.

See, slavery is the result of human actions at one stage of history. I told you, human beings are given free will to act. Along with that, Allah has sent guidance for human beings. As a result of human action by those who not followed Allah's guidance, many troubles aroused in history. Another point to remember, Allah created human beings in different ranks (rich, poor or broadly diverse manner) as a test to human beings of how they act according to what they being offered. This is what Qur'an says in 6:165 – "It is He Who hath made you (His) agents, inheritors of the earth: He hath raised you in ranks, some above others: that He may try you in the gifts He hath given you: for thy Lord is quick in punishment: yet He is indeed Oft-forgiving, Most Merciful."

Also, Allah's judgment hereafter is perfect without a least of injustice. Qur'an says in 4:124 – "If any do deeds of righteousness,- be they male or female - and have faith, they will enter Heaven, and not the least injustice will be done to them."

Regarding slavery, when Islam was revealed to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), slavery was a worldwide common social phenomenon; it was much older than Islam. Slavery was deeply rooted in every society to the extent that it was impossible to imagine a civilized society without slaves. In spite of this social fact, Islam was the first religion to recognize slavery as a social illness that needed to be addressed. Since slavery was deeply rooted in the society, Islam did not abolish it at once. Rather, Islam followed the same methodology of gradual elimination in dealing with this social disease as it did with other social illnesses, for example: the prohibition of alcohol in three steps.

It was a war custom in the past to take men and women as captives and then turn them into slaves. Islam did not initiate it; rather, it was something in practice long ago before the advent of Islam. And when Islam came, it tried to eradicate this practice, bit by bit. So it first restricted it to the reciprocal practice of war, in the sense that Muslims took war captives just as the enemies did with Muslims. But as it aimed at putting an end to such issue, Islam laid down several rules which would eventually lead to eradicating the practice.

Yet, here we need to ask, if that is what abrogation is like, what is the benefit or the wisdom of doing that?

In fact, scholars have counted a number of wisdoms behind abrogation. First, abrogation can happen as a way of gradual legislation that aims at making things easy for people.<<

In reply, you wrote - Gradual legislation ended drinking of alcohol. Allah did not legislate to end slavery. Allah does not consider slavery to be a crime whereas alcohol and usury are. What is Allah's wisdom worth, Shaji?

I told you, human beings are created in diverse manner. We find rich, poor, handicapped, learnt, ignorant, some die early whereas some die aged and in various other status. Slavery and captives of war is still a reality and we cannot blindly deny this fact. I can quote from Christian and Hindu religious scriptures about the slavery of their time. It will be very lengthy if I deal this subject here. In brief, Islam actually teaches to be fair and treat justly to slaves. It may be seen that the Qur'an had adopted five steps for the eradication of slavery.

1. Created a sense of brotherhood.

The Qur'an had, firstly, created a notion that both master and slave were brothers, one to the other, by inculcating awareness that all men were the creations of the same God and were the children of the same parents. "O mankind! We created you from a single (pair) of a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that ye may know each other (not that ye may despise each other). Verily the most honored of you in the sight of Allah is (he who is) the most righteous of you. And Allah has full knowledge and is well acquainted (with all things)." (Qur'an 49:13)

Here, the Qur'an has cut apart the very root of all forms of narrow mindedness that arose out of the feelings of superior birth. Indeed, the prophet had taught that righteousness was measured not on the basis of color, race or wealth, but on the basis of God-consciousness alone. "The Arab has no superiority over the non-Arab or the non-Arab over the Arab; the white over the black or the black over the white except in the matter of God-consciousness." (Tabari)

Where slaves are mentioned, the Holy Qur'an remarked that "some amongst you proceed from others."(Qur'an 4:25). Here the Qur'an has made it clear that both master and slave are brothers, one to the other, and that it is circumstances alone which force slavery upon some people.

2. It created an awareness concerning the rights of the slave.

The slave was a mere commodity item in all ancient societies. His lot was confined to duties alone. His obligation was simply to strive for an increase in the comforts and luxury enjoyed by the master and in this regard, there was to be no compromise whatsoever. It was a paramount necessity that the slave was in good shape in order that he be able to work for his master. Indeed, it was for this reason and for this reason alone, that he was provided for with food. They (i.e., the slaves) were housed in yards which sufficed to accommodate not even the cattle and other livestock. As for the clothes that they were provided with, they were sufficient not even to cover their nakedness and, that too, filthy pieces of clothes they were!

Islam brought about a transformation in the situation. It taught that the slave was the brother of the master and that he had rights as well. The prophet commanded: "They are your brothers and relatives! Let each one provide for the brother under him with the food that he himself eats and with the clothes that he himself wears. Place not upon them any task that is overbearing for them. If you do assign them a difficult task, you must help them in its execution." (Bukhari, Muslim)

The duty of the slave, in primitive societies, was never confined to mere labour. He was also doomed to be at the receiving end of his master's sadistic pleasure-seekings. The cruelest flogging while at work! To be always ready to kill and to be killed for the sake of his master's pleasure! Qur'an commanded that such a state of affairs must change. It instructed in the humane and proper treatment of the slaves. "Serve Allah, and join not any partners with Him; and do good - to parents, kinsfolk, orphans, those in need, neighbours who are of kin, neighbours who are strangers, the companion by your side, the way-farer (ye meet), and what your right hands possess: for Allah loveth not the arrogant, the vainglorious."(Qur'an 4:36)

