What is the Proof that Islam is the Relegion of Peace and that Islam is a Religion from God
The Truth of Islam
Hello,
First of all, I would like to say that I am Christian and I am not against Islam nor am I trying to bash it. I have many Muslim friends and I love all of them. But, my question is here about the proclaimed Religion of Peace.
As I understand, Muhammad started the the religion of Islam by revelations sent from God, through the angel Gabriel. He is considered the greatest man to ever walk to earth by many, if not all, Muslims because of the examples he set.
I also understand that he went to war to drive out the Pagans, as Muhammad and his followers were being oppressed.
So my first question is, how can it be a religion of peace if the founding father of Islam, if you will, went to war? I know many Muslim friends I have talked to answered this by saying it was an act of self defense. However, being a religion of peace means there should be no record of any violence, whether defensive or offensive, especially from someone as influential as Muhammad.
Does it not negate the claim of being a peaceful religion? If someone was perfect and they possess a flaw, are they still considered perfect? Much like here, if someone is peaceful, but they have later used violence, will they still hold that title of being peaceful?
My second question is, how do you prove that Islam is truly the religion from God? Muhammad received revelations and verses from Gabriel. However, how did he know Gabriel was from God?
As I have learned, Satan used to be an angel himself. I have always pondered on the possibility that perhaps Gabriel was Satan in disguise. According to Christianity, the devil is supposed to be the greatest deceiver. How does one know Gabriel is truly an angel from God, during the time of Muhammad?
I know these questions I have asked might offend someone, and I apologize in advance.
Thank You!
~ tpham812
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Dear tpharm812,
Thanks for your questions. Before I answer them, I would like to appreciate them. It is alright that you question. This tells that you have a doubt. If you did not have this doubt, you wouldn’t have been a non-Muslim still. Instead, you would have accepted Islam as the only True Religion. Your questions will not really offend a Muslim for this reason.
Infact, if you have further doubts about Islam and its laws, please ask. Now I’ll answer your questions.
Your first question about Peace
Your definition of peace is that one sits idle in every situation, regardless of how one is treated.
Consider a lady being harassed by some men. What do you expect her to do? Cry and let them do what they want? Will she not fight to save her dignity? If she does so, will she still be "un-peaceful"?
According to your definition of peace, she should not fight back and let them do what they want.
What is Peace really? Merriam Webster's dictionary defines "PEACE" like this:
The wars that were fought by Muslims during the time of Muhammad Peace be upon him were for peace. Just compare "the enemy coming into a city and killing everybody" with "waging a war with the hostile enemy who intend war and defeating them in order to bring security". War is to bring peace and tranquility in the community/nation. This is one reason, Islam is a Religion of Peace.
This was the purpose of wars during the times of Prophet Muhammad Peace be upon him.
I know that wars are fought for many other reasons today. I need not give examples, they are apparent in today’s World.
Your question about Islam being the True Religion.
The highest and the most powerful proof Muslims have is the Quran. It was Revealed over 1400 years ago, but is maintained in the same language, letter to letter without any distortion. Additionally, in it is Guidance and only the truth. Many scientific discoveries of this era were already existing in the Quran, Revealed over 1400 hundred years ago.
I understand what you want to say. You want to say that Islam is from the Satan. Read the following verses from the Quran and tell me if the Satan would say such things about himself:
And (remember) when We said to the angels: "Prostrate yourselves before Adam.". And they prostrated except Iblis (Satan), he refused and was proud and was one of the disbelievers (disobedient to Allah)
(2:34)
O mankind! Eat of that which is lawful and good on the earth, and follow not the footsteps of Shaitan (Satan). Verily, he is to you an open enemy. [Shaitan (Satan)] commands you only what is evil and Fahsha (sinful), and that you should say against Allah what you know not.
(2:168-169)
O you who believe! Enter perfectly in Islam (by obeying all the rules and regulations of the Islamic religion) and follow not the footsteps of Shaitan (Satan). Verily! He is to you a plain enemy
(2:208)
Then when she delivered her [child Maryam (Mary)], she said: "O my Lord! I have delivered a female child," - and Allah knew better what she delivered, - "And the male is not like the female, and I have named her Maryam (Mary), and I seek refuge with You (Allah) for her and for her offspring from Shaitan (Satan), the outcast."
