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By sincere struggle, searching for Truth, a Muslim is he who makes her/himself ready to receive Allah's Grace. The greatest grace of all is to realize the one origin of all, and to open for receiving the guidance of Allah from within. That is the way Abraham u got to realize the Oneness of God and he called this realization God given "knowledge". Abraham u is quoted in the Holy Qur'an as saying:
"O my father! to me hath come knowledge which hath not reached thee" (HQ: 19: 43). This knowledge was God's grace to all prophets. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) clarified that God's grace is to be sought by human ceaselessly. As an exemplar of a Muslim he says, "O my Lord! advance me in knowledge."(HQ: 20: 114). Over and above that knowledge, reflecting upon the narrated stories of prophets in the Holy Qur'an, we find that Allah's grace takes various forms. Moses u was commanded by Allah to show His support to him through supernatural signs. Solomon u learnt the language of birds and animals, and Joseph u could interpret dreams. Allah's grace to Abraham u was revealing to him the Primordial Religion from within his heart. The verse where the Holy Qur'an called Abraham u a Muslim and not a Jew or a Christian (HQ: 22: 78), came as an answer to a dispute that was taking place between Jews and Christians (People of the Book) as the verses describe: Ye People of the Book! why dispute ye about Abraham, when the Torah and the Gospel were not revealed till after him? Have ye no understanDeeng? (HQ: 3:65). The last question that is posed in the end of the verse shows that there was something very obvious, which People of the Book did not recognize. What was obvious was the fact that Abraham u did not achieve knowledge from a certain holy Book; he was inspired because he made himself ready to receive Allah's Grace. When he did not allow the illusive ideas of his people to suppress his inner quest, his insight started to illuminate his way. Therefore, he could find the Primordial Truth. As such those verses in which ascribe Abraham u to Islam, and not Judaism or Christianity, do not compare between Islam and other religions, nor do they humiliate being a Jewish or a Christian. They simply emphasize the fact that Abraham u is affiliated to Islam as a primordial religion, so he should not be named by a creed. Nor should any prophet, from this perspective. The knowledge that was given to Joseph u was different, he could understand from dreams and events messages that others would not understand. His ability to decode those messages was rewarded to him as a result of a righteous life in which he observed ethical values and divine teachings. .. thus do We reward those who do right." (HQ:12:22) Joseph u said, "… That is what my Lord hath taught me . I abandoned the ways of a people that believe not in Allah and that (even) deny the Hereafter"
(HQ: 12:37) (Our translation). Joseph u explained his way: And I follow the ways of my fathers, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob; and never could we attribute any partners whatever to Allah: that (comes) of the grace of Allah to us and to mankind: yet most men are not grateful (HQ: 12:38). Solomon's knowledge and power are derived from being a Muslim: We gave knowledge to David and Solomon: and they both said: "Praise be to Allah, Who has favoured us above many of His believing servants" (HQ:27:15) Solomon u acknowledged the grace of Allah, and called the Queen of Saba' to believe in Allah who bestowed on him such knowledge. He says, "I found her and her people worshipping the sun besides Allah: Satan has made their deeds seem pleasing to their eyes, and has kept them away from the Path, so they receive no guidance, (HQ: 27:24). His mission was fulfilled and she followed his path and became a Muslim: She said: "O my Lord! I have indeed wronged my soul: I do (now) submit (in Islam), with Solomon, to the Lord of the Worlds (HQ:27:44). Namely, she understood that there was an unseen power that ordered every thing. By that realization, she submitted to that power and left her previous illusions. |
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All prophets, in the Holy Qur'an show respect to reason by rejecting the common stagnant traditions, which humiliated reasonability and bestowed unworthy respect upon dogmas. Because of their respect to reason, prophets refused blind imitation. They were not like people of their times who used to say,
"We found our fathers following a certain religion, and we do guide ourselves by their footsteps"(HQ: 43: 22). Prophets realized that to be all spiritually free is to be devoted to God, and not to any other man-made dogma. Their reluctance to worship false deities was an expression of their search for spiritual freedom, and their awareness that a human is deprived from that freedom when s/he bestows divinity on what is not really divine. They were fully aware that an idol is not a mere outward practice; it is an inner attitude of rigidity and stagnation that blocks out human's capability to be spiritually free. It is an attitude that captures the soul in illusions created by the limited existence. From that perspective, we read in the Holy Qur'an that Abraham u says to his father, "Takest thou idols for gods? For I see thee and thy people in manifest error."(HQ: 6: 74). "O my father! why worship that which heareth not, and seeth not and can profit thee nothing?(HQ: 19: 42). Joseph u also says, "If not Him, ye worship nothing but names which ye have named - ye and your fathers - for which Allah hath sent down no authority:
(HQ: 12: 40). Abraham is not afraid of his father's threatening of punishing him for insulting his practices and beliefs. When His father tells him, "O Abraham? If thou forbear not, I will indeed stone thee:
(HQ:19: 46 ), he just tells him, "Peace be on thee: I will pray to my Lord for thy forgiveness: for He is to me Most Gracious. "And I will turn away from you (all) and from those whom ye invoke besides Allah: I will call on my Lord: perhaps, by my prayer to my Lord, I shall be not unblest."