The prophet had clearly stated, "If anyone kills a slave, we shall kill him. If anyone maims a slave, we shall maim him as well. If anyone castrates his slave, we shall castrate him."(Muslim, Abu Dawood)

From being the choice commodity for the master's choicest desire, the slave was being transformed into a being with his very own personality and rights. It was in a society in which existed the heinous practice of castrating slaves that the prophet had, in the most unambiguous terms, declared that the master who castrates his slave will, in turn, 'be castrated by us.' The slaves were castrated in order that their sexual impulses be destroyed, whereby, they could then be made to work like animals. Islam, which prohibited this practice, particularly instructs that means should be made available for the satisfaction of the sexual instincts of the slave also. "Marry those among you who are single, and the virtuous ones among your slaves, male or female: if they are in poverty, Allah will give them means out of His grace: for Allah is Ample-giving, and He knoweth all things." (Qur'an 24:32)

Furthermore, the Qur'an prohibited the system of forcing female slaves into prostitution. "Let those who find not the wherewithal for marriage keep themselves chaste, until Allah gives them means out of His grace. And if any of your slaves ask for a deed in writing (for emancipation) give them such a deed if ye know any good in them; yea, give them something yourselves out of the means which Allah has given to you. But force not your maids to prostitution when they desire Chastity, in order that ye may make a gain in the goods of this life. But if anyone compels them, yet, after such compulsion, is Allah Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful." (Qur'an 24:33)

3. Declared the emancipation of slaves to be an act of righteousness.

By declaring the slave's to be an existence which had rights of its own, Islam had technically made slavery non-existent. Without stopping at that point, however, it went further by turning to a course of action which would, in time, serve to eliminate the system in a very practical sense indeed. This practical step which Islam had adopted to make slavery virtually non-existent was its act of declaring the emancipation of slaves to be an act of righteousness. The position of the prophet as regards the emancipation of slaves was such that it only reinforced the meaning of the Qur'anic reference that "Those who follow the Messenger, the unlettered Prophet, whom they find mentioned in their own (Scriptures) - In the Torah and the Gospel; for he commands them what is just and forbids them what is evil; he allows them as lawful what is good (and pure) and prohibits them from what is bad (and impure) : He releases them from their heavy burdens and from the yokes that are upon them. So it is those who believe in him, honor him, help him, and follow the Light which is sent down with him, it is they who will prosper." (Qur'an 7:157)

The Qur'anic verse which makes it clear that the emancipation of slaves is an act of the highest virtue goes as follows: "And what will explain to thee the path that is steep? (It is) freeing the bondman; or the giving of food in a day of privation, to the orphan with claims of relationship, or to the indigent (down) in the dust." (Qur'an 90:12-16)

As far as the emancipation of slaves was concerned, the prophet had exhorted his companions towards it by, firstly, making an example himself. He set free the slaves who were in his possession. His companions, too, followed the same path. In this context, it may be seen that Abu Bakr (t), a man of prominence amongst the companions, spent countless wealth in purchasing slaves from the pagans for setting them free.

There are numerous sayings of the prophet which encourage the freeing of slaves. "If anyone sets free a believing slave, each of his body parts will be set free from Hell so much so that it will be the hand for a hand, the leg for a right up to the sexual organ for the sexual organ." (Bukhari, Muslim)

Once the companion, Abu Dharr (t), asked the prophet, "Which is the highest act in the emancipation of slaves?" The prophet replied, "To set free the most valuable slave of the master."

The prophet, while talking about those who become deserving of God's reward twice, said, "He who confers a proper behaviour upon the female slave under him, then gives her the best education, sets her free and then marries her will become entitled to a double reward." (Bukhari, Muslim)

Thus it was that the believers, both during the time of the prophet and afterwards, began to set slaves free expecting, in return, the reward of the Lord Creator itself. Besides this, a situation came up wherein even the wealth of Zakat began to be used for the emancipation of slaves. It may be seen from history that during the reign of Umar bin Abdul Azeez, when there was not a single needy person to accept the wealth of Zakat, this money was used to purchase slaves in order to set them free.

4. Emancipation of slaves was made the act of expiation for many types of sin.

In addition to encouraging the believers towards its commission by declaring the emancipation of slaves to be a virtuous deed, Islam recommended it as an act of expiation for many types of sin. The atonement for sins like unintentional murder and breaking one's vow of not approaching his wife was the freeing of one slave. As for those who were not ready to free slaves in expectation of Divine reward alone, the command which made the emancipation of slaves an atoning act for sins committed, nevertheless, made it necessary for them to do so.

5. The facility of providing the slave with his freedom in exchange of the ransom value was made possible.

Let us suppose that it was still not possible for a slave to become free by any of the means listed above. Even then freedom is not impossible for him. Islam has opened a way out for any slave who desires his freedom. This becomes possible through a freedom deed known by the technical name Mukathaba. If the yearning for freedom becomes entrenched within, it becomes possible for any slave to become a free man through the Mukathaba. The master and the slave get together to decide upon a ransom value and a time-frame for its payment on mutually agreeable terms. It is further possible for the slave to go out and work to earn this ransom value himself. Thus, the slave is enabled to pay the ransom value in installments. With the completion of this payment he becomes a free man.

