Worship None But God

The Origin Moosa Patel
Worship none but God: Treat with kindness Your parents and children, And orphans and those in need; Speak kindly to mankind; Be steadfast in prayer; And practise regular charity. (Qurn 2; 83)
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
1 - INTRODUCTION 2 - THE ORIGIN OF MAN AND THE KA'ABA 3 - THE ORIGIN OF RELIGION AND SOVEREIGNTY 4 - THE ORIGIN OF CHRISTMAS CELEBRATIONS, TOASTING AND VALENTINES DAY 5 - THE ORIGIN OF EASTER AND LENT 6 - THE ORIGIN OF BAPTISM AND HOLY COMMUNION 7 - THE ORIGINS OF THE POPE, IMPURE CONSUMPTION AND CRUCIFIXION 8 - THE ORIGIN OF THE CROSS 9 - THE ORIGIN OF THE TRINITY THEORY 10 - THE ORIGIN OF SELF-CHASTISEMENT, CELEBACY, CONVENTS, MONKS AND NUNS 11 - THE ORIGIN OF CIRCUMCISION AND EARRINGS 12 - THE ORIGIN OF CORBAN (SACRIFICE) 13 - THE ORIGIN OF ISRAEL 14 - THE ORIGIN OF MAGIC, WITCHCRAFT AND CULTS 15 - THE ORIGIN OF ISLAM AND THE PILGRIMAGE 16 - THE ORIGIN OF THE CRUSADES 17 - THE ORIGIN OF ALL 3 13
29 53 63 67
75 85 93 107
113 124 129 136
141 201 207
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THE ORIGIN INTRODUCTION
I apply myself to our Almighty Creator, against the accursed Satan, and I begin this writing in the name of God, the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful. Only with Your kind permission, O Lord Almighty, can this research, ultimately, be revealed. We thank You, O Lord, for this generous permission, and we beg You for Your mercy and forgiveness, should this research cause any person, in the process, any grievance, or wilfully harm them in any way, because truly, O Almighty Lord, the real purpose, according to Your Word, is to educate, in the example of Your Messengers (may God bless them), as guidance, and with all due respect to the qualified experts, to whom I am so truly grateful for their generous help and encouragement. I want to thank our Creator, for the health and endurance which was required, in order to finish this massive task, successfully. My task is definitely not to seek confrontation or converts to my faith, but rather to open the eyes of certain individuals about the wrong indoctrination, into which they have been brainwashed and to show them the true way to divine peace and satisfaction as God Almighty properly appropriated for all of us. We grow up with various habits, and may ultimately not be able to differentiate between true faith and blind superstition or cultural customs. My research has, indeed, shown me the difference between superstition, cults and divine religion, and sometimes we conservatively cling to certain uses and abuses, which, unfortunately, are not always beneficial to us. Just like I was firstly disillusioned, the reader of this script may also be disillusioned about certain uses, practices and customs, which we have accepted and adopted, over so many years. The purpose of my writing, therefore, is not to raise criticism about any faith, but only to distinguish between certain accepted uses, which we find in any society, and on the other hand, true faith. Remember it is better to query and to seek the truth, than to accept without question. Even the great prophets of old, such as Abraham, also queried until they arrived at the truth, according to the Scriptures. We, who inherited the Final Testament, are, consequently, duty bound to inform our friends, neighbours and family members, who lack the knowledge about the Final Testament and of the true state of affairs. It is a duty which we accept every time we state our declaration of faith, because we bear true testimony to the Oneness of God. In many places of our Holy Scriptures, the word Say is oft-repeated, but we always fear to utter the truth or perhaps, we are, either, not fully enlightened or we are scared to speak the truth. Yet the Creator of the universe explains that mankind is only one nation. How will our friends from other faiths and denominations ever gain proper knowledge of the wise words of our Scriptures, or the sayings of the Prophet (S), unless we, who are supposed to be knowledgeable, reveal such facts and wisdom to them. Subsequently, it remains our abundant duty to disclose certain true facts to the people. In our Holy Scriptures, Chapter 10, verse 19, God mentions the following: Mankind was but one nation, but differed later. Had it not been for a Word from your Lord, which preceded it their differences could have been solved amongst them.
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In Chapter 2, verse 213 (also confirmed in Genesis 11, verse 1-9) we read: Mankind was one single nation, and God sent Messengers with glad tidings and warnings, and with them He sent the Book in Truth to judge between people, in matters wherein they differed, but the People of the Book, after clear Signs came to them, did not differ among themselves, except for selfish contumacy. God by His Grace, guided the believers to the truth, concerning that wherein they differed. For God guides whom He will, to a path that is straight. The above verse is quite clear, that we should be aware of our selfish stubbornness, and with the realisation that if some disputes are agreeably resolved, then we and our fellow humanbeings, may find a solution, through peaceful guidance. God gives guidance, but we, i.e. His vicegerents on earth, should possess the necessary knowledge and information. With this knowledge in mind of mankind as a single nation, I, therefore, undertake this task to proclaim, and possibly with the guidance of the Almighty, persuade others also to use the Proper Way, which should always be narrow and straight. I am well aware of many denominations, which have turned their backs on religious abuses and have, as a result, refrained from attending the Church. I am also aware of many persons, who confessed to me, that they are totally ignorant of our faith and of our natural way of life, and that only prejudice always kept them from investigating Islam as an alternative. With this purpose in mind, I humbly beseech the Almighty to allow me this important task, in the form of an objective writing, God-willing, and subsequently, to expose my neighbours, family and friends to true faith, instead of any superstitious beliefs, cults and customs. May they assume the truth, should the Lord permit. If I survey the present international situation, whereby politics are used in the name of religion, then I have to admit that many so-called Muslims are also way off the mark, with their fanatical beliefs in what they call holy wars. Their attitude is the worst publicity of what they call Islam, because anybody with knowledge of Islam will know that it is a religion of peace, submission and tolerance. Political groups, such as Al-Qaida and the Taliban, are, possibly, the worst enemies of Islam, because their firm belief is to kill and maim people (mostly Muslims) to advertise their bullying political tactics to the world. This is contrary to the words of the Qurn, and also contrary to the traditions of the Prophet (May Peace be upon Him). The present Islamic leaders, who simply refuse to condemn such animal desires among the Muslims, are doing a great disservice to Islam and will be held responsible for their negative inactions. No wonder that a killer in Oslo, Norway, openly admitted that he hated Islam. In fact, he does not actually hate Islam, but he hates what those fanatics (just like himself) are displaying to the world. ( With regards to the actions done or seems to be purportly done by the al-Qaida and the Taliban, it is yet to be scrutinise as the western intelligence, CIA, MI6, KGB and the ISS Israeli Secret Service are the ones who actually transgressed their actions and blamed these groups supported by the western media and some other Muslim countries who possess the lies so as to protect their position politically or economically of their respective countries.This is among the steps needed to establish a new world order as what was declared by President Bush) In South Africa we experienced the fanatical believe of Apartheid by the previous government, who also thought that they were passing laws according to Christianity. Today, they realise that it was a fanatical belief by those who were their leaders, just like Hitler led the Germans to a Second World War in which he showed no love for Jews. The same thing
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was experienced by the Crusades, who followed a fanatic, called Peter the hermit, to eradicate the Muslims and other religions. I hope that this research, which enchanted me over so many years, with such obvious interest, may also give the reader a deeper insight into the truth, so that a true way forward may, suitably, be found, God willingly. May this work be of great value to students of any institution, because it is especially during those delicate years, when the influence of foreign theories, corrupt so many souls with ungodly conclusions. With the knowledge that this work will also be helpful to my progeny, I appeal to them, as well as to others in true leadership positions, to fully understand the contents, without any bias, according to the will of God. Many students, who have finished their studies, emerge with preconceived ideas that they are knowledgeable and that nobody knows better than them. We must bear in mind that nobody is ever complete in his studies. Only God is always fully knowledgeable. Religious Doubts from Christian Clergy I bear no grudges against any people, immaterial of their beliefs, and I am prepared to read and listen to them about their way of reasoning, because that is the only way to learn and to come to a final conclusion. I respect the views of persons like Professor Willie Esterhuyse of Stellenbosch, in whose writings God en die Gode van Egipte (God and the Gods of Egypt) and Die God van Genesis (The God of Genesis), I noticed certain problems. I respect his many travels and his seeking of the truth, when it comes to religion. It is indeed a pity that he never mentions Muslim authors or their works among his bibliography, which means that he bears some fear in him to explore the Islamic faith. This, unfortunately, has been the case with many great authors, historians and theologians in the world. In my own case, I am not afraid to use all kinds of reading matter, on which to base my personal experience. Our Prophet (S) said Seek knowledge even in China, while there were no Muslims in that part of the world at the time. In the main section of Rapport (23 Oct. 2011), on page 13 under the heading Predikante bieg oor twyfel (Preachers admit about doubt), it becomes crystal clear that South African preachers are in serious doubt about the Bible, while they are preaching the opposite to the congregants. The names of Sakkie Spangenberg and the poet, Lina Spies, are mentioned among others in the report. I have read a book called Jesus van Nasareth (Jesus of Nasareth) by Sakkie Spangenberg, in which he gives his latest verdict on Christianity. What they are presently revealing has been my research for more than thirty years. This is what this book is all about. Tolerance My many visits to various educational institutions in the Western Cape, during the launching of my first anthology, Tougheed (1996), were to me, truly, a revelation. A Catholic school principal at Stellenbosch, for example, after a very fruitful discussion, confessed to me that he was raised to mistrust or to avoid Muslims completely. Experience, however, according to him, has taught him the opposite. My immediate response, was that some Muslims have also been raised with such prejudice, and that my goal in life was to promote greater tolerance between the various religions. This work is, consequently, aimed at revealing certain truths, especially to those who, in any way, exist with suspicion, prejudice, propaganda or doubt. The said group includes not only Christians, but also many Muslims, who live with a serious misconception, that they are already in heaven and all others are in
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hell. It is quite wrong to prejudge any group of people, because we find good as well as bad persons among all religious groups. (this is the authors opinion but God AlMighty revealed in the Quran
that the only accepted religion is Islam. AlQuran surah 3 verse 85-86And whoever seeks a religion other than Islm, it will never be accepted of him, and in the Hereafter he will be one of the losers[]. (85) How shall Allh guide a people who disbelieved after their belief and after they bore witness that the Messenger (Muhammad SAW) is true and after clear proofs had come unto them? And Allh guides not the people who are Zlimn (polytheists and wrong-doers(86)).
The tolerance that a certain Muslim religious leader showed in the past, during some credible conversations, was indeed a lesson to me. The goodwill, which he showed to church ministers, was always exemplary. It is unfortunate that any series of discussions with certain church leaders always reached an impasse. One could hardly blame the opposite party, because their income and status were at stake. Tangible benefits are always more appealing to some, because, after all, material benefits are often more important to human-beings. In 1969, a minister of an Anglican Church in Paarl East, after a very fruitful discussion, told me that my faith was something special, but he could not mention this to his congregational members, because he might, as a result, forfeit his employment. This kind of reasoning causes some church members to turn their backs on their own faith and to seek greener pastures elsewhere. Unfortunately, they sometimes end up in the company of cults such as Satanism, and ultimately turn their backs on true faith. A dear friend of mine, who, subsequently, passed away, visited me regularly, in Stellenbosch, to discuss poetry, and he also claimed that Islam was something special, but unfortunately he was too old (at 84), to changed his faith. The wise reply of a certain Muslim leader, when we addressed a Christian group at the Paarl Museum, one night in 1995, and when he was asked, whether Muslims also did missionary work, was that Muslims do missionary work, when we are invited, as in this particular case, where we were invited by a group of Christian ladies from Wellington. His words were: We do not knock on doors to spread our faith. The everyday life of a Muslim should serve as an example to spread our faith. Christianity is a missionary religion, while Jews do no missionary work. In Matthew 6, verses 5-6, the following words of Jesus are noted in the New Testament: And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by men. But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret; and your Father, who sees in secret, will reward you. (I make use of the Revised Standard Version, 1971, of the Holy Bible, throughout my work). The famous work of Rev. Alexander Hislop, The Two Babylons, (S W Partridge Publishers), printed by The Camelot Press Ltd, Southampton, fourth edition 1989, held me captivated, because in there I, actually, discovered certain facts, which matched with many of my other reference books. When I studied the book Diaboliese Sameswering (Diabolical Conspiracy) by Pastor Bennie Kleynhans, I was definitely amazed that so many of my reference work on Babylon, in the second chapter of his book, were reproduced. His criticism is unfortunately not consistent according to Matthew 7: verses 1-5: Judge not, lest ye be judged. Because with the judgment that you pronounce, ye will be judged: and the measure you give, will be the measure you get. And why do you see the speck that is in your brothers eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye?
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In his book Die Koning Kom II pp. 126-127, Kleynhans is severely critical of the World Council of Churches, the Roman Catholic Church and the great Eastern religions. He is, indeed, critical by calling them a "false religion". On page 126 of his book Die laaste Uur en die Merk van die Dier (The Last Hour and the Mark of the Beast) clearly shows Kleynhanss racist tendencies with his critical remarks against the ANC and UDF. His words: "My trust in most churches are shocked - by the liberal and humanistic approach and they are often sympathetic to the ANC and UDF," indicates how racist this pastor really is. His revised edition of September 1990 states: "There is now even being tampered with the Covenant, and also open schools - open facilities and open living areas." This clearly indicates that the pastor was in favour of Apartheid (segregation). On page 124 of Die Koning Kom II (The King is Coming II), Kleynhans states the following: In the book The Two Babylons by Alexander Hislop, he identifies Nimrod as Marduk. Cush begot Nimrod. He was the ring leader, the mastermind behind the construction of the city. Nimrod, the grandson of Ham, is also identified as Janus or Chaos, the god of confusion. Next to him was the main goddess, Ishtar. On page 27, he continues, by stating: One of the clearest correlations between Roman Catholicism and the ancient Babylonian religion is the sky goddess, Ishtar. The goddess emerged in the form of a biblical character, Mary, in the Catholic Church. Mary as the sky goddess and mother of the church is worshipped as a mediator. He continues with the following observation: During Easter there appear on the shelves Easter bunnies, Easter eggs and chickens. The so-called Easter egg - Easter and Ishtar is the same. Many Christians worship the goddess of fertility and they do not realise it. Remember that I am merely quoting from the book of a preacher and not stating my own opinion and comments. It would be wrong of me to criticise another religion. I have many Christian friends, family members and neighbours, whom I dearly love. Criticism of the Bible by Christian Professors A Biblical scholar, Professor Ferdinand Deist, issued a very disturbing book in 1986. The title of the booklet: Kan ons die Bybel dan nog glo? (Can we still believe the Bible?) is sensational. On pages 2-3 we find the following quotation: For decades, we had the Bible in a certain way and read a particular message with regard to our social and political context. Now all of a sudden we hear this was wrong all the time and that we should ask for forgiveness, because we understood the Bible so wrong, when we read it. The question immediately arises: What authority does the Bible have or how should we understand it? And then we hear that the Bible is actually very difficult to use for the purposes of political decision making. If the Bible Experts debate regularly, then what should the normal congregant say? It is after all, a matter of fact, that the priest prepares the Bible text and explains it to his congregation, as he deems fit. The poor churchgoer would never think of arguing with his priest or to oppose him. He normally says "Yes" and "Amen", because it hides his own weaknesses. However, those who start posing questions and contradict the present Bible are criticised by the older generation as "suspicion mongers" and disputers". So it is no wonder that so many Christians, who are dissatisfied with the present state of affairs, turn themselves to strange cults or other religions. Presently, there is more and more talk of "fundamentalists"
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and "liberals" in the Church. After Prof. Deist relates to various opinions about the accuracy, origin and the research of the Pentateuch (i.e. the first five books of the Old Testament), he arrives, on page 42, at the following conclusion: This kind of research, where the contents of a book is analysed and studied in fine detail, in which theories are compiled, tested and amended, is called Kritik in German. Since the German World Bible Research, for several decades, completely dominated the scene, the term is effectively found everywhere and anywhere, causing genuine misunderstanding. Of course, Kritik (criticism) naturally means "fault finding" and suggests not to "research" it. On page 43 there is even more confusion being hampered by the following statements and questions: It also appears that most of the ancient Near Eastern documents, earlier than the Biblical documents, were letters. And so the Babel-Bible battle arises: who came first, Babel or Bible? It was in this battle that some say the Old Testament is just a piece of plagiarism and does not belong in a Christian home and that the liberal theologians tried to convince people to focus, instead, on the Biblical message as the packaging of the actual message - as we have noticed. But even this was not the end of the problems. There are not only problems with the parallel texts from the Bible and its environment. Bible Studies have also shown that in the Bible itself it presents many problems, free or serious problems. On page 49, the author's research continues: But can the Bible be trusted thus? We have already repeatedly pointed out that the Old Testament agrees with, for example, parts of the Near Eastern literature, and we have reports of problems related to historical stories and logical inconsistency. Perhaps an example or two, three might help to explain what we mean. You only have to place books, such as Samuel, Kings and Chronicles next to one another and read them attentively, in comparison, to really identify serious problems. After Deist speculates about inconsistency, contradictions, infallibility and trustworthiness of the Bible, he makes the following allegations on page 51: On the one hand we have the confession about the infallibility of the Bible and on the other hand the empirical data which clearly indicate that the Bible has many problems, problems with illusive gymnastics, which are arguable or which could be ignored. And people get very excited and emotional when problems like these are pointed out to them - because that is where many Church affairs had their origin. People rather want such kinds of information to be hidden, than to hear that people are prohibited from airing it, or whether they say that it is a liberal Scripture, which might admit many things. On page 54, the author moves on dangerous ground with questions like: If we say the Bible contains errors and inconsistencies, how can you still believe in what is told in it? How can we say that the truth is to be found in the Bible? In the following paragraph, he continues: It is this kind of worry and fears that make people not want to hear about errors and contradictions in the Bible. However, if you do a serious research over the past two to three hundred years, there are numerous inconsistencies in the Bible and it is quite historically contentious how some things have been mentioned.
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On page 59, it is being reasoned about the Biblical version (Genesis 19: 30-38) of Lot and his two daughters and how Lot's sons, Moab and Ammon, were aroused by his own daughters. According to Deut. 23; 3: "A person born from incest shall not be allowed in the Israelite worship. Lot, a Prophet of God, according to this Biblical text, was intoxicated by his own daughters and raped by them, and he subsequently had children. The Qur'n refutes this as nonsense in Chapter 6, 86-87 as follows: And Ismail and Elisha. And Jonas, and Lot: and to all We gave favour above the nations. (To them) and to their fathers, and progeny and brethren; We chose them, and we guided them to a Straight Way. Lot is thus described as a holy prophet of God in the Qur'n, whereas in the Bible he is described as a drunkard, and as a weak sinner. On page 94, Deist acknowledges that there are six hundred and sixty books in the "reformed" Bible, while in the Roman Catholic Church and in the Greek Orthodox world, there are more books in their cannon. These books are described by him thus: The Dutch Confession recognises in Article 6, also a number of books, whereby other "canons" are bigger than ours - and are called apocryphal books. Apocryphal means, according to my dictionary, something "whose origin is uncertain or not credible, phony or doubtful. There is a reference on page 96 of his book about the three faces of the Bible, namely that of the Reformation, that of the Catholic Church and of the Greek Orthodox world. So we find that the contents of the Bible are being queried by the Christian scholars themselves. In Chapter 5 under the heading "People of the Book", the work of Bamber Gascoigne, The Christians, we discover the following interesting quotation on page 107: When Islam began to spread from the cities to the desert tribesmen, the Koran provided them with a code well suited to their way of life. Instead of the complicated mysteries of Christian worship, a Muslim needs only his prayer mat to carry out his devotions. Instead of a hierarchy of priests, he relies for advice on individual holy men whose influence comes only from their knowledge of the Koran, or from a blameless life. And in place of that most mysterious of mysteries, the Trinity, here there really is only one God - without equivocation. The greater simplicity of Islam was to prove one of its advantages. In the book Unmasking the New Age, by the author, Douglas R. Groothuis we read: The orthodox had only faith, but the Gnostics had knowledge (gnosis): oneness with the One. In another paragraph Groothuis continues: The Christ of the Bible taught that sin alienated people from a holy God; Gnosticism, in general, "insisted that ignorance, not sin, is what involves people in suffering." .... It is this Christ which the New Age seeks to place in its pantheon of monistic masters. One way the Christ of orthodoxy is reshaped is by speculating on the eighteen "lost years" of Jesus not elucidated in the Bible. I am particularly grateful to the various libraries, which loyally and regularly, supplied me with reading matter and reference books, which I have quoted. Also to people like Saad Bekker of Potchefstroom, an Afrikaner revert to Islam, who presented me with books of Willie Esterhuyze and Sakkie Spangenberg, while libraries near me do not stock the books of these professors. In the Teo-Nuusbrief (Theo-Newsletter) 2012,12, Jurie le Roux after the Congress of Leuven earlier this year, elaborates about the Apocryphal Evangels.
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Letters to the Newspapers On May 18, 1990, a letter, under the pseudonym DM, Bellville, was published in Die Burger with the following remarks: "The Gospel of Mark ended at 16, 8. Who added verses 9 to 20, and when, no one knows. It was proved, beyond doubt, that Mark, was well known to Peter and Paul, and one must accept that the information by him were drafted from Paul's letters, which was written between 50 and 65 AD. His Gospel, which first appeared after 65 contains very little of Christ's youth and virtually nothing about him after the resurrection. The identity of Matthew, Luke and John are unknown, and we assume that Mark used them as his base. Did they perhaps romanticise? I can state that we know very little of Christ without Peter and Paul's zeal. The former could not even write. We should not try to create impossibilities about Christ or believe everything he could have said. Without him we could have been nothing, but the Jewish faith with all its narrowness and poor human relationship. Until we, in this country, apply the things that Christ has given us, it will go well with us. I did not suck these words from my thumb, because copies of Die Burger are easily available in the archives. I detect a strong query in the Bible, which true Christians repeatedly raise. In fact, there is never any doubt or queries about the Holy Qur'n, being expressed by Muslims, because it was never composed or altered on earth by priests. May the chapters, which follow, be a revelation to the reader. You reserve the right to differ with the writers, whom I am quoting, but you may also find some very interesting reading matter at the same time, because religion has always been the most interesting topic for many of us. We all have our own biases. It is only the person, without prejudice, who usually discover a new approach interesting. In most of my work, I have chosen Christian writers and the Bible as my basic quotations. Ironically, these are the authors who find irregularities in their own faith with queries and criticism. * Let me, throughout my writing, place the blessings of God on all Holy Prophets of God, lest I forget to do so. And several times, the wise come to the final conclusion that in anti-bias we should find an agreeable solution. Dissatisfaction with the intent, as you would, no doubt, guess, is why some people turn to disbelieve, cults and all the rest; while others seek peace and salvation, whereas some yearn and, ultimately, in true faith should be their final return. (By M. Patel)
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I also want to quote from a South African weekly newspaper, Rapport of December 12, 2010, in which Abel Pienaar makes the following remarks: Rapport reported last week that Afrikaners are becoming less religious, and according to market research data, shows that the number of members of the reformed church family (the DRC and the United Reformed Church included) is starting to shrink. I come from this church family and falls under this "church leaver" statistics. A few years ago I left the DRC, resigned as a minister and as a member and since then I have seen more people leaving the church. Unlike what the church bodies think, people do not necessarily leave the church, because they no longer believe. People leave the church largely because the church is no longer credible in its portrayal of the reality. People want new things to be spoken about God and the reality of life. They want the new discoveries in science, evolution and philosophy to be integrated in their existence. This will not help the church, because the church has become stuck and it preaches another premodern understanding of God. Many of these "church leavers" turn to the charismatic churches, but after a few years they also leave these groups. Because unlike what most people think, the postmodern man in contemporary language, think about God. The metaphors of ancient kings and kingdoms are simply too small for the new world which technology allows. Bio-technology, bio-chemical research, cell research, neurology, and a new understanding of the divine have become a prerequisite of religion. The simple truth is that people want to know more and so people will always think and talk about God. All fields are in progress with a new field of ideas excepting in the church. People are seeing it as such. People are seeing the clergys preparation as ignorant, and even dishonest. This means that people start looking for answers elsewhere. In Rapport of Sunday, December 19, 2010, Eben Meiberg states: The origin of Christmas is well hidden in our mythological past. In view of such queries and deliberations, I, as a Muslim, but not as a religious expert, would like to contribute in my own humble way, but from a different perspective, offering faith, wherein God is fully recognised and where church theories and practices do not count. Allow me to state from where these uses in faith originally arose. Christianity is filled with a mythological past, as all the facts prove. Professor Esterhuyse makes a point of the influence that myths have played in formulating Christianity in his latest books, and why many Afrikaners have suspended church atendances in their lives. At the age of 16 years, I registered as a voluntary Bible student and thus equipped myself with the contents of the Bible, while I also studied the Qu'rn, during that same period in time. The constant search for true knowledge can never ever be replaced, which has been proved to me in life. The holy Qurn is filled with history, science, evolution, philosophy, poetry, astronomy, physics, geology, oceanology, botany, zoology, hydrology, medicine, physiology, embryology and politics. What a pity that the Church theologians do not study the Qurn with an open mind? Presently, we find students of Islam, who return from their studies, with preset ideas about Islam to inform their congregations, as they were instructed by their teachers. However, they should guard against trying to direct people in a completely wrong way of living, creating discontent and disagreement in the community and the fatal mistake of a fanatical belief, instead of the practical Prophets (S) moderate lifestyle. Moderation is the way in which the Prophet (S) instructed us to live, and Muslims were never instructed to act as make-believe
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angels or fanatics in their daily lives. People should differenciate between piety, evil and fanaticism. A great scholar of Islam during the Twentieth Century, Professor Fazl-ur-Rahman Ansari mentions on page 261, in his writing, Islam to the Modern Mind: Islam is the religion of discipline. It is not based on any dogmatic mysterious belief, nor any mystifying scheme of salvation. It is based on very clear beliefs in the aqid (belief system). In this connection, the most important point is discipline. Research has made my life so very interesting and enjoyable. May the reader experience the same interest with the rest of the book. Let us not be judgemental, unless we ourselves are being judged! Moosa Patel October 2011
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CHAPTER 2 THE ORIGIN OF MAN AND THE KA'ABA

The First Human Creation The Holy Scriptures discretely indicate that our Lord created the body of the first humanbeing, physically or symbolically, from clay or mud. Then the Lord commanded the immortal soul to enter that body. This immortal soul then complained to the Almighty that the clay body was very dark, and therefore the Creator placed the Nur al-Muhammad (or light of the human mind) in the forehead of the body of Adam (A) and after that the immortal soul was commanded to enter the body. The soul found the body to be beautifully lit, with the Nur alMuhammad. The first man, Adam (A), immediately became alive, after this. After a while, Adam (A) complained to his Lord that he was terribly lonely in the Garden of Eden, because there was no one with whom to communicate. Thus Howa (Eve) was created by Allah. Both were, therefore, fitted with immortal souls in their bodies, as well as animal instincts, according to pages 59-90 of Volume 1 of Tafrihul Askia Fil Ahwal Ul Ambia. The above statement is confirmed in Genesis 2, verses 7, 18 and 20 to 23 of the Old Testament: "Then the Lord God formed man from the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being. Then the Lord God said, It is not good that man should be alone. I will make him a helper, fit for him. The man gave names to all the cattle and the birds in the air, and to all the beasts of the field; but for the man there was not found a helper for him. So the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall upon the man, and while he slept, took one of his ribs, and closed up its place with flesh; And the rib which the Lord God had taken from the man he made into a woman and brought her to the man. Then the man said, This at last is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh. She shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man." The theory of creation is, therefore, a basic principle of any religion. A person, who prefers any alternative theory, rejects belief in God as the Creator and therefore differs fundamentally from any believer. The Superiority of Man over Angels and Spirits The following additional information can be found in the Holy Qur'n, according to chapter 33, verse 72: "We did indeed offer the trust to the Heavens and the Earth and the Mountains; but they (i.e. Angels and heavenly Spirits) refused to undertake it, being afraid thereof, but man undertook it; he was indeed unjust and foolish. Prior to the man, i.e. Adam (A), being formed, an offer was submitted to the Nur alMuhammad (logos) or human intelligence, which was later to follow in the form of the man. It was for this same reason that man was chosen as Allah's vicegerent, and on which ground
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he was selected. We would like to refer to a translation of Chapter 2, verses 30-33: Behold, your Lord said to the angels: "I will create a vicegerent on earth." They said: "Will you place therein one who will make mischief therein and shed blood? - while we do celebrate Your praises and glorify Your holy (name)?" He (Allah) said: "I know what ye know not." He told Adam the nature of all things, saying: "Tell me the nature of this if you're ready. They said: "Glory to You: We have no knowledge except that which You have taught us: In fact, it is You who is perfect in knowledge and wisdom." He (Allah) said: O Adam! Tell them their natures." When he told them, God said, "Did I not tell you that I know the secrets of heaven and earth, and I know what you reveal and what you conceal? According to page 377 of Destruction or Peace by Hajee Mahboob Kassim it is the Asmaul-Khusnaa (the wonderful attributes of Allah) which Adam (A) knew, while the Angels had no knowledge of them. The final chapter of this book explains the Asma-ul Khusnaa (The Attributes of Allah) in detail. For interest sake, I would like to quote from the book: Wat s die Bybel Deel I (What does the Bible Say, Part 1), where Prof. Dr. H S Pelser says the following on pp. 41: "An angel is a mal'k, i.e. a messenger. This word, mal'k, in the Old Testament refers to messengers of people.Comparisons are drawn, among others, to II Sam. 11, 19 and many other texts. This is also for people to use as messengers of God, and especially the prophets. Compare also the name of Malachi = my messenger. They are God's messengers. That is why the Lord speaks of angels in connection with his revelation in his covenant and his mercy. " The Arabic word Malak (singular) means angel. The plural is Malaa-ieka for Angels. It is a known fact in Islam that Malak Jibra-eel (Gabriel) revealed to the Prophets (A) what God conveyed to them. The Origin of the Ka'aba These verses also show that although the heavenly creations of God, many thousands of years before humans actually existed, His actions were never questioned, because His Will is Law, and He has certain qualities, while man was permitted only a few moments after the latter was created. A further investigation reveals that the Angels were already informed, two thousand years prior to the creation of Adam, of Gods vicegerent on earth. Their discontent and the Almighty's response that He had the knowledge, which they had not, actually led to the Angels being ashamed of their mistrust; and immediately they started to tawhaaf (circumambulate) around the arsh (throne), to show their deep regret. Allah watched His subjects lovingly and commanded that a temple be built for them to circumambulate beneath the throne of God. The Angels obeyed God and built a temple for the use of tawaaf, in remorse for their mistrust in the actions of God. Much later, when Adam (A) was on earth, God sent messengers to inform him that he had to find the centre of the earth to build a similar house, where tawaaf around it should be performed. Adam (A) came upon a dazzling white stone in a valley in the Middle East, and immediately realised that this was the centre point, to which was being referred. The Angels
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helped to pick up four different rocks from four different mountains on earth to assist Adam in his quest to build a temple on earth. He placed the beautiful white stone in one corner of the temple, then, his descendants began making tawaaf out of remorse for their sins. According to legend, the kissing of the white rock for the human-beings sins caused it to gradually change in colour. Today it is almost pitch black and the stone is known as Gadjiril Aswat. We must remember that the Ka'aba at some stage was removed from the earth by Allah, while the people were so wicked that the earth was flooded during the time of Noah (A). There is also a theory that Noah's (A) ark floated over that very spot, and circulated seven times over the exact spot of the Ka'aba, before they fared ahead to the place where it eventually stranded. In Chapter Ambiyaa, verse 23 of the Holy Qur'n, we read the following: He can not be questioned about his actions, but they will be questioned (for theirs). Those who are sceptical about the actions of God will always doubt the actions of the Almighty, because God is beyond comparison to any earthly man. Certainly, we believe that the Almighty is unlimited, and therefore anything is possible by God. That is why we, as South Africans speak of Allakragtig (Allah is powerful), Allamagtig (Allah is mighty), Allawreld (Allah is the World). What we, therefore, consider as being impossible or unbelievable is for Allah only a matter of Qun fa ya qoon (Be! And it becomes). The Two Forces in Man - Mortal and Immortal Souls After Allah, with a practical example of heavenly residents, showed that only a few minutes of worship by Adam (A) was worth more than ten thousand years of glorification by them. He commanded them to praise and honour Adam, as is shown in Chapter 2, verse 34 of the Holy Qurn: "Bow down to Adam" and they bowed down: not so Iblis: he refused and was haughty: he was of those who reject faith. Chapter Sod, verses 75-76 relates as follows: What prevents you from prostrating yourself to one whom I have created with my own hands?Are you haughty? Or are you one of the high (and mighty) ones? We recognise of course that when Allah speaks of His "hands", it is a figurative statement, because Allah does not require hands like a human. The symbolic word "hands" also points to two types of forces or "nafs". These two nafs are: 1. 1. "Nafs Ammaara (lowly or mortal soul or animal desire): All animals have this mortal life, including the hairless ape, which is described by scientists as a prehistoric man. Such creatures act instinctively and not consciously. Their souls die along with their bodies and, therefore, they are unaccountable for their deeds on earth. This grace is also shown to persons of unsound mind or who has no control over their senses. 2. 2. "Nafs Lawwaama", or the higher or immortal soul, which is also known as the
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conscience or self-accusing conscience. All heavenly spirits possess only this conscience. Man, in fact, has both of these forces or nafs, and his immortal soul is, therefore, responsible for the use or abuse of his conscience and desires. The Holy Qur'n reminds us in chapter Bani Isra-eel, 17: 70: "We have honoured the sons of Adam (i.e. man), provided them with transport on land and sea; given them for sustenance things good and pure: and conferred on them special favours, above a great part of Our Creation. In the same chapter, verse 36-38, it is reported: "And do not pursue that of which you have no knowledge: for every act of hearing or of seeing or of (feeling in) the heart will be enquired into (on the day of reckoning). Do not walk on the earth with arrogance for you cannot rend the earth asunder, nor reach the mountains in height. Of all such things the evil is hateful on the sight of thy Lord. " Such verses demonstrate to us that to Allah the nafs or special pursuits of men would be taken into account and we are warned by our Creator that He abhors such arrogant actions. Allah caused the pride of Iblis to forbid Heaven to him, in Chapter Sod, verses 76-78: (Iblis) said: "I'm better than he: You created me from fire and him You created from clay." (Allah) said: "Then you go out from here, for you are rejected, accursed. And My curse shall be upon you until the day of reckoning." The same argument is also described in Chapter 7, verse 13 with the words: (Allah) said: "Go you down from this, it is not you to be arrogant here, Get out, for you are the meanest (of creatures). The verse that follows in the chapter A'raaf; first verses 14-18 shows how accommodating our Lord is and the devious role which Iblis, or rather Satan, would play in the life of man, because he is aware of the animal nafs (desires) in man: He said: Give me respite till the day when they are raised up. (Allah) said: "Be among those who have respite" He (Iblis) said: "Because You have thrown me out of the way, lo! I will lie in wait for them on Your Straight Way: I will assault them from in front and behind, on their right and their left side, nor will You find gratitude in most of them (for) Your mercies. (Allah) said: "Get out from this, disgraced and expelled. If any of them follow you - I will fill the hell with you all. We see that Adam (A) and his wife, Howa (Eve), were not created as infants. Neither were they born by means of a mother. In other words, their miraculous appearance on earth, as adults, was even more miraculous than anybody else's birth, with or without a father. No other man can claim that they were created as adults before, because they first had to go through the stage of infants. Yet, Adam (A) and Eve are not regarded as gods in spite of their miraculous creation by God. On page 11 of "Demoniese Besetenheid" by E. van N. N. Huisamen 1982 N G KerkPublishers, it says:
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Satan is assigned as a fallen angel and a defeated enemy who is doomed to eternal fire (Matt. 25: 41). In contrast, we have an almighty God, Creator of heaven and earth. He is the ruler over everything and everyone, even the empire of evil. R J Berry, Professor of University College, London, in his book: God & Evolution, published by Hodder & Stoughton, 1988, goes out of his way to accommodate the evolution theory of Darwin, according to the church and the Bible. Michael Poole, of King's College, London, in his manual, Science and Belief, 1990, Lion Publishing Corporation, USA, bases his arguments whereby scientists did not respond outside church or Bible-uses. What is odd in both cases is that they never relate to the scientific facts of the Holy Qur'n, long before the time of Copernicus, Ptolemy, Galileo or Darwin. It is almost like they deliberately avoided the contents of the Holy Qur'n or, otherwise, rejected it, while their scientific theories are regarded as sacred. No wonder that some church members turn themselves, in desperation, to other faiths or alternate beliefs. Most believers are searching for a kind of lifestyle, which is satisfying in all respects. Those who become familiar with Islam, such as the boxing champion, Muhammad Ali (formerly Cassius Clay) and Yusuf Islam (formerly Cat Stevens) become proud Muslims. On page 399 of his book, Living Religions of the World, Frederick Spiegelberg, a Christian, says the following: Having surveyed the development of the indigenous religions of the Orient, we must now backtrack in time and consider the faiths, stemming from Zoroastrianism, which arose in Persia, Arabia, and the southeastern Levant, and influenced both Christianity and the Oriental world. Of these the most widespread and the most successful was Islam. It was the last of the great modern religions to develop, and its short history does much to explain its synthetic character. It is unique, or virtually unique, among these religions, since it was created more or less by one man, and that man, Mohammed, was extremely accomplished and learned. It is only the writer's bias, which prevents him from shying away from the truth, with words like "synthetic character and virtually unique. His high praise for the Prophet, as accomplished and learned, is used only to prove that the Prophet copied the Holy Scriptures of the Jews and the Christians to write the Qur'n. It is now a well known fact that Prophet Muhammad (S) was not literate, and that the revelations that he received were related to the scribes, so that they could be written down. Spiegelberg, like many other writers, are just trying, through his works, to confuse the reader. He acknowledges, however, that the Islamic faith is the most successful religion. Another observation that Spiegelberg makes on page 35 of his book, causes one to wonder about his own doubt: In religious terms, we know that we are in God's hands. Whether we like it or not, want it or not, or are aware of it or not, makes no difference to our being. Therefore the great prophets have been relatively little concerned, to the exclusion of all else, with God. Whether you are an atheist, a sceptic, an agnostic, or an orthodox believer, you are still in the hands of God. Maybe it is happier to be in one of these categories than in another, but even so we are never free of this ultimate source of being without which life and existence would vanish instantly.
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The statement of Spiegelberg that the great prophets were relatively little concerned with God, definitely do not apply to the true prophets, such as Abraham (A), Moses (A), Joseph (A), Jesus (A) and Muhammad (S). But, of course, he never regarded Jesus (A) as a true prophet, but rather as a god himself. Yet he concedes that Islam was the last of the great religions. In other words, he does not study deeper to see how Jesus (A), through Islam, is awarded a rightful position as a chosen prophet of God. Spiegelberg, however, recognises that an Almighty God is in control. Any right-minded person ultimately arrives at the conclusion that all the unbelieving scientists theories are only aimed to refute a divine creation. It is also clear that the creation, as the Holy Qur'n explains, is totally disregarded. No wonder so many people from other religions, except Islam, always find the origin of creation questionable. It takes the first man of the divine creation to be acceptable, before the wisdom of the Holy Qur'n becomes acceptable. The agnostic, however, will always reject the true way, by following Satan. In contrast, one finds that the believer will doubt the word of those unbelieving scientists, instead of trying to justify their theories with the protection of Biblical theories. The first tenet of Islam, I testify that none, but Allah, is worthy of worship and I testify that Muhammad (S) is a messenger of Allah, refutes any doubts and speculations about the creation and any Muslim who doubts this tenet, is immediately regarded as a non-Muslim, outside the pale of Islam. In Islam, belief in angels is not a fairy tale. This is actually a fundamental principle of faith: Wa-malaa ikatihi (and belief in the Angels). In their paper The Pillars of Islam Frances Gumley and Brian Redhead recall this on the following pages 31-33: The Qur'an speaks of angels, Iblis or Satan, the fallen one, and the jinn. It must be remembered Islam did not evolve in a religious vacuum. Angels and fallen angels - neither gods nor men - play their part in the drama of the fight for men's souls as they do in many other religious traditions, but this does not compromise the Qur'an's monotheism. The second Sura of the Qur'an clearly sets out the role of the angels. From the earliest times they have been sent down to earth as clear signs to mankind. Say (O Muhammad, to mankind): Who is an enemy to Gabriel? For he it is who hath revealed (this Scripture) to thy heart by Allah's leave, confirming that which was (revealed) before it, and a guidance and glad tidings to believers; Who is an enemy to Allah, and His angels and His messengers, and Gabriel and Michael?Then, lo! Allah (Himself) is an enemy to the disbelievers. (Chapter 2: 97-98) Gumley and Redhead continue: For the Muslim, faith in angels is not an optional extra - it is part of his or her faith in God.Whoever is an enemy of the angels is no true believer. The Qur'an speaks of two orders of angels, which is at least simpler than the nine hierarchies of angels described by the Christian theologian Dionysius the Areopagite (c.500). Foremost among the angels of Islam is Jibra'il - more recognisable as Gabriel to Christians and Jews. Jibrail plays a pivotal part in the spread of Islam. His is the voice which reveals
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to Muhammad on the Night of Destiny that he had been chosen as the messenger of God. As Muhammad returns home from the cave of revelation on Mount Hira he looks up to the sky and, wherever he looks, he sees Jibra'il in the form of a man standing astride the horizon. Ten years later, Jibra'il appears to Muhammad again. This time he is his guide on the miraj or Night Ride to Heaven and introduces the Prophet to the teachers of the will of God who have gone before him. He accompanies Muhammad through all the heavens until they approach the presence of God. Jibra'il, for all his might as an angel, has to withdraw - his eyes cannot bear the brilliant light of the throne of God. Muhammad too closes his eyes for fear of blindness but then he finds he can look upon God with the eyes of his heart. Jibra'il, the angel of revelation, is therefore a reminder that simple human faith can draw the believer nearer to God than any physical or intellectual power. In Muslim tradition Jibra'il is spoken of as a shining figure whose saffron hair is as bright as the stars. His greatest glory is a distinctive mark between his eyes - it is an inscription of the words of the shahada ": There is no god but God and Muhammad is His Prophet.' Jibra'il's fellow angels include Mika'il (Michael), the Angel of Providence, Israfil, the Angel of the Trumpet of Doom, and Azra'il, the Angel of Death. The second order of angels are less glorious.They include Ridwan, the Chamberlain of Paradise, Malik, the Chamberlain of Hell and Munkar and Nakir, the recording angels who interrogate the dead. The fallen angels, led by Iblis or Satan, with Babylon's two evil angels, Harut and Marut, remind Muslim believers that it is always possible to fall from grace. In Islam, as in Christianity and Jewish tradition, the fallen angels are dedicated to misleading mankind. In Christian tradition Lucifer becomes Satan because his pride will not let him worship God. In the Qur'an the reason for the angelic fall is subtly changed - mankind holds centre stage. The Qur'an describes the creation of man when God molded the first man out of the lowliest of all substances, not air, fire or water, but mud. When God completed His work He breathed His spirit into the molded mud and it became man. All the angels bowed down before the new creation except one - Iblis. Gumley and Redhead also recorded the origin of the Holy Ka'aba in Makkah in the following manner, on pages 66-69, in their work: According to one of the Hadiths, when Ali, the great grandson of Muhammad, was in Mecca completing the hajj, he was approached by a man from Jerusalem, a god-seeker who had read both the Torah of the Jews and the Gospel of the Christians and wanted to know why Muslims went on Hajj and why it took the form of circling the Ka'aba. When he had finished praying Ali began to teach the questioner from Jerusalem. He told him that the beginnings of the Ka'aba predated the creation of man. When God told His angels that He intended to give the earth to man as his kingdom, the angels were amazed. Why, they asked, give such power and privilege to a creature that would fall into sin and allow the earth to become a place of bloodshed and corruption? Would it not be better, they suggested, to put the earth under angelic control and then its future would be secure - it would be a place of obedience and praise. God listened to His angels and gently reminded them that He knew more than they did. Suddenly the angels realised that they had come near to contradicting the will of God.
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They immediately back down and approached the throne of God with great humility. As a sign of their repentance they circled the throne for three hours and God gazed at them with compassion and love. And God decreed that beneath his heavenly throne a special building should be constructed on four emerald columns inlaid with rubies. This, God said, would become the angels' new house of praise. So the angels withdrew from the throne of God and instead circled their new temple. God was pleased, and instructed them to see to it that a similar house was built on earth so that mortal men and women could praise God on earth just as the angels praise Him in heaven. That was the extent of Ali's lesson. When he had finished, the questioner, perhaps an angel in disguise, told Ali that he had answered well and spoken nothing but the truth. Other traditions continue the story and explain why the heavenly house of praise came to be copied at Mecca. It is said that after Adam was expelled from Paradise God told him he must build a house of praise like the one he had been shown in heaven and he and his descendants must circle it as he had seen the angels do in heaven. Adam wandered through Arabia looking for the centre point of the earth. Finally he came to a low hill set in a valley surrounded by mountains. On the hill was a luminous white stone, a heavenly symbol of man's soul. This he knew was where he must begin building what would become the Ka'aba. He set to work recreating the heavenly house of ruby and emerald with stone, some collected from Mount Sinai, some from the Mount of Olives, some from Mount Lebanon and some from the mountain where one day the ark of the prophet Noah would rest. Adam completed his work and worshipped his Creator there. Many, many years passed. The sands of time obliterated every trace of Adam's temple and eventually the waters of the Great Flood covered the earth. Noah afloat in his ark sailed over the land which had been and would once again be the desert of Arabia. When the ark passed over the spot where Adam had fulfilled God's command, it circled the sunken Ka'aba seven times. Long after the flood had disappeared and God had promised Noah that the earth would never be destroyed by water again, the Prophet and Patriarch Abraham came to the valley of the hidden temple. He was accompanied by Hagar, his maidservant, and Ishmael, the son she had borne him. Just by the low hill which now covered Adam's Ka'aba, Abraham abandoned Hagar and Ishmael to the will of God. Soon Hagar's pitiful provisions of a handful of dates and a skin of water were exhausted. Frantically she called on God's help. Leaving her child in the shade of the low hill she ran to the hill of Safa but could see no trace of water. Darwins Theory of Evolution It is perhaps advisable to clarify the theory of evolution, before a comparison can be made, because some readers may not have a solid understanding of the theory. In 1859 an English naturalist named Charles Robert Darwin, published the theory of evolution in his thesis, The Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection. He presented a theory of organisms, which brought forth descendants, always slightly different from the parents. The process of natural selection, tended to be best suited to the survival of their environment to adapt to their parents. Through these developments of factors, new species appeared over a long period, which always appeared, far from the original of those of the parents. Therefore, this theory of evolution claimed that the same single type of prehistoric anthropoid apes or monkeys, over millions of years, developed into the Gorilla, Chimpanzee, Orangutan, Gibbon, Monkey,
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Baboon, Bush-baby or Lemur, etc. However, there are many differences between each of these species, which is supposed to develop into the same anthropoid, that a monkey or another species cannot live together, with the aim of bringing forth, except with its own kind. They are completely different, despite basic similarities, because they are supposed to be of the same origin. Many people are ignorant, about the vast research that has been done on Darwin's theory of evolution, which shows their lack of sound scientific knowledge, before grasping from which the present races of man evolved from prehistoric apes or over a period of millions of years of Homo Habilis, Australopithecus, Pithecanthropus, Sinanthropus, Swanscombe, Steinham and Neanderthal. Therefore, the supporters of this theory insist that the three basic races of modern humans differ like the following: 1. 1. Caucasoid or light-skinned people. 2. 2. Mongoloid or yellow-skinned people. 3. 3. Negroid or dark-skinned people. Therefore, there is nowhere mentioned of a stage, in which such colour groups, from a prehistoric ancestor of an ape-man, was caused. If this theory is being speculated, it should be that a light skinned person and a dark-skinned person, from different sexes, who live together, should not be able to produce children, just like a monkey and a baboon or gorilla can not produce offspring. In contrast to this theory, we find that the different racial groups get married and produce human children. So there is something wrong with this theory of evolution, which states that modern humans originated from prehistoric apes. The question that should be asked to any proponent of the theory of evolution should be: Why do some male and female humans, regardless of colour, race, origin or nation, cohabit and produce descendants, whereas monkeys cannot cohabit with baboons? This theory of Darwin, that the ape is the origin of man, seems to be oddly suspicious. We also read in the book by Philip Freund: A later but similar guess, put forward by Sir Allister Hardy of Oxford University, is that man derives from apes that were driven to hunt in the sea for food by fierce competition in the forests.Sir Allister maintains that the development resulting from life in the shallow coastal waters about a million years ago accounts for the relatively slight body differences between men and apes today. At first the apes waded and groped, then gradually learned to swim. After thousands of years, the species lost its hair, in the same way as whales; except that hair still covered the head, possibly as protection against the sun. Because water supported the body, and they wanted to swim, they developed longer legs and to pry open crabs, their hands lengthened and straightened and became more sensitive. By seizing stones on the beach to crack open sea-urchins, they took a first step in the use of tools. After a very extensive experience of sea-shore life, apeman, his posture erect, his legs longer, his hands agile, his brain enlarged, was now ready to re-enter and reconquer the forests and plains, hunting and giving chase to the other beasts there.
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Again we see how scientists offer all kinds of excuses, with scientific methods and procedures, to prove that there was no Divine Creator with the creation of man. This is because only the theory of creation, according to Genesis was taken into account, but that no alternative Holy Scriptures were consulted. On page 153, of Philip Freund's book it is mentioned that the Biblical concept of creation is seen as being allegorical. The Jews and the Christians, who are already in doubt, turn their backs on faith in God, and rather accept atheism or some other cult as an alternative. Muslims, in contrast, are so convinced of a Divine Creator that they do not hunt for far-fetched theories. The first principle or confession in Islam, known as the Kalima Shahaadat, ensures that a Muslim is thoroughly assured of the origin of all, viz. the Creator or Allah. With true knowledge there is also true faith, no wonder that knowledge is so important in Islam.
In the interesting book Islam to the Modern Mind by the late Professor Fazl-ur-Rahman Ansari, we read on p. 227-232: With regard to the concept of evolution, the Holy Quran is the first book in known history that has brought out the concept of evolution and affirmed it in different dimensions of existence. According to the Quran, the human being is evolutionary; life on earthwhether plant or animalis evolutionary, and the entire universe itself is evolutionary. One of the excellent names of Allah (swt) is Rabb. According to the commentators of the Holy Qurn, for example Imm Rghib al-Isfahni, it is defined as: One who leads a thing by maintaining and nourishing it from one stage of growth to another and leads it to its goal.
The theory of evolution was worked out long before Darwin. Ibn Miskawayh, for example, wrote the book Kitb al-hayawn (The Book on Animal life), wherein he developed the theory of evolution scientifically. He was inspired by the Qurn and collected all the data and formulated the scientific theory. This book was translated into Latin and was taught in Latin for centuries. If one compares Ibn Miskawayhs book with that of Darwins Origin of Species, there are numerous passages which are literal translations of the book of Ibn Miskawayh. Darwin, like many other Western scholars, does not acknowledge this indebtedness to the Muslim scholars.
Darwins theory, the basis of which is the principle of the natural selection, transmutation of species, and the survival of the fittest, however, contains elements of subjective bias in it. At the time when Darwin appeared, great conflict arose between the leaders of the Church and the leaders of enlightenment. The leaders of Enlightenment who acquired their Muslim education in science, mathematics, etc, were burnt at the stake or cast into prisons and killed.
Consequently, antagonism developed between the church and the leaders of the Enlightenment. Finally, the Church could not suppress them, and their cause was taken up by
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Darwin whose mission was to crush the Church and all that it stood for. Thus he devised a theory where the principle of divine intervention could be refuted, and so that the entire structure of religion would fall to the ground. If God could be considered as unnecessary for the existence of nature, then belief in God becomes redundant. Darwin worked on this theory beautifully and gave us the theory of mechanical causation in biology to explain the origin of all existing things. This contradicted the Christian view of creation being a product of Gods Will.
He started with the theory of the amoeba, the unitary cell, and said that through fission, the cell multiplies, (this is a fact in biology) and turns itself into more complex organisms. Then he formulated the principles of mutation, and said that life on earth has emerged from simpler forms, starting from the amoeba with man at the apex, the mutation of the ape. It is here where people feel insulted.
Akbar Ilhabdhi reported: Mansur said, I am god and Darwin replied, I am an ape, and my friend said that everybody thinks according to his calibre or level of comprehension. Let me speak on the basis of scientific knowledge itself.
If Allah (swt) planned it in the manner that different species on this earth should come into existence in the way Darwin said, there is no harm. After all, the human body before it comes into the world is an embryo that takes on different forms. It is ugly, like a lizard, and it continues to transform form until it becomes a normal human baby. Every human being changes their forms like that then there is no insult here. Therefore, we should not take it from that point of view.
From the scientific point of view, the Darwinian theory of evolution is not the only theory. There are the vitalists, the fundamentalists, the creative evolutionists and the telefinalists. So, Darwins school of thought is not the only one. The people of the west tried to cling to it because of the atheistic content. Another reason to cling to the theory is that the main trend of the West has been to develop the materialistic outlook. There has been a tendency to support atheism emotionally because of Western antagonism against the church.
In the West, other theories have emerged. The great biologist, Gabius Haldane and others, who are alive, challenged Darwins theory outright. The modern scientist say: If we establish mutations in our experiments, we always find that mutations are harmful to the organisms (i.e. for it to develop through mutations.) On this basis that mutations that mutations are harmful to organisms could have evolved in nature? So, to them this principle is inconceivable and consequently, the theory of Darwin falls to the ground.
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For a theory to be scientific, it must have all its links traceable, verifiable and established. In the case of the Darwinian theory, the missing link has not yet been found. Therefore, it is mere fiction, baseless and unscientific. If we view the evolution of species from the point of unity (tawhd), well see that this principle permeates everything in the universe. Then well accept the telefinalist theory. It is as follows:
There is a unitary tree of life, and as conditions evolved for the emergence of certain species, that species evolved as branches on the stem of that tree. There is no mutation. It is not that one branch changes into another each is an independent branch. Human beings came into existence as conditions on the earth evolved and matured, to an extent that the highest being, man, could emerge and come into existence and stay here.
Accordinhg to the Holy Qurn, the basis of existence of all animal life is one whether that animal is an amoeba, ape, cat or human being. The Holy Qurn says: I have created every animate thing from water. (Q. 21:30)
About the human species, the Qurn says: Allah has caused you to grow out of the earth as plants grow. (Q. 71:17)
Nabta, this spacio human personality has emerged from the earth, and this is also what Darwin and all the other evolutionists say. The Qurn says that the first man appeared from black stinking mud: Verily, I have created man from black (stinking) mud. (Q.15:26)
This is exactly what modern scientists say. Black mud is to be found on the shores of the sea, and the shore of that sea is probably that shore where figuratively or literally is the grave of of our grandmother Eve in Jeddah.
Regarding the human personality, here Islam differs from Darwinists and other evolutionists. According to modern scientists, they proclaim that they do not know what soul is, talk only in terms of the body. According to Islam, all human beings were created at the dawn of creation. Created in what form? He, Allah, created them in the form of al-rh the essential personality or the essential being. The Holy Qurn tells us:
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Almighty Allah gathered the entire progeny of Adam and asked : Am I not your Lord? (Q. 7:172) And all agreed: Yes, Thou art our Lord. (Q. 7: 172) Where was the entire humanity then? It means it was the al-rh (the soul or essential personality), and the dialogue was between Allah (swt) and al-rh at that stage. As Mawlana Jalluddin Rmi (ra), the great philosopher and sfi of Islam said:
This essential being (personality) has been alive for billions of years and has passed through different stages of existence in its unfolding.
It comes into this world penetrates the soil, gathers around it a nucleas of all those earthly materials in the form of fundamental particles wherewith its body is to be built up. Then it starts manifesting itself.
Thus, it grows out of the earth, although it was created in Jannah (Heaven). Here the problem is resolved in this manner. Therefore, it can be clearly conceived that Adam (as) and Hawa (Eve as) were created in Jannah (Heaven), but were born on the earth. Recall the verse: O mankind, be careful of your duty to Allah in respect of your dealings with one another, who created you from a single entity. (Q. 4: 11)
This nafs-whida (one soul), is a conscious integrated entity which is the first unitary cell which came into being unitary cell of the human constitution. This unitary cell multiplied through fission, and when it divided, it became two cells. The one cellis always larger than the other as biologists know. The larger cell became Adam and the smaller cell became Eve. And created out of itself, its pair. (Q. 4:1)
This is possible if we consider the fission of cells. And then the male cell became a male baby and the female cell a female baby under the care of the angels of Allah (swt), in a grove which was like the womb of the mother.
In this manner, the concept of evolution is an established fact in the light of the Qurn. Darwins theory is unacceptable both on scientific and Islamic grounds. The only theory in modern science which can be acceptable in the light of the Qurn and hadth is the
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telefinalist theory, which is now gaining ground and Darwinism is receding into the background.
It is, therefore, only right that a celebrated an international writer, Harun Yahya published a book called The Evolution Deceit in 1997, to prove that Darwins theory of Evolution was wrong and an absolute farce, according to all scientific theories.
The Theory of Divine Creation Unlike scientific theories, each Scripture proclaims, without exception, that humanity, as well as plant life or animal life, was created by God. According to Genesis 1, verses 27-28, the first man was Adam (A) and Eve was the first woman. There were at that stage no laws, which forbid siblings to marry, so all indications are that the first descendants came from the sons and daughters of Adam (A) and Eve. In an Afrikaans book Wat s die Bybel (What does the Bible Say), Prof. Dr. H S Pienaar, in response to a question: "Who did Adam and Eve's children marry? answers: "The only scriptural answer is, with their own brothers and sisters, and later with the children of their brothers and sisters, because there were no other people besides Adam and Eve and their offspring. In Acts 17:26 we clearly read: God made all nations from the blood of men. Pienaar continues: "To this must be added that even in Abraham's days, the marriage between brother and sister was still not banned but only later in the Mosaic Law as the teachings of the Bible accepted that Adam and Eve were the only people whom God created. When men became evil, God destroyed them with the flood of 2370, prior to the Christian era, according to Genesis 7, verses 1-24, except Noah, his wife, their three sons and their wives. The three basic races of mankind evolved from the three sons of Noah, according to page 166, Volume 1 of Tafrihul Askia Fil Ahwal Ul Ambia. The three sons were Sam, Japheth and Ham. Sam was light in colour, with light hair and light eyes. Japheth was yellow skinned with narrow eyes and dark hair. Ham was dark brown with woolly hair. Noah, a descendant of Adam, is subsequently the ancestor of the human race, after the flooding of the earth took place. While there is positive evidence for the origin of mankind in the Holy Scriptures, we find the following dubious assertion on page 168 of The Origin of Species by Charles Darwin, published by Collier, New York, in 1962: As by this theory innumerable transitional forms must have existed, why do we not find them embedded in countless numbers in the crust of the earth? I will here only state that I BELIEVE the answer mainly lies in the record being incomparably less perfect than is
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generally supposed. Hibben in his work Prehistoric Man in Europe on page 33, sounded surprised by the Neanderthal skeletons older than previous discoveries, while to date, no trace of a link from an inter-Man (missing link) was found. On page 126 of Early Man by Clark Howell, published in TIME-LIFE Books, New York, in 1968, we find the following: In addition to stopping abruptly, the classic Neanderthal is replaced with equal abruptness by people like ourselves. There is no blending, no gradual shading from one type to the other. Scientists, therefore, rejected the possibility of Neanderthal man as a link to modern man. The sudden disappearance of the former, a few thousand years before the creation of Adam, an entirely new creation, remains unanswered by the scientists. We read the following on page 35 of the scientific work, Omnivores by Lyall Watson, published in 1971 by Hodder & Stoughton Ltd.: Man's Story begins in Africa about 30,000,000 years ago. At this time a primate lived on the edge of the forest near the open bushy grassland. We know very little about him except that his teeth were fairly simple with features that suggest he was ancestral to both man and the modern apes. Then there was a gap in the record and the next discoveries date back about 20,000,000 years ago. These include fossils from Egypt and East Africa, of which some are much more apelike and some are clearly becoming human. Again, there is spoken of a gap, even of ten million years. With excavations there are often some theories released to the world and a degree of confusion is being caused. It is not quite clear about the exact era and the conclusions, but only scientists who are using the theory to disprove the Divine creation. Various Holy Scriptures indicate that all forms of human life, animal life and vegetation, were destroyed with the floods during the time of Noah. This flood changed the face of the earth, for new vegetation to arise. In a book entitled "Life - How did it get here? By Evolution or by Creation? by the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania International Students Association, printed in 1985, I found a very interesting observation, on pages 23-24. There, we read: In the magazine Harper's, writer Tom Bethell subsequently said: "Darwin made a mistake that is serious enough to undermine his theory. And that error was only recently recognized as such ... The organism can indeed be more appropriate than another ... and this is obviously not something that helps the body to create ... It is in my opinion clear that something very serious with such an idea has appeared. Bethell added: "As I see the matter, and the most astounding conclusion: I think Darwin's theory is on the verge of collapse." In a summary of some of the unsolved problems of evolution to contend with, Francis Hitching "In three critical areas where [the modern theory of evolution] can be tested, it failed: The fossil record reveals a pattern of evolutionary leaps rather as gradual changes. Genes are a powerful stabilizing mechanism whose main function is to prevent new forms being evolved. Gentle, random mutations at the molecular level can not be organised and declared a growing complexity of life. "Hitching concludes with this remark: "To put it
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mildly, a theory of evolution which even among those who preach it, there is so much doubt. If Darwinism is truly the great unified principle of biology, including this unusually large areas of ignorance, then there is still so much doubt according to fundamental questions: how lifeless chemicals became alive, what grammar rules were behind the genetic code, how genes determined the form of living things. Oddly enough, on page 45 of that book, exactly the same question that I used in my earlier studies is asked: What came first, the chicken or the egg? On page 46 we read the following: A science writer summarizes it as follows: "The origin of the genetic code creates a huge chicken and egg problem, which is currently still completely unresolved." Now there arises a further obstacle to the theory of evolution. At one stage or another, a primitive cell has revolutionised life on earth, bringing about - photosynthesis. The process by which plants absorb carbon dioxide and oxygen exhales it, is not yet fully understood by scientists. It's like F W Went, the biologist, said, "it is a process that no one could imitate in a test tube. However, it is believed that a simple little cell thus came for a day. The photosynthetic process has changed an atmosphere where no oxygen was contained and changed into an atmosphere in which one molecule out of every five is oxygen. Animals, subsequently, could inhale oxygen, and an ozone layer could be established to take all life from the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation. Can this remarkable series of circumstances simply be explained by blind coincidence? We, indeed, live in a period where the same ozone layer depleted by our own scientific discoveries, and we find that skin cancer and other ailments are created as a result of human problems. Incidentally, the words of biologist F W Went that no process could be imitated in a test tube, is consistent with a Qur'nic verse in the chapter on Hajj (22, 73): Oh men! Here is a parable set forth! Listen to it! Those on whom, besides God, you call, can not create (even) a fly if they all met together for that purpose! And if the fly should snatch away anything from them, they would have no power to release it from the fly. Feeble are those who petition and those whom they petition. Previously, I reported that the animal is fitted with a mortal soul, which is capable of acting on instinct, while the man has an immortal soul with a conscience. Darwin with his anti-God theory could not produce positive proof of his anti-divine theory.
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CHAPTER 3 THE ORIGIN OF RELIGION AND SOVEREIGNTY