(HQ: 19: 47, 48). The magicians of the Pharaoh in the Holy Qur'an are also examples of being a Muslim. They followed Moses u when they realized that there was a higher power that ordered the seen and the unseen aspects of life. They knew through experience that Moses u was not playing magic but exploring the manifestation of the Unseen, Supreme Power. Faith in Allah sprung in their hearts intuitively and they did not fear the power of the Pharaoh nor did they change their faith under his threat. They submitted completely to Allah's will. This story of the magicians explains how people differ in their reactions in the face of the same phenomenon. The Pharaoh and the magicians saw the same phenomenon, yet while he denied the miraculous aspect of it, they received Allah's message full heartily. To be a Muslim as they were, means that a person fears nothing and realizes complete freedom. Submission to God's will empowers man's will with determination. When Moses u spoke to his people, he stressed that aspect; he wanted them to be courageous enough and able to face the tyrant with faith and confidence. When they were not sure what to do, fearing the power of the Pharaoh who said, "their male children will we slay",(HQ: 7:127) Moses u advised them to put their trust in Allah alone: Pray for help from Allah," and (wait) in patience and constancy: for the earth is Allah's, to give as a heritage to such of His servants as He pleaseth; and the end is (best) for the righteous (HQ: 7:128). |
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To surrender to Allah (to be Muslim), requires continuous prayers for Allah's support, accompanied by using every possible way to achieve one's goals. This is a common feature among prophets.
Noah u built the Ark, realizing that it was the way to save his people from the flood. Moses u went to the Pharaoh and spoke to him, using logic and good words to convince him to free the Children of Israel and let them leave the land of Egypt. Yet at the same time, he asked Allah for support, and would not face the Pharaoh unless Allah assured him that He was with him and his brother, watching over and protecting them. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) bore in Macca humiliations and resistance. He did not depend on miracles to come and rescue him and his followers, rather he was using his human capabilities to reach people and awaken their consciousness. When he migrated, he also was using his reasoning, for he knew about masters of Quraish's determination to kill him. The Holy Qur'an demonstrates clearly how prophet Joseph u respected earthly laws simultaneously with praying for God's support. When the pharaoh of Egypt gave him the responsibility of solving the expected economic problem he told the pharaoh that he would handle the problem on good practical basis: (Joseph) said: "Set me over the store-houses of the land: I will indeed guard them, as one that knows (their importance)."(HQ: 12: 55) In the meantime Joseph u expressed his devotion to Allah, and his awareness that it is by His support that he would be on the righteous path. He says: O my Lord! Thou hast indeed bestowed on me some power, and taught me something of the interpretation of dreams and events, O Thou creator of the heavens and the earth! Thou art my Protector in this world and in the Hereafter. Take Thou my soul (at death) as one submitting to Thy Will (as a Muslim), and unite me with the righteous
(HQ: 12: 101) The Holy Qur'an also clarifes that one way of surrenderring to Allah; to be a Muslim is to make use of all what God has endowed man with in improving all aspects of life. It is when man works all her/his capabilities that s/he is really living in harmony with the Divine Law. As such s/he is termed as grateful to Allah. Hence the Holy Qur'an praises followers of prophet Solomon u for making good efforts in that respect: They worked for him as he desired, (making) Arches, Images, Basins, as large as Reservoirs, and (cooking) Cauldrons fixed (in their places): "Work ye, Sons of David, with thanks! but few of My servants are grateful!" (HQ: 34: 13) The guidance to respect earthly laws and seek God's support integratively is mentioned on different levels in the Holy Qur'an when pushing people to work, seek knowledge on all levels, and search for the secrets of creation.