(3:36)
It is only Shaitan (Satan) that suggests to you the fear of his Auliya' [supporters and friends (polytheists, disbelievers in the Oneness of Allah and in His Messenger, Muhammad )], so fear them not, but fear Me, if you are (true) believers.
(3:175)
And Shaitan (Satan) will say when the matter has been decided: "Verily, Allah promised you a promise of truth. And I too promised you, but I betrayed you. I had no authority over you except that I called you, so you responded to me. So blame me not, but blame yourselves. I cannot help you, nor can you help me. I deny your former act in associating me (Satan) as a partner with Allah (by obeying me in the life of the world). Verily, there is a painful torment for the Zalimun (polytheists and wrong-doers, etc.)."
(14:22)
There are innumerable other verses of this nature in the Quran. Why would Satan curse himself?
Allah says in another verse:
Say (O Muhammad ) Ruh-ul-Qudus [Jibrael (Gabriel)] has brought it (the Qur'an) down from your Lord with truth, that it may make firm and strengthen (the Faith of) those who believe and as a guidance and glad tidings to those who have submitted (to Allah as Muslims).
(16:102)
And Allah says:
Say (O Muhammad Peace be upon him ): "Whoever is an enemy to Jibrael (Gabriel) (let him die in his fury), for indeed he has brought it (this Qur'an) down to your heart by Allah's Permission, confirming what came before it [i.e. the Taurat (Torah) and the Injeel (Gospel)] and guidance and glad tidings for the believers. "Whoever is an enemy to Allah, His Angels, His Messengers, Jibrael (Gabriel) and Mikael (Michael), then verily, Allah is an enemy to the disbelievers."
(2:97-98)
And your perception that Satan was an angel is wrong. Satan was among the Jinn, as Allah says:
And (remember) when We said to the angels; "Prostrate to Adam." So they prostrated except Iblis (Satan). He was one of the jinns; he disobeyed the Command of his Lord. Will you then take him (Iblis) and his offspring as protectors and helpers rather than Me while they are enemies to you? What an evil is the exchange for the Zalimun (polytheists, and wrong-doers, etc).
(18:50)
About the Quran, Allah says in Quran itself:
Do they not then consider the Qur'an carefully? Had it been from other than Allah, they would surely have found therein much contradictions.
(4:82)
Verily We: It is We Who have sent down the Dhikr (i.e. the Qur'an) and surely, We will guard it (from corruption).
(15:9)
Prophet Muhammad Peace be upon him initially did not know that it was Gabriel. He was told about it later. Prophet Muhammad Peace be upon him also visited the Paradise and spoke to Allah, The Creator of the Universe. The following Hadith confirms it:
It is narrated on the authority of Anas b. Malik that the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) said: I was brought al-Buraq Who is an animal white and long, larger than a donkey but smaller than a mule, who would place his hoof a distance equal to the range of version. I mounted it and came to the Temple (Bait Maqdis in Jerusalem), then tethered it to the ring used by the prophets.
I entered the mosque and prayed two rak'ahs in it, and then came out and Gabriel brought me a vessel of wine and a vessel of milk. I chose the milk, and Gabriel said: You have chosen the natural thing Then he took me to heaven. Gabriel then asked the (gate of heaven) to be opened and he was asked who he was He replied: Gabriel. He was again asked: Who is with you?
He (Gabriel) said: Muhammad. It was said: Has he been sent for? Gabriel replied: He has indeed been sent for. And (the door of the heaven) was opened for us and lo ! we saw Adam. He welcomed me and prayed for my good. Then we ascended to the second heaven. Gabriel (peace be upon him) (asked the door of heaven to be opened), and he was asked who he was. He answered: Gabriel; and was again asked: Who is with you?