What is Religion? It is important that we introduce this section, by primarily discussing some important aspects, especially if the reader does not have a good knowledge of the different forms of belief. Faith or religion is, first and foremost, belief in something divine or of some doctrine in which a person firmly believes. Faith has been there since the origin of mankind. Many religions originated due to some superstitious influence and then it later developed into a new religion. It is, therefore, important that we know the origin of various forms of faith, which we shall summarily discuss so that we know the changes and influences, which are to be detected. This part of my research is, subsequently, quite bulky, because there are so many religions in the world. Oddly enough, most people have only knowledge of their own faith, and they tend to condemn everything else. In most cases they do not have proper knowledge of the faith of others, but only the propaganda, which is being spread against certain religions. It is wrong to convey a story, without the necessary knowledge. I dare not commit the same error about other religions to criticise them, or to call them false religions. How much knowledge do our readers actually have about religions, such as Zoroastrianism, Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism, Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Sikhism, Humanism and Communism? For all these beliefs and doctrines to be brought to the attention of our readers, we will require a detailed study, without condemnation. The search for knowledge provided me with many hours of interesting facts. Allow me, therefore, to share each faith, separately, with the reader. Animism There is a view of man's belief in animism (the worship of stones, trees, sun and other objects) which then began to develop into faith and practices, such as ancestor worship and many deities. It then developed into a higher form of monotheism or belief in one God, as life progressed. However, this notion or idea is not at all consistent with the historical view. The Islamic view differs, however, because as was reported in this book, with the creation of the first man true faith in God was already known, and that belief in animistic deities followed much later, as well as when other elements emerged, due to the dominance of people such as Nimrod and other emperors. There are religions in many parts of the world without founders or prophets, nor scripts, because it was practised by people, who could neither read, nor write. We refer to them as the primitive people of the world. However, it must be remembered that over the millennia, they also had their own way of degeneration, and that their faith exists no longer in its original form. Traditions and customs sometimes differ from one community to another, such as the Zulu of Kwazulu-Natal and the North American Indians; some might be more advanced than others. A study of such beliefs might cause a better concept and appreciation of such primitive peoples.
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Influences It is remarkable how the practices of some communities were affected by other faiths and how it was accepted by inheritance, or as part of a faith. I would, immediately, like to mention the case of Ratip or Khalifa Display, which actually originated from Hinduism, and is still being practised in the Western Cape of South Africa by certain Muslims. Many Muslims, out of ignorance, accept Ratip as being part of Islam, while it is hardly the case. This is the same as Muslims in the Western Cape, who firmly believe that they first have to greet Karamats (cemeteries of saints), prior to going for the Holy Pilgrimage. These are the same people, who disparage other religions and consider them as primitive, while they themselves are practising primitive customs. I condemn no one, and if a person feels like clinging to certain customs, it remains his prerogative. These persons should, then, also be critical of others with outdated usages. The uninformed man is often exploited by primitive superstitions, with so-called "witchdoctors", sangomas and doekoms. If these so-called "wise men" state to the uninformed patient that he should not go for medical treatment, such a person firmly believes that the muti, often unhygienically prepared, can help him to recover. This is a form of faith, in which a person firmly believes. If such a person is faced with the Holy Scriptures, then he looks for excuses to justify his superstitions. In Islam, witchcraft is considered a great sin. I am sure readers are aware of such cases. It may even be a parent, a brother, a sister or a family member, who is so superstitious. It, therefore, has become imperative for us to study the different religions and certain primitive customs, in order to discover unto what extent we, ourselves, have already been affected by some of them. Many of these customary practices were being taken for granted, due to ignorance. When I was small, we were told not to cut our nails in the evening or sweep the floors of our house after dark. We believed that all kinds of bad luck or ill omens would befall us if we did not observe such practices. In Islam there are no such superstitions, but many of these practices were adopted from the time of slavery and passed on to the next generations. Zoroastrianism Zoroastrianism, named after Zarathustra (500 to 2,500 years before the Christian era), contained many ideas and doctrines, which were customary in other religions. It is reported that Zarathustra was only a messenger of God, who called the people to practise faith in God alone. That was an ideology, which was considered at the time of his death and the writings, which he left behind. In some forms of Zoroastrian religion, there is Ahuru Mazda, the force of good, battling with Angra Mainyu, the force of evil, for control of the world, according to Abdul Wahid Hamid. Hinduism Hinduism is the main religion of India. Although the religion is many thousands of years old, it still retains a strong influence over a Hindu population, six times as large as that of the British Isles. To the Western people Hinduism is a religion full of mystery. Topics such as yoga, caste and reincarnation stunned and fascinated many of us, and stories of strange habits, or mystical practices, with miraculous achievements or physical endurance display, which fascinates us with wonder and curiosity.
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According to history, Hinduism did not have an originator or prophet. There is not even a date from which the religion is dated. Throughout history, it has only been a very tolerant religion, known to other religious forms. So we find, nowadays, in Hinduism, that the most wise and primitive superstition exist side by side, and if you ask many Hindus about their personal God or about future life, we find a lot of contradictory responces. So let us research in the history of Hinduism, in order to understand this difficult religion. In Hinduism, which obviously believes in polytheism, there is a suggestion that Rama and Krishna were messengers of God. Unfortunately, they became gods personified, just like it was done in the case of Jesus, in Christianity. More or less, the same time as when Moses led Israel out of Egypt, another great race was also on the move. It was the Indo-European or Aryan race, which lived in the south-eastern Europe, near the Caspian Sea. For unknown reasons, these Aryans were divided into three groups. A portion of them went to the west of Europe, a second group went to the Persian Gulf and a third group moved to India. The word Aryan means noble or outstanding. These movers were so proud of their height, their strength and their light skin. In their arrogance, they looked down on the Dravidians. Consequently they destroyed the poorer people's towns and used them as slaves. Just like the Dravidians, the Aryans also became nature-worshippers. They had many gods such as Vishnu, the sun god, Agni, the fire god, Indra, the god of storms and war, and Varuna, the sacred and majestic god, which demanded high moral standards of his suitors. The combative Aryans worshipped loudly, around an outdoor altar. The people sang hymns and the priests drank lots of intoxicants, called soma. This soma was important because it had an effect on the ecstatic worshippers, who worshipped and in their intoxicated state felt that they were reaching heaven. So with this primitive method, they could easily reach yoga at a later stage. In other words, an out-of-the-world mood became a popular ideal of Hinduism. By this time, another characteristic of Hinduism also made its feature, namely the worship of the cow. In the struggle for existence, the breeding of cattle became very important. The cow had many uses, such as drawing the plows and carts and producing milk and manure. This economic valuation may have contributed to the belief in true worship, that the cow was a sacred animal and became so sacred, that for centuries, the penalty for killing a cow was punishable with the death penalty. In due time the conquerors and the conquered had more to do with each other and thus Hinduism adopted the Dravidian gods as their own. There were altogether thirty gods, but some like Vishnu, had become more important, while others such as Varuna, gradually disappeared. The Hindu Scriptures Just like the Christian Bible, Hindu scriptures were compiled over a very long period of many centuries. The earliest fragments, probably, dated back to before 1500 BC, while later sections were completed about 200 AD. Although huge in number, they were memorised by the Brahman priests, who preferred to limit them, jealously, to themselves. Eventually, however, it appeared in written form and is widely known and loved throughout India,
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nowadays. In short, I want to record the different departments, according to their appearances. 1. The Vedas are the oldest and most important of all Hindu scriptures. It consists of four main hymn- and prayer books, the oldest of which is called the Rig Veda. The earliest hymns show a good faith in the gods, while there is doubt about the later hymns, which mention about the meaning of life, and the cause of creation. The Vedas are beautifully composed and long pieces are now acquired by the holy Hindu. 2. The Brahmans include instructions to the priests and the complex rituals, when something is required to be sacrificed to the gods. These instructions are important if one takes into account that the sun will not rise, unless a priest makes a potential sacrifice. 3. The Upanishads Scriptures are important for the expansion of Hinduism. They virtually offer a new religion, in which priests are no longer required, where the multiple gods of Hinduism are not important anymore and is replaced with an eternal spirit or cause, in which the seeker finds himself through internal meditation. 4. The Epic Poems are great tales about mighty gods, which people have eventually become. A great warrior, Rama, was, actually, the god Vishnu in human form. His wife Sita was stolen by the prince of demons and rescued by a monkey god, Hanuman. Krishna, the coachman, was also the god Vishnu in human form, but later became a god in his own right. He taught man that the soul never dies, and that the unselfish man must survive. He invited man in personal devotion to himself and taught a special form of yoga or self-discipline, whereby they could assist them to meditate about him. From this brief description, we realise how different confessions have found their ways into the Hindu faith. The Vedas raised the early gods, the Upanishads have helped to get rid of them, and the Epic Poetry changed them into human form. These scripts are part of the ancient traditions of India, taught by Hindu mothers to their children. And although they seem to contradict one another, they are so immense that a Hindu always finds in it something that inspires him and enhances his belief, whatever it might be. The vast majority of Indians have inherited their ancestors' love for many gods. In fact, the number of gods worshipped in India, today, is so enormous that it is impossible to count them all. In every village there are altars in homes and along the roads, and gods and idols, good and evil spirits, which are the daily concerns of the Hindu villagers. Brahma, the creator, is generally not worshipped, because his work is currently considered as being completed. On the other hand Shiva, the god of destruction is honoured everywhere. He is presented as having four arms, who dances energetically, to show the potency of life, which he manages. He destroys to make provision for the new one. Its emblem is a pillar, and the worshippers hope to escape his cruelty, by offering sacrifices to him. In Southern India, he has been accepted as a good-natured god. Kali is a sadistic god which requires blood sacrifice. Her yawning black open mouth, her forehead covered with human skulls, and the area around her being spattered with blood. Yet she is regarded as the Holy Mother by women, which should be worshipped as the giver of
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children. In complete contrast there is the benign god Vishnu, from whom the great figure of Krishna descended. In one of the most beautiful epic poems, the Gita or the Song of the Lord, the one from which Krishna taught the simple dedicated service to a neighbour and the joy of devotion to his god, and his ultimate reunion in the hereafter. Some of the songs used in this worship, are word for word, so similar to the Christian hymns, that it is difficult to believe that were composed separately. The great temples are the homes of Hindu gods, which are found everywhere in the country. They are not churches, but the homes of the gods, where giant statues of gods were erected. The priests are their servants, who see to their keep and who care, awake, wash, dress, feed, and entertain them, and to prevent them from punishing their worshippers, with severity. This is Hinduism as it still exists in India: the primitive worship of many gods. The greatest Hindu leader of the last century, Mahatma Gandhi, said: "I think that idol worship is part of human nature, I do not consider it a sin." Many educated Hindus, are happy to leave it like that, because they firmly believe that the images and symbols of the early traces of faith, are absolutely necessary. Reincarnation is a part of the Upanishads, the third part of the Hindu scriptures, which is to be taught. In other words, the human spirit continues to live hundreds of times over in a different form or body, just like a suit, which is being changed all the time. Brahman, unlike Brahma, the creator god, is a high priest and the eternal spirit of the universe. Even the other gods, if they exist, are created by Brahman. He is the core of everything, according to the Upanishads. A Yogi is a person practising yoga. It is the endurance, in which a person has to practise selfhypnosis. The practice of ratiep or khalifa display is a typical example of yoga. Other forms of yoga are, when the naked body is placed on sharp nails or fire and kept over hot coals. According to Hinduism the true goal of yoga is not to show the display of endurance, but actually to achieve redemption in earthly life. Thus, the Hindu is encouraged to leave his home and to look for solitude in the woods. Strict rules of diet, physical posture, breathing, and intense concentration is required, while his mind should search inward for the Supreme Being. The practice of a caste system is also used by the Hindus and came earlier from Brahma, the creator, according to these scriptures. From his mouth came the priests, from his chest the soldiers, from his thighs the merchants and males, and from his feet the servants. Hinduism is not a missionary religion and is only practised by the Indians. In modern times, many Hindus convert to the Catholic faith, because it suits them to depart from the caste system, but also to worship more than one god. Judaism The name Judaism has its roots in Judea. The word Jew originally meant a person who comes from Judea. The name of Judas, the person accused of having betrayed Jesus, had his origins in Judea. Judaism dates back more than four thousand years. It is one of the oldest
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living religions. The Hebrews, which was later known as Israelites, inhabited the region known as the Land of Canaan, or as "The Land of Purple", because the shellfish along the beaches produced a popular purple colour. Eventually, Canaan became known as the land of Palestine or the Land of the Philistines and the Israelites were known as Jews. Not all the Israelites were Jews, however, but earlier in the history some of the Israelites were divided into twelve tribes. They were named after the sons of the patriarch, Prophet Jacob or Israel. Only two tribes, Benjamin and Judah, eventually, remained from the descendants of these two tribes. The Jewish Religion After Prophet Moses, saved the Israelites from their oppression by the Pharaohs of Egypt, they abandoned God to worship the calf, which they made with their own hands. This practice had since become the general use and they wantonly and deliberately changed the sacred laws of their Creator, as it suited them. Due to the Jews being so widespread, these days and because they do not generally discuss their faith, very few people actually know anything about their beliefs and religious acts. The Jews do not encourage conversion to their religion, nor intermarriage with other religions at all. It is not a missionary religion. Judaism is a predecessor of Christianity, which, subsequently, became a missionary religion. The original patriarch of all religions was Prophet Abraham, to whom I, respectfully, reserve a special section in my research. The major Scriptures of the Jews are the Torah and the Talmud. In the Torah, the Laws in the Old Testament are included as the Pentateuch. The Pentateuch consists of five books, called Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy. Much later, the historical overview in the form of the Talmud was published. The Jewish Scriptures were orally transferred from generation to generation and only produced in written form in the sixth or seventh century, after Christ. From the viewpoint of Islam, Jews in the Qur'n are addressed as Yahood or Bani Israel (Children of Israel). The original writing of Divine guidance, which was sent to them, was the Touraat, which was revealed to Prophet Moses. Yet, the said Touraat and the Torah of the Old Testament, in its present form, varies greatly. Although the books on which the Torah is based, with its sacred message, was originally governed and eventually rewritten by scribes and priests. According to the Holy Qur'n, there is no doubt that the holy prophets, known as Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Joseph, Moses, David, Solomon, Jesus and Mohammad (May the peace of God be with them all) , were all selected prophets of God, to whom God gave to some the holy revelations. Their message was always the same, viz. the recognition of an only God and Creator, the day of reckoning and the purpose of historical events and people's responsibilities and duties by their lifestyle and their confirmation and worship of God. Many Jews still retain this part of the sacred message, and so there is a big resemblance between them and the Muslims. These Jews certainly believe in the "akhad (only God) and observe certain duties, as far as values, cleanliness, morality and lifestyle are concerned. There are other sects of Judaism, known as tribal and ethnic-orientated, which insists that God is the "God of Israel", and that God is the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. They believe that God's goal is to justify, defend and, ultimately, want to avenge "his people".
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Consequently, they believe this part of the covenant is a promise, and that God, himself, is committed with a favour to Israel, despite their low moral life. They are consequently not satisfied with the Final Judgement or the Hereafter. They consider the Day of Judgement as a day of defence and revenge against all earthly enemies, instead of moral reward and punishment for immorality, by God. This political group, known as Zionism, is how the covenant of God is viewed. With the "Balfour Declaration" of England, the new state of Israel was deliberately recreated by the West, to cause unnecessary conflict between the Jews and the Palestinians in the Middle-East. Since then, the West has repeatedly used all kinds of aggression against countries in the Middle-East, causing unnecessary conflict to degrade the name of Islam, with names such as Islamist terrorism. Why was the killing of the Jews by Hitler not regarded as Christian terrorism? Why was the Crusaders unnecessary killing of Muslims and Jews not termed as Christian terrorism? Western propaganda by the media is a strategy to degrade certain religions, as it suits them. The Qur'n explains (in the second chapter, verses 47 and 122) that God authorised the Jews, but that money is the fulfilment of the covenant between them and God and their clear role was to serve God with good deeds. The so-called covenant permitted the Jews with the reward of children, land, prosperity and happiness. However, it is expected to worship God alone (as opposed to money or possessions) and to practise charity, fairness and justice. The covenant stipulates that if the Jews fulfil their part of the agreement to comply, that it will end their diffusion, misfortune and unhappiness (according to the Holy Qur'n 3: 112, and 17; 2 and 8). However, there is no "promise" mentioned, but only true faith and equitable deeds. The Synagogue The Jewish temple used for worship is known as the Synagogue, and the minister is addressed as the Rabbi. The word Rabbi is derived from the word Rabb or Lord. Men and women sit separately in a synagogue. Females, usually, sit in the gallery. The Jewish Sabbath starts from sunset on a Friday and ends 24 hours later. Modern Jews are moving away from the older generation in their daily practices, such as with eating only kosher or clean food. Those who cling to the original laws are known as orthodox Jews. A movement was founded, from such orthodox Jews, which became known as "Zionism". Circumcision of males is another ritual, to which Jews still cling. It was the covenant between God and the Prophet Abraham. The Jews and the Muslims still faithfully keep this agreement. We shall, at a later stage, give more information on this topic. Just as the Muslim learns to read the Arabic Qur'n, the Jew is taught to read the Hebrew Torah. Unfortunately, the modern Jew is not dedicated to this practice anymore. The use of wine and spirits are not discouraged in Judaism, because it is encouraged in entertainment and certain festivities. Reformed Jews are now more liberal and families, regardless of their gender, sit together in the synagogue. They also make use of organ music and choir singing at their services. They make use of a horn to announce their prayer times. Judaism is a closed faith and they do no missionary work to extend their faith. Therefore, there is no increase in their numbers, such as with Christianity and Islam.
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Buddhism During the sixth century BC, a son of an Indian prince lived in a palace on the slopes of the Himalayas. His name was Gautama, and was later recognised as the original Buddha. His father spoilt him with all types of comfort and protected him against any unpleasantness. He married a beautiful young woman later and became the proud father of a beautiful boy. But despite his father's concern, Gautama always feared that he would suffer in the end. Without his father's knowledge, he took a long ride through the neighboring grounds. He encountered three tragic figures along the way, viz. a sick man, an old man and a dead man. Each time he asked the driver for an explanation. The sustained response was that this would be coming to all of us in life. Gautama was deeply aggrieved by this and began to wonder how these tragedies: illness, old age or death, could be averted. Gautama met a holy person, who informed him to give up the ease of life, and to live only in the forests. So he decided that he would lead a holy life in future. One night he left the palace with his driver, forsaking his wife and son. At dawn he left his father's estate, and sent his servant back to return with his horse, his sword and all his precious possessions. When he met a beggar, he even exchanged his clothing for those of the beggar. Nothing of his previous life remained then and he wandered all alone after this. He then met with many adventures. He first lived with two famous Brahman teachers and he became just as popular as they. However, Hinduism did not interest him and he stayed with five friends, who taught him the art of yoga. He fasted and meditated in the forest until one day, when he fell unconscious. When he finally recovered from fainting, he realised that it was actually meaningless to harm his body. He then, to the displeasure of his friends, decided to partake in a good meal. They, thereafter, forsook him and he was again totally alone. Some time later, he rested under a tree and meditated there for several days. He then realised that life away from Palace would be difficult, in other words the solution would be a path of yoga and discipline. Buddhists calculate the place where Gautama sat, as the centre-point of the world, and a temple was built on that spot. Part of that tree is planted in Sri Lanka, where it still remains among the ruins of the ancient city. With the means of salvation, the Gautama felt that he discovered the solution to the cycle of life and death. So he chose his life, by teaching his fellow man to spend their lives in salvation. It is estimated that he travelled through India for a period of 45 years, propagating his teachings with great success. When he died, his body was cremated and his ashes were divided into ten parts. It was sent to ten different provinces, where he lived and taught. Other bodily parts of Buddha, like his hair and teeth, are apparently still saved in various parts of the world. The most important information about Buddha's teachings comes from the Buddhist scripts. The earliest of them contain a statement of faith, rules for monks, and a lot of complicated manuals for monks to study. It is based on documents, which were written about four hundred years after Buddha's death. Consequently, there have been many arguments about what Buddha actually taught.
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Since he was raised as a Hindu, the idea of reincarnation is accepted, as well as the final deliverance from earthly life, which Buddhists call Nirvana. But he regarded the system of priesthood as unnecessary, and rejected yoga as a life style. His teachings were based on "four noble truths", as well as the eight rules of conduct or "eight ways of salvation. With respect to his Hindu background, it is, therefore, not surprising that the following statements were made about the evil nature of life: 1. 1. The fact of suffering. All worldly life is evil. Birth, illness, age and death are all painful and sorrowful. 2. 2. The cause of suffering. The main cause of suffering is desire. We desire to live or die and after death desire to live again; also the desire of fame, riches and pleasures, respectively. 3. 3. The end of suffering. The end of desire is the end of all suffering. 4. 4. The escape from suffering. The moderate way, the honourable eight ways of selfdiscipline is the means of escaping from suffering. These are briefly the right belief, the right aims, the right speech, the right conduct, the right work, the right effort, the right thinking and the right meditation. Buddhists will not kill, because all life, according to Buddhism, is one, and to kill is a sin against your own self. For example, to cause a worm to die might cause great pain to a former family member or friend, for those who believe in reincarnation. Even the tea from a Buddhist is carefully filtered, to ensure that an insect is not accidentally killed or swallowed. No animal is killed for meat, although meat that is received may be eaten, because Buddha always insisted that his followers, who receive any food, given to them as gifts it, may be accepted. Buddhists are supposed to be peaceful and patient in suffering and by accidents. Intoxicating drugs are to be prevented in Buddhism, as it is unhealthy and leads to laziness. It is unclear whether Buddha was an atheist, because he only referred to himself as the all-wise, etc. The monk system or monasticism was very likely developed by Buddhism, because Buddha separated himself and encouraged the wearing of simple clothing. From the earliest rules of monks, he laid, are the following rules: 1. To wear only rags. 2. To wear yellow rags. 3. To eat only once per day. 4. To possess nothing, except by begging, if required. 5. Not to handle any money. 6. To live for a portion of the year in the forest with only a tree as shelter, as well as to sit on a mat, even while sleeping. To lie down was forbidden.
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So the monks scratched in dirt bins for tatters and then after finding it, and dyeing it yellow, it should be sewn together. Living under a roof was looked down upon, and the simple clothing was all the protection needed against any kinds of weather. They had to beg for food, and anything landed in the bowl, had to be eaten, even if it is dirty or offensive. Thus, it was told that a leper's finger accidentally landed in the monk's dish, and he simply had to eat it. Along with begging, monks had to accept denials, insults and even beatings, without showing any emotions. A monk must never show annoyance nor his gratitude. He does not lift his eyes to his donor, and when the latter walks away, he should only glare in front of him, without looking to left or right. A monk should show no interest in the opposite sex. Gautama, himself, felt that a woman would be dangerous to the success of his work. He warned his followers not to talk to women or to look at them. For example, one of his sayings was: that if your mother fell in the water and she started to drown, then you may cast a branch to her, if one was available. Otherwise she should drown, although you were close at hand, to save her. All the above details were found in What Men Believe by Herod (1968). Buddhism would have ceased to exist if a dynamic person in the form of King Asoka, during the third century BC, did not accept the religion. He spread the religion outside India, in lands such as Sri Lanka, Burma, Siam and Tibet. Buddhism also had various sects, but eventually the religion consisted of two categories viz. The Lesser Vehicle and the Larger Vehicle. The initial one consisted of the rules, as explained, while the latter included the supernatural. Various mythologies about Buddha originated in between. Many communities where there was chaos and violence before accepted Buddhism as a religion of peace, in order to bring peace into their midst. Christianity Although many Christians regarded Jesus as the founder of Christianity, it is a known fact that he only preached for a period of three years to the lost tribe of Israel. All indications are that Paul of Tarsus was the actual founder of Christianity, and that Emperor Constantine legally declared the establishment of the Church. There is a clear difference between the Jesus of the Qur'n, Nabi Isa (the son of Maria and the Prophet of Nazareth) and "Jesus Christ" ("the son of god") of the New Testament. So let me immediately start off with clarification, by means of a quotation from Matthew 2, verse 23: And he went and dwelt in a city called Nazareth, that what was spoken by the prophets might be fulfilled, He shall be called a Nazarene. To explain the matter further, I would like to quote from Matthew 26, verse 63-64, when Jesus appeared before the high priest: But Jesus was silent. And the high priest said to him, I adjure you by the living God, to tell us if you are the Christ, the son of God. We all expect Jesus to speak the truth, so let us examine his truthful answer (according to the Bible): Jesus said to him, You have said so. (Not me). But I tell you, hereafter you will see the Son of man (not God) seated at the right hand of Power, and coming on the clouds of heaven. In the first quotation, we established a fact, which demonstrates that the name of Jesus was
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announced as Jesus of Nazareth, not as Jesus Christ. Besides, the word Christ was derived from the Greek word "Christos", and it is not a Hebrew word. In the second quotation we clearly notice that Jesus, whom we regard as an honest person, admits that he is not the Christ or the Son of God, but that the priest said so. Then he explains, further, that everyone (not just the priest) will firstly witness the son of man, in other words not the son of God, and he will be on the right side of the power of God. Note: not on the right side of God, but the power of God. We are all aware of the power of the sun, although nobody ever was near to the Sun. The term that Jesus is on the right side of God, puts God on his left side. It is blasphemous and contrary to what the Scriptures actually tells that the left side, symbolically speaking, is inferior. In the book The Dead Sea Scrolls Deception by Michael Baigent and Richard Leigh, on page 203 we find the following: Granted, the 'Teacher of Righteousnous' is not depicted as divine; but neither until some time after his death, was Jesus. These words, clearly indicates that Jesus was not divine, and also not for a long time afterwards. On page 267 of the same work we find the astonishing recognition: Paul, in effect, shunts God aside and establishes, for the first time, worship of Jesus - Jesus as a kind of equivalent of Adonis, of Tammuz, of Attis, or of any one of the other dying and reviving gods who populated the Middle East at the time. In order to compete with these divine rivals, Jesus had to match them point for point, miracle for miracle. The authors, emphatically, state that the letters of Paul created a new god, and created a new religion, namely Christianity. The book refers to Adonis, Tammuz and Attis, all the pagan gods. The name of Nimrod might as well have been added, because Tammuz was one of Nimrod's titles. We shall discuss Nimrod in a later chapter, to give an indication of the part that he played in Christianity. After Council of Jerusalem, the opposition against him had already begun. This is where he stated that the law of the Torah was completely repealed, and in response to his rivals, the letter to the Galatians were written. These opponents were linked to the old Judeo-Christian Church led by some leading people. The Encyclopaedia Britannica, Encyclopaedia of Religion and Ethics serves here as evidence. James Mackinon writes in From Christ to Constantine (London, 1936): It is incorrect to assume that the views of Paul or the author of the Gospel of John largely formed the basis of religious belief immediately after the era of the disciples although Paul continued to influence the minds of those times. The theology of the fourth Gospel finally became dominant over the Churches. It is however a reality that the early Catholic Church had thrown out the Paulinian thinking. And in the second century, wherever there were the followers of the Gospel of John, there were also to be found opponents. Paul's conception of Christianity was by no measure of means the prevailing belief at the time of the disciples. In the Second century there is mentioned a sect called Nasareen Ebianites. In this connection JM Robertson mentions in his work, History of Christianity (London 1913) on pp. 5: These people denied the divinity of Jesus and did not accept Paul as an Apostle.
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The Encyclopaedia Brittanica mentions Irenaeus as follows: They held that Christ was a miraculously endowed man, and rejected Paul as an apostate; from the Mosaic law to the customs and ordinances of which, including circumcision, they steadily adhered. In the fourth century, the sect of Arius raised strong opposition to the doctrine of Trinity in the entire Christian world. The renowned Christian scholar, Theodoret, uttered the following statements, according to Encyclopaedia Brittanica, Vol. 7, page 881: Disputes and Contentions arose in every city and in every village concerning theological dogmas there were indeed scenes fit for the tragic stage, over which tears might have been shed. For it was not, as in bygone days, when the church was attacked by strangers and enemies; but now nations of the same country, who dwelt under one roof and sat down at one table, fought against each other, not with spears, but with their tongues. In his book On the Trinity, by St.Augustine (New York 1948), the importance of the sect of Arius, and a large number of his supporters determined a detailed rebuttal of that sect. In 325 the Emperor Constantine called on the Council of Nicaea to resolve the controversy. This Council rejected the views of Arius. Mackinon wrote: It is extremely difficult to say that there was present at this council the representation of the entire Christian world. There were a few representatives from the western regions. In all, 300 Bishops were represented, the majority of whom were Greek. Theodoret writes: "the views of Arius Were Rejected out of hand on presentation, and at that time, they were declared false. As a result, Mackinon writes: "The party of Athanasius secured victory because it had the support of the Emperor. At the same time, the government secured victory in stifling religious opposition by force and suppressing independent religious opinion. James Mackinon described in vivid detail the controversy which continued for several years, but they gradually forced the government to concede. Mentioned facts show clearly that there were numerous opponents of Paul in the first three centuries of the Christian era. They were finally suppressed by the government. Also there might be some views of Christian scholars noted in modern times. This allows the reader to determine why there is mentioned that Paul founded Christianity. Christian scholars, who studied the Bible impartially, also arrived at the same conclusion. With the description of the condition of Paul, the Encyclopaedia Brittanica claims: One group among the writers, represented for example by W.Wrede, who were by no means opposed to Paul, opine that Paul changed Christianity to such an extent that he has become its second founder. In reality he is the founder of that 'church Christianity' which is totally different from the Christianity brought by Jesus. They say that 'follow Jesus or follow Paul, but both cannot be followed simultaneously' ".
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Although Walter Von Loewinch is a strong supporter of Paul's, the following statement of W. Wrede confirms: Paul separated Christianity from Judaism and gave it a distinct form. Hence he is the creator of those churches which were built in the name of Jesus. Von Loewinch writes further: "If there were no Paul, then Christianity would have been a sect of Judaism, and would not have been a universal religion." James Mackinon, who is described as an outstanding Christian scholar, and is not recognised as an opponent of Paul: The train of thought is distinctively his own. Whether it is altogether in accord with the mind of Jesus is not so evident in spite of his claim to direct revelations at the same time, Jesus' conception of the law in itself is hardly in accordance with that of Paul In this respect Paul's claim that he received his gospel by revelation from Christ is rather problematic. Mackinon shows that there is great doubt over the claims of Paul which exists. I, however, only reflect the opinions of great scholars and writers, without my own view. Another historian on Paul, Foakes Jackson, in his book, The Life of Paul (London 1933); admits: If there were no Paul, Christianity would have been different. And if there were no Jesus, Christianity would not have been possible. Discoveries and finds of ancient scripts, being deciphered, are still causing inserts and new experiences in Christianity. Recently, as recent as the beginning of the new millennium, an ancient unraveling of what is known as the Gospel of Judas, was discovered. Although only four Gospels of the Church are accepted, the discovery of new suppressed gospels are still causing a great stir. In the words of the renowned historian, Herbert Krosney in his book The Lost Gospel, we read on page 12: The white limestone sarcophagus discovered by the Qarara peasants contained texts that spoke of Jesus but had not been accepted by the orthodox church. One in particular would excite scholars' interest: the Gospel of Judas. This twenty-six-page papyrus manuscript hinted at a secret plan Jesus had for Judas. He had asked his most trusted disciple to undertake the greatest sacrifice of all: to betray him and hand him over for execution in order to liberate his soul from the confines of his body and to thus fulfil destiny. We read the words of Prof. Bart D. Ehrman on p.51 of the same book as follows: If Judas didn't betray Jesus, Ehrman explains, then that would change how Christians understand their relationship, not only to the betrayer but also to the people whom the betrayer is thought to represent, mainly the Jews. So, throughout the course of Christian history, Christians have blamed the Jews for the death of Jesus and Judas is emblematic of the Jew who betrayed Jesus. If in fact Jesus and Judas were in agreement about Judas' mission, that would change the understanding of the relationship of Jews and Christians.
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Ehrman continues to explain that Christinty is actually nothing except Judaism with the words: If it turns out that Judas didn't betray Jesus, but simply did what Jesus wanted him to do, then this would show that Jesus was a continuation of Judaism rather than somebody who is representing a break with Judaism. And if historically Jesus didn't represent a break with Judaism, then that would have a significant impact on the relationship of Jews and Christians today, because these wouldn't represent historically two different religions, these would represent the same religion. Elaine Pagels, winner of the National Book Award for her significant contribution The Gnostic Gospels (1979) summarizes the impact of the Nag Hammadi discovery as follows: "All the old questions - the original questions, sharply debated at the beginning of Christianity - are being reopened. How is one to understand the resurrection? What about women's participation in priestly and Episcopal office? Who was Christ, and how does he relate to the believer? What are the similarities between Christianity and other worldly religions? We note, therefore, that famous Christian writers are stuck with great questionable issues. It would, subsequently, be easier for the man in the street to rather accept the minister's sermon in the Church without question and to show that Jesus died for his sins, so that he would, consequently, go to heaven. The Nag Hammadi discovery in 1945, brought many new books by researchers in early Christianity. We are thinking of Bart Ehrman's Lost Christianities, Marvin Meyer's Gnostic Discoveries and Elaine Pagels Beyond Belief (2003). As a result it brought the bestseller, The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown. Meyer writes, for example: Jesus in Thomas performs no physical miracles, reveals no fulfilment of prophecy, announces no apocalyptic kingdom about to disrupt the world order, dies for no one's sins, and does not rise from the dead on Easter Sunday. His value, lies in His enigmatic sayings, which are pregnant with possibility and power. Also in Pagels Gnostic Gospels we find: Some Gnostics called the literal view of resurrection the 'faith of fools.' The resurrection, they insisted, was not a unique event in the past: instead it symbolized how Christ's presence could be experienced in the present. What mattered was not literal seeing, but spiritual vision. The Nag Hammadi documents are diverse, covering various topics treated in different ways, as Ehrman explains: Even though they were all used by a community who interpreted them in a Christian way, the texts were produced in a range of circumstances by authors of varying philosophical and theological persuasion. Some of these authors, for example, were not Christians in any sense. It is interesting to note that some of the non-Christian texts give evidence of having been "Christianized" by later editors. In any event, the books of this collection are no monolith. They represent a wide range of religious beliefs and practices Gnostic and otherwise. Krosney acknowledges the following on p. 182, of The Lost Gospel:
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Many modern day readers may be surprised to learn that Christianity could not boast a definitive faith or Bible early in its history. Christianity took well over three hundred years to informally acknowledge what has been generally accepted as the canonical New Testament, recognized as the basic, essential holy literature of the Church. In The Gnostic Gospels Elaine Pagel writes: (Before the second century) numerous gospels circulated among various Christian groups, ranging from those of the New Testament, Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, to such writings as the Gospel of Thomas and The Gospel of Truth, as well as many other secret teachings, myths, and poems attributed to Jesus or his disciples. On p. 183 of The Lost Gospel we find a confession of Krosney: The world of early Christianity brimmed with turbulence. Circulating in this variegated world, there were not only the four Gospels the Bible now contains, but thirty or more, all proclaiming that they were the truth. The outline of Jesus' story were generally agreed upon, but the gospels disagreed on specific historical facts contained differing interpretations of faith based on the same specific incidents. Thereafter, Krosney bombarded the reader with a series of rhetorical questions: Among the questions of debate was the extent of Jesus' divinity: To what extent was he human, to what extent divine? Was there a Trinity? Could Jesus be separate from God, or was he part of God and if so, how could he experience a human fate such as crucifixion? Krosney continues on page 187 about the role that Paul (or rather Saul) played in the faith of Jesus from Judaism apart and being to adapt to the Gentiles by doing away with circumcision, etc.As we shall see later, there are always people, who claim that their holy appearance changed the faith of others. In Islam, there was also a Paul, in the form of Mirza Gulam Ahmad, but Muslims declared him as a false prophet and rejected his followers the Ahmadis and Qadianis as sects outside the pale of Islam. No wonder that Jesus uttered in Matthew 24: 11 these words: And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray. This prediction is indeed a warning which we should not easily ignore. Blasphemy Prophet Jesus (the Spirit of God) is worldwide honoured and respected as a true prophet and messenger of God by Muslims. Those who deify him, are accusing him just like the Jews did then, and are guilty of blasphemy. In his book The Religions of the World, on page 75, Professor GC Oosthuizen remarks: "Islam honours Jesus as a prophet of God and accepts even the virgin birth of Jesus. He quotes Chapter 3, verse 47 of the Quran as follows: "She (Mary) said: Oh my Lord! how shall I have a son as no man has touched me? Even so: Allah creates what He wills: when He has decreed a Plan, He but says to it: Be, and it is! He nevertheless strongly rejected the Trinity, because this is for him the heretical polytheism."
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I would like to make it clear that this research was not done to criticise any religion, but nagging questions that many of my Christian friends are asking, and are currently querying internationally and from where I obtained my source of information is the problem. It is impossible to do justice in a short writing, so I would advise the reader to read the full script before forming your own opinion about the purpose of my assignment. In the chapter Naml verse 76 and 77 of the Holy Qur'n, Allah says: Verily this Quran explains to the Children of Israel most of matters in which they disagree. And it certainly is a Guide and a Mercy to those who believe. In Chapter Touba, verse 30 of the Holy Qurn, Allah says: The Jews call Uzair a son of Allah, and the Christians call Christ the son of Allah. That is a saying from their mouth; (in this) they imitate what the Unbelievers of old used to say. Allahs curse be on them: how they are deluded away from the Truth! The Unbelievers of old to which is referred, is most probably Nimrod and his people, who originated the trinity theory and that God begot a son. In his book, Antisemitism ... The Longest Hatred, on page 13, the following statement was made by the Jewish author, Robert S. Wistrich (published by Methuen London 1991): There is an inner contradiction at the heart of Christianity diagnosed at the beginning of this century by the Chief Rabbi of Vienna, Moritz Gidemann, which may help to illuminate the paradox of Christian antisemitism. Gidemann wrote in 1907: 'The Christian kneels before the image of the Jew [Jesus], wrings his hands before the image of a Jewess [Maria]; his apostlesFestivals [Passover, etc.], and Psalms [of David] are Jewish. Only a few are able to come to terms with this contradiction - most free themselves by antisemitism. Obliged to revere a Jew [Jesus] as God, they wreak vengeance upon the rest of the Jews by treating them as devils. 'Jesus was born, lived and died as a Jew in first century Roman Palestine. He never conceived nor dreamed of a Christian Church. His father, mother, brothers and first disciples were Jews, so that early Christianity can be said to have been essentially a rebellious Jewish sect that emerged out of the matrix of Judaism and had to define itself against the mother religion. The citation may contain some truths, but there are also false declarations in it. Jesus, his mother and his disciples were definitely Jews, because he was circumcised and he was sent to the lost tribe of Israel. His sermon was to maintain the Laws of God and not to a new religion. His message was, however, received with contempt, and therefore it was necessary that another prophet was to be sent, to preach the truth on the earth, some 600 years later. Wistrich erroneously refers to Jesus' death and his Jewish father. The Qur'n came to explain that Jesus was not crucified nor killed, but that he was exalted to the presence of God. He was also brought forth by his mother, according to the Qurn, without touching a man. Only persons, who think of God as a limited human, doubt that God can create man, without intercourse between husband and wife. The Creation of Adam (A) and Eve, as already explained in a previous chapter, was but another case of how God created. What about surrogate motherhood, which is now so easily accepted? It is curious that Jews and Christians accept science so readily, yet they limit the Creator of the Universe. Only in Islam is the unlimited power of Allah, the Creator of the Universe, accepted, without any doubt.
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The Muslim is in possession of the Holy Qur'n, and it remains our duty to inform our Christian and Jewish friends, and in many cases, our Christian family, so we at least do our duty to them. It is also our duty to inform them of the disbelief of ancient times, and what influence they had on contemporary belief. With this in mind, I want to take you back you to the time of Prophet Noah (A). Because of my Christian readers, I will quote from the Old Testament, so that they may refer to the Bible. I want to emphasise that this information is of paramount importance and that any reader should rid himself of his prejudices to get a better insight, if God so appropriates. There might be persons, who disagree with me, or with history, but they may have vested interests, just as it appeared in the past. The lack of faith and belief is sufficient evidence which has caused many previous ones to believe in themselves or to become twisted into new beliefs like atheism, humanism, secularism and communism. True faith, from the beginning of humanity was only belief in one true God. The Old Testament proves this over and over. Humans have unfortunately strayed from this path or changed it as it suited them. Many people simply cling to their religion or church of their ancestors, and not just because they really believe it. We think of people, nowadays, not about their place of worship (whether church, mosque, synagogue or temple), but because they are inconsistent with their way of reasoning. However, there are important similarities found in Judaism, Christianity and Islam in relation to values, morals and codes of conduct. The virgin mother Mary and her son, Jesus, are repeatedly mentioned in the Holy Qur'n. There is even a chapter in the Holy Qur'n, which is named Sura Mariam (Chapter Mary). As mentioned, the core difference between the two religions is the nature and role of Jesus (may Gods peace be with him) as a dignified prophet of God and the church's use of Jesus (A) as part of the triune Godhead. Islam does not share the church belief that Christ died for man's sins, much less an idea of hereditary sin. A Muslim believes that Adam (A) was remorseful for his sins and was forgiven by God, instead that each of mankind is being held responsible, and that every child is born in sin. This was a theory presented to the Church by a Frenchman, John Calvyn, during the Renaissance period in Europe. There is no justification of this in the Bible. Muslims firmly believe in a just, passionate, merciful and forgiving God, as the very last chapter of this book will indicate. The Curse of Noah (A) After the big flood, in Genesis 9, verse 21-22, Noah became intoxicated one day, and his body was, subsequently, uncovered. His son, Ham, witnessed the nakedness of his father and mocked in front of his two older brothers, Sham and Japheth. When Noah became aware of this, according to Genesis 9, verse 24-26, he cursed Ham and his descendants. The cursed Ham was the father of many sons. One of them, according to Genesis 10, verse 6, was Cush. Just before his death Cush married a beautiful young maiden, named Semiramis, or Astarte or Ishtar. Cush died the next day after his marriage to Semiramis. She subsequently became pregnant from Cush. Approximately nine months later, around 2275 BC, on December 25, Semiramis gave birth to a son. This boy was widely known as Nimrod (known as Namrood in the Qur'an). In case somebody queries my source or evidence, I would like to quote page 50 of The Two
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Babylons, where the Rev. Alexander Hislop reports: Thus from Assyria, Egypt and Greece we have cumulative and overwhelming evidence, all conspiring to demonstrate that the child worshipped in the arms of the goddess-mother in all these countries in the very character of Ninus or Nin, "The Son," was Nimrod, the son of Cush.Thus from Assyria, Egypt and Greece, we have cumulative and overwhelming evidence, all conspiring to demonstrate that the child worshipped in the arms of the goddess-mother in all these countries in the very character of Ninus or Nin, "The Sun" was Nimrod , the son of Cush. However, Semiramis claimed that she was a virgin, and that Nimrod was a divine child, without any human touch, sex and birth. The Old Testament, according to Genesis 10, verse 8-9, refuted this allegation as follows: Cush became the father of Nimrod; he was the first on earth to be a mighty man. He was a mighty hunter before the Lord. The Bible thus calls Nimrod the great-grandson of Noah, who cursed his son, Ham. According to Genesis 9, verse 28, Noah himself never became the king of his human family, even though, after the flood, the family was the head of all humanity. The reason for this was probably, because he, as a prophet respected the true God as his Ruler and King of the world. Accordingly, the issue of sovereignty over mankind never emerged during the life of Noah. Pastor Bennie Kleynhans confirmed this fact on page 47 of his book Diaboliese Sameswering (Diabolical Conspiracy). The First Sovereignty "Noah died in 2020 BC, at the age of 950, according to Genesis 9, verse 29. However, Nimrod made himself the first king of humanity, with violence, 230 years before the death of his great-grandfather. This happened approximately 2250 BC, when Nimrod was 25-yearsold. On page 49 of the book Wat s die Bybel Deel I , Prof. Dr. Pelser mentions: "There must first be noted that this curse on Ham's son, Cushs descendants, did not affect all of Ham's descendants. (Compare Gen. 9:25 & 26) ". The Popularity of Nimrod The name Nimrod (or in Hebrew Na-marood was derived from the Hebrew verb "marad", which means to rebel). True to his name, the cursed grandson of Ham became the origin and source of malevolence, sedition and blasphemy throughout the world. Kleynhans also confirms the origin of Nimrod's name on page 47 of his book Diaboliese Sameswering. "Nimrod was raised by his mother, Semiramis, an extraordinary smart woman, as a spoilt son (a mother's darling). He, himself, was also intelligent, and a great leader of people, a fearless hunter, a mighty warrior in rebellion against the One True God, in Genesis 10, verse 8-10. His jealous mother also made him her husband so she could stay as queen at his side. Thus Semiramis was both mother and wife of Nimrod. On page 356 of The Golden Bough by Sir James George Frazer, the following is recorded:
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The worship of the great Mother of Gods and her lover or son was very popular under the Roman Empire. Inscriptions prove that the two received divine honours...not only in Italy, but also in the provinces, particularly in Africa, Spain, Portugal, France, Germany and Bulgaria. Their worship survived the Establishment of Christianity of Constantine; for Symachus records the recurrence of the festival of the Great Mother and in the days of Augustine her effeminate priests still paraded the streets and squares of Carthage... In the South-African book Gevare van die Nuwe Era-Beweging (Perils of the New Age Movement) by Prof. JS Malan, 1991, printed by Promedia Drukkers and distributed by Bassuin Uitgewers, we find the following on page 27: "This Goddess appeared in different periods and traditions as Isis, Venus, Ishtar and the Virgin Mary. Isis is the Egyptian sungoddess, Venus, a goddess in Roman mythology, Ishtar the Babylonian sky goddess, whose shrine was repaired in the rebuilt Babylon and the deified Mary was the Christian version of the accepted mother of mankind. " On pages 74-75 of The Two Babylons, we read the following: This Babylonian queen was not merely in character coincident with the Aphrodit of Greece and the Venus of Rome, but was, in point of fact, the historical original of that goddess that by the ancient world was regarded as the very embodiment of everything attractive in female form, and the perfection of female beauty; for Sanchuniathon assures us that Aphrodite or Venus was identical with Ashtart, and Astarte being interpreted, is none other than "The woman that made towers or encompassing walls" i.e. Semiramis. It was this mother and son, who produced baked clay cuneiforms and discovered, thereby to make historical records and who built the first kingdom in the world, and many other important and beautiful cities, according to Genesis 10, verse 10 -11. Nimrod's popularity, as the first king of humanity, his popular administration, with the assistance of his mother/wife, and his strange ideas, such as to contemplate to "kill" God Almighty, from a high tower, had no limits, according to him, as will be explained later. On page 22 of the researchwork, Babylon the Great has Fallen, a person reads that old Jewish historians have discovered that it was Nimrod, who urged humanity to insult and disrespect God. He convinced them of their success in the construction of Babylon. "Bab" means gate or door, just as in Arabic, and "el" means the perfection. Thus Babel is "the gateway to success, progress and perfection." With its bridge over the Euphrates River, its palaces, temples and hanging gardens, not the work of God, but the work of human hands, with their own intelligence (which of course is permitted by Allah), the man was under the leadership of Nimrod. So, God, for them, was someone to neglect and for whom there was no real need (just as the atheist and the infidel scientists still argue today). Nimrod's theory was that the man should trust the strength of their arms and their own competence, if they wanted to achieve success in life. The reason for ones shortcomings was considered pessimism and cowardice, which existed in their imagination. This theory formed the basis, on which all pagan theories have since been founded. Anyone who refused to accept Nimrod, as the leader, was tortured to either acceptance or to cold-blooded murder. Thus a reign of terror against those who believed in the God of Noah
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was effected. Nimrod, therefore, obliterated all resistance to his anti-God doctrine. His mother, Ishtar, fell pregnant with him during the Easter, and, subsequently he was born on 25 December (Christmas). Those dates became public holidays the world over, but rather as holy festivals for other occasions, the same as the present South African government which declared December 16, as a public holiday for a different celebration than it was originally intended, during the days of segregation. Paganism Paganism is today described as the fastest growing religion, because many unbelievers are searching for something besides God. In the book Paganism written by Teresa Moorey, she explains as follows: "Pagans love and honour the Earth as Mother Goddess, celebrating her cycles and receiving her gifts with joy. They feel a part of all that lives in animals, plants, and the soil itself, and so they treat all with respect... 'Pagan' is derived from the Latin for 'rustic' or 'peasant'... Pagans are nature-worshippers. In another chapter Moorey continues: "An awareness of lunar phases, waxing, full and waning, led to the concept of a Triple Goddess, Maiden, Mother and Crone. The idea of the God may have come later. He was seen as the embodiment of potency and fertility and yet as the bringer of death and entry into the Hidden.However this is part of the story: the pagan view of god-within-matter includes animism, pantheism and polytheism. On page 81 of his book, Diaboliese Sameswering, Pastor Bennie Kleynhans himself says: "We celebrate the birth of Jesus on December 25 - so, for countries in the northern hemisphere in winter, is it really the day that He (Jesus) was born and the traditional celebration of Christmas in accordance with such Christian tradition? Or is Christmas perhaps an example of the blending of Christianity and Paganism? If a Christian pastor strongly questions these dates, then the reader should realise how much doubt presently exists about the current state of affairs. He also mentions on page 80 that the English name Easter is derived from Ishtar. On p. 178 of Worlds in Collision by Immanuel Velikovsky it is reported: Baal of the Canaanites and of the Northern Kingdom of Israel was worshipped in Dan, the city of the cult of the calf, and throngs visited there during the week of Passover. The cult of Venus spread to Judea also. It is continued on the same page: In Babylonia the planet Venus was distinguished from other planets and worshipped as a member of a trinity: Venus, Moon, and the Sun. This triad became the Babylonian holy trinity in the fourteenth century before the present era. The Source of Nimrod's Dynamic Power and Knowledge
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The question of how Nimrod gained such wonderful knowledge may be found in the following research works: 1.Tafrihul Askia Fil Ahwal Ul Ambia written between 1261 and 1300 Al-Hijra (i.e. between 1844 and 1879, by Abul Mohsin Hussein Hasan Alvi. The second edition published by Munshi Navalkishore, Lucknow in Urdu in 1342 AH ( March 1924) in two volumes. 2. Ashan ul Muwaiz written by Abdul Wahed, the son of Muhammad Mogni, assisted by Hakim Muhammad Khan Bahadur Ahsanullah. The original manuscript was written in Persian and completed in the year 1265 AH (1848). There are many similar pieces of research, although different in resources. They, generally, give the same information.
Horus and Marduk Semiramis (or Ishtar or Astarte) and Nimrod owe their depth and complexity of knowledge, in such a short time, to the two angels, Harut (Horus) and Marut (Marduk or Merodach). According to legend, these two angels were hanged in an underground pit at Babylon, this is why their magical influence was so strong at that time. It was irresistible, and its effect, is still being experienced. The ceremony of baptism with water in the name of the Trinity has its roots in Nimrodism. The children or the descendants of such persons, who were baptised by Nimrodism, would automatically, from generation to generation, honour Nimrod's teachings and serve him as the begotten son of God, born of the great virgin mother. Despite all their efforts, people find it still extremely difficult to rid themselves of the foolish, wicked and blasphemous religion of Nimrod. If they are baptised in his name, they are so strongly influenced, even after more than four thousand years, that they feel helpless to rid themselves of it. Therefore, if they are under that influence, they naturally refuse to hear the truth. It is quite clear to us, as outsiders, to observe that those, who are under its charm, are completely blinded. They are totally dominated and hampered in their way of thinking. It does not help to only blame the Catholics for the belief. The millions of Gentiles, who came under the influence of Nimrod's faith, took that faith with them throughout the world, since God Almighty split the unity of humankind at the Tower of Babel and they spread them all over the earth. We read in Genesis 11, verse 1-9: "Now the whole earth had one language and few words. And as men migrated from the east, they found a plain in the land of Shinar, and settled there. And they said to one another,: Come, let us make bricks and burn them thoroughly. And they had brick for stone, and bitumen for mortar. Then they said: Come, let us build ourselves a city, and a tower with its top in the heavens, and let us make a name for ourselves, lest we be scattered abroad upon the face of the whole world. Then the LORD came down (symbolically) to see the city and the tower which the sons of men had built. And the LORD said, Behold, they are one people, and they all have the same language! And this is only the beginning of what they will do; and nothing that they propose to do will now be impossible for them. Come, let us go down and there confuse their
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language, that may not understand one anothers speech. So the Lord scattered them abroad from there over the face of all the earth: and they left off building the city. Therefore its name was called Babel, because there the LORD confused the language of all the earth; and from there the Lord scattered them abroad over the face of all the earth. Due to the changes of language, the names of these ungodly beliefs differed from place to place. But the origin of Nimrodism and its basic principles, however, remained unchanged. Even where there was no contact with the mainland of Asia, for example in Central Amerika and Peru this form of belief, clung to the inhabitants. When European explorers landed for the first time in Central America, they found that their faith was already followed by the natives there. The pagan Europeans were converted to Balism and Mithrasm with the spread of the Roman Empire from Asia Minor to England. Both religions, however, originated from Nimrod, therefore they are identical in principle. The Roman Emperor, Constantine "the Great", continued Nimrodism under a new name, which he devised. This belief has spread throughout Europe, according to researchers of the Church and the European scribes. Harut and Marut in the Qur'n In Surah Baqara, verse 99-103 of the Holy Qur'n Allah we read: We have sent down to you Manifest signs; and none reject them but those who are perverse. Is it not (the case) that every time they make a Covenant some party among them throw it aside? Nay, most of them are faithless. And when there came to them a Messenger from Allah, confirming what was with them, a party of the People of the Book threw away the Book of Allah behind their backs, as if (it had been something) they did not know! They followed what the evil ones gave out (falsely) against the power of Solomon: the blasphemers were, not Solomon, but the evil ones, teaching men magic, and such things as came down at Babylon to the angels Harut and Marut. But neither of these taught anyone (such things) without saying: We are only for trial; so do not blaspheme. They learned from them the means to sow discord between man and wife. But they could not thus harm anyone except by Allahs permission. And they learned what harmed them,not what profited them. And they knew that the buyers of (magic) would have no share in the happiness of the Hereafter. And vile was the price for which they did sell their souls, if they but knew! If they kept their faith and guarded themselves from evil, far better had been the reward from their Lord, if they but knew! According to the commentary of Abdullah Yusuf Ali, the translator of the Holy Qur'n in English, many stories were told about the magic power of Solomon, but Solomon never committed evil in the magic of acting, because he realised that it was blasphemous. Harut en Marut are not degraded, like angels were interpreted in the Bible, but that the Babilonians gained invaluable knowledge, is a strong possibility. As Allah puts it in the Qur'n, it is the abuse of the knowledge to sow discord, which is punishable. This theologian also refers to
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astronomy and other scientific knowledge, which the two said angels acquired. There is a legend, which exists, that during the period of Enoch, the grandfather of Noah, two angels, named Horus and Marduk, approached God with the request to move to the earth in order to show man the right way, because they perceived man as weak. These two angels were seen as the craftiest of all angels. God, however, cautioned them that they had knowledge of the Lohil Mahfoodh (i.e. the preservation of all the laws of God in heaven and all the knowledge and power), and that they would be duly punished if they ignored any orders of God on the earth. They readily agreed. Subsequently God allowed them the Nafs Ammaara (or animal instincts), together with their Nafs Louwhaama (conscience), which they already possessed. The two then led a normal life for a while, as models, trying to persuade people to live good lives. But shortly afterwards, a beautiful woman named Bedhas, deceived them with her charm and persuaded them to drink wine, to kill her husband and to worship an idol, before she would allow them to have an affair with her. They could not resist her attraction and committed every sin to satisfy her. This story is taken from pages 133-134 of Book I Tafrihul Askia Fil Ahwal Ul Ambia. When the fallen angels realised that they were cursed, they went to Prophet Idris (Enoch) to plea on their behalf with God. After the prayers of Prophet Idris (A), the two had a choice, given by God to serve their punishment on earth or on the day of reckoning. They preferred earthly punishment, because they were aware that the penalty on the day of Reckoning would be perpetual. Thus, their punishment was that they would be chained upside down and would hang in an underground dungeon, and they would constantly be beaten with a whip until this earth is completely destroyed. This underground chamber is in a hidden cave, deep under the ground of a place called Babylon, according to pages 134-136 of Book I of Tafrihul Askia Fil Ahwal Ul Ambia. According to a report humanity would only be allowed to contact these two, once every few hundred years, and with extreme difficulties, barriers and dangers to life. But these contacts would learn all kinds of magic and science, with the warning that they offer their soul in exchange, and that a terrible punishment would be imposed (according to pages 137139 of that research). This version is only given as I discovered in my research. The Flood Eventually man became so angry that instead of worshipping God, they began worshipping idols. They completely disregarded marriage and sexual morality and boasted about their freedom of religion. Just as it is generally to be found nowadays on television screens and generally in life, men and women act without shame, in total perversity with sexual abuse. God was so dissatisfied with this disgraceful conduct, that he destroyed all living creatures, except those on the ark of Prophet Noah (A) with a big flood in 2370 BC. Secular ideologies (Marxism and Communism) The extreme form of materialism as prescribed by Marxism, when it testifies that a communist believes that the entire history of the creation of man occurred from nature only and is due to the power of the worker. It is just a different way of the Nimrodic proposal as is reported in this book. It is yet another way to deny the work of a Creator (God) and
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eventually to link everything to man's own work and ability. According to communism it is definitely a final elimination of religion. This is obviously an extreme hate, fanaticism and intolerable challenge to any religion. On p14 of the Sunday Times of 24 February 2008, there appeared a report that a total of 1.9 million (more than R28 million) will be appropriated for scientists to research why people have a belief in God. A person should ask himself whether the amount of money could not have been discerned to a country where famine is present, instead of questioning faith in the Creator? In our next chapter we expand upon the terrible knowledge that Nimrod gained from Horus and Marduk, and how he planned for centuries in advance with scientific discovery. It reflects on the Marxist view, as already stated.
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CHAPTER 4 THE ORIGIN OF CHRISTMAS CELEBRATIONS, TOASTING AND VALENTINES DAY

Nimrod the Ingenious Dictator In the previous chapter, we explained the role played by Nimrod, the great-grandson of Noah (according to the Old Testament), as the king of Babylon, the men under his control, and how he rejected the one true God, the God of his great-grandfather. In Genesis 10, verse 8-12 it is stated: "Cush became the father of Nimrod; He (Nimrod) was the first on earth to be a mighty man. He was a mighty hunter before the LORD; therefore it is said, Like Nimrod a mighty hunter before the LORD. The beginning of his kingdom was Babel, Erech, and Accad, all of them in the land of Shinar. From that land he went into Assyria and built Nineveh, Rehoboth-Ir, Calah; that is the great city. " Also in a previous chapter, according to Genesis 11, verse 1-9, which refers to how the Lord confused the language of humanity and scattered the people on the earth. Now, let us, for a moment, speculate about the strength and knowledge that the Nimrod achieved, after he met the angels, Horus and Marduk. Horus and Marduk are known in the Holy Qur'n as Harut and Marut. To mention but a few of the magical ingenuity of Nimrod, which appears on page 140, Book 1 of Tafrihul Askia Fil Ahwal Ul Ambia by Abul Mohsin Hasan Alvi Hussein: 1. 1. The Magical Gateguard: Nimrod built a magical guard. Once anyone planned to infiltrate the city with the intention to harm the city, its king or his occupants, an alarm would immediately be set off and the spy or enemy would be caught by the city guards. So it was virtually impossible for anyone to perform a surprise attack on the city. 2. 2. The Radar-Controlled Alarm: Right on top of the tower of Babel, Nimrod had a magical device, which looked like a goose. If any enemy approached the city from any side, this "magical goose" would give an alarm or a siren, which would determine the enemy at a distance of 15 to 20 miles. Because this system once failed to give the alarm of an approaching enemy, "Belshazzar, the son of Nebuchadnezzar was in danger, (see Daniel 5, verse 26-28), about the magical words, which was written by hand against the wall of his banquet hall, as if written on sand: The words were: "MENE, MENE, TEKEL, UPHARSIN" which means: MENE: God has condemned you and your wealth will be destroyed
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MENE: the repetition means that it will be done immediately TEKEL: You have been measured and found to be unfit UPHARSIN: Your wealth will be distributed to the Medes and Persians. The real reason why the vibration of the approaching army of Darius was not given is because he was aware of the magical alarm, and the tower guard. So he and his army of Persians and their associates, silently, sailed without oars, along the Euphrates River, which flowed throughout Babylon. No one in Babylon, were aware of the invasion, until Darius and his army were in the midst of the festive city. The city was immediately captured and Belshazzar was killed, as was predicted. 3. 3. The Magical Television Mirror: Those inhabitants of Babylonia, whose family members visited other towns or distant places, and who had no news for months or were not able to contact them, could consult Nimrod's magical mirror, and find out about the current state of their family members. They would then immediately view the person in the mirror and see what that person was doing. His health, condition, whereabouts and activities were detected, almost like on a television screen. 4. 4. The Magical Drum: When something was stolen and the thief could not be detected or caught, the magical drum of Nimrod was consulted. If a person put his question to the drum, the drum would answer where the stolen goods could be found, who the responsible person was for the theft, and would give a complete description of the thief, the type and the colour of his clothes, which were worn by the thief and where he could be found, etc. Therefore, the thief had no chance of escape. 5. 5. The Magical Tank of Justice: Through the normal procedure of justice it was not always possible to determine who was responsible and who was innocent of a crime. Accordingly, the suspected parties were subjected to a magical tank as a justice panel. Both parties were put in at the top of the tank. In the case of an innocent person, the rising water in the tank would go no further than his waist, but in the case of a guilty party, who did not immediately confess, he would drown in the water. 6. 6. The Magical City Models: Nimrod had small scale models of each city made in his empire. If the inhabitants of any city took over armed control or power, he would wash away the model city with water and the city in question would immediately, as if by magic, be flooded away. It sounds strange, but true, according to our reference.
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7. 7. The Magical Well of Perpetual Adoration: Nimrod built a magical well in an underground cave. That well was opened only once a year, during the night of December 24 to 25, to celebrate his birthday, as the only begotten son of the Sun god, by the virgin mother. To shed a little more light around this date and about other important aspects of the birth and celebrations, we have to give some explanations. Any learner or student with geographical and scientific knowledge should be aware of the following facts: (a) The Details about the Birth of a divine son: Legends are based on Nimrod's miraculous birth on zodiacal calculation. On a clear night during the last week of December in the northern hemisphere, a person could witness three shining stars (called the three kings) or the Orions belt in the East. The star Sirus (known as the announcer of the sun god or the messianic star) rises rapidly as the brightest of the lot. It is followed by the rising of the constellation of Virgo at about midnight, which announces the birth of the son of the sun god, by the virgin queen of heaven. Daylight hours reach their minimum in the northern hemisphere on December 24, Winter-soltice, which would indicate that the power of the sun god had reached its minimum. Therefore, according to this myth, when the son of the sun god is born at midnight, he would gradually grow larger, and cause the daylight afterwards to increase from this date onwards. This phenomenon is also interpreted by the Paganists, as a sign that the son of the sun god is growing at this moment, and so will he gradually chase away inclemency and the darkness of the evil world, because he came to save the world through the sacrifice of his precious and sacred life. (b) The Celebration of the Birth of the divine Son This is the foundation of faith that Nimrod or Baal or Mithra, etc. was accordingly, born from a virgin mother in a cave, at midnight on December 24 to 25. His birth is celebrated at midnight and when that time arrives, there were, generally, lights being lit, bells were rung for joy, and music started and everyone would cry with joy: "The Virgin has brought forth and the light increases. Hymns are sung to praise the sun god and to worship the "only begotten and beloved son, who came to save sinners. Churchbells are still being used to announce such events and songs like "Joy to the World" are still being heralded. The Messianic star (i.e. Sirus), announced the birth of the Son of God and the three kings from the east (the three stars in the Orion belt), praised him (to point to the East). From this originated the theory of the birth of the only begotten son of the sun god and the wise men from the east spread around everywhere. These pagan practices, are accommodated in various religions throughout the world. Let us read what Pastor Bennie Kleynhans says on pages 81-82: "If we look at the British Christmas, we already have the mixture. Although Christ is present, it contains the word Mass (Catholic Mass). And if one looks at the Catholic mass to see what is done to pray for the deceased and what complicated rituals are involved, it is
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inconceivable to think that it could have any connection with the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus' life, has no complicated rites, but it is characterized by simplicity. Jesus was not born on December 25. " To shed more light on the subject it is advisable to study Reverend Hislop's words on page. 91-92 of The Two Babylons: The festivals in Rome are innumerable; but five of the most important may be singled out for elucidation - viz., Christmas-day, Lady-day, Easter, the Nativity of St. John, and the Feast of the Assumption. Each and all of these can be proved to be Babylonian. Well appointed and all or these can be proved to be Babylonian. And first, as to the festival in honour of the birth of Christ, or Christmas. How comes it that the festival was connected with the 25th of December? There is not a word in the Scriptures about the precise day of His birth, or the time of the year when He was born. Thereafter, Hislop continues to follow the New Testament to explain why the shepherds were not out with their sheep in the heart of the winter. He confirms, however, that it is a pagan festival, which was used by Christianity to attract pagans, on pg. 93: Long before the fourth century, and long before the Christian era itself, a festival was celebrated among the heathen, at that precise time of the year, in honour of the birth of the son of the Babylonian queen of heaven; and it may fairly be presumed that, in order to conciliate the heathen, and to swell the number of the nominal adherents of Christianity, the same festival was adopted by the Roman Church, giving it only the name of Christ... That Christmas was originally a Pagan festival is beyond all doubt. Sir James Fraser reports on page 358 of The Golden Bough: An instructive relic of the long struggle is preserved in our festival of Christmas, which the Church seems to have borrowed directly from its heathen rival... No doubt the Virgin who thus conceived and bore a son on the twenty-fifth of December was the great Oriental goddess whom the Semites called the Heavenly Virgin or simply the Heavenly Goddess; in Semitic lands she was a form of Astarte. On pages 45-47 of the book by Teresa Moorey Paganism we find the following: All of our well-known Christmas customs celebrate the return of light in some way, the power of the birthgiving Goddess and the advent of the Magical Child, the Sun/Son God. Many religions mark the birth of a divine child, at some point. If we look behind the dogmas and outer trappings in truth we all worship the same god/dess. At Yule the brotherhood of man is remembered in the Christmas spirit and the message of love and new birth. At Christmas, which comes three days after Yule, we exchange presents. These are our gifts for the Divine Child, as all new babies are showered with gifts. It is often said that Christmas is a 'time for children', and especially it is a time for the child of the Goddess, the bright Sun that now begins to grow in strength. Father Christmas is a well-known figure. He is reminiscent of the witches' Horned God, Herne/Cernunnos, with his horned reindeer. Also his hearty laugh and rosy cheeks suggest the Oak King, whose reign now begins again. The merry Horned God was debased as the
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Christian Devil, who is also called 'Old Nick', and Father Christmas is also called Saint Nicholas, or Saint Nick. He may also have developed from the German goddess Holda, who dressed in red and came down the chimney with gifts. Almost everyone has a Christmas tree, decorated with brilliant baubles that catch the light and seem to conjure the return of the Sun. On the top of the tree we place our Christmas Fairy - yet another Goddess image, to honour the birth-giving Mother. We also decorate our homes with holly (for the departing Holly King) and mistletoe. Some say mistletoe is sacred to the Sun ... There is certainly enough evidence that the Christian Church is today based on paganism, and not the simple way of life of Nabi Isa (Prophet Jesus) as we believe. The Protestant Churches place the blame of superstition and Paganism on the Catholic Church, while all of them celebrate and follow the same Christmas tradition. The Christmas carols are filled with words about Santa Claus, who is also known as Saint Nicholas or Father Christmas. The candle is, of course, also there to bring light, as Paganists believe. Teresa Moorey made a study of their habits, and therefore she switched from the Church to Paganism. (c) The Holy Eucharist and the Sacramental food and drink On this special day, Nimrod's subjects fasted all day long and many would even take a laxative, to remove all unclean (food) in the body, and to purify the body. Anybody who attends this great annual festival of the "Origin of the Sun, would bring food and drink with them and place these in the Magical Well of Worship and Eternal Life, before they started to pray. Nimrod would appear with a light in the hand, dressed in the red cloak of Santa Claus (St. Nicholas), when the constellation of Virgo rises at midnight. The bells would then chime and the music may begin. Everyone would then arise and joyfully proclaim: "The Virgin has given birth to the only son of god, who increases the power of the sun." The Origin of Santa Claus A dry log of wood, known as the Yule log, would be placed indoors. With his magic, Nimrod would cause green tree branches to grow, laden with gifts for those who are present. The dead Yule log is a sign of purity and faith in the believing person, who died recently. The growing of a fresh green tree indicates the birth of a saviour to produce new life to humanity. The gifts on the tree indicate that Nimrod is a gift of God, against the evil. This is the origin of Santa Claus or Father Christmas, Christmas gifts and the Christmas tree stories. Watch the movies and the television screens round about December 25 for today's version of Nimrod's birthday celebrations. Nimrod was actually the original Santa Claus. The Origin of Toasting Nimrod would also announce at such an occasion: "I am the Lord's Supper, I am the sacrifice, I am the ancestral sacrifice." With these words he would bring the holy food and liquid from the "Well of Eternal Life into existence, mostly consisting of Christmas cake, pork, goose flesh and wine, with the words: Take this food, this is my flesh, and take this wine, this is my blood, and this is the pure flesh and blood of the sinless God, the only begotten Son of God, who was born from virgin mother, the queen of heaven.
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This toast of Waes Haeil (meaning: be healthy or be clean), when they have started drinking. Hence the word "wassail", which is equivalent to: liquor drinking. To make a toast with any beverage is to touch the glasses, with sound, hence its inception. It also remains the perfect opportunity to introduce wine or liquor to the younger generation. We have already told the story of how liquor was first used, to demoralise the fallen angels, before they committed other offenses. The affection of the mind is deemed essential for those who want to disrespect God. In other words Nimrod also gave the toast and drunkenness to the world, to show disrespect to God. The Origin of Valentine's Day The Holly Wreath with its red and green colours and even the mistletoe are sex symbols as a proposal of life. To kiss people of the opposite sex means that those involved place themselves under the charm of a god of love, viz. Cupid. This honour was usually permitted to Nimrod, because of his willingness to make love to any and every pretty girl, whom he saw. In this way he became lover of every woman, including his own mother, whom he also loved. Saint Valentine is none other than Nimrod, the mighty hunter. Valentines Day is celebrated on February 14, to send love messages to a loved one. For those who accept Nimrod or believe in his teachings, he taught them his magic, which would give them also the power to be the "sons of God", and they firmly believed that they obtained this eternal bliss and happiness. Everyone would then have his own magical well of "Everlasting life", where he would ask for any food or drink or whatever they desired. The food or drink would then, miraculously, be served on plates and glasses. Those who eat and drink would then automatically be filled with the wonderful feeling of rejuvenation and health. Hence the saying of "The Well of Everlasting Life." After they enjoyed themselves all night long, the time arrives to return to the magical well and to ask for the food and drinks which they placed in there. The well would then return the same food and drink, nothing more, to them. This was the sacred food, which they would provide for the sick and the dying, during the next year, in the belief that they would become pure like the sinless deity, the only begotten Son of God and, therefore, enjoy eternal happiness in the next life. This doctrine of Nimrod spread all over the world, according to the following view on page 488 of The Golden Bough by James George Frazer, who explains: Of all the modes of purification adopted on these occasions none perhaps brings out the sacramental virtue of the rite so clearly as the Creek and Seminole practice of taking a purgative before swallowing the new corn. The intention is thereby to prevent the sacred food from being polluted by the common food in the stomach of the eater. For the same reasons Catholics partake of the Eucharist fasting. The custom of eating bread sacramentally as the body of God was practised by the Aztecs before the discovery and conquest of Mexico by the Spaniards. On page 490 of the same work Frazer continues: The doctrine of transubstantiation, or the magical conversion of bread into flesh, was also
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familiar to the Aryans of ancient India, long before the spread and even the rise of Christianity.The Brahmans taught that the rice cakes offered in sacrifice were substitutes for human beings, and that they were actually converted into the real bodies of men by the manipulation of the priests. We read that 'when it (the rice cake) still consists of rice meal, it is the hair. When he pours water on it, it becomes skin. When he mixes it, it becomes flesh: for then it becomes consistent; and consistent also is the flesh. When it is baked, it becomes the bones: for then it becomes somewhat hard; and hard is the bone. And when he is about to take it off (the fire) he sprinkles it with butter, he changes it into marrow. This is the completeness which they call the five-fold animal sacrifice.' "Now, too, we can perfectly understand why on the day of their solemn communion with the deity, the Mexicans refused to eat any other food than the consecrated bread which they revered as the flesh and bones of their God, and why up till noon they might drink nothing at all, not even water. They feared, no doubt, to defile the portion of God in their stomachs by contact with common things. A similar pious fear led the Creek and the Seminole Indians, as we saw, to adopt the more thoroughgoing expedient of rinsing out their bodies by a strong purgative before they dared to partake of the sacrament of first fruits." In Chapter 6 of Primitive Folk, Elie Reculus says: In the truly orthodox conception of sacrifice, the consecrated offering, be it man, woman or virgin, lamb or heifer, cock or dove, represents the deity himself. In the Bhagwat Gita, Lord Krishna says: I am the oblation, I am the sacrifice, I am the ancestral offering. Thus we find that the "Holy communion" or the "Eucharistic ceremony" as practised by Nimrod at the Tower of Babel, have been taught and observed by his devotees, from India and China in the East, to Mexico and Peru in the West, thousands of years prior to the birth of Jesus. Allow me to once again quote Pastor Bennie Kleynhans, from his book Diaboliese Sameswering, about Communion on pp.72-73: "In 1854 an ancient pagan temple was discovered in Egypt. In it images of small round cookies were found on an altar, and above the altar, there was a sun symbol. The same symbol was also found in another Egyptian temple, where the sun is evident with two priests worshipping in one of the images. The sun symbol is certainly not confined to Egypt, but discovered as far away as Peru. If a person has to compare this pagan sun symbol with the oblation or the eucharest of the Roman Catholic Church, you immediately see the similarity. The writer Hislop argues that the habit to eat the flesh of a god had a cannibalistic origin. The pagan priests had to eat a portion of any sacrificial meat. Where human sacrifices were made, it would mean that it should also be eaten by Balpriests. The word that we know as cannibal, is derived from Kahna Baal, or Priest of Baal. During the communion ceremony of the Catholic Church, all congregants who are not
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prohibited by the church, come forward and receive the oblate from the priest. That piece of bread, so they believe, becomes "the Christ". The word oblate is derived from a Latin word which means sacrifice. According to the Catholic Encyclopedia, the oblate has been involved in numerous miracles and strange things which happened to it. So for example, has it turned to stone and bled occasionally. The oblate is round - but when Jesus instituted the Eucharist, he simply took the bread and broke it. And bread does not break into round pieces! The breaking of bread was symbolic of His body being broken for us, when he was so terribly tortured. But the symbolism may not be given by small perfectly round cakes. If there is no Scriptural foundation for the use of round cakes or oblate at Holy Communion, it may be that it is derived from pagan origin? According to Hislop it definitely shows worshipping of the sun and we already know that the little round cakes were part of Bal worshipping. " Kleinhans then goes out of his way to describe other pagan forms in the church, such as the round window, and Rhomish wheelformed tonsure. About the Christmas tree he mentions the following on page 85: "There is an ancient Babylonian story which deals with an evergreen tree which grew from a dead log. The dead log was the tribal symbol of Nimrod, and the evergreen tree was that of Tammuz, who was reincarnated according to tradition. ... The bright decorations on the tree recalls the days of sun worship and the Christmas tree idea is essentially a worship of the god Odin's sacred pine tree. " On page 87, Kleynhans makes the following comments: "The hidden Babylonian influences through the ages effected religion and thereby all the mysteries of Babylon. And yet the evidence of the pernicious influence on our Christian religion is, unanswered - as I have indicated. One might think that some aspects, whether small and meaningless - but if you have the entire puzzle before you, it is realised how dangerous each piece of the puzzle could be." I have to congratulate Pastor Kleynhans on his observation on page 88: The modern word for Christmas in Danish, Norwegian and Swedish is yul. It is almost the same as the name "jolly" for the pagan festival. The word is transferred into English as "Yule. Live animals were used as sacrifices to the Norwegian goddesses, Odin and Freya, to win their favour and to produce good crops. It was probably a precursor to Christmas gifts. Alcohol played a major role in the celebrations of the Norwegians. The Nordic stories connects "yul" inevitably with drink. Satanic in origin is why we see the modern Christmas as encouraged by a spirit of alcohol. Professor Paul L. Maier in: First Christmas First Easter goes out of his way to defend these dates as sacred. Yet, one reads on page 22 of his book The First Christmas, True and
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Unfamiliar Story: At the time of Augustus' death in 14 AD, Jesus was about nineteen years old, an apprentice carpenter in Nazareth, and the emperor still could not have possibly have heard of him. He would have been astounded to know that later ages would assign his own death to the year 14 AD ('in the year of the Lord)". 0r rather than the Roman date, 767 AUC (ab urbe condita, "from the founding of the city") all because of that unknown subject, born in Bethlehem. And he would have been amazed that future generations would wish each other a "Merry Christmas" rather than "Io Saturnalia!" - that great end-of-the-year festival in Rome which featured pagan delights and many of the holiday trappings of our secular yuletide, including holly, mistletoe, and evergreens, the exchange of gifts, and much feasting and drinking. On pages 42-43 Maier speculated as follows: Why is Christmas celebrated on December 25? The early Christian church seems to have observed the birth of Christ on January 6 in the East, and on December 25 in the West, but both practices began too late - the 300's AD - to warrant attaching precision to these dates. Probably it was a matter of substitution. The Romans of the time not only celebrated their Saturnalia festival at the close of December, but also thought that December 25 marked the date of the winter solstice (instead of December 21) when they observed the pagan feast of Sol Invictus, the Unconquerable Sun, which was just in the act of turning about to aim northward once again. Christianity sought to replace these pagan festivals with a Christian celebration honoring the "sun of righteousnous," a common epithet for Jesus as Messiah. Yet Christmas, even with its Christian name, has never been able to shake off the secular part of the end-of-the-year festival. In the South African weekly, Rapport of December 19, 2010, under the heading "The Mythology of Christmas," Dr. Eben Meiring acknowledged the following: This Saturday half the planet will celebrate Christmas. But most Christians does not realise that December 25 is not really Christ's birthday. To tell the truth, December 25, historically, had little to do with Christmas. Most experts agree that available evidence suggests that Christ's birth could not been in December - not with the herdsmen and their animals being outside in the cold winter of the holy land. Many other months have been proposed - such as January, March, April, May, or September - all these choices are based on complicated formulas. But why then do we celebrate Christmas in December? The answer must be sought in an ancient, mythological tradition. Long, long before anyone even heard of Christ, during late December, a wild, casual Roman festival, the Saturn festival was held in late December. This festival began on 17 December and could still carry on a week later. In the subsequent calendar, the beginning of January, the Dies Natalia Solis Invicti, the
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"birthday of the undefeated sun" with the returning heat and light was commemorated. So the Roman god of their crops, Saturn, was honoured as part of their winter solstice celebrations. The Saturn festival, which the Latin poet Catallus described as "the best of all the party status, was maintained until the fourth century AD, and stood known as Brumalia (derived from the word "Bruma", meaning "shortest day "). In the fourth century, Emperor Constantine officially celebrated the first Christmas on December 25. Fourteen years later, Pope Julius I decided the birth of Christ should henceforth be celebrated on December 25. (Another source mentions the year 449.) In this way the Pope hoped to convert pagan Romans easily. So they would in fact retain their own pagan festival on this date. December 25, therefore, historically had little to do with Christ. It is an artificial, convenient, hijacked date. No wonder it is so scandalisingly exploited by commerce. This is not my conclusion, but rather that of a Christian writer, Dr. Eben Meiring.
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CHAPTER 5 THE ORIGIN OF EASTER AND LENT