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To Be A Muslim Is to Live
According To The Divine Law
| |  | Despite the variations of the experiences of the prophets as Muslims, they shared the fact that they surrendered to the Unseen Exalted Power. This surrender freed them from fear of any mundane authority and led them to the path of complete inner freedom. When they were directing themselves to the face of God, they were inspired to do different things and acquired different capabilities and knowledge. They were following the Divine Law. Certain aspects related to the relationship between man and the Divine Law are dealt with in this section. It must be clear that when Man was created, s/he was endowed with the Divine knowledge, and it is up to the individual to search for it from within, or to be attracted to the illusion and forget her/his old commitment. Illusion can divert her/him from the innate tendency embedded within her/his heart that urges her/him to find meaning and goal for this life and then s/he would attempt to fulfill them by being in harmony with the purpose of her/his own existence. This is the very meaning of "surrender"; "Islam". Once Man searches for the true meaning of life, s/he will be answered by the Unseen Supreme Power, Alas, human beings can easily be drawn away from that direction. Out of Allah's Mercy, Prophets were sent, not only to guide people's way, but also to remind them of the embedded truth within each human being's heart and to demonstrate how any one can seek it. All prophets started their mission, searching for the Truth, and suffered to find answers to their questions about the meaning and the ultimate goal of life. In their way to serve the purpose of their existence, they were guiding people and supporting them to awaken their soul and provide them with striking proofs from the history of Man on earth. They realized that the highest rank that a human being can achieve is to be Servant of God. This Servitude liberates Man from illusion and s/he will not be deceived by giving absolute value to what is transient. | |
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Man Is Endowed With The Divine Knowledge Since The Very Beginning of Her/His Creation
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The Holy Qur'an points to the fact that man is endowed with knowledge of her/his Lord:
When thy Lord drew forth from the Children of Adam from their loins, their descendants, and made them testify concerning themselves, (saying): "Am I not your Lord?" They said: "Yea! we do testify!" (this), lest ye should say on the Day of Judgment: "Of this we were never mindful (HQ:7:172). Allah addresses The Prophet Muhammad e in the Holy Qur'an, saying: "So Thou set thy face in the right direction to receive the Primordial Religion, the Law of Allah, that Religion which is inherited innately for people to follow. No change in what Allah has set forth. That is the Religion to be appreciated: but most among mankind understand not
( HQ: 30:30) (Our translation). Reading this verse in Arabic, we have this interesting word "hanif", which may be used as an adverb, or adjective. Within the context of the verse "hanif" may be understood as a description of the One Religion, and can also be understood as a description of the Prophet's approach. There is no one word in English that carries the whole shades of meanings that are condensed in the word "hanif". "Hanif" is: the correct, direct, pure, authentic, and original. When it describes Religion, it may be translated as the Primordial Religion. On the whole, it may be right to conclude that in order to receive knowledge from the higher source, there is a need for man to be in the right approach, that is, s/he makes her/himself ready by awakening her/his inner innate quest. Call on me, I will answer you (HQ: 40:60) Those who recognized the Divine source of the Message to Muhammad (PBUH), their hearts were endowed with that knowledge: .. those on whom knowledge has been bestowed may learn that (your guidance) is the Truth from thy Lord, and that they may believe therein, and their hearts may be made humbly (open) to it: for verily Allah is the Guide of those who believe, to the Straight Way" (HQ: 22:54). | |
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Some People Do Not Follow The Divine Knowledge That Is Embedded In Their Heart
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To follow the Primordial Religion requires, not mere scripture to follow. Having a holy text, a heritage without the right approach is misleading. In the Holy Qur'an, People who did not respond to the prophetic guidance say:
We already know how much of them the earth takes away. With us is a Book (that provides the complete knowledge) (HQ: 50:4). Because they were not interacting with the Law of Life through awakening their insight, those people who refused the Revelations adhered to a limited way of understanding and therefore they could not discern the truth. What needs to be followed is the inner guidance, which goes in harmony with the Law of life: Truly it is not their eyes that are blind, but their hearts, which are in their breasts (HQ: 22:46). | |
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óFollowing The Primordial Path Al-Fitra,
The Divine Law Leads To The One Religion "Islam"