He replied: Muhammad. It was said: Has he been sent for? He replied: He has indeed been sent for. The gate was opened. When I entered 'Isa b. Maryam and Yahya b. Zakariya (peace be upon both of them), cousins from the maternal side, welcomed me and prayed for my good Then I was taken to the third heaven and Gabriel asked for the opening (of the door). He was asked: Who are you? He replied: Gabriel. He was (again) asked: Who is with you? He replied Muhammad (may peace be upon him).
It was said: Has he been sent for? He replied He has indeed been sent for. (The gate) was opened for us and I saw Yusuf (peace of Allah be upon him) who had been given half of (world) beauty. He welcomed me prayed for my well-being.
Then he ascended with us to the fourth heaven. Gabriel (peace be upon him) asked for the (gate) to be opened, and it was said: Who is he? He replied: Gabriel. It was (again) said: Who is with you? He said: Muhammad. It was said: Has he been sent for? He replied: He has indeed been sent for. The (gate) was opened for us, and lo! Idris was there. He welcomed me and prayed for my well-being (About him) Allah, the Exalted and the Glorious, has said: "We elevated him (Idris) to the exalted position" (Qur'an xix. 57).
Then he ascended with us to the fifth heaven and Gabriel asked for the (gate) to be opened. It was said: Who is he? He replied Gabriel. It was (again) said: Who is with thee? He replied: Muhammad. It was said Has he been sent for? He replied: He has indeed been sent for. (The gate) was opened for us and then I was with Harun (Aaron-peace of Allah be upon him). He welcomed me prayed for my well-being.
Then I was taken to the sixth heaven. Gabriel (peace be upon him) asked for the door to be opened. It was said: Who is he? He replied: Gabriel. It was said: Who is with thee?
He replied: Muhammad. It was said: Has he been sent for? He replied: He has indeed been sent for. (The gate) was opened for us and there I was with Musa (Moses peace be upon him) He welcomed me and prayed for my well-being. Then I was taken up to the seventh heaven. Gabriel asked the (gate) to be opened. It was said: Who is he? He said: Gabriel It was said. Who is with thee? He replied: Muhammad (may peace be upon him.)
It was said: Has he been sent for? He replied: He has indeed been sent for. (The gate) was opened for us and there I found Ibrahim (Abraham peace be upon him) reclining against the Bait-ul-Ma'mur (a house in Paradise similar to the Ka’bah, where the Angels circumambulate) and there enter into it seventy thousand angels every day, never to visit (this place) again Then I was taken to Sidrat-ul-Muntaha (a tree in Paradise which marks the end of Paradise, beyond which is the where Allah Is) whose leaves were like elephant ears and its fruit like big earthenware vessels. And when it was covered by the Command of Allah, it underwent such a change that none amongst the creation has the power to praise its beauty.
Then Allah revealed to me a revelation and He made obligatory for me fifty prayers every day and night. Then I went down to Moses (peace be upon him) and he said: What has your Lord enjoined upon your Ummah? I said: Fifty prayers.
He said: Return to thy Lord and beg for reduction (in the number of prayers), for your community shal1 not be able to bear this burden. as I have put to test the children of Isra'il and tried them (and found them too weak to bear such a heavy burden). He (the Holy Prophet) said: I went back to my Lord and said: My Lord, make things lighter for my Ummah. (The Lord) reduced five prayers for me. I went down to Moses and said: (The Lord) reduced five (prayers) for me, He said: Verily thy Ummah shall not be able to bear this burden; return to thy Lord and ask Him to make things lighter.
I then kept going back and forth between my Lord Blessed and Exalted and Moses, till He said: There are five prayers every day and night. O Muhammad, each being credited as ten, so that makes fifty prayers. He who intends to do a good deed and does not do it will have a good deed recorded for him; and if he does it, it will be recorded for him as ten; whereas he who intends to do an evil deed and does not do, it will not be recorded for him; and if he does it, only one evil deed will be recorded.
I then came down and when I came to Moses and informed him, he said: Go back to thy Lord and ask Him to make things lighter. Upon this the Messenger of Allah remarked: I returned to my Lord until I felt ashamed before Him.