Easter, as it is commonly known, is nothing but another superstition borrowed from Paganism. Even church ministers admit that it is definitely not part of the teachings of Jesus. It was again adopted in the Christian Church, which was formed by the Roman heathens as part of the Church. There are many books to prove this theory. Let us first read what Teresa Moorey wrote on page 49-50 of her book about Paganism: Easter, named after the goddess Eostre, the Teutonic Maid goddess of the earth, is calculated by the Moon, occurring on the first Sunday after the first Full Moon after the Equinox. We are familiar with Easter's Christian theme of sacrificial death and resurrection, and this echoes similar pagan traditions of sacrificial gods that die and resurrect like the Sun does yearly. In our spring-cleaning we make way for the new, and it is a good idea also to do it inwardly. Hot cross buns are traditional Good Friday fare. The cross has many meanings and this equal-armed Celtic cross means the four elements or directions, the four seasons and is really a Wheel of the Year itself. The hare links to several strands of myth. Sacred to the Moon Goddess, witches were thought to shape-shift into hares. The hare has been known as a self-sacrificing animal, so maybe connected with the sacrificial god. Rabbits acquire some of the hare's mystery. The Easter Bunny is a symbol of fertility, said to bring the Easter eggs, and eggs of course are a metaphor for the life that is now 'hatching' everywhere. The more I question church leaders about the symbolic meaning of these celebrations, the fewer answers I received about their Holy Sacraments. A very famous world scientist, author and pastor, the late Rev. Alexander Hislop, in his research work The Two Babylons, published by SW Partridge & Co. (London), and printed by Camelot Press Ltd. (Southampton), first printed in June 1916 and since reprinted in 1921, 1926, 1929, 1932, 1936, 1939, 1952, 1956, 1957, 1960, 1961, 1969, 1972, 1975, 1976, 1979, 1982, 1984, 1985 and 1989, which was critical of the Catholic Church and especially the Pope, which he regarded as none other than the modern Nimrod, and Rome, which he regarded as the modern Babylon. Hislop reports on page 103 of his book The Two Babylons: Then look at Easter. What means the term Easter itself? It is not a Christian name. It bears its Chaldean origin on its very forehead. Easter is nothing else than Astarte, one of the titles of Beltis, the queen of heaven, whose name, as pronounced by the people of Nineveh, was evidently identical with that now in common use in this country. That name, as found by Layard on the Assyrian monuments, is Ishtar. On pages 104 to 113, Hislop describes, in detail, how the traditions of pagans were incorporated by the church to be recognised as a religion. I would like to mention a few excerpts, in order to demonstrate to the readers how many paganistic ideas crept into church tradition:
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The religious solemnities of April, as now practised, are called by the name of Easter that month, among our Pagan ancesters, having been called Easter-monath. The festival, of which we read in Church history, under the name of Easter, in the third or fourth centuries, was quite a different festival from that now observed in the Romish Church, and at that time was not known by any such name as Easter. Prof. Dr. AH van Zyl state the following in the book Wat s die Bybel Deel I pp. 78: "At the Council of Nicaea in 325 AD, it was established that Easter would always be celebrated on the first Sunday, after the first full moon, following the winter's day and night solstice of the Northern Hemisphere, i.e. after 21 March. The Lent that precedes Easter The celebration of Easter is preceded by a forty days of Lent. About this observance the late Hislop remarked as follows: Whence then came this observance? The forty days' abstinence of Lent was directly borrowed from the worshippers of the Babylonian goddess. Such a Lent of forty days, "in the spring of the year," is still observed by the Yezidis or Pagan Devil-worshippers of Koordistan, who have inherited it from their early masters, the Babylonians. ... Among the Pagans this Lent seems to have been an indispensable preliminary to the great annual festival in commemoration of the death and resurrection of Tammuz, which was celebrated by alternate weeping and rejoicing, and which, in many countries, was considerably later than the Christian festival, being observed in Palestine and Assyria in June, therefore called the 'month of Tammuz;" in Egypt, about the middle of May, and in Britain, some time in April. To conciliate the Pagans to nominal Christianity, Rome, pursuing its usual policy, took measures to get the Christians and Pagan festivals amalgamated, and, by a complicated but skilful adjustment of the calender, it was found no difficult matter, in general, to get Paganism and Christianity - now far sunk in idolatry - in this as in so many other things, to shake hands... We must clearly understand the difference between a holy fasting (sowm) and Lent. None of the chosen prophets of God ever used Lent. Not even Jesus used to do it. They all practised a holy fast. The Bible mentions that Jesus fasted for forty days, before his preachings started. Lent means to sacrifice something which you love. So if you like ten things, then you are able to decide, which one of the ten you want to sacrifice for that time. It is a convenient form of sacrifice, which was designed, and approved by the Church. According to Hislop it was a method, which was adopted from the pagan era. But there are other superstitions associated with the celebration of Easter. Think of the hot cross buns, the Easter eggs, the Easter bunnies, etc. Hislop attributes it all towards pagan practices, which the Catholic Church adopted, by allowing the pagans to join the church. He called it such in his book: Such is the history of Easter. The popular observances that still attend the period of its celebration amply confirm the testimony of history as to its Babylonian character. The hot cross buns of Good Friday, and the dyed eggs of Pasch or Easter Sunday, figured in the Chaldean rites just as they do now. The 'buns', known too by that identical name, were used
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in the worship of the queen of heaven, the goddess Easter, as early as the days of Cecrops, the founder of Athens - that is, 1500 years before the Christian era. In his book Christian Symbols and Satanic symbols, Ds. GJ Hugo states the following on page 14-15: "Christmas lights have their origin in the common quest between the symbol of the Jewish Hellenists and the Christians in order to give everyone their own character at Christmas time. The Jewish Hannukah festival (which began on December 25) is a commemoration of the rededication of the temple in 164 BC. The symbol of the eight day Hannukah festival is the eight-arm chandelier, with a flame being lit every day. And so it eventually became known, for the Jews, as the festival of lights. The Hellenists celebrating of 25 December is related to the festival of the Persian god, Mithra, who was known as the invincible sun (sol-in-victus). The sun god was the pagan god of life and light - and Dec. 25 was accepted as the feast of the sun god. In an effort to Christianise the contents of 25 December as the birth of Christ, Christianity included the above uses. We read in Luke. 1: 78, Dec. 25 which is called "the feast of Sol Justitiae" (The sun of justice). And here arises the use of candles and lights for all our Christmas celebrations. In England, Christ's birth was celebrated since the year 592, while in Germany since the year 813. Every country has its own customs and decorations coupled with the day: green branches and red berries in the countries, which have snow during this time - lights and pointsettias in the U.S. - candles in Ireland - and sequins in warm countries to create a cooling effect. Further, on the same page, the pastor notes: "It is unfortunate that most peoples Easter habits are based only on pagan origins. The German and English names for Easter, viz. Ostern and Easter is derived from Austro - the name of a pagan German spring goddess. And because new life and fertility are synomouswith the most distinctive features of the spring, symbols such as eggs and bunnies are used with this festival. " The celebration has even degenerated into a long weekend of camping and holidaymaking. Just like at Christmas time, Christians are looking forward to this time of the year for partying, with dancing, festivities and drunkenness. This is the real danger of any celebration, which is normally allowed to degenerate. It is for this reason that certain practices are not regarded as part of the faith by Muslims, but merely taken as innovations. Human beings are often prone to exchange certain innovations and superstitions with the result that they lose their primary focus. It can become dangerous when control is not strictly applied. People tend to focus on innovations and then forget their religious obligations. For example, a person does not pay the obligatory alms to the poor, but they prefer to spend money on entertaining people with gadaad or arwaag (innovations). They should remember that there is nothing wrong, when gadaad or arwaag is being practised, but that if they did not pay their alms-due or go on a holy pilgrimage, then they have sinned. Also, a
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person cannot replace daily prayers with gadaad or arwaag. Just think, when there is no real leadership in a community, especially over a long period, then as a result, a group of people may easily replace their obligations by means of other forms of celebrations, which then automatically become their new faith. In the chapter on religions, we have given the examples of how different religions originated. We are thinking of sects, which lost their original religious tenets, like the Baha'i sect. In a book called Strange Gospels by Ruth Tucker, we read on page 285: Unlike Muslims, Baha'is do not believe that Muhammad was the "Seal of the Prophets," or the last of the true prophets. They believe that two prophets succeeded Muhammad, namely Mirza Ali Muhammad, or the "Bab," and Baha'ullah, who declared himself to be the Messiah in 1863... Perhaps it is wise that we also notice how Ruth Tucker on page 340 of her book, speaks on alternative religions or cults concerning the New Age Movement: New Age has not only been drawn from Hinduism and Christianity, but also from ancient pagan religions and tribal spiritism... One aspect of New Age philosophy is goddess worship combined with witchcraft - a religious ideology that has had a particular appeal among feminists who shun the masculine images of God found in traditional Christianity. Those involved, claim to be reviving ancient traditions, such as the Babylonian Goddess Mystery Religion. We live in an era, where the abuse of drugs, cause many problems. We must not be complacent, because we have already noticed new cults arising from drug abuse, such as the dagga of the Rastafarians, which is declared as their sacred plant. Denial of scholars of religion (Ulama) is the first step to break the power of faith, and then, afterwards, we may experience all kinds of new theories.
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CHAPTER 6 THE ORIGIN OF BAPTISM AND HOLY COMMUNION

Normal 0 false false false MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstylerowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; msopadding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0cm; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansilanguage:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} In a previous chapter we discussed seven of Nimrod's magical devices. We resume this chapter, by mentioning another magical device of Nimrod, the sovereign of Babilon. 8. 8. The Magical Tree of Shade Nimrod had a tree in his kingdom, which gave shade to a maximum of 100,000 people. The moment the number exceeded the 100,000 mark, even by one person, then that tree could not provide a single person with shade, and the whole group of people would be in the direct rays of the sun. In Volume I of Cyclopaedia by M'Clintock and Strong (published in the year 1891), page 596, the following statement was found: More thorough destruction than that which has overtaken Babylon cannot well be conceived. Rich (i.e. Claudius J. Rich the English traveller, in 1811 had visited the site of Babylon and he has recorded his findings in a book published in England in 1815 under the title of Narrative of a Journey to the Site of Babylon in 1811) was unable to discover any traces of its vast walls, ... 'on its ruins,' says he, 'there is not a single tree growing, except an old one,' which only serves to make the desolation more apparent. Ruins like those of Babylon, composed of rubbish impregnated with nitre, cannot be cultivated. A man is tempted to ask: Is this the magical tree of Nimrod, whom Rich saw in 1811, during his visit to Babylon? That could only have been proved by actually experimenting and thereby to find out whether the tree could provide shade to a maximum of 100,000 people, but none if the quota was exceeded. If so, we would at least have known, whether any of his eight listed magical devices was still preserved. It would, definitely, have contributed to convince an unbelieving world, today, about the magical power, which Nimrod had. In the vicinity of this old tree, a great treasure was discovered by archaeologists, with old records of brick cuneiform, which could give the world a deeper understanding of this remarkable genius. In the Book Destruction or Peace (1975) on page 33, the Sufi author Hajee Mahboob Kassim makes the following observation: If such an experiment could prove this to be the magical tree of Nimrod, then one could at least consider that as long as this tree will remain in existence, the magical influence of the religion of Nimrod will prevail over the masses all over the world. Naturally then with this tree in existence the curse of God Almighty at the tower of Babel may remain upon mankind, dividing our unity, causing disputes, strife and wars.
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The above idea is just one suggestion to find out what traces God may have left behind as a symbol of His curse on the tower of Babel. We do not know that God does leave behind such traces as a reminder to mankind. Babylon the great with all its vast civilisation and culture has fallen in such a complete manner that except for some mute signs all other traces of Babylon have been obliterated from the face of the earth save and except its mention in history and the disclosures from excavations. That is what must eventually happen to Nimrod's religion as also to all those people that follow this religion. They will either be destroyed leaving mute traces in history or if they want to save themselves they have to surrender to the will of God Almighty. Therefore, all those who are under the magical influence of this religion must realise that one day they will be completely destroyed in such a horrible manner that no trace of their existence may be found except perhaps a few mute tokens of evidence which would provide the records for the pages of history, that such and such a civilisation had once existed. That is the danger that we must not only fear but also have the intelligence to evolve a method of confronting it and thereafter the courage to follow the decision to escape the disaster. Hence the most important question before the human race today is: Was Babylon's religion destroyed with it? Or has this religion survived to this day in the form of Greater Babylonia? If so: In what form is it? Who are its adherents? By what names do they call themselves? Because it naturally follows that as completely and thoroughly as Babylon was destroyed in spite of all its advancements and achievements so also will the religion of Nimrod be destroyed and banished one day as thoroughly and completely from the face of the earth leaving behind silent items of evidence of what disaster can also befall a scientifically advanced mankind for having incurred the wrath of the Almighty God. The object of this research is to bring home to the world those significant facts which are not commonly known to the public at large. But nevertheless they are frightfully important for the safety of mankind from time to time. On a number of such occasions a section of the human race has been wiped out in some sudden manner. Some of such examples are Sodom and Gomorrah, Pompeii, the destruction of the Egyptian Army by drowning in the Red Sea, the destruction of Jerusalem twice, Babylon, the Jews in Nazi Germany and so many other cases. With all our scientific weapons of mass destruction very nearly the whole of the human race can easily be wiped out. Hence the intelligent are forced to meditate upon: Scientific World - Whither Bound? To Self Destruction! Or Is Universal Peace Possible? If so - By what means? All these questions are wise questions, when we see all the disbelief around us. Extinction of mankind has become so common that many people are not even bothered by the violence. Drunkenness or intoxication is shamelessly encouraged, through advertising in the media, and many of our youth have been caught up in this reckless kind of living. Perhaps, it is time to reflect and to put an end to the unnecessary self-destruction in which we now find ourselves. Whether it is Christmas celebration or Holy Communion of Nimrod, in which mankind is placed on the path of drunkenness, it remains, undoubtedly, our abundant duty to explain the true facts to everyone, because a person, who thinks rationally about the matter, will realise that if it is described as a Church law, then, surely, it is definitely not the Word of
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God, for, alas! this certainly conflicts, directly, with the Laws of God, which was proclaimed by His prophets to mankind. Writers such as Professor Malan and Pastor Kleynhans place the blame on the New Age Movement, which moved away from orthodox churchism. Yet, they still fight for racial discrimination in their books. It is subject to the church, whereby its members were lost to the New Age. The introduction of liquor at Holy Communion was placed there to attract more members to the church. The problem has to be sought inside the church and not elsewhere. The simple Church law of believing in "Jesus, died for our sins, leads to more promiscuity, because confession is simply a means of repentance, to bring a person back to a church. In the New Testament, Jesus never mentioned that it will be so easy to obtain heaven. With the Sermon of the Mount in Matthew 5, verse 17, Prophet Jesus says very clearly: "Think not that I have come to abolish the law and the prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them." The big question that every Christian should ask himself is, who in their faith is regarded higher than God or Jesus, who changed the law of God? Why did they depart from the words of Jesus in Matthew 22, verse 37-40: What is the first Commandment: "And Jesus said to him, You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And the second is like it, You shall love your neighbour as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the law and the prophets. " Mark 12, verse 29, spells it out even more clearly: Which commandment is the first of all? Jesus answered,The first is, Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one"; before the former verse is then repeated. In Mark 12, verse 32 one of the scribes, said these words in the presence of Jesus: And the scribe said to him, You are right, Teacher; you have truly said that he is one, and there is no other but he" To which, Jesus responds in verse 34: "You are not far from the kingdom of God. The evidence is quite clear to every Christian in the New Testament, which matches with the Tougheed or monotheism, on which Islam is based. Any theory of trinity in God is based on the faith of Nimrod and only a sober understanding of it will make one realise that if the power of God is divided, it becomes a weaker power. No country is ever governed by more than one king, president or prime minister, let alone the Government of the Universe. Tougheed of Monotheism Allow me, to expand on the idea of a single God, unlike Trinity, because it is the basic difference between Islam and the Christian Church. I once again would like to return to the first creation according to Genesis 1 (the first book of the Old Testament, verses 26-27:
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And God said,Let us make man in our image, after our likeness; and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the air, and over the cattle and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps upon the earth. So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him: male and female he created them. For the interpretation of God as a father figure, so that Jesus may be described as the son of that father, the Church's argument is that God created man in his own image. The word image and likeness is here mistakenly being confused. The qualifying part, here, is that man on earth can rule over the animal life as Gods vicegerent. It is surely not a person's appearance that gives him power in the world, for the animals also have eyes, ears, teeth, etc. With a little analysis, a person comes to realise that the mind of the man gives him the power over all the other other forms of life. It is precisely with this mind that Nimrod himself was honoured as the king on earth. Let us now reflect and ponder where God placed the human mind? In his chest, in his stomach, his arms or legs? No! God placed it on the highest part of the body. This is the image of which the Bible speaks. God is the Supreme Being and governs the universe with His Power and Knowledge. The mind is the highest part of the body and rules over the rest of the body. In addition, God makes man his vicegerent on earth, to rule or govern over all the other living creatures. This is the simple comparison or the parable, according to the Bible. Let us again analyse how it should be noted: The fish in the sea, the birds of the air and the creatures that creep on earth. Didnt man create boats, ships and submarines to travel the vast seas? Didnt the human mind invent the planes, helicopters and airships, as well as spacecraft to fly higher than the birds? Didnt the man invent vehicles like cars, trucks, trains, etc, which replaced the animals as their vehicles? Did the inventions or discoveries have anything to do with people's likeness or looks, or is it solely about the mental creativity of man, which other creatures do not possess? If you agree with me, then we have to conclude that once again the fabrication of Nimrodism was also applied to us, into believing about a heavenly father and an earthly son, which was born of a holy mother. Again I wish to clarify a fact that only humans and animals conceive, while God creates. For evidence from the Bible, I would like to quote Genesis 5, verse 3, compared to Genesis 1; 3: (a) And Adam had lived a hundred and thirty years, he became a father of a son in his own likeness, after his image, and named him Seth. (b)And God said, Let there be light; And there was light. The last verse corresponds with the verse in the Qur'anic Chapter Baqara, verse 117: Fa inna maa yaqooloo kun fa ya koon. (When he decrees a matter, he says to it: "Be" and it becomes). For those who still insist that we look like God, as the church minister interprets it, my question is: Is God male or female? Is He White, brown or black? Does he have green, blue
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or brown eyes? Are those eyes, big or small as the Chinese or like the Japanese? Is God disabled like some people are? Is God tall or short? Is God good looking in appearance or ugly? Does he have straight or woolly hair? The appearance and physique of the human differs so vastly that it is almost impossible to compare the man as a replica of God. In his resum: "A Checkup from the Neck Up", Dr Rushudin of the United States in his presentation made it clear, "Man means mind. Woman means the womb of the mind. When a person is out of his mind, he is referred to as a maniac. The mother nurtures the mind of any child and, therefore, she is the womb of the mind. In fact, Dr. Rushudien is a psychologist, who, as a Methodist, went to seek the truth and eventually adopted Islam as his way of living, which he found to make sense to him. The Skill of Nimrod To once again return to the ingenious mind of Nimrod, king of Babylon, I want to recall his contribution to modern science: 1. 1. The first use of irrigation in the valleys of the Tigris- and Euphrates rivers, for agriculture. His knowledge, of building dams and canals to spread to Egypt. 2. 2. The first mining of copper. 3. 3. The discovery and production of bronze. 4. 4. The invention of the sixty-numbered system, to divide a circle into 360 degrees, an hour into sixty minutes and a minute into sixty seconds. 5. 5. The division of a day in 24 hours. Since sunset was not always the same, from day to day, midnight was regarded as the start of a new day, instead of at sunset. 6. 6. The study of the stars for astronomy. 7. 7. Astrology and the twelve constellations. 8. 8. The calculation of the sun year consisting of 365 days, 5 hours, 49 minutes and 30 seconds. This idea also spread to Egypt. On p. 319 of Worlds in Collision Velikovsky argues: The zodiac of the Babylonians was divided into thirty-six decans, a decan being the space the sun covered in relation to fixed stars during a ten-day period. He claimed that the original Babylonian year of 12 months existed of 30 days, or five days short of the sun year. 9. 9. The division of the solar year into twelve months, according to the planets. 10. 10. The calculation of the horoscope according to the zodiac. 11. 11. Astrology, palmreading and predictions. 12. 12. The production of baked bricks for buildings.
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13. 13. Mathematical calculations for large buildings, bridges, temples, palaces and lakes. 14. 14. Cuneiform on clay bricks. 15. 15. Magic, the art of witchcraft, etc.. 16. 16. The names of the days named after pagan gods, eg. Sunday after the sun god, Monday after the moon god, Thursday after the thunder, etc. It was this very Nimrod, who calculated and showed about the advancement of the equinox with the same accuracy as astronomers of today. The Holy Qur'n in Surah Baqara, verse 258 says: Have you not turned your vision to one who disputed with Abraham about his Lord, because Allah had granted him power? Abraham said: My Lord is He who gives life and death. He said:I give life and death. Said Abraham: But it is Allah that causes the sun to rise from the East: do you then cause it to rise from the West. Thus was he confounded who (in arrogance) rejected Faith. Nor does Allah give guidance to a people unjust. In its comments, Allama Abdullah Yusuf Ali refers to Nimrod and Babylon on page 104 of his translation as follows: The first point illustrated is the pride of power and the impotence of human power as against God's power. The person who disputed with Abraham may have been Nimrod or some ruler in Babylonia, or indeed elsewhere. I name Babylonia as it was the original home of Abraham (Ur or the Chaldees), and Babylon prided herself on her arts and sciences in the ancient world. Science can do wonderful things: it could then; it can now. But the mystery of Life baffled science then, as it continues to baffle science now, after many centuries of progress. Abraham had faith, and referred back everything to the Cause of Causes. A sceptical ruler might jestingly say: "I have power over life and death." Different kinds of powers lie in the hands of kings and men of knowledge. The claim in both cases is true in a very limited sense. But Abraham confounded the claimer at going back to fundamentals. "If you had the ultimate power, why could you not make the sun rise from the West?" In Jeremiah 51, verse 7 the Old Testament says: "Babylon was a golden cup in the Lords hand, making all the earth drunken; the nations drank of her wine, therefore the nations went mad." I want to point to the wine story again. The golden cup, refers to Nimrods above average power and theory, which was widely spread on the earth and the theory of trinity with a heavenly father. Baptism and communion is the wine, which leads the nations of the various churches to a frenzy of commotion, which leads to consternation and possible violence. All churches accepted the sacraments of Baptismal and Holy Communion, which originated from Nimrod. On pages 129-130 of The Two Babylons, Rev. Hislop makes the following remarks:
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It is well known that regeneration by baptism is a fundamental article of Rome, yea, that it stands at the very threshold of the Roman system. So important, according to Rome, is baptism for this purpose, that, on the one hand, it is pronounced of "absolute necessity for salvation," insomuch that infants dying without it cannot be admitted to glory; and on the other, its virtues are so great, that it is declared in all cases infallibly to "regenerate us by a new spiritual birth, making us children of God:" - it is pronounced to be the first door by which we enter into the fold of Jesus Christ, the first means by which we receive the grace of reconciliation with God; therefore the merits of His death are by baptism applied to our souls in so superabundant a manner, as fully to satisfy Divine justice for all demands against us, whether original or actual sin." Now in both respects this doctrine is absolutely antiScriptural; in both it is purely Pagan. Hislop speculates as follows in The Two Babylons on page 15: There has been a great deal of unsatisfactory speculation in regard to the meaning of this name, but when the different statements in regard to Brahm are carefully considered, it becomes evident that the name Brahm is just the Hebrew Rahm, with the digamma prefixed, which is very frequent in Sanscrit words derived from Hebrew or Chaldee. Rahm in Hebrew signifies "The merciful or compassionate one." The Arabic word "Ar-Rahman" means the Gracious or Beneficent, and Ar-Raheem means the Merciful. The root word "Rahm" just as in Hebrew, it has the same meaning. A Muslim begins almost anything with the word Bismillah hir Rahm-aan-nir Raheem, (In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful). Hislop continues on pages 18-19 as follows: First, there is the head of the old man; next, there is the zero, or circle, for "the seed"; and lastly, the wings and tail of the bird or dove; showing, though blasphemously, the unity of Father, Seed, or Son, and Holy Ghost. On page 16 of Hislop's book, we are informed: In the unity of that one Only God of the Babylonians, there were three persons, and to symbolise that doctrine of the Trinity, they employed, as the discoveries of Layard prove, the equilateral triangle, just as it is well known the Romish Church does at this day. In his explanation of one God, the Hebrew word "Akhad" is given, with the meaning "The Only One". Strangely, but in the Qur'an, Surah Ihlaas reads as follows: "Qul hu wallaahu akhad. Allah hus samad. Lam ya lid wha lam yoo lad wha lam ya qullahu kufu whan akhad . (Say: He is God, the One and Only, God, the eternal, absolute, He begets not, nor is he begotten and there is none like unto Him.) Prof. Dr. BJ Engelbrecht mentions the following on pp. 90 of his book, Wat s die Bybel Deel I: "It is quite true that Abraham received the circumcision as a sign of the covenant (according to Genesis 7:12), but when he first received it, his offspring was an eight day old infant. (Genesis 17:12.) The same words that the covenant was established between God and
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Abraham and his descendants after him, were also by Peter of the promise of the Holy Spirit in Acts. 2:39, where he says: "For the promise is to you and your children and to all that are far off, every one whom the Lord our God calls to him. Our question to those who only follow Church rituals is: What power was higher than Gods, to replace circumcision with baptism? It seems that Paul exceeds even the Lord God in Church power, for it is he who abolished the circumcision for Christians.
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CHAPTER 7 THE ORIGINS OF THE POPE, IMPURE CONSUMPTION AND CRUCIFIXION

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a) It was a giver of life, a generator of the dead land, and the developer of vegetation. b) Its light chased the darkness away (which can be interpreted as the destroyer of the unknown dark forces, which caused fear) and it also destroyed germs, which are harmful to mankind. c) This permits overall benefit, anywhere on earth, with no distinction between man and beast, good or evil, and, consequently, considered as an honest and logical ruler. Nimrod who had full knowledge of the different phases or aspects of the Sun in the Solar System, as well as the cause of the seasons, made use of this for sun-worshipping, as a faith, and the various ceremonies were based on astronomical calculations. He proposed the sun as a triple- or a trinity god or three gods in one, viz. a) The Giver of life and the Creator; b) The Shredder and c) The Righteous Ruler of the Universe. It satisfied, more or less, all the needs and expectations of the primitive intelligence of man. When Nimrod and his mother, Semiramis, displayed such outstanding knowledge and magic, he and his mother, of course, became the essence of divine worship. According to page 20 of The Two Babylons by Rev. Hislop, their claim: that Semiramis gave virgin birth to a divine son, without any male contact, brought so much confidence and popularity, especially because of the impossible deeds that they could accomplish by their magic. Almost every house boasted with pictures and images of their mighty virgin queen mother Semiramis with the divine child, Nimrod, in her arms. Thus, the notion of a mighty virgin mother of heaven, the Mother of God with her only begotten divine son in her arms, was formed for the first time on the earth. So, whatever was done by Nimrod, whether wrong or unjust, was accepted by his followers as a powerful and wonderful act from heaven, and immediately pleased them. Does this not portray the Renaissance period, where Leonardo da Vinci, immortalised the "Mother and son" image, with his work? On pages 49-51 of Diaboliese Sameswering, under the heading 'The worship of the mother and the child Pastor Bennie Kleynhans mentions the following: One of the most obvious traces of Babylonian idolatry in the Christian church today is the Roman Catholic Church's worship of Mary, because it replaces conspicuous ancient worship of the mother-goddess. The story of the mother Semiramis with her child Tammuz in her arms, developed throughout the Babylonian empire which was worshipped as Gods, by all. With the spreading of the people to the rest of the world, they took this religious belief with them. This explains why so many people, had for centuries, before the birth of Jesus, already worshipped the mother and child. By the nature of the case different names were given to the characters, because we must bear in mind that the establishment of new places in the world, was due to language confusion, which actually arose at Babylon.
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We must understand that it was not part of the original Christianity. Of course, Mary was an exemplary and a pious woman - she was indeed chosen by the Lord Himself to bring His Son into the world. But neither Jesus nor any of the apostles ever said that she should be worshipped. The Encyclopaedia Brittanica stated, unequivocally, that in the first few centuries of the church's existence, almost no attention was given to Mary. The Catholic Encyclopedia admits that the worship of Mary never became part of the Church during first centuries of Christianity. It was at the time of Constantine, i.e. early in the fourth century, that Mary became a goddess. At that time the church did not approve that the Virgin Mary was to be venerated. But within a few years, in 431 it was not only approved, but it became officially part of the church's doctrines. Pastor Kleynhans attacks the Mother-worship of the Catholics, but he is oblivious to his own trinity worship and belief in the son-of-God worship. If he had properly done the research on the mother-worship, then surely he must have arrived at the origins of trinity worshipping. There is none so blind, as those who do not want to see or realise the truth, according to the Scriptures. Origin of the Pope If Nimrod raped a young lady, then she had to consider herself as the most blessed girl on earth, because she had been bedded by the only begotten Son of God. If he killed someone, then the family involved, should be regarded as being blessed, because the dead was sacrificed on the altar, to the satisfaction of the offended god, for the sins of the family, and consequently, the family was blessed for their devotion. Therefore, Nimrod was free to do anything he desired, whether it was with humans or animals, without any objections or queries. Consequently, he was the first Sovereign Pontiff or Pontifex Maximus. Subsequent emperors accepted his belief later with such a title role. On pages 65-66 of his book Diaboliese Sameswering, Pastor Bennie Kleynhans states the following about the Pontifex Maximus: When Rome conquered the world, they united the pagan uses of Babylon, which spread throughout the world into a pagan religious system. The principle of the Pontifex Maximus was part of their religious system. The Babylonian paganism, which was united under Nimrod, was transferred under the control of a single Roman leader, namely Julius Caesar. He was sworn in by the year 63 BC as supreme ruler of Pontifex Maximus of the new religion which was now located in Rome. All the Roman emperors (including Constantine), accepted the title of Pontifex Maximus until Gratian in 376 refused, for Christian reasons. He realised that it was a blasphemous title and office. At that time the bishop of Rome, however, had been a political power and a prestige. Demasus was, therefore, elected as the bishop of Rome, in 378, to be elected as Pontifex Maximus - the official supreme priest of the Church. Since Rome became the major city in the world, and the Christian bishop of Rome, as the "bishop of all bishops, became the head of the church. As a result, a unique situation arose, for then, Christians as well as heathens were considered as the head of the church! By this
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time, and in the years that followed, the stream of paganism and Christianity flowed into one another, until what we know today as the Catholic Church and the head of the church as the Pope or Pontifex Maximus." When God's curse fell on the tower of Babel, and the unity of mankind was broken up (according to Jeremiah 51, verse 7), and their language was changed, the name of Nimrod, as the only begotten son of the Sun god and Semiramis, the heavenly virgin queen, changed from one place, as the religion of Babylon spread to all corners of the earth. In Babylon he was known as Nimrod or Tammuz, Baal or Bacchus or Merodach, as Mithra in Persia, in Greece as Apollo or Plutus, in Italy as Hercules, in Rome as Jupiter-puer, in Syria and Phrygia, as Adonis or Attis; in Egypt as Osiris or Horus, in Scandinavia as Balder, etc.. His mother was again known as Semiramis, Rhea, Astarte, Ishtar, Leto, Ceres, Irene, Alcemne, Fortuna, Cybele, Neith, Isis, Frigga, etc. A few of the titles, which were worldwidely associated to the name of Nimrod, were "the only begotten son, the only mediator (between God and man), the good shepherd, the saviour, the sacrifice, the beloved son, the healer; the rescuer (which was introduced as a lamb), the light bringer, the lamented one, the deliverer, the supplier, the slaughtered, etc. These names were the forerunners for any insertion, which would later affect other faiths, if the emperors could find the cooperation of the Church Heads. On pages 20 and 21 of The Two Babylons by Rev. Alexander Hislop, we find the following excerpts: The Babylonians in their popular religion, supremely worshipped a goddess mother and a son, who were represented in picture and in images as infant or child in mother's arms. From Babylon, this worship of the mother and the child spread to the ends of the earth. In Egypt, the mother and the child were worshipped under the names of Isis and Osiris. In India, even to this day as Isi and Iswara; in Asia, as Cybele and Deoius; in Pagan Rome as Fortuna and Jupiter-puer or Jupiter, the boy; in Greece as Ceres, the Great mother, with the babe at her breast, or as Irene, the goddess of peace, with the boy, Plutus in her arms; and even in Tibet, in China and Japan, the Jesuit missionaries were astonished to find the counterpart of the Madonna and her child as devoutly worshipped as in Papal Rome itself; Shing Moo, the holy mother in China being represented with a child in her arms, and a glory around her, exactly as if a Roman Catholic artist had been employed to set her up. The original of that mother, so widely worshipped, there is reason to believe, was Semiramis, already referred to, it is known, was worshipped by the Babylonians, and other eastern nations under the name of Rhea, the great Goddess "Mother".
Festivals Associated with Nimrod and Semiramis 1. 1. The celebration of the only begotten divine son born of a virgin mother on December 25, as previously explained with the "Magical Well of Perpetual Adoration and Life" in an earlier chapter.
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2. 2. The festival of Ishtar or Astarte, the queen of heaven or the virgin goddess of spring and fertility, was celebrated on the first Sunday after the full moon, following the "spring equinox", with the following objectives: (a) Because the daylight in the northern hemisphere, grew daily, against the night, it was considered that a virgin became pregnant, during the spring equinox with the divine child, and nine months later, was born on 25 December. Hence, the Easter eggs to the pure conception of the birth of the only begotten and divine son in the womb of the virgin queen, Semiramis or Ishtar, in general. (b) Nimrod predicted: i) that he would die brutally by saving the world; ii) that his death would be an act of defending his faith. iii) that by this sacrifice of his life, he would be regretted as the salvation of sinners, the Saviour, the sacrificial lamb, the only mediator, the good shepherd, the lamb of heaven, who came to be slaughtered. iv) that he would be killed by the evil spirits of darkness and illiteracy. (c) The spring equinox occurred during that time and the sun will be gone in its elliptical orbit, as it passes the equator, a shape of a cross will be made, in the constellation of the Ram or the "Lamb". It was considered as a victory of the sun god, whose virgin queen succeeded to save her only begotten divine son, who will sacrifice his life to the power of darkness, to save mankind, by sending him to heaven, in order to save his followers. This incident will be celebrated with hot cross buns, the round ball representing the sun and cross, as a magical sign of the sun, the deliverer of the incarnation of the forces of darkness. On page 103 of The Two Babylons Hislop said: What means the term Easter itself? It is not a Christian name. It bears its Chaldean origin on its forehead. Easter is nothing else than Astarte, one of the titles of Beltis, the queen of the heaven, whose name, as pronounced by the people of Nineveh, was evidently identical with that now in common use in this country. That name, as found by Layard (Layards Nineveh and Babylon, p.629) on the Assyrian monuments, is Ishtar. To show his disgust in any person who would cause his death would by violence, Nimrod reviled his enemy as a "pig". Consequently, his avenging curse against any intentional enemy, he and his followers would enjoy eating pork at any festival. Pork, as we all realise was described by God, in the Holy Scriptures, as impure and was completely condemned for consumption according to Leviticus 11, verses 7 and 8, and Deuteronomy 14, verse 8: And the swine, because it parts the hoof and is cloven-footed but does not chew the cud, is unclean to you. Of their flesh you shall not eat, and their carcasses you shall not touch; they are unclean to you. In Isaiah 66, verse 17 of the Old Testament we read:
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Those who sanctify and purify themselves to go into the gardens, following one in the midst, eating swine's flesh and the abomination and mice, shall come to an end, says the LORD. This verse is very clear that the one in the centre (Nimrod as pontiff and king standing in the centre), being followed are those who see nothing wrong in eating what God forbids. Such people will be destroyed according to this Biblical verse. Pork, which is described in the Qur'n as Ginzeer and whose consumption is strictly forbidden, is not eaten by Muslims, Jews and certain Christians. Yet most people, who go to church, find no fault with it, because they have another verse of the Bible, which justifies pork to them. I would like to quote that verse, viz. Mark 7, verses 15-16 (Matthew 15; 11): There is nothing outside a man by going into him can defile him, but things which come out of a man are what defiles him. And in verse 20 to 23 of Mark 7 it is explained: And he said, What comes out of a man is what defiles a man. For from within, out of the heart of man, come evil thoughts, fornication, thefts, murder, adultery, coveting, wickedness, deceit, licentiousness, envy, slander, pride, foolishness. All these evils things come from within, and they defile a man. Note: excreta or urine is not mentioned among the things that come out. The person then justifies a Bible verse to consume pork. He might just as well argue that other abominations such as rats, mice, cats, dogs, spiders and snakes can be eaten, because nothing is regarded by him as being unclean. What about poison or excreta? A wise person will read in those words that what a person hears or acts upon makes him unclean. In other words actions, which he, himself, performs, are clearly being spelled out, as being evil. Besides the verse is quoted out of context, because the preceding verse is very clear about words which enter, and it does not refer to food, at all. Matthew 15, verse 11 in the Afrikaans Bible is most confusing, because the word "mouth" is intentionally placed in there to suit Nimrod's wishes, while it is not found in the English version of the Bible. In an earlier verse in Matthew 13, verse 13 to 14, Jesus said: "This is why I speak to them in parables, because seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand. With them indeed is fulfilled the prophecy of Isayah which says,You shall indeed hear but never understand, and you shall indeed see but never perceive. In another parable in Mark 5, verse 11 to 13, we are told: Now a great herd of swine was feeding there on the hillside; and they begged him, Send us to the swine, let us enter them. So he gave them leave. And the unclean spirits came out, and entered the swine; and the herd, numbering about two thousand, rushed down the steep bank into the sea, and were drowned in the sea.
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Unless any person quotes a clear mandate in the Holy Scriptures, where the eating of pork is allowed, it remains strange, to me, how churchgoers can ignore the Word of God. My advice to anyone is that they should read and understand, because the interpretation of those, who empower pork in the churches, are none other than the disciples of Nimrod. Besides, it is a known medical fact that pork is harmful to the human body. In Islam anything, which is harmful to the body, is considered as haraam (prohibited). On pages 96-102 of The Two Babylons, by Hislop, it is very clear about the celebration of Christmas and the consumption of spirits and pork: loose reins were given to drunkenness and revelry"..."The wassailling bowl of Christmas had its precise counterpart in the 'Drunken festival' of Babylon"..."The candles, in some parts of England, lighted on Christmas-eve, and used so long as the festive season lasts, were equally lighted by the Pagans on the eve of the festival of the Babylonian god, to do honour to him"..."The Christmas tree, now so common among us, was equally common in Pagan Rome and Pagan Egypt"..."In many countries the boar was sacrificed to the god, for the injury a boar was fabled to have done him. According to one version of the story of the death of Adonis, or Tammuz, it was, as we have seen, in consequence of a wound from the tusk of a boar that he died..."Hence the boar's head is still a standing dish in England at the Christmas dinner, when the reason of it is long forgotten"..."There can be no doubt, then, that the Pagan festival at the winter solstice - in other words, Christmas - was held in honour of the birth of the Babylon Messiah. The Babylonian Passion Play The legend of this great sacrifice of Nimrod was discovered in the excavations of cuneiform bricks, by German excavators in 1903-1904, which was unearthed at Kalah Shargat, instead of the ancient Asshur. Asshur was one of the ancient cities built and controlled by Nimrod. The "investigation" of London, dated January 1922, the interpretation of the cuneiform bricks, stating under the heading "The Babylonian Passion Play" are quoted as follows: "Baal is taken prisoner. "Baal is tried in the House on the Mount (the Hall of Justice). "Baal is led away to the Mount. "Together with Baal, a malefactor is led away and put to death. Another who is also charged as a malefactor, is let go, thus not taken away with Baal. . "After Baal had gone to the Mount, the city breaks out in tumult, and fighting takes place in it. "Baal's clothes are carried away. "A woman wipes away the heart's blood of Baal flowing from a drawn-out weapon (spear?) "Baal goes down into the Mount away from the sun and the light, disappears from life, and is
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held fast in the Mount as in a prison. "Guards watch Baal imprisoned in the stronghold of the Mount. "A goddess sits with Baal: she comes to tend to him. "They seek Baal where he is held fast. In particular a weeping woman seeks for him at the 'Gate of Burial'. When he is being carried away she lamented: 'O, my brother! O, my brother! "Baal is again brought back to life (as the sun of spring), he comes again out of the Mount. "His chief feast, the Babylonian New Year's festival in March at the time of the spring equinox, is celebrated also as his triumph over the Power of Darkness. In Luke 22, verse 53, it is stated: "When I was with you day after day in the temple, you did not lay hands on me. But this is your hour, and the power of darkness." Again it is notable that Pastor Bennie Kleynhans is not in total disagreement with the paganistic story of the "Crucifixion of Jesus". He justifies the crucifixion on pages 74-76 of his book, but disagrees with the church on the actual day that it happened. He is convinced that it happened on a Wednesday and not the Friday. He could just as well have speculated whether it happened at all, and whether Jesus suffered a cursed death. It could just as well have been a pagan myth of Balism, which Constantine allowed to be inserted to convert the pagans into the Christian Churches. Kleynhans is sceptical about the association of Friday and the fish, as well as the Easter egg. On page 77, of Kleynhans's book, we read: How did it become part of the Christian heritage? It seems as if someone suggested that the egg symbol had to be christianised. In order to do this, they claim that Christ had to emerge from the tomb, as a chick emerged from the egg. Pope Paul V had even formulated a prayer in this regard. Exactly like the above, the theory of crucifixion was formulated, but should Kleynhans admit this, then his whole Christian theory will be in tatters, because without the trinity and the crucifixion theory, there would be no Christianity. He readily acknowledges that the god-son theory arose from a son of god myth, but he still accepts that Jesus was a son of god. The poor man is apparently in great doubt, because he mentions on page 79 of his book: What happened then? The church subsequently adopted those pagan uses and linked it to the pillar of fire of the desert and also the resurrection of Christ. It is unclear how many pagan practices were adopted by Christianity. Also the Easter Bunny which was a pagan symbol - the Catholic Encyclopedia admits that it is a pagan symbol of fertility. This is associated with the moon and relates to bringing new life into the young man and woman. It makes one realise that both the Easter egg as the Easter bunny are symbols with sexual connotations, because both are symbols of fertility. Of course, one does not want to state that Christians, today, use sun worshipping, when they congregate for their earlier Easter services. All I want you to realise is that these things
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point to an actual mixture of Christianity and paganism. For those who read Pastor Bennie Kleynhans's book, I refer you to page 40, where he states: In 'The Plan' it is also explained how the traditional religious holidays have been abolished and replaced by the celebration of their pagan festivals. Two of the early Christian festivals that will disappear into their "New Order", will be Christmas and Good Friday. The Pastor is definitely confused, because, here, he is concerned that the "New Order" will abolish the two festivals, while on other pages in the same book he criticises these as pagan festivals, which are associated with sun worshipping, moon worshipping, and sexual connotations, etc. On pages 83-85 he mentions that Jesus was not born on December 25, while he states reasons why he reached those conclusions. He recommends September as the month in which Jesus was born. Yet, he considers December 25 as a major celebration day for Christmas. The Jews will, readily, agree with him, because their shops are making a fortune at that time of year. On page 84 he mentions: The day was commemorated by supporters of Mitrasm or by sun worshippers. Was this pagan festival perhaps not the reason why the Catholic Church declared December 25 as the official birthday of Jesus Christ? According to their encyclopaedia, there is a strong suspicion that their Sunfestival influenced the choice of 25 December for the celebration of Christmas. This obviously led to confusion and resulted that some people started confusing Jesus with the sun god, Sol. The confusion, that such measurements might assume that subsequent Popes and Church leaders had to do serious steps to ensure that their followers did not worship the sun god with Christmas festivals, but only Jesus! Pastor Kleynhans is on target, but it is unfortunate that he is so confused, when it comes to the crucifixion, circumcision, eating of pork, etc. We read on page 55, Philip Freund's book Myths of Creation: Early man seems to have held the idea that the creative act could only follow the killing or suicidal self-sacrifice of the pro-genitive god. In the myth of Purusha, Viraj, Timat, Ymir, P'an Ku, and Izana-gi, we have the prototype of the death and mutilation of the fertility god, who is later to take a new form and name as the Divine Scapegoat: Tammuz, Osiris, Dionysos, and finally the Christian Saviour, as Frazer suggests.Sometimes the Dismemberment-myth depicts the original creation; sometimes it describes rebirth after the world's destruction. But a violent death as a precondition of life reborn is a theme which runs through nearly all early religions. The Holy Qur'an as the Final Testament, which came to the earth, eradicates this misconception about the supposed crucifixion of Nabi Isa (Prophet Jesus), and is quite clear with the words: That they said, (in boast) "We killed Christ Jesus the son of Mary, the apostle of God "- but they did not kill him, nor crucified him, but so it was made to appear to them, and those who differ therein are full of doubts, with no (certain) knowledge, but only conjecture to follow, for of a surety they did not kill him: - Nay, God raised him unto Himself, and God is Exalted in Power, Wise, - (Surah Nisaa-a ... 4: 157-158).
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These verses from the Holy Qur'n are supported by The Gospel of Barnabas, Chapter 215-217, in which it is stated that God sent His Angels to Jesus, to take him away from the world, and then the face and the voice of Judas Iscariot had changed into that of Jesus Christ, when the soldiers arrested him, and that he was subsequently crucified. No wonder that the Dead Sea scrolls are being held as a mystery to the world. It is again quite clear to us that the Church has sent a message to the world that Jesus (or rather Nimrod) was condemned to a cruel death and there was no explanation of the true words of God, about what actually happened, and to accept, otherwise the religion of Nimrod will suffer. The Pope (or Pontifex Maximus) will ensure that the true facts will never be revealed. The Gospel of Barnabas will again never be accepted by the Church, nor will the revelation of Fatima ever be read. However, it is so sad that the church members are being kept in the dark, while their intestines are being infected with the flesh of an animal, which was prohibited by God in various places of the Old Testament, and alcohol affects their minds (the actual image God). If one reader of this book realises the hypocrisy and changes his way of life, then this work will be worthwhile. Cremation In the book: Wat S die Bybel Deel I, in reply to whether the Bible condemns cremation as a pagan burial and sin, Prof. Dr. HS Pelser replies: Cremation is an old custom in primitive and pagan folks. According to the Bible, cremation is primarily portrayed as a curse of extreme punishment ... Christianity would also, from the very beginning, have nothing to do with cremation and instead installed the burying of the dead.
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CHAPTER 8 THE ORIGIN OF THE CROSS

The Sign of the Cross One of the titles of Nimrod was TAM-MUS. The origin of this title is the incident when his arch enemy, Prophet Abraham, the idol-breaker, was thrown into the fire. Tammuz means "Fire, the Perfecter". In a later chapter on the life of Prophet Ibrahim, more light on this incident will be related. At this stage it is sufficient to mention only that Prophet Abraham taught the people that the true God is a one and only God, Who had no form or equal. This was contrary to the idolatry of Nimrod's followers, who wanted to destroy the prophet with fire. Hence, his title Tammuz. For those who have not yet come across the name Tammuz, I would like refer to Ezekiel 8, verse 14 of the Old Testament: "Then he brought me to the north gate of the house of the LORD, and behold, there sat women weeping for Tammuz." In Chambers's Twentieth Century Dictionary (1968) on page 1125 under the word Tammuz, we read: a Babylonian sun-god, answering to Adonis: the tenth month of the Jewish calendar (June-July)." The initial of Tammuz was the Hebrew letter which was written with an upright cross and pronounced as Tau. The sign of the cross was the initial of the name of the Babylonian god, Tammuz, or Nimrod, or Bacchus. Therefore the worship of the cross at all times is the worship of Tammuz or Nimrod, or Bacchus. People are seen wearing earrings and necklaces with crosses to identify themselves with Tammuz. The Persian variation of Nimrodism was known as Mithraism. With the conquest of Babylonia by the Persians and the Medes in the year 539 before the Christian era, Mithraism spread throughout the Middle East and Europe to reach the British Isles by the year 70 BC. During this century, a cross was discovered in Ireland, according to page 90 of Sources of Christianity by Khwaja Kamal-ud-din, printed in 1925 and published by Unwin Brothers Ltd, London and Woking. On this cross was the figure of Mithra with a Parthian crown, like that of a Persian prince on his head. It is clear, according to this ancient cross, that Mithraism already proclaimed that the divine son, who was born of the virgin mother, came to save sinners and he died on the cross. The death on the cross was, therefore, a symbolic way to express the notion that the only begotten son of the sun god would die a violent death in spite of his defense of his faith, so he would be the saviour of his followers. So the sign of the cross was a symbol of their saviour, who would protect them against any suffering. The sign of the cross was, therefore, a sacred magic symbol which was used to fight evil, especially since Nimrod preached that he would be raised from the dead to the position of the "lamb of heaven" after his divine sacrifice to save mankind from evil. It is a common fact, which films propagate where evil figures, like Dracula and Vampires, are expelled by means of a cross. Modern people should, thus, not have far to search from where this superstition originated. On page 62 of Sources of Christianity is the following assertion: "St.Jerome admits that Mithra and Baal were the same, and called the sons of the Lord.
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The upright sign of the cross thus became the sign of safety and protection for the followers of Nimrod. This worship of the sign of the cross which originally spread from Babylon, was also recorded on pages 184-185 of the 1953 edition of New Light on the Most Ancient East, by archaeologist V. Gordon Childe. in Chapter 9, under the heading "Indian Civilization in the Third Millennium BC. There you will read: The swastika and the cross, common on stamps and plaques, were religious or magical symbols as in Babylonia and Elam in the prehistoric period, but preserve that character also in modern India and elsewhere. On page 199, The Two Babylons by Rev. Hislop, the following in relation to the cross is recalled: It was worshipped in Mexico for ages before the Roman Catholic missionaries set foot there, large stone crosses being erected... The cross thus widely worshipped, or regarded as a sacred emblem, was the unique vocal symbol of Bacchus, the Babylonian Messiah, for he was represented with a head-band covered with crosses... This symbol of the Babylonian god is reverenced at this day in all wide wastes of Tartary (Asian and European location of Tartars), where Buddhism prevails, and the way in which it is represented among them, forms a striking commentary on the language applied by Rome to the Cross. Colonel Wilford, Asiatic Researches says: "The Cross, though not an object of worship among the Buddhists or Bud'has is a favourite emblem and device among them. On page 146, of Babylon the Great is a quotation from page 204 of The Two Babylons: (in Christianity) the Tau, the sign of the Cross, the indisputable sign or Tammuz, the false Messiah, was everywhere substituted in its stead (instead of the Greek letter Chi or X as in Christos )..." The Cross as a symbol dates back to an unknown antiquity. The Encyclopedia Americana 1929 edition, Vol 8, under the heading Crosses and Crucifixes, proclaimed: "The Cross as a symbol dates back to an unknown Antiquity. It was recognized in all countries throughout the world at all times. Before the present era the Buddhists, Brahmans and Druids utilized the device. Seymore tells us: 'The Druids considered that the long arm of the cross symbolized the way of life, the short arms the three conditions of the spirit world, equivalent to heaven, purgatory and hell.' With the ancient Egyptians the cross was a reverenced symbol. Their ankh (crux ansata or handled cross) represented life, and a perpendicular shaft with several arms at right angles (Nile cross) appears to have had some reference to fertility of crops. Five of their planet symbols were represented by a cross attached to a circle or part of a circle. Prescott says that when the first Europeans arrived in Mexico, to their surprise, they found "the cross", the sacred emblem of their own faith, raised as an object of worship in the temples of Anahuac. In Wilkinson, Volume I, page 376, we find:
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Men as well as women wore earrings and they frequently had a small cross suspended to a necklace ... showing that it was largely in use as early as the fifteenth century before the Christian era. On page 163 of Crabb's Mythology, we find the following quotation: There is hardly a pagan tribe where the cross has not been found. The cross was worshipped by Pagan Celts long before the incarnation and death of Christ. On page 49 of Indian Antiquities by Maurice it is recalled: It is a fact not less remarkable than well attested, that the Druids in their groves were accustomed to select the most stately and beautiful tree as an emblem of the Deity they adored, and having cut the side branches, they affixed two of the largest of them... in such a manner that those branches extended on each side like the arms of a man, and together with the body, presented the appearance of a HUGE CROSS, and on the bark, in several places, was also inscribed the letter Tau. The origin of the erect sign of the cross refers to the Hebrew letter "Tau", the initials of "Tammuz", which is the title of Nimrod. On page 15 of the book Simbole Veilig of Gevaarlik (Symbols: Safe or Dangerous) by Hennie Stander, we read: "The cross is now the most popular of all Christian symbols. Yet, unlike what many people believe, about the cross in both pre-Christian and nonChristian cultures. The Christian cross arrived only relatively late on the scene." The cross definitely became a form of worship. In front of a cross is knelt and prayed. The cross is hung against walls and from doors. Necklaces and earrings with crosses on them are common. The irony of the matter is that most of such crosses are manufactured in Jewish factories, and sold in Jewish shops. It is also assumed that the crucifixion of a "Christ" is marketed in various forms, before being purchased and worshipped. What does the Holy Scriptures state of this form of worship? Exodus 20, verse 3: "You shalt have no other gods before me." Exodus 20, verse 23: "You shall not make gods of silver to be with me, nor shall you make for yourselves gods of gold." Exodus 34, verse 13-14: "You shall tear down their altars, and break their pillars, and cut down their Asherim (for you shall worship no other god: for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God)." Exodus 34, verse 17: "You shall make for youirself no molten gods." Leviticus 19, verse 4: "Do not turn to idols or make for yourselves molten gods: I am the LORD your God. " Leviticus 26, verse 1: "Ye shall make for yourselves no idols and erect no graven image or pillar, and you shall not set up a figured stone in your land, to bow down to them; for I am
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the LORD your God. " Deuteronomy 4, verse 16: "Beware lest you act corruptly by making a graven image for yourselves, in the form of any figure of male or female." Deuteronomy 5; verse 7-9: "You shall have no other gods before me. You shall not make for yourself a graven image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is on the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. You shall not bow down to them or serve them: for I the LORD your God am a jealous God ... Deuteronomy 6; verse 13-14: You shall fear the LORD your God; you shall serve him and swear by his name. You shall not go after other gods, of the gods of the peoples who are around you" Joshua 24, verse 14: "Now therefore fear the LORD and serve him in sincerity and in faithfulness; put away the gods which your fathers served beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the Lord." Micah 5, verse 6: "they shall rule the land of Assyria with the sword, and the land of Nimrod with the drawn sword Micah 5, verse 13: and I will cut off your images and your pillars from among you, and you shall bow down no more to the work of your hands. Many other verses from the Holy Scriptures of the Church can be quoted, but who are really the offenders who are in conflict with these sayings? In whose cemeteries are all sorts of statues and crucifixes built? In which places of prayer are found such molten gods? Who is wearing those molten images or signs around their necks, on ears, etc? What is glaringly obvious is that Prophet Jesus of Nazareth, never, not even in the New Testament, referred to the cross as a sign of holiness. The question arises again, to any person who could think logically: Who saddled the church with a cross, and what is the real reason behind it? The answer is obvious. Emperor Constantine (the Great), who in 325 AD, in order to get the support of the pagan Romans, accommodated the followers of Nimrodism in the Christianity Church.We shall discuss him shortly in our work. On page 82 of, Aalam-e-Islam Aur Yahudiat is the following statement: "The Prophet Muhammad has foretold that at the final Battle of Armageddon on the shores of Aphek, Jesus son of the Virgin Mary, will destroy every Believer in the" Sign of the Cross and every eater of Swine flesh. "This statement is repeated on page 778 of Destruction or Peace (1975) by Hajee Mahboob Kassim.
The Role of Emperor Constantine On pages 202-205 of The Two Babylons by Rev. Hislop it is reported, among others that Constantine the Great (in a dream) saw a flaming cross in the heavens under the "sun" (his sun god) with the words "In hoc signo vinces" (i.e. "With this sign you will triumph). This was before the Council of Necea. This occurred" during his campaign against his rival, Maxentius, in 312 AD, whom he ultimately defeated. Then Constantine had unlimited faith in
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the magical "sign of the cross." He, therefore, established his "Church of Christ", on which Christianity was forthward founded in 325 AD. The souvereign founder of the "Church of Christ" may have decided to give his assumption of the Cross as the sign of his new religion, but the fact remains that Apollo in his view was his Lord God, and remained so all his life as his sealring and coins proved. Therefore, it is proven that Constantine, while he claimed that he was a Christian, was actually a sunworshipper, and that his pagan religion was responsible for the adoption of the sign of the cross or the "Sun God". It was also undoubtedly proved by the resolutions at the First Council of religious bishops were under his control. Constantine persuaded the Council to accept his decree of 321 AD, to move the Sabbath from Friday to Dies Solis, or the day of the Sun god, Sol, with the cross as its symbol. The cross was forcefully connected to the life of Jesus. While Jesus did not die a violent death, or rather not having tasted death at all, but he was raised to God, instead of tasting the violent death of Nimrod, which had to be used somewhere to influence the Gentiles, who were followers of Mithraism or Nimrodism. The Council of 325 AD was used with the specific purpose that certain parts of the New Testament could be promoted and rewritten, while other original books, were obviously removed, and it was strictly instructed that anyone, who was caught with such portions of Scripture would die at the stake. The reign of terror that followed, led to the persecution of the Nazarenes (or the true followers of Jesus). The theory of Paul (or Saul, who persecuted the Nazarenes) and who insisted on the "crucifixion of Jesus" theory (a cursed death, according to the Holy Scriptures), was thus properly recorded and marketed to the Churches up till this day. Hennie Stander mentions in his book, Simbole Veilig of Gevaarlik (Symbols Safe or Dangerous): "There are several reasons why the early Christians themselves refrained from using the cross as a symbol which did not even indicate a Christian meaning. In the first place, the ancient man considered it as a great shame to die on a cross - it was something like the gallows, today. The Christians knew that the crucifixion could easily have been misunderstood, as it was unthinkable for Jews and Gentiles, that a king and a god had died by means of a crucifixion. In the second place it must be remembered that the believers in the first centuries AD, were heavily persecuted for their faith in Christ. This, therefore, meant that the Christians would further be reminded of their Saviour's death. They preferred to focus on Christ's power, victory and peace. The cross of Jesus was a symbol of salvation, therefore only from the fourth century AD it became popular after the state of Christianity was recognised as a legitimate religion and the persecution of Christians ceased. " Apparently Stander refers here to the Council of 325 AD and the influence of Constantine, who officially legalised Christianity. We read in Joe Zias's Crucifixion in Antiquity: The Anthropological Evidence: "Undoubtedly, one of the cruelest and most humiliating forms of punishment and eventual death in the ancient world was, according to ancient sources, Crucifixion. The Jewish historian Josephus best described it following the siege of Jerusalem by the Romans in 66-70
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CE as the most wretched of deaths (War 7:20) The late Hadji Ahmed Deedats Crucifixion or Cruci-fiction discussed in detail the theory of the crucifixion of Jesus on the cross, a myth which was not logically possible. Any Muslim readily agrees that Nabi Isa (Prophet Jesus) was honoured by Allah and for him to be killed in such an unmerciful way and on top of it among murderers would be a myth. The verse in Chapter 4, 157-158 is enough for any Muslim, because it is written in the Qur'an: That they said (in boast), We killed Christ Jesus the son of Mary, the Messenger of Allah; but they did not kill him, nor crucified him, but so it was made to appear to them, and those who differ therein are full of doubt, with no (certain) knowledge, but only conjecture to follow, for of a surety they did not kill him: - Nay, Allah raised him up unto Himself; and Allah is exalted in Power, Wise." We, who possess the Quran should thank Allah, because we are fully informed about the truth, and it is, consequently, our abundant duty to inform those who are in doubt. Those who argue against the truth, do a great injustice to Prophet Jesus, because he never died a cursed death. Only blasphemy is responsible for refusal to accept the truth, and as a result such persons despise Prophet Jesus. Kleynhans lay great emphasis on the erection of the obelisks, which is not really worship, but he never suppressed the worship of the cross as it is currently the case. He mentions "the idol of jealousy at the entrance" (Ezekiel 8, 5) and state the name of "Tammuz" on page 60 of his book, but he is not wisened by his own worship of the cross. We read at the end of Chapter 216 of the Gospel of Barnabas: 'So they led him to Mount Cavalry, where they used to hang malefactors, and there they crucified him naked, for the greater ignominy. Judas truly did nothing else but cry out: God, why have Thou forsaken me, seeing the malefactor hath escaped and I die unjustly?" Verily I (Barnabas) say that the voice, the face, and the person of Judas were so like to Jesus, that the disciples and the believers entirely believed that he was Jesus; wherefore some departed from the doctrine of Jesus, believing that Jesus had been a false prophet, and that by art magic he had done the miracles which he did: for Jesus had said that he should not die till near the end of the world; for at that time he should be taken away from the world. 'But they that stood firm in the doctrine of Jesus were so encompassed with sorrow, seeing him die who was entirely like to Jesus, that they remembered not what Jesus had said. " And so in company with the mother of Jesus they went to Mount Cavalry, and were not only present at the death of Judas, weeping continually, but by means of Nicodemas and Joseph of Abarimathia they obtained from the governer the body of Judas to bury it. Whereupon, they took him down from the cross with such weeping as assuredly no one would believe, and buried him in the new sepulcre of Joseph; having wrapped him up in an hundred pounds of precious ointments .' Barnabas confirms, therefore, the verses of the Qur'n (sura Nisaa, v 157-159) as previously described.
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I would like to call on the historical work of Gibbon The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire Volume I, to get an idea of the so-called Constantine, the Great. The following direct quotation is reproduced from pages 255 to 259: By the grateful zeal of the Christians the deliverer of the church has been decorated with every attribute of a hero, and even of a saint; while the discontent of the vanquished party has compared Constantine to the most abhorred of those tyrants who, by their vice and weakness, dishonoured the imperial purple. The same passions have, in some degree, been perpetuated to succeeding generations, and the character of Constantine is considered, even in the present age, as an object either of satire or of panegyric. The old age of Constantine was disgraced by the opposite yet reconcilable vices of rapaciousness and prodigality. The accumulated treasures found in the palaces of Maxentius and Licinius were lavishly consumed; the various innovations introduced by the conqueror were attended with an increasing expense; the cost of his buildings, his court, and his festivals required an immediate and plentiful supply; and the oppression of the people was the only fund which could support the magnificence of the sovereign. His unworthy favourites, enriched by the boundless liberality of their master, usurped with impunity the privilege of rapine and corruption. The emperor himself, though he still retained the obedience, gradually lost the esteem, of his subjects. The dress and manners which, towards the decline of his life, he chose to effect, served only to degrade him in the eyes of mankind. He is represented with false hair of various colours, laboriously arranged by the skilful artists of the times; a diadem of a new and more expensive fashion; a profusion of gems and pearls, of collars and bracelets; and a variegated flowing robe of silk, most curiously embroidered with flowers of gold. The emperor had been twice married. Minervina, the obscure but lawful object of his youthful attachment, had left him only one son, who was called Crispus. By Fausta, the daughter of Maximian, he had three daughters, and three sons known by the kindred names of Constantine, Constantius and Constans. Constantine, both as a father and as a king, was impatient of an equal. The unfortunate Crispus was apprehended by order of the emperor, who laid aside the tenderness of a father without assuming the equity of a judge. The examination was short and private; and as it was thought decent to conceal the fate of the young prince from the eyes of the Roman people, he was sent under a strong guard to Pola, in Istria, where, soon afterwards, he was put to death ... and the stern jealousy of Constantine was unmoved by the prayers and tears of his favourite sister, pleading for the life of a son whose rank was his only crime, and whose loss she did not long survive. The story of these unhappy princes, the nature and evidence of their guilt, the forms of their trial, and the circumstances of their death, were buried in mysterious obscurity, and the courtly bishop , who has celebrated in an elaborate work the virtues and piety of his hero, observes a prudent silence on the subject of these tragic events. Such haughty contempt for the opinion of mankind, whilst it imprints an indelible stain on the memory of Constantine, must remind us of the very different behaviour of one of the greatest monarchs of the present age ... but if we consult the more ancient and authentic writers, they will inform us that the repentance of Constantine was manifested only in acts of blood and revenge, and that he atoned for the murder of an innocent son by the execution, perhaps, of a guilty wife. The daughter of Maximian accused her son-in-law of an incestuous attempt on the chastity of his father's wife, and easily obtained from the jealousy of the emperor, a sentence of death
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against a young prince whom she considered with reason as the most formidable rival of her own children. (Fausta) was suffocated by the steam of a bath, which, for that purpose, had been heated to an extraordinary degree. The above quotation from the historical works of a great writer reveals how the bishops and great preachers of the truth about Constantine were hidden over the years, while a different story of a ruler, who is nothing less than a killer, was being told. The ordinary Christian, all these years, was made to believe, under false pretenses, that the Emperor Constantine was the champion of the church. This is the very Constantine who played an important role in the formation of contemporary Christianity and churchism. The Sabbath on Sundays is one of his decisions. It is unfortunate that Gibbon's works are being suppressed or disguised in order to escape the truth.
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CHAPTER 9 THE ORIGIN OF THE TRINITY THEORY