| | | The Holy Qur'an describes the Primordial Religion as FitratuAllah, which can be translated as the "Law of Allah". So "Islam", "the Primordial Religion", and the "Law of Allah" carry the same meaning and can be used interchangeably. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was advised to follow the Religion, which is the Law of Allah. Thou set thy face in the right direction to receive the Primordial Religion, the Law of Allah, that Religion which is inherited innately for people to follow. No change in what Allah has set forth. That is the Religion to be appreciated: but most among mankind understand not"
(Our translation) (HQ: 30:30) The word "Islam" is not mentioned explicitly, but we understand that it is Islam in its broadest meaning that is implicit. It can be easily concluded that s/he who follows the Law of Allah, is a Muslim. The Law of Allah is the Law that orders everything in the seen and unseen worlds, in the spiritual and physical existence of man. Allah created the world in order. Without faith in the Law, life would be meaningless. Spiritual growth, like physical one, follows a law. To surrender to the Law, which is the core concept in the Primordial Religion "Islam", is to make yourself accessible to the law of spiritual growth to work. Violation of the law of spiritual attainment is a choice that can lead to destruction of man's spiritual entity. When Man Struggles
To Find The Truth, S/he Will Be Answered The Prophet explains the process of attaining knowledge and the way to continue along the path. He says that Islam is the religion of innate purity al-Fitra . So, every one is born pure and his parents include her/him in their creed. Purity provides the ability for a person to be in harmony with the Law of existence. People need to struggle from within their souls and they will not be satisfied unless they achieve harmony with the Law. Henceforth, they realize that they are guided by the Unseen Supreme Power to the right direction. Purity for the grown up is a goal, for by the time they grow, they are polluted by illusions of their societies, and without any spiritual nourishment, they go astray, leaving their desires and lusts direct their way. They get too much involved in the illusive values that they may lose the ability to retain their purity. When their hearts, and their insights are ready, the guidance through holy Books will enlighten their way. The following verse explains it: Do ye not see that Allah has subjected to your (use) all things in the heavens and on earth, and has made His bounties flow to you in exceeDeeng measure, (both) seen and unseen? Yet there are among men those who dispute about Allah, without knowledge and without guidance, and without a Book to enlighten them! (HQ: 31:20). Those who follow that inner guidance and realize the existence of the Supreme could recognize the truth that is given through revelations as the following verse indicates: Those whom We gave the Book before, and when it is recited to them, they say: "We believe therein, for it is the Truth from our Lord: indeed we have been Muslims from before this (HQ: 28:52-53). (Being) those who have believed in Our Signs and became Muslims
(HQ: 43:69) In the Holy Qur'an, the Lord addresses The Prophet Muhammad: Say: "Verily, my Lord hath guided me to a Way that is straight, and correct, a precious religion, the Path (trod) of Abraham, true in faith, and he (certainly) joined not gods with Allah." (HQ: 6:161) ó1.3.3.2 Prophets As Exemplars:
They Follow The Primordial Path Abraham u did not follow his people's beliefs; he sought for the truth sincerely, so did The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Both did not start from a text to read fanatically, nor from a creed to follow blindly, but from an authentic cry for the truth and a sincere quest to understand the meaning of life within themselves and around. By so doing, their quests were answered. They received guidance through inspiration and revelation, coming from the Unseen Supreme Power, Allah. The way that was adopted by Abraham u and Muhammad (PBUH) as such demonstrates a relationship between man and the Unseen. If man searches for truth, s/he will be guided to find it. This law has been and will always work. The way that they sought truth explains also a relationship between man and his inner messenger, his heart. While the support comes from the higher source, the quest comes from the inner self. Knowledge is revealed to the soul and expressed through the joy that we can find when Abraham u cried: "Unless my Lord guide me, I shall surely be among those who go astray" (HQ: 6:77) That was a real discovery for Abraham u who was at that moment in the middle of the confusion, looking at the moon, trying to establish a relationship between what he was seeing and the Lord that he was seeking. That discovery sprung from within, he was not yet sure who was his Lord. Realizing that there is a Lord who guides, put Abraham u on the right path to receive the Knowledge about the Transcendental Unseen Supreme. About the Path of Abraham u, the Holy Qur'an says: "Who can be better in religion than one who submits his whole self to Allah, does good, and follows the Way of Abraham the true in faith? For Allah attach Abraham to Him closely" (HQ: 4: 125). The Way of Abraham u is the righteous, correct, straight Way. In Arabic, the Way is "Sirat" followed by the word "Mustaqeem" as an