Through this facility, Islam has made possible the opportunity for fulfilling the dream of independence of any slave in whose heart there, indeed, arises such a desire. What if the slave, after having written down the document for his freedom, is unable to pay the ransom amount within the stipulated time period? Islam has provided the solution for this as well. One of the eight heads under which the Zakat wealth is to be expended is the emancipation of slaves (Qur'an 9:60). If it happens that a slave is unable to pay his ransom value according to the Mukathaba, he can approach the Baithulmal (public treasury) for the purpose. It is the responsibility of those who handle it to set the man free by making use of a stipulated amount from it. Here Islam has devised a way which makes use of the wealth of the wealthy to emancipate slaves.

As far as the problem of slavery is concerned, Islam adopted a line of action which provided for the freedom from the binding chains by teaching the slave what freedom actually means and by enabling them to free themselves from dependence on others. In reality, there has been no other course of action to which anyone could point and say that that was a better way than the method adopted by Islam in the case of slavery. If that is to be really appreciated it would be necessary to view the problem from the perspective of the time and the society in which it prevailed as an established institution in itself.

Sometimes, Allah Almighty commands that a certain strict thing should be observed and then alleviates it to make the life of people easier.<<

In reply you wrote - Allah took no measures to make the lives of slaves, especially slave-girls kept as concubines, easy. He said treat them well and release some as expiation for your sins and left it at that. There is nothing about slave keeping being abhorrent as He claimed alcohol and usury to be.

Some people misunderstand the wisdom behind the permissibility of having female slaves and think that it is meant to unleash men's desires and give them more enjoyment. Never! It is, rather, means of freeing slaves; and this is clarified above in the fact that if a master got a female slave pregnant, then he could neither sell her nor give her away as a present. And if he died, she would not be considered part of his property. She'd receive her freedom and her baby would also be free. But, we have to stress that this case should not be confused with that of female servants or maids, for they are free and not slaves. Therefore, it is forbidden to engage in sexual relations with them except through an Islamic marriage. The First World War in 1914 was a clear reflection of the evils involved in setting captive women free to roars about in a strange society with strange surroundings. During that war, German and English women prisoners on either side were set free to roam the streets with no-one to feed them. The result was obvious that they resorted to other unrefined and uncivilized methods of income on the streets. It is evident that the Islamic treatment of women prisoners of war was conducive towards better social relations and led to the refinement of their overall social lives.

An example of this is when Allah Almighty commanded that anyone who wants to speak to the Prophet (peace be upon him) should offer something in charity. Later on, Allah (Glory be to Him) removed this requirement and just encouraged people to establish prayer and do good deeds.<<

In reply, you wrote - Where was the need to remove this requirement as the prophet would die anyway and this verse would become redundant? This verse and the one abrogating it (which is this abrogating verse?) again shows that the Koran was specific to Muhammad's time and is superfluous in today's world.

See, there are verses in Qur'an which addressed to Prophet (peace be upon him) in a particular situation to provide solution in that situation. To understand that, you must know context of that verse. It is from Qur'an 58:12-13 which says – "O ye who believe! When ye consult the Messenger in private, spend something in charity before your private consultation. That will be best for you, and most conducive to purity (of conduct). But if ye find not (the wherewithal), Allah is Oft- Forgiving, Most Merciful. Is it that ye are afraid of spending sums in charity before your private consultation (with him)? If, then, ye do not so, and Allah forgives you, then (at least) establish regular prayer; practise regular charity; and obey Allah and His Messenger. And Allah is well-acquainted with all that ye do."

Reported from Ibn Abbas: (about spend something in charity before your private consultation.) "The Muslims kept asking Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) questions until it became difficult on him. Allah wanted to lighten the burden from His Prophet (peace be upon him). So when He said this, many Muslims were afraid to pay this charity and stopped asking. Then Allah sent down relief from this requirement afterwards.

One such issue if addressed in Qur'an specific to Prophet (peace be upon him), how that become a proof that whole Qur'an was specific to Prophet's time and irrelevant in today's world…??. Nearly 1/3^rd of Qur'an speaks about hereafter life. Does that mean Qur'an is not relevant in today's world and it is only for hereafter….??. Actually it set rules to live in this world to achieve success in hereafter. Similarly, the verse referring to Prophet (peace be upon him) specifying the importance of respecting and obeying him and follow Allah's Commandments.

But one may ask, "What is the point of this?" The answer is, there are many wisdoms behind it, one of which is to make people aware of the fact that Allah is merciful to them and that He looks after them and cares for their well-being.<<

In reply, you wrote - Is it wisdom to tell people that they need not give charity? I thought charity was one of the pillars of Islam. My reading of this verse is the charity was actually meant for the prophet after he had squandered away Khadija's wealth. But after he became rich on the twenty percent he skimmed off all booty he had no need for charity and he had Allah give him a verse relieving his followers of this burden of maintaining him and his several wives and concubines.

Yes, people must be encouraged to give charity. Charity (obligatory Zakat) is one of the pillars in Islam. Your reading of this verse if done considering the context, misunderstanding could have avoided. Prophet (peace be upon him) did not squander Khadija's (may Allah be pleased with her) wealth. He did not lead luxurious life, he did not have palace, on several instances he was starved after hear death. He spent most of his nights praying, and most of the daytime in the mosque teaching his followers, planning and running their affairs, and receiving and sending envoys from and to all tribes of the Arab Peninsula, as well as kings of the known world.