TOUHEED (monotheism) In Sura Ikhlaas of the Holy Qur'n (112: 1-4) we are informed: "Say: He is God, the One and Only, God the Eternal, Absolute; He begets not, nor is He begotten and there is none like unto Him." These are the words from the Holy Scriptures of Allah that give you the courage to utter the truth, because the instruction is clearly: "Say!" So we have to correct any conflicting theory in the best possible way, by revealing what is entrusted to us. The electronic media was taboo to us, the people in possession of the Quran, during the Apartheid years. Even different aspects of Islam were related to the public by means of a non-Muslim, so-called expert on Islamic Studies. Malay culture and Indian culture were more enthusiastically accepted, than the Oneness of Allah, which clashed with Church theory, while real Islam was deliberately suppressed and concealed by the authorities of the era. The Bible, i.e. the Old Testament and New Testament, agrees with some Qur'anic verses mentioned in several places. Belief in one God is called monotheism. This instruction of God was preached by all prophets of God, from Adam to Muhammad, including Jesus. By means of the following Bible verses I would prove, unequivocally, and then discuss the blasphemous doctrine of a multi-god. Genesis 14, verse 22: "But Abram said to the king of Sodom, "I have sworn to the LORD God Most High, maker of heaven and earth ..." We must keep in mind that Prophet Abraham is the father of all prophets, and a person who queries his words also doubts the words of Jesus, a descendant of Prophet Isaac, and subsequently, querying the sayings of Prophet Muhammad, a descendant of Prophet Ishmael. Allahhu Akbar in Arabic means God, Most High, which is heard daily from the minarets of a mosque. There are persons, who regularly object and protest against the cry of "God, Most High", because they are prejudiced against Islam. We read in Genesis 28, verse 3: Prophet Isaac to Prophet Jacob: "God Almighty bless you ... " Genesis 35, verse 11: And God said to him (i.e. Jacob):" I am God Almighty ". Genesis 48, verse 3: And Jacob said to Joseph: God Almighty appeared to me at Luz in the land of Canaan and blessed me." Exodus 3, verse 6: Then he said (i.e. God to Moses): "I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob. Exodus 15, verse 2: "The Lord is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation; this is my God, and I will praise him, my fathers God, and I will exalt him." Exodus 20, verse 3: "You shall have no other gods before me."
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Exodus 34, verse 14: "For you shall worship no other god: for the LORD, whose name is Jealous is a jealous God." Leviticus 19, verse 4: "Do not turn to idols or make for yourselves molten gods: I am the Lord your God." The word "Lord" is a translation of the Arabic word "RABB" as in "Rabbil Aalameen" which means "Lord of the Universe". Deuteronomy 6: verse 13-14: "You must fear the LORD your God; you shall serve him and swear by his name. You shall not go after other gods of the peoples who are round about you God-consciousness or piety in Arabic is called "Takwha". In the above mentioned verse, man is warned about the gods around them, yet the Church leaders ignored this warning and preached against the holy Bibles Words. We hear them swearing daily in the name of Jesus. According to this Scriptural verse it is blasphemous if you do not swear by God Almighty's name. Deuteronomy 11, verse 1: "You shall therefore love the LORD your God and keep his charge, his statutes and his ordinances, and his commandments always." The first Commandment which is referred to: "I am the Lord your God ... you shall have no other gods before me." This warning is quite clear, so anyone who worships Nimrod, or Mithra, or Baal, or Jesus or Satan or raises anybody to the level or presence of God, changes the laws or commandments of God and will, according to Jesus, "be called least in the kingdom of heaven." The words of Jesus in Matthew 4, verse 10: "You shall worship the Lord your God and him shall you serve." Only the word should be clear enough for someone who understands, but as the Holy Scriptures in Mark 4, verse 12 says, "so they may indeed see but not perceive, and may indeed hear but not understand; lest they should turn again, and be forgiven." Isaiah 46, verse 9: "Remember the former things of old; for I am God and there is no other; I am God and there is none like me." This corresponds with Chapter Ikhlaas of the Quran, with which I commenced this chapter. The word "anyone" also includes Jesus and Nimrod. Any counter theory of the church is blasphemous. Jeremiah 25, verse 6: "do not go after other gods to serve and worship them, or provoke me with anger with the work of your hands, Then I will do you no harm." Isaiah 44, verse 6: "Thus says the LORD, the King of Israel and his Redeemer, the LORD of hosts: I am the first and I am the last, besides me there is no god." Again, the message is blatantly clear, but also as said in Isaiah 44, verse 17-18, it is clear that
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the theory of Nimrodism is already too deeply rooted, through Church Articles: "And the rest of it he makes into a god, his idol; and falls down to it and worships it; he prays to it and says,Deliver me, for thou art my god! They know not, nor do they discern; for he has shut their eyes, so that they cannot see, and their minds, so that they cannot understand." The Qur'nic verse in Baqara (2, verse 17-18) reads: "Their similitude is that of a man who kindled a fire; when it lighted all around him, God took away their light and left them in utter darkness. So they could not see. Deaf, dumb and blind, they will not return (to the path). " It is ironic that Nimrods title is actually "Fire the Perfector" which means that he threw Prophet Abraham (peace be upon him) in the fire. According to all evidence, it was precisely at the Tower of Babel that human language was confused and that their problems started to appear. Although they were scientifically advanced people, they were then in total spiritual darkness, and it was necessary that many prophets preached among the people to renew spiritual guidance. According to Chapter 212 of the Gospel of Barnabas, Jesus said the following: Lord our God, God of Abraham, God of Ishmael and Isaac. God of our fathers have mercy upon them that Thou hast given me, and save them from the world, because it is necessary that they shall bear witness against them that shall corrupt my gospel. But I pray Thee to keep them from evil, that on the day of Thy judgement they may come with me to bear witness against the world and against the house of Israel that hath corrupted Thy testament, Lord God, mighty and jealous, that takest vengeance upon idolatry against the sons of idolatrous fathers even unto the fourth generation, do Thou curse eternally every one that shall corrupt my gospel that Thou gavest me, when they write that I am Thy son. For I, clay and dust, am servant of Thy servants, and never have I thought myself to be Thy good servant; for I cannot give Thee aught in return for that which Thou hast given me, for all things are Thine. Finally I would like to quote from the New Testament: Matthew 19, verse 17 and Luke 18, verse 19 which mentions (especially for those who only accept the New Testament as their Scripture): And Jesus said to him, Why do you call me good? No one is good but God alone. But if you want to enter life, keep the commandments." By retrieving the letter "o" from the word "good", the verse will read: Why do you call me god? Nobody is God but one, namely God exactly as the Islamic confession of faith: No one is God but one, namely God. Matthew 22, verses 37-40 continues: "And Jesus said to him: You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbour as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the law and the prophets." Matthew 24, verse 24: "For false Christs and false prophets will arise and show great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect."
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Professor Moshe Sharon, a professor of Islamic history at the University of Hebrew in Jerusalem, emphasised the unity of God on page 32 of his book Judaism, Christianity and Islam as follows: The most important element in the Jewish concept of God are His being One, Indivisible, Invisible, and unattainable by the human mind. At the same time God's Oneness is beyond time, for God is regarded not only as existing before all created beings but also before time itself. God is the Creator of time just as He is the Creator of all things that come under the realm of time. In this respect He is not open to any changes such as those to which elements existing in time are subject. Sharon quotes from Maimonides Torah Mishne (Hebrew) to prove his theory. It, of course, corresponds with the Islamic view point of Allah Almighty, who created and was not begotten. And an Almighty Allah needed no assistance in the form of a "son" on Earth. Words, such as "father" and "son", may have symbolic connotations in the Holy Scriptures, but the literal understanding is repeatedly proven to be pagan in origin. On page 130, Sharon argues about the Jewish metaphorical way, where there is talk of a heavenly father. On page 131 he expresses it like this: At any rate, by the usage of the expressions 'son of God' or 'son of the Blessed', Jesus would not have been understood as meaning that he was the son of God in some physical sense. On page 49 of the same work we read: Islam, like Judaism and very much under the influence of Judaism, is based on the idea of the total unity, oneness and indivisibility of God, Who is absolutely concealed from the human senses as well as from the human mind. For the Muslims, the Christian idea of Trinity was nothing but sheer polytheism - "God is one, God is eternal. He did not beget nor was He begot, co-equal with Him there hath never been anyone", says the Qur'an (Q. 112). There can hardly be a question that the verses were directed against the Christian idea of Jesus' sonship, which neither Muslim nor Jew accepted, for it was diametrically opposed to the idea of pure monotheism and the impossibility of God's appearance in any form visible to the human eye. Sharon unfortunately rejects the originality of the Holy Qur'n, and therefore the insertion that Islam is under the influence of Judaism. He, however, stresses the importance of the belief in one God (monotheism). On page 56, Sharon clearly spells out the following in words: The only part of the Muslim doctrine that the Jews could not accept was the doctrine of Muhammad's prophecy to the world. Otherwise Jews and Muslims had a common theological language. Oddly enough, the Muslims find no fault with the prophethood of Moses and Jesus, because the Qur'n confirms these prophets in various chapters. These two prophets anticipated the coming of Muhammad, whom they predicted, according to the Old and New Testaments. However, both Judism and Christianity rejects the Prophethood of Muhammad (May Gods peace and blessings be with him).
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The Role of Paul Who were Jesus' chosen ones? Were they not his disciples? We read in the New Testament that shortly after the ascension of Jesus into heaven, one Saul appeared on the scene. At first, he persecuted the Nazarenes, the true followers of Jesus. Quite suddenly, he experienced a miracle, because in his journey near Damascus, according to Acts 9, a light from heaven, suddenly, shone brightly around about him, and the Lord, who now, supposedly, became Jesus, spoke to him. Then he claims blindness for three days, until Ananias himself, miraculously, healed him, because the latter was, supposedly, sent by Jesus. According to Acts 9, verse 12, Saul immediately started preaching about Christ in the synagogues, and that Jesus was the "Son of God", a claim that Jesus never made in his lifetime. Saul then led the disciples of Jesus astray. He, subsequently, changed his name to Paul and started performing miracles, just as Jesus predicted in Matthew 24, 24. The theory of the trinity of God had a commencement, therefrom, wherein the name of Jesus became glorified, instead of only the name of the Almighty God. The words of Jesus: "Why do you call me good," was then completely forgotten. This violation which was done to Jesus, during the propagation of Paul, will never be allowed in the Islamic faith, because all the commandments of Islam refers to a "Deen", i.e. a way of life, which relates to the one Almighty Allah, who is served by Muhammad as a slave, and all the messages of the previous prophets of God. Firstly, Paul dissolved the covenant of Abraham with God, namely, circumcision, according to Romans 4. Then he amended the Law, according to Romans 7. The Law, which Jesus dared not change, but who fulfilled it with his life and predicted that any person who changed it with "an iota" would be cursed. All the Protestant churches base their theory on the policy of Paul, namely the theory of the Trinity. Therefore, Paul had to ascertain that everyone in the Church firmly believed that Jesus died a merciless death on the cross, and that he (Paul) played the role of the comforter, according to the prediction of Jesus in John 16, verse 7-15. The fact that the Churches, presently, are more disunited, clearly shows that Paul was not that comforter. The prediction fits Prophet Muhammad like a glove, because Islam possesses the Laws of God, according to the predictions of Jesus, which was filled with a definite way of life, to glorify God alone. According to page 140-141 of the book, Peace or Destruction, Saul decided to work from the inside, after he found out that he could not destroy the preachings of Jesus, with the persecution of the Nazarenes. While Jesus, according to Matthew 10, verse 5-7 came to teach the lost sheep of the House of Israel (the circumcised), Paul went to the uncircumcised Gentiles, and made adjustments to increase his followers. By dissolving the circumcision and the commandments of God, his faith found favour with the pagans. Many of the pagan nations already believed in the theory of a trinity god, because of their commitment to Nimrodism and Mithraism, and Paul was aware of such Paganism. The theory of a virgin mother and a godson was already their religion. In Acts 15, an argument between the Brothers and the Nazarenes is reported. Even Peter (also known as Simon), on whose theory the Catholic Church is based, and whom Jesus reviled as Satan, in Luke 22, verse 31 and Matthew 16, verse 23, also agreed to dissolve circumcision in the faith of the Brethren, as a precursor to Christianity. The disciples of Jesus then quickly disappeared from the picture, while Paul became the main
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character, with no less than fourteen books of the New Testament, being filled with his letters, in contrast to only four books on the life of Jesus. He was subsequently called Apostle Paul. The Holy Qur'n in chapter Al-Imran verse 52-54, refers to the unbelief of the disciples of Jesus as follows: "When Jesus found unbelief on their part, he said: Who will be my helpers to (the work of) God?" Said the disciples: "We are God's helpers: we believe in God, and you bear witness that we are Muslims. Our Lord! We believe in what You have revealed and we follow the Apostle, then write us down among those who bear witness. And (the unbelievers) plotted and planned, and the best of planners is God." The words of Matthew 13: verse 13 is very clear: "This is why I speak to them in parables, because seeing they do not see and hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand." On page 101, of The Golden Bough Frazer states: "In the second century Montanus the Phrygian claimed to be the Incarnate Trinity, uniting in his single person God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Ghost." In chapter 17 of the Gospel of Barnabas, the following words of wisdom are recorded: Jesus answered : "Philip, God is a god without which there is naught good: God is being without which there is naught that is; God is a life without which there is naught that liveth; so great that he filleth all and is everywhere. He alone hath no equal. He hath had no beginning, nor will He ever have an end, but to everything hath He given a beginning and to everything shall He give an end. He hath no father, nor mother, He hath no sons, nor brethren, nor companions. And because God hath no body, therefore He eateth not, sleepeth not, dieth not, walketh not, moveth not, but abideth eternally without human similitude, for that he is incorporeal, uncompounded, immaterial, of the most simple substance. He is so good that He loveth goodness only; He is so just that when He punisheth or pardoneth it cannot be gainsaid. In short, I say unto thee, Philip, that here on earth thou canst not see Him nor know Him perfectly, but in His Kingdom thou shalt see Him for ever: wherein consisteth all our happiness and glory." On pages137-138 of the book Solving the Mysteries of the Dead Sea Scrolls by Edward M. Cook (Zondervan Publishing House, Michigan, 1973) the following is stated: But despite the derivative nature of much of his work, Eisenman produced, in the end, an original thesis: that James the Just, the brother of Jesus, is the Teacher of Righteousness, while the Teacher's opponents, the Man of the Lie and the Wicked Priest are, respectively, the apostle Paul and the high priest Ananius, who presided over the execution of James in AD 62. In the book The Dead Sea Scrolls Deception by Michael Baigent and Richard Leigh, Corgi edition 1992, Paul (Saul) of Tarsus is once again described as a liar. For the sake of interest, I mention the following: Pages 221-222: It is on the road to Damascus that Saul of Tarsus, in one of the best-known and most crucial passages of the entire New Testament, undergoes his conversion into
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Paul. According to Acts 9, Saul is a kind of inquisitor-cum-'enforcer', despatched by the high priest in the Temple of Jerusalem to suppress the community of heretical Jews - ie 'early Christians' - residing in Damascus. The priesthood are collaborators with the occupying Romans, and Saul is one of their instruments. In Jerusalem, he is already said to have participated actively in attacks on the 'early Church'. Indeed, if Acts is to be believed, he is personally involved in the events surrounding the stoning to death of the individual identified as Stephen, acclaimed by later tradition as the first Christian martyr. He himself freely admits that he has persecuted his victims 'to death'. Prompted by his fanatical fervour, Saul then embarks for Damascus, to ferret out fugitive members of the 'early Church' established there. He is accompanied by a band of men, presumably armed; and he carries with him warrants from the high priest in Jerusalem. On page 224, of the same book we read: There is mention, too, of a villainous adversary known as 'the Wicked Priest'. Adherents of the concensus have generally tended to regard 'the Liar' and 'the Wicked Priest' as two different sobriquets for the individual. More recently, however, Eisenman has effectively demonstrated that 'the Liar' and 'the Wicked Priest' are two quite separate and distinct personages. He has made it quite clear that 'the Liar', unlike 'the Wicked Priest', emerges from within the Qumran community. Having been taken in by the community and accepted as a member in more or less good standing, he then defects. He is not just an adversary, therefore, but a traitor as well. On pages 260-261 the following are disclosed: Although focussing primarily on Paul, who monopolizes the latter part of its narrative, Acts also tells the story of Paul's relations with the community in Jerusalem composed of Jesus' immediate disciples under the leadership of James, 'the Lord's brother' - the enclave or faction who only later came to be called the first Christians and are now regarded as the early or original Church. In recounting Paul's association with this community, however, Acts offers only Paul's point of view. Acts is essentially a document of Pauline - or what is now deemed to be "normative" - Christianity. Paul, in other words, is always the 'hero'; whoever opposes him, whether it be the authorities or even James, is automatically cast as villain. On pages 263-265 we find the following interesting passage: According to Acts, it is at the death of Stephen that Paul - then called Saul of Tartus - makes his dbut. He is said to have stood watch over the discarded clothes of Stephen's murderers, though he may well have taken a more active role. In Acts 8:1, we are told that Saul 'entirely approved of the killing' of Stephen. And later, in Acts 9:21, Saul is accused of engineering precisely the kind of attack on the 'early Church' which culminated in Stephen's death. Certainly Saul, at this stage of his life, is fervent, even fanatic, in his enmity towards the 'early Church'. According to Acts 8:3, he 'worked for the total destruction of the Church: he went from house to house arresting both men and women and sending them to prison'. At the time, of course, he is acting as a minion of the pro-Roman priesthood.
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Acts 9 tells us of Saul's conversion. Shortly after Stephen's death, he embarks for Damascus to ferret out members of the 'early Church' there. He is accompanied by his hit-squad and bears arrest warrants from his master, the high priest. As we noted, this expedition is likely to have been not to Syria, but to the Damascus that figures in the 'Damascus Document'. En route to his destination, Saul undergoes some sort of traumatic experience, which commentators have interpreted as anything from sunstroke, to an epileptic seizure, to a mystical revelation (Acts 9:1-19; 22:6-16). A 'light from heaven' purportedly knocks him from his horse and 'a voice', issuing from no perceptible source, demands of him: 'Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?' Saul asks the voice to identify itself. 'I am Jesus, the Nazorene,' the voice replies, 'and you are persecuting me.' The voice further instructs him to proceed to Damascus, where he will learn what he must subsequently do. When this visitation passes and Saul regains a semblance of his former consciousnous, he finds he has been stricken temporarily blind. In Damascus, his sight will be restored by a member of the 'early Church' and he will allow himself to be baptized. A modern psycholgist would find nothing particularly unusual in Saul's adventure. It may indeed have been produced by sunstroke or an epileptic seizure. It could equally well be ascribed to hallucination, hysterical or psychotic reaction or perhaps nothing more than the guilty conscience of a susceptible man with blood on his hands. Saul, however, interprets it as a true manifestation of Jesus, whom he never knew personally; and from this his conversion ensues. He abandons his former name in favour of 'Paul'. And he will subsequently be as fervent in promulgating the teachings of the 'early Church' as he has hitherto been in extirpating them. He joins their community, become one of their apprentices or disciples. According to his letter to the Galatians (Gal. 1:17-18), he remains under their tutelage for three years, spending much of that time in Damascus. According to the Dead Sea Scrolls, the probation and training period for a newcomer to the Qumran community was also three years. After his three-year apprenticeship, Paul returns to Jerusalem to join the leaders of the 'community' there. Not surprisingly, most of them are suspicious of him, not being wholly convinced by his conversion. In Galatians 1:18-20, he speaks of seeing only James and Cephas. Everyone else, including the apostles, seems to have avoided him. He is obliged repeatedly to prove himself, and only then does he find some allies and begin to preach. Arguments ensue, however, and, according to Acts 9:29, certain members of the Jerusalem community threaten him. As a means of defusing a potentially ugly situation, his allies pack him off to Tarsus, the town (now in Turkey) where he was born. He is, in effect, being sent home, to spread the message there. It is important to understand that this was tantamount to exile. The community in Jerusalem, like that in Qumran, was preoccupied almost entirely with events in Palestine. The wider world, such as Rome, was relevant only to the extent that it impinged or encroached on their more localized reality. To send Paul off to Tarsus, therefore, might be compared to a Provisional IRA godfather sending a new, ill-disciplined and overly energetic recruit to muster support among the 'Shining Path' guerillas of Peru. If, by improbable fluke, he somehow elicits men, money, matriel or anything else of value, well and good. If he gets himself disemboweled instead, he will not be unduly missed, having been more nuisance than asset anyway. Thus arises the first of Paul's three (according to Acts) sorties abroad. Among other places,
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it takes him to Antioch, and, as we learn from Acts 11; 26, "It was at Antioch that the disciples were first called "Christians". The authors continue with their story on pages 266-7: Some five or more years later, Paul is teaching in Antioch when a dispute arises over the content of his missionary work. As Acts 15 explains, certain representatives in Jerusalem arrive in Antioch, perhaps, Eisenman suggests, with the specific purpose of checking on Paul's activities. They stress the importance of strict adherence to the Law and accuse Paul of laxity. He and his companion, Barnabas, are summarily ordered back to Jerusalem for personal consultation with the leadership. From this point on, a schism will open and widen between Paul and James; and the author of Acts, so far as the dispute is concerned, becomes Paul's apologist. In all the vicissitudes that follow, it must be emphasized that Paul is, in effect, the first 'Christian' heretic, and that his teachings - which become the foundation of later Christianity - are a flagrant deviation from the 'original' or 'pure' form extolled by the leadership. Whether James, 'the Lord's brother', was literally Jesus' blood kin or not (and everything suggests he was), it is clear that he knew Jesus, or the figure remembered as Jesus, personally. So did most of the other members of the community, or 'early Church', in Jerusalem - including, of course, Peter. When they spoke, they did so with first-hand authority. Paul had never had such personal acquaintance with the figure he'd begun to regard as his 'Saviour'. He had only his quasi-mystical experience in the desert and the sound of a disembodied voice. For him to arrogate authority to himself on this basis is, to say the least, presumptuous. It also leads him to distort Jesus' teachings beyond all recognition - to formulate, in fact, his own highly individual and idiosyncratic theology, and then to legitimize it by spuriously ascribing it to Jesus. For Jesus, adhering rigorously to Judaic Law, it would have been the most extreme blasphemy to advocate worship of any mortal figure, including himself. He makes this clear in the Gospels, urging his disciples, followers and listeners to acknowledge only God. He replies, citing Psalm 82, 'Is it not written in your Law, I [meaning God in the psalm] said, you are Gods? So the Law uses the word gods of those to whom the word of God was addressed.' The authors of The Dead Sea Scrolls Deception provide evidence that Paul was nothing but an impostor. They state that he understood the techniques of propaganda. It is told, in detail, how he intentionally distorted the Jewish faith which Jesus taught, to accommodate the Gentiles. On pages 274-5, the story unfolds as follows: In the conflict between James and Paul, the emergence and evolution of what we call Christianity stood at the crossroads. Had the mainstream of its development conformed to James's teachings, there would have been no Christianity at all, only a particular species of Judaism which might or might not have emerged as dominant. As things transpired, however, the mainstream of the new movement gradually coalesced, during the next three centuries, around Paul and his teachings. Thus, to the undoubted posthumous horror of James and his associates, an entirely new religion was indeed born - a religion which came to have less and less to do with its supposed founder. I regard the above-mentioned books as a true revelation, and it is unfortunate that the authors did not use Islam to continue their research. Islam explains many of the questions concerning the authors' speculation by means of the Qur'n. It is therefore the reader's
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prerogative to use his God-given intelligence to put two and two together and to ask: why are there so many Christians who speculate in the theory of a church where it is so easy for its members to achieve heaven, while Islam with tough laws, which are not supposed to be violated attracts more and more supporters daily. Allow me to quote from a great historian, Edward Gibbon, in which he relates about Paul in his work The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire Volume I on pages 223-224: Paul considered the service of the church as a very lucrative profession. His ecclessiastical jurisdiction was venal and rapacious; he extorted frequent contributions from the most opulent of the faithful, and converted to his own use a considerable part of the public revenue. By his pride and luxury the Christian religion was rendered odious in the eyes of the Gentiles. His council chamber and his throne, the splendour with which he appeared in public, the suppliant crowd who solicited his attention, the multitude of letters and petitions to which he dictated his answers, and the perpetual hurry of business in which he was involved, were circumstances much better suited to the state of a civil magistrate than to the humility of a primitive bishop. When he harangued his people from the pulpit, Paul affected the figurative style and the theatrical gestures of an Asiatic sophist, while the cathedral resounded with the loudest and most extravagant acclamations in the praise of his divine eloquence. Against those who resisted his power, or refused to flatter his vanity, the prelate of Antioch was arrogant, rigid, and inexorable; but he relaxed the discipline, and lavished the treasures of the church on his dependent clergy, who were permitted to imitate their master in the gratification of every sensual appetite. For Paul indulged himself very freely in the pleasures of the table, and he had received into the episcopal palace two young and beautiful women, as the constant companions of his leisure moments. Gibbon said it beautifully in the last few words. He mentions that Paul kept two lovely women companions by his side. He also mentions that Paul chose only the best of eatables for himself. Instead of calling Paul a womaniser and a glutton at the table, he described him accurately, but theatrically. It must have been shocking to those who often remarked about Prophet Muhammeds many wives, whom he married and supported, instead of using them at occasions, while their apostle Paul used women for his pleasure without marrying them. Earlier in Gibbons description, Paul is called venal and rapacious, which means that he could be bribed and he is greedy and covetous. Fortunately, the average Christian does not read the real history of Paul and Constantine, and they are, consequently, quite satisfied with the words of their preacher to describe such people as their heroes and apostles. It is therefore no wonder that Gibbons historical writings have completely disappeared from the shelves of the libraries in our country to be replaced by a shorter and indifferent replacement. In the Rapport of Sunday 15th March 2009, we read about the bold statements of the philosopher and theologian, Professor Willie Esterhuyse to Jean Oosthuizen: Esterhuyse now relates the unusual journey in his remarkable new book, God en die gode van Egipte (God and the gods of Egypt), wherein he honestly tells about how the God of his earlier childhood days had to give way for a totally new picture of God. It is a picture which differs vastly from the tradisional God presented by the church to the people. After many years of struggling about who and what God is, the Afrikaner philosopher and thinker seems unmoved by what his book might possibly do to his fellow Christian believers.
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He mentions that after the late 1970s it became more difficult to listen to the orthodox bellowing of the Afrikaner bulls in the larger fold. In the stormy and stress years of the apartheid era, he arrived at the critical conclusion that it could not carry on any further. He resigned from the church council and the Afrikaner Broederbond (Fraternal society). And somewhere along the way, the man who came to Stellenbosch to become a missionary, stopped going to the church. According to the church records he was no longer legitimized as a preacher since 2004. Anyone who tells me that I have given up my belief, do it from their own perspective. However, I definitely have a stronger believe about my understanding of the role which Jesus of Nasareth played, in the whole story in contrast to what I had in Laingsburg and what I studied in the seminary. I have absolute peace. The question of who God is, is not as easy as what people imagine who believe in him, says Esterhuyse. A strange combination of the philosopher Nietzshe and Jesus have influenced so many of my measured ideas or what remained of it. Nietzshes view that the only Christian who ever lived, died on the cross, was a jewel to him. The church was exactly what Jesus preached against! Inspired by Genesis and Nietzsce, I visited Egypt eight times in order to understand how power, politic and ethic practically worked in antique Egypt. This was the inspiration for my book. It was there on the tip of Mount Sinai, where Esterhuyse admitted that there exists no unhistoric, permanent or timeless understanding of God. God has dramatically changed and developed from time to time. There is not only one understanding of God presented in the Bible. There are many! Abraham understood and experienced God differently from Moses. The story of original sin also worried me. It was a story that was introduced to make people feel guilty. Jesus who was a revolutionary, wipes everything of this story from the table. He admits that he himself felt guilty about the scare stories of hell, that he told, so that people could jump into heaven. Original sin was a wonderful article of faith to really frighten people. People had to believe in God and not because there was a heaven or a hell. The influence which some old Egyptian tales had on the Bible, runs like a golden thread throughout Esterhuyses religious journey.
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The result of the trinity in the Egyptian legend of Osiris, Isis and Horus, set me free from the dogmatism of the Christian faith, especially the article of faith, that our religion is the only sanctifying religion. (The previous chapter and the next one, about the influence of Nimrodism in Christianity, is thus not far-fetched). We, subsequently, continue the newspaper article from Die Rapport: As if our religion was neatly stacked from Above, while there were never mediators, such as human words, preferences, biasses, traditions and the fate of interpretation. The understanding of God must be democratized, he says pensively, but with serious conviction. This idea that our religion is the only sanctifying religion, has to do with a seriously autocratic, actually dictatorial view of God, which is unfortunately also present in the Bible. It is liberating to be able to state that there does not exist a holy sanctifying religion, because I could or should not say it before. One thing that Esterhuyse, during his years of struggle with religion, could never understand, was that Jesus was the example as the rolemodel of his life. The continuous debates about the divinity of Jesus is of no value to me. To interpret Jesus in a holy birth and a near biological relationship, as the son of God, is the biggest nonsense that I have experienced in my life. Should you see it as metaphorical, because he was a role player in a persons life, then I would agree. But it would be valueless to have discussions about Jesus biological union with God. People, who debate about the physical, bodily resurrection, ascension, etc, still consider it in periodic terms. I think of metaphorical terms and in terms of symbols and metaphors. This is how the Bible also reasons. We see thus that Professor Esterhuyse rejects the theory of original sin, Churchism, trinity and the divinity of Jesus, as well as Jesus being a son of God. He, therefore, refutes all the articles of faith as ordained by the church, and is no longer considered an othodox Christian. Whenever I refer to historical books, then it might cause red faces. It has become time to set the records straight, after the falsehood that has been propagated during the apartheid era. At the same time I would like to inform the reader that I would like to welcome former Christians to the truth and I am not passing my own judgement and propaganda on them. Those, whom I have quoted, should have opened their eyes to the truth, while millions of others still cling to paganistic theories. To once again quote Abel Pienaar (Rapport), we read the following: If the church still wants to remain relevant, it will have to honestly consider how it can assist people presently, in order to live happily. It must consider that the world of the people is different. On the one side we have the quantum physics, which shows that atoms, which originally starts with the smallest brick of the universe, emerges with energy, and is energy. Also, that the cosmos is energy.
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The new model to understand God will have to consider energy. In order to look at another report of Eben Meiring (Rapport, 19 December 2010) we quote the following: But there are still paganistic traditions, which originated centuries ago in Northern Europe and also, subsequently, became part of the Christian calendar. The Norwegians celebrated their winter solstice, known as Yule. It was the Teutonic emblem of the recurring sun. The word can mean (sun) wheel and infant, both symbolical of the Persian sungod, Mithras birth. This god was very popular with the Roman soldiers, who went to fight their battles far away, and thus spread the religion of the Roman Empire, quickly. Authors, who wrote about the spectrum of Vergilian to Chaucer, used the wheel among others in astrological sin. In Anglo-Saxon, Yule meant December. The word still survives with reference to Christmas time as Yuletide and also in yule logs. A Yule log is a massive log which is set to light during the Christmas in the fireplace and kept burning and later referred to as a blunt Christmas cake. Yule cakes were made in the form of a baby or a cradle. It was then also the habit to bring live evergreen trees into the homes as a symbol of the new growth. Caltic priests used trees in their rituals. Another tradition was to tow the largest log, in a bush, towards a town and then to keep it burning there for twelve days on end. According to an internet source the earliest Christmas was celebrated in 1541, with a christmas tree in Elsas, then still a German area. A shocked Lutheran preacher then incidently, cried out: They should rather look at the real tree of life, Christ. Our modern Christmas also takes a mythological turn through the Middle-East. In old Babilon the feast of Isis was also celebrated on 25 December. Isis was an Egyptian goddess, the goddess of the earth, wisdom and rebirth, and also the Mother of the later sungod Horus. Isis, as lifegiving female figure and the embodiment of perfect womanhood, was worshipped by the whole Greek-Roman world. During the fourth century, her followers established the earliest Madonna-cult in the West to revive her influence. Antique statues of Isis with Horus on her lap inspired the Mother and child theme for many centuries. By means of Horus we can trace quite a few religious links to Egypt; from the fish symbol, royal gifts to the holy baby and the practice of magical works such as the death and resuscitation of the god and his judgement of the dead. Christians are well aware of the mythology in which they believe, yet they cling to the trinity of god the father, the son and the so-called holy spirit. On page 163 of his Afrikaans book: Jesus van Nazareth (Jesus of Nazareth) by Sakkie
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Spangenberg, a whole chapter is conveyed to Paul, in which the author admits that the theory of Trinity was actually initiated by Paul. The theory of Jesus dying a death on the Cross was also instituted by the same Paul. He even calls this Pauline Christianity, which came to eradicate the Christianity instituted by the followers of Prophet Jesus. In his writings, Sakkie Spangenberg relates that many of the Christians are not aware of the Gospel of Thomas, which was released in 1945 by Nag Hammadi in Egypt. Only a few learned professors have made a study of this gospel and that is why some Afrikaans theologians have changed their whole attitude to the Pauline Christianity as it was taught to them ever since birth. It proves again that you can fool most of the people, but you cant fool everybody all the time. It is amazing that so many Christians are being kept in the dark about the actual state of affairs.
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CHAPTER 10 THE ORIGIN OF SELF-CHASTISEMENT, CELEBACY, CONVENTS, MONKS AND NUNS

On page 188 of Book 1 of Tafrihul Askia Fil Ahwal Ul Ambia the dream that King Nimrod had in 2019 BC, is fully described. He saw a star rising from the western horizon, instead of from the East. When it reached the centre point, it was at its brightest and it stopped. The light lit up the whole earth. An explanation of his dream was revealed to Nimrod: 1. A child would be born within the next year, who, subsequently would break the idols into pieces. 2. This child would be responsible for establishing a permanent belief in one God, which would have no comparison. 3. He would prove it blasphemy to follow the religion of Nimrod. 4. He would prove to the world that Nimrod's claim in respect of Trinity, claiming he was the only begotten Son of God, etc, was false. 5. With heavenly help, this child would not only be responsible for the extinction of the mighty army and the power of Nimrod, but he would also contribute to the eventual death of him. 6. This child would become a very important prophet. Among his descendants would be several lines of prophets for the guidance of humanity. This is the reason why the star was so bright. 7. That the star reached its ultimate and stopped meant the last prophet of all would be the most important of all earlier prophets. 8. The whole world would eventually reject Nimrod's false belief and there would be peace on earth when the curse of Nimrod was ultimately removed. 9. The child would be born in the city of Ur, 50 miles from the Persian Gulf. 10. The mother of the child was thus far not yet fertilised. The interpretation of his dream obviously upset Nimrod. Since he believed that he had power over every man, he decided that the conception and birth of the child should be avoided at all costs, to upset God's plans. Steps to avoid the birth of Abraham Ur, at that stage was a powerful, prosperous and bustling city with at least a quarter
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million people, according to Keller in The Bible as History. On page 189 of Book 1 of Tafrihul Askia Fil Ahwal Ul Ambia we read about the determination of Nimrod, whose forces occupied the city of Ur, to avoid the birth of Abraham. He believed that, with power, he could prevent the birth of all children. Subsequently, he pronounced a proclamation as follows: 1. With immediate effect, no man should have sex with his wife anymore. 2. No woman would have intercourse with her husband anymore. 3. Guards would watch the female quarters in order to prevent any man visiting his wife. 4. All males had to evacuate the camp immediately until further notice. 5. Soldiers would be placed around the city to seal it off. 6. No man or woman would be allowed to disregard the orders of the King. 7. Every pregnant woman should be placed aside, and if a boy was born, such boy would immediately be killed. With such measures Nimrod believed he could avoid Abrahams birth. These arrangements were made for about two years. Nimrod's anti-marriage doctrine To bring peace to his subjects, King Nimrod arrived with a sly and new doctrine that humanity should purify itself, sexually, in order to live eternally. The superstitious people just accepted all his doctrines, because they feared death more than anything else. Nimrod prescribed daily prayers, fasting and simple food so that his subjects would do away with worldly desires. On pages 34-37 of his book The Teachings of the Mystics Walter T. Stace tells about this. Nimrod had, thus, taught the theory that the flesh of man is sinful and the doctrine of selfchastisement was started. This theory spread to other parts of the globe and was subsequently proclaimed as holy word. The convent life of nuns and monks originated here and is still being practised. The Bible refutes this doctrine with the following: Genesis 1: 28: "And God blessed them, and God said to them (Adam and Eve) Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth and subdue it ..." Genesis 9: 1: "And God blessed Noah and his sons and said to them Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth. Divine laws forbid adultery, unlawful sexual intercourse, fornication, etc, but consider marriages between men and women as pure and blessed. The doctrine of an unmarried life, therefore, originated from Nimrod, and not from Jesus, as wrongfully interpreted, because nowhere in his preachings did he speak about being married to the Church. As a young man, Jesus was removed from the world, before he married just like all the other prophets.
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Our story about the birth of Abraham is recorded as follows on page 189 of Tafrihul Askia Fil Ahwal Ul Ambia: Nimrod had to fetch something urgently from the city of Ur. He made his confidant, Terah (or Azar), governor of Ur, promise that he would not make contact with his own wife. He also gave Terah a time limit to go to the city. Terah completed his assignment quickly and had enough time to meet his wife. Intercourse resulted, naturally, as was planned by God. Terah returned in due time to Nimrod, but his wife, subsequently, became pregnant. Although Nimrod with magic at his disposal, became awefully suspicious, he could not obtain the truth from Terah or his wife. He had guards watching her house, for nine months, but there was no sign of her pregnancy. So the guards left. Terah's wife fled to a cave, nearby, where she delivered her baby. She left the baby behind, sealed the cave entrance and returned to her home. After seven days, she returned to the cave and much to her surprise, the baby was as big as a month-old boy. From his thumb and fingers of his right hand, the baby sucked all kinds of healthy foodstuffs, such as honey, juices, etc. Thus, she left the baby and he grew tremendously according to page 190 of Book 1 of "Tafrihul Askia Fil Ahwal Ul Ambia". When he was 15 months old, he appeared like a fifteen year old. Only at this stage did Terah meet his son, when the soldiers were withdrawn and he could return to his family. The boy was called Abram, meaning "exalted father". Later, his name was changed by God to Abraham meaning "Father of many nations". In the Holy Qur'n, in Sura An'aam 6; verse 75-80, it is recorded how Abraham gained his knowledge in a logical and systematic manner: So also did We show Abraham the power and the laws of the heavens and the earth, that he might (with understanding) have certitude. When the night covered him over, he saw a star: he said: "This is my Lord. But when it set, he said: "I love not those that set." When he saw the moon rising in splendour, he said: "This is my Lord. but when it set, he said: "Unless my Lord guide me I shall surely go astray." When he saw the sun rising in its splendour, he said: This is my Lord. This is the greatest (of all). But when the sun set, he said: O my people! I am indeed free from your (guilt) of giving partners to God. "For me, I have set my face firmly and truly towards Him Who created the heavens and the earth, and never shall I give partners to God. His people disputed with him. He said: (Come) ye to dispute with about God, when He (Himself) guided me? I fear not (the things) ye associate with God: Unless my Lord willith, (nothing can happen). My Lord comprehendith in His knowledge all things. Will ye not (yourselves) be admonished?"
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Abraham was enlightened by God and was determined to firstly lead his family in the right way, but he was unsuccessful. Despite his allegiance to his father, he tried to persuade his father against idolatry, but he did not listen and chased him away. He preached to the people of the land, with whom he laboured with his knowledge. In their absence, he broke their idols, excepting the largest one. As soon as they discovered the damage, they enquired who the responsible person was. When they questioned Abraham about this, he recommended that they ask the largest idol. They were indignant and said that he knew very well that the idol could not speak. It gave him the courage to inform them that they are worshipping something that was worthless. Then they took him prisoner and Nimrod was sentenced him to death by fire. According to pages 203-204 of Book 1 of Tafrihul Askia Fil Ahwal Ul Ambia, we read the story that wood was collected for thirty days at a place called Amwala Bani-ana. It took seven days to light the fire. The heat of the fire was so intense that no one could come near to it. A large catapult was built to shoot Abraham into the fire. A man called Pyjama was commanded to undress Abraham and to place him in the catapult. When Pyjama touched Abraham's underwear he became paralysed and, subsequently, died. Abraham was then place in the catapult and shot with clothes into the fire. While this was transpiring, the angels pleaded in heaven with God for permission to save Abraham. The angel of the wind said, 'Give me permission and I shall blow away the entire pile, before Abraham lands in it." The angel of the rain said: "Give me permission and I shall extinguish the fire before he lands in it." All the inhabitants of heaven consulted God, Who advised them that he would consult his friend (Khalil). Subsequently, they approached Abraham and his reply was: "If Allah wants his Khalil to die, then is it wrong that I go against the wishes of my Beloved. I am one of those who totally submits myself to the will of my Creator". God was satisfied with the test that Abraham, his friend, was willing to undergo. He was thus immersed in the fire, but according to the Qur'n, Surah Anbiyaa, verse 69, God said: "O Fire! Be thou cool, and (a means of) safety for Abraham!" The voice of Abraham was evident in the glowing fire, when he spoke to the angel Gabriel. The latter came by Gods command to break the chains, with which Abraham was tied. Nimrod's efforts to destroy him was, therefore, all in vain. Nimrod's sixteen year old daughter, Razia, who stood with her father, was convinced that the God of Abraham was stronger than the gods that her people believe in. She reasoned with her father, and he immediately decided to put her to death. Her trust in the God of Abraham, however, caused her to run into the blazing fire on her own, saying: "O God of Abraham, be my security." Much to her surprise, she discovered that not even her hair or clothes were singed, and that Abraham was unblemished in the fire. She immediate became a disciple of Abraham's religion. Nimrod was obviously very angry when he heard that his own daughter had converted to the faith of Abraham. Razia escaped at the opposite side of the stake. Nimrod and his soldiers tried to chase her, but there is no record of what happened to Razia, after this episode. Abraham, therafter, received revelation from God to flee with his faithful family members to Haran. His six- year-old half sister, Sarah, and his young nephew, Lot, accompanied him. Terah,
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Abraham's father feared that Nimrod would take revenge upon him, because he was now aware that Terah violated his laws. So he decided to flee together with Abraham. The Rebellion of Nimrod When Nimrod noticed that he could not prevent Abraham's birth, nor cause his death at a stake, he decided to destroy Abraham's God. At his command a tower of about 5 miles high was built. When the tower was erected, after three years, he climbed with his bow and arrows, with the goal to shoot at Abraham's God. But when he reached the top, he discovered, much to his dismay, that he was not even halfway to heaven. Indignant, he again descended. The next day, according to page 140 of Book 1 of Ajaibul Kasas, a strong wind blew away the top of the tower. Then he instructed that four large birds, with strong speed and stamina had to be caught. He fed them well until they were strong. He had a special carriage made, with windows through which he could see to the top, to the side and down below. The birds were fastened to every corner of his carriage, while poles with meat were tied in front of them. The birds followed the meat in front of them, while Nimrod travelled in the carriage with his bow and arrows ready. When the birds flew so high that Nimrod could hardly breathe, he shot arrows into the air to kill the God of Abraham and Noah. On the commands of God, the angels caught the arrows, dipped them in blood and sent them back to Nimrod. When Nimrod saw the blood, he was satisfied and returned to his people, to boast that he was successful. After this, he was called "the mighty hunter" (according to Genesis 10; 9). When Abraham was 77 years old, God commanded him to return to Beersheba in Babylon and to try to get Nimrod to accept the true religion of God. Nimrod, however, boasted that he already killed God. Abraham disclosed to him what really happened. Nimrod was very upset because he felt deceived. He told Abraham that he held the power over life and death, just like God. The Qur'n in the second Surah Baqara, 258, relates the story as follows: "Have you not turned your vision to one who disputed with Abraham about his Lord, because God had granted him power? Abraham said: "My Lord is He Who gives life and death". He said: "I give life and death". Said Abraham: "But it is God that causes the sun to rise from the east: do you then cause it to rise from the West?" Thus he was confounded who (in arrogance) rejected Faith.Nor does God give guidance for a people unjust. Nimrod was obviously concerned that if the truth leaked out to his followers, that he was not God, or not the only begotten son of God, and not brought forth by a virgin mother, but actually the son of Cush, and the grandson of Noah, he would lose his title as "the mighty hunter in rebellion against God". So he ordered his subjects to listen to no other doctrines, or he would have them excommunicated. This command has since become a permanent feature of beliefs which arose from Nimrodism. We still notice how many people close their ears to the truth, and although they are impressed with the sober lifestyle of the Muslims, they refuse a perfectly acceptable way of life. Nimrod dies a violent death Nimrod continued to challenge God and Abraham, who returned to Beersheba without having any success in converting him. Seven years later, when Abraham was about 83 years old, Allah ordered him to visit King Nimrod of Babylon again. In his arrogance Nimrod
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boasted to Abraham that his army was so powerful that they would defeat God on the battlefield. The angel Gabriel was then sent with a message, which conveyed to Abraham that Nimrod should appear with his army outside Babylonia. Scores of small flying insects appeared like a cloud, which Nimrod's soldiers could not destroy. The attack of the insects was too much for the soldiers and they were all killed on the battlefield. Nimrod fled to Babylon and to his queen, to report what had happened. She wanted to have a description of the insects. At that exact time one of the insects arrived and Nimrod pointed it out to her. The tiny insect flew into his nasal cavity and drilled its way into Nimrod's brain. (According to E. Arnold's study, the insect drilled its passage to Nimrod's brain through his ear). It became so painful that Nimrod struck his head with his hands. The constant pain temporarily stopped. When the pain became so bad that he was driven to fury, he instructed his slaves to hit his head with an iron rod. This kept on for forty days and nights. Abraham arrived daily to beg Nimrod to come to his senses and to reject his false beliefs and to accept the one true Lord. The king was too stubborn and proud to show any remorse. The insect bit hard into his brain and he again asked that his skull should be beaten. The beating with the iron bar fractured his skull and he dropped dead. He was 341 years old, around 1934 BC. A few minutes later, the insect crawled out of his body and fled (According to pages 209-212, Book 1 of Tafrihul Askia Fil Ahwal Ul Ambia and pages 141-143, Book 1 of Kasas Ajaibul). His death is considered by his followers as a sacrifice for his belief in the trinity, the lamb of heaven, who sacrificed himself for his followers, the son of god and the virgin mother, who was born on December 25. In the book The Two Babylons by Rev. Alexander Hislop, page 102 it is reported: "There can be no doubt, then, that the Pagan festival at the winter solstice - in other words Christmas - was held in honour of the birth of the Babylon Messiah. " On page 144, of the research work Babylon the Great has Fallen by the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society, it equivalently refers to the eating of pork by the Babylonians. No wonder that pork is forbidden by God, since the time of Abraham. The Old Testament in Leviticus 11, verses 1, 7 as well as 8, 24 and 25, and Deuteronomy 14, verses 3 and 8, testify to this Law of God. Those who break these Laws are, indeed, the followers of Nimrod.
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CHAPTER 11 THE ORIGIN OF CIRCUMCISION AND EARRINGS