adjective. "Mustaqeem" connotes different shades of meanings, such as: straight, right, correct, proper, direct, harmonious, and others. "Al-Sirat al-Mustaqeem" may be another synonym of the Law, as well as it is the outcome of surrendering to the Law. In the wording of the Holy Qur'an, "Al-Sirat al-Mustaqeem, the correct way is "The Way of Allah, to Whom belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on earth. Behold (how) all affairs tend towards Allah!" (HQ: 42:53) Following Abraham's path, The Prophet Muhammad's guidance meant to lead humankind to the Right Divine Way: A Book which We have revealed unto thee, in order that thou mightest lead mankind out of the depths of darkness into light - by the leave of their Lord - to the Way of (Him) the Exalted in Power, Worthy of all Praise! (HQ: 14:1) But verily thou callest them to the Straight Way (HQ: 23:73). To be on the straight way is an ultimate goal for man, which he has to seek, and that is the reason why in the first Surah (chapter) of the Holy Qur'an, we read the following: Show us the straight, Way. The way of those, on whom Thou hast bestowed Thy Grace, those whose (portion) is not wrath, and who go not astray (HQ: 1:6,7). | |
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Striking Proofs To Awaken People's Insight
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Because, it is not easy for people who curtained themselves in darkness to believe in that Law, they need striking proofs so that their eyes may open and they may get aware of the fatal destiny if they violated that Divine Law. The word "Sunna" and its plural "Sunan" pointing to the Law, come in relation to people who were perished because they violated the Law. Prophets were asked to draw people's attention to observe what happened to previous nations who had not been following the heavenly guidance. Out of this observation they would learn about the Eternal Divine Law. The emphasis that there is no change in the Divine Law is repeated in several places in the Holy Qur'an:
(This is Our) Law (as revealed) to the Messengers whom We sent before thee: thou wilt find no change in Our Law
(HQ: 17:77) (Our translation). That is Allah's (Divine) Law that worked among those who lived aforetime: no change wilt thou find in Allah's (Divine) Law
( HQ: 33:62) (Our translation). Allah doth wish to make clear to you and guide you to the Law that was revealed to those before you; (HQ:4:26) (Our translation). But their professing the Faith when they (actually) saw Our Punishment was not going to profit them. (Such has been) Allah's Law which has been working among His servants. Accordingly, the ungrateful are the loser (HQ: 40:85) (Our translation). | |
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What It Means To Be A Servant of Allah
| | | In a very general term, the Straight Way is the Divine Law. To surrender to that Law is to realize one's purpose of existence. As the Holy Qur'an explains, man is created to be God's vicegerent: Behold, thy Lord said to the angels: "I will create a vicegerent on earth."(HQ: 2:30). The Holy Qur'an clarifies that to serve Allah and to be on the Straight Way are one and the same thing. Jesus said, "Verily Allah is my Lord and your Lord: Him therefore serve ye: this is a Way that is straight" (HQ: 19:36) The Lord says, "I created the jinn and humankind only that they might serve Me"
(HQ: 51:56) (Our translation). And that ye should worship Me, (for that) this was the Straight Way?"
(HQ: 36:61). Worshipping God is not merely to perform certain rites, but to be aware of the existence of the holy, and this will reflect on man's style of life. Those rites carries within their meaningsæ which can be uncovered by practicing them. Man's life will be directed to certain purpose, that is, to be her/himself a tool in the hand of the higher Supreme. That is the òòòStraightway "Al-Sirat al Mustaqeem". To achieve that goal requires "knowledge". As Abraham u talks to his father; "O my father! to me hath come knowledge which hath not reached thee: so follow me: I will guide thee to a Way that is even and straight"
(HQ:19:43). There Is Only One Religion
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The Holy Qur'an speaks of One Religion that is "Islam":
The Religion that was revealed by Allah is Islam
(HQ: 3:19) (Our translation) "Islam" within this context points to all revelations as the verse lately explains: People who were given the Book differed after they received the knowledge, for they were unjust to each other (HQ: 3:19). Those "People of the Book" "differed" among themselves, not because Revelations were different but because they were not following the righteous path. Despite the fact that they received that knowledge of that Religion through that one "Book" as revealed in various times, they disputed and lived in conflict. The reason for that is because they "were unjust to each other" as the phrase in Arabic bagheyan baynahum indicates. To elaborate, it is interesting to observe that the word "Islam" is derived from the Arabic root: s-l-m. Out of this root, the noun salam "peace", the verb sallama "to surrender" and the adjective salem "the saved one", are also derived, while bagheyan is derived from b-gh-y. As one word, baghy means an "unjustified" attack. Those who differ cannot coexist with each other; they quarrel and dispute without