(Sahih Muslim, Volume 1, hadith 309)
Another Hadith talks about the Revelation that came from the Angel Gabriel:
Narated By 'Aisha : (The mother of the faithful believers) The commencement of the Divine Inspiration to Allah's Apostle was in the form of good dreams which came true like bright day light, and then the love of seclusion was bestowed upon him. He used to go in seclusion in the cave of Hira where he used to worship (Allah alone) continuously for many days before his desire to see his family. He used to take with him the journey food for the stay and then come back to (his wife) Khadija to take his food like-wise again till suddenly the Truth descended upon him while he was in the cave of Hira. The angel came to him and asked him to read. The Prophet replied, "I do not know how to read."
The Prophet added, "The angel caught me (forcefully) and pressed me so hard that I could not bear it any more. He then released me and again asked me to read and I replied, 'I do not know how to read.' Thereupon he caught me again and pressed me a second time till I could not bear it any more. He then released me and again asked me to read but again I replied, 'I do not know how to read (or what shall I read)?' Thereupon he caught me for the third time and pressed me, and then released me and said, 'Read in the name of your Lord, who has created (all that exists) has created man from a clot. Read! And your Lord is the Most Generous." (96.1, 96.2, 96.3)
Then Allah's Apostle returned with the Inspiration and with his heart beating severely. Then he went to Khadija bint Khuwailid and said, "Cover me! Cover me!" They covered him till his fear was over and after that he told her everything that had happened and said, "I fear that something may happen to me." Khadija replied, "Never! By Allah, Allah will never disgrace you. You keep good relations with your Kith and kin, help the poor and the destitute, serve your guests generously and assist the deserving calamity-afflicted ones."
Khadija then accompanied him to her cousin Waraqa bin Naufal bin Asad bin 'Abdul 'Uzza, who, during the PreIslamic Period became a Christian and used to write the writing with Hebrew letters. He would write from the Gospel in Hebrew as much as Allah wished him to write. He was an old man and had lost his eyesight. Khadija said to Waraqa, "Listen to the story of your nephew, O my cousin!" Waraqa asked, "O my nephew! What have you seen?" Allah's Apostle described whatever he had seen. Waraqa said, "This is the same one who keeps the secrets (angel Gabriel) whom Allah had sent to Moses.
I wish I were young and could live up to the time when your people would turn you out." Allah's Apostle asked, "Will they drive me out?" Waraqa replied in the affirmative and said, "Anyone (man) who came with something similar to what you have brought was treated with hostility; and if I should remain alive till the day when you will be turned out then I would support you strongly." But after a few days Waraqa died and the Divine Inspiration was also paused for a while.
Narrated Jabir bin 'Abdullah Al-Ansari while talking about the period of pause in revelation reporting the speech of the Prophet "While I was walking, all of a sudden I heard a voice from the sky. I looked up and saw the same angel who had visited me at the cave of Hira' sitting on a chair between the sky and the earth. I got afraid of him and came back home and said, 'Wrap me (in blankets).' And then Allah revealed the following Holy Verses (of Quran):
'O you (i.e. Muhammad)! wrapped up in garments!' Arise and warn (the people against Allah's Punishment),... up to 'and desert the idols.' (74.1-5) After this the revelation started coming strongly, frequently and regularly."
(Sahih Bukhari volume 1, Hadith 3)
Further, I invite you to study Islam. You will certainly be enlightened by the Truth.
Jesus was one of the mightiest Messengers of God (Allah - The One you call: Father in Heaven). The only major difference between us is that you call him Allah's son, while Allah Himself Says that He Never Begets, nor was He Begotten:
(112:1-4):
1. Say (O Muhammad ()): "He is Allah, (the) One.
2. "Allah-us-Samad (The Self-Sufficient Master, Whom all creatures need, He neither eats nor drinks).
3. "He begets not, nor was He begotten;
4. "And there is none co-equal or comparable unto Him."
This Is The Perfect Lord, Who, even you Worship. But you call Jesus His son, which is not true.