Abrahams first marriage To escape the anger of King Nimrod, the seventeen year old Abraham, his father, Terah (Azar), his seven-year-old sister, Sarai, and his younger cousin, Lut (Lot), fled from Ur to Haran, a powerful kingdom, over which Nimrod had no power. In Genesis 11; 31, this fact is confirmed: "Terah, took Abram his son and Lot, the son of Haran, his grandson, and Sarai his daughter-in-law, his son Abrams wife, and they went forth together from Ur of the Chaldeans to go into the land of Canaan; but when they came to Haran they settled there." Nimrod, who was upset, because Terah (Azar) fooled him, however, he could not prevent them from reaching the promised land. He spread propaganda against the refugees, and nobody in Haran trusted them. When Sarai (or Sarah) became about 35 years old, Abraham was afraid that she would pass the stage, where she could bear children. Since nobody in that country wanted to marry her, and Lot was five years younger than Abraham, Abraham was forced to marry his half sister, Sarai. The Old Testament confirms this fact in Genesis 20: 12: "Besides she is indeed my sister, the daughter of my father but not the daughter of my mother; and she became my wife." Terah (Azar) died at the age of 205 years. Abraham was already 75 years old and Sarah was still bare. After he had buried his father, he took them to the promised land. The Bible confirms the following: The days of Terah were two hundred and five years, and Terah died in Haran. (Genesis 11; 32) The God of glory appeared to our father Abraham when he was in Mesapotamia, before he lived in Haran, and said unto him, Depart from your land and from your kindred, and go into the land which I will show you. Then he departed from the land of the Chaldeans and lived in Haran. And after his father died, God removed him from there into this land in which you are now living. (Acts So Abram went, as the LORD had told him; and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he departed from Haran. And Abram took Sarai his wife, and Lot his brothers son, and all their possessions which they had gathered, and the persons that they had gotten in Haran; and they set forth to go to the land of Canaan. (Genesis 12: 4-5). We should remember that marriages between brother and sister were not generally approved, because even Prophet Abraham preached against it, but marriages between cousins were quite common. The marriage between Abraham and Sarah was a special concession, and not in general use. This also applied to the children of Adam and Eve, when there were no strangers to marry. Prophet Abraham moved to Egypt, because there was famine in the land of Canaan. He did so during the reign of King Senusrit I, about 1943/1942 BC in Egypt. Queen Nufrit was the
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daughter of Pharaoh Amenemheit II and she had given no son to her husband. We can only confirm certain facts by means of the Old Testament: Now there was famine in the land. So Abram went down to Egypt to sojourn there, for the famine was severe in the land. When he was about to enter Egypt, he said to Sarai his wife, I know you are a woman beautiful to behold; and when the Egyptians see you, they will say, This is his wife; then they will kill me, but will let you live. Say you are my sister, that it may go well with me because of you, and that my life may be spared on your account. When Abram entered Egypt, the Egyptians saw that the woman was very beautiful. And when the princes of Pharaoh saw her, they praised her to Pharaoh. And the woman was taken into Pharaohs house. And for her sake he dealt well with Abram; and he had sheep, oxen heasses, menservants, maidservants, she-asses, and camels. But the Lord afflicted Pharaoh and his house with great plagues because of Sarai, Abram's wife. So Pharaoh called Abram and said, What is this you have done to me?Why did you not tell me that she was your wife? Why do you say, She is my sister, so that I took her for my wife? Now then, here is your wife, take her, and be gone. (Genesis 12: 10-19) On pages 208-209 of Book I of Tafrihul Askia Fil Ahwal Ul Ambia, we read of this incident. When Pharaoh Senusrit I saw Sarah, and he thought that she was the unmarried sister of Abraham, he desired this beautiful woman as his own. That same evening he wanted to have sex with her, but when he touched her, he suddenly became paralysed. Each time he asked Sarah to pray for his health, and every time the freedom of his limbs was restored. After three attempts, the entire household of Pharaoh was affected with the plague, as is reproduced in Genesis 12, 17. He sent Sarah away and in a dream he was warned that she was the wife of Abraham. He was also warned that Abraham was a great prophet of God and that his wealth could be destroyed if he did not comply with his duty. The Old Testament calls the Pharaoh Abimelech (Abumalik = the father of the king in Arabic) and the story is as related in Genesis 20: And Abraham said of Sarah his wife, said: She is my sister. And Abimelech king of Gerar, sent and took Sarah. But God came to Abimelech in a dream by night, and said to him: Behold, you are a dead man, because of the woman whom you have taken; for she is a mans wife. Now Abimelech had not approached her; so he said,Lord, wilt thou slay an innocent people? Did he not himself say to me, she is my sister? And she herself said, He is my brother. In the integrity of my heart and the innocence of my hands I have done this. Then God said to him in a dream, Yes, I know that have done this in the integrity of your heart, and it was I who kept you from sinning against me; therefore I did not let you touch her. Now then restore the man's wife; for he is a prophet, and he will pray for you, and you shall live. But if you do not restore her, know that you shall surely die, you and all is yours.. So Abimelech rose early in the morning, and called all his servants, and told them all these things; and the men were very much afraid. Then Abimelech called Abraham, and said to him, What have you done to us? And how have I sinned against you that you have brought on me and my kingdom a great sin? You have done to me things that ought not to be done. And Abimelech said to Abraham, What were you thinking of, that you did this thing? Abraham said, I did it because I thought, There is no fear of God at all in this place, and they will kill me because of my wife. Besides she is indeed my sister, the daughter of my father but not the daughter of my mother; and she became my wife. And when God caused me to wander from fathers house, I said to her, This is the kindness you must do to me: at every place to which we come, say of me, He is my
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brother. Then Abimelech took sheep and oxen, also male and female slaves, and gave them to Abraham, and restored Sarah his wife to him. And Abimelech said, Behold, my land is before you: dwell where it pleases you. To Sarah he said,Behold, I have given your brother a thousand pieces of silver; it is your vindication in the eyes of all who are with you; and before every one you are righted. Then Abraham prayed to God, and God healed Abimelech, and also his wife and female slaves, so that they bore children. For the LORD had closed all the wombs of the house of Abimelech because of Sarah, Abrahams wife." (Genesis 20: 2-18) The latter part of this biblical passage is very significant, because the women of the household of Pharaoh's sons could not bear any male children. The king had only a girl, named Hagar (Hajir). So, after "the womb of Abimelech household was remedied", he became the father of a son, after that. With great joy, the Pharaoh presented Abraham his daughter Hajir (Hagar), whom they readily accepted as a gift. Girls were not really valuable to kings during those early days. That girl was a princess, and not a slave, as being presented to the world, therefore, she became part of Abraham's household. Abraham's Second Marriage In his explanation of chapter 16 of Genesis, Rabbi Shalomo Issac, an expert Jewish Rabbi, wrote in Hebrew that Hagar is the daughter of the Pharaoh of Egypt. On page 209, Vol. I of Tafrihul Askia Fil Ahwal Ul Ambia and on page 37, Vol II of Rahmatul Aalamin by Kazi Md. Sulaiman Munsoorpuri, it is also confirmed that the Pharaoh entrusted his eldest daughter, the eight year old Princess Hagar, rather to a prophet of God, instead of marrying her to a prince. This is proof of the Pharaoh's credibility, after he accepted the faith of Prophet Abraham. A few years later, after the death of Nimrod (as was described in the previous chapter), the Prophet Abraham returned from Babylon to Beersheba, to settle there. He was about 84, and Princess Hagar was about 16 years old. He thought about marrying her to a young man, but his wife Sarah were so attached to the young girl that she would not relinquish her. After another year, Sara realised that Hagar had to get married. She thought of a plan to marry her without losing her. She suggested that Abraham should marry Hagar, so if there were any children from the marriage, it would also be her children. This story is described on page 212, Vol. I of Tafrihul Askia Fil Ahwal Ul Ambia. At the insistence of Sarah, Abraham, at the age of 85 years, married the seventeen-year-old princess Hagar. The following verse appears in Genesis 16: 3: So, Abram had dwelt ten years in the land of Canaan, Sarai, Abrams wife took Hagar the Egyptian, her maid, and gave her to Abram as a wife. The word slave was definitely not appropriate in the Bible, because no slave can bring forth kings, unless the man himself was a monarch. History has proven that Abraham was definitely not a monarch. Yet the Bible states in Genesis 17: 6: "I will make nations of you, and kings shall come forth from you." Also, in Genesis 17, 20 it is clearly stated: And as for Ishmael, I have heard you; behold, I will bless him and make him fruitful and multiply him exceedingly; he shall be the father of twelve princes, and I will make him a
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great nation." The mentioned nation was, of course, the Arab nation, but the fact remains that the word "princes" relates to the fact that Hagar was the daughter of a king and thus had the right to breed monarchy. The word "slave" is unfortunately a distortion of the truth. Somewhere in the translations of the Bible somebody had his lines crossed. The history of Hagar (Hajir) is very interesting, indeed. The Origin of Earrings Due to her marriage to Prophet Abraham Hagar inherited the holy spirit on her forehead. Therefore, she appeared attractive and elegant. When she became pregnant, Sarah showed her female jealousy. Out of revenge, she pierced both earlobes of Hagar. The young princess, however, placed flowers in the earlobes, which made her even more attractive to her husband. The wearing of earrings probably had their origin from here. Sarah avenged her on the young princess by chastising her in the absence of Abraham. She feared that Abraham could not save her from Sarah's anger, and decided to flee to her father in Egypt. It was then that she received the greatest honour in the history of mankind. She then became the first woman in history to receive a visit from an angel of God. Only three women since then, received that same honour, namely Sarah, Mary, the mother of Prophet Jesus, and Amena, the mother of Prophet Muhammad. Angel Gabriel brought news to her that she was expecting a boy, and the name of the boy would be Ishmael. Also, that when she returned to her husband, God protected her against further punishment. This news is recorded in Genesis 16:11 for those who disagree: Behold the angel of the LORD said to her: Behold, you are with child, and shall bear a son; you shalt call his name Ishmael, because the LORD has given heed to your affliction." If this Biblical verse is not a promise, then what is it?To what affliction does the Bible refer? If Ishmaels birth was not a promise then there is something radically wrong with the words of the Bible. This verse proves, beyond all doubt, that God was fully aware of the affliction of Hagar, in other words, how she endured Sarah's despise. There is also a promise made to her, as I mentioned earlier. The falsehood that some Church ministers utter that Ishmael was not born from a promise, but from the flesh, is contrary to the Bible. Both Abraham's eldest sons were promised to him, while Katura's sons were born by the flesh. The untruths that some link to Prophet Ishmael will someday be proven to be irresponsible.
Prince Ishmael ... The Firstborn of Prophet Abraham After the encounter with the angel Hagar returned home to Abraham. Sarah who had no children of her own, was delighted with the news that Hagar expected a boy. The Holy Qur'an also refers briefly to this news in Surah 37, 101: "So we gave him the good news of a boy ready to suffer and forbear."
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Sarah stopped chastising Hagar and the boy was born in the year 1932 BC. The Bible mentions the birth in Genesis 16: 15-16: And Hagar bore Abram a son; and Abram called the name of his son, whom Hagar bore, Ishmael. Abram was eighty-six years old when Hagar bore Ishmael to Abram. The light of the Holy Spirit appeared on the forehead of Ishmael. He was so beautiful that Sarah kept him for the first few days after his birth, with her, and played all day long with him. She only handed him to mother for feeding. Abraham was completely dominated by Sarah and allowed the situation like that. One day while Hagar was breastfeeding her baby, Abraham lovingly enjoyed the company of his wife and baby. When Sarah entered the room, she immediately showed her jealousy. She then resolved to get rid of the innocent mother and baby. She even made Abraham swear that he would agree to her request. After he gave his word, she insisted that he should get rid of Hagar and her few months-old infant. Abraham was shocked and sad by her request and had to turn to God for guidance. The angel Gabriel appeared to him and informed him that his wife Hagar and son Ishmael had to go to a remote location, Makkah, which was then known as Paran or Bakka, where God would care and protect them. With this assurance Abraham could, therefore, agree to Sarahs request. Prophet Abraham took them to a place in the wilderness which was known as Paran or Bakka. It is also recorded in Genesis 21, 21. He left them with food and water, but Hagar wanted to know on whose orders he performed this act. He informed her that it was the instructions of God, and that he left them in the care of God. This pleased Hagar with the patience, which she readily showed, for she was very obedient to the word of God, despite her own discomfort. As soon as Prophet Abraham was out of sight, he turned to the Beit Ullah (House of God) and for a long time prayed for the safety and care of his wife and firstborn. After a few days the water, which Abraham had left them, was exhausted. Hagars breast was also dried up.There was then no food for her and the infant. She could detect only the two hills, Safaa and Marwah, in her immediate vicinity. Since these hills were steep, she laid her baby under a shelter so that she could climb the hills easier, and to make sure that she could detect any birds or animals or even a passing caravan. She, therefore, only climbed to the nearest hill Safaa, but when she could detect nothing, she proceeded to the hill Marwah. So eventually she covered seven trips between the two hills. While she could see her baby, she walked, but at the time and she could not see him, she ran out of fear that a creature might tear her baby apart. After her seventh journey, she sat down and bemoaned her fate to God. Her prayer was immediately answered by the appearance of the angel Gabriel (Malak Jibreel). The conversation between Hagar and the Angel Gabriel is recorded on page 215, Vol. I van Tafrihul Askia Fil Ahwal Ul Ambia as follows: The angel said, "O Princess Hagar of Egypt, how is it that you are alone in the wilderness?" She replied: "I am here on the order of the Almighty, in whom I have full faith and confidence." The angel asked: "What bothers you then, that you are crying?" She said, "My baby, Ishmael is dying because of hunger". The angel replied: "Fear not, for Allah has heard your prayers, and the problems of the baby is already solved. Go where your baby is and you will find where his arms and legs stretch out, a brook of water will form small streams ". She joyfully returned to the baby and found that water from the soil emerged, where her son lay.
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The water was refreshing, as honey, pure and absolutely clean. Consequently, both were saved. She immediately built a mud wall, around the fountain, to save the water. This is up until today the purest and holiest water on earth. The name of "Zam Zam" was given to the water, because of the excited sounds the baby made, while his mother fed him with a container when he was too young to drink. It was the second visit which Princess Hagar received from heavenly side. Pilgrims to Makkah, annually honour that event, in rememberance of a sacrificial mother, named Hagar, and still enjoy the refreshing water called Zam Zam. This obligation of the pilgrim's ritual is known as the "Saa-ee". The Old Testament also mentions the event in Genesis 21, 15-19. In Vol. II of Tariq Umru Ibnil As by Hasan Ibrahim Misri, Daktur Fil Adab, published by Matbaatul Saadat Misri, it is claimed that when Pharaoh Senusrit I heard that his daughter Princess Hagar, with his grandson Prince Ishmael were left in the wilderness, he had a special canal being built from the Nile to the Red Sea. It was a marvellous performance of engineers work during those early days. Thus, he could easily send food and other necessities, along the coast of Jeddah, to its destination. Jed means grandparents. The tomb of Eve (Howa) the mother of mankind, the wife of Adam was in Jeddah. Therefore the name relates to "the place of our grandparents. Hagar and Ishmael, are both buried next to the Ka'aba in Makkah, at a place called Hijr Isma-eel. Since then, there was easy communication between Egypt and Makkah by the canal from the Nile to the Red Sea, which Hagar's father, Abimelech, and after his death, Hagar's brother, the new Pharaoh, provided food for them. It was, consequently, easy for Hagar to find a suitable princess from Egypt as a wife for Ishmael when he was mature. This fact is confirmed in the Holy Scriptures: He lived in the wilderness of Paran; and his mother took a wife for him from the land of Egypt. In the Qur'n (Sura Maryam 19: 54-55) it is recorded: Also mention in the Book (the story of) Isma'il: he was (strictly) true to what he promised, and he was a Messenger (and) a prophet. He used to enjoin on his people Prayer and Charity and he was acceptable in the sight of his Lord. " Consequently, Hagar and Ishmael remained their whole lives, since they left Sarah, in Makkah, which was then known as Paran or Bakka. She was only about eighteen years old, and Ishmael was a few months old, when they were separated from Sarah, and never returned again during her lifetime. The second son of Abraham, Isaac, was born fourteen years after Ishmael, when Sarah gave birth at a very old age. It is incomprehensible that the Scriptures of both the Jews and Christians could be so terribly distorted in history to humiliate the first born, Ishmael (Isma-il), that only his younger brother was respected as a Prophet of God. Certain facts should be disturbing to a soundminded person in the verses of the Old Testament, which do not contain the original facts anymore, but that there was definitely tampered with God's Word in the translations. The Jews and the Muslims still retain the covenant, which God ordered to Abraham and his descendants, according to Genesis 17. The big question is: Why is Genesis 17, verse 20,
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deliberately ignored by Christians? Is it not clear that God blessed Ishmael and said that he would beget twelve princes? If Abraham was no monarch and Hagar was a slave like it is suggested in the Old Testament, then from whence comes the royal blood? Ds. Johan Smit goes out of his way in his book Abraham Avontuur to smear the name of Ishmael. Experience has taught us that it is a weakness of man to belittle others in order to spread propaganda of their own faith, especially in our country's political past it is all too clear. The famous "black danger" tactics of the DRC controlled National Party, which became evident at the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, as merely a cover-up for their own murders of those, who stood in their way. We must remember that Ds. Smit's book was published during those apartheid years. Just listen to the nonsense he assigns to the reader on page 116-117: But now Isaac is born. The tables are turned. Hagar, Ishmael's slave mother, should not be keeping herself stuck up anymore. Sarah herself now brought a child into the world. Hagar was just a commodity. And Ishmael? Well, he is Abraham's child. But he is Abraham's child by a slave woman. Compared to Isaac, he is definitely inferior. The problem is that he became a threat to Isaac. He is putting Isaac's future in jeopardy. He must not be so presumptuous to claim Isaac's right. On page 118, the Church minister continues to slander Ishmael: When God sees Ishmael, he sees the fruit of Abraham and Sarah's impatience and disbelief. He sees in Ishmael two irreligious people's instant solution of a case which they should rather have left patiently in God's hands. Ishmael is the product of a disgruntled and disobedient peoples own planning. Isaac is, comparatively, the child of faith. The prodigy for whom Abraham and Sarah had to wait so long. He is the child which makes you laugh with joy, because he was the promised word, which became part of the flesh. He is God's promise being fulfilled. We know that the Dominee was trying his utmost to propagate his religion. This is clear proof of the type of poison that a NG Church Ministers propagated in the past. Why? Only to advertise their own church, at the expense of a Prophet of God. Prophet Isma-il was being smeared, only because Prophet Muhammad was his descendant. May the eyes of any reader be opened with the realisation that no Muslim has ever slandered any Biblical figure, to promote Islam. The Qur'n is very specific that all Prophets of God should be treated with the highest esteem. Why certain Church ministers should stoop so low as to become indignified to some prophets of God is a real puzzle? We leave it to the reader to reflect on this. If we look at Genesis 16: 7 to 11, we find that God's angel definitely spoke to Hagar. It is not any person, who receives a visit by an angel. But in the very next verse, Genesis 16; 12 the denigrations follow: And he shall be a wild ass of a man: his hand against every man and every mans hand against him and he shall dwell over against all his kinsmen. Do you really believe that God would promise a son to Abraham, who would be a wild ass and would disunite people? The very same tactics were used in the days of apartheid to discredit the ANC and its leaders by the White regime. Still, the public will cling to such absolute nonsense that has been dished up to them by so-called church ministers. I thank God that I can think and reason for myself and see through such obvious propaganda.
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It is no wonder that many Church ministers, sunsequently, admitted that the Bible is no longer in its original form. Some doubted it as the word of God. Also that the words of Paul are regarded as above the word of God and accept as such by the church. We read of the audacity of Paul in Galatians 5; 2: Now I, Paul, say to you that if you receive circumcision, Christ will be of no advantage to you." Predictions of the Birth of Isaac and Jacob The last of the sacred Scriptures mentions interesting predictions about the birth of Isaac, the second son of Abraham and Jacob, his grandson, and that both of them would be prophets of God. This was revealed on Thursday, the ninth day of Muharram in the Gregorian year of 1919 BC: Has the story reached you, of the honored guests of Abraham? Behold, they entered his presence, and said, Peace! He said, "Peace!" (and thought,These seem) unusual people..Then he (Abraham) turned quickly to his household, brought out a fatted calf, and placed it before them, he said, Will you not eat?"(Qur'n 51: 24-27). There came Our Messengers to Abraham with glad tidings came. They said, "Peace!" He answered, "Peace!", and hastened to entertain them with a roasted calf. But when he saw their hands did not go toward the (meal), he felt some mistrust of them, and conceived a fear of them.They said: "Fear not: we have been sent against the people of Lot." (Qur'n 11: 6970) They said: "Fear not! and they gave him glad tidings of a son endowed with knowledge. But his wife (Sarah) came laughing aloud: she smote her face and said: "A barren old woman!" She said: "Alas for me! shall I bear a child, seeing I am an old woman, and my husband here is an old man? That would indeed be a wonderful thing!" (Qur'n 11:72). He (Abraham) said: "Do you give me glad tidings of a son when old age has seized me? Of what, then, is your good news?" (Qur'n 15: 54). They (the angels) said: "Do you wonder at Gods decree? The grace of Allah and His blessings on you, O you people of the house! For He (Allah) is indeed worthy of all praise, full of all glory "(Qur'n 11: 73). And his wife (Sarah), was standing (there) and she laughed: but We (Allah) gave her good tidings of Isaac, and after him, of Jacob." (Qurn 11: 71) We (Allah) bestowed on him Isaac and Jacob, and each one of them We (Allah) made a Prophet" When fear had passed from (the mind of) Abraham and glad tidings had reached him, he began to plead with Us for Lots people. For Abraham was, without doubt, forbearing (of faults), compassionate, and given to look to Allah. "O Abraham! Do not seek this. The decree
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of your Lord has gone forth: for them there comes a Penalty that cannot be turned back! (Qur'n 11: 74-76) They said: "We have been sent to a people (deep) in sin, - To bring on, on them, (a shower of) stones of clay (brimstone), marked as from your Lord for those who tresspass beyond bounds. Then We evacuated those of the Believers who were there, but We did not find there any just (Muslim) persons except in one house: And we left there a Sign for such as fear the grievous penalty. (Qur'n 51: 32-37) Therefore, by the Will of God Almighty, the evil cities where Lot was hosted, was destroyed on Friday, 10 Muharram. The Happiest Year in the Life of Abraham The happiest year in the life of Prophet Abraham was undoubtedly the one between his 99th and 100th birthday (i.e. between 1919 BC and 1918 BC) The following reasons are to be found in the Bible: When the three angels were sent to destroy Sodom and Gamorra, they informed him of a second son, Isaac to be born by Sarah. Abraham pleaded with his Creator for grandchildren by his son, Ishmael, instead of more children in his old age. We read in Genesis 17; verses 17, 18 and 20 the following: Then Abraham fell on his face, and laughed and said to himself: Shall a child be born to a man who is a hundred years old? Shall Sarah, who is ninety years old, bear a child? And Abraham said unto God, O that Ishmael might live in thy sight!... As for Ishmael, I have heard you; behold, I will bless him and make him fruitful and multiply him exceedingly; he shall be the father of twelve princes, and I will make him a great nation. Prophet Abraham then expressed a prayer of gratitude for the good news of a son, Isaac, by Sarah, and grandson Jacob, through Isaac, and the news that they both would also be prophets. Of course, a ninety-nine-year-old could not have asked for better news, but God rewarded him for his testimonial as is contained in Genesis 17: 1-5: When Abram was nine-ninety years old, the LORD appeared to Abram and said to him: I am God Almighty, walk before me, and be blameless. And I will make my covenant between me and you, and will multiply you exceedingly. Then Abram fell on his face: and God said to him: Behold, my covenant is with you, and you shall be a father of many nations. No longer shall your name be Abram, but your name shall be Abraham; for I have made you a father of a multitude of nations." (Genesis 17: 1-5) The Origin of Circumcision In the very same conversation, according to the Old Testament, Genesis 17, circumcision became obligatory on all males of the world, with these words in verses 9-14: And God said to Abraham: As for you, you shall keep my covenant, you and your descendants after you, throughout their generations. This is my covenant, which you shall keep, between me and you and your descendants after you: Every male among you shall be circumcised. You shall be circumcised in the flesh of your foreskin, and it will be a sign of the
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covenant between me and you. He that is eight days among you shall be circumcised, every male throughout your generations, whether they are born in your house, or bought with your money from any foreigner who is not from your offspring, both he that is born in your house and he that is bought with your money, shall be circumcised. So shall my covenant be in your flesh an everlasting covenant. And uncircumcised male who is not circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin, shall be cut off from his people; he has broken my covenant." According to the above curse of God on those who ignore the circumcision, it is therefore clear why such denominations are saddled daily with more problems and with more cults, such as the New Age Movement, Satanism, etc. As long as they place the church ministers above the word of God there will be no heavenly success. The audacity of Paul, according to Galatians 5, 2, "Now I, Paul, say to you that if you receive circumcision, Christ will be of no advantage to you", clearly shows how easily the church can be influenced. The words of Paul is placed above Gods word. It is clear that Gods word has become insignificant to the Church, while Pauls letters are held in high esteem. Ten months afterwards, Sarah gave birth to Isaac. When he was eight days old he was circumcised. It is also recorded in the Bible as such: And Sarah conceived, and bore Abraham a son in his old age at the time of which God has spoken to him. Abraham called the name of his son who was born to him, whom Sarah bore him, Isaac. And Abraham circumcised his son Isaac when he was eight days old, as God had commanded him. Abraham was a hundred years old when his son Isaac was born to him. (Genesis 21; 2-5). The Qur'n reflects Abrahams appreciation as such in Chapter 14; verse 39: Praise be to God, Who has granted me in old age Isma-il and Isaac: for truly my Lord is He, the Hearer of Prayer! After fulfilling the part of good tidings, which the Angels brought, it became evident that the rest of the divine messenges would also be realised, namely: a) His second son, Isaac, would have a son, Yacoob (Jacob), and both of them would be Prophets of God. b) His firstborn, Isma-il, would be blessed with 12 sons as princes. c) The periods of tests for Ibrahim (Abraham), who had only one son for 14 years, was now gone. d) He could enjoy his old age with happiness, because he already received news of 13 grandchildren. e) He could now expect, as promised by God, that he would actually be the father of believing nations and as a true Abraham, i.e. a true Father of Nations of circumsized believers. What more could he asked for on his high age? Thus, the age between 99 and 100 years was the most important one of his life.
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The Major Test of Abraham Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) had no children until the age of 85. In his prayers he made a promise when he married Princess Hagar, the daughter of Pharao Senusrit I and Queen Nufrit of Egypt, that if he had a son and heir during his second marriage, he would willingly sacrifice that son for the sake of God (according to page 217 of Tafrihul Askia Ahwal Ul Ambia Book I). A few days afterwards, the angel Gabriel appeared to Princess Hagar to inform her of: a. Even though she married Abraham a few days earlier, she was expecting a son, who would be known as Ishmael. b. Instead of fleeing to Egypt to escape Sarahs jealousy, she had to return to Abraham. c. God would protect her. The love of Abraham for Ishmael and his mother was even more out of fear for their safety. The few months old Ishmael and his mother had to be protected at a place far from Beersheba, where Sarah resided. This love for Ishmael is to be found in the Bilblical text of Genesis 17; verses 17, 18 and 20, as already indicated. When Abraham was informed of a second son, Isaac, through Sarah, the former pleaded that his firstborn, Ishmael, should be blessed with children, instead of he himself at his high age. In reply, God informed him that his prayer had been heard and: i. Ishmael would be blessed with twelve princes, and Isaac, by Sarah. ii. Further, that Isaac would also be blessed with a son Yacoob (Jacob) and that both of them would become Prophets of God. It was, therefore, obvious that Abraham loved his firstborn, Ishmael, who was not only his first son, but also the heir and only son of his, since the age of 86 years. At the age of 99 years, Abraham was informed by the angels on the 9th day of Muharram about the arrival of a second son, Isaac, and of the future of 13 grandchildren, including Jacob. Ishmael was, consequently, more blessed, with this Biblical promise, irrespective of what preachers might indicate.
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CHAPTER 12 THE ORIGIN OF CORBAN (SACRIFICE)

The Arabic month of Muharram was preceded by the month of Dhil Hijjah. This is equivilent to the sixth month of the Jews. On the eighth evening of Dhil Hijjah of the Gregorian year 1919 BC, when Abraham was about 99 years old, he had a fantastic dream at Beerseba, in which he was commanded: "Take your son, your only son, whom you love, and sacrifice him to the Almighty." (p 217 of Book I of Askia Fil Tafrihul Ahwal Ul Ambia). The one and only son of Abraham was Ishmael, at that specific time. At that time, he had received no news of any other descendants, as reported in the previous chapter. The other good news, as well as the command of circumcision, he would only receive one month later, i.e. on the 9th day of Muharram. Abraham consequently woke up extremely concerned. He wondered what the Almighty would achieve with such a sacrifice. He, by this time, had doubts about the sacrifice, without any prospect of other descendants, because he was already 99-years old. He at first thought that the dream was the work of Satan, because he could not immediately assume that God would be so unmerciful. On the next night, the night of 9th Dhil Hijjah he had the same dream. On the third night, he again had exactly the same dream. He immediately arose and told the dream to his wife, Sarah. He then remembered his earlier prayer and promise to God, during his second marriage. With the consent of Sarah he left Beerseba on his departure to Makkah, with the fastest camel, so that he could arrive there on the 10th day of Dhil Hijjah, according to pages 217-218 of Book I of Tafrihul Askia Fil Ahwal Ul Ambia. Jesus (Nabi Isa) gave the following information, according to The Gospel of Barnabas, about the great love that Nabi Ibrahim (Prophet Abraham) had for his son, Ishmael: "Abraham loved his son Ishmael a little more than was right, wherefore God commanded, in order to kill that evil love out of the heart of Abraham, that he should slay his (one and only son whom he loved the most): which he would have done had the knife cut" (p. 229 & 231, Gospel of Barnabas by Lonsdale & Lorna Ragg published by Clarendon Press, Oxford, 1907). On his arrival in Makkah, Abraham requested Princess Hagar to dress Ishmael in his best clothes. Hagar readily obeyed. He asked Ishmael to take a knife and a piece of string and to accompany him. They, thereafter, went to the central hill of Moenah (Moriah). Shaytaan (Satan) realised that Abraham was determined to carry out God's command. Accordingly, he went to Princess Hagar, and asked her where Prince Ishmael and Abraham went and for what reason. She replied that he went to the hills of Moenah. Satan then informed her that Abraham took his son Ishmael, to sacrifice him in the name of Allah, according to the command of God. She bravely replied: "Whatever is the Will of Allah must be carried out. I'm one of those who have assigned myself, for the past thirteen years, to conform to the will of Allah". When Satan failed to awaken the mother's love for her son, he rushed to Prince Ishmael, the
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son, and informed him that his father intended to sacrifice him, according to the command of Allah. To Satan's greatest surprise, the son only retaliated by saying: "If it is the will of Allah, then I am not unwilling." When Abraham approached Moenah, Satan came to him and said: "Allah just tested you, and you have already proved your intentions. This boy is the one and only child that you were blessed with, at a ripe old age, to carry on in your name. Leave him now and return." Abraham realised that it was Satan who tempted him. He immediately picked up seven small pebbles and cast it in the direction of Satan. The latter instantly changed into a stone pillar. This Satan is known as "Jamratul Oola". Some time later Abraham was pestered by another Satan, who advised him that he should not commit the senseless murder of his one and only son. Again, Abraham pelted Satan with seven pebbles, and this devil changed into a stone pillar. This Satan is called "Jamratul Woosta". When Abraham reached the central hill Moenah, a third Satan appeared in a final attack on him to try to change his plan. Abraham cast seven pebbles at him, and he changed into a stone pillar, known as "Jamratul Aqaba". Muslim pilgrims from around the world, pelt the three stone monuments of the various Satans, each with seven pebbles at the time of Hajj (Pilgrimage), the largest one for three days on the 10th, 11th and 12th day of Dhil Hijjah, and the other two for two days on the 11th and 12th day of Dhil Hijjah, in remembrance of Satan's attempted seduction of Prophet Ibrahim, when the latter wanted to carry out the commands of Allah. When Prophet Ibrahim reached the top of the hill of Moenah, his son enquired from him about his dream. Ishmael said, "Carry out, therefore Allah's wishes, because you will find that I am not unwilling, or fear death in order to satisfy Allah." So when the father and son came to an agreement, Abraham (A) laid his son down, tied with a rope, and then tied his own eyes with a cloth, so that he could not witness his sons face, for fear that his paternal love might prevent him to sacrifice his one and only son. Abraham, made the first cut with the knife, but the knife could not cut the skin. He then gave a second cut, but again without success. He thought that his fatherly love withheld him to make the proper incision, and he attempted a third time with all his power and felt the knife piercing the flesh. He opened his eyes and to his surprise found that his son, Ishmael, was standing beside him with a smile on his face, and that a ram, with that last attempt, was slaughtered by him. (according to p. 217 of Tafrihul Askia Fil Ahwal Ul Ambia). Abraham (A) was very surprised about the state of affairs. He still did not realise what had happened. With the thought that he did not carry out the order of Allah, he took the bloodstained knife to kill Ishmael. The angel Gabriel, immediately, appeared to him and cried out: "Ibrahim, Ibrahim, do not lay your hands on Ishmael, and do no harm to him, because you have already proven that you are a Muslim (i.e. a subject to the will of Allah). By obeying the commands of Allah, you did not even spare your one and only son, Ishmael's life, even at the advanced age, without the news of any other descendants. It was me (Angel Gabriel), on the commands of Allah, who prevented the knife from hurting Ishmael, when you first tried twice to slaughter him. It was I, who exchanged the body of Ishmael with a ram, which was sent from heaven, and you slaughtered it, instead of Ishmael. So, be aware that your sacrifice of your one and only son, Ishmael, in the way of God is perfect and fully
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acceptable, with the greatest pleasure of Allah ". The Bible confirms this incident as follows: "Then Abraham put forth his hand, and took the knife to slay his son. But the angel of the Lord called to him from heaven and said, Abraham, Abraham! And he said, Here am I. He said, Do not lay your hand on the lad or do anything to him; for now I know that you fear God, seeing you have not withheld your son, your only son, from me. (Genesis 22; 1012). When Abraham heard all of this, he fell down in ecstasy, and thanked his Creator. Therefore, on the 10th day of Dhil Hijjah each year, around the world, Muslims celebrate the Feast of Abraham or Eid-ul-Adha (the Day of Sacrifice) by sacrificing a sheep on this day, while Muslims pilgrims, who are present on this day at Moenah will sacrifice an animal, on the exact spot where Abraham had carried out the sacrifice, thousands of years earlier. This sacrifice is known as a corban. The word "korban" appears literally in the Afrikaans Bible in Mark 7, verse 11, but it has conveniently been omitted from the English translation of the Bible. Even the explanation of the word appears in the same verse as "sacrifice". If the scribes discover that this word has been overlooked in the Afrikaans version, then the original word may also disappear, as many other words have disappeared from the new edition of the Bible. Church members should ask themselves, why the Bible is constantly being tampered with, while it should serve Christians as the word of God. Almighty God was pleased with the special prayer, which Abraham made for his one and only son, so Ishmael's life was, subsequently, spared. So when he was finished with his prayers, the Angel Gabriel once again spoke to him and said: "You have willingly agreed to carry out the commands of God, even though you were expected to sacrifice your one and only beloved son, Ishmael, especially since you received no news of any other children or grandchildren, and everything at the ripe old age of 99 years. And your son, Ishmael, willingly agreed to sacrifice himself for God's sake. So, therefore, God decided to bless Ishmael with a descendant of the Promised Prophet who would arrive at the final period of the earth, and by whom the world would be blessed. God also decided to bless Abraham fully and with no further tests to prove his allegiance to God. As a reward for this great sacrifice to his one and only son, Ishmael, God would soon reveal to Abraham how his descendants would be multiplied, just like the stars in the heavens and the grains of sand on the seashore. These details were revealed exactly one month after the incident of the sacrifice of Ishmael, on the 10th day of Dhil Hijjah. In other words, the revelations were made on the 9th day of Muharram by the three angels who destroyed Sodom and Gamorra on Friday, the 10th day of Muharram in the year 1919 BC (as already mentioned in the previous chapter). Abraham left Ishmael in the care of his mother in Makkah and returned to Beersheba. The Bible confirms these facts, as follows, in Genesis 22: 15, 16, 17, 18, and 19 in that order: The last of the Divine Books, briefly confirms this incident of the sacrifice of Ishmael, and
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the conversations between father and son in the Holy Qur'n: O my Lord! Grant me a riteous son! So We (Allah) gave him the good news of a boy ready to suffer and forbear. Then, when (the son) reached (the age of) (serious) work with him, he (Abraham) said: O my son, I see in vision that I offer thee in sacrifice: Now see what is thy view? He said: O my father! Do as thou art commanded: Thou will find me, if God so wills one practising Patience and Constancy! So when they had both submitted their wills (to God), and he had laid him prostrate on his forehead (for sacrifice), We called out to him, O Abraham! Thou hast already fulfilled the vision!- thus indeed do We regard those who do right. For this was obviously a trial- and We ransomed him with a momentous sacrifice: and We left (this blessing) for him among generations (to come) in later times: Peace and salutations to Abraham! Thus indeed do We reward those who do right for he was one of those of Our believing Servants. And We gave him the good news of Isaac a prophet,- one of the Righteous. (Sura 37: 100-112). Inconsistencies in the Bible concerning Abraham In Galatians 4: 22-24 the following is mentioned in Paul's letter: For it is written that Abraham had two sons, one by a slave and one by a free woman But the son of the slave was born according to the flesh, the son of the free woman through promise. Now this is an allegory: these women are two covenants. One is from Mount Sinai, bearing children for slavery; she is Hagar. It is quite strange that the so-called Apostle Paul did not even know what was really written in the Bible, because the person he called a slave, according to Genesis, was visited by the angel to be notified of a son, Ishmael, who would be born to her, and that he would be the father of twelve princes. Read Genesis 16: 7-11 to satisfy yourself, that Hagar must have been special to receive a visit from an Angel. It certainly sounded like a promise, just like the promise that Abraham received about Isaac, who would be delivered by Sarah, at a very high age. So there should have been someone else, except these two, who were actually born in the flesh. If Paul knew Bible history better, he should, of course, know that in Genesis 25: 1-2 we read the following: Abraham took another wife, whose name was Keturah. She bore him Zimran, Jokshan, Medan, Midian, Ishbak, and Shuah. In other words, Abraham had six sons by Keturah, and there was nowhere a word to describe it as a promise. If the so-called Saint Paul knew this, he would not state that Abraham had only two sons. If there are such obvious discrepancies to be found, then you can realise why the Christians, nowadays, only use the New Testament, so that they do not discover the obvious discrepancies. If even Paul was not aware about Abraham's third wife and his six other sons, then how could the poor churchgoer even know about it. Incidentally, at a public meeting in the student church in Stellenbosch on Saturday, August 12, 1989, when Imam Fuad Samaai and a few other Muslim guests were present, a minister made the same error in his offensive attitude to Prophet Ishmael. When I asked him, during question time, and referred to the Old Testament, it was a huge embarrassment when the Bibles were hurriedly paged to Genesis 25;1-2 and much to the dismay of the audience, they
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discovered that their minister also failed in his reference work, and that a Muslim knew the Scripture better than the Christian priest. * The derogatory words of Professor Els that Hagar was not Abraham's wife, but a common-law wife, caused me to leave the meeting in disappointment, because the Professors utterances were an insult to the Father of the Prophets, with which I had to show my dissatisfaction. We, as Muslims, make Salawaat (salutation or greetings) on Nabi Ibrahim and his descendants in our prayers every day, while he is being humiliated by leaders of the church. Since that day, I never answered Professor Elss calls, because according to me, he owed Prophet Ibrahim an apology. I have the recorded tapes in my possession. It is obvious to any soundminded person to recognise that the church takes pleasure in smearing the name of Prophet Ishmael, an ancestor of Prophet Muhammad, to try to smear and belittle our Prophet, by even their placements of forgery and lies in their holy scriptures. Muslims have the highest regard for all prophets, including Jesus. May the Lord open their eyes so that they may realise that in spite of such distortions of the truth it does not stop Christians from daily reverting to the faith of Islam. Both Ishmael (89 years old) and Isaac (75 years) buried their father, Abraham, when he died at the age of 175 years, according to Genesis 25: 7-9. Ishmael died at the age of 137 years. Therefore, Isaac was never ever the only son of Prophet Abraham, while Ishmael was the only son of Abraham for a period of 14 years. In Islam, both Ishmael and Isaac are regarded as prophets of God, hence their names are not being disgraced by Muslims. It is blatantly clear that an unnecessary feud is being fanned by such strange biblical criticism between Israel and the Palestinians
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CHAPTER 13 THE ORIGIN OF ISRAEL

Abraham's grandson, Jacob, the second son of Isaac, became the father of twelve sons. He married two sisters, Leah and Rachel, but also married two slaves, according to Genesis 29. Leah gave him the sons Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar and Zebulun. Bilhah bore him Dan and Naphtali. Zilpah, bore the boys, Gad and Asher. The last two sons, Joseph and Benjamin were delivered by Rachel. God chose Joseph as a prophet, to continue the chain of Prophet Abraham. According to Genesis 32, Jacob was involved in a struggle with someone who broke his thigh. After this struggle, we read in Genesis 32: 28: "Then He said, Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel: for you have striven with God and with men, and have prevailed." This passage from Genesis also confirms the reason why the children of Israel do not eat the senew of the hip, because their father Jacob, or Israel, was struck by God on the thigh, according to Genesis 32, 32. In Genesis 33, verses 14-17, 22 and 24, the importance of purifying of the man, with circumcision is given. In Genesis 35; 10, once again the change of name from Jacob to Israel is repeated. Yet we read further in Genesis that the name Jacob is still unchanged in the rest of Genesis, when we refer to it. Quite strange, because when the name of Abram was changed to Abraham, there was never again referred to his old name. Nor was Sarah later addressed as Sarai. It makes one wonder about the authenticity of the name Israel. It is actually the life of Joseph, the second youngest son of Jacob, which interests me, because in both Genesis and a chapter in the Qurn, the story tells about him. According to both holy scriptures, he was remarkably attractive, and possibly one of the wisest men in history. He also possessed the gift to interpret the dreams of people. For the sake of the reader, we want to relate the story of Joseph in full detail, with the history available to us, as reference work. Our story commences when Joseph reached the age of seventeen. His father loved him, tremendously, which, of course, aroused jealousy between his older brothers and him. They hated him and could not live in peace with him. He had a dream, which he revealed to them, and it caused them to hate him even more. The dream was recorded as follows in Genesis 37, 7: "Behold, we were binding sheaves in the field, and lo my sheaf arose and stood upright, while your sheaves bowed down to my sheaf." We read in Genesis 37: 9: "Then he dreamed another dream, and told it to his brothers, and said, Behold, I have dreamed another dream; and behold, the sun, the moon and eleven stars were bowing down to me." We read that his father rebuked him about the dream, because his brothers became jealous of him. This led to his older brothers plotting against him to get rid of him. Some of them wanted to kill him, while others felt that they should throw him in a well, and finally they decided to sell him into slavery to a travelling merchant, who came their way. Then they smeared his clothing with blood and showed their father, who accepted that a wild animal had killed and devoured him. The father was very sad about the loss of his beloved son, but was as yet not aware of what actually happened to his son.
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Joseph's young life as a free person and brother ended here, and the years immediately ahead of him was that of being a slave, who could easily be traded just like any article. Although he was disposed of very cheaply, by his brothers, he would, since then, fetch a high price for his owner, because he was young, strong, attractive and very wise. We are, at this stage, switching to the life of a princess, who crossed the path of him at a later stage. The Princess's Dream Hero Zulaikha was a beautiful princess, the daughter of a king of the West. During her youth she had a wonderful dream, in which she saw the most handsome young man ever, and as noble as he was beautiful. She immediately fell in love with the young man of her dreams. So true and stable was her love for the man of her dreams, that she, gradually, began to pine away, while longing for the ideal man of her dreams, according to allegraphy of the Persian poet, Jm. She secretly hid her love and her grief. She just nursed her dreams and only shared it with her personal nurse and confidante. She secretly hoped that her nurse might have met the man of her dreams and subsequently she had a second and a third dream about the young man. In the third dream she had the courage in her dream, to ask him his name and country of origin. Although he did not reveal his name in her dreams, he mentioned that he was the Governor of Egypt. With this little hint of information, Zulaikha refused many marriage proposals and offers from kings and princes. In her lonely heart, she cherished the image of the man of her dreams, whom she only knew as the Governor of Egypt. Finally, she persuaded her father to send a wise man to go to Egypt, and to arrange an engagement with the Governor of Egypt, on her behalf. The Governor of Egypt Her father could hardly understand why she chose the Governor of Egypt above all the kings and princes. His love for his daughter, however, prevailed, and he acceded to her request. He sent a wise man from the royal court of Egypt to arrange an interview. The Governor of Egypt was obviously surprised, and his ambition was all aflame at the request of the princess, who refused many offers and great treasures from kings. How could he refuse? Yet, he was only too aware of his own shortcomings. How could he accept her seeing that he was a eunuch? He pleaded with the Princess's representative that the king of Egypt could barely make do for a few hours without him, so he could not travel away from home. Yet he was prepared to send 200 golden litters and 1000 slave girls to wait on Zulaikha and to convey her, with honour, to Egypt. The agent of Zulaikhas father was, consequently, highly pleased that his task was successfully completed. He was aware that she had given her heart to the Governor of Egypt and that it would cause her death should her ideal not be realised. So, he arranged the marriage and with total satisfaction, returned to the king's palace with the message, which he regarded as good news. Zulaikha, herself, was delighted. Her joy knew no bounds. She thought to herself that she soon would meet and be united with the man of her dreams. Intense preparations for her marriage were made and also for Zulaikhas procession to Egypt. Her litter was carved from
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aloe and sandalwood. The roof was resplendent with gems and gold and the curtains were hung with golden brocade. In this litter, Zulaikha was radiant and happy that she finally would meet the man of her dreams and they would be united forever. When she approached the Egyptian capital, the Governor with all pomp and pageantry, went to meet his bride. With such enthusiasm Zulaikha wanted to view the man of her dreams that she peeped through an opening in the curtain. However, she was seriously disappointed, because the Governor was not the man of her dreams. Nor was he the man to whom she solemnly had engaged herself, and whom she would be married for the rest of her life. She clearly had the image of Joseph in her mind, whom she saw in her dreams, and not that of this stranger. She could never love and honour him and give her virginity to anyone else. She was in utter despair. What could be done? Suddenly a voice from the unseen world reached her, with the words: "True, this is not thy love! But thy desire for thy true love will be satisfied through him. Fear him not. The jewel of thy virgin honour is safe with him. If a great sleeve is seen, but there is no hand within it, then what is there to hold a dagger?" Zulaikha was aware that she had, by her own deliberate choice arranged this marriage. She was forced to marry this eunuch, whatever her grief. She could not complain and went ahead with the marriage. But her heart was empty, because he had not been the man of her dreams. She could never love anyone else. And so she spent her days in outward splendour and inward grief. She slowly wasted away her unrequited love. She was waiting in faith and longing. The Wonder Slave Finally there arrived news of a sensational event at the market place. It was reported that a foreign merchant arrived with a slave at the market. The slave would then, according to rumours, be extremely handsome, very intelligent and unusually wise. In fact, it was not an ordinary slave. It was rather a radiant sun, a moon of par excellence, and a ruler in the kingdom of love. The caravan had hardly arrived in the market, or the king informed the Governor to go to the market, visit the wonderful new person and to invite him to the kings presence. When the Governor arrived at the caravan and saw Joseph, he found that his beauty surpassed even rumours which described him. He automatically bowed, with a feeling of reverence, and with a sense of worship, but Joseph gently lifted him and informed him with the gospel word of Unity, that worship only belonged to the Lord and that he was only a prophet of God. When the merchant was informed of the king's request, he pleaded for postponement, because the journey was long and they were unclean, and therefore not suitable to appear before the monarch. They wanted to purify themselves in the River Nile and be decently prepared and presentable. Meanwhile, the fame of Joseph's beauty, simplicity, purity and righteousness spread like a wildfire. Everyone - male or female with a will of his own, or who thought that they had any of these properties, even to a lesser extent, or envied the stranger, moreover, a slave, who stole everybodys hearts. The more they talked about the slave, the more his value increased for the merchant. There
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was even a possibility that the king would spend the state revenue of Egypt to buy Joseph. But there was someone for whom Joseph's appeal was worth more than all the governments revenue of Egypt and who could even outbid the king. It was of course the princess Zulaikha, whose jewelry was worth more than twenty times the kings possessions. Her jewelry did not provide the required joy to her, as she dreamed about her lost love, which never faded. She also heard about the wonders of the new man, and when she arrived in her litter to catch a glimpse of the slave, lo and behold! When she saw Joseph, she immediately recognised him as that of the face of her dreams. For that very face she sacrificed her home, and she left her people and her country. This was the person for whom she prayed and waited so many years. Zulaikha had no doubts. She finally found her love. But to see does not mean to possess. She proposed to her husband that Joseph could become his son, whom he never had. She, therefore, informed her husband that he should make a humble request to the king that the Governor had no son or could never ever have one. He was also aware of the services the Governor provided to the king, his wealth and the country. If the king then allowed him to bid with his own money for this wonderful slave, The king could have the slave at his own disposal, as a subject, while the Governor would be happy to find a wonderful son in his house to carry on his name. With this reasoning, Zulaikha strongly influenced her husband. The king acceded to the Governor's call, although he doubted whether the Governor could afford him. The king was willing to subsidise the Governor, should it be required. The Auction A very strange event occurred that we find now commonly at festivals or fairs. Josephs auction was held, just like any priceless painting or precious antique furniture. Each individual was here, with the thought that he could buy Joseph. An old woman who was there, possessed nothing, but a piece of yarn that she had spun, thought that she could also bid for Josef. She thought it would be enough for her to have the honour of being at the market, and to boast that she had bid for Joseph. Some merely came from motives of curiosity, while others were there for motives of jealousy. In their imagination, they could not understand why the world went mad for beauty or virtue of a different kind, from what they themselves possessed, however simple. Then there were those, who came with the pride of their purses. A thousand gold pieces!" one exclaimed, as if to stifle all competition. Yet the auction went on to a hundred times the original amount. And it did not end there. "I shall give the best fragrant musk, the full weight of Joseph," said a person who travelled to the extreme parts of the world, looking for the most precious perfumes. "Not good enough," said another, "I offer the same weight with the most precious rubies and diamonds." Poor misguided people! The Governor's sources and, indeed, the king's taxes had already long been surpassed. But Zulaikha, the Princess of the West, had treasures unparalleled in her casket with precious stones. So she could, in the end, walk away with the most prized possession. To her he was worth more than what she paid for him. However, she q uickly learnt that he could not be bought, because he remained loyal, holy and uprightious. The Temptation In her feminine weakness, she thought that Joseph had a price. She thought that her noble
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birth, her beauty, her power and her unwavering gift of herself to him as a person, would swing the scale in her favour. But, alas! These things were not enough for Joseph to be bought. With his unwavering faith, she was to him only the wife of the Governor, the man he regarded as a father figure. In addition, he was a chosen prophet of God, who had to be exemplary, to resist any temptation. He regarded her approaches first as innocent and motherly. For other women it was clear that Zulaikha was intruding herself upon the handsome young man. It had the merciless tongues of the gossips properly flapping. With the flame of her female pent-up emotions, she tried to seduce Joseph. He, in fact, was beyond any passion, with faithfulness, which would collide with justice. It bothered him, but he also felt pain to bring sorrow to those who love him. He had the experience in the past, about his fathers love, which led to his brothers' jealousy. When they got rid of him, the separation brought unprecedented grief to his father. Why was life so difficult? He would have liked to serve Zulaikha and the Governor with everything that was reasonable. But why look to go further on the path of evil? She placed all kinds of temptations in his way, but he fought against it like a solid rock. One day she trapped him in their garden house and made overtures to him. He wanted to flee, but she chased after him, grabbed his shirt and tore it. He escaped, but outside the house he met the Governor. He was too good, accommodating and concerned about Zulaikha's honour to betray her or to mention anything which happened. The Governor, who already heard the gossip, also made no reference to her, and only took his hand and led him to the house. When she saw how lovingly and intimately they were in each other's company, she thought that Joseph had betrayed and humiliated her. Her guilty conscience drove her to lose prestige and to tell impulsive lies and make false accusations against Joseph. On the contrary, he was forced to explain the true state of affairs, in a few simple words, without embarrassing the Governor. The torn shirt was enough evidence to clarify the matter. The Governor, consequently, told Zulaikha to seek the pardon of God, and he asked Joseph to say no more about the matter, otherwise his important position might come under suspicion. Zulaikha was thereafter aroused to anger. She threw caution to the wind. Her conduct was rather accusing, than excusing. Tongues started to wag. The community exaggerated and distorted things, with rumour. Most of them pointed the finger of scorn at her. Good, bad or hypocritical, the ladies all reviled her. Shameful woman," they uttered, To throw herself onto a slave. And he to scorn her! What was Egypt coming to? If she had their spirit or the charm of them, he would not have resisted it." Spurred on by their impudence, Zulaikha resolved to avenge herself on the ladies. Consequently, they were invited to a lush banquet. During dessert, just as they were cutting their oranges, she deliberately admitted Joseph to the proceedings. The simple sight of him, totally captivated them and in their extreme emotions, they cut their fingers. "He's not a man, but a noble angel!" they cried. Zulaikha's conduct was thoroughly entitled in their view. They had their own ulterior motives, because each of them tried to win Joseph's love, where Zulaikha failed. Jealousy fuelled her passion even further. Joseph was surrounded with persecution hereafter ... not just by one woman, but by many women. He even prayed for security in a prison. Ulterior motives of people, therefore, landed
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him in prison. Thus he received the allegations of disgrace and was sent to prison. Joseph Declared Dreams in Prison For his fellow prisoners Joseph's imprisonment was a true blessing, because he told them the truth and showed them the light. Meanwhile, Zulaikha had remorse over her actions and her experience bothered her conscience very much. Her health deteriorated rapidly and her heart was with him in prison. On the other hand, Joseph's purity of heart made him a king among his prison friends. If they had any concerns, or anything that bothered them, then he reassured them. They had unbounded faith in him and they accepted his teachings and they benefitted therefrom as a result. The king's chief baker and chief butler were locked up with him. Both of them had a dream that they could not understand. Joseph saw that they were both upset. The chief butler revealed his dream as follows to Joseph: "In my dream there was a vine before me, and the vine had three branches: and when it budded, its blossoms were out, and its clusters were ripe with grapes. And Pharaoh's cup was in my hand. And I gave the grapes into Pharaoh's cup, and put it into the hand of Pharaoh." Then Joseph said to him: "This is the interpretation thereof: The three branches are three days. Within three days, Pharaoh will lift up your head to reinstate you in your rank, and you will deliver Pharaoh's cup in his hands just like before, when you were his butler. Keep me in mind if you do well and do me a favour and mention my name to Pharaoh and bring me out of this house, because I was stolen, yes stolen, from the land of the Hebrews. I have done nothing to land myself in prison." When the chief baker saw that he gave a favourable interpretation, he said to Joseph: "In my dream there were three baskets of white bread on my head, and in the top basket were all kinds of victuals ready to increase for Pharaoh bakery, and the birds came out of the basket to peck on top of my head." And Joseph replied with the words: "This is the interpretation thereof: The three baskets are three days. Within three days, Pharaoh will hang a pole on top of your head - and the birds will peck your flesh from you." After three days Pharaoh celebrated his birthday. He gave a feast for all his servants. He also invited the chief butler and the chief baker among his servants. He reappointed the chief butler in his butlership again, so he could give the cup into the hand of Pharaoh. But the chief baker was hanged - just as Joseph had foretold them. The chief butler then completely forgot about Joseph, when he returned to his office. After two whole years, Pharaoh dreamed that he stood by the Nile. There appeared seven cows out of the river, which were fat with meat, and they went into the meadow to graze. After them, seven lean and ugly cows appeared from the Nile, and then devoured the other fat cows which stood on the river bank. The Pharaoh woke up, but again fell asleep. The Pharaoh then dreamed that seven fat and good ears sprouted from a stalk. Then behold, seven thin ears, sprung up by the east wind. The thin ears devoured the full ears. The Pharaoh was troubled about his dreams and called for all the wizards and all the wise
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men of Egypt. He told his dreams to them, but nobody could explain his dreams. The chief butler then informed the Pharaoh about how Joseph had interpreted their dreams. So the Pharaoh released Joseph from the prison to interpret his dreams. Joseph interpreted the dreams of Pharaoh as follows: "Both your dreams are the same. The seven good cows are seven years, and the seven lean cows are also seven years. Egypt will experience seven years of good harvests, which will be followed by seven years of famine." Joseph became the Governor of Egypt Following the interpretation of the dreams, Joseph suggested a solution that the Pharaoh could take as a precaution for the period of famine. The Pharaoh was so pleased with the interpretation and Josephs solution that he appointed the latter as Governor of Egypt, because the former Governor, Zulaikha's husband, had since died. Joseph was by this time already thirty years old. He dealt with the great famine fantastically and became a very important person in the country. Zulaikha became a blind widow, without youth, honour, beauty, wealth and health. Yet, in her heart remained the picture of Joseph, which she nurtured with her tears in her heart. He was by now far above her in status, just as he always was above her in spiritual value. Her modest pride, eventually, opened her spiritual eyes. In her anxiety she cried, and he listened. He knew the difference between sincerity and falsehood. The same woman, whom he had found offensive, while she was young, beautiful, healthy, wealthy, proud and noble, now won his favour, while being modest, humble and sincere. With the special prayers of Joseph, Zulaikhas health healed, her youth and beauty were also restored, so that they could wed each other in pure and sincere love. Before, their love was imperfect, until their hearts were united in pure worship of God. This story is also narrated by Abdullah Yusuf Ali on pages 594-599 of the English translation of The Holy Qur'an. In Genesis, the story is told how Joseph's father and his brothers travelled to Egypt and how they were reunited during the time of famine when they sought help. It brought a happy ending to the story after his many tests. Many writers compare this story as an allegory just like the one of Cupid and Psych in western literature. Here in South Africa we have had the experience where a person who was once considered a rogue, because he fought against the unfairness of the policy of apartheid against people of colour and was incarcerated on an island for 27 years. The very same person, Nelson Mandela, became the president of the country after his release. That person is today respected as the best loved person in the whole world. If the story of Joseph is an allegory then surely it was a prophesy to us in this country.
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CHAPTER 14 THE ORIGIN OF MAGIC, WITCHCRAFT AND CULTS

Magic is also a religion. It is for this reason that Muslims are very seriously warned to avoid magic or fortune-telling (sigr). Those who practice magic are cursed by God. Magic appears under various names, such as witchcraft, doekom, magic, voodoo, sangomas, sorcerer, etc. This is known as one of the oldest religions being practised by humanity. In an earlier chapter, it was reported how King Nimrod made contact with the fallen angels, Harut and Marut, and through them learnt some magic. The religion of true magic had its origin with Nimrod, who was a rival to Islam (submission to the Will of God). Prophet Abraham tried everything to bring Nimrod to other insights, but it was all in vain. Such paganistic beliefs of magic or witchcraft was such strong belief, that people today still approach so-called "clever people", when they are saddled with a problem. Such people certainly underestimate the real power of God. During the time of Prophet Moosa (Moses) magicians were plentiful and God granted to the Prophet of that time certain powers so that he could outwit those magicians. In his work on The Witchcraft Religion, Dr. Raymond Buckland, himself, a Satanist church leader in New York, reports the following: The god of witchcraft first appeared in Paleolithic times as the god of hunting. As such he was naturally depicted as being horned, like the animal hunted ... One of the earliest illustrations of a priest representing this god is to be found in the Caverne des Trois Freres, Ariege, and known as The Sorcerer. This shows a man dressed in the skin of a stag and wearing a mask and horns. He is performing some sort of ritual to ensure success in hunt. It is interesting to see how this form of sympathetic magic, to ensure success in the hunt, has survived right through to the present day. The American Penobscot Indians, for example, wear a deer mask and horns when performing a ritual for the same purpose. The Mandan Indians' Buffalo Dance, is another excellent example. Magick played an important part in the life of Neanderthal Man, as it does today... Who else, but Nimrod, the god of hunters is being referred to? Buckley goes out of his way to describe magic as a religion. Buckley is one of many Christians, who exchanged their church for Satanism, or the worship of the devil. He explains about the famous "black magic", which was used to harm anyone, by making a doll out of wax, with the victim in a persons mind. It could also be made from clay. Something which belongs to the victim can also be used with the clay or mixed beewax, e.g. hair, nails, skin or clothing. Perhaps this is the reason why older people taught us to bury nails or hair or even the placenta and not just to throw them away. After manufacturing the doll, the name of the victim is given to it. Such a doll is then pierced with needles or melted by a flame so that the victim experiences severe pain.
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Various forms of enchantments are used to demonstrate the power of this religion; for example, the magic of fertility, where women could not bear children. We should remember that people, who would like to produce children will go to anyone for help. The husband is just as eager to become a father, and will take his wife to such so-called sorcerers. The belief in Easter bunnies and Easter eggs are all an aftermath of this paganistic religion and even modern Christians cling to such uses. Dr. Buckley (a doctor in philosophy) states the following on page.288-289 of the book Tales from the Unknown: Although the first cave paintings representing a Deity were of the horned god, the first carvings were of the mother goddess. There are a number of early examples of these carvings in existence, known generally as Venus figurines. The Willendorf Venus is perhaps one of the best known; another similar one being the Venus of Siruil. The Venus of Laussel is another very fine example, though it is not a complete figure in itself, being carved in relief in the rock wall of the cave. These mother goddess figures have several things in common. The main points being the emphasis of the feminine attributes - heavy, pendulus breasts, big buttocks, pregnant-like belly, exaggerated sex organs - and the complete lack of identity with the face. The reason for this style was that man was only concerned with the fertility aspect. According to Buckley, the man took his faith and his gods with him, wherever he went. Thus their gods had different names in different developing country regions. In an earlier chapter it was mentioned how the names of Nimrod or Tammuz, and his mother Astarte or Ishtar, differed from country to country. The festivities also accompanied their gods, and some dates were, as a result, important to celebrate. The practices such as drinking liquor or wine and the eating of pork were retained, even in other religions. We still observe festivities with the Easter eggs, Easter bunnies, Christmas trees, jingle bells, Santa Claus, Valentine, turkeys, etc, exactly as it was celebrated by the pagans. The character only changes its name, from time to time, as is the case these days. Buckley states the following on page. 290- 291 of the book Tales from the Unknown: If the old pagan artisans were clever in putting their old Gods in the new churches early Christians were equally clever in their choice of sites for these churches. The orders of pope Gregory to his priests in England contained a section telling them that, whenever possible, they should build their churches on the sites of the pagan temples and meeting places, so that people would, out of habit, continue to come there. In those days, when Christianity was slowly growing in strength, the old pagan religion was its rival. It is only natural to want to get rid of a rival and the Church pulled no punches to do just that.The God of the Pagans had horns. So apparently, had the Christians' devil. Obviously then, reasoned the Church, the Pagans were Devil-worshippers! The devil is a purely Christian invention; there being no mention of him, as such before the New Testament. The word "pagan" comes from the Latin pagani, meaning "People who live in the country". The word "heathen" simply means "people who live on the heath". Since this now inferred people following the Old Religion such followers were dubbed "pagans" and "heathens".
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The religion of magic, developed many tales and superstitions as the years passed. We think, for example, of a witch flying on a broom. If an important person just wanted to get rid of someone else, he would accuse that person of witchcraft. In the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries, many innocent persons were burnt at the stake in Europe. In 1604, James I, passed his "Witchcraft Act", but it was repealed in 1736. Wica (Witchcraft) is presently just known as Craft. This religion spread throughout the globe. Witches who practise together in a group are known as a "Coven". We read the following on p.294 of Tales of the Unknown, about how this coven works: A Coven is a single group of witches, who come together regularly at a place known as a Covenstead. This group is led by a High Priest and a High Priestess - the High Priestess, representing the Goddess, being the more important. Without the High Priestess no ceremonies may be held. Being a religion very close to nature witches always work in pairs male and female. A Coven may actually consist of any number of couples - from one to a thousand or more. What, however, controls the actual number is the size of the magic circle in which they hold their ceremonies. This circle is, by tradition nine feet in diameter. Having an altar in the centre it can be seen that the number of couples will be limited. In fact the maximum number that can fit in comfortably into the circle is twelve - six couples. With a High priestess this would give a total of thirteen witches; the traditional coven. The word witch is used for both men and women. The book continues to explain how their religion works: When a female witch reaches the highest degree and breaks away to start her own coven, the High Priestess of the original coven is then a Witch Queen, and her High Priest is known as a Magus. Obviously there are several Witch Queens within the Craft - High Priestesses ruling over more than one coven - but it should be noted there is no such title as Queen Witch or Queen of all the witches. The only possible ruler of all witches is the Goddess herself. Within the circle a female witch must always wear a necklace. The reason for this is that it symbolizes the Circle of Rebirth - one of the tenets of Witchcraft being a belief in Reincarnation.As a badge of rank a High Priestess will wear a large, silver bracelet with certain signs engraved on it. The High Priest, too, will wear a bracelet though of a different type from that of the High Priestess. The only other distinguishing signs are those worn by a Witch Queen. She will wear a silver crown - a thin band of silver with a crescent moon at the front - and also a garter. The garter is traditionally of green leather, lined with blue silk, and has on it a silver buckle for every coven over which the Queen rules. The Queen would never interfere with the High Priestess' running of her coven. She is there to give help and advice to the newer High Priestess, when needed. Other than the jewellery mentioned a Witch wears nothing - literally. Witches always work naked or, as they call it, skyclad. Again, it is clear to us that the attraction to this religion is its nudity. The naked body remains something special for many sexually orientated people. The fulfilment of sexual desires and satisfaction to the human eye remains a curious attraction. It is also the case with nudist camps and beaches. The animal desire of nudity will always be part of the human beings sexual instinct. Voodoo ceremony is a different form, mostly practiced in Haiti. This includes crazed dancing, mass hypnosis, blood sacrifice and sexual orgies. Harry Sauberli
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says on page 299 of Tales of the Unknown: What is Voodoo? Very simply, it is a pagan religion. It has incorporated certain practices and beliefs of the Roman Catholic religion, but it remains, basically paganism. It is practised today by most of the population of the Negro republic of Haiti. It is not too dissimilar from many other contemporary heathen religions - for example, those of the South Sea islanders which have been so extensively studied by anthropologists - or from the great pagan religions of the past - those of the Greeks, the Romans, the Germans. Again we see a connection with drunkenness, partying and sex, as in many other cases. People tend to rather believe in the evil than a decent living and belief in a true Creator. This is particularly those persons, who turned their backs on One true God, and who are always satisfied with others who are weak in faith or believe in witchcraft. Circumstances have not changed since the time of Nimrod. There are even people among the Muslims, who also turn to wrong conclusions, but the laws of Islam totally forbid any form of magic to the Muslims to protect themselves against it. To scare adherents of other faiths from Islam, people are being fed propaganda, about Muslim wizards or sorcerers, who perform magic. Such persons, who fool people as "doekoms", are only there to deceive them for money. They are condemned according to Islam. Cults Something new that has taken the world by storm is the establishment of cults. Over the centuries there have been a huge number of small organisations banded together by either religion or some other similar belief. Let us take a look at some bizarre cults: Heavens Gate It came to a devastating end in 1997 just as the Comet Hale-Bopp swept past Earth and back out into space. Thirty-eight members of the cult committed ritual suicide in an attempt to teleport themselves to a secret room they believed was being transported in the tail of that comet. Cult literature claimed that getting into that room was the only way cultists could ever hope to survive the imminent destruction and recycling of the earth. Led by Marshall Applewhite and Bonnie Nettles, the cultists each drank poison before lying down on their cots in a huge suburban mansion, their suitcases neatly packed below their beds and a purple shroud over their bodies. Perhaps the strangest thing about the cult was that they insisted on adding the suffix Ody (as in Johnody) to the end of their names to show the world that they were children of the next level.
Charles Manson and The Family
The Family is quite possibly the most famous cult of all time. Developing during the last years of the hippie culture, The Family and their charismatic, yet psychotic leader Charles Manson, leapt to fame with a series of brutal murders set to aid in bringing about the end of the world, a time he called Helter Skelter. According to Charles Manson, a racial war would result in the end of civilisation and The Family would rise from the ashes to lead the
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new order. Whether he believed this or merely used it together with a series of psychedelic drugs to keep his followers in order, is unknown. What is known, however, is that it was under the auspices of starting this war that Manson sent out a number of his followers to murder the pregnant wife of director Roman Polansky, Sharon Tate and her friends. After a short-lived but viciously brutal killing spree, the police caught up with the murderers, imprisoning them all and effectively putting an end to his brutal cult.
Ralians The Ralian Church is based around the claims of Claude Vorilhon, now known as Ral, who said that one day, while driving to work, he was suddenly compelled to go for a nearby volcano where he met a member of the alien species, which created humankind. Ral claims that the aliens told him there was no God or soul and that everything in the world was physical. Based on this, the cult believes that some day they will be able to clone themselves and pass their mental states onto the newborn copy of themselves. With this in mind, the cult formed the company Clonaid, which claimed in 2002 that an American woman had undergone cloning and that the new child was called Eve. No proof was ever offered up and the scientific community largely rejects these claims. While Ralians do believe in a freer sexual society the interaction between children and adults is strictly prohibited. As mentioned before sexual freedom plays a major role in many of these cults, as a special attractions.
The Nation of Yahweh The sect of supposedly black Hebrew Israelites, the Nation of Yahweh, claimed that they were Gods real chosen race and preached a radical form of Christianity. At its height, the United Statesbased cult controlled a R64-million empire of properties, including a Miami headquarters known as the Temple of Love and temples in 22 states. Its leader, Hulon Mitchell Jr (or Yahweh Ben Yahweh as he later called himself), ordered the slayings of cult defectors to keep others in line, as well as the random murders of white people as part of an initation to a secret brotherhood within the cult.
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CHAPTER 15 THE ORIGIN OF ISLAM AND THE PILGRIMAGE