Says Aysha (may Allah be pleased with her), another wife of the prophet, "As there was no food cooked in our house, the cooking place would go without a fire being lit for one or two months at a stretch. Ours was a diet of dates and water. Some times it would be the milk of goats and the dried shells of dates which those from Madinah would bring us."

Aysha (may Allah be pleased with her) was once recalling the past days to a person. The subject of narration was the difficulties which the prophet and his family endured after the migration. She then talked of an occasion in which they worked in the house in total darkness. "Was not there a lamp?" enquired the person. She then replied thus: "If the oil to burn the lamp was in our possession, instead of burning it, we would have drunk it to satisfy our hunger."

This by no means, was the situation that was prevalent only in the first years of the Prophet's mission. For even after Prophet (peace be upon him) had assumed the position of the powerful sovereign of a vast empire his condition was not very much different. Let the inner sanctum of the ruler of the Islamic empire be described in the words of Umar (may Allah be pleased with him), his own companion:
"I never saw anything save three pieces of leather in a corner and a little barley in the room of the prophet. I wept at this. The prophet asked, 'Why is it that you cry?' I said: "O messenger of Allah! How will I hold back my tears? I see the imprint of the palm leaves on thine own body. I am also aware of the contents of this room. O messenger of Allah! Beseech Allah for the ample means of thine own sustenance. For, while the rulers of the Persian and Roman people - the Chosroes and the Caesars - live in the luxury of gardens beneath which rivers flow, the chosen messenger of Allah should live in abject poverty and hunger!' When he heard this reply of mine, the prophet, who had been reclining on a pillow, now sat up and then said, 'Oh Umar! Are you still in doubt concerning this matter? The comforts and provisions of the Hereafter are much better than the comforts and provisions of this worldly life. The unbelievers enjoy their share of the good things in this life. As for our share, it has been reserved for the life Hereafter.' Forthwith did I implore the prophet thus, 'O Messenger of God! Pray for my forgiveness for I have, indeed, erred.'"

It is the claim that the Qur'an was the creation of Muhammad (peace be upon him), which he had contrived for his own worldly gains that is rendered baseless here. For it is, indeed, without foundation to say that the man who had given away the seven dinars, which were his only worldly possession, in charity on his death-bed and who died, thereof, after pawning his armour with a jew, was a man after wealth. Even the New Catholic Encyclopedia has considered baseless the argument that the creation of the Qur'an was due to an excessive love for wealth: "A notion has been created that the religious revolution of Muhammad was driven by a love of wealth. Actual and known facts, however, will contest this notion." (The New Catholic Encyclopedia, Vol. IX, Page 1001)

Another wisdom is to refine the souls of people and train them on how to observe to higher levels of morality.<<

In reply, you wrote - How does asking people not to give charity (even to a penurious prophet) lift them to higher levels of morality?

I told you, the instruction not to offer charity to speak private to Prophet (peace be upon him) as abrogated later once the burden upon Prophet is over. It lifts a believer to higher levels of morality by accepting the instruction from God as it is revealed.

For instance, if your child is not studying hard and spending much time playing, you can discipline him saying, "You are not allowed to play anymore for the coming month." Later on, you may see that he has complied with the command and became very good in his studies, so what you do is to alleviate the restrictions and allow him to play for a certain number of hours. In this way, you create a balance in his life. In this exact way, Allah Almighty trains w

In reply you wrote - This is a childish example (why do Muslims come up with such fatuous examples?) This again tells us that the Koran was meant for the Arabs who lived in jahiliya. We have all grown up since the seventh century and Allah's verses (and indeed the Koran) stand abrogated by Time. Only Muslims who still live in the seventh century see any wisdom in Allah's verses.

The reason is simple; some people deliberately come up with childish questions. To explain them, one has to go to the level of a child. Also, even after explaining, they look for some loop hole and find ways to reject. As I said earlier, slowly a generation of Muslims who were God fearing and obeying the Commandments transformed from the era of darkness. They became model for others to follow. Though the Quran's primary audience was them, it was their duty to transmit the message. Also, it was believer's responsibility to understand Islam as how those righteous predecessors understood and followed. The main problem now days that people misinterpret Qur'an in this generation according to own understanding and never they refer to those "Salafs" methodology. Abrogation in rules by Allah were made at the time of Prophet's (peace be upon him) time till the verse 5:3 revealed, which says – "…This day have I perfected your religion for you, completed My favour upon you, and have chosen for you Islam as your religion…."

Our growth from 7^th century you must evaluate on two bases - God consciousness and morality. I don't think human beings had grown enough and found better solution than God's guidance. Our growth is remarkable in the field of science and technology. But that must not be a weapon to reject God. Death is still a reality and no one can escape that. No solution in man's hand to stop that also. We won't take our comforts to graves. Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "When a person dies, all his deeds come to an end except three: Sadaqah jaariyah (ongoing charity, e.g. a waqf or endowment), beneficial knowledge (which he has left behind), or a righteous child who will pray for him." (Tirmidhi).