"All the praises and thanks be to Allah, Who has not begotten a son (nor an offspring), and Who has no partner in (His) Dominion, nor He is low to have a Wali (helper, protector or supporter). And magnify Him with all the magnificence, [Allahu-Akbar (Allah is the Most Great)]."
(17:111)
Islam is the Religion of this time. The law given to Jesus Peace be upon him was limited to his time. A Muslim loves Jesus Peace be upon him more than anyone can ever imagine. Infact, by calling him a son of Allah, one would be renouncing him and his God - Allah.
During the Prophethood of Jesus Peace be upon him, he was the guide to the way to salvation, now, Muhammad (Peace be upon him) is.
I invite you to research on Islam, the Quran and the laws of Islam. You'll surely find the truth therein which shall enlighten you. I Invite you to accept the Truth.
Allah Says (3:84-85):
84. Say (O Muhammad ): "We believe in Allah and in what has been sent down to us, and what was sent down to Ibrahim (Abraham), Isma'il (Ishmael), Ishaque (Isaac), Ya'qub (Jacob) and Al-Asbat [the twelve sons of Ya'qub (Jacob)] and what was given to Musa (Moses), 'Iesa (Jesus) and the Prophets from their Lord. We make no distinction between one another among them and to Him (Allah) we have submitted (in Islam)."
85. And whoever seeks a religion other than Islam, it will never be accepted of him, and in the Hereafter he will be one of the losers.
Thanks!
Muhammad Waseem, IslamicAnswers.com Editor
The concept of " Fallen Angel / Evil Angel " is only present in the Bible, that is when Lucifer was outcasted from the heaven because he rebelled against God. Therefore, I wouldn't blame you for thinking that satan was an angel or angel can be a satan etc. But in Islam, Angel is angel and Satan is NOT of the angels, he is a jinn. Angels are good and satans are bad. Simple. Humans and Jinns are good and bad. 😀
Brilliant Question tpham812.
Answer 1: Islam did not arrive in one day. It arrived over a period of 23 years. Out of those 23 years, The period of War lasted for only 3 years. The rest 20 years were of peace.
One of the famous cliche that is used by the critics of Islam is: ' Islam was spread by the sword'.
There are 16 different words for sword in Arabic. But not one word features in the Quran. However, the word sword is used 200 times in the Bible.
However, being a religion of peace means there should be no record of any violence, whether defensive or offensive, especially from someone as influential as Muhammad
Muslims fought only when they were persecuted or in self defense.
However, when you read the Chapter 34, Book of Genesis in the Bible , You will understand the difference between violence honor killing etc which Sons of Jacob did and fighting in self defense which Muhammad did .
If you further read the Bible Didn't Moses fight many wars. Didn't he fight against Pharaoh. The same way there were lots of Pharaoh type of men in Arab and Muhammad played the role which Moses played.
Answer 2: Let us assume what you are saying is true. If the revelation was from Satan, i.e. Lucifer the fallen Angel who becomes 'Iblis' in the Quran --
"When one thou dost read the Qur'an, seek Allah's protection from Satan the Rejected One" ( Chapter 16, Verse 98)
The above line can definitely not feature in the Quran if the revelation were from Satan. Why would he ask protection from himself if wants to lead men astray.
If the Quran was from devil why would he continuously ask to pray to Allah (God) and refrain from sins.
Why would Jesus Christ name be mentioned 25 times in the Quran while Muhammad name be mentioned only 4 times?
There is only one woman mentioned by her name. No, it not Prophet Muhammad wife's, daughter, family etc. Instead, it is Mary that is mentioned in the Quran. In fact, Mary is dedicated an entire Chapter in the Quran i.e. Chapter 19.
Why would Allah in the Quran give such high importance to Mary when Bible fails to do so ?
These are intriguing Questions. Isn't it ?
If you wish to find answers to these Questions you have to read and understand the Quran. I would strongly recommend you to pick up detailed version of the Quran preferably by Abdullah Yusuf Ali, The holy Quran text, Translation and commentary.
Or
You could also get Quran translated by Muhammad Asad.