Since the creation of the first man, the message to man was already, "Peace and submission to the Will of God." The Arabic word to describe this message is simply "Islam". The sinful man repeatedly rebelled, as we noticed in the case of Nimrod. From time to time, our Creator, therefore, sent someone in the form of a Prophet or a Nabi to guide man to the right way. Among those prophets there were also some, who received messages from Allah. For example, there was the Tourah, which was revealed to prophet Moosa (Moses A), and the Psalms which was revealed to prophet Dawood (David A), the Injeel (Evangel), revealed to prophet Isa (Jesus A), and the Qur'n or Furkaan, which was revealed to prophet Muhammad (May the Blessings of God be upon them). Only the Last Testament, the Qur'n, is still in its original form, and can therefore be accepted as a true reflection of God's Word and Islam (Peace and Submission to the Will of God). Since the Qur'n was revealed in Arabia, it is still in its Arabic form. The Injeel was revealed in Hebrew, but there are only translations in other languages today, and it is still being altered by some linguists from time to time and even being queried by highly educated church ministers, as I have shown in my introduction and other chapters. Many foes of Islam describe the Qur'n to the pen of Prophet Muhammad (S). However, many non-Muslim scholars, who made a detailed study of the Qur'n, proved that many facts in the Qur'n was scientifically too advanced for the seventh century, and definitely could not have been written by someone, who was illiterate and who had no knowledge of science. On page 33 of his book Muhammedanism, plublished in 1953 in London, HAR Gibb states the following: Well then, if the Koran were his own composition other men could rival it. Let them produce ten verses like it. If they could not (and it is obvious that they could not), then let them accept the Koran as an outstanding evidential miracle. Another non-Muslim writer, Basanta Bose Coomar of India in his book Mahomedanism, which was published in 1931 in Calcutta, on page 4 states: So there has been an opportunity for any forgery or pious fraud in the Koran, which distinguishes it from almost all other important religious works of ancient times... It is exceedingly strange that this illiterate person should have composed the best book in the language. Another British author states on page 21 of his book Islam, published in London in 1951 mentions: The picture of the Muslim soldier advancing with a sword in one hand and the Koran in the other is quite false. De Lacy O'Leary states on page 8 of his book Islam at the Crossroads, published in 1923 in London: History makes it clear, however, that the legend of fanatical Muslims sweeping through the world and forcing Islam at the point of the sword upon conquered races is one of the most
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fantastically absurd myths that historians have ever repeated. Famous historical writers, Edward Gibbon and Simon Ockley, already made the following statements in 1870 on page 54 of their book History of the Saracen Empire: I believe in one God, and Mahomet, is the Apostle of God," is the simple and invariable profession of Islam. The intellectual image of the Deity has never been degraded by any visible idol: the honours of the prophet have never transgressed the measure of human virtue: and his living precepts have restrained the gratitude of his disciples within the bounds of reason and religion. John William Draper, another great historian, in 1875, in Volume 1 of his A History of the Intellectual Development of Europe, wrote: Four years after the death of Justinian, AD 569, was born at Mecca, in Arabia the man, who, of all men exercised the greatest influence upon the human race...Mohammed... In 1935 an Oriental author, Diwan Chand Sharma wrote in his work The Prophets of the East,"Muhammad was the soul of kindness, and his influence was felt and never forgotten by those around him. In 1946, RVC Bodley writes in his work The Messenger, on page 9: I doubt whether any man whose external conditions changed so much ever changed himself less to meet them. Another famous writer, John Austen in the weekly TP's and Cassel's Weekly of 24 September 1927, under the title The Prophet Muhammad of Allah stated: In little more than a year he was actually the spiritual, nominal and temporal ruler of Medina, with his hands on the lever that was to shake the world. In 1913, on page 111 of his book The Lord Jesus in the Quran, J Shillidy, a biblical scholar says: The Quran is the Mohammedan Bible, and is more reverenced than any other sacred book, more than the Jewish Old Testament or the Christian New Testament. Charles Francis Potter in his book The Faiths Men Live By, published in 1955, says the following on page 81, about the Qurn: It is more read than any other book in the world. The Christian Bible may be a world bestseller, but nearly 250 million followers of the Prophet Muhammed read or recite long sections of Alcoran five times a day, every day of their lives, from the time they can talk. (The amount of Muslims in 1955 was estimated at 250 million. Statistics at the beginning of the new millennium, estimated Muslims at 1.3 billion, i.e. five times more than 50 years ago). In a book called The Scientific Miracles of the Quraan, which is obtainable on the internet, verses of the Qurn are produced to show that astronomy, physics, hydrology, geology, oceanology, botany, zoology, medicine, physiology, embryology and general science are all part of the Qurn, which was revealed 600 years after the Christian era, at least one thousand years prior to the Renaissance period. If the prophet Muhammad (S) wrote
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the Qurn then he should be regarded as the greatest scientist of all time. Facts remain facts. Many non-Muslims openly admit that they have no knowledge of Islam. Others boast that their present religion is adapted to their own lifestyle and circumstances, but that Islam is a too strict way of a life of discipline, sobriety, religious awareness and purity, which is too difficult for some to maintain. So they rather cling to an easy way of life, which fits their earthly temptations, desires and hope that someday there might be mitigating circumstances that they will not be punished. This is obviously contrary to Matthew 5; verse 20, where Jesus clearly warns: "For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. The Book of Genesis tells us about Abrahams (A) childlessness and without any hope of children, and that God called him one night from his tent, and told him: "Look now toward heaven and count the stars if you can count . And he said unto him, so shall thy seed be." Abraham's wife Sarah was seventy-six, and he was eighty-five. She was past the age of childbearing and she gave the Egyptian "slave", by the name of Hagar to her husband for him to have a child. According to Genesis, there was obvious jealousy between the two wives of Abraham and Hagar had to flee. In her anguish she cried out to God. The angel appeared to her with the message: "I will greatly multiply your descendants, to that multitude which can not be counted. The angel of the Lord said unto her, Behold, thou art with child and shall bear a son, and thou shalt call his name Ishmael, because the Lord hath heard thy affliction." Hagar returned to Abraham (A) and Sarah and told them what the angel had said. She then gave birth to a son, who was named Ishmael, which means "God hears", by Abraham (A). According to all the scriptures, Hagar was the first woman to receive a message from God through an angel. The prediction of the angel thus indicates that Ishmael (A) was a promise of God. Because of the hostility of Sarah to Hagar, the latter had to leave the land of Canaan, on a forty camel days journey to the south. She found herself located with her baby Ishmael (A) in the Bekka valley. The scriptures do not tell us how Hagar reached Bekka, but traders may have helped her, because the route through the valley was a familiar route. It was not long before the mother and baby were so thirsty that Hagar feared for her son's life. According to history, the boy cried out to God, from the desert sand, while his mother stood on a rock for elevation, to see if help was at hand. When she saw no one, she rushed to a different height, but could not see a soul. Half in despair, she rushed between the two hills seven times. At the end of the seventh round, she went to the furthest rock to rest and according to Genesis, the angel appeared and said the following to her: "Fear not, for God has listened to the voice of the boy at the place where he is. Arise, lift up the lad, and hold him in thine hand, for I will make him a great nation. And God opened her eyes and she saw a well!" Yet preachers state that Ishmael was not born through a promise. Either they right and the Bible is wrong or else they are lying. The water from the well flowed, as God had caused, with the touch of Ishmael's heels. Then the valley became a stopping place for caravans which could obtain fresh and adequate water there, which then became known as Zamzam. The Book of Genesis makes virtually no further mention of Ishmael, but the words: God was with the boy and he grew up and dwelt in the wilderness and he became an archer." Why did not the writers of the Bible remove the
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word God in this verse and substitute it with the Devil. Then his name is barely mentioned, except that he and his brother, Isaac buried their father together in Hebron, and Esau, years later, married his cousin, the daughter of Ishmael. But there is indirect praise for Ishmael (A) and his mother in Psalm 84, beginning with "How lovely is thy dwelling place, O Lord of hosts!" The Afrikaans translation differs with the English Bible in the sense that both are speaking about the same thing, but while the English Bible clearly mentions the word Baca to indicate the place, no place name is mentioned in the Afrikaans Bible. It is mentioned, Blessed are those who dwell in thy house, ever singing thy praise! Selah. Blessed are the men whose strength is in thee, in whose heart are the highways to Zion. As they go through the valley of Baca they make it a place of springs; the early rain also covers it with pools. They go from strength to strength; the God of gods will be seen in Zion. The designated psalm refers directly to the well of Zamzam. The word Selah is mentioned instead of Allah. The house of God is mentioned, of course, referring to the holy Ka'abah. Bekka or Baca was the old name of Makkah, as all historians will prove. In Chapter Ibrahim of the Holy Qurn (14; 37) it is quoted:"O our Lord! I have some of my offspring to dwell in a valley without cultivation by thy Sacred House." Rebuilding of the Holy Ka'aba When Hagar and Ishmael (A) reached their destination, Abraham (A) still had 75 years to live. He visited his son in the holy place, where he left Hagar. The Qur'n tells us that God indicated the exact place, near the well of Zamzam, where he (A) and Ishmael (A), had to erect a sanctuary and how it was to be built. The name Ka'abah or cubic refers to the shape. The four walls pointed to the four directions of the compass. The holiest object in that sacred place was the heavenly stone, as informed by an angel to Abraham, to be brought from a nearby hill, Abu Qubays (Jabal Qubays). It was kept secure from the time it reached the earth. There is this legend that it came from heaven, whiter than milk, but that the sins of the children of Adam (A) (i.e. man), who kissed and touched it caused it to become pitch black. This black stone was inserted in the eastern corner of the Ka'aba. When the sanctuary was completed, God again spoke to Prophet Abraham (A) and commanded him to call people to the ceremony of the pilgrimage to Bakka - or Makkah, as it became known. They were told, "Sanctify My House for those who compass it round or stand up, or bow or prostrate themselves (therein in prayer). And proclaim the pilgrimage among men: they will come to you on foot and (mounted) on every kind of camel, lean on account of journeys through deep and distant mountain highways (Q 22, 26-27). When Hagar told Abraham (A) about her desperate search for help, he made it part of the pilgrimage, i.e. that each pilgrim should run seven times between the two hills, known as Safaa and Marwah. Prophet Abraham (A) delivered a prayer in the land of Canaan, while there were rich countries around him, saying: "Verily, I have confirmed a part of my offspring in a dry valley of Your Holy House, therefore allocate to its people's hearts, and sustain them with fruits so that they may be thankful." . His prayer was answered, and rich gifts were brought to Makkah, constantly, by pilgrims, who visited the Holy House, in growing numbers, from all parts of Arabia and beyond. The greater pilgrimage was undertaken annually, but the Ka'aba was honoured with the small
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pilgrimage (Umrah), at any time. This ceremony was continued and carried out properly, according to the rules that Nabi Ibrahim (Abraham A) and Nabi Ishmael (Ismail A) laid down. The descendants of Nabi Ishaak (Isaac A) also visited the temple of Abraham (A). For them it was also a holy temple. But as the centuries passed, the worship of only God was violated. Even the descendants of Prophet Ishmael (A) moved to remote places, and took pieces of the building with them to worship. Through the influence of pagan tribes, idols were erected and worshipped with these stones. Eventually, their idols were brought to the Ka'aba or in the vicinity of the Ka'aba and on top of it. Rape of the House of Allah The idolaters claimed that their idols were gods, which they used as intermediaries between God and man. It later turned out that God was completely eliminated by them, and they believed in manmade dolls or idols. They no longer believed that there was life after death. The Jurhumites, who came from Yemen, was in power and even the Zamzam well was filled with soil and buried. As leaders, their places were taken over by the Khuzaa'ah, an Arab tribe who descended from Ishmael (A). They emigrated to Yemen and returned northwards. Other wells were dug in Makkah, and God's gift was no longer necessary. Khuzaaah was thus just as guilty as the Jurhumites. Moreover, they also had a large idol, called Hubal, which was brought into the Haram, inside the Ka'aba, which became the main idol of Makkah. About four hundred years after Christ, Qusayy of the Quraish, one of the most powerful tribes of the descendants of Prophet Abraham, married the daughter of Hulayl, the head of Khuzaa'ah. After the death of Hulayl, Qusayy became the lord of the Ka'aba and ruled over Makkah.The time arrived that the Quraish, called the Quraish of the Hole, ruled Makkah. Among Qusayy's four sons was Abdu Manaaf, who was highly regarded by his father. But the eldest son, Abd-ad Daar, inherited the title, as governor, after his father's death. The people of Makkah were not happy with the government, and demanded that the rights had to be transferred from the tribe of 'Abd-ad Daar to Haashim the son of Abdu Manaaf. It caused war between the tribes, but there was finally agreed upon that one tribe would keep the keys to the Ka'aba, while the other tribe would impose the taxes and attend to the pilgrims. Haashim was honoured everywhere and was greatly respected. Haashim married Salmaa, the daughter of 'Amr, of the tribe of Najjaar, and had one son with her, and three sons by other wives. He had two full brothers, Abdu Shams and Muttalib, and a half brother, Nawfal. When Hashim passed away, Muttalib accepted the duties at the Ka'aba. Reports reached Muttalib that Shaybah, the son of Salmaa, showed leadership qualities. Eventually, Muttalib travelled to Yathrib (now known as Medina) to satisfy himself that, which he observed, was satisfactory. He asked Salmaa to entrust the boy to him, because in Yathrib there were not the same opportunities as in Makkah. Salmaa then placed the son in his uncle's care. Makkans who saw Muttalib returning with the young man, immediately renamed him 'Abd al Muttalib (the slave of Muttalib). Although Muttalib countered this, by saying that it was his brother's son, the name 'Abd al Muttalib clung to the youngster. Years later, when Muttalib passed away, 'Abd al Muttalib continued the leadership and carried on the work even better than his predecessors. On the northwestern side of the Ka'aba there is a low semicircle wall. The space in it is known as Hijr Isma-il where the graves of Nabi Ishmael (A) and his mother Hajir are located. It is for this reason that pilgrims walk on the outside this wall when they make tawaaf. 'Abd al Muttalib loved to spend his time near to the Ka'aba. He sometimes insisted that a resting
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place be arranged for him in the Hijr, so that he could sleep there. One night while he was sleeping, a spiritual figure appeared to him and ordered him to dig close by for Zamzam. The next day, 'Abd al Muttalib made tawaaf around the Ka'aba, kissed the black stone, and walked in a direction where there was blood on the sand, and dirt, which the pigeons had made. Just as was explained in his dream, there was also an ant colony. He went home and returned with his son, Haarith, and two picks to a dig a hole. Despite the respect he received there were some of the Makkans, who protested that it was undignified to dig among the gods. It was between the gods, Isaaf and Naa-Ilah. 'Abd al Muttalib asked his son to stand guard, while he was digging. Some of the spectators reported that the two idols, a Hashimite man and woman, have changed into idols to keep them from digging there. 'Abd al Muttalib and his son persevered and eventually they discovered the well, which was buried by Jurhum many years ago. There were also treasures discovered, which were divided by the various tribes. It was decided that the tribe of Hashim, would administer the Zamzam well, because they cared for the pilgrim's water. So 'Abd al Muttalib became the leader in charge. Abd al Muttalib was respected by the Quraish for his generosity, his reliability and his wisdom. He was also a very handsome man and someone who commanded respect. Moreover, he was wealthy, and now he also was the person who recovered the Zamzam well. Something which worried 'Abd al Muttalib was the fact that he only had one son. He prayed there at the Ka'aba, if had ten sons, he would sacrifice one of them to God. Over the years he subsequently married more wives and he became the father of nine more sons. 'Abd Allah, the Father of Prophet Muhammad (S) In the reference work Ahsan Ul Muwaiz by Maulana Dehelvi on pages 10 and 12 is the following interesting history about the birth of 'Abd Allah (servant of Allah). I quote from it according to what I read: The Prophet John's body was buried by his disciples (St Matthew 14;12). They tried to wash the blood-stained clothes but the blood-stains would not be washed away. Because Jesus was one of the disciples of Prophet John, they went and reported the matter to Jesus. Jesus foretold that these blood-stains would not come off the clothes until the date of the birth of the father of the Promised Prophet. On this day the blood would become fresh and by itself flow off the clothes miraculously leaving them pure and white! On the date of the birth of 'Abd Allah, the father of Muhammad, the Jewish elders in Syria saw the blood-stains become fresh and drip off miraculously from the Prophet John's preserved blood-stained clothes until they became pure white. Thereupon some of the learned Jews came from Palestine and Syria to Mecca to enquire about this newborn child. When they saw the Nur-e-Muhammadi on the forehead of the child 'Abdalla, they recognised him and said this is "Nur-e-Muhammadi" of the Promised Prophet, who is not Abdalla. Hence they realised that Abdalla was going to be the father of the Promised Prophet as foretold by Jesus in relation to the blood-stained clothes of John, the son of Zakariah. When his sons grew up Abd al Mutalib realised that 'Abd Allah (servant of Allah), was his favourite son. Although he was very sad to sacrifice his beloved and beautiful son, he realised that he had to honour his word. So he gathered his ten sons and explained to them about his oath which he had promised to God. He took his sons into the Ka'aba where they drew lots with arrows, and the lot fell on 'Abd Allah. He, therefore, took his youngest son to the place of sacrifice and was prepared to kill him. 'Abd Allah's mother, Fatimah, was the mother of
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three of' Abd al Muttalib's sons, Zubayr, Abd Allah and Abu Taalieb, and five daughters. Her family was the powerful tribe of Makhzum. Thus, there was a large gathering of people for 'Abd al Muttalibs sacrifice of his son. Those who were present, including the other boys, requested that Abd al Muttalib should offer something instead. He then called the presence of a wise woman. She advised that he should place his son next to ten camels and then draw lots. If the lot fell against his son, he had to add ten camels until the lot fell upon the camels, then he had to sacrifice all the camels. He did as advised and finally he had to sacrifice a hundred camels to spare the life of 'Abd Allah. Although the tribes believed in idols, Abd al Muttalib was someone who believed in the God of his forefather, Abraham (A). There were others in Makkah, who did not believe in idols. They were known as the Hunafaa. 'Abd al Muttalib knew four of these Hunafaa. One of them was Waraqa, the son of a second cousin named Nawfal, of the tribe of Asad. Warakah became a Christian, and there was a strong belief among these Christians that a prophet would soon appear. While Jews believed that a Jewish prophet would arrive, the Christians in Arabia believed that an Arab would be the next prophet, because most Arabs still believed in idols. Christians were encouraged to visit the Ka'aba to worship their God. One Christian was even allowed to hang a painting of Mother Mary and the Child Jesus on the inside wall of the Ka'aba. There were, of course, other paintings. For the majority of the Quraysh it was just another form of idolatry. Waraqah was literate and made a study of the scriptures. So he firmly believed that there was something deeper in the words of Jesus about the forthcoming prophet who would, "not from his own will speak, but what he heard he would speak". On page 402 of the Book Peace or Destruction by Hajee Mahboob Kassim, we read about the miracle of 'Abd Allah: The Jews who were famous for murdering their prophets, decided to send an armed band of 90 persons from Syria to kill Abdulla. This incident took place when Abdulla had grown up into a young man, but before he got married. Thus they conspired to prevent the birth of the Promised Prophet Muhammad, so as to ensure that the prophethood, which had for so long been amongst the children of Isaac (ie the Jews) may not get transferred to the children of Ishmael ie their brethren tribe as foretold repeatedly in the Holy Bible (Deuteronomy 18; 18,19 ; Acts 3; 21-25). One day these Jewish assassins got their golden opportunity. Abdulla had gone out hunting alone in one of the surrounding areas. Wahb bin Abdul Munaf, his would-be father-in-law was also out hunting on that day. He saw from a distance that Abdulla was suddenly encircled on all sides by 90 armed men with drawn swords all proceeding to attack the defenceless Abdulla. His men and he rushed to the rescue. But before they could even take a few steps he saw that a number of horsemen came down from the sky. They slew all the 90 Israeli attackers. Abdulla was saved even before assistance could reach him. Wahb bin Abdul Munaf then took Abdulla from amongst the pile of Jewish corpses to his brother Abdul Muttaleb, the father of Abdulla. Warqah had a sister named Qutaylah, who was very impressed with what he told her. She wondered if the promised prophet had not already been in their midst, just as we now wonder
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if the Mahdi was not already among us. When the life of his son was spared, 'Abd al Muttalib decided to find a wife for his son. After comsultation the choice fell on Aminah, daughter of Wahb, a grandson of Zuhrah, the brother of Qusayy. Aminah was left in the care of her uncle Wuhayb, because Wahb passed away. Since Wuhayb had an own daughter, Haalah, he wanted to marry his own daughter to 'Abd Allah. But, because 'Abd al Muttalib already decided on Aminah for his youngest son, he offered to marry Haalah himself. Wuhayb agreed to the double wedding. 'Abd al Muttalib was already over seventy years old, but he was still fit for his age. On the day of the wedding Qutayla, the sister of Waraqah stood at the entrance and watched the two intending bridegrooms. She was particularly impressed by the handsomeness of the young groom. He was regarded as the young Joseph of his time with his appeal. He was twenty-five years old and in the prime of his life. Qutayla was particularly impressed with the beautiful glow on the face of the young groom. She began to wonder if not 'Abd Allah, was himself the expected prophet, or the possible father of the expected prophet. When they approached her, she impulsively called out "O 'Abd Allah". His father unlocked his hand and encouraged him to talk to his cousin. When he turned to her, she asked him Where are you going? Since he was sure that she knew where he was heading, he replied: "To my father". She then exclaimed, "Take me immediately, as your wife and you will have as many camels, as which was sacrificed in your place" He just calmly replied: "I am with my father and can not go against his wishes, much less leave him." The wedding went ahead as planned, and the two couples remained for a few days in the house of Wuhayb. During that time, 'Abd Allah fetched something at his own little house and again met Qutayla, the sister of Waraqah. She saw no light his faces, but did not utter anything. When he enquired from her, why she did not recall her words from earlier, she uttered: "The light that was previously in your face, has left you. Today you can not fulfil that. The wedding occurred in the year 569 AC. The following year was known in history as the Year of the Elephant, which is very significant. The Year of the Elephant The Year of the Elephant found Yemen under the rule of Abyssinia, and an Abyssinian, named Abrahah was the ruler in Yemen. He erected a magnificent cathedral in San'aa, hoping that it would replace the Ka'aba, as the place of pilgrimage for the whole of Arabia. He even imported marble from the ruins of the Queen of Sheba. He placed crosses of gold and silver in there, and altars of ivory and ebony. He wrote to his king, the Negus, that he had built a church for the king as no king has ever had. Also he mentioned that he would not rest until it became the pilgrimage centre of the Arabs. The tribes across the Hijaaz and Najd were very unhappy, when they heard about this. Eventually, Sanaa, a man of Kinaanah, a tribe almost like the Quraish, arrived with the sole purpose of destroying the cathedral. He then did so one night and again returned safely to his people. When Abrahah heard about this, he swore that he would destroy the Ka'aba. He, consequently, arranged with a large army and with a large elephant in their midst to attack Makkah. Some Arab tribes north of San'aa tried to stop them, but the Abessinians made them flee and the head of the Khath'am tribe, Nufayl, was taken prisoner. In exchange for his life he had to act as guide to them.
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When the army reached Taa'if, the men of Thaqeef went to meet them, for fear that Abrahah might regard the temple of Al-let as the Ka'aba and might want to destroy it. They rushed to point out that he has not achieved his purpose, and offered to accompany him for the rest of his journey. Although he already had Nufayl as a guide, he accepted their offer, but the man, who went with them to destroy the Ka'aba, died about two miles from Makkah, at a place called Mughammis, and was buried there. Since then there are persons, who always stone his grave. Abrahah camped at Mughammis, and he sent his soldiers by horse to the outskirts of Makkah. They took a route and on their way, they looted the goods, which they sent to Abrahah, including two hundred camels, which belonged to 'Abd al Muttalib. Quraysh and other neighbouring tribes met, but decided that it would be useless to do battle with the enemy. Meanwhile, Abrahah sent a messenger to Makkah to call the chief. He wanted to inform him that he did not come to fight them, but only came to destroy the Ka'aba. So it happened that 'Abd al Muttalib together with one of his sons went to the tent of Abrahah. When Abrahah met him, he was very impressed and he arose to greet him and invite him to sit on his carpet. Abrahah wanted to hear if Abd al Muttalib desired a favour from him. 'Abd al Muttalib said that the army took 200 of his camels, and that he wished that they be returned to him. Abrahah was very surprised by this request, and somewhat disappointed that he thought of camels, while they actually came to destroy their faith. 'Abd al Muttalib only replied that he was the owner of the camels, while the temple, had its owner who, should protect it. Abrahah boasted: "He can not protect it against me". "We'll see", 'Abd al Muttalib replied, "But give me my camels." Abrahah then gave orders that the camels of 'Abd al Muttalib be returned to the Quraish and advised them to go to the hills above the city. Nevertheless, He and some of his family members went to the Ka'aba. They stood beside him and prayed for God's help against the army of Abrahah. He held on to the metallic ring of the Ka'aba's door and prayed: "O God, thy slave protected his house. So You protect Your Home". After having thus prayed, he went to join the the rest of the Quraish in the hills above the city, so that they could clearly witness what happened in the valley below. The next morning Abrahah prepared to march to the city, to destroy the Ka'aba and then return to San'aa in the same way, in which they came. The elephant was lushly clothed, and was supposed to lead the army from the front. When the animal reached the front, his owner, Unays commanded him to go in the direction of Makkah. But Nufayl, the reluctant guide, who walked most of the road with the elephant, learnt many of the words of instruction to the elephant. So, while Unays's head was turned to signal the charge to proceed, Nufayl whispered in the elephant's ear and quietly ordered him to kneel. Much to the shock and amazement of Abrahah and the army, they saw the elephant slowly sinking down to his knees. Unays ordered him to rise, but Nufayl's words which he spoke, was stronger than that of any man and the elephant did not move. They tried everything that they could to move the elephant, and even struck it with various objects over its head, but he just lay down like a rock. They tried a different strategy by turning back in the direction from which they came, and the elephant stood up and followed them in the direction of Yemen. With new hope, they turned back in the direction of Makkah, but when the elephant turned around, he immediately knelt down. It should then have been the clearest sign, not to take a step further, but Abrahah
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was blinded by his personal ambition to destroy the Kabah and to make his temple, which built in Yemen, to become the meeting place of the Arabs. Had they turned back at that moment, they would possibly have prevented a disaster. But suddenly it became too late, because the western horizon grew dark and a strange sound was heard. The volume increased, while a large wave of darkness overwhelmed them from the area of sea. The sky, above their heads, was filled with thousands of small birds. Each bird carried three stones, the size of dried peas in their claws, and in their beaks. They flew back and forth and bombarded the army from Yemen. The velocity, with which those stones rained down on to them, was enough to damage even their war outfits. Each pebble reached its mark and caused a soldier's death. As the stones split the bodies, it began to rot, except for the small group, who eventually survived, ultimately, to relate the whole story. Unay and the elephant were of those who survived. They were terribly frightened and some of them remained in the Hijaaz, to continue their lives. A section of the army returned, confusedly, to San'aa. Many of them died along the way, and others, including Abrahah, died shortly after their return. So far as Nufayl was concerned, he slipped away, while the army was distracted, and made his way unharmed to the hills of Makkah. Thereafter, the Quraish were called the people of God, and they became more respected by the Arabs. It became known that God heard their prayers and as a result the Ka'aba was saved from destruction. They are still honoured, but mainly because of something else, which also took place in the year of the Elephant. 'Abd Allah, the son of Abd al Muttalib was not in Makkah, during the wonder event of the birds. He was trading in Palestine and Syria, with one of the caravans, and on his way home, he went to stay at his grandmother's family in Yathrib, where he fell ill. The caravan had proceeded without him to Makkah and the news arrived about his illness. 'Abd al Muttalib sent his Haarith, his son, to accompany him from Yathrib. But when Haarith arrived there, he could immediately read the familys sad faces, which clearly indicated to him that his brother had passed away. Great was the sorrow in Makkah, with Haarith's return. Aminah's only consolation was the baby of her husband, with which she was pregnant. She was conscious of a glow within her. Once it was shining so intense from within her, that she could actually see the castles of Bostra in Syria. She also heard a voice from inside of her, saying: "You are carrying in your womb the leader of this people, and when he is born, you should say: "I place him under the protection of the One, from the evil of the envious, then name him Muhammad." A few weeks later the child was born. Aminah was in the house of her uncle, and she sent a message to 'Abd al Muttalib to request that he visits his grandson. The latter took his grandson in his arms and carried him to the sanctuary, inside the Ka'aba, where he said a prayer of thanks to God for sending him this valuable gift. He was returned him to his mother, but on the way, the grandfather also showed the boy to his own household. He, himself, would shortly afterwards, also become the proud father of a son by Haalah, Aminah's cousin. He invited his three year old son, Abbaas, to kiss the baby, saying: "It's your brother, kiss him. The Desert It was the custom of all the great families of the Arabian cities to send their their sons,
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shortly after birth, into the desert with one of the Bedouin tribes to be fed and weaned. Makkah was no exception, because epidemics were quite common and infant mortality was rather high. At the same time they also preferred that their babies breathe in the fresh desert air. It was good for their bodies, but the desert also had many great benefits for their souls. The Quraysh was also a nomadic people, previously, until they built their residences near to the sanctuary. Cities were regarded as a seat of corruption by those people, who wandered about. Very few of the Arabs could actually read, but the beauty of speech was a luxury, of which they were very proud. A man's value was based on his beautiful language. Poetry was, indeed, the pride of the nation. Consequently, the commitment was still there to preserve the link with the wilderness, with every son of the Quraish, from generation to generation, to have a link with the fresh air of the breast, pure Arabic for the tongue, and the freedom of the soul. Some sons of the Quraish were left with foster parents for as long as eight years in the desert, so that an everlasting impression could be made on them. Some tribes built a high reputation for the nursing and caring of children. Among these tribes, were the Bani Sa'd ibn Bakr, a remote branch of the Hawaazin, in an area located at the south-east of Makkah. Aminah was in favour to entrust her son in the care of a woman of this tribe. They came from time to time to the Quraish to adopt infants, and were soon expected again. Their journey to Makkah, during the year of the Elephant, was in later years, described by one of their numbers, in detail. She was Haleemah, the daughter of Abu Dhu'ayb, who was accompanied by her husband, Haarith, and who had recently given birth to a boy of her own, and whom she still nursed. The incident was described as such: "It was a year of drought," she said, "And we had nothing left. I travelled on a female grey donkey, while we had an old female camel, which did not have a drop of milk. We were kept awake all night by the crying of our son, who was thirsty, because I did not have enough milk in my breast to feed him. The poor donkey, on which I was travelling was so weak that I kept delaying the others, because they repeatedly had to wait for me." She told how of how they travelled, without any hope, except for possible rain, which could might provide grazing for the camel and donkey, so that their nipples could swell, slightly. But with their arrival in Makkah, there was still no rain. They went about looking for infants. Aminah, meanwhile, offered her son from one to the other nurse, for breastfeeding, until she tried them all, but they all refused. Haleemah said, "It happened because they were hoping for a favour from the boy's father. Muhammad was an orphan! What could his mother or grandfather do for us? Not that they required direct payment for their services, because it was considered low, if a woman required a fee to breastfeed a baby. The reward, for which they hoped, although less directly and not immediately, was of a much wider nature. The negotiations between villagers and nomads were with the nature of things, because, whereas every Nomad was poor, some villagers were rich. The communication, which was therefore built up was very important, because an infant would never forget his foster parents and milk siblings, when he grew up and became famous. The Arabs believed that the breast was one of the channels of inheritance, and that an infant should always remember the qualities of the nature of the foster mother, who fed him. But little could be expected from the infant, until he first grew up, but it was expected that on the father of the boy it could be relied, to see to the poor family. A grandfather was too farfetched, and anyway it was not expected that Abd al Muttalib would survive too long. If he
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passed away, it was assumed that his sons and not a grandson would inherit. With regards to Aminah, she was poor and her husband had died too young, to leave anything to their son. He left his son no more than five camels, a small flock of sheep and goats, and also a slave girl. 'Abd Allah's son was indeed a son of the great families, but he was by far the poorest of all the infants, who were presented that year to the foster mothers. On the other hand Haleema and her husband were the poorest of the foster parents, which offered their services. So, while the choice lay between her and another woman, the other woman would be chosen. It was not long before all the Bani Sa'd women, except Haleema, received an infant. So the poorest intending foster mother was eventually without an infant and the poorest infant without a foster mother. When we decided to leave Makkah, Haleema said to her husband, "I do not like to return in the company of my friends, without an infant. I shall go back to the orphan child, and take him." "As you please," her husband agreed, "It may possible be that God might place blessings in him." : "So I went and took him, for no other reason, but because we had no one else. I carried him to our place, where our animals waited. Scarce had I started breastfeeding him, or my nipples filled with milk. He quenched his thirst, and then she could feed his milk brother to quench his thirst. They both slept to their hearts content, after that and when my husband went to the old camel, truly her nipples were also full of milk. He milked her and we both quenched our thirst with her milk. We spent one of our best nights, and by morning my husband said, "Surely Haleema, this is a blessed creature, which you adopted." "It is indeed my hope," I uttered. We then set off, on my ass with the new infant behind my back. The old animal began to outrun all the other animals, which could hardly keep up. The other women were surprised that the very same donkey, which was without strength, when it came to Makkah, now had so much miraculous power. We reached our tents in the Bani Sa'd, and I knew no place on earth which was so droughtstricken. But when we brought the boy there, our animals returned every night, filled with milk. We milked them and drank to our hearts desire. Our neighbours hardly had a drop of milk and told their shepherds to take their cattle to the pastures, where our herd was grazing. Yet, their animals arrived home, still hungry, while our herd returned well fed. This was always the case, until we weaned the baby at the age of two. "He was growing well," she continued, "And none of the other boys, who were with him, could compete with him in growth. By the time he was two-years-old, we took him to his mother, although we were not keen to say goodbye to him, because he brought so many blessings. Incidently, I said to his mother, 'Let my son stay with us a moment longer so that he could not become infected by the plague in Makkah. We persisted with her, to place the boy in our care again, until, finally, we brought him back with us. One day, many months after our return, when he and his milk brother minded a few lambs behind our tent, his brother excitedly shouted to us,"My Quraishite brother! Two men, dressed in white, took him and laid him down, and touched in his open chest with their hands. My husband and I, immediately, rushed to him and found him standing, but his face was very pale.We embraced him and asked him what was bothering him. He only told us: "Two men in white robes came to me. They made me lay down and they opened my chest to look for something, but I do not know what."
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Haleema and Haarith searched this way and that, but there was no sign of the men, nor was there any blood or wound, to confirm the story, which the boys had told them. No amount of questions made them change their words. Yet, there was no scar or mark found on his perfect body. The only mark on his body was the unusually small oval mark on his back between his shoulder blades. It was the birthmark, which was made by blood cupping. Many years later he could describe the event, more completely. "Two men in white robes came with a golden bowl of snow, to me. They carved my breast open and brought my heart forth. They split it and removed a black lump, which they then discarded. They washed my heart and my breast with the snow. One man also said, "Satan touches every son of Adam, the day his mother bears him, with the exception of Mary and her son." Haleemah and Haarith were convinced that the boys spoke the truth, but their superstitious nature made them decide to rather let the boy return to his mother, before something happened or an evil spirit took possession of him. So Haleemah returned him for the second time, but concealed the true reason for his return. But this return was all too sudden, and Aminah became rather suspicious. When she insisted that Haleemah should state the true reason of his sudden return, the whole story was released to her. She countered Haleema's fears, by saying, "Great things lie ahead for my son." Then she told Haleemah about the wonders which occurred during her pregnancy and the glow which she experienced during her pregnancy. Haleema was now assured, but Aminah decided to keep her son with her and wished Haleemah a safe return trip home. Two Deaths Muhammad lived happily, for the next three years, with his mother in Makkah, and the love of his grandfather, his uncles and aunts, and his many cousins, with whom he normally played. His cousin, Hamzah, and his cousin Safiyyah, on his mother's side, were very close to him. They were also his uncle and aunt on his grandfather's side, because they were Abdul Muttalib's youngest children. Hamzah was his age, while Safiyyah was slightly younger. The three were very attached to each other. When he was six-years-old, his mother decided that it was time for him to take a trip to his family in Yathrib. They travelled on two camels with a caravan, which moved in a northernly direction. Aminah rode on a camel, while he rode with his faithful slavegirl, Barakah, on the other one. In his later life he told how he swam in a dam with his Khazrajite family, with whom they socialised, swam and learned kite flying. Shortly after their return, his mother, Aminah became ill. They stopped, while the caravan continued its journey. After a few days, Aminah passed away, and she was buried at Abwaa, near Yathrib. The slave girl, Barakah, did her best to comfort the child. In the company of a few travellers, she brought the boy back to Makkah. His grandfather then fully adopted him and it was clear that he showered all his love for his son, 'Abd Allah, on his grandson. 'Abd al Muttalib loved to sleep in the Hijr, to be continually near to the Ka'aba. His family, therefore, prepared a sleeping place for him in the cool shade of the Ka'aba in order to rest. None of his sons ever ventured to sit in their father's resting place, not even the young Hamzah, but Muhammad, the little boy sat there, regularly. If somebody wanted to take him away, then his grandfather always warned that they had to leave his son, because, as he always stated, There was a great future awaiting this boy. 'Abd al Muttalib would sit down beside him and rub his back, and it was a great pleasure for him to watch the boy. Almost every day they could be seen hand in hand near the Ka'aba or
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elsewhere. 'Abd al Muttalib even took him along, when there was a meeting of older men, over forty years. The eighty-year-old grandfather, many times would ask the opinion of the seven-year-old boy, regarding certain cases. If some of the older generation commented about this, then he would simply reply: "A great future awaits my son." Two years after the death of his mother, the boy also lost his grandfather. On his deathbed, 'Abd al Muttalib entrusted his grandson to his son Abu Talib, a full brother of Abd Allah. Abu Talib gave the same attention and love, as his father, to the boy Henceforth, the orphan was considered as one of his sons, and Fatimah, the wife of Abu Talib did everything in her power to replace the boy's mother. In later years, Muhammad related that she would rather let her own children go hungry, but she never allowed him to suffer. Just like Abu Talib, she was also a grandchild of Hashim, the daughter of his son, Asad, a half-brother of Abd al Muttalib, while she was a cousin of her husband. The properties of Abd al Muttalib decreased during the latter years of his life. What he left behind as an inheritance, was rather small. Some of his sons, like Abd al 'Uzzah, who was also known as Abu Lahab, acquired their own fortunes and they were wealthy. But Abu Talib was comparatively poor, and his nephew was forced, at a very young age, also to do some work in the family. So he minded sheep, goats and lambs and visited the hills and the slopes of the mountains of Makkah, for grazing. The loneliness with the animals, possibly, made him think about the problems of his fellow Arabs. Sometimes, his uncle took him on travels with the caravans. Bagheera, the Monk Between the ages of nine and twelve, he was once with a merchants caravan as far as Syria. At Bostra, near to one of the stops, where the Makkan caravans always rested, there was a monastery, where a Christian monk lived from generation to generation. If one died, then another monk would replace him. In this monastery there were many old manuscripts. There was one of them, which foretold the arrival of an Arab prophet. Bagheera, the monk, who inhabited the monastery, during this visit, was well acquainted with the contents of the old manuscript. Just like Waraqah, he was certain that a prophet would arrive during his lifetime. He, repeatedly, saw different caravans resting there, not far from his monastery, but this time there was something odd, which caught his attention. A low-hanging cloud travelled the whole time with the caravan, between them and the sun, and when they stopped under a tree, the cloud also remained there, while they received double shade. Bagheera knew that this happening meant something wonderful. He, subsequently, sent word to the caravan that he had prepared enough food and that they should all, both the young and old, the free and the slave, come to the monastery to have a meal. Despite his message, Muhammad was left behind, to mind their camels and their luggage. As they entered, the Bagheera watched their faces to see any sign, until everyone was inside, but he was disappointed. He then said, "Men of Quraish, let not anyone be left behind, because I invited all". They then replied, "We have left nobody behind, except a little boy, who looks after our goods". Bagheera was then disturbed and said, 'Do not treat the boy like that. Let him come in for a meal. Abu Talib and the others, immediately, felt guilty and then allowed the boy to enter. Just one glance at the face of the child was enough to convince Bagheera that the face and body matched the predictions of the manuscript. After their meal, Bagheera questioned the
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latest guest about his lifestyle, his sleep habits and his general life. Muhammad readily answered him, because the man was polite and friendly. Also, when he was requested to open the robe from behind his back, to look for a certain mark, Muhammad was willing to show his back. In between his shoulder blades on his back, the monk saw the sign, to convince him that this boy was the predicted prophet. It was the seal of the prophets birth and he immediately asked Abu Talib, "What is your relationship with the boy? Abu Talib replied that it was his son. The monk responded by saying: "He cant be your son, because the boy's father cannot be alive". Abu Talib then said, "He is my brother's son." "Well, then, what happened to his father?" he inquired. "My brother died, while He was still in his mother's womb," said Abu Talib. "This is the truth," replied the monk, "Take your nephew back to his home, and protect him against the Jews, because, truly, if they saw him and knew what I know, then they will harm him. Great things lie ahead for this person in life." After their trade in Syria was completed, they returned to Makkah, and Muhammad was then destined for a lonely existence. His uncle then made quite sure that he, as well as Abbaas and Hamza received training in the use of weapons. Hamzah was destined to become a powerful man, with great physical strength. He was already a good swordsman and a keen wrestler. Muhammad was of medium height and of medium strength. But he was a good archer, just like his ancestors, Prophet Ibrahim and Prophet Isma-eel. A great advantage lay in it, that he had a keen eye, and it was known that he could already count no less than twelve constellations of Pleiades. The Gentlemans Agreement During those years, the Quraysh were not really involved in wars, except for a spasmodic and a sudden flare-up, which was known as the unholy war, which began in the holy month. A member of the treacherous Kinaanah, a man of 'Aamir, one of the tribes of Najd Hawaazin, killed and sought shelter in one of the forts of the well-secured forts of Khabar. The result was that there was a typical desert custom known as an honour in the form of revenge. The tribe of the murdered man of Kinaanah attacked the tribe of the killer. Since Quraysh were the allies of the Kinaanah tribe, they were unfortunately also involved. The dispute continued for three to four years, in which there were only about five days of actual fighting. The head of the tribe of Hashim was Zubayr at the time. He was a full-blooded brother of Muhammad's father, just like Abu Talib. Zubayr and Abu Talib took Muhammad, thus, to one of his first battles, but they told him that he was too young to participate in fighting. Yet, he was allowed to assist with the picking up of arrows, which missed their mark and fell around. He picked them up and collected them, so that the archers could use them again. But, at one of the ensuing following battles, he was admitted to show his skill with the bow and arrow and he was praised for his bravery and skill. The unholy war cooled the tempers of the various tribes, so they started thinking about ways, in order to gain cooperation instead of having arguments and battles. This was easier said than done, as an incident proved, shortly after the war. A merchant from the Yemeni seaport of Zabeed sold valuable goods to an important member of the tribe of Sahm. After he took the goods in possession, the Sahmite refused to pay the promised price. The aggrieved dealer, who was the unjust person, knew that the traveller was a stranger, and he could expect no support in his case. The latter was, however, not undaunted by the stance of the Sahmite. He then went to the slopes of Abu Qubays, to announce loudly, to the inhabitants of Makkah and especially the Quraysh, in exceptional language, to ensure that justice should be done. An immediate response from the tribes followed, who had no historical alliance with Sahm.
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Quraysh was persuaded to obtain unity among themselves, regardless of their tribe. However, they were aware of the division, which there was among them, which was still a legacy of the Qusayy, in the tribes of the scented and the allies. One of the leaders of the other group, and one of the rich men of Makkah, was then the head of Taym, 'Abd Allah ibn Jud'aan, who placed his large residence at their disposal, for a meeting on justice. From the ranks of the Perfumed Ones, only the tribes of 'Abdu Shams and Nawfal were absent. All the others were well represented, and even the Adee of the allies were there. After much discussion, it was finally decided to show chivalry, before justice could be done. Then they, collectively, went to the Ka'abah to let water flow over the black stone, which they collected in a container. With their right hands,they washed the water over their heads, while they swore that, henceforth, they would be totally against any act of injustice against any oppressor, and they would stand together until justice prevailed, whether the tyrant was a member of Quraysh or someone from outside. The Sahmite was obliged to pay his debts, even without the support of tribes which were absent. Together with the chief of Taym was Zubayr of Hashim, of one of the founder members of this order, and he took his nephew, Muhammad (S), with him. The boy who had been a part in the oath, said in later years: "I was present in the house of Abd Allah ibn Jud'aan with that noble agreement, and I would not want to exchange it for a herd of red camels, even if I am summoned in Islam, I will dutifully respond." Another person who attended that agreement was their host's second cousin, Abu Quhaafah of Taym, together with his son, Abu Bakr, who was a year or so younger than Muhammad (S), and later would become his closest friend. Questions about a Wedding After the age of twenty, Muhammad (S) received more invitations to travel with family members. Finally, one day, he was asked to take someone's place, who could not travel. His success in this capacity as a merchant, led to other similar business deals. He was, thus, able to earn better money and the idea of marriage became possible. His uncle and guardian, Abu Talib was by then the father of three sons. The eldest was Talib, more or less the same age as Muhammad, Aqeel was thirteen or fourteen, and Ja'far was a boy of four. Muhammad (S) was very fond of children and was particularly close to Ja'far, who was a beautiful and intelligent boy. Abu Talib also had daughters, and one of them was already at marriable age. Her name was Faaghitah, but later she became known as Umm Haani. Muhammad (S) was fond of Umm Haani' and he asked his uncle for her hand in marriage. However, Abu Talib had other plans for his daughter, because his cousin Hubayrah, the son of his mother's brother of the tribe of Makhzoom in Makkah, had asked for her hand. Hubayra was not only a wealthy man, but he was also a talented poet, just like Abu Talib. Accordingly, Umm Haani married Hubayra. When Muhammad (S) questioned his uncle about this, the latter told him that his tribe gave their daughters, as mothers to the tribe of Makhzoom, probably referring to his own mother. With this reference, he demonstrated how the Arabs rewarded favours with favours. One of the wealthier merchants of Makkah was a widow, Khadijah, daughter of Khuwalid of the tribe of Asad. She was a cousin of Waraqah, a Christian, and his sister Qutaylah, who was a distant relative of the sons of Hashim. Khadijah had been married twice already, and since the death of her second husband, she hired men to trade on her behalf. Since
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Muhammad (S) became known Al-Amin (the confidant, reliable, honest) throughout Makkah, those reports reached her. Khadijah heard many good things about him, so she hired him to take merchandise to Syria. The fee that she offered, was double that of the best, of all the merchants of Quraish. She also employed a young man by the name of Maysarah to accompany him. Muhammad (S) accepted the offer, and accompanied by Maysarah, he travelled northward with the goods. When they reached Bostra, in southern Syria, Muhammad (S) took shelter under a tree, near the monastry of a monk, named Nestor. As travellers halts remained unchanged, it may possibly be the same shelter, where he arrived as a youth, fifteen years earlier with his uncle. Perhaps Nestor replaced Bagheera, who passed away. We have only the story of Maysarah as our support base. Maysarah reported that the monk came from his monastry and asked him: "Who is the man under the tree?" Maysarah then said: "He is a man of Quraish, the people who had guardianship of the sanctuary (the Ka'abah). Nestor then told him that the man was no other than a prophet, who sat under the tree. As they travelled further north, the words of Nestor impressed Maysarah even more so, on this trip, because he became increasingly aware, that he was in the presence of an extraordinary man. His suspicions were further aroused by an incident which he noticed on their way home. He repeatedly noted that the heat was strangely not so intolerable. One day, at about noon, he saw a strange incident, when two angels, protected Muhammad (S) against the sun. When they reached Makkah, they had to go to Khadijah's house to report about the merchandise, which they purchased in the markets of Syria and the selling price of the goods. Khadijah carefully listened to Muhammad (S), as he described their trip, as well as the transactions that he did. It was very profitable, because he sold the goods at double the purchased price. However, the gains were not the only good news that she received. All her attention was on the speaker. Muhammad (S) was by then 25-years-old. He was of medium height, slender, with a full head, broad shoulders, and the rest of his body was perfectly suited. His hair and beard were black, thick, and slightly curled. It reached his earlobes and shoulders. He had a noble forehead and the shape of his large eyes was wide, with exceptionally long eyelashes and eyebrows, slightly apart, but not completely unbroken. His nose was slightly crooked and his mouth was wide and beautifully formed. Although his beard was full, the mustache was did not overgrow his upper lip. His skin was light but slightly sun burnt. Besides its natural beauty, there still emerged a radiant light from his face. It was the same light, which shone from his father's face, but it was more noticeable on the broad forehead of the young man. His eyes were pretty and transparent. Khadijah was aware that she was still attractive, but since she was fifteen years older than he, she wondered whether he would marry her. Immediately after he left her home, she consulted a friend, named Nufaysah, who then offered to approach him on Khadijahs behalf, with the possibility of a marriage proposal. Maysarah also approached Khadijah and informed her about the two angels, as well as the interview with the monk. She went to her cousin, Waraqah, to tell him about the events. He informed her that if this was true, then Muhammed (S) was the long-awaited Prophet of their people. He also informed her that he knew that a prophet was expected, and that his time was imminent by then. Meanwhile, Nufaysah approached Muhammad (S) and enquired why he was not yet
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married. He then replied that he did not have the means to marry. She wanted to know if he would agree to marry if the means were available, and if there was beauty, property, wealth and aristocracy at stake. He inquired who the woman was and she replied: "Khadijah." He enquired how such a wedding was possibly, and Nufaysah informed him to leave that possibility to her. He then agreed that he was satisfied. Nufaysah rushed to Khadijah to tell her the wonderful news. Khadijah then summoned him, to inform him of her admiration for him and then offered to marry him. She also told him to inform his uncles, while she would tell her uncle 'Amr, the son of Asad, because her own father, Khuwaylid, was not alive anymore. Despite his relative youth, it was Hamzah, who was deligated by the Hashimite tribe to represent Muhammad (S), because he was the most-closely connected with the tribe of Asad. His sister, Safiyyah, had recently been married to Khadijah's brother, Awwaam. Hamzah, thus, asked the hand of Khadijah from his cousin Amr. There was an agreement that Muhammad (S) would offer her twenty female camels as dowry. After this, the groom left his uncle's house and went to live with his bride. Their wedding was marvellous, with total happiness, and it was also blessed, as Khadijah was not just a vituous woman, but a true friend. There was also sadness in their lives, because both their sons died very young. They had four daughters, Zaynab, Ruqayyah, Umm Kulthum and Fatima. It is always excellent to read what other people say or write about yourself or about your faith. So, I want to quote from the research work of Edward Gibbon in his famous Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire Vol.II. On page 220, we read the following: After pursuing above six hundred years the fleeting Caesars of Constantinople and Germany, I now descend, in the reign of Heraclius, on the eastern borders of the Greek monarchy. While the state was exhausted by the Persian war, and the church was distracted by the Nestorian and Monophysite sects, Mohammed, with the sword in one hand and the Koran in the other, erected his throne on the ruins of Christianity and of Rome. The genius of the Arabian prophet, the manners of his nation, and the spirit of his religion, involve the causes of the decline and fall of the Eastern empire; and our eyes are curiously intent on one of the most memorable revolutions which have impressed a new and lasting character on the nations of the globe. At first glance, a Muslim reader, might condemn the writer, because he makes statements, which contradicts his own view. However, as a person gains more background knowledge, you cannot help, but to admire the author for this historical research, which he made over many years. The fact that he mentions the prophet's name and recalls a general statement of "the Qur'n in one hand and the sword in the other" is merely a symbolic statement, which many Western writers literally made in their books about the life of the Prophet. This history is absolutely clear The Qur'n never existed in the Prophets life time. The Prophet (S) memorised the Qurn and therefore it was not in his hand, but in his heart or in his mind. The Prophet's (S) own words were: "The pen is mightier than the sword", i.e. to educate or teach is better than to fight. So the mission of the Prophet (S) was to educate with faith and to educate many enemies of Islam, which was rather known as a war which he waged against ignorance. Many authors acknowledged that the Prophet of Islam (S) defended his religion by the sword, instead of expecting miracles from God. The attacks were not so much by Christianity, but by the pagans of Arabia, who refused to lead a moral life. Among others, there were the Prophet's (S) own blood relatives, who were the main enemies of Islam.
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Gibbon mentions the words "fleeting Caesars of Constantinople and Germany", i.e. passing emperors of those countries, not just people who made their mark, while the prophet made a very clear mark or impression on the history. Worldly experts regard the Prophet as the number one character in the history of the world. I will not at this stage elaborate on this, because it is available from information in various books. What I especially want to emphasise here, is that the Qur'n is symbolised here as the fear of Islam, while the sword is used as a weapon, which served to protect the religion which is to be preached to the world. In Gibbon's other statements, he clearly shows that the Muslims were much more lenient, flexible, humane and tolerant against other religions, in contrast to what certain credible leaders were to the Muslims. In another chapter I'll quote Gibbon to substantiate this fact. In this section of Gibbon, which I am quoting, he mentions: ... the state were exhausted by the Persian war, and the church was distracted by the Nestorian and Monophysite sects." In other words, the rest of the world was divided and it was necessary for a religion to unite them. No wonder that Islam spread like a wildfire in those areas which were divided. Gibbon mentions, "... the genius of the Arabian prophet, the manners of his nation, and the spirit of his religion" caused the divided kingdoms to fall. He ends his paragraph with the beautiful statement: "... and our eyes are curiously intent on one of the most memorable revolutions, which have impressed a new and lasting character on the nations of the globe." These are beautiful words, which a non-Muslim mentions about Islam and the Prophet (S). So I, once again, want to emphasise that a Muslim reader should not become prejudiced against a nonMuslim writer, without making a good study of his works. Subsequent statements by Gibbon will testify to the fact that he was not a biased historian, but in fact very fair to Islam. For this same reason he was hated by many Christians for his openness about criticism about their flaws. Between page 229 and 231, of the same work by Gibbon, I want to quote the following, as a further witness to Gibbon's fairness: The enemies of Mohammed have named the Jew, the Persian, and the Syrian monk, whom they accuse of lending their secret aid to the composition of the Koran. Conversation enriches the understanding, but solitude is the school of genius; and the uniformity of a work denotes the hand of a single artist. From his earliest youth Mohammed was addicted to religious contemplation; each year during the month of Ramadan, he withdrew from the world and from the arms of Cadijah: in the cave of Hera, three miles from Mecca..." Here Gibbon testified that he was not an enemy of Islam, and showed his profound admiration for the Prophet (S), as well as the solid belief in the one important message. He mentions the use of a single artist, namely God or Allah. This is an important fact, because the enemies of Islam accused the prophet of being in contact with Christian and Jewish scholars as a young person, and that the Qur'n was actually written by Muhammad (S). Gibbon disregards such lies with his citation. It was in the cave, where he received his first revelation from God, and only after that the teachings of Islam was revealed to the world, exactly the way he received them. His worst enemies at the beginning, was not the Christians or Jews, but the pagan Arabs, including his own uncles. After the death of his beloved wife and his dear uncle, Abu Talib, the father of Ali, he had to flee from his hometown, not so much out of fear for his life, but on divine instruction, so that he could continue his task in Madina, until he received and delivered the entire Qur'n. Gibbon continues as follows: The Christians of the seventh century had insensibly relapsed into a semblance of paganism; their public and private vows were addressed to the relics and images that
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disgraced the temples of the East ..... invested the Virgin Mary with the name of honours of a goddess. The mysteries of the trinity and Incarnation appear to contradict the principle of the divine unity. In their obvious sense, they introduce three equal deities, and transform the man Jesus into the substance of the Son of God..." The creed of Mohammed is free from suspicion or ambiguity; and the Koran is a glorious testimony to the unity of God. The prophet of Mecca rejected the worship of idols and men, of stars and planets, on the rational principle that whatever is corruptible must decay and perish. Yet Jesus was a mere mortal; and, at the day of judgment, his testimony will serve to condemn both the Jews, who rejected him as a prophet, and the Christians, who adored him as the Son of God... the Christians insensibly forgot both the laws and the example of Their Founder. The piety of Moses and of Christ rejoiced in the assurance of a future Prophet, more illustrious than themselves: the evangelic promise of the Parclete, or Holy Ghost, was prefigured in the name, and accomplished in the person, of Mohammed, the greatest and the last of the apostles of God. Gibbon continues on pages 232 and 233, of volume II to describe the practices of Islam, as follows, in contrast to the Jewish and Christian beliefs: The polytheist is oppressed and distracted by the variety of superstition: a thousand rites of Egyptian origin were interwoven with the essence of the Mosiac law; and the spirit of the Gospel had evaporated in the pageantry of the church ... But the precepts of Mohammed himself inculcate a more simple and rational piety: prayer, fasting, and alms are the religious duties of a Musulman; and he is encouraged to hope that prayer will carry him half way to God, fasting will bring him to the door of his palace, and alms will gain him admittance ... Cleanliness is the key of prayer: the frequent lustration of the hands, the face, and the body, which was practised of old by the Arabs, is solemnly enjoined by the Koran; and a permission is formally granted to supply with sand the scarcity of water. The equation is quite clear that the Muslims worship only one invisible God, without the use of any symbol or picture, which is used by other religions as a medium. In subsequent paragraphs he shows the practical worship of God, in Islam, as follows: Yet every spot for the service of God is equally pure: the Mohammedans indifferently pray in their chamber or in the street... the Mohammedan religion is destitute of priesthood or sacrifice; and the independent spirit of fanaticism looks down with contempt on the ministers and the slaves of superstition. Gibbon also mentions the fasting of the Muslim and almsgiving, as such: A fast of thirty days; and strenuously recommended the observance as a discipline which purifies the soul and subdues the body, as a salutory exercise of obedience to the will of God and His apostle ... The charity of the Mohammedans descends to the animal creation; and the Koran repeatedly inculcates, not as a merit, but as a strict and indispensable duty, the relief of the indigent and unfortunate. Mohammed, perhaps, is the only lawgiver who has defined the precise measure of charity: the standard may vary with the degree and nature of property, as it consists either in money, in corn or cattle, in fruits or merchandise ... Benevolence is the foundation of justice, since we are forbid to injure those whom we are bound to assist. A prophet may reveal the secrets of heaven and of futurity; but in his moral precepts he can only repeat the lessons of our own hearts.
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To those, who placed the emphasis on the fact that Muhammed (S) spread Islam with the sword, Gibbon also states the following on pages 237 and 238: Jesus did not bring peace on the earth, but the sword; his patient and humble virtues should not be confounded with the intolerant zeal of princes and bishops, who have disgraced the name of his disciples ... The military laws of the Hebrews are still more rigid than those of the Arabian legislator. The fair option of friendship, or submission, or battle, was proposed to the enemies of Mohammed. If they professed the creed of Islam, they were admitted to all the temporal and spiritual benefits of his primitive disciples, and marched under the same banner to extend the religion which they had embraced. The clemency of the prophet was decided by his interest: yet he seldom trampled on a prostrate enemy; and he seems to promise that on the payment of a tribute the least guilty of his unbelieving subjects might be indulged in their worship, or at least in their imperfect faith. Gibbon, thus, indicates a righteous prophet, who was exemplary and threatened no one with death to make his religion acceptable. In other words the lies spread by the enemies of Islam that Muhammad (S) spread Islam by the sword, is clearly cut short by Gibbon. Cruelty was often in the hands of the emperors and rulers of the countries, which were invaded. Many slaves were, subsequently, released, while women and children received their rightful place in the community. The institutions of justice and marriages by the Muslim conquerors, contributed to the civilization, which did not exist previously in the Roman and Greek empires. The worshipping of manmade gods was eradicated by Islam. The disgust of it was first practised in Arabia by the Prophet (S). Gibbon described it as such on page 241: But the three hundred and sixty idols of the Caaba were ignominiously broken: the house of God was purified and adorned: as an example to future times, the apostle again fulfilled the duties of a pilgrim; and a perpetual law was enacted that no unbeliever should dare to set his foot on the territory of the holy city. On page 243 Gibbon explains in a very beautiful manner the justice of the Prophet (S), as follows: To his Christian subjects Mohammed readily granted the security of their persons, the freedom of their trade, the property of their goods, and the toleration of their worship. For those who portray the prophet as a person mad with sex, with many wives, we read in Gibbon II on page 246 the following: During the twenty-four years of their marriage (Muhammed to Khadija) her youthful husband abstained from the right to polygamy, and the pride or tenderness of the venerable matron was never insulted by the society of a rival. After her death he placed her in the rank of the four perfect women, with the sister of Moses, the mother of Jesus, and Fatima, the best beloved of his daughters. Gibbon paints a beautiful picture of the Prophet with his comment on page 253 of his history as follows: ...he breathed among the faithful a spirit of charity and friendship; recommended the practice of the social virtues; and checked, by his laws and precepts, the thirst of revenge, and the oppression of widows and orphans.
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Gibbon also describes the image and even the sincerity of the first Khalifa, Abu Bakr, after the Prophet (S), in a paragraph on page 259, where he is quoted as follows: "Remember, that you are always in the presence of God, on the verge of death, in the assurance of judgment, and the hope of paradise. Avoid injustice and oppression; consult with your brethren, and study to preserve the love and confidence of your troops. When you fight the battles of your Lord, acquit yourselves like men, without turning your backs; but let not your victory be stained with the blood of women and children. Destroy no palm-trees, nor burn any fields of corn. Cut down no fruit-trees, nor do any mischief to cattle, only such as you kill to eat. When you make any covenant or article, stand to it, and be as good as your word. As you go on, you will find some religious persons who live retired in monasteries, and propose to themselves to serve God that way; let them alone, and neither kill them nor destroy their monasteries... This presentation, as given by Gibbon, is one of the most beautiful examples of the fairness in Islam, contrasting to the brutality of the Crusaders. The next chapter will, therefore, focus on the Crusades, which was initionally aimed at eradicating Islam, while many individuals welcomed the invasion of their country by Muslim leaders, because of their sobering balance of simplicity, serenity, freedom and belief, brought into their midst, without any compulsion to accept Islam. The Qur'n in its original form still reflects the words of Allah as follows: "Laa ikraafid Deen" or "There is no compulsion in religion". So it is the biggest lie and injustice, which was concocted by the enemies of Islam to state that Islam was spread by the sword, or spread under duress. Any person from another faith, who converted to Islam, will make the message quite clear, that they were never forced to accept Islam. In fact we find today, that most propagandists of Islam, are people who are regarded as converts to Islam and who turned to Islam to find a solution to a more practical way of life. This practical example of how Islam influenced their lifestyle, unto one of sobriety, respectfulness and beauty, is sufficient proof to their friends and family members, that they were not transformed to a disgraceful way of life. There are to numerous cases of this to mention, but Yusuf Islam (formerly Cat Stevens) is a typical example. Another example from the history of someone, who himself converted to Islam, is that of Romanus, the governor of Bosra, when Khaled invaded the area. Gibbon reports it as follows: After Chaled had imposed the terms of servitude and tribute, the apostate or convert avowed in the assembly of the people his meritorious treason: "I renounce your society," said Romanus, "both in this world and the world to come. And I deny him that was crucified, and whoever worships him. And I choose God for my Lord, Islam for my faith, Mecca for my temple, the Moslems for my brethren, and Mohammed for my prophet; who was sent to lead us into the right way, and to exalt the true religion in spite of those who join partners with God." On page 285 of his work, Gibbon describes the battles of the Muslims as follows: The wars of the Moslems were sanctified by the prophet; but among the various precepts and examples of his life, the caliphs selected the lessons of toleration that might tend to disarm the resistance of the unbelievers. Arabia was the temple and patrimony of the God of
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Muhammed; but he beheld with less jealousy and affection the nations of the earth. The polytheists and idolators, who were ignorant of his name might be lawfully extirpated by his votaries; but a wise policy supplied the obligation of justice; and after some acts of intolerant zeal , the Mohammedan conquerors of Hindostan have spared the pagodas of that devout and populous country. The disciples of Abraham, of Moses, and of Jesus were solemnly invited to accept the more perfect revelation of Mohammed; but if they preferred the payment of a moderate tribute, they were entitled to the freedom of conscience and religious worship. On page 287 Gibbon continues as follows, concerning those who accepted Islam: The Christians of Africa and Spain had long since submitted to the practice of circumcision and the legal abstinence from wine and pork... About the middle of the twelfth century the worship of Christ and the succession of pastors were abolished along the coast of Barbary, and in the kingdoms of Cordova and Seville, of Valencia and Granada. In a time, however, of tranquility and justice the Christians have never been compelled to renounce the Gospel or to embrace the Koran... This is indeed the law of the Qur'n, with the words "Laa ikraa fiddeen", which means There is no compulsion in religion. Muhammad (S), the Prophet against Idols On historical evidence, the young Muhammad (S) was very exemplary, and morally-firm. He did not join his fellow man to worship idols. And he never ate meat, which was sacrificed by such idol worshipping families, nor did he drink wine, gamble or uttered bad language. He was known for his wisdom and sound reasoning. The incident when he was asked to place the Black Stone back in the Ka'abah, is evidence of all this. Through his faith and sincerity he received the nickname of Al-Amin (the confidante). The Ka'aba was damaged by floods and repairs were done. But when they had to do the replacement of the Black Stone, Gadjiril Aswat, they quarrelled over which representative should get this honour. It was then decided that they would see who the first visitor to the Ka'aba, entered by the gate of Bani Shaybah, and that particular person would then be consulted for advice. That person, incidently, happened to be Muhammad, and they consulted Al-Amin, whose opinion they would then accept. When they informed him about their predicament, he immediately settled the case, with a very generous solution, which was accepted by all of them. He spread out his cloak and they were asked to place the Black stone on top of his cloak. The leaders of each tribe took one corner of the cloak to lift it to the correct height where Al-Amin put the stone in its place. Al-Amin, therefore, had the honour of lifting the stone from the garment and to place it in its correct position, so that everybody was highly satisfied. His marriage to Khadijah was already mentioned. So a few years before prophethood was received, Muhammad (S) frequently withdrew himself during the holy month of Ramadan, and visited a cave, called Hira, at a mountain to the northwestern side of Makkah. Here he meditated about many things, including the signs of Allah's creation and the wonders of His great power. He continued with this, until he received the first Revelation. The First Revelation and its Consequences
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On Monday, the 17th day of Ramadan, when Muhammad (S) was forty years old, he was in the cave of Hiraa, where he received the first visit from the angel Gabriel. According to all descriptions, it was a memorable event, because Imam Bukhari described the angel, who appeared to Muhammad (S) and commanded him to read. He immediately responded that he could not read. Then the angel embraced him and pressed him so hard that he could hardly breathe. When he was released, he was once again commanded to read, he again admitted that he could not read. For a third time the Prophet (S) was pressed and the following revelation was given: "Read! In the name of your Lord and Cherisher, Who created man, out of a (mere) clot of congealed blood): Read! And your Lord is Most Bountiful, - He Who taught (the use of) the Pen, - Taught man that which he did not know. (Qur'n 96: 1-5). After he memorised these holy verses, he returned to his wife, Khadija, and asked her to cover him up, because he was feeling very feverish, as a result of his unusual experience. He told her everything, and mentioned that he was frightened. Khadija assured him that he had nothing to fear, because Allah would never humiliate him, while he kept families in tact, helped the poor and needy, honoured his guests and assisted deserving cases. She, thereafter, took him to her cousin, Waraqa ibn Nawfal, who was a Christian scribe and who could write in Hebrew. He was an old man, who became blind. After the Prophet described his experience, Waraqa informed him that it was Jibrail (Gabriel), the archangel, who brought a Revelation to him. He also warned that the Prophet's people would drive him out, for no prophet ever existed, who was accepted by his own people. A while after that, Waraqa passed away. Holy revelations also stopped for a while. The first persons, who believed him, and who accepted Islam as a religion, was his wife, Khadija, and his ten-year-old cousin, Ali. Then there was his freed slave, Zayd, and his faithful friend, Abu Bakr as-Siddeeq. The first slave, who accepted Islam, was known as Bilal. Revelations followed, after a while, and Muhammad (S) began to preach the new faith, but after three years there were only about thirty followers of Islam. It was during this period that the persecution of the Muslims began in all earnest. The Messenger (S) of Allah and his followers met in secret after every revelation, which he received. The tribe of Quraish was tremendously opposed to the Prophet (S), and would have harmed him, if his uncle, Abu Talib, did not protect him. His uncle asked him to stop his preachings, but it is then that he uttered his famous words: "I swear by Allah, if they place the sun in my right hand and the moon in my left hand, until this matter is resolved, I shall never give up until Allah causes me die in the battle." When the Quraish realised that the Prophet (S) was determined, they offered him money and even a kingdom, but they still could not persuade him. To save his followers the gravity of persecution, he advised them to flee to Abbesinia, where a Christian king ruled. Twelve men and four women moved over there, but returned when they heard that 'Umar had accepted Islam, and that Islam was being practised freely. When the persecution started again, eighty-three men and eleven women, moved to Abbesinia. A boycott of all Muslims started, when none of the enemies wanted to trade or marry them. This continued for about two to three years, in which the Muslims suffered heavy losses, until the wise men of the
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Quraish, eventually, abandoned the boycott. The Year of Grief and Mi'raj In the tenth year of the Prophet's mission, his uncle, Abu Talib, passed away. This uncle always protected his nephew in the village. With his passing on, the Quraish, therefore, intensified their persecution of the Muslims. In addition, the Prophet's wife, Khadija, also passed away in that year. She was the person, who always encouraged him emotionally, and the loss of her was a severe blow to him. This year, was thus known in history as the year of grief. After the death of his wife and his uncle, the persecution had intensified so much that the Prophet (S) went to Ta'if, in the hope that the tribe of Thaqeef would listen to him and he would obtain their support. But, they rejected him and his belief in a damning manner and encouraged their young sons to throw stones at him, until the blood flowed at his feet. He wandered to the gardens of Ta'if to seek shelter, and according to Dr. Mustafa as-Sibaa'ie in his book The Life of Prophet Muhammad, uttered the following prayer: O Allah, to You do I complain of my weakness, little resource and lowliness before men. O Most Merciful of those who show mercy, You are the Lord of the weak and You are my Lord. To whom will you leave me? To a far-off stranger who will mistreat me? Or to an enemy whom You have granted power over me? If you are not angry with me, I care not, but Your favour is better for me. I seek refuge in the Light of Your Countenance by which the darkness is illumined and the things of this world and the next is set aright, lest Your anger descend upon me or Your wrath light upon me. It is You Whom we beseech until You are well pleased. There is no power and no strength except in You. The Prophet (S) returned from Ta'if, without having achieved anything, except for Addaas, the slave of Utbah and Shaybah, the son of Rabee'ah. He was a Christian slave, whose bosses told him to give a bunch of grapes to the Prophet (S), while he was in the gardens. "Addaas was so impressed, after he presented the grapes, and the Prophet (S) first mentioned "Bismillah" (In the Name of Allah), before he ate the grapes". Addaas had never before met with a similar experience, and after he spoke to the Prophet (S), he decided to become a Muslim. Allah, of course, answered the prayer of the Prophet (S) after his period of grief, by means of the miracle of the Isra' and Mi'raj (night travel and ascension) which was then allowed. He was taken by Allah, during a portion of the night, to travel from Makkah to Jerusalem and then travel to the highest heavens, and then return to his home. It was during this wonderful journey that the five daily Salaah (worship of Allah), became mandatory on Muslims. However, when he related to Quraish about his strange experience, they mocked him, but Abu Bakr and those with strong faith, believed him. While the Prophet (S) met the tribes of Madina, namely Al-Aws and Al-Khazraj, at the Jamraat, Al-Aqabah, he invited them to Islam. The group of seven accepted Islam and in their return to Madina, they informed their people about their encounter with the Prophet and their conversion to Islam. In the twelfth year of his mission, twelve men of the Ansaar (Madinan supporters of the Prophet (S)) came for pilgrimage to Makkah. They met the Prophet and swore allegiance to him. The Prophet (S) sent Mus'ab ibn 'Umayr with them to teach the Muslims about the Qur'n and Islam. Then Islam spread like a wildfire in Madina.
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The following year a group of seventy men and two women came for the pilgrimage and contacted the Prophet (S), secretly. They also swore allegiance to him. He chose twelve of them to act as leaders of their people. When the Quraish discovered that the people of Yathrib (Madina) accepted Islam, they intensified the persecution of the Muslims in Makkah so much, that the Prophet (S) commanded his followers to migrate to Madina. When the Quraish discovered that the Muslims were honoured and protected in Madina, they assembled in Daar-un-Nadwah to plan the Prophet's murder. They decided to choose a strong young man from each tribe, to take collective responsibility for his murder. Hijra The Prophet (S) was definitely informed by Allah, and that particular night, on which his murder was planned, he did not sleep in his bed. He asked his cousin, Ali, to sleep in his bed and the next day, to distribute the items that the kuffaar of Quraish left in a safe place, familiar to him. The insidious gang of would-be murderers did not see him leaving his home. He met his friend, Abu Bakr, who had two camels in readiness for the flight. The flight to Madina started on Saturday, the first day of Rabi-al-Awwal. The Prophet was fifty-three years old at the time. Nobody else, except Ali, and the daughters of Abu Bakr, was aware of the Hijra (flight) of the Prophet (S). Aayesha and Asthma, the daughters of Abu Bakr prepared and packed the food for the journey. They first rode in the direction of Yemen, but at Mount Thawr, they sought shelter and rested for three days. Meanwhile, the Quraish was upset when they found Ali in the Prophet's bed and discovered that the prophet (S) had escaped. They sent out an expedition to seek for the refugees. When the enemies arrived at Mount Thawr, they wanted to search the cave, in which the refugees were hiding, but as Allah planned, a dove built her nest at the entrance and laid an egg in it. Also a long-legged spider wove a web in front of the opening. When the enemy saw these signs, they turned back, for surely, anyone who entered there, would break the spiders web and would bother the dove in its nest. Abu Bakr was afraid, because he thought they might see their feet in the cave. The Prophet (S), however, reassured him with the words: "O Abu Bakr, what do you think of two, while Allah is the third one with them?" After the enemies called off their search, the refugees could continue their travel to the coast of the Red Sea. The Quraish promised an exhorbitant amount of money, as a reward to anyone, who could kill or capture the refugees. Suraaqah ibn Ja'sham really wanted to earn that reward, and decided to constantly search for them. When they became over-confident that they were not pursued, Suraaqah spotted them. He charged at them, but his horse's feet sank deep into the sand, and he could not progress any further. He attempted three times to ride in the direction of the Prophet, but his horse refused to proceed. He then, gave up hope and returned to Makkah, without making his experience known. The Prophet (S) of Allah and his companion reached Medina on the Twelfth day of Rabi'al-Awwal, after the people of Medina expected their arrival long before. They went to the hills to watch every morning, but when the sun became hot they returned home, in their separate ways.When they finally spotted the Prophet (S), the little girls began to sing out of sheer joy:
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Tala al-badroe 'alynaa" (The full moon of the valley of Al-Wadaa is on fire.) We should be grateful when the crier calls us to Allah. O you, who among us, he was sent as an order that came and must be obeyed. On his way to Medina, the Prophet (S) reached the town of Quba', two miles south of Medina, and there he laid the foundation for the first mosque, which would be built in Islam. He stayed there for four days, until the Friday morning when he went to Medina. The time for Jumu'ah prayers arrived, when he was among the Banu Saalim ibn 'Awf. So he erected a masjid there also, and held the first khutba (sermon) and prayer there. He had several offers for a home in Medina, but his decision was that the place where his camel came to rest, there he would erect his house and mosque. The land where the camels, eventually, came to rest belonged to two orphan children, who wanted to donate it to him. But he refused the offer and rather offered to pay ten dinars from the treasure of Abu Bakr for the land. He then asked the Muslims to help with the construction. They hastened to carry bricks to build the walls, and with palm branches on tree trunks to serve as a roof. Then he (S) promoted brotherhood between the Muhajireen (Makkans) and the Ansaar (Madineen), wherein each Ansaar, would take a Muhajireen as a brother to his home, and would share everything with him. After that he recorded a vow with the Jews, including peace, to continue between them and their religions and their property. This was the first Muslim state, which was established, in which the principles of humanity, social justice, tolerance and true faith was incorporated in the interest of the community, so that each student could study, and seek knowledge to understand and to memorise. Here is a list of general principles that this historical document contained: on page 122: 1. 2. 3. 4. The Muslim community must be united and not be divided. All community members are equal in rights and in honour. The community must stand firm against evil, sin and transgression. The community should agree how they should treat enemies, and no one may make peace, without consulting other believers. 5. The community would be modelled on the best, most correct and most powerful system. 6. Those who fought and rebelled against the state and its public systems, should be opposed, and not supported. 7. Those wishing to contact the Muslims to cooperate in a peaceful manner, would be protected, and they would not be oppressed or be disadvantaged. 8. Non-Muslims reserved the right to practise their own faith and hold their wealth. Nobody should be forced to accept Islam, and their wealth may not be taken from them. 9. Non-Muslims, just as the Muslims, had to contribute to state expenses. 10. Non-Muslims had to cooperate together with Muslims to defend any threats from enemies of the state. 11. They had to contribute to the state's defense budget, while it was involved in a war. 12. The state should assist those (non-Muslims), who were oppressed, just like every Muslim, who became a victim of aggression. 13. The Muslims and others should avoid protecting any enemies of the state.
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14. In the case of any agreement, in the interests of the community, probably by submission of a peace treaty, then each citizen of the state, Muslim and non-Muslim, should accept such an agreement. 15. No person should be held accountable for the sins of another, than the offender, and that no harm should come to his family. 16. Freedom of movement, within the state and its territories outside should be guaranteed and protected by the state. 17. No protection should be given to a sinner and offender. 18. The community is based on a foundation of cooperation in justice and piety, but not in sin and transgressions. These principles were supportive and protective of the people's faith in Allah, and their awareness that He sees them, and that He cares for those, who are sincere and honest, and the head of state, represented by the Prophet Muhammad (SAW). The Battles of the Prophet (S) The Prophet (S) had barely moved into Medina, or the battles between him and the Quraish and their allied tribes started. The Prophet was personally involved in twenty-six battles. We mention only some of them in here, as described by Dr. Mustapha as-Sibaa'ie in the book, The Life of Prophet Muhammad. The Battle of Badr This battle occurred on the 17th day of Ramadan, 2 AH. The reason for this was, because the Prophet (S), together with some of his companions, stopped a caravan of Quraish on their way from Syria to Makkah. The aim was not to fight, but because the caravan was led by Abu Sufyaan. The latter escaped and sent word to the Quraish, to mobilise troops to protect the caravan. Consequently the Quraish dispensed about a thousand troops, including six hundred armoured troops and one hundred on horse back. There were seven hundred camels and singers, who beat their drums to provoke the Muslims with their offensive numbers. In contrast, the Muslim army existed of only three hundred and thirteen men, the largest portion being that of the Ansaar. They only had seventy camels and two- or three horses. Small groups, thus, had to take turns to ride. When they came close to the water of Badr, they relaxed. Al-Hubaab suggested that they should cut off the water supply of the enemies. The Prophet (S) followed the wise counselling and acted accordingly. Before the battle started, the Prophet said the following prayer: "O Allah, I beg you to fulfil your promise. O Allah, if this group (the fighting believers) are defeated, you will no longer be worshipped on earth." Then the battle began in earnest, and ended in victory for the Muslims. About seventy of the mushriqeen (infidels) were killed, including Abu Jahl, and the bulk of their leaders. Seventy of them were taken prisoner. Some writers believe that Allah sent a large number of angels to assist the Muslims, in order to achieve victory. After this the Muslims returned victoriously to Medina. The Battle of Uhud
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This battle occurred on 15th Shawwaal 3 AH. The Quraish wanted to avenge their defeat at the battle of Badr, and therefore, planned to attack the Muslims in Medina. The Quraish army amounted to three thousand soldiers, except for the help of a mountain tribe of Ahaabeesh. There were also seventeen women, including Hind, among them. Hind bint 'Utbah was the wife of Abu Sufyaan, whose father was killed at Badr. The battle took place at the bottom of the valley, close to Mount Uhud, about two miles north of Medina. The Muslims this time consisted of about a thousand troops, of which only one hundred were armoured cavalry. In addition, three hundred of them were hypocrites, who left the battlefield during the battle. In other words they absconded. The Prophet (S) clearly commanded the archers that nobody should leave their positions, irrespective of what happened. Again, Allah granted victory to the Muslims. The enemies retreated, and the archers, who saw the booty, forsook their jobs. When the enemies saw that the guards were out of position, they immediately came back on the attack. The Muslims were taken by surprise, and many Muslims were, subsequently, killed, including Hamza, the cousin of the Prophet. His body was violated by Hind, and his liver was removed and chewed, to display her hatred of him. Although the Muslims regrouped, this loss was a big lesson to those who were disobedient, by pursuing earthly possessions. The Battle of the Ditch (al-Khandaq) This battle occurred in Shawwaal 5 AH as a result of the Banu an-Nazeer (Jews), who joined the Quraish of Makkah. Salmaan Farsie advised that they should dig a ditch around Medina to keep the enemy at a distance. By this time the Muslim fighters consisted of three thousand men, while the enemies consisted of about ten thousand fighters. However, they were unfamiliar with the latest strategy. On a cold winters night, the enemy's tents blew away, and in the chaos and frustration, which followed, they finally decided to return to their homes.
The Peace Treaty of Hudaybiyah This event occurred in Dhu'l Qi'dah 6 AH, because the Prophet (S) and his companions decided to visit Makkah for an Umra (minor pilgrimage). He saw in a dream that they could peacefully go on such a journey. For six years they were withheld from attending the sacred House of Allah. At a place called Dhu'l-Hulayfah, they donned the ihraam (pilgrims dress), to show their intent and that their visit was innocent. They were about fifteen hundred in number, without arms, except their sheathed swords. When the travellers reached Hudaybiyah, a place between Makkah and Jeddah, they were stopped and had to declare the purpose of their journey. The Prophet (S) informed them of their divine purpose. After much negotiation, it was finally agreed that the Muslims could travel to Makkah as from the following year for their sacred visit. There was also agreed on a peace treaty for the next ten years. They had to remove their ihraam and to return to Medina. While some saw this as a humiliation for the Prophet (S), it was actually a victory, because it ended in an agreement, without any bloodshed. The Battle of Hunayn
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This event occured on the 10th day of Shawwaal 8 AH, one year after the conquest of Makkah. The leaders of the tribes of Hawaazin and Thaqeef thought that the Messenger (S) of Allah, would attack them after the conquest of Makkah. Their leader, Maalik ibn 'Awf, commanded that they bring to battle their wealth, women, children and herds. Their fighters consisted from between twenty and thirty thousand people. The Prophet (S) and his companions, therefore, travelled from Makkah to the valley of Hunayn to fight the enemy. After reports were spread that the Prophet of Allah was killed in the skirmish, the enemies were finally dealt with by the Muslims. This was the last big battle between the infidels and the Muslims. Shortly thereafter, the Arabs destroyed all the idols and they accepted Islam. Thereafter, the state of Islam was founded with the Prophet (S) as their natural leader. The Farewell Pilgrimage This was the only pilgrimage, which the Prophet (S) undertook. When the people heard that the Prophet was going for Hajj, they came from all over the Arabian Peninsula to perform the hajj. Some historians estimate that there were as many as one hundred and fourteen thousand pilgrims that year. The Prophet delivered his famous sermon at Arafat, which today still makes headlines. It was on 9 Dhu'l Hijjah 10 AH and it read more or less as follows: "O people, listen to my words because I do not know if I shall ever be with you after this year in this place. O people, your life, your property and your honour are sacred till you meet your Lord, as holy as the day of this month and this city. You shall meet your Lord and He will question your actions. Did I convey my message to you? O Lord, bear witness. He who has any sacred obligation, adhere to it, to whom he owes. Be aware, nobody else is guilty of a crime, except the criminal. Also, the son is not responsible for the crime of his father, nor the father for the crime of his son. O people, listen to my words and understand it. You should know that the Muslim is the brother of another Muslim and the Muslimeen is a single brotherhood. Nothing of his brother is lawful for a Muslim, except what he, himself, allows. So you must not do an injustice to yourself or do not suppress yourself. O Lord, have I conveyed the message? Behold! All ignorance lies under my feet. The blood of the avenging (pre- Qur'anic) days of ignorance are waived ... O people, verily, Satan is disappointed that he will not be worshipped eternally in this land of yours. But he is satisfied with some of your actions, which you might consider as trivialities. So beware of him in your faith. Be good to your wives. Verily, I have left something between you, if you dwell there on, then you will never wander hold fast to the Book of Allah and the example (Sunnah) of His messenger. The sermon continued on the following day at Mina: "O people, be conscious of Allah. And even if a maimed Abyssinian slave becomes your leader, listen to him and obey him as long as he follows the Book of Allah. Listen to me. Worship your Lord and Sustainer. Practice your five daily salaat. Fast during the month (of Ramadan). Make your pilgrimage to the House (the Ka'abah in
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Makkah). Willingly pay the obligatory charity on your property and obey everything that I have commanded you. Then you will enter the Paradise of your Lord and Sustainer. Verily, ye shall meet your Lord and Sustainer and He will ask you on your endeavor. Do not go astray after me, so some of you will attack the throats of others. Did I convey the message? And the speech was resumed the following day: "O people, verily, your Lord and Sustainer is One and your ancestor is also one. Each of you originated from Adam and Adam was created from the earth. There is no superiority of an Arab over a non-Arab, nor a non-Arab over an Arab nor for a white man over a black man or a black man over a white man, except for the superiority which is achieved due piety (God consciousness). Indeed, the noblest among you is the one who is most deeply conscious of Allah. Did I convey my message? " "Yes, O Messenger of Allah," his companions all replied. This was then the messenger of Allah's only hajj (pilgrimage), before his death and his words at the beginning of his speech were so prophetic, for he never again made the pilgrimage with his companions. Usaamah sent to Palestine The last mission of the Prophet of Allah was to raise an army to distribute and to protect the call to Islam. The aim was also to stop the aggression of those who wanted to attack the new government. The army led by Zayd ibn Usaamah, would go from Medina to Syria and then to the land of Palestine. The Prophet, however, passed away, before they could leave Medina. The Death of the Prophet of Allah (S) The Holy Prophet was aware, through Revelation, of his approaching end. He already bade farewell to his people during his last pilgrimage. When word of the Prophet's (S) death started spreading, the Sahaba (companions) could hardly accept it. 'Umar lifted his sword and forbade his people to utter that the Prophet died. It was then that Abu Bakr went out to proclaim to the people: "O people, whoever worshipped Muhammad, Muhammad is dead. But whoever worships Allah, Allah lives and will never die. Then he recited the Qur'nic verse: "Muhammad is no more than a Messenger, many were the messengers who passed away before him. If he died or were slayed, will you turn back on your heels? If any did turn back on his heels, not the least harm will he do to Allah, but Allah (on the other hand) will swiftly reward those who (serve Him) with gratitude" (3;144). After Abu Bakr recited this, the companions came to their senses, as if they had never previously heard this verse.
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The Holy Qurn After the death of the Prophet (S), the time came when the Khulafa-ur Rashideen (true leaders) of the Muslims were obeyed. They were Abu Bakr, Umar, Uthmaan and Ali (may Allah be pleased with them). Islam spread quickly in this period to other countries and a commonwealth, under the banner of Islam, was established. The various portions of the revelation of the Qur'n, which was recorded in various ways, and which was memorised during the life of the Prophet (S), were all, eventually, collected to be written into book form. Although printing was developed much later, the Qur'n was hand written by various Arab scribes. Likewise, scholars collected the different historical data and sayings of the holy Prophet in writing and preserved this as Ahadith, so that today all the details are available to us. As the record shows, no other sacred revelations were immediately recorded and preserved in such detail. Also, there were no alterations made to the holy Qur'n. Thousands of Hufaaz (people who memorise the Qur'n) exist in all parts of the world, and if one iota or tittle of the Qur'n should be altered, then it will immediately be detected. If all copies of the Qur'n in the entire world should be destroyed, the Hufaaz could immediately gather and rewrite the entire Qur'n. There is a verse in the Qur'n, in which Allah promises that He would protect His Word. Spread of Islam After the death of the Prophet (S), the Muslims of different parts of the world preached the new faith. In cases where certain kingdoms became hostile, the Muslims sent their army to defend their religion through their armies. Thus, they brought mighty empires to a fall, but they also distributed their scientific knowledge. It had a large impact on countries outside Arabia. The Arabs knowledge of science, medicine, mathematics, astronomy, etc., was the precursor to the Renaissance, which would later spread to the west. We are thinking of AlGebra (Algebra) named after a Muslim scholar, Ibn-Jabr-Hayan. Talcum powder and gunpowder were Arabic inventions. It was as if the Muslims, by the wise words of their Prophet (S), "Seek knowledge even in China", stimulated knowledge to the world. In Spain, Muslims reached the pinnacle of culture and civilization. Historians refer to this period as the Golden Age of Islam. The current architecture and display is evidence of a silent expression of the performance of the Muslims in this regard organised hospitals, clinics and pharmacies were established by the Muslims and they designed tools for health operations. Unfortunately, as was the case everywhere, the Muslims were violated, when their Muslim rulers failed by preferring easier lifestyles, which ultimately led to materialistic weaknesses. The leaders began to attack each other, which led to the degradation of the Muslims. Then the Muslims slowly lost their grip on the country, until they were eventually replaced. In India, the Mughal Empire was the best image of Islam. The subjects of the Empire were ruled with Islamic law (Shariah rule). The Muslims of this land were proud and very patriotic. Islam was carried out in their daily lives and they were proud of their culture. In 1761, the colonial British planned to invade the country and to convert it into a British colony. The Mughal Empire was by now so advanced and sophisticated in weapons in which they already designed rockets. Led by a Muslim ruler, Hyder Ali of Southern India, they
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managed to oust the British. Later in 1799, after the fourth British invasion, the Muslims, led by Tippu Sultan, were beaten at Seringapatam in South India. With their deceptive British methods of sowing discord between the Muslims and Hindus and between Maharattas and Muslims they ousted Islamic rule. It was the beginning in India of the divide and rule policy. With the establishment of the British East India Company, for trade, they were able to rule the Indian masses. The Mughal Empire, thus, came to a fall and the last emperor, Zafar, was exiled to Burma. With their control over India, the Persian language (Farsi) was replaced by English. The Persian language was, then, also the language of the Turkish Empire. The British officers kept about a dozen servants to light their pipes and to fan them with a cool Punkha, or to massage their bodies, etc. The tax payer was heavily taxed, which resulted in the farmers having to pay toll to cross the rivers in order to buy their salt. The British government annexed 250,000 square miles of Indian territory. Their missionaries also tried to convert Hindus and Muslims to Christianity. The Indian historian, Surendra Nath (a Hindu) claimed: The Hindu-Muslim problem never existed before the British arrival, and despite differences, there had been a friendly relationship based on common life, for centuries. The British never tried to discourage the Hindu-Muslim problem, but instead encouraged it to their advantage. The Indian Uprising In May 1857, when Queen Victoria was still busy recovering from the aftermath of the Crimean war, general discontent prevailed in this dissatisfaction which later led to the Sepoy uprising. The British East Indian Company took control of the area from the Himalayas and acquired the southern tip of the sub-continent of India. Count Delhousie made a dangerous mistake by annexing the Muslim kingdom of Oudh in 1856. This was the main reason for the upset tempers, which led to insurgency. While the British believed that the uprising was planned, there was really no premeditated plot. The hidden agenda of the British, to convert the Hindus and Muslims to Christianity, actually caused bitterness and led to the uprising. One of the main figures of the uprising was known as Maulvi Ahmed Abdulla. He travelled to all corners of India to inform the population of the plans of the imperialist rulers.Thus the Hindus pitched up in large numbers to join the Muslims as insurgents.. The British suffered heavy losses in man power and in material. As a result they reported to London for assistance, but there was a delay. They then hired Hindu subjects at a higher wages to strengthen their forces, in order to suppress the uprising. Many Hindus and Muslims lost their lives in the skirmish. Maulvi Ahmed, who caused many problems to the British, evaded the soldiers for a long time. He repeatedly defied the British and in his spirit of Jihad (holy war), he battled for the freedom of his religious comrades. He foiled many opportunities by the British commanders. He was ultimately killed by a Hindu nobleman, who was faithful to the British Raj. The Indian rebels, who were accused of treason, were condemned to death. Any accused Hindu was first smeared with the
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meat of a cow, because it was their sacred animal, and afterwards they were shot dead. Muslims, in turn, were smeared with lard, because pigs were forbidden to them, before they were killed. Emergence of a sect: Ahmadi / Qadiani Movement Mirza Gulam Ahmed, who was born in 1835, at Qadian, Punjab, India, was raised as a credible Muslim. His parents were faithful followers of the Ahle-Sunni school of Islamic learning, and they respected the holy Prophet's way of life. As a young man, he became strongly involved in religious debates. His knowledge of religion, just like in the case of Paul of the Bible, drove him to self-belief. He impressed audiences with his smooth tongue and religious knowledge. For many people, he was convincing, because he even stated that Jesus Christ, after his persecution, fled to Kashmir, where he died a normal death. Thereafter, he started making claims that he was sent by God as a deliverer. Eventually he wrote in his book, Haqiqatul Wahi,"He (Allah) called me to the higher status of Prophethood, so I am a prophet at the commandment of God." Meanwhile, he spoke the language of the Britons, when he condemned and warned against Jihad (holy war). He announced this as one of his doctrines. Herewith, he became a confidante of the British government, because then they would no longer have future uprisings. His supporters, however, were divided into two groups, those who accepted him as a "Saviour and Mediator" and those regarded him as a "Prophet". The group was known as the Ahmadi and the Qadiani Movement. These movements sent their missionaries throughout the colonial territories of Africa, to recruit converts. There is currently a fair amount of supporters of these movements in East Africa. However, most Muslims throughout the world, consider the movements as outside the pale of Islam and, therefore, branded it as a sect outside Islam. The Bahai Sect of Persia In the nineteenth century, a person with the name Muhammad Ali Rida al Shirazi appeared in Persia, who not only claimed that he was "Bab-al-Mahdi" (Gate of the Saviour), but he was also the real phenomenon of all the apostles of God. He collected his teachings in a published book, called Al-Bayan. His followers, the Babies, claimed that he received holy revelation, and that it was even better than the Qur'n. Now you are aware from where the nickname "babbies" originated, when people wanted to call Muslims by a derogatory name. The former Shah of Persia, ordered the Bab to appear before the Ulema (Islamic scholars). At first, he was evasive, but later he admitted his claims, but could not explain what was wrong with Islam. The Ulema then stated that he and his followers were Kafiers (unbelievers) and Murtad (heretics). The Bab was sentenced to be shot by a firing squad for disbelief, apostasy and incitement in July 1850, in the public square of Tabriz. His successor, Bahaullah (Mirza Husain Ali), demanded that he was a Saviour, a Messiah, a prophet and and even an apostle of God in reincarnation. His movement became known as the Bahais, and the European Freemasonry Movement used Bahaiism to exterminate Islam and the Islamic Shariah (law). But the Bahai Movement was recently firmly dealt with in Iran, when most of the Bahais of the late Shah's government were executed or fled from the country. Currently, there are Bahais in different parts of the world
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as a religion on its own. There is no priesthood in Islam. The most capable person in the community should be the leaders. Unfortunately, many uninformed people regard the Imam, Sheikh or Moulana (i.e. a student of religion) as their priest or minister. The mistake that some students of Islam create is by bringing people under a delusion to regard them as preachers. It is not appropriate in Islam, because even the most knowledgable can still be a sinner, and none are ever finished studying or being perfect. This proves once again that Islam, as a faith and way of life, is ideal, while the Muslims (the followers of Islam) may be uninformed and imperfect as human-beings. Carlyles Observation In the year 1840, an English author, Thomas Carlyle, after having studied the life of the Prophet Muhammad, made the following observation: The hero is not now regarded as a God among his fellowmen; but as one God-inspired, as a Prophet. In the history of the world there will not again be any man, never so great, whom his fellow-men will take for a God. Nay we might rationally ask, did any set of human beings ever really think the man they saw there standing beside them a God, the maker of this world? It was a rude gross error, that of counting the great man a God. Such a man is what we call an original man; he comes to us at first-hand. A messenger he, sent from the Infinite Unknown with tidings to us In one way or other, we all feel that the words he utters are no other mans words. Direct from the Inner Fact of things Really his utterances, are they not a kind of Revelation; -- what we must call such for want of other name? It is from the heart of the world that he comes; he is portion of the primal reality of things. God has made many revelations; but this man too, has not God made him, the latest and newest of all? The inspiration of the Almighty giveth him understanding; we must listen before all to him. Our current hypothesis about Muhammad, that he was a scheming Imposter, a Falsehood incarnate, that his religion is a mere mass of quackery and fatuity, begins really to be now untenable to any one. The lies, which well-meaning zeal has heaped round this man, are disgraceful to ourselves only It is really time to dismiss all that. The word this man spoke has been the life-guidance now (1840) of a hundred-and-eighty millions of men these twelve hundred years. These hundred-and-eighty millions were made by God as well as we. A greater number of Gods creatures believe in Muhammads word at this hour than in any other word whatever. Are we to suppose that it was a miserable piece of spiritual legerdermain, this which so many creatures of the Almighty have lived by and died by. I, for my part, cannot form any such supposition. I will believe most things sooner than that. One would be entirely at a loss what to think of this world at all, if quackery so grew and were sanctioned here. Alas, such theories are very lamentable. If we would attain to knowledge of anything in Gods true Creation, let us disbelieve them wholly! They are the product of an age of Scepticism ; they indicate the saddest spiritual paralysis and mere death-life of the souls of men; more godless theory, I think, was never promulgated in this earth.
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It was in the year 570 of our Era, that the man Muhammad was born. He was of the family of Hashim, of the Qoraish tribe; though poor, connected with the chief persons of his country. Almost at his birth he lost his father; at the age of six years his mother too; he fell to the charge of his grandfather, an old man, a hundred years old. A good old man; Muhammads father. Abdullah had been his youngest favourite son. He saw in Muhammad, with his old life-worn eyes, a century old, the lost Abdullah come back again, all that was left of Abdullah. He loved the little orphan boy greatly; and used to say: They must take care of that beautiful little boy, nothing in their kindred was more precious than he. At his death, while the boy was still but two years old, he left him in charge to Abu Talib, the eldest of the uncles, as to him that was now the head of the house. By this uncle, a just and rational man as everything betoken, Muhammad was brought up in the best Arab way. One other circumstance we must not forget; that he had no school-learning; of the thing we call school-learning none at all. The art of writing was but just introduced into Arabia; it seems to be the true opinion that Muhammad never could write! Life in the Desert, with its experiences, was all his education. What of this infinite Universe he, from his dim place, with his own eyes and thoughts, could take in, so much and no more of it was he to know. Curious, if we will reflect on it, this of having no books. Except by what he could see for himself, or hear of by uncertain rumour of speech in the obscure Arabian Desert, he could know nothing. The wisdom that had been before him or at a distance from him in the world, was in a manner as good as not there for him. Of the great brother souls, flame-beacons through so many lands and times, deep down in the bosom of the wilderness; has to grow up so, -- alone with nature and his own thoughts. But, from an early age, he had been remarked as a thoughtful man. His companions named him Al-Amin, the Faithful. A man of truth and fidelity; true in what he did, in what he spake and thought. They noted that he always meant something. A man rather taciturn in speech; silent when there was nothing to be said; but pertinent, wise, sincere, when he did speak; always throwing light on the matter. This is the only sort of speech worth speaking! Through life we find him to have regarded as an altogether solid, brotherly, genuine man. A serious, sincere, character; yet amiable, cordial, companionable, jocose even; a good laugh in him withal: there are men whose laugh is as nature as anything about them; who cannot laugh. One hears of Muhammads beauty; his fine sagacious honest face, brown florid complexion, beaming black eyes;--I somehow like too that vein on the brow, which swelled up black when he was in anger: like the horse-shoe view in Setts Red-gauntlet. It was a kind of feature in the Hashim family, this black swelling vein in the brow, Muhammad had it prominent, as would appear. Full of wild faculty, fire and light; of wild worth, all uncultured; working out his life-task in the depths of the Desert there. How he was placed with Khadijah, a rich widow, as her Steward, and travelled in her business, again to the Fairs of Syria; how he managed all, as one can well understand, with fidelity, adroitness; how her gratitude, her regard for him grew; the story of their marriage is altogether a graceful intelligible one, as told us by the Arab authors. He was twenty-five; she was forty, though still beautiful. He seems to have lived in a most affectionate, peaceable, wholesome way with his wedded benefactress; loving her truly, and her alone. It goes greatly against the imposter theory, the fact that he lived in this entirely unexceptionable; entirely quiet and commonplace way, till the heat of years was done. Not till he was already getting old, the prurient heat of his life all burnt out, and peace growing to be the chief thing this
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world could give him, did he start on the career of ambition; and, belying all his past character and existence, set up as a wretched empty charlatan to acquire what he could now no longer enjoy! For my share, I have no faith whatever in that. Ah no: this deep-hearted son of the wilderness, with his beaming black eyes and open social deep soul, had other thoughts in him than ambition. A silent great soul; he was one of those who cannot but be in earnest; whom Nature herself has appointed to be sincere. While others walk in formulas and hearsays, contented enough to dwell there, this man could not screen himself in formulas; he was alone with his own soul and the reality of things. The great Mystery of Existence, as I said, glared in upon him, with its terrors, with its splendours; no hearsays could hide that unspeakable fact Here am I! Such sincerity has in every truth something of divine. The word of such a man is a Voice direct from Natures own Heart. Men do and must listen that as to nothing else; all else is wind by comparison. From of old, a thousand thoughts, in his pilgrimages and wanderings, had been in this man: What am I? What is this unfathomable Thing I live in, which men name the Universe? What is life; what is Death? What am I to believe? What am I to do? The grim rocks of Mount Hira, of Mount Sinai, the stern sandy solitudes, answered not. The great Heaven rolling silent overhead, with its blue-glancing stars, answered not. There was no answer. The mans own soul and what of Gods inspiration dwelt there had to answer! Ambition? What could all Arabia do for this man; with the crown of Greek Heraclius, of Persian Chosroes, and all the crowns in the earth; what could they all do for him? It was not of the Earth he wanted to hear tell; it was of the Heaven above and of the Hell beneath. All crowns and sovereignties whatsoever, where would they in a few brief years be? To Sheikh of Mecca or Arabia, and have a bit of gilt wood put into your hand, will that be ones salvation? I decidedly think not. We will leave it altogether, this imposter hypothesis, as not credible; not very tolerable even. Muhammad had been wont to retire yearly, during the month of Ramadhan, into solitude and silence; as indeed was the Arab custom; a praiseworthy custom, which such a man, above all, would find natural and useful. Communing with his own heart, in the silence of the mountains; himself silence; open the small still voices: it was a right natural custom! Muhammad was in his fortieth year, when having withdrawn to a cavern in Mount Hira, near Mecca, during the Ramadhan, to pass the month in prayer, and meditation on those great questions, he one day told his wife Khadijah, that by the unspeakable special favour of Heaven he had now found it all out; was in doubt and darkness no longer, but saw it all. That all these Idols and Formulas were nothing, miserable bits of wood; that there was One God in and over all; and we must leave all Idols, and look to Him. That God is Great and that there is nothing else great! He is the Reality. Wooden Idols are not real; He is real. He made us at first, sustains us yet; we and all things are but the shadow of Him; a transitory garment veiling the Eternal Splendour. Allahu Akbar, God is Great; and then also Islam. That we must submit to God. That our whole strength lies in resigned submission to Him, whatsoever He does to us. For this world, and for the other! The thing He sends to us, were it death and worse than death, shall be good, shall be best; we resign ourselves to God If this is Islam? Yes, all of us that have any moral life; we all live so. It has been held the highest wisdom for a man not merely to submit to Necessity, --Necessity will make him submit,--but to know and believe well that the stern thing about Necessity had ordered was the wisest, the best, the thing wanted there. To cause his frantic pretension of scanning this great Gods World in his small fraction of a brain; to know that it had verily, though deep beyond his soundings, a Just
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Law, that the soul of it was Good,; --that his part in it was to conform to the Law of the Whole, and in devout silence follow that; not questioning it, obeying it as unquestionable. I say, this is yet the only true morality known. A man is right and invincible, virtuous and on the road towards sure conquest, precisely while he joins himself to the great deep Law of the World, in spite of all superficial laws, temporary appearances, profit-and-loss calculations; he is victorious while he cooperates with the great central Law, not victorious otherwise; -- and surely his first chance of co-operating with it, or getting into the course of it, is to know with his whole soul that it is; that it is good, and alone good! That is the soul of Islam. He spoke on his Doctrine to this man and that; but the most treated it with ridicule, with indifference; in three years, I think, he had gained but thirteen followers. His progress was slow enough. His encouragement to go on, was altogether the usual encouragement that a man in such a case meets. After some three years of small success, he invited forty of his chief kindred to an entertainment; and there stood up and told them what he his pretension was: that he had this thing to promulgate abroad to all men; that it was the highest thing, the one thing; which of them would second him that? Amid the doubt and silence of all, young Ali, as yet a lad of sixteen, impatient of the silence, started up, and exclaimed in passionate fierce language, That he would! The assembly, among whom was Abu Talib, Alis father, could not be unfriendly to Muhammad; yet the sight there, of one unlettered elderly man, with a lad of sixteen, deciding on such an enterprise against all mankind, appeared ridiculous to them; the assembly broke up in laughter. Nevertheless it proved not a laughable thing; it was a very serious thing! Muhammad naturally gave offence to the Qoraish, Keepers of the Kaaba, superintendents of the Idols. One or two men of influence had joined him; the thing spread slowly, but it was spreading. Naturally he gave offence to everybody: Who is this that pretends to be wiser than we all; that rebukes us all, as mere fools and worshippers of wood! Abu Talib, the good uncle, spoke with him: Could he not be silent about all that; believe it all for himself, and not trouble others, anger the chief men, endanger himself and them all, talking of it? Muhammad answered: If the Sun stood on his right hand and the Moon on his left, ordering him to hold his peace, he could not obey! No: there was something in this Truth he had got which was of Nature herself; equal in rank to Sun or Moon, or whatsoever thing Nature had made. It would speak itself there, so long as the Almighty allowed it, in spite of Sun or Moon, and all Qoraish and all men and things. It must do that, and could do no other. Muhammad answered so; and, they say, burst into tears. Burst into tears: he felt that Abu Talib was good to him; that the task he had got was no soft, but a stern and great one. He went on speaking to who would listen to him; publishing his Doctrine among the Pilgrims as they came to Mecca; gaining adherents in this place and that. Continual contradiction, hatred, open or secret danger attending him. His powerful relations protected Muhammad himself; but by and by, on his own advice, all his adherents had to quit Mecca, and seek refuge in Abyssinia over the sea. The Qoraish grew ever angrier; laid plots, and swore oaths among them, to put Muhammad to death with their own hands. Abu Talib was dead, the good Khadijah, was dead. Muhammad is not solicitous of sympathy from us; but his outlook at this time was one of dismalness. He had to hide in caverns, escape in disguise; fly hither and thither; homeless, in continual peril of his life. More than once it seemed all over with him; more than once it turned on a straw, some riders horse taking fright or the like, whether Muhammad and his Doctrine had not ended there, and not been heard of it at all. But it was not to end so.
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In the thirteenth year of his mission, finding his enemies all banded against him, forty sworn men, one out of every tribe, waiting to take his life, and no continuance possible at Mecca for him any longer, Muhammad fled to the place then called Yathreb, where he had gained some adherents; the place they now call Medina, or Medinat-un-Nabi, the City of the Prophet, from that circumstance. It lay some 200 miles off, through rocks and deserts; not without great difficulty, in such mood as we may fancy, he escaped thither, and found welcome. The whole East dates its era from this Flight, Hegira as they name it: the year 1 of this Hegira is 622 of our Era, the fifty-third of Muhammads life. He was now becoming an old man; his friends sinking round him one by one; his path desolate, encompassed with danger: unless he could find hope in his own heart, the outward face of things was but hopeless for him. It is so with all men in the like case. Hitherto Muhammad had professed to publish his Religion by way of preaching and persuasion alone. But now, driven foully out of his native country, since unjust men had not only given no ear to his earnest Heavens message, the deep cry of his heart, but would not even let him live if he kept speaking it,--the wild Son of the Desert resolved to defend himself, like a man and Arab. If the Qoraish will have it so, they shall have it. Tidings, felt to be of infinite moment to them, and all men, they would not listen to these; would trample them down by sheer violence, steel and murder; well, let steel try it then! Ten years more then Muhammad had; all of fighting of breathless impetuous toil and struggle; with what result we know. Much has been said of Muhammads propagating his religion by the sword The sword indeed: but where will you get your sword! Every new opinion, at its starting is precisely in a minority of one. In one mans head alone, there it dwells as yet. One man alone of the whole world believes it; there is one man against all men. That he takes a sword, and try to propagate with that, will do little for him. You must first get your sword! On the whole, a thing will propagate itself as it can. We do not find, of the Christian Religion either, that it always disdained the sword, when once it had got one. Charlemagnes conversion of the Saxons was not by preaching. I care little about the sword: I will allow a thing to struggle for itself in this world, with any sword or tongue or implement it has, and to the uttermost bestir itself, and do, beak and claws, whatsoever is in it; very sure that it will, in the long run, conquer nothing which does not deserve to be conquered. In this great Duel, Nature herself is umpire, and can do no wrong: the thing which is deepest-rooted in Nature, what we call trust, that thing and not the other will be found growing at last. Here however, in reference to much that there is in Muhammad and his success, we are to remember what an umpire Nature is; what a greatness, composure of depth and tolerance there is in her. You take wheat to cast into the Earths bosom your wheat may be mixed with chaff, chopped straw, barn-sweepings, dust, and all imaginable rubbish; no matter: you cast it into the kind just Earth; she grows the wheat, --the whole rubbish she silently absorbs, shrouds it in, says nothing of the rubbish. The yellow wheat is growing there; the good Earth is silent about all the rest to some benefit too, and makes no complaint about it! So everywhere in Nature! She is true and not a lie; and yet so great, and just, and motherly in her troth. She requires of a thing only that it be genuine of heart; she will Protect it if so; will not, if not so. Muhammad was not a sensual man. His household was of the frugalest: his common diet barley-bread and water: some times for month there was not a fire once lighted on his hearth. They record with just pride that he would mend his own shoes, patch his own cloak. A poor, hard-toiling, ill-provided man; careless of what vulgar men toil for. Not a bad man, I should
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say; something better in him than hunger of any sort, -- or these wild Arab men, fighting and jostling three-and-twenty years at his hand, in close contact with him always, would not have reverenced him so! They were wild men, bursting ever and anon into-quarrel, into all kinds of fierce sincerity; without right worth and manhood, no man could have commanded them. They called him. Prophet, you say? Why, he stood there face to face with them; bare, not enshrined in any mystery; visibly clouting his own cloak, cobbling his own shoes; fighting, counseling, ordering in the midst of them: they must have seen what kind of a man he was, let him be called what you like! No emperor with his tiaras was obeyed as this man in a cloak of his own clouting. Generous things are recorded of him: when he lost his daughter, the thing he answers is, in his own dialect, every way sincere, and yet equivalent to that of Christians, The Lord giveth, and the Lord taketh away; blessed be the name of the Lord. He answered in like manner of Zaid, his emancipated well-beloved Slave, the second of the believers. Zaid had fallen in the war, of Tabuc, the first of Muhammads fightings, with the Greeks. Muhammad said, it was well with Zaid. Yet Zaids daughter found him weeping over the body; --the old grey-haired melting in tears! What do I see? Said she. You see a friend weeping over his friend. He went out for the last time into the mosque, two days before his death; asked if he had injured any man? Let his own back bear the stripes. If he owed any man? A voice answered, Yes, me three drachms, borrowed on such an occasion. Muhammad ordered them to be paid; Better be in shame now, said he, than at the Day of Judgment. Withal I like Muhammad for his total freedom from cant. He is a rough self-helping son of the wilderness; does not pretend to be what he is not. There is no ostentatious pride in him; but neither does he go much upon humility: he is there as he can be, in cloak and shoes of his own clouting; speaks plainly to all manner of Persian Kings, Greek Emperors, what it is they are bound to do; knows well enough, about himself, the respect due unto thee. Miracles? Cries he: What miracle would you have? Are not you yourself there? God made you, shaped you out of a little clay. Ye were small once; a few years ago ye were not at all. Ye have beauty, strength, thoughts, ye have no compassion on one another. Old age comes on you, and grey hairs; your strength fades into feebleness; yet sink down, and again are not To his eyes it is for ever clear that this world wholly is miraculous That this so solidlooking material world is, at bottom, in every deed, Nothing; is a visual and tactual Manifestation of Gods power and pretence, -- a shadow hung out by Him on the bosom of the void Infinite; nothing more The universal empire of Allah, presence everywhere of an unspeakable Power, a Splendour, and a Terror not to be named, as the true force, essence and reality, in all things whatsoever, was continually clear to this man. What a modern talks of by the name, Forces of Nature, Laws of Nature; and does not figure as a divine thing; not even as one thing at all, but as a set of things, undivine enough saleable, curious, good for propelling steamships ! With our sciences and Cyclopaedias, we are apt to forget the divineness, in those laboratories of ours. We ought not to forget it! That once well forgotten, I know not what else were worth remembering The best science, without this, is but as the dead timber, among other things! Man cannot know either, unless he can worship in some way. His knowledge is a pedantry, and dead thistle, otherwise. Sincerity, in all senses, seems to me the merit of the Quran; what had rendered it precious to the wild Arab man. It is, after all, the first and the last merit in a book; gives rise to merits of all kinds, -- nay, at bottom, it alone can give rise to merit of any kind The Muhammadans regard their Quran with a reverence which few Christians pay even to their
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Bible. It is admitted everywhere as the standard of all law and all practice; the thing to be gone upon in speculation and life: the message sent direct out of Heaven which this Earth has to conform to, and walk by; the thing to be read. Their Judges decide by it; all Muslims are bound to study it, seek in it for the light of their life For these twelve centuries, it has been the religion and life-guidance of the fifth part of the whole kindred of Mankind. Above all things, it has been a religion heartily believed. These Arabs believe their religion , and try to live by it! No Christians, since the early ages, or only perhaps the English Puritans in modern times, have ever stood by their Faith as the Muslims do by theirs,-- believing it wholly, fronting Time with it, and Eternity with it. To the Arab Nation it was as a birth from darkness, into light; Arabia first became alive by means of it. A poor shepherd people, roaming unnoticed in its deserts since the creation of the world: a Hero-Prophet was sent down to them with a word they could believe; see, the unnoticed becomes world-notable, the small has grown world-great; within one century afterwards, Arabia is at Grenada on this hand, at Delhi on that; -- glancing in valour and splendour and the light of genius, Arabia shines through long ages over a great section of the world. Belief is great, life-giving. The history of a Nation becomes fruitful, soul-elevating, great, so soon as it believes. These Arabs, the man Muhammad, and that one century, --is it not as if a spark had fallen, one spark, on a world of what seemed black unnoticeable sand; but lo, the sand proves explosive powder, blazes heaven-high from Delhi to Grenada! I said, the Great Man was always as lightning out of Heaven; the rest of men waited for him like fuel, and then they too would flame.
What is Islam? I could quote so many books in connection with the topic, but I have wisely chosen the second edition of the author, I.A.Ibrahims: A Brief Illustrated Guide to Understanding Islam, which I personally regard as excellent material for my special study of the Origin. With kind permission of the author and the publishers Darussalaam, Houston, Texas, USA, I am quoting from Chapter 3: General Information on Islam, from page 45 onwards: The religion of Islam is the acceptance of and obedience to the teachings of God which is revealed to His last prophet. Some Basic Islamic Beliefs 1) Belief in God:
Muslims believe in one, unique, incomparable God, Who has no son nor partner, and that none has the right to be worshipped but Him alone. He is the true God, and every other deity is false. He has the most magnificent names and sublime perfect attributes(to be revealed in the final chapter). No one shares His divinity, nor His attributes. In the Quran, God describes Himself: (Say: He is God, the One. God, to Whom the creatures turn for their needs. He begets not, nor was He begotten, and there is none like Him.] (Quran, 112:1-4) No one has the right to be invoked, supplicated, prayed to, or shown any act of worship, but
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God alone.
God alone is the Almighty, the Creator, the Sovereign, and the Sustainer of everything in the whole universe. He manages all His affairs. He stands in need of none of His creatures, and all His creatures depend on Him for all they need. He is the All-Hearing, the All-Seeing, and the All-Knowing. In a perfect manner, His knowledge encompasses all things, the open and the secret, and the public and the private. He knows what has happened, what will happen, and how it will happen. No affair occurs in the whole world except by His will. Whatever He wills is, and whatever He does not will is not and will never be. His will is above the will of all creatures. He has power over all things, and He is able to do everything. He is the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful, and the Most Beneficent. In one of the sayings of the Prophet Muhammad (S), we are told that God is more merciful to His creatures than a mother to her child. God is far removed from injustice and tyranny. He is All-Wise in all of His actions and decrees. If someone wants something from God, he or she can ask God directly without asking anyone else to intercede with God for him or her.
God is not Jesus and Jesus is not God. Even Jesus himself rejected this. God has said in the Quran:
[Indeed, they have disbelieved who have said: God is the Messiah (Jesus), son of Mary. The Messiah said: Children of Israel, worship God, my Lord and your Lord. Whoever associates partners in worship with God, then God has forbidden Paradise for him, and his home is the Fire (Hell). For the wrongdoers, there will be no helpers.] (Quran, 5:72)
God is not a trinity. God has said in the Quran: [Indeed, they disbelieve who say: God is the third of three (in a trinity), when there is no god but one God. If they desist not from what they say, truly, a painful punishment will befall the disbelievers among them. Would they not rather repent to God and ask His forgiveness? For God is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful. The Messiah (Jesus), son of Mary, was no more than a messenger] (Quran, 5:73-75)
Islam rejects that God rested on the seventh day of the creation, that He wrestled with one of His angels, that He is an envious plotter against mankind, or that He is incarnate in any human being. Islam also rejects the attribution of any human form to God. All of these are considered blasphemous. God is the exalted. He is far removed from every imperfection. He never becomes weary. He does not become drowsy nor does He sleep.
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The Arabic word Allah means God (the one and only true God who created the whole universe). This word Allah is a name for God, which is used by Arabic speakers, both Arab Muslims and Arab Christians. This word cannot be used to designate anything other than the one true God.Muslims believe in the prophets and messengers of God, starting with designate anything other than the one true God. The Arabic word Allah occurs in the Quran more than 2150 times. In Aramaic, a language related closely to Arabic and the language that Jesus habitually spoke, God is also referred to as Allah.
2) Belief in Angels:
Muslims believe in the existence of the angels and that they are honored creatures. The angels worship God alone, obey Him, and act only by His command. Among the angels is Gabriel, who brought down the Quran to Mohammad (S).
3) Belief in Gods Revealed Books:
Muslims believe that God revealed books to His messengers as proof for mankind and as guidance for them. Among these books is the Quran, which God revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (S). God has guaranteed the Qurans protection from any corruption or distortion. God has said:
[Indeed, We have sent down the Quran, and surely We will guard it (from corruption).] (Quran, 15;9)
4) Belief in the Prophets and Messengers of God:
Muslims believe in the prophets and messengers of God, starting with Adam, including Noah, Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob, Moses and Jesus (peace be upon them). But Gods final message to man, a reconfirmation of the eternal message, was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (S). Muslims believe that Muhammad (S) is the last prophet sent by God, as God had said:
[Muhammad is not the father of any one of your men, but he is the Messenger of God and the last of the prophets] (Quran, 33:40)
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Muslims believe that all the prophets and messengers were created human beings who had none of the divine qualities of God.
5. Belief in the Day of Judgment:
Muslims believe in the Day of Judgment (the Day of Resurrection) when all people will be resurrected for Gods judgment according to their beliefs and deeds.
6. Belief in Al-Qadar:
Muslims believe in Al-Qadar, which is Divine Predestination, but this belief in Divine Predestination does not mean that human beings do not have free will. Rather, Muslims believe that they can choose right or wrong and that they are responsible for their choices.
The belief in Divine Predestination includes belief in four things: 1) God knows everything. He knows what has happened and what will happen. 2) God has recorded all that has happened and all that will happen. 3) Whatever God wills to happen happens, and whatever He wills not to happen does not happen. 4) God is the Creator of everything.
Is There Any Sacred Source Other than the Quran?
Yes . The sunnah (what the Prophet Muhammad (S) said, did, or approved of) is the second source in Islam. The sunnah is comprised of hadeeths, which are reliably transmitted reports by the Prophet Muhammads (S) companions of what he said, did, or approved of. Belief in the sunnah is a basic Islamic belief.
Examples of the Prophet Muhammads (S) Sayings
*{The believers, in their love, mercy, and kindness to one another are like a body: if any
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part of it is ill, the whole body shares its sleeplessness and fever.} *{The most perfect of the believers in faith are the best of them in morals. And the best among them are those who are best to their wives.} *{None of you believes (completely) until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself.} *{The merciful are shown mercy by the All-Merciful. Show mercy to those on earth, and God will show mercy to you.} *{Smiling at your brother is charity} *{A good word is charity.} *{Whoever believes in God and the Last Day (the Day of Judgment) should do good to his neighbor.} *{God does not judge you according to your appearance and your wealth, but He looks at your hearts and looks into your deeds.} *{Pay the worker his wage before his sweat dries.} *{A man walking along a path felt very thirsty. Reaching a well, he descended into it, drank his fill, and came up. Then he saw a dog with its tongue hanging out, trying to lick up mud to quench his thirst. The man said: This dog is feeling the same thirst that I felt. So he went down into the well again, filled his shoe with water, and gave the dog a drink. So, God thanked him and forgave his sins.} The Prophet (S) was asked: Messenger of God, are we rewarded for kindness towards animals? He said: {There is a reward for kindness to every living animal or human.}
On page 50 of his book, I.A.Ibrahim, comments about What does Islam say about the Day of Judgment? as follows:
Like Christians, Muslims believe that the present life is only a trial preparation for the next realm of existence. This life is a test for each individual for the life after death. A day will come when the whole universe will be destroyed and the dead will be resurrected for judgment by God. This day will be the beginning of a life that will never end. This day is the Day of Judgment. On that day, all people will be rewarded by God according to their beliefs and deeds. Those who die while believing that There is no true god but God, and Muhammad is the Messenger (Prophet) of God and are Muslim will be rewarded on that day and will be admitted to Paradise forever, as God has said:
[And those who believe and do good deeds, they are dwellers of Paradise, they dwell
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therein forever.] (Quran, 2:82)
But those who die while not believing that There no true god but God, and Muhammad is the Messenger (Prophet) of God or are not Muslim will lose Paradise forever and will be sent to Hellfire, as God had said:
[And whoever seeks a religion other than Islam, it will not be accepted from him and he will be one of the losers in the Hereafter.] (Quran, 3:85)
And He has said:
[Those who have disbelieved and died in disbelief, the earth full of gold would not be accepted from any of them if it were offered as a ransom. They will have a painful punishment, and they will have no helpers.] (Quran, 3:91)
On page 54 the author, A.I.Ibrahim discusses What the Quran is about, as follows:
The Quran, the last revealed word of God, is the primary source of every Muslims faith and practice. It deals with all the subjects which concern human beings: wisdom, doctrine, worship, transactions, law, etc., but its basic theme is the relationship between God and His creatures. At the same time, it provides guidelines and detailed teachings for a just society, proper human conduct, and an equitable economic system.
Note that the Quran was revealed to Muhammad (S) in Arabic only. So, any Quranic translation, either in English or any other language, is neither a Quran, nor a version of the Quran, but rather it is only a translation of the meaning of the Quran. The Quran exists only in the Arabic in which it was revealed.
Who Is the Prophet Muhammad (S)?
Muhammad (S) was born in Makkah in the year 570. Since his father died before his birth and his mother died shortly thereafter, he was raised by his uncle who was from the
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respected tribe of Quraish. He was raised illiterate, unable to read or write, and remained so till his death. His people, before his mission as a prophet, were ignorant of science and most of them were illiterate. As he grew up, he became known to be truthful, honest, trustworthy, generous and sincere. He was so trustworthy that they called him the Trustworthy. Muhammad (S) was very religious and he had long detested the decadence and idolatry of his society.
At the age of forty, Mohammad (S) received his first revelation from God through the Angel Gabriel. The revelations continued for twenty-three years, and they are collectively known as the Quran.
As soon as he began to recite the Quran and to preach the truth which God had revealed to him, he and his small group of followers suffered persecution from unbelievers. The persecution grew so fierce that in the year 622 God gave them the command to emigrate. This emigration from Makkah to the city of Madinah, some 260 miles to the north, marks the beginning of the Muslim calendar.
After several years, Muhammad (S) and his followers were able to return to Makkah, where they forgave their enemies. Before Muhammad (S) died, at the age of sixty-three, the greater part of the Arabian Peninsula had become Muslim, and within a century of his death, Islam spread to Spain in the West and as far as East as China. Among the reasons for the rapid and peaceful spread of Islam was the truth and clarity of its doctrine. Islam calls for faith in one God, Who is the only one worthy of worship.
The Prophet Muhammad (S) was a perfect example of an honest, just, merciful, compassionate, truthful, and brave human being. Though he was a man, he was far removed from all evil characteristics and strove solely for the sake of God and His reward in the Hereafter. Moreover, in all his actions and dealings, he was ever mindful and fearful of God.
How Did the Spread of Islam Affect the Development of Science?
Islam instructs man to use his powers of intelligence and observation. Within a few years of the spread of Islam, great civilizations and universities were flourishing. The synthesis of Eastern and Western ideas, and of new thought with old, brought about great advances in medicine, mathematics, physics, astronomy, geography, architecture, art, literature, and history. Many crucial systems, such as algebra, the Arabic numerals, and the concept of the zero (vital to the advancement of mathematics), were transmitted to medieval Europe from the Muslim world. Sophisticated instruments which were to make possible the European
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voyages of discovery, such as the astrolabe, the quadrant, and good navigational maps, were also developed by Muslims.
When it comes to the Quran and science then I have to rely on the I.A.Ibrahims chapter on Some Evidence for the Truth of Islam, which I recommend as excellent reading matter, with the following statement:
God has supported His last Prophet Muhammad (S) with many miracles and much evidence which proves that he is a true Prophet sent by God. Also, God has supported His last revealed book, the Holy Quran, with many miracles that prove that this Quran is the literal word of God, revealed by Him and that it was not authored by any human being. This chapter discusses some of this evidence.
(1) The Scientific Miracles in the Holy Quran
The Quran is the literal word of God, which He revealed to His Prophet Muhammad (S) through the Angel Gabriel. It was memorized by Muhammad (S), who then dictated it to his Companions. They, in turn, memorized it, wrote it down, and reviewed it with the Prophet Muhammad (S). Moreover, the Prophet Muhammad (S) reviewed the Quran with Angel Gabriel once each year and twice in the last year of his life. From the time the Quran was revealed, until this day, there has always been a huge number of Muslims who have memorized all of the Quran, letter by letter. Some of them have even been able to memorize all of the Quran by the age of ten. Not one letter of the Quran has been changed over the centuries.
The Quran which was revealed fourteen centuries ago mentioned facts only recently discovered or proven by scientists. This proves without doubt that the Quran must be the literal word of God, revealed by Him to the Prophet Muhammad (S), and that the Quran was not authored by Muhammad (S) or by any other human being. This also proves that Muhammad (S) is truly a prophet sent by God. It is beyond reason that anyone fourteen hundred years ago would have known these facts discovered or proven only recently with advanced equipment and sophisticated scientific methods. Some examples follow:
(A) The Quran on Human Embryonic Development:
In the Holy Quran, God speaks about the stages of mans embryonic development:
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[We created man from an extract of clay. Then We made him as a drop in a place of settlement, firmly fixed. Then We made the drop into an alaqah (leech, suspended thing, and blood clot), then WE made the alaqah into a mudghah (chewed susstance)] (Quran, 23: 12-14)
Literally, the Arabic word alaqah has three meanings: (1) leech, (2) suspended thing, and (3) blood clot. In comparison a leech to an embryo in the alaqah stage, we find similarity between the two, ... also, the embryo at this stage obtains nourishment from the blood of the mother, similar to the leech, which feeds on the blood of others.
The second meaning of the word alaqah is suspended thing. This is what we can see in the suspension of the embryo, during the alaqah stage, in the womb of the mother.
The third meaning of the word alaqah is blood clot. We find that the external appearance of the embryo and its sacs during the alaqah stage is similar to that of a blood clot. This is due to the presence of relatively large amounts of blood present in the embryo during this stage. Also during this stage, the blood in the embryo does not circulate until the end of the third week. Thus, the embryo at this stage is like a clot of blood.
So the three meanings of the word alaqah correspond accurately to the descriptions of the embryo at the alaqah stage.
The next stage mentioned in the verse is the mudghah stage. The Arabic word mudghah means chewed substance. If one were to take a piece of gum and chew it in his or her mouth and then compare it with an embryo at the mudghah stage, we would conclude that the embryo at the mudghah stage is similar in appearance to a chewed substance. This is because of the somites at the back of the embryo that somewhat resemble teeth marks in a chewed substance.
How could Muhammad (S) have possibly known all this about fourteen hundred years ago, when scientists have only recently discovered this using advanced equipment and powerful microscopes which did not exist at that time? Hamm and Leeuwenhoek were the first scientists to observe human sperm cells (spermatozoa) using an improved microscope in
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1677 (more than 1000 years after Muhammad (S). They mistakenly thought that the sperm cell contained a miniature or preformed human being that grew when it was deposited in the female genital tract.
Professor Emeritus Keith L. Moore is one of the worlds most prominent scientists in the fields of anatomy and embryology and is the author of the book entitled The Developing Human, which has been translated into eight languages. Dr. Keith Moore is Professor Emeritus of Anatomy and Cell Biology at the University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada. There, he was Associate Dean of Basic Sciences at the Faculty of Medicine and for 8 years was the Chairman of the Department of Anatomy. In 1984, he received the most distinguished award presented in the field of anatomy in Canada, the J.C.B. Grant award from the Canadian Association of Anatomists. He has directed many international associations, such as the Canadian and American Association of Anatomists and the Council of the Union of Biological Sciences.
In 1981, during the Seventh Medical Conference in Dammam, Saudi Arabia, Professor Moore said: It has been a great pleasure for me to help clarify statements in the Quran about human development. It is clear to me that these statements must have come to Muhammad from God, because almost all of this knowledge was not discovered until many centuries later. This proves to me that Muhammad must have been a messenger of God.
Consequently, Professor Moore was asked the following question: Does this mean that you believe that the Quran is the word of God? He replied: I find no difficulty in accepting this.
During one conference, Professor Moore stated: Because the staging of human embryos is complex, owing to the continuous process of change during development, it is proposed that a new system of classification could be developed using the terms mentioned in the Quran and Sunnah (what Muhammad (S) said, did, or approved of). The proposed system is simple, comprehensive, and conforms with present embryological knowledge. The intensive studies of the Quran and hadeeth (reliably transmitted reports by the Prophet Muhammads (S) companions of what he said, did, or approved of) in the last four years have revealed a system for classifying human embryos that is amazing since it was recorded in the seventh century A.D. Although Aristotle, the founder of the science of embryology, realised that chick embryos developed in stages from his study of hens eggs in the fourth century B.C., he did not give details about these stages. As far as it known from the history of embryology, little was known about the staging and classification of human embryos until the twentieth century. For this reason, the description of the human embryo in the Quran cannot be based on scientific knowledge in the seventh century. The only reasonable conclusion is: these descriptions were revealed to Muhammad from God. He could not have known such details because he was an illiterate man with absolutely no scientific training.
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B) The Quran on Mountains
A book entitled Earth is a basis reference textbook in many universities around the world. One of its authors is Professor Emeritus Frank Press. He was the Science Adviser to former US President Jimmy Crater, and for 12 years was the President of the National Academy of Sciences, Washington, DC. His book says that mountains have underlying roots. These roots are deeply embedded in the ground, thus, mountains have a shape like a peg.
This is how the Quran has described mountains. God has said in the Quran:
[Have We not made the earth as a bed, and the mountains as pegs?] (Quran, 78: 6-7)
Modern earth sciences have proven that mountains have deep roots under the surface of the ground and that these roots can reach several times their elevations above the surface of the ground. So the most suitable word to describe mountains on its basis of this information is the word peg, since most of a properly set peg is hidden under the surface of the ground.
The history of science tells us that the theory of mountains having deep roots was introduced only in 1865 by the Astronomer Royal, Sir George Airy.
Mountains also play an important role in stabilizing the crust of the earth. They hinder the shaking of the earth. God has said in the Quran:
[And He has set firm mountains in the earth so that it would not shake with you] (Quran, 16:15)
Likewise, the modern theory of plate tectonics holds that mountains work as stabilizers for the earth. This knowledge about the role of mountains as stabilizers for the earth has just begun to be understood in the framework of plate tectonics since the late 1960s.
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Could anyone during the time of the Prophet Muhammad (S) have known of the true shape of mountains? Could anyone imagine that the solid massive mountain which he sees before him actually extends deep into the earth and has a root, as scientists affirm? Modern geology has confirmed the truth of the Quranic verses.
C) The Quran on the Origin of the Universe:
The science of modern cosmology, observational and theoretical, clearly indicates that, at any one point in time, the whole universe was nothing but a cloud of smoke (i.e. an opaque highly dense and hot gaseous composition). This is one of the undisputed principles of standard modern cosmology. Scientist can now observe new stars forming out of the remnants of that smoke. The illuminating stars we see at night were, just as was the whole universe, in that smoke material. God said in the Holy Quran:
[Then He turned to the heaven when it was smoke] (Quran, 41:11)
Because the earth and the heavens above (the sun, the moon, stars, planets, galaxies, etc.) have been formed from the same smoke, we conclude that the earth and the heavens were one connected entity. Then out of this homogeneous smoke, they formed and separated from each other. God had said in the Quran: [Have not those who disbelieved known that the heavens and the earth were one connected entity, then We separated them?...] (Quran, 21:30)
Dr.Alfred Kroner is one of the worlds renowned geologists. He is Professor of Geology and the Chairman of the Department of Geology at the Institute of Geosciences, Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany. He said: Thinking where Muhammad came from I think it is almost impossible that he could have known about things like the common origin of the universe, because scientists have only found out within the last few years, with complicated and advanced technological methods, that this is the case. Also he said: Somebody who did not know something about nuclear physics fourteen hundred years ago could not, I think, be in a position to find out from his own mind, for instance, that the earth and the heavens had the same origin.
D) The Quran on the Cerebrum:
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God has said in the Quran about one of the evil unbelievers who forbade the Prophet (S) from praying at the Kaaba: [No! If he does not stop, We will take him by the naseyah (front of the head), a lying, sinful naseyah (front of the head)!] (Quran, 96:15-16)
Why did the Quran describe the front of the head as being lying and sinful? Why didnt the Quran say that the person was lying and sinful? What is the relationship between the front of the head and lying and sinfulness?
If we look into the skull at the front of the head, we will find the prefrontal area of the cerebrum. What does physiology tell us about the function of this area? A book entitled Essentials of Anatomy & Physiology says about this area: The motivation and the foresight to plan and initiate movements occur in the anterior portion of the frontal lobes, the prefrontal area. This is a region of association cortex Also the book says: In relation to its involvement in motivation, the prefrontal area is also thought to be the functional center for aggression.
So, this area of the cerebrum is responsible for planning, motivating, and initiating good and sinful behavior and is responsible for the telling of lies and the front of the head as lying and sinful when somewhat lies or commits a sin, as the Quran has said: A lying, sinful naseyah (front of the head)!
Scientists have only discovered these functions of the prefrontal area in the last sixty years, according to Professor Keith L. Moore.
E) The Quran on Seas and Rivers
Modern Science has discovered that in the places where two different seas meet, there is a barrier between them. This barrier divides the two seas so that each sea has its own temperature, salinity, and density. For example, Mediterranean sea water is warm, saline, and less dense, compared to Atlantic ocean water. When Mediterranean sea water enters the Atlantic over the Gibraltar sill, it moves several hundred kilometers into the Atlantic at a depth of about 1000 meters with its own warm, saline, and less dense characteristics. The Mediterranean water stabilizes at this depth.
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Although there are large waves, strong currents, and tides in these seas, they do not mix or transgress this barrier.
The Holy Quran mentioned that there is a barrier between two seas that meet and that they do not transgress. God has said:
[He has set free the two seas meeting together. There is a barrier between them. They do not transgress.] (Quran, 55:19-20)
But when the Quran speaks about the divider between fresh and salt water, it mentions the existence of a forbidding partition with the barrier. God has said in the Quran:
[He is the one who has set free the two kinds of water, one sweet and palatable, and the other salty and bitter. And He has made between them a barrier and a forbidding partition.] (Quran, 25:53)
One may ask why did the Quran mention the partition when speaking about the divider between fresh and salt water, but did not mention it when speaking about the divider between the two seas?
Modern science has discovered this in estuaries, where fresh (sweet) and salt water meet, the situation is somewhat different from what is found in places where two seas meet. It has been discovered that what distinguishes fresh water from salt water in estuaries is a pycnocline zone with a marked density discontinuity separating the two layers. This partition (zone of separation) has a different salinity from the fresh water and from the salt.
This information has been discovered only recently, using advanced equipment to measure temperature, salinity, density, oxygen dissolubility, etc. The human eye cannot see the difference between the two seas that meet, rather the two seas appear to us as one homogeneous sea. Likewise, the human eye cannot see the division of water in estuaries into the three kinds: fresh water, salt water, and the partition (zone of separation).
F) The Quran on Deep Seas and Internal Waves
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God has said in the Quran: [Or (the unbelievers state) is like the darkness in a deep sea. It is covered by waves, above which are clouds. Darknesses, one above another. If a man stretches out his hand, he cannot see it.] (Quran, 24:40)
This verse mentions the darkness found in deep seas and oceans, where if a man stretches out his hand, he cannot see it. The darkness in deep seas and oceans is found around a depth of 200 meters and below. At this depth, there is almost no light. Below a depth of 1000 meters there is no light at all. Human beings are not able to dive more than forty meters without the aid of submarines or special equipment. Human beings cannot survive unaided in the deep dark part of the oceans, such as at a depth of 200 meters.
Scientists have recently discovered this darkness by means of special equipment and submarines that have enabled them to dive into the depths of the oceans. We can also understand from the following sentences in the previous verse, in a deep sea. It is covered by waves, above which are waves, above which are clouds, that the deep waters of seas and oceans are covered by waves, and above these waves are other waves. It is clear that the second set of waves are the surface waves that we see, because the verse mentions that above the second waves there are clouds. But what about the first waves? Scientists have recently discovered that there are internal waves which occur on density interfaces between layers of different densities. The internal waves cover the deep waters of seas and oceans because the deep waters have higher density than the waters above them. Internal waves act like surface waves. They can also break, just like surface waves. Internal waves cannot be seen by the human eye, but they can be detected by studying temperature or salinity changes at a given location.
G) The Quran on Clouds:
Scientists have studied cloud types and have realized that rain clouds are formed and shaped according to definite systems and certain steps connected with certain types of wind and clouds.
One kind of rain cloud is the cumulonimbus cloud. Meteorologists have studied how cumulonimbus clouds are formed and how they produce rain, hail, and lightning.
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They have found that cumulonimbus clouds go through the following steps to produce rain: 1) The clouds are pushed by the wind: Cumulonimbus clouds begin to form when the wind pushes some small pieces of clouds (cumulus clouds) to an area where these clouds converge.
2) Joining: Then the small clouds join together forming a larger cloud.
3) Stacking: When the small clouds join together, updrafts within the larger cloud increase. The updrafts cause the cloudy body to grow vertically, so the cloud is stacked up. This vertical growth causes the cloud body to stretch into cooler regions of the atmosphere, where drops of water and hail formulate and begin to grow larger and larger. When these drops of water and hail become too heavy for the updrafts to support them, they begin to fall from the cloud as rain, hail, etc.
God has said in the Quran: [Have you not seen how God makes the clouds move gently, then joins them together, then makes them into a stack, and then you see the rain come out of it.] (Quran, 24:43)
Meteorologists have only recently come to know these details of cloud formation, structure, and function by using advanced equipment like planes, satellites, computers, balloons, and other equipment, to study wind and its direction, to measure humidity and its variations, and to determine the levels and variations of atmospheric pressure. The preceding verse, after mentioning clouds and rain, speaks about hail and lightning: [.And He sends down hail from mountains (clouds) in the sky, and He strikes with it whomever He wills, and turns it from whomever He wills. The vivid flash of its lightning nearly blinds the sight.] (Quran, 24:43)
Meteorologists have found that these cumulonimbus clouds, that shower hail, reach a height of 25,000 to 30,000 ft (4.7 to 5.7 miles), like mountains, as the Quran said: And He sends down hail from mountains (clouds) in the sky
This verse may raise a question. Why does the verse say its Lightning in a reference to the hail? Does this mean that hail is the major factor in producing lightning? Let us see what
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the book entitled Meteorology Today says about this. It says a cloud becomes electrified as hail falls through a region in the cloud of supercooled droplets and ice crystals. As liquid droplets collide with a hailstone, they freeze on contact and release latent heat. This keeps the surface of the hailstone warmer than that of the surrounding ice crystals. When the hailstone comes in contact with an ice crystal, an important phenomenon occurs: electrons flow from the colder object toward the warmer object. Hence, the hailstone becomes negatively charged. The same effect occurs when supercooled droplets come in contact with a hailstone and tiny splinters of positively charged ice break off. These lighter positively charged particles are then carried to the upper part of the cloud by updrafts. The hail, left with a negative charge, falls towards the bottom of the cloud, thus the lower part of the cloud, becomes negatively charged. These negative charges are then discharged as lightning. We conclude from this that hail is the major factor in producing lightning.
This information on lightning was discovered recently. Until 1600 AD, Aristotles ideas on meteorology were dominant. For example, he said that the atmosphere contains two kinds of exhalation, moist and dry. He also said that thunder is the sound of the collision of the dry exhalation with the neighbouring clouds, and lightning is the inflaming and burning of the dry exhalation with a thin and faint fire.
H) Scientists Comments on the Scientific Miracles in the Holy Quran:
The following are some comments of scientists on the scientific miracles in the Holy Quran: 1) Dr. T.V.N. Persuad is Professor of Anatomy, Professor of Pediatrics and Child Health, and Professor of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences at the University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada:
The way it was explained to me is that Muhammad was a very ordinary man. He could not read, didnt know (how) to write. In fact, he was an illiterate. And were talking about twelve (actually fourteen) hundred years ago. You have someone illiterate making profound pronouncements and statements and that are amazingly accurate about scientific nature. And I cant see how this could be a mere chance. There are too many accuracies and, like Dr. Moore, I have no difficulty in my mind that this is a divine inspiration or revelation which led him to these statements.
2) Dr. Joe Leigh Simpson is the Chairman of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and Professor of Molecular and Human Genetics at the Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA. Professor studied the following two sayings of the Prophet Muhammad (S):
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{ In every one of you, all components of your creation are collected together in your mothers womb by forty days}
{ If forty-two nights have passed over the embryo, God sends an angel to it, who shapes it and creates its hearing, vision, skin, flesh, and bones}
He studied these two sayings of the Prophet Muhammad (S) extensively, noting that the first forty days constitute a clearly distinguishable stage of embryo-genesis. He was particularly impressed by the absolutely precision and accuracy of those sayings of the Prophet Muhammad (S). Then, during one conference, he gave the following opinion:
So that the two hadeeths (the sayings of the Prophet Muhammad (S)) that have been noted provide us with a specific time table for the main embryological development before forty days. Again, the point has been made, I think, repeatedly by other speakers this morning: these hadeeths could not been obtained on the basis of scientific knowledge that was available [at] the time of their writing . . . . It follows, I think, that not only there is no conflict between genetics and religion but, in fact, religion can guide science by adding revelation to some of the traditional scientific approaches, that there exist statements in the Quran shown centuries later to be valid, which support knowledge in the Quran having been derived from God.
3) Dr. E. Marshall Johnson is Professor Emeritus of Anatomy and Developmental Biology at Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. In 1981, during the Seventh Medical Conference in Damman, Saudi Arabia, Professor Johnson said in the presentation of his research paper:
Summary: The Quran describes not only the development of external form, but emphasizes also the international stages, the stages inside the embryo, of its creation and development, emphasizing major events recognized by contemporary science.
Also he said: As a scientist, I can only deal with things which I can specifically see. I can only understand embryology and developmental biology. I can understand the words that are translated to me from the Quran. As I gave the example before, if I were to transpose myself into that era, knowing what I knew today and describing things, I could not describe the things which were described. I see no evidence for the fact to refute the concept that this individual, Muhammad, had to be developing this information from some place. So I see
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nothing here in conflict with the concept that divine intervention was involved in what he was able to write.
4) Dr. William W. Hay is a well-known marine scientist. He is Professor of Geological Sciences at the University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado, USA. After a discussion with Professor Hay about the Qurans mention of recently discovered facts on seas, he said: I find it very interesting that this sort of information is in the ancient scriptures of the Holy Quran, and I have no way of knowing where they would come from, but I think it is extremely interesting that they are there and that this work is going on to discover it, the meaning of some passages. And when he was asked about the source of the Quran, he replied: Well, I would think it must be the divine being.
5) Dr. Gerald C. Goeringer is Course Director and Associate Professor of Medical Embryological at the Department of Cell Biology, School of Medicine, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA.. During the Eighth Saudi Medical Conference in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Professor Goeringer stated the following in the presentation of his research paper:
in a relatively few aayahs (Quranic verses) is contained a rather comprehensive description of human development from the time of commingling of the gametes through organogenesis. No such distinct and complete record of human development, such as classification, terminology, and description, existed previously. In most, if not all, instances, this description antedates by many centuries the recording of the various stages of the human embryonic and fetal development recorded in the traditional scientific literature.
6) Dr. Yoshihide Kozai is Professor Emeritus at Tokyo University, Hongo, Tokyo, Japan, and was the Director of the National Astronomical Observatory, Mitaka, Tokyo, Japan. He said:
I am very much impressed by finding true astronomical facts in (the) Quran, and for us the modern astronomers have been studying very small pieces of the universe. Weve concentrated our efforts for studying of (a) very small part. Because by using telescopes, we can see only very few parts (of) the sky without thinking (about the) whole universe. So, by reading (the) Quran and by answering to the questions, I think I can find my future way for investigation of the universe.
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7) Professor Tejatat Tejasen is the Chairman of the Department of Anatomy at Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand. Previously he was the Dean of the Faculty of Medicine at the same university. During the Eighth Medical Conference in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Professor Tejasen stood up and said:
During the last three years, I became interested in the Quran. From my study and what I have learned from this conference, I believe that everything that has been recorded in the Quran fourteen hundred years ago must be the truth, that can be proved by the scientific means. Since the Prophet Muhammad could neither read nor write, Muhammad must be a messenger who relayed this truth, which was revealed to him as an enlightenment by the one who is eligible {as the} creator. This creator must be God. Therefore, I think this is the time to say La ilaaha illa Allah, there is no god to worship except Allah (God), Muhammadur rassoolu Allah, Muhammad is Messenger (Prophet) of Allah (God). Lastly, I must congratulate for the excellent and highly successful arrangement for this conference. I have gained not only from the scientific point of view and religious point of view but also the great chance of meeting many well-known scientists and making new friends among the participants. The most precious thing of all that I have gained by coming to this place is La ilaaha illa Allah, Muhammadur resoola Allah, and to have become a Muslim.
After all these examples, we have seen about the scientific miracles in the Holy Quran and all these scientists comments on this, let us ask ourselves these questions:
Could it be a coincidence that all this recently discovered scientific information from different fields was mentioned in the Quran, which was revealed fourteen centuries ago? Could this Quran have been authored by Muhammad (S) or by any other human being?
The only possible answer is that this Quran must be the literal word of God, revealed by Him.
I would recommend that any interested person should read the book A Brief Illustrated Guide to Understanding Islam by I.A.Ibrahim or visit www.islam-guide.com/science
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CHAPTER 16 THE ORIGIN OF THE CRUSADES