Sometimes, abrogation comes to establish a certain ruling that needs to be established gradually because it is difficult for people to apply it completely. Suppose that you want a drug addict to give up drugs, it would be unpractical to ask him to give up right away. The most practical way will be to train him how to give up bit by bit. The same is applied in the Qur'an when Allah Almighty commanded the believing community to give up wine: He did not do that at one shot. Rather, Allah Almighty first spoke about wine and that it may be beneficial for some people (i.e. traders) but it has some greater harm. Later on, a new instruction came prohibiting any drunken man to engage in prayer and, in fact, that was stage two. Then, when the community was fully prepared to receive a final decision and were able to apply the law, Allah Almighty told them to avoid drinking wine completely and never approach it.<<

In reply, you wrote - Great excuse for Allah's creative powers gone wrong. He creat people away from wine. But ed wine. Why did He. Or why did he make wine that would make people go crazy?

Allah thought up stage wise ways of weaning people away from wine. But His imagination seems to have failed when it came to the Muslims' addiction to slaves. Which is why slave-keeping continued until the twentieth century in the Prophet's homeland of Saudi Arabia.

Allah did not create wine here. From Allah's created things, human beings prepared wine for their enjoyment. For example, Qur'an 57:25 refers, Allah created iron which can be used for war (against evil), also it has many benefits for mankind. With the same iron we can manufacture knives, which can be used to kill people and also to cut vegetables. One use is harmful and other is beneficial. Hope you understood. It is we, human beings who handle these and decide the purpose. Allah sent His guidance; remind punishment us for our evil actions and reward for good.

Once again, you tried to imagine Allah's thoughts considering HIM as just a creation like us. I don't know what kind of slavery continued in Saudi Arabia till last century. If you are talking about male or female servants, then you right and it is widespread in gulf countries. They are not treated as slaves. Also remember, any country whether it is Saudi Arabia or any other Muslims country if not follow Prophet (peace be upon him) or his teachings, it is the problem of them, and not Islam.

I only intend to explain about Islam (as far as I know) and not to defend any country's actions.

I hope you got the idea of abrogation from the above explanation. There are many things more to be explained in this aspect but let me leave it for now and will present you as per your response, Insha Allah <<

In reply, you wrote - I will welcome more explanations of Allah abrogating His own words. But so far you have only succeeded in making Allah look extremely silly.

You feel silly, because you consider Allah and His legacy just as another human being. I am only trying to convey what I learnt and it is with Allah to produce results. This is what Qur'an says in 28:56 – "It is true thou wilt not be able to guide every one, whom thou lovest; but Allah guides those whom He will and He knows best those who receive guidance."

If you are with good intention and genuine seeker of truth, Insha Allah you will receive guidance.

Secondly, Islam is not the religion of Arabs. It is your misconception. See what Qur'an says in 3:84 - Say: "We believe in Allah, and in what has been revealed to us and what was revealed to Abraham, Isma'il, Isaac, Jacob, and the Tribes, and in (the Books) given to Moses, Jesus, and the prophets, from their Lord: We make no distinction between one and another among them, and to Allah do we bow our will (in Islam)."<<

In reply, you wrote - This verse tells us that Allah's religion is meant only for the Semitic people as He has not named any prophet He sent to China or India.

Ok, you understood the verse like that. Remember, when Qur'an was revealing, the primary audience in Arabia were polytheists, Jews and Christians. So Qur'an spoke concerning their belief and asked them to rectify. But Qur'an in 35:24 also says – "Verily We have sent you with the truth, a bearer of glad tidings and a warner. And there never was a nation but a warner had passed among them". So Warner had passed through every nation including China or India. Adding to that, Qur'an 39:41 says – "Verily We have revealed the Book to thee in Truth, for (instructing) mankind." This means not only Semitic people but also to all mankind. Qur'an doesn't have to name all those prophets. It provides what was the basic teaching of all those prophets. Qur'an 21:25 gives that teaching, it is – "Not an apostle did We send before thee without this inspiration sent by Us to him: that there is no god but I; therefore worship and serve Me."

Then why Qur'an and Prophet (peace be upon him) was required….??. Read Qur'aan 2:213 – "Mankind were one community, and ALLAH sent prophets as bearers of good tidings and as warners, and revealed therewith the Scripture with the truth, that it might judge between mankind concerning that wherein they differed. And only those unto whom (the Scripture) was given differed concerning it, after clear proofs had come unto them, through hatred one of another. And ALLAH by His Will guided those who believe unto the truth of that concerning which they differed. ALLAH guideth whom He will unto a straight path".<<

In reply, you wrote - Do you see any wisdom in these verses? What I see is an Allah who does not know whether He is coming or going. Read the underlined sentences. Allah at first says He revealed the scripture to judge us about that which we differed. He later says that by His will He guided those who believe (Muslims) to the truth. This means Allah chooses to guide some to the truth and some He leaves straying. Allah is a capricious deity who makes no sense.

Yes, I see wisdom in the verse. Now I will tell you how you should correct your understanding. Allah knows very well about the prophets He sent. Also, Allah revealed the scriptures with truth when the wicked among human beings tried to distort the truth. Yes, Allah guides those believe because others were rejecters knowing that it was truth. So they themselves went astray. Guidance from Allah depends on our intention and willingness to obey.

As far as my understanding, deity is the term used when a human being or any other creature turns to the status of god or goddess. Allah is not comparable with anything in this world. Then who is Allah….??. The same question was once asked to Prophet (peace be upon him). Answer is, Qur'an Chapter 112, Verses 1-4 – "Say: "He is ALLAH, the One and Only. ALLAH is Independent of all and all are dependent on Him. Neither has He an offspring nor is He the offspring of anyone. And none is equal with Him in rank."