Hope this will help and you shall be able see the truth in Islam. Feel free to ask more Questions. Nobody is going to take offense for your genuine Questions.
Cheers
DEAR pham812
LET US CHECK IF MUHAMMAD PEACE BE UPON HIM WAS EVER MENTIONED IN YR SCRIPTURE BECAUSE IF I QUOTE FROM QURAN YOU WONT BELIEVE BECAUSE YOU ASKED IF GABRIEL HIMSELF WAS GENUINE OR SATAN CAME IN HIS DISGUISE.......
PL READ THIS U WILL KNOW THAT FROM TIME IMEMORIAL ALL THE PAST PROHETS WERE HERALDIN THE COING OF MUHAMMAD- CHECK ITS ALL ALL THERE IN OLD TESTAMENT AND NEW TESTAMENT,,,
http://islamicweb.com/?folder=bible
The Bible's Last Prophet
What all Christians and Jews MUST know about the Bible
BY Biography Of Professor David Benjamin Keldani: Former Roman Catholic Bishop of the
Uniate Chaldean
Muhammad In The Old Testament
Prefatory Remarks, Allah And His Attributes "And The Ahmed Of All Nations Will
Come." - Haggai, ii.7.
The Question Of The Birthright And The Covenant
The Mystery Of The "Mispa"
Prophet Muhammad Is The "Shiloh"
Prophet Muhammad And The Emperor Constantine
Prophet Muhammad Is The Son-Of-Man
King David Calls Him: "My Lord"
The Lord And The Prophet Of The Covenant
Genuine Prophets Preach Only Islam
Islam Is The Kingdom Of God On Earth
Prophet Muhammad In The New Testament
Islam And Ahmadiyat Announced By Angels
"Eudokia" Means "Ahmadiyeh" [Luke ii. 14]
John The Baptist Announces A Powerful Prophet
The Prophet Foretold By The Baptist Was Certainly Prophet Muhammad - John The
Baptist Foretold Prophet Muhammad
The Baptism Of John And Jesus Only A Type Of Religious Marking "Sibghatullah"
The "Sibghatullah," Or The Baptism With The Holy Spirit And With Fire
The "Paraclete" Is Not The Holy Spirit
"Periqlytos" Means "Ahmad"
"The Son Of Man," Who Is He?
By The Apocalyptical "Son Of Man," Prophet Muhammad Is Intended
The Son Of Man According To The Jewish Apocalypses
The Prophet Of Arabia As Spoken Of In The Bible "The Burden Upon Arabia"
- Isaiah xxi. 13.
NOW I HAVE GIVEN THE BEST OPTION TO UNDERSTAND HIS PERSONALITY WHICH WILL SUFFICE FOR YOUR DOUBTS AND FINALLY THE RELIGION OF LOVE AND PEACE[CHRISTANITY]AS YOU CLAIM STARTED WITH THIS BEAUTIFUL GESTURE -BLOOD SOAKED WITH 110 LAC UNITARIAN CHRISTIANS[THOSE WHO BELIEVED IN ONE GOD AS THE LORD OF THE WORLDS AND JESUS A MIGHTY PROPHET OF ISLAM[SHALOM] MENTIONED IN THE BIBLE IN HEBREW LANGUAGE-
JUST READ THE HISTORY HOW UNITY OF GOD WAS ABOLISHED AND TRINITY WAS ESTABLISHED.
http://www.strictlybiblical.org/Doctrine%20Teachings/Information/Emperor%20Constantine2.htm
A major turning point in Christian history occurred when the Roman Emperor Constantine converted to Christianity. Whether this conversion was sincere or politically motivated, historians can only speculate. But the result was the end of persecution of Christians and the beginning of Christendom.called pauline christianity.the concept of trinty which defy's the God of abraham all the prophets and jesus himself.
aoa.are u a member of zawaj??
Salaams,
I think your questions boil down to one main issue: who was Muhammad SAWS? Knowing who he was will tell you why those wars were fought and why Muslims believe that he was inspired to receive the actual word of God as revealed with the Quran. Indeed, believing Muhammad SAWS was the last Messenger of God is a vital piece of Islam, but how can anyone believe that if they don’t know anything about him?