Some twenty years after the Muslims conquered Jerusalem, a hermit, named Peter, visited the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem, according to Edward Gibbon. Peter was a Frenchman, who went to the Greek emperors in the East to search for assistance. He kissed the feet of the Roman Pope and requested that they invade and occupy Jerusalem. Let us read on page 381382 of Gibbon's Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire Volume II about what was written about this episode: His stature was small, his appearance contemptible; but his eye was keen and lively, and he possessed that vehemence of speech which seldom fails to impart the persuasion of the soul...he soon relinquished the sword and the world; and if it be true that his wife, however noble; was aged and ugly, he might withdraw with less reluctance from her bed to a convent, and at length to a hermitage. In this austere solitude his body was emaciated, his fancy was inflamed; whatever he wished, he believed; whatever he believed , he saw in dreams and revelations. From Jerusalem the pilgrim returned an accomplished fanatic; but as he excelled in the popular madness of the times, Pope Urban the Second received him as a prophet, applauded his glorious design, promised to support it in a general council, and encouraged him to proclaim the deliverance of the Holy Land. Invigorated by the approbation of the pontiff, his zealous missionary traversed, with speed and success, to the provinces of Italy and France. He preached to innumerable crowds in the churches, the streets, and the highways: the hermit entered with equal confidence the palace and the cottage; and the people were impetuously moved by his call to repentance and arms. When he painted the sufferings of the natives and pilgrims of Palestine, every heart was melted to compassion; every breast glowed with indignation when he challenged the warriors of the age to defend their brethren, and rescue their Saviour: his ignorance of art and language was compensated by sighs, and tears, and ejaculations; and Peter supplied the deficiency of reason by loud and frequent appeals to Christ and his mother, to the saints and angels in paradise, with whom he personally conversed. The most perfect orator of Athens might have envied the success of his eloquence: the rustic enthusiast inspired the passions which he felt, and Christendom expected with impatience the counsels and decrees of the supreme pontiff. The magnanimous spirit of Gregory the Seventh had already embraced the design of arming Europe against Asia; the ardour of his zeal and ambition still breathes in his epistles; from either side of the Alps fifty thousand Catholics had enlisted under the banner of St.Peter; and his successor reveals his intention of marching at their head against the impious sectaries of Mohammed. But the glory or reproach of executing, though not in person, this holy enterprise, was reserved for Urban the Second, the most faithful of his disciples. He undertook the conquest of the East, whilst the larger portion of Rome was possessed and fortified by his rival Guibert of Ravenna, who contended with Urban for the name and honours of the pontificate. He attempted to unite the powers of the West, at a time when the princes were separated from the church, and the people from their princes, by the excommunication which himself and his predecessors had thundered against the emperor and the king of France. Philip the First of France supported with patience the censures which he had provoked by his scandalous life and adultrous marriage
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Gibbon then continues, extensively, about how the greatest villains in the governments of the West, conspired to destroy and eradicate Islam in the East, although as already reported, the subjects, under the reign of Islam, enjoyed peace of faith and fair treatment. It is, therefore, clear how a madman, who himself posed as a disciple of the Pope, and some of the corrupt rulers of the West used this as an excuse to occupy the Middle-East. Meanwhile, the Pope made use of this occasion to unite him with the rulers. So it led to what is known in history as the first of many crusades against Islam and Gibbon reflects how peaceful Muslims, were unnecessarily killed by the thousands. I would like to produce more quotations from the book of Gibbon, so that the reader is assured that I am not using bias or sentiment with my own writing. My quotations are derived from pages 383-387: "It is indeed the will of God," replied the pope; "and let this memorable word, the inspiration surely of the Holy Spirit, be for ever adopted as your cry of battle, to animate the devotion and courage of the champions of Christ. His cross is the symbol of your salvation; wear it, a red, bloody cross, as an external mark, on your breasts or shoulders, as a pledge of your sacred and irrevocable engagement. The proposal was joyfully accepted; great numbers, both of the clergy and laity, impressed on their garments the sign of the cross, and solicited the pope to march at their head. This dangerous honour was declined by the more prudent successor of Gregory, who alleged the schism of the church, and the duties of his pastoral office... In the age of the crusades, the Christians, both of the East and West, were persuaded of their lawfulness and merit; their arguments are clouded by the perpetual abuse of Scripture and rhetoric; but they seem to insist on the right of natural and religious defence, their peculiar title to the Holy Land, and the impiety of their Pagan and Mohammedan foes... This charge of ignorance and bigotry is refuted by the Koran, by the history of the Musulman conquerors, and by their public and legal toleration of the Christian worship... The use and abuse of religion are feeble to stem, they are strong and irresistible to impel...War and exercise were the reigning passions of the Franks and the Latins; they were enjoined, as a penance, to gratify those passions, to visit distant lands, and to draw their swords against the nations of the East. Their victory or even their attempt would immortalise their names of the intrepid heroes of the cross; and the purest piety could not be insensible to the most splendid prospect of military glory. In the petty quarrels of Europe they shed the blood of their friends and countrymen for the acquisition, perhaps, of a castle or a village. Christendom, in her rudest state, must have yielded to the climate and cultivation of the Mohammedan countries; and their natural and artificial wealth had been magnified by the tales of the pilgrims and the gifts of an imperfect commerce. The vulgar, both the great and small, were taught to believe every wonder, of lands flowing with milk and honey, of mines and treasures, of gold and diamonds, of palaces of marble and jasper, and of odoriferous groves of cinnamon and frankincence... the spoils of a Turkish emir might enrich the meanest follower of the camp; and the flavour of the wines, the beauty of the Grecian women, were temptations more adapted to the nature, than to the profession, of the champions of the cross. The love of freedom was a powerful incitement to the multitudes who were oppressed by feudal or ecclesiastical tyranny. Under this holy sign, the peasants and burghers, who were attached to the servitude of the glebe, might escape from a haughty lord, and transplant
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themselves and their families to the land of liberty.The monk might release himself from the discipline of his convent, the debtor might suspend the accumulation of usury and the pursuit of his creditors, and outlaws and malefactors of every cast might continue to brave the laws and elude the punishment of their crimes. Gibbon here shows the various covert reasons, why individuals joined the Crusades. It was for many other reasons, except holiness. He continues with the story as such: Early in the spring, from the confines of France and Lorraine, above sixty thousand of the populace of both sexes flocked round the first missionary of the crusade, and pressed him, with clamorous importunity, to lead them to the holy sepulcre. The hermit, assuming the character, without the talents or authority, of a general, impelled or obeyed the forward impulse of his votaries along the banks of the Rhine and Danube... The example and footsteps of Peter were closely pursued by another fanatic, the monk Godescal, whose sermons had swept away fifteen or twenty thousand peasants from the villages of Germany. Their rear was again pressed by a herd of two hundred thousand, the most stupid and savage refuse of the people, who mingled with their devotion a brutal licence of rapine, prostitution, and drunkenness. Gibbon also continues to describe how the so-called Crusaders went on their profane way to attack and kill the Jews, and seized their property and wealth. It is also shown how due to their skirmish with the Turks, they lost three hundred thousand of their numbers, because of their incompetence and blindness, even before they had saved any one from the city from their enemies. On page 393 Gibbon states the following facts: If all who took the cross had accomplished their vow, above six millions would have migrated from Europe to Asia. On page 394 he mentions: The Greeks were unfriendly, and the Christians of every sect fled before the voracious and cruel rapine of their brethren. In the dire necessity of famine, they sometimes roasted and devoured the flesh of their infant or adult captives. Among the Turks and Saracens, the idolators of Europe were rendered more odious by the name and reputation of cannibals; the spies, who introduced themselves into the kitchen of Bohemond were shown several human bodies turning on the spit: and the artful Norman encouraged a report which increased at the same time the abhorrence and the terror of the infidels. Gibbon continues to describe all sorts of atrocities by the crusades. I do not want to quote this in detail, and only want to quote certain passages between page 396 and 403, to capture the reader's attention and to ensure that there was no sanctity in the Crusades, and why Church ministers now hang their heads in shame, for the rebellious behaviour of those Christians, who over the years of colonial administration, described the Crusaders as heroes in their books. There are even films, which labelled them as heroes, but history proved the contrary. Gibbon states among others: They turned their consecrated swords against each other in a private and profane quarrel. One hundred thousand Moslems are said to have fallen by the sword.
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The crusaders were supine and ignorant. Seldom does the history of profane war display such scenes of intemperance and prostitution as were exhibited under the walls of Antioch. Christians were seduced by every temptation. The saints were scandalised by the fall of Peter the Hermit, who, after arming Europe against Asia, attempted to escape from the penance of a necessary fast. As soon as they descried the holy city, the crusaders forgot their toils and claimed their reward. A bloody sacrifice was offered by mistaken votaries to the God of the Christians: resistance might provoke, but neither age nor sex could molify, their implacable rage; they indulged themselves three days in a promiscuous massacre; and the infection of the dead bodies produced an epidemical disease. After seventy thousand Moslems had been put to the sword, and the harmless Jews had been burnt in their synagogue, they could still reserve a multitude of captives whom interest or lassitude persuaded them to spare. Of these savage heroes of the cross, Tancred alone betrayed some sentiments of compassion... Christians regretted the tolerating government of the Arabian Caliphs. The austerity of the convert soon evaporated in the exercise of arms; the world was scandalised by the pride, avarice, and corruption of these Christian soldiers Salahuddin Ayyubi Nowadays, there are at least some films, which portray the Muslim leader, Salahuddin Ayyubi, as a true hero and adversary of the Crusaders and describe how the attackers were forced to a peaceful settlement. Salahuddin, who was known in the West as Saladin, was one of the most famous figures of the middle ages. The West regarded him as a hero, when he was victorious in Jerusalem against the Crusaders, and he proudly led Islam to full recovery. He was born in 532 AH / 1138 in the citadel of Tikret, on the banks of the Tigris. His father, Ayyub, was the Governor, and originally they were Kurds. This happened during the period when the Muslim world was in decline. I would like to recollect the historical battle between Salahuddin and the Crusaders according to Gibbon as follows: Having taken Ascalon and the districts around Al-Quds, Salahuddin devoted all his energies to preparations for an expedition against the city. He called together the various detachments of his army that were scattered through the coast-districts which exceeded 60 000, and then marched upon Jerusalem. It was on Sunday, 15th Rajab 583/ 20 th September 1187 that he took up his position to the west of the city. The sultan shifted his position to the north of the city thinking this would be best, and directed his mangonels (stone-missile launchers) against the walls. By constant assaults, his miners were able to make a breach in one of the northern angles of the wall overlooking the Kidron Valley. The enemy expecting to surely die if they engage the Muslims in war, adopted the only alternative and asked for a treaty that their lives might be spared. When the Muslims heard of this victory, all their learned men came to join the Sultan, both
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from Egypt and from Syria, and there was not a single well-known scholar who did not come. Ibn Khallikan has preserved the sermon which was delivered on the next Friday in his Wafyatul 'A'yan. The huge cross that rose from the dome of the Sakhra was thrown down and Islamic rule was once again established. The chief condition stipulated by the treaty was that each man should pay ten Tyrian dinars as his ransom; each woman five; children, both boys and girls were to pay only one dinar each.Everyone who paid this ransom was to receive his freedom. The booty was equally distributed amongst the Sultan's army and scholars. It is said that Salahuddin retained nothing whatever for himself out of all these treasures which amounted to nearly 220,000 dinars. Compare this to the treatment of Richard, the crusading king of England who, when he captured Jerusalem in 1099, did not hesitate to butcher 3,000 Muslims in cold blood in direct contravention of his treaty. The retaking of Jerusalem was only one of a series of expeditions to regain what the crusaders had robbed from the Muslims a century earlier. A few days after the capitulation of Jerusalem, Salahuddin set out for Tyre, the next Christian stronghold. Before Jerusalem, he had freed the city Acre, Sidon and Ascalon from Frankish rule in the battle of Hattin that was taken 35 years before from the Muslims. Islam lost this remarkable fighter on Wednesday, March 4, 1193, after an illness of 12 days. He deserves to be remembered for his compassion in fighting. He was more than a Sultan. He protected his scholars and rebuilt most of the Islamic empire, which the crusaders destroyed.
I suspect that the senseless events of the Crusades in history altered the view of local library authorities, because when I approached the local library in the year 2008, once again for the two volumes of Gibbon's: The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, they could not be obtained. The valuable reference work of Gibbon was totally unavailable. After four weeks of patiently waiting, a single book called The Portable Gibbon: The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire was issue to me. Apparently this is how Dero A. Sanders has shortened the work of Gibbon, to hide the shame of the Crusades from history. Believe it not, the whole history of the Crusades was completely omitted in this abridged version. The quotation from Gibbon's true work, which I kept, is now more precious. What would have happened if I did not obtain and carefully stored the original, so many years ago? I wonder how many other books, which I am quoting, have also mysteriously disappeared from the shelves of libraries? I leave it to the reader to find out more about this mystery. Faith with Anger We notice, nowadays, that those who actually recognise the Creator are regarded as the greatest enemies of each other and want to destroy each other. The hostility is not so bad against those who are anti-god. We have already mentioned the crusades against people who believe. After that it was the so-called civilised Western countries, who colonised third world countries and practised slavery. Many Muslims were kidnapped, under duress, from their native countries and sold as slaves in the European colonies. Ironically, Islam, thus, spread to various countries, such as South Africa. After slavery was abolished, the two world wars followed. The greedy German leader, Adolf Hitler, acted forcefully, and many Jews were killed by his army. After the Second World War, the Christian British regime played a major role, with the Balfour Declaration, to place the Jews in the midst of the Muslims, in order to
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cause an everlasting conflict in the Middle East. We notice how people die daily, because of the persecution of non-Jews in Jerusalem. As if this was not enough, the collapse of the communist regime in Russia led to wars against Bosnia and Afghanistan. Thousands of innocent Muslims were murdered and persecuted as a result. The terrible fighting in Northern Ireland between Catholics and Protestants persevered for so many years, yet nobody tries to end it with worldly hostilities. Then there was the Bush government of the United States, who under false pretenses, attacked the Middle Eastern countries, like Iraq and Afghanistan. What else should we guage from these hostilities? The revenge of some rebels, posing as terrorists, who exist under the name of Jihad (holy war) with a reign of terror, due to suicidal bombings against innocent victims, are nothing, but killers. As previously reported, no Muslim reserves the right to take innocent lives. In Islam suicide is already an anti-Islamic act, whereby life is regarded as sacred and no person has the right to take his own life. The killing of innocent persons, such as women, the aged and children, is clearly forbidden in Islam. The fanatically bloodthirsty political ones, who therefore perform such atrocities, and abuse with the word Jihad, while they are supposed to follow the example of the holy Prophet Muhammad, but instead they follow that of Satan, will be punished by God. We live in a period, where too many political leaders use acts of terrorism for political gain, and whether it is done in the name of Islam, Christianity or Judism, it brings religion into disrepute. If mankind does not realise that they are greedy, bloodthirsty and ungodly, which are the evils of King Nimrod, instead of the peaceful preaching of the holy chosen prophets of God, there will never ultimately be peace on earth. So many writers have already written about the ultimate solution, which lie in self-examination and the spreading of our divine duty. We must realise that the failure of our duties towards God, is the real reason for the discord on earth. The last Testament, the Holy Qur'n, clearly presents a solution, provided we can dispense with our prejudices and are willing to pursue a better way of life. Man faces a choice: 1. To live a wicked, sinful and reckless life and bear its consequences. 2. To follow a cult with all kinds of rituals and thereafter hope for the best. 3. To live a religious way of life, with sincerity on earth, and earn divine satisfaction through it. In the words of the late Prof. Fazl-ur-Rahman Ansari ( Islam to the Modern Mind): The lower self (nafs) functions on the basis of instinct; that is, the instinct of hunger, sex, procreation, desire for wealth and self-assertion. The higher self, however, yearns for the values of truth, beauty, holiness, harmony and finally communion with Allah. Unless this carnal self is brought under control of the higher self, the person, in spite of being human, will behave like an animal and less as the vicegerent of God or Khalifat-Allah. With the origin of the first man, we read that the Creator installed both the animal instincts and the conscience of the Angels in us. In the final chapter, hereafter, we will bring all chapters to a reasonable conclusion, Godwilling.
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CHAPTER 17 THE ORIGIN OF ALL