Do you know anybody in this world who fulfills the above requirements…??.

It is for us mankind require guidance to lead life which suits with nature. Allah's duty is to reveal the guidance (Qur'an) and to send Prophets for humankind to follow.<<

In reply, you wrote - You are challenging many verses of the Koran which say Allah chooses to guide who He will. Allah claims his duty is to guide only those who take His fancy (Jews and later Muslims). Allah has not sent any prophet after Muhammad. The world has passed through more dire states than during the prophet's time. Why does He not abrogate the verse making Muhammad the seal of prophets and let us have the pleasure of more messengers to guide us?

You feel I am challenging Allah, is due to your wrong understandings. Then, what was the need of even Prophet (peace be upon him) through him the same Qur'an revealed to do Da'awa…??. As I said earlier, we are trying to conclude Allah's decision ourselves and same time we forget our responsibility. For example, Allah created human beings and the food for us to eat. We don't idle saying that it is Allah's responsibility to put food in our mouth and survive us as Allah is The Creator. We strive to prepare or acquire food from nature because it is a matter of our survival. Similarly, when Allah's guidance remains, we simply ignore that and we blame Allah for not guiding us to right path without making any effort from our side.

Allah doesn't have to send another prophet because Allah has perfected the religion of Islam (Qur'an 5:3) and Qur'an (39:41) confirms it is for the all mankind. Then what is the need of another Prophet…??.

When world passed through more dire states than during prophet's time and why no messengers came to guide us, the solution for such problems already said in Qur'an 4:59 – "O ye who believe! Obey Allah, and obey the Messenger, and those charged with authority among you. If ye differ in anything among yourselves, refer it to Allah and His Messenger, if ye do believe in Allah and the Last Day: That is best, and most suitable for final determination."

How to refer to Allah and His Messenger is by going back to Qur'an and Hadith to get solution. When we speak about solution, it should be the moral side.

I am not working against Allah's plan. Qur'an has the answer for this query. It says in 16:125 – "Invite (all) to the Way of thy Lord with wisdom and beautiful preaching; and argue with them in ways that are best and most gracious: for thy Lord knoweth best, who have strayed from His Path, and who receive guidance." Hope you got why I sit with you and it depends on my convenience.<<

In reply, you wrote - The Koran also says be hard on the unbelievers and fight them until they submit:

009.073 YUSUFALI: O Prophet! strive hard against the unbelievers and the Hypocrites, and be firm against them. Their abode is Hell,- an evil refuge indeed.

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

You should know that 16:125 was revealed in Mecca when he had not acquired armed might. As soon as he gathered a group of armed believers Allah's tone changes and He calls for violence against unbelievers. 9:29 and 9:73 were revealed in Madina.

Yes, 16:125 revealed in Makkah where Prophet (peace be upon him) had been instructed to start preaching about Islam. Armed struggle must be done under the leadership of a ruler or his appointee. When Prophet (peace be upon him) became the ruler in Medina, it was his duty to protect his people and integrity of his country.

Both the verses you quoted from Chapter 9. I will give you the context of this Chapter. After the Treaty of Hudaibiyah Prophet sent missions to several parts of Arabia to convince people about the truth of Islam. One such mission visited the clans which lived in the northern areas adjacent to Syria. The majority of these people were Christians, who were under the influence of the Roman Empire. Contrary to all the principles of the commonly accepted international law, they killed fifteen members of the delegation near a place known as Zat-u-Talah. Only Ka'ab bin Umair Ghifari, the head of the delegation, succeeded in escaping and reporting the sad incident. Besides this, Shurahb bin Amr, the Christian governor of Busra, who was directly under the Roman Caesar, had also put to death Harith bin Umair, the ambassador of the Holy Prophet, who had been sent to him on a similar minion. These events convinced the Holy Prophet that a strong action should be taken in order to make the territory adjacent to the Roman Empire safe and secure for the Muslims. So it was Prophet's (peace be upon him) duty to protect welfare of his people and secure integrity of territory. When Prophet (peace be upon him) was a normal citizen of Makkah, he had to be patient against atrocities to him and he did not resort war to anybody. When nobody gives any protection to him and there was no ruler to give him justice, he and his companions fled to Makkah. So the situation in Madina is different from Makkah. In Makkah he was a normal citizen where as in Madina he was a ruler.

Also, in 9:73 it should also be noted that this verse does not enjoin the Muslims to fight with the hypocrites. It merely meant to end the policy of leniency that had hitherto been adopted towards them. This verse enjoined that they were no more to be considered a part and parcel of the Muslim community nor were they to be allowed to take part in the management of its affairs nor consulted about any matter, so that they might not be able to spread the poison of hypocrisy. It was obvious that in order to save the Muslim community from fall and degradation, it was essential to purge it of all the internal dangers to its solidarity, because a community, which nourishes hypocrites and traitors and allows the internal enemies to flourish with honor and security, will inevitably be doomed to moral degradation and ultimate destruction.

Regarding Jizya, it is derived from the root "Jaza" or "compensate". Islam was not the first religion to pre-ordain the Jizya and Muslims were not the first nation to levy the Jizya unto the peoples subdued by them.