When one considers this issue, there really are only two options: either Muhammad SAWS was “crazy” (astaghfirullah), or he was truly guided by God to reveal the truth. Now I happen to know something about crazy people, since I work in the mental health field and am a licensed professional. People who are crazy enough to be delusional, hallucinatory, or narcissistic do not have respect by the people in their societies. They are often unstable people who cannot maintain jobs, money, or meaningful relationships. They often end up engaging in risky behaviors, drugs and alcohol abuse, and criminal activity. They are cast-outs even in our day and age, so imagine what they would be 1400 years ago!
What you may not realize is that Muhammad SAWS was THE most respected person in Mecca until he was 40. All of the people he eventually fought against had such high esteem for him that they nicknamed him “the trustworthy”. When people had problems, they brought them to Muhammad SAWS. When someone was feeling down, they found comfort in Muhammad’s SAWS caring ways. When anyone was in need, they knew Muhammad SAWS was the most generous. No one questioned Muhammad’s character or actions. No one thought he was crazy.
He was so respected that when the tribal leaders were disputing about which among the four of them would carry the precious black stone back to the kaabah after it was rebuilt, they consulted Muhammad SAWS for a solution. Muhammad SAWS suggested that each of the four leaders carry the stone on a blanket by holding one corner each. This solution was fair and brought peace to their quarrel.
He was so valued that a rich widow sought him to manage her lucrative trade business. She was so impressed with the revenue he generated for her while maintaining ethical business practices, that she offered a marriage proposal to him which he accepted. So, maybe she was crazy? The truth is, what would be the equivalent of a financial empire could not possibly be built by someone even remotely unstable…so clearly she wasn’t.
It wasn’t until he started receiving revelation from God to preach the truth to the Meccans- the truth that there is only One God and they need to rid themselves of all the false gods they were keeping- that things changed. The Meccans didn’t want to give up their idols. Why? Because Mecca was situated on a popular trade route and they made a LOT of money when people came to worship the hundreds of idols they had there. To give those up meant giving up their riches, which they did not want to do. Not only that, but the leaders -though they respected him- were power hungry. They didn’t want any more competition, because they already had enough conflict between themselves.
Instead of listening to the loving call God was offering them to turn back to Him, they became hateful and began persecuting Muhammad SAWS and the Muslims. Things got so bad that the Muslims ended up being exiled out of town and put under siege for several years, and many died of starvation during this period. It wasn’t until they fled in the middle of the night to the nearby friendly city of Medina that they were able to find relief.
It was the hateful and jealous Meccans that would chase them there and try to fight them. Several battles were fought, but it wasn’t until the last of the Meccans military camps were destroyed by a “random” sandstorm that they finally conceded to Muhammad SAWS. Then, Muhammad SAWS and the Muslims returned to Mecca peacefully and the leaders not only submitted to his victory, but to Islam as well.
So, as you can see, there is so much more to the story than what you may have heard. There are even so many more details which further demonstrate the beauty in the advent of Islam that there is no way to put them all here.
But back to the main issue of who is Muhammad SAWS: as you can see here, there is no evidence at all he was crazy. Since that wasn’t the case, the only other option is to believe he truly was guided by God. And if what he shared and told everyone was the authentic Word of God, what room is there to argue with God?
I can say all these things to you or anyone else, but the fact of the matter is that belief and faith is a gift from God alone. There is no argument eloquent enough to persuade a disbeliever to submit to the truth, and for those who do believe…no proof is needed as they can recognize the truth in their hearts when they hear it. In the end, you must ask yourself where you believe God is guiding you…not the world, not a group of religious followers, not a culture or region. Just you.
-Amy
IslamicAnswers.com Editor
Salam Amy,
I'm considering writing a Journal/Book. I would like to seek your permission if I could use some information or reproduce this article by you on Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him. I shall give you the due credits in the Bibliography.
Thanks
FK
Salaams,
That would be fine with me. May Allah bless your efforts, masha'Allah.