justification. That kind of conflict is in itself an indication of the deviation from the holy guidance. As such, people lost the ability to discern between what is true and what is false. In contrast to those people, Muslims (with the broad meaning of the word) are those who surrender to the holy, and therefore they live in peace within and manifest peace around. The holy verse to follow explains it. The Holy Qur'an addresses The Prophet (PBUH): So if they dispute with thee, say: "I have submitted my whole self to Allah and so have those who follow me." And say to the People of the Book and to those who have not received holy guidance: "Do ye (also) submit yourselves?" If they do, they are in right guidance, but if they turn back, thy duty is to convey the Message; and in Allah's sight are (all) His servants (HQ: 3:20). The Prophet (PBUH) was asked to convey the Message of Allah by being an exemplar, and not by imposing anything on others. Peace, not conflict was what he was manifesting. He said about himself, "O People, I am Mercy that is presented to you (by Allah)" (PH) Narrated by Al-Darmi He called for that One Religion by uncovering the oneness of Revelations to prophets who came before him: "The parable of prophets who proceeded and myself is like a building that someone had beautifully and perfectly constructed. But, a single brick was missing in one of its corners. So, whenever people passed by that building, expressing their facination by it, they used to say, 'the missing brick has to be put'. I am ( the similitude of) that brick. And I am the Seal of prophets" Narrated by Al Bukhari and most scholars of Hadith. Namely, The Prophet (PBUH) explained to his followers that believing him implied believing all previous prophets and Revelations. The Holy Qur'an expresses this truth: The Messenger believeth in what hath been revealed to him from his ord, as do the men of faith. Each one (of them) believeth in Allah, His angels, His Books, and His Messengers. We make no distinction between one and another of His Messengers. And they say: "We hear, and we obey, (we seek) Thy forgiveness, our Lord, and to Thee is the end of all journeys (HQ: 2:285). The Holy Qur'an states that Allah reveals the same truth to all prophets, those who are mentioned, and others who are not mentioned in the Holy Qur'an: We have sent thee inspiration, as We sent it to Noah and the Messengers after him: We sent inspiration to Abraham, Isma'il, Isaac, Jacob, and the Tribes, to Jesus, Job, Jonah, Aaron, and Solomon, and to David We gave the Psalms. Of some Messenger We have already told thee the story; of others We have not, and to Moses Allah spoke direct
(HQ:4:163-164). Because there is only One Religion, God asks those who follow The Prophet (PBUH) to say, "We believe in Allah, and the revelation given to us, and to Abraham, Isma'il, Isaac, Jacob, and the Tribes, and that given to Moses and Jesus, and that given to (all) Prophets from their Lord: we make no difference between one and another of them: and to Him we surrender (become Muslims)" (HQ: 2:136). The guidance about the belief in the one Religion revealed to all prophets was primarily directed to The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) by the Divine: 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)" (HQ: 3:84). In the language of the Holy Qur'an, prophets are called Muslims, so were their followers. This stands as an indication to the One Religion: Abraham was not a Jew nor yet a Christian; but he followed the Primordial Religion and hence was a Muslim, and he took not gods with Allah (HQ:3:67). It is the faith of your father Abraham. It is He Who has named you Muslims, both before and in this (Revelation) (HQ: 22: 78). Jesus' disciples are recorded in the Holy Qur'an as called themselves Muslims, when Jesus said, "Who will support me in the Message of Allah,?" "We are supporting Allah's message with you, we believe in Allah, and do thou bear witness that we are Muslims", said the disciples" (HQ: 3:52). And behold! I inspired the Disciples to have faith in Me and Mine Messenger; they said, `We have faith, and do thou bear witness that we bow to Allah as Muslims'" (HQ:5:111). Moses u addressed his people saying, "O my people! If ye do (really) believe in Allah, then in Him put your trust if ye submit (your will to His and become Muslims),"
(HQ: 10:84). The Magicians who followed Moses called themselves Muslims: our Lord! pour out on us patience and constancy, and take our souls unto Thee as Muslims (who bow to Thy Will)!" (HQ: 7:126). Noah u said, "But if ye turn back, no reward have I asked of you: my reward is only due from Allah and I have been commanded to be among (the Muslims) those who submit to Allah's Will" (HQ: 10:72). Solomon said, "..and knowledge was bestowed on us in advance of this, and (that is because) we have been Muslims." (HQ:27:42) Joseph u called the Lord to bless him by making him submit to Allah's will as a Muslim till the end of his life on the earth: O my Lord! Thou hast indeed bestowed on me some power, and taught me something of the interpretation of dreams and events, O Thou creator of the heavens and the earth! Thou art my Protector in this world and in the Hereafter. Bless me by enDeeng my journey (on earth) as a Muslim, and unite me with the righteous (HQ: 12:101). |
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