Victorious nations throughout history have persisted in levying the Jizya on their conquered subjects. In Bible, Matthew 17:24-25 says - "What do you think Simon? From whom do the kings of the earth collect duty and taxes – from their own sons or from others?" "From others" Peter answered. "Then the sons are exempt" Jesus said to him."

When the Prophets (peace be upon them), conquered certain kingdoms with the will and victory of Allah, they levied the jizya upon the conquered peoples. They had in fact also enslaved the conquered peoples as was done by Joshua on the people of Canaan when he conquered them:

"They did not dislodge the Canaanites dwelling on Gezer ; to this day the Canaanites live among the people of Ephraim but are required to pay Jizya." (Joshua 16:10).

Islam did not halt the societal norms and human practices which precedes its advent. Rather, Islam sets a higher standard above the misgivings of others. Holy Qur'aan 60:8 says - "Allah forbids you not, with regard to those who fight you not for (your) Faith nor drive you out of your homes, from dealing kindly and justly with them: for Allah loves those who are just."

The Prophet (peace be upon him) also says warning against being unjust to the People of Dhimma or impairing their rights: "The one who wrongs a covenanter or impairs his right or overworks him or forcibly takes something from him, I will be his prosecutor on the Day of Judgment" Narrated by Abu Dawood (3052) in (170/3).

Thomas Arnold in his The Preaching of Islam said: "The purpose of levying this tax on Christians – as reiterated by some researchers – was not a form of punishment for not accepting Islam. They rather used to pay it with the remaining dhimmis namely non-Muslims subjects of the Islamic state whose beliefs prevent them from joining the military service in return for the protection secured to them by Muslims' swords."

So what I am doing is, as per instruction of Allah through HIS divine guidance, which is Qur'an.<<

In reply, you wrote - The Koran instructs you thus:

009.111 YUSUFALI: Allah hath purchased of the believers their persons and their goods; for theirs (in return) is the garden (of Paradise): they fight in His cause, and slay and are slain: a promise binding on Him in truth, through the Law, the Gospel, and the Qur'an: and who is more faithful to his covenant than Allah? then rejoice in the bargain which ye have concluded: that is the achievement supreme.

Does this iron-clad contract that Allah signed with believers attract you, Shaji?

My friend, this verse from Qur'an stressing about a believer's duty to defend truth when Islam is attacked by its enemies. This is not an instruction to start war….??. In fact, it is the call to defense the true faith and freedom to practice….??. You have a presumption that all wars in the beginning of Islam were to execute other religions. All your conclusions are based on that. To know the truth, read verse 2:190 - "Fight in the cause of ALLAH those who fight you, but do not transgress limits; for ALLAH loveth not transgressors".

It is clear why to fight in the cause of ALLAH…..it is to resist those who come for fight. Then also one should not cross the limits in war.

Is Qur'an instigating war in a peaceful society….??. Read Qur'an 60:8 - "ALLAH forbids you not, with regard to those who fight you not for (your) Faith nor drive you out of your homes, from dealing kindly and justly with them: for ALLAH loves those who are just."

How adoring city of Makkah (or) kissing black stone (or) doing prostration on the earth's surface (or) ink and paper used to present Qur'an turned to worshipping that…..??. One can only say, it is a sense of respect shown to it. If I respect somebody, does that mean I am praying to him….??<<

In reply, you wrote - That is exactly what idol-worshippers are doing, showing respect to their creator by worshipping his symbols and making offerings. Muslims are no different. They pray facing Mecca, run between Safa and Marwa which Allah claims to be His symbols and offer slaughtered animals as offerings.

No sir, idol worshipper not just showing respect to idols, they pray to it. For example, Hindu Pundits and Scholars agree that the Vedas and other Hindu religious scriptures prohibit idol worship, but initially because the mind may not be matured, an idol is required for concentration while worshipping. After the mind reaches higher consciousness, the idol is not required for concentration. In achieving this spiritual progress "the first stage is the external/material worship; struggling to rise high, mental prayer is the next stage, but the highest stage is when the divine has been realized" (Mahanirvana Tantra, 4:12). Hindus' belief in the philosophy of Pantheism. Pantheism considers everything, living and non-living, to be Divine and Sacred. The common Hindu, therefore, considers everything as God. They believe God is Omnipresent.

Islam, which is grounded in monotheism, abhors the worship of the created. For the same reason, therefore, there are, in the Qur'an, numerous verses which seek to bring out the utter meaninglessness of the worship of the created. All of these verses serve the function of awakening the intellect of man. Indeed, the goal of the Qur'an has been the emancipation of human society from the clutches of the worship of the created. In fact, the Qur'an has never entertained the naive idea that humanity can be saved from the worship of the created by destroying the very objects which are deified. Qur'an did try to carve out 'idols' in the very consciousness of man himself. Qur'an is well aware that the use of force is never to be employed in the annihilations of these 'idols'; and that it is the activation of the intellect that is to be the prime requirement. Thus, the Qur'an has sought first and foremost to educate the masses against idol-worship.

Muslims worship only the Omnipotent Creator of the universe. The Ka'aba is a creation, and being the first monument built for the worship of the One True God, Muslims revere it. He, who worships the Ka'aba and offers prayers to it, does not belong to the Islam.