-Amy
IslamicAnswers.com Editor
Very interesting perspective Amy (the mental health angle), jazak Allah khayr.
Wael
IslamicAnswers.com Editor
http://www.islamondemand.com/30_facts.html
'ISLAM " means "peace through the submission to God".
2) "Muslim" means "anyone or anything that submits itself to the will of God".
3) Islam is not a cult. Its followers number over 1.5 billion worldwide. Along with Judaism and Christianity, it is considered to be one of the three Abrahamic traditions.
4) There are five pillars of practice in Islam. These practices must be undertaken with the best of effort in order to be considered a true Muslim: A) Shahadah - declaration of faith in the oneness of God and that Muhammad is the last prophet of God. B) Formal prayer five times a day. C) Fasting during the daylight hours in the month of Ramadan. D) Poor-due "tax" - 2.5% of one's savings given to the needy at the end of each year. E) Pilgrimage to Mecca at least once, if physically and financially able.
5) There are six articles of faith in Islam. These are the basic beliefs that one must have in order to be considered a true Muslim. They are belief in: A) the One God. B) all the prophets of God. C) the original scriptures revealed to Prophets Moses, David, Jesus, and Muhammad. D) the angels. E) the Day of Judgment and the Hereafter. F) the divine decree (or destiny).
6) Islam is a complete way of life that governs all facets of life: moral, spiritual, social, political, economical, intellectual, etc.
7) Islam is one of the fastest growing religions in the world. To become Muslim, a person of any race or culture must say a simple statement, the shahadah, that bears witness to the belief in the One God and that Prophet Muhammad was the last prophet of God.
8) "Allah" is an Arabic word that means "God". Muslims also believe that "Allah" is the personal name of God.
9) Allah is not the God of Muslims only. He is the God of all people and all creation. Just because people refer to God using different terms does not mean that they are different gods. Spanish people refer to God as "Dios" and French people refer to God as "Dieu", yet they are all the same God. Interestingly, most Arab Jews and Arab Christians refer to God as "Allah". And the word Allah in Arabic appears on the walls of many Arab churches.
10) The Islamic concept of God is that He is loving, merciful, and compassionate. But Islam also teaches that He is just and swift in punishment. Nevertheless, Allah once said to Prophet Muhammad, "My mercy prevails over my wrath." Islam teaches a balance between fear and hope, protecting one from both complacency and despair.
11) Muslims believe that God has revealed 99 of His names (or attributes) in the Holy Qur'an. It is through these names that one can come to know the Creator. A few of these names are: the All-Merciful, the All-Knower, the Protector, the Provider, the Near, the First, the Last, the Hidden, and the Source of Peace.
12) Muslims believe in and acknowledge all the prophets of old, from Adam to Jesus. Muslims believe that they brought the message of peace and submission (islam) to different peoples at different times. Muslims also believe that these prophets were "muslims" because they submitted their wills to God.
13) Muslims neither worship Muhammad nor pray through him. Muslims solely worship the unseen and Omniscient Creator, Allah.
14) Muslims accept the original unaltered Torah (the Gospel of Moses) and the original Bible (the Gospel of Jesus) since they were revealed by God. However, none of those original scriptures are in existence today, in their entirety. Therefore, Muslims follow the subsequent, final, and preserved revelation of God, the Holy Qur'an.
15) The Holy Qur'an was not authored by Muhammad. It was authored by God, revealed to Muhammad, and written into physical form by his companions.
Hi tpham812 ,
I just wanted to say your questions wouldn't offend us but they actually made me happy because your seeking answers to your questions no matter how they sound which is really nice; at the end we are all truth seekers and I hope you have found answers useful, I think the post has been answered beautifully by Muhammad Waseem (one of the editors) I haven't read everyone else's posts as I skimmed bits over but felt I wanted to thank you for your questions. Islam is a beautiful religion and the truth of the messages are clear the Qur'an maybe a beautiful starting point but maybe after minor reading because it can be difficult to understand too so make sure you get a good translated version or pick up leaflets too. Hopefully these will answer many questions you have.
All the best in your search for truth,
Your Sister R