Pray facing Ka'aba, run between Safa-Marwa or offering animals, all part of obeying the Commandments of God. While Prophet (peace be upon him) was on the hills of Safa and Marwa supplicated to Allah as narrated by Jaabir (may Allah be pleased with him) said, "The Prophet (peace be upon him) began by ascending Safa until the Ka'aba was visible to him, then he faced Qiblah and said "Laa ilaaha illallaah, Allaahu Akbar" (There is no god worthy of worship but Allah, Allah is the greatest) and repeated "Laa ilaaha illallaah." There are no associates to Him; He is the Owner of the universe, to Him we give thanks, He is the Omnipotent; there is no god worthy of worship but Allah, the One... " He repeated this three times until he reached Marwa, where he did the same as he did on Safa." (Muslim)

The difference is found in Talbiya of polytheists. They associate other gods with Allah when they said "Except one associate; he is yours; you own him and whatever he owns." (Bukhari). The Prophet (peace be upon him) made Tawheed (monotheism) pure, and cast away the association of other gods with Allah, repudiating such practice.

At the time of the Prophet (peace be upon him) people even stood on the Kaaba and gave the 'adhaan' or the call to prayer. One may ask those who allege that Muslims worship the Kaaba; which idol worshipper stands on the idol he worships?<<

In reply, you wrote - What has stopped people from doing the same now? You want to try the same trick of Bilal now and tell the people who are about to cut you into a million pieces that Muhammad himself allowed it.

Muslims venerate the black stone just as any idol-worshipper does. Come off your high horse, Muslims are also idol worshippers. Allah allows it in verse 2:158.

Still the appointed people by Saudi government enter inside Ka'aba and they even stand over it for cleaning purpose. The height of Ka'aba is increased from the earlier structure. The matter is not that, you ask any Muslim whether he prays to Ka'aba or not. Also ask any Muslim, whether God is present inside Ka'aba or not….??. The answer is nothing but a big "No".

Idol worshipper considers God is Omnipresent. This is fundamentally against Islam's theory of God. Once again I repeat, venerating means respect or reverence. Muslims have no problem to respect or reverend. The problem is making supplication to it and considers that it would fulfill the prayers. The verse 2:158 says this – "Behold! Safa and Marwa are among the Symbols of Allah. So if those who visit the House in the Season or at other times, should compass them round, it is no sin in them. And if any one obeyeth his own impulse to good,- be sure that Allah is He Who recogniseth and knoweth."

No where it says one should worship it. It says no sin in rounding it. Once again read that carefully.

I can give you references from Hindu scriptures, instructing to worship unseen God.

1) "There is no image of Him" YajurVed 32:3

2) "He is bodyless and pure" Yajurved 40:8

5) "O friends, do not worship anybody but Him, the Divine One." Rigveda Book 8:1:1

I hope you will learn about Islam. If Allah wishes you will find the truth.<<

In reply, you wrote - By quoting all that stuff from the Vedas you are telling us the truth that Hinduism is no different from Islam. Why then as an Indian don't you go back to your roots?

By quoting that, I was meaning we all should go to the true path of submitting our will to One and Only God. And also to worship and pray the Same One and Only God. Some of Qur'anic teachings are still found in Hindu Scriptures but also interpolated ones. The dim light of the message of the prophets who were sent to India may be seen in them. But the claim they are completely Divine is, however, without foundation. Also, as per Hadith from Sahih Bukhari, "Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) said every prophet used to be sent to his nation only but I have been sent to whole of humankind".

I am Indian by origin (geographically) but not in beliefs. I must have the choice of selecting my belief depending on strict monotheism as per my understanding. Though other scriptures speak about monotheism but their followers do not follow it. I believe scriptures other than Qur'an are corrupted and not present in the original form it revealed.

May Allah helps us to learn and follow the truth (Amen).

In reply, you wrote - The TRUTH, my dear Shaji, is that whether there is one god, many gods or no god our lives are ours to live and fashion the way we want. Those who thus rise above the cruel injunctions and irrationality inherent in almost all religions are at peace with themselves and with their fellow beings.

The Real Truth my dear Plato, the God is One and there is no many gods. If our lives are ours to live and they way we want, then what is the need of legal system….??. Everybody can live they way he/she wants, isn't it?. Why it is being controlled among human being itself….??. Not just legal system, for example, drinking alcohol is allowed in certain countries and not allowed in certain others. Each has their own explanation. Which rule suppose to follow…??. But Qur'an says in 5:90 – "O ye who believe! Intoxicants and gambling, (dedication of) stones, and (divination by) arrows, are an abomination,- of Satan's handwork: eschew such (abomination), that ye may prosper."

Qur'an gives the perfect code of moral conduct. It is applicable wherever you are, and provides the sanction that must lay at the back of every moral law, that is, the love and fear of Allah, the sense of accountability on the Day of Judgment and the promise of eternal bliss and reward in the Hereafter.

Irrationality inherent not in Islam but in people's actions and their willingness to follow. One verse from Qur'an is sufficient it initiates peace and not hatred. It is not calling to believers but calling to whole mankind. Qur'an 49;13 says - "O mankind! We created you from a single (pair) of a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that ye may know each other (not that ye may despise each other). Verily the most honored of you in the sight of Allah is (he who is) the most righteous of you. And Allah has full knowledge and is well acquainted (with all things)."

Think about it…..

May Allah helps us to understand and follow the truth (Ameen)

Shaji

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