With this final chapter of this assignment, we can tie together the whole research and come to a logical conclusion that there is definitely a Source of all existence, namely the Creator of everything. All monotheistic religions, such as Judism, Christianity and Islam, acknowledged that there is a Creator of all existence. The name of that Creator varies from faith to faith, but at least everyone agrees that there is an Almighty Creator. Whether the name is called Yahweh, God or Allah does not remove the initial power of that Almighty. On page 6 of the book No God but God by Reza Azlan, we read the following: It is true that before the rise of Islam the Arabian Peninsula was dominated by Paganism. But, like Hinduism, paganism is a meaningless and somewhat derogatory catchall term created by those outside the tradition to categorize what is in reality an almost unlimited variety of beliefs and practices. The word paganus means a rustic villager or a boor, and was originally used by Christians as a term of abuse to describe those who followed any religion but theirs. In some ways this is an appropriate designation. Unlike Christianity, paganism is not so much a unified system of beliefs and practices as it is a religious perspective, one that is receptive to a multitude of influences and interpretations. Often, though not always, polytheistic, paganism strives for neither universalism nor moral absolutism. There is no such thing as a pagan creed or a pagan canon. Nothing exists that could properly be termed pagan orthodoxy or pagan heterodoxy. In my opinion, it is ironic that the term "paganism" or heathenism arose through from mythological Christianity, because it is in this religion that most pagan practices are still being encountered in the world, as we discovered in this book. We also realise that faith or superstition is a matter of immediate necessity to man, instead of the ultimate reward or punishment, which is outside immediate reach. As Reza Azlan mentions in his book: the Bedouin practised nothing more than a primitive idolatry. On the contrary, there is every reason to believe that the Bedouin of pre-Islamic Arabia enjoyed a rich and diverse religious tradition. However, the nomadic lifestyle is one that requires a religion to address immediate concerns: Which god can lead us to water? Which god can heal our illnesses? In contrast, paganism among the sedentary societies of Arabia had developed from its earlier and simpler manifestations into a complex form of neo-animism, providing a host of divine and semi-divine intermediaries who stood between the creator god and his creation. This creator god was called Allah, which is not a proper name but a contraction of the word al-ilah, meaning simply the god. As the Creator, called Allah, is the Source of all which exists, therefore, we dedicate this chapter to that wonderful Creator, the Source of everything. In Chapter 2 of this assignment, when Allah created His first human being, Whom he regarded as His vicegerent, and while the Angels could not answer a specific question, the first man could do so. It was also mentioned that the question referred to the Asma-ul-Khusnaa or the beautiful attributes of Allah. For the reader who, therefore, bears no knowledge of these attributes, it is important that a detailed description is given in this chapter. It is a well-known fact that no person can give a description of Allah, but it is important to know Allah through His beautiful attributes.
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There are altogether 99 attributes of Allah, which is known to mankind. God reveals Himself through His attributes in the Holy Qur'n. It gives me great pleasure to quote from the book of a famous aalim, the late Sheikh Abubaker Najjaar, (a personal friend). The following is mentioned by him on page 168 of I am a Muslim - Part 2 : there are 99 of His (Allah's) Attributes in the Holy Qur'an, known as Asma-ul-Husnah" or 'The Most Beautiful Attributes', concerning which the Holy Prophet of Islam orders us: Imbue yourself with Divine Attributes. There is not a facet of life to which these do not apply. And these Attributes form the basis of Islamic Ethics. Man can, by striving to acquire these Qualities of immense magnitude, reach the highest ascent of spirituality, to attain nearness to his Creator. Every one of these Attributes is endowed with positiveness absolute Virtuousness. Islam considers its opposite features as Evil or Sin. He is not only The Sustainer of creation, Benevolent, Compassionate, Merciful, Wise, Kind, Just and All-Powerful but He is also Al-Wadood THE ALL LOVING. And He is The Oft-Forgiving, The All-Loving. (Surah Al-Burooj, Verse 14). The magnanimity of His Love encompasses even those who do not acknowledge Him by the fact that they too are sustained by Him, Al-Wahhaab, - The Granter of Bounty regardless of merit. Lip-service to Allah's Love is not enough in Islam: complete subservience to Divine Laws, including Righteous Deeds, is the only way to seek Salvation of the body and soul in this world and in the Hereafter On those who Believe and do Deeds of Righteousness, will The Benevolent bestow His Love. (Surah Maryam, Verse 96). This is Love par excellence. Another word frequently mentioned in the Holy Qur'an to express Love for His chosen ones is HUUBB. For example: Allah Loves the truthful; Allah Loves the repentant; Allah Loves those who cleanse themselves. And all acts in Islam, including chapters of the Holy Qur'an, begin with the 'BISMILLAH' In the name of The God Who is Most Kind, Most Merciful. Yet, there are malicious people who allege that Islam is not a religion of Love or Compassion! THE BOASTER IS NOT LOVED And swell not thy cheek (in pride) at people, nor walk in insolence on the earth; verily, Allah loveth not the arrogant boaster. (Surah Luqmaan, Verse 18). I am truly grateful to this aalim and his descendants, that I could quote one page of his ocean of knowledge to the reader, who wrote that the Asma-ul-Khusnaa should not be memorised as a song, but should rather be cultivated and practised in our daily lives to promote the love of Allah.
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Another important quality in mankind which the Aalim mentions is Sabr or patience, persistence, perseverance, tolerance, endurance and resistance. With the practice of our Islamic acts, such as Salaah, Zakaah, Sowm and Hajj the Muslim should show patience, persistence, perseverance, tolerance, endurance. It is strange that some Muslims are so intolerant with their spouses, neighbours, children, or fellow human beings. The principles of Islam should definitely develop these qualities in us, and those who show impatience in life, do not benefit from their ritual, despite the fact that they utter, "Salaah is the key to Paradise." In other words, their key does not properly fit the door of Paradise. We point to the words of the Aalim who reminds us: Every one of these Attributes is endowed with positiveness absolute Virtuousness. Islam considers its opposite features as Evil or Sin. In other words, we sin if we become negligent in our duties or neglect our duties regarding the attributes of Allah. It is like a person, who lays the foundation of his house, but fails to raise the structure, the walls, the roof, etc. Islam remains a way of living and those who do not cultivate good qualities to propagate goodness in life, are the ultimate losers. Our very first duty is always to our Creator, but after that to the creations of the Creator. Intolerant people will force others to believe in their own way. The Qur'n is quite clear: "There is no compulsion in Islam". Allah (God) We read in the Holy Qur'n: "Verily! I am Allah. There is no god but I: so serve me (only) and establish regular worship for celebrating my praise."(20; 14). According to this verse, we notice that the name "Allah" is the proper name, which the Creator and Sustainer of everything, elected for Himself. The name is not really translatable, and is a complete noun, with no gender or plural. In other words, the term "Allah" has no root, derivation, descent, origin or even no offspring. In the Holy Qur'n we also read: "The most beautiful names belong to Allah: so call Him by them; (7; 180). As already mentioned, the Afrikaner of South Africa, irrespective of his religious convictions, exclaims as follows: "Allamagtig" (Allamighty), "Allakragtig (Allapowerful) and "Allawreld (Allaworld)". In addition, they call on Alla (Allah), whenever they panic. The Afrikaans dictionaries bear testimony to all this. If we investigate the meaning of the word all in the dictionary we find the following meanings: whole, as much as there is, as many as there are, to the whole extent or number, without exception, the greatest possible, every, the whole, everybody, everything, the totality of things- the universe, ones whole possessions, wholly, entirely, quite, without limit, infinitely, on all sides, on each side, apiece, even, just, in composition, infinite, universal, completely, by all, having all for, after all, all things considered. Yet, when we read the books of some professors, we find that they spend their time in discussing the myths and the gods of the past, while they fail to come to the conclusion of the One True God as the One Who will duely be explained forthward: To understand the Creator or Allah, better, it is important that we study the 99 attributes of Allah in the Holy Qur'n. Although it is quite difficult to understand, especially for the
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person, who is not acquainted with the Qur'n, why Allah is the real Creator of all things. Lets look at the attributes of Allah in its order: 1. Ar-Rahmaan (The Beneficent or The Compassionate) Virtually every chapter of the Qur'n begins with the words: "Bismillah hirrahmaan nirrahim" (In the Name of Allah, The Beneficient, The Most Merciful ". (1;1). The term Rahmaan is derived from Rahmat. The concept of the term content is fairly sizable, because it includes pity, mercy, love, generosity, magnanimity, generosity, and charity. We are daily aware of these qualities in our Creator, when fresh air is provided to us. The same with the power of the sun, which is so important to the growth of plants, to maintain our food as sustenance. Also, our water supply, even in deserts, or the survival of human beings, plants or animals. How much gratitude do we show to Ar-Rahmaan for these provisions? What about hearts which beat regularly to circulate our blood? Think of all the other parts of the body which function constantly, without us having to think about it, even while we sleep. How many of these compassionate attributes do we, as human beings possess, to prove our likeness to God? Instead of assisting a person who is down, we would rather kick him while he is helpless. This clearly shows our lack of compassion, even though we serve God with other devotions. 2. Ar-Raheem (The Merciful) In the opening chapter of the Holy Qur'n, we read: Praise be to Allah, Lord of the Worlds: the Compassionate, The Most Merciful (1; 2 & 3). We should realise that if someone harmed us or is in conflict with our attitude, our first inclination is to punish that person, or seek retribution, or at least, to ignore him completely. Contrarily, Allah is so merciful that He does not withhold the sinner's source of air, food, water, heart beat, etc, nor remove such a persons life, to punish him. In fact, Allah is gracious enough if the person turns himself in repentance to the straight way. Again, we have to ask ourselves whether we are compassionate and merciful to the same degree or show patience and mercy towards our fellow human-beings? If we do not act in the same way then we think of ourselves as almighty, which is one of the greatest sins to our Creator. 1. Al-Malik (The Superior / Supreme / Ruler / King/ Sovereign) We read in the holy Qur'n: "High above all is Allah the King, the Truth" (20, 114). If we only look at those, who are currently in control of any country, as well as those in the past, who held positions of power, then we immediately notice that such persons only see to their own comfort, position, wealth and power. We discussed typical examples in this research work, in the form of Nimrod and the Crusaders. How many wars occurred because of hunger for power, and how many innocent lives were already sacrificed? People just do
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not want to learn from our excellent Sovereign, Who is the owner of the entire universe, visible and invisible. 1. Al-Kuddoos (The Holy and One free from all blemishes) The Holy Qur'n states: Allah is He, than Whom there is no other God the Sovereign, the Holy One, the source of Peace (and Perfection), the Guardian of Faith, the Preserver of Safety, the Exalted in Might, the Irresistable, the Supreme: Glory to Allah! (High is He) above the partners they attribute to Him. (59; 23). Everyday there are people who are referred to as saints or saalih. However, which person really deserves such a title? We should realise that only Allah is Perfect and Pure, and free from any flaw, error, defect, weakness or dependency. As previously mentioned in this book, we possess animal desires (nafs), who requirefood, sleep, rest, care, medication, etc. Even the Angels, who do not have those desires (nafs) are still not perfect. Man should, however, strive with jihaadun-nafs (stuggle with his consciousness) for holiness, without making a fuss or show of it. Holiness consists only of piety to our Creator. Our Holy Prophet was at his holiest during the night, while others slept, and only his wife, who was aware of this, could later expose this to us. Since we fail to see Allah, we are unaware of how Holy Allah is. 5. As-Salaam (The Creator of Safety and Immunity) In the Holy Qur'n it is recorded: He is Allah, than Whom there is no other God, the sovereign Lord, the Holy One, Author of Safety. (59; 23). The word salaam means security in its entirety, free from danger, risk and degradation. The name Salaam confirms that His obedient servants are protected and endowed with security. The Holy Prophet's life was in constant danger, but he was protected by the Almighty. Even when he and his faithful friend, Abu Bakr, during the Hijra, were hiding in the cave, and could not be located by their enemies, because Allah willed a spider and a dove to protect them. We have earlier mentioned in this book, when the Prophet reassured Abu Bakr of the presence of Allah. Prophet Ibrahim was also protected by Allah in the fire of Nimrod. Our Lord is indeed the Creator of Safety. We have witnessed what happens when a person suffers from AIDS. Such a person has no immunity and will die as a result. Those who still doubt in Allah, should notice how people who sleep around can lose their immunity. 6. Al Mu'min (The Giver of Peace) Chapter 59, verse 23 of the Holy Qur'n still continues: He is Allah, the supreme Lord, the Holy One, Creator of Safety, the Giver of Peace". Each time a name of one of Allah's holy prophet is mentioned to a Muslim, then he responds with the words: "May the Peace and blessings of Allah be with him". The stingiest person is one who does not offer peace on the holy prophets name. On the other hand, it does not help to offer peace on the Prophet, but one refuses to live in peace with our fellow human beings. Some people cannot even live peacefully with their spouses, relatives or neighbours. We are in ignorance if we do not learn a lesson from the Asma-ul-Khusnaa. It is of no value if
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we recite it as a nursery rhyme, but we neglect its proper value in our daily lives. 7. Al Muhaimin (The Protector) The name Al-Muhaimin was added in the above verse. We have read how Allah protected the Prophet and his companion when they fled from Makkah to Madina. Then they were pursued by an enemy, who would definitely have harmed them, but Allah willed his horse to sink its feet in the sand. We also read how Allah protected the holy Ka'abah by willing a multitude of birds to bombard and destroy the enemy. Even in the Battle of Badr, Allah sent angels to fight on the side of justice. Also, when Prophet Abraham was emerced in the fire, he was protected by Allah. The same with the story of Prophet Joseph, who was protected by Allah, and Prophet Ishmael, when he was supposed to be sacrifised by his father. Allah is Muhaimin, because He protects us from many dangers. Think about our hair on the head, and skin which protects our bodies from the rays of the sun, wind, rain and cold. Hairs in the nostrals protect us against the inhalation of dust and germs. Saliva works constantly to digest substances in our food to protect us against disease. So, we can write pages full of the wonderful ways, in which Allah protects our bodies. It is a pity that we are so unkind to our fellow human beings and instead of protecting their honour, we prefer to slander and gossip about our neighbours. 8. Al-Aziz (The Mighty One) Again we find that the name Al-Aziz is mentioned in the provided verses. The word is derived from the root word "Izat which means dignity, majesty and power. Therefore, Aziz means "ruleror someone, who possesses these properties. Allah is known as Al-Aziz, because He possesses the heavens and earth. Yet with all this power, Allah is still ever so merciful to us by means of our regular care and maintenance. No one in history remained in a position of power, to show the same mercy to his subjects. We learn repeatedly of abuse of power, such as Nimrod, Hitler, Mussolini, Idi Amin, Saddam Husain, Gaddafi and Hendrik Verwoerd in various countries, may Allah have mercy on their wicked souls. 9. Al-Jabbaar (The Compeller or The Overpowering Lord) This time Al-Jabbaar is added to show as the ninth attribute of Allah. The word Jabbaar means correctness. But when it is used in the case of a person it can refer to someone who is arrogant, haughty, or cruel. Yet, as a characteristic of Allah, it means Comforter of dishearted people. Allah is the repairer or mender of the broken, the completer of the lacking and One Who can ebforce His Will without any opposition. 10. Al-Muta Kabbir (The Glorified and The Majestic) This is the tenth attribute mentioned in the holy verse. The word is derived from kibbar which means "Majesty". Allah is the true Majesty, because He is way beyond all. He shows His Majesty in all things and all ways. Nobody is "great" except the greatest one. We are aware of infidels such as Nimrod, who tried to live majestically on earth, and how such people were eventually degraded. 11. Al-Khalik (The Creator)
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We read in the Holy Qur'n: "He is Allah, the Creator" (59, 24). The word Al-Khalik or the word khalak, is derived from "to produce". It also means to make, to assign and to assess or bring into existence from non-existence. Allah is the only one Who created the heaven and the earth, Who created the night, Who created life and death, Who created all things and beings in pairs, and Who has knowledge of the nature of every created being and the appropriate stage of their development and production. He divided all the physical and abstract things in different categories and shapes. Allah is the One and only Being Who will remain forever, and for whom all these qualities and many others are manifested to the utmost. Infidels theorise with all manners of ideas, such as evolution, instead of creation, but they only get the unbelieving on their side. Allah, with His grace, even permitted creativity to his vicegerent (the man), so we could benefit therefrom. Think about our vehicles, etc. The angel and the animal do not have the same creative ability, because Allah can create from nothing. 12. Al-Baari ' (The Maker, Who gives Life) In 59; 24 of the Holy Qur'n we read: "He is Allah, the Creator, the Maker, the Fashioner ". Baraa implies a process of evolving from a former matter or state, the Creator of this process is Baari-u, the Evolver or the Creator. Allah is Al-Baari', because He created all things in proportion. He is the Shaper of every shape and form. He is the Designer and Builder of the earth and the heaven. He shaped his Angels and made them His Messengers. He is truly Powerful. No one can withhold what He bestows and none can withhold what He sends. The man has the ability to make or produce and develop, but he does not realise that he should be grateful to the main Creator for such qualities. 13. Al-Musowwir (The Shaper) He is Allah, the Creator, the Maker, the Shaper is the beginning of Chapter 59, verse 24, of the Holy Qur'n. Souwara implies a definite shape or colour, to suit something, accurately, and to adapt to the environment or the subject. We need only to look at nature, how the leaves change colour in autumn, how the chameleon adapts to nature, how beautifully the butterflies move between the plants and so on. Such things do not happen by accident, but are pre-planned by the Shaper. Consider the formation of the beehive or the spider's web. That should clearly prove to us that Someone, in the form of a Shaper, is definitely in charge. Allah has given man the ability to use ingenuine works of art. It should bring us closer to Allah and to make one more appreciative of our Shaper, instead of becoming self-reliant and boastful. 14. Al-Ghaffaar (The Great Forgiver or The Exceedingly Forgiving)
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Allah states in the Holy Qur'n in the words of Prophet Moses: "You call me not to disbelieve in Allah, and ascribe unto as partners that whereof I have no knowledge, while I call you unto the mighty, the Great Forgiver" (40, 42 ). Al-Ghaffaar means to cover something. Allah is Ghaffaar, because He covers the sins of His servants. This means that people commit sins, while Allah in His infinite mercy forgives our mistakes and blunders. The picture that some spiritual leaders sketch about the punishment of Allah, is more likely their own views, because if we truly believe that Allah is Al-Ghaffaar, then there is hope even for the sinner, if he sincerely returns to the right Way, with deep remorse over his sins, mistakes and blunders. The Holy Prophet advised his followers to cover the sins of their brothers and not to disclose it with gossip and slander. 15. Al-Qahhaar (The Dominant or One Who has Control over Everything) We read in the Holy Qur'n: Say: Allah is the Creator of all things, and He is the One, the Dominant. (13;16). The word is derived from Qahhir which means "dominance". The Dominant One, Who has greater Commanding influence, even on the influentials. It is only Allah, Who is worthy of this name, because He has complete control over our mind, body, spirit, movement, etc. No one on earth possesses the power, regardless of his claim that he is dominant. In other words it is always a false claim. Remember that Nimrod, as a king, claimed that he held life and death in his power, but then Prophet Abraham told him that it is Allah Who makes the sun rise in the East and set in the West. After this he could not prove his dominance. 16. Al-Wahhaab (The Bestower or Giver of all things) In the Holy Qur'n it is mentioned: Our Lord! Cause our hearts not to stray after You have guided us, and bestow upon us mercy from Your Presence. Lo! You, only You, are the Bestower. (3; 8). Wahhaab is derived from the word "wahhaba". "Hibba" and "Muhib" are also derived therefrom. Wahhaab means great and permanent bestower. We must remember that hibba is that donation or gift, which is given without personal interest, hope, and free of cost. Think of the story when Prophet Abraham was banished by Nimrod, but Allah endowed him with sons at a very high age. Allah is the donor because He is the real owner of everything, visible or invisible, wordly or in the afterlife. The name also indicates that the person actually owns nothing, except that which Allah grants him. Even our offspring is only a gift to us, until Allah remove them from us. 17. Ar-Razzaak (The Sustainer and Provider) Allah states in Holy Qur'n: Verily Allah! He is the Provider. (51; 58).
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The essence of this word is Rizq, which means food or liquid required to appease hunger and thirst. This does not include wealth and luxury. It remains a requirement that if we attain more than we require, we are being held responsible to take care of our fellow human beings through compassion. For this same reason Allah commanded the distribution of alms (Zakaah). People should give constant sadaqah (charity), to care for his fellow man. 18. Al-Fattaah (The Judge, Who is the Remover of Difficulties) A verse of the Holy Qur'n reads as follows: Say: Our Lord will gather us all, then he will judge between us with truth. He is the AllKnowing Judge. (34; 26). The key word Fat-h has two meanings, namely, opening and success, while the word miftaah means key. The opening chapter of the Holy Qur'n is called the Sura Faatiha. In this chapter we learn that Allah is the Judge on Judgement Day. We also learn that the Salaah (worship) is the key to Jannah (Paradise). There are many judges sitting in courts on earth, but none can compare with The Judge, because Allah is the Most Merciful of all judges. There are many times where the parent of the child, or the teacher of the learners, has to punish them for misbehaving, and we can only hope and pray for justice to be done, according to our opinion. The word justice is derived from there, and we live in an unfair society, because we are surrounded by crime. The burglar bars around our homes is evidence of the crime rate and that humanity has no confidence in his fellow man. However, we must trust in the Creator, because according to the Asma-ulKhusnaa we should never doubt in Allah. 1. Al-'Aleem (The All-Knowing) In the second chapter of the Holy Qur'n, we read: "Unto Allah belongs the East and the West, and wherever you turn there is Allah's countenance. Lo! Allah is All-Embracing, All-Knowing ". (2; 115). The key word is ilm or knowledge. In many verses of the Holy Qur'n it is confirmed that Allah's knowledge is perfect in every aspect, and surpasses the knowledge of all those who exist. He is aware of all, hidden or public, in heaven or on earth. He is aware of the number of leaves on every tree, and all grains of sand on the earth. Events of the past or the future, is known to Him. He is aware of the thoughts of every man, and what every mouth utters. He alone, except those to whom He revealed, knows of the unseen things. He does not suffer from forgetfulness, negligence and mistakes. His knowledge is eternal, and without any end. It is a pity that some persons compare Him with their own human standards. The Muslim is constantly reminded to seek knowledge not to relyon his own way of thinking. The Holy Prophet entrusted many sayings about knowledge to us. 1. As-Sami ' (The All-Hearing) We read in this verse of the Holy Qur'n:
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Then Zakariya prayed unto his Lord and said: My Lord! Bestow upon me of Your bounty a goodly offspring. Lo! You are the Hearer of Prayer. (3; 38). The attributes of Allah is not like that of his creations, because he does not have a need to hear, yet he hears any sound, low or loud. The strength of our hearing is nothing compared to His hearing power, because He hears the speeches and sounds of all people, animals, insects and other creatures of the world, whether land, water or sky all around, even the thoughts, yearnings and prayers in the hearts and minds, which are not even uttered in words or sounds. So we always believe that He hears our silent prayers, for He is All-hearing, and prefers that His servants always pray, plead and beg him for favour. People, who confess in the confession rooms of Church priests, actually deny that Allah is All-hearing and will be punished for their constant disbelief. 21. Al-Bassir (The All-Seeing One Who extends Sustenance) In the third chapter of the Holy Qur'n, we read: Say: Shall I inform you something better than that? For those who keep from evil, with their Lord are Gardens underneath which rivers flow, and pure companions, and contentment from Allah: Allah is Seer of His bondmen. (3; 15). The root word is Bassar, which means the ability of seeing. Allah sees everything, even the footsteps of an ant on a black stone, during a dark night; yet He does not use an eye like ours. He is aware of the condition of His servants and their transactions and all their matters. He created the power of hearing and sight to us, but compared to his own senses, we are way beyond His capacity. He sees, feels and reads in the past, present and future in the hearts and minds, in the depths of oceans and the darkness of night. Nothing can be hidden or held secret from him. It is, therefore, better for us to remain pure in thought and faith, and dedicate ourselves entirely to Him, because we cannot hide anything from Him. 1. Al-Latif (The Subtle One, Who is the Knower of our Secrets) We read in the Holy Qur'n: Vision does not comprehend Him, but He comprehends (all) vision. He is the Subtle One, the Aware. (6; 103). The word Al-Latif is hard to describe, but it implies: Fine, Subtle (basic meaning), so delicate and fine that it is incomprehensible to human sight, so pure that it is incomprehensible, with sight so perfect as to see and understand the finest subtleties and mysteries; so Kind and Gracious as to bestow gifts of the most refined kind; extraordinarily gracious, affectionate and understanding. 23. Al-Khabeer (The Aware or The All-Knowing) The following verse of the Holy Qur'n is quite clear: Praise to Allah, unto Whom belongs whatsoever is in the heavens and whatsoever is in the Earth. His is the praise in the Hereafter, and He is the Wise, the Aware. (34; 1).
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This name of Allah has two key words, Khabar and Khaburat Allah, the Omniscient knows, witnesses and sees everything and is aware of any circumstances everywhere, hidden, invisible or visible, all the news of the world or of the Hereafter. The name Al-Khabir implies that he knows the information and actions of all movements which is within his knowledge. He hears and sees all the good and malicious intentions and actions and warns of penalties for the vicious and sinful acts. We are responsible to Him for everything that we think or say or do, so we must be honest and fair in our faith. While we pray unto Him, as Al-Khabir, we need to assist the poor and the helpless people. 1. Al-Haleem (The Clement) In the Holy Qur'n the following verse appears: The seven heavens and the earth and all that is therein, praise Him, and there is not a thing but sing hymns, but you do not understand their praise. Lo! He is always Clement, Forgiving. (17;44). The name is derived from the word hilm, which means tolerance, forbearance, serenity, affilibilty, wisdom, etc. This implies that Allah, Who is al-Halim, is never in a hurry to punish His servants, and allows enough time for repentance and to make amends. His Grace overshadows His anger and he is inclined to forgive on penitence. We have seen the experience of the son of Prophet Abraham, who was prepared, calm and happy, when he had to sacrifice his life, therefore, Prophet Ismail was known as Haleem. It is a lesson to us to be more tolerant, forbearing, affible, patient and wise in life and reflect on Allah, Who justifies everything. 25. Al-Adheem (The Great One) In the second chapter of the Holy Qur'n we read: Allah! There is no god save Him, the Ever-Living, the Eternal. Neither slumber, nor sleep overtakes Him. Unto Him belongs whatsoever is in heavens, and whatever is on earth. Who is he that intercedes with Him except by His permission? He knows what lies ahead for them as well as in their past, while they encompass nothing of His knowledge, save what He wills. His Throne overspreads the heavens and the earth, and He is the Sublime, the Great. (2; 255). Allah is known as Al-Adheem, because He is above all in Divinity, and also because He is the one and only being, Who will remain forever. There is no god except Him, the EverLiving, the Eternal. He is the Creator of the heavens above. He is the most Bounteous, the Greatest of all. Unto Him belong all things in heavens and on the earth. He is the Maker of kings, the Saviour of all beings from tests and trials, and He shall give honour to whom He wishes. He gave the Holy Qur'n to his servants to provide guidance and salvation. He brought all creatures into existence from non-existence. While we worship Him as AlAdheem, there should be no thoughts in our minds about greatness of any materials or creations. 26. Al-Ghafoor (The All-Forgiving)
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Allah says in the Holy Qur'n: And of men and beasts and cattle, in like manner, diverse hues? The erudite among His bondsmen fear Allah alone. Lo! Allah is Mighty, Forgiving. (35; 28). The name refers to the forgiveness of sins and while sinners forget their sins and no sign of feeling of regret exist in their minds any longer. There is redemption for His servants from Allah, because He is Al-Ghafoor. He accepts gratitude and affection for all. He is the Most Merciful to His meek and submissive servants. Yet if we repent, and later commit the same sins again, then we show our ingratitude to The Forgiving, and we deserve to be punished. Persons, who confess to Church priests, show their ignorance of who is the actual AllForgiving. It is quite clear that a sinful priest cannot grant forgiveness, because he himself needs forgiveness for his own sins, neither can a human being be your saviour. 1. Ash-Shakoor (The Appreciative or Highly Grateful) The following verses appear in the Holy Qur'n: That He will pay them their wages and increase them of His grace. Lo! He is Forgiving, Appreciative. (35; 30). And they say: Praise be to Allah Who has put grief away from us. Lo! Our Lord is forgiving, Bountiful. (35; 34). The word Shakoor, just like Shakier, when referring to Allah, indicates that He is someone, Who is highly appreciative of good deeds, and is accommodating with their rewards. Allah appreciates and acknowledges every good deed, no matter how small, which He finds in us and rewards us beyond all measures. The question arises, how appreciative are we, as humans, to our Creator. When we see how people harm their own bodies, which he received from Allah, with all sorts of rubbish, then we realise that there is no appreciation for our bounties. The good and healthy condition of our bodies is messed up, with all sorts of tattoos, alcohol and drug abuse, which can cause divorce, poverty, violence, crime and murder. 28. Al-'Aliyyu (The Sublime or Most High) We read in the Holy Qur'n: Unto Him belongs all that is in the heavens and all that is in the earth, and He is the Sublime, the Tremendous. (42: 4). Other key words, in the name are: eminence, greatness, majesty, grandeur, sovereignty, supremacy, loftiness and splendour. He is above evil and vices and He is Wise, Superior and Elevated above everything in Divinity. He ranks high for His most obedient and selected servants. We need only to remember His greatness and supremacy for our favours and blessings. Mankind on the contrary, reduces himself with animal desires and low behaviour. 29. Al-Kabeer (The Most Great or Infinite)
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The following verse appears in the Holy Qur'n: No intercession is available without Him, except for those Whom He permits. Yet, when fear is banished from their hearts, they say: What was it that your Lord said? They say: The Truth. And He is the Sublime, the Most Great. (34; 23). The word is derived from kibr, which means greatness, pride, arrogance, and dignity. This implies that He is dignified and High. He is the only One, Who is there, Who will be free from time and place. He is the Creator and Sustainer of all creations, worlds, heaven and earth. He is cognizant of all things, deeds and facts, known and hidden. The man, however, should avoid kibr (pride), because it was the original sin of Iblis (Satan), when Allah commanded him to be subservient. We must guard against haughtiness with our wealth, possessions, rank, family, knowledge, position or title, which might make us feel superior and cause us to look down upon our fellow man. 30. Al-Hafeedh (The Custodian or Guardian or Protector) We read in the Holy Qur'n: And if you turn away, still I have conveyed unto you that wherewith I was sent unto you, and my Lord will set in place of you a folk other than you. You cannot injure Him at all. Lo! My Lord is Guardian over all things. (11; 57). The name Al-Hafeedh is the name of Allah, which indicates "security", "alert", 'guard', 'save', 'monitor' and 'preserve'. He is the Custodian of all creations and things. He is the protector of everybody against wild creatures, evils, disasters, poverty, problems and guidance. Allah provides Angels to protect us against all evil. He protects the chastity of his obedient women. He provides the Holy Book to guide us. People should note how animals protect and secure their offspring and others in their environment and show preservation in their groups. This is what our Creator expects from us in society, because we must play our roles towards the weak (young or old) and in the community (especially weak, the sick, the injured and the poor). Too many of us mention the attributes of Allah, without practising them in our daily lives. 31. Al-Muqeet (The Maintainer, Who Gives Sustenance and Strength) We read in the fourth chapter of the Holy Qur'n: Who ever enter into a good cause, will reap the rewards, and whoever enters in an evil cause will bear the consequences. Allah oversees all things. (4; 85). Al-Muqeet is an attribute of Allah which means The Maintainer. He is the maintainer of all creations. We should constantly pray for the maintenance of our physical, intellectual and spiritual powers. These are powers which Allah gave us, but it requires maintenance, because we see, daily, how a human being loses his powers. Compare this with a person, who is given a great gift, but that gift requires maintenance. If the donor cares for its maintenance, then it is a wonderful gift.
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Our Creator did not only give me my body, but he maintains it with fresh air, water, food, the lungs, which inhales oxygen, a heart, which pumps blood and oxygen to all parts of the body, a digestive system which digests the food and supplies liquid for our use, as well as ridding it of the waste. What appreciation do we show to the Almighty for this wonderful body, which He gave us, and how He maintains it daily? Only when something does not work properly, then we pay attention to such parts. 32. Al-Haseeb (The Reckoner, Who Suffices for everyone and everything) Allah states in Holy Qur'n: Whoso (of the guardians) is rich, let him abstain generously (from taking of the property of the orphan); and whoso is poor, let him take thereof in reason (for his guardianship). And when you deliver up their fortune unto orphans, have (the transaction) witnessed in their presence. Allah is sufficient as a Reckoner. (4; 6). We should realise that Allah will be the Reckoner on the Day of Judgement. This title appears three times in the Holy Qur'n. All beneficial actions, and all our sins will be considered on the day of Judgement. Allah is aware of every ounce of good or evil that we have done. We will, therefore, be rewarded or punished according to our deeds in life. 33. Al-Kareem (The Generous One or The Benevolent) We read in the Holy Qur'n: Oh man! What has made you careless concerning your Lord, the Generous One? (82; 6). We can, sincerely, say that Allah is the Generous One, because he sent the Holy Prophet, Muhammad, to guide us, as well as to bless us with the Holy Qur'n, and to lead us with the Right Way. In addition, Allah presented us with so many basic necessities and amenities. He is, indeed, generous, because no one else, but He, always permits power, food, water, light, knowledge, health, etc, to us. Even when the sinful man repents about his mistakes, then this Generous One willingly allows forgiveness, providing our repentance is sincere. How many of us are so generous in our lives? Our first thought is to take revenge against those who harmed us. 34. Ar-Raqeeb (The Watchful or The Caretaker) In the first verse of the fourth chapter of the Holy Qur'n, we read: O mankind! Be careful of your duty to your Lord, Who created you from a single soul and from it created his mate from them twain has spread aboard a multitude of men and women. Be careful of your duty toward Allah in Whom you claim (your rights) of one another, and toward the wombs (that bear you). Lo! Allah has been watchful over you. (4;1) Allah is watchful over all His creations, and every action is under His control. It is only Allah Who keeps watch over all His creations and protects us against all kinds of evils and calamities. Allah watches over us and guards us with all forms of mediation, material and spiritual, to assist our growth and development. He keeps us from harm and brings us closer
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to our Destiny. 35. Al-Qareeb (The Nigh) We read in the Holy Qurn: And unto (the tribe of) Thamud (We sent) their brother, Salih. He said: O my people! Serve Allah, you have no other god save Him. He brought you forth from the earth and has made you husband it. So ask forgiveness of Him and turn unto Him repentant. Lo! My Lord is Nigh, Responsive. (11; 61). We are reminded by the Qurnic verse that Allah is always near at hand. Consequently, we should contact Allah directly, without the help of an interceder. Although He is the Highest, still He is not removed far away from us, so that He hears every whisper of thought of ours in order to respond. That is why a Muslim believes in lodging our sincere prayers to Allah directly. We are, therefore, warned against any madness of consulting interceders, because Islam is totally against interceders, while Allah is so near. There will always be those who do not understand their religion, and believe in superstitions, because of lack in proper knowledge. The mere fact that we cannot see Allah with our human senses, we should not ever fail to believe that Allah is very near, because He sees us all the time. We should forget about putting a human perception to Allah, because of the concept that the Church painted to the world of their god being a man. As we study the Asma-ul-Khusnaa we become aware that Allah is beyond our perception. He is even aware of our innermost wishes and as long as we serve Him properly according to our Way of Life, then He shall answer our dearest and sensible wishes. Those who consult preachers of the church or withdoctors to intercede on their behalf are the worst sinners and unbelievers. Such people will be punished for their disbelieve one day.
36. Al-Mujeeb (The Responsive or The Answerer of Prayers) We are reminded in the Holy Qurn: And unto (the tribe of) Thamud (We sent) their brother Salih. He said O my people! Serve Allah. You have no other god save Him. He brought you forth from the earth and has made you husband it. So ask forgiveness of Him and turn unto Him repentant. Lo! My Lord is Nigh, responsive. (11; 116). In the above verse we are reminded that Allah is not only near, but He is also responsive. In other words He responds to our every need, providing that we firmly believe in Him as our Lord and Creator. We should have implicit faith in Him and never doubt Him as our God. We should also be obedient to His Commands, which should be our true Way of Life. Allah is so near to us and He can read our minds, which is why He knows when we have doubts about Him, and we cannot expect Him to respond to those who doubt Him. 37. Al-Waasi (The All-Embracing or The Lenient)
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Another verse of the Holy Qurn clearly states: Allah bestows His sovereignty on whom He wills: Allah is All-Embracing, All-Knowing. (2; 247). The word Waasi describes Allahs greatness, power, might and munificence. It also denotes magnamity and generosity, without any limits and imagination. In return for His bounties, we have to have full faith in Him with all our hearts, worship only Him, as He has directed, see to the poor and needy, fast on the days when expected and sacrifice in a holy journey in order to comply with His tenets. It is useless that we ask for His favours if we doubt in Him as our One True God or refuse to serve Him correctly. Those of us, who regard Him as a man, are those who live with our doubts and cannot expect His rewards on the Day of Judgement. 38. Al-Hakeem (The Wise) The following verse in the Qurn is very noticeable: Our Lord! And raise up in their midst a messenger from among them who shall instruct them in the Scripture and in wisdom and shall make them grow. Lo! You, only You, are the Mighty, Wise. Most of the learned Muslim Scholars manifest the Hikma of Allah. Hikma, besides wisdom, also denotes the knowledge of correct acts and deeds. It covers major objects and purposes connected to creation of everything and the control of the Universe. Intrinsically, it means to determine excellent things with Supreme Knowledge and Wisdom. Allah bestows wisdom on whomsoever He wishes. A person with true knowledge will always be in a position to make correct decisions in life or give proper advice to others. Clever people are not necessarily wise persons. We should be able to differentiate between the two. Allah has ordered us to seek knowledge so that we do not remain ignorant. The Holy Qurn and the ahadith (Sayings of the Prophet) are available to those who are prepared to acquire knowledge. We often find persons who are regarded as professors or highly intelligent persons, yet when they are alcoholics, then all respect is lost, because of their stupidity. Nobody can be regarded as wise, while his God-given mind is harmed by liquor, neither can such a person be held in high esteem by anybody, who regards himself as a Muslim (Subservient to Gods Law). 39. Al-Wadood (The Most Loving) We read in the Holy Qurn: Ask pardon of your Lord and then turn unto Him (repentant). Lo! my Lord is Merciful, Loving. (11; 90). Wadood refers to an Entity, which is loved, adored and worshipped by His obedient servants. With love being on both sides, such a God will also show His love and adoration to
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His servants, in return. In our daily lives we find that parents love their children, but in many cases, because of spite due to divorce, when they remarry, they tend to forget of their love in the case of new children being born our of their new marriage. Allah wants marriages to stay in tact and families to always remain close to each other, to show the love which He shows to us. It is useless we show our allegiance to Allah with our devotional acts, but we live in hatred of family members in our daily lives. We often see closeness in certain families, while in other families hatred is displayed toward one another, because of feuds in the family. Many times people in their old age are left to struggle or are placed into old age homes, without care from family members. Can these be Muslims, who learn of Wadood in their religion? Love should come from the heart and the soul, instead of being on the surface. 40. Al-Majeed (The Most Glorious One or Most Venerable) Allah mentions in the Holy Qurn: They said: Do you wonder at the Commands of Allah? The mercy of Allah and His blessings be upon you. O people of the house! Lo! He is Owner of Praise, Owner of Glory! (11; 73). Majeed is the Name of Allah in Sura Hud, which denotes honour, rank, dignity, glory, nobility, eminence and excellence. It is also used as an affix of the Holy Qurn, when we speak of the Qurn-majeed. We as human beings are recommended to live in dignity instead of living in shame, drunkenness, lies, lawlessness, arguments, begging, gossiping, low morals, etc. People are inclined to have respect for any person who is dignified. 41. Ash-Shaheed (The Witness or Omnipresent) We read in the Holy Qurn: Whatever of good befalls you (O, man) it is from Allah and whatever ill befalls you it is from yourself. We have sent you (Muhammad) as a messenger unto mankind and Allah is sufficient as Witness. (4; 79). This quality of Allah originates from Shahaadat, which means command, administration of justice, knowledge, news, statement, etc. Allah Almighty witnesses everything by Himself, because He is the Only One to be worshipped and none else, and that He is All- Powerful and All-Wise. This is what Prophet Jesus also came to teach the world, but unfortunately, the church changed everything to idolise Jesus into becoming their god, their witness and their object of worship, much to his dissatisfaction. Those of the people, who have shown their disrespect to the actual Witness, will be held responsible for that, unless they make amends prior to their deaths. 42. Al-Haqq (The Truth) A verse of the Holy Qurn states the following:
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This is so because Allah is the Truth. He brings the dead to life and He has power over everything. (22; 6). Haqq is one of the most significant names of Allah and is mentioned as much as 227 times in the Holy Qur'n. The frequent use of this word in the Holy Qur'n emphasises that it is a fulfilment of the objectives of revelation to establish truth and to teach and propagate it. The Qur'n is, without doubt a truth in its entirety. Persons, who use the Qurn, while they tell lies, are making a mockery of their religion as well as of our Creator. Such a person cannot lead others in salaah, because he is a constant liar and cannot be trusted, unless he makes amends by confessing to Allah, and lives correctly thereafter, with sincere repentance. Truth is an integral part of Islam. 43. Al-Wakeel (The Trustee) We are being warned in the Holy Qur'n: So oppose them and put trust in Allah. Allah is Sufficient as Trustee. (4; 81). Allah has full powers and complete control over everything. There are blessings of Allah and His Prophet for those, who place confidence in Allah and who rely on Him at all times and under any circumstances. They are rewarded and will be raised to high ranks in the world and in the Hereafter. A believer should always turn to Him for any help and guidance. It is a pity that people do not trust Allah and rather turn to witchdoctors and gypsies to assist them in their problems. Others again turn to all kinds of drugs and alcohol to escape their problems, instead of putting their trust in Allah in their hour of need. So many homes are broken up as a result of people, who expect an immediate solution to their problems, while Allah is there to solve their problems in a secretive manner, if they only showed patience, trust and belief. Allah promises in the Holy Qurn : Verily, with difficulty there is relief. (94; 6). 44. Al-Qawee (The Most Strong or Almighty) We first quote an extract from the Holy Qurn to describe this attribute of Allah: They measure not Allah His rightful measure. Lo! Allah is Most Strong, Almighty. (22; 74). Allah is All-Powerful and all powers originate from Allah. He bestows powers on His creations according to their capacities. The weakest ones become strong by His Grace. He infuses faith in the hearts of believers and He endows their bodies and souls with all kinds of physical and spiritual powers. With these powers we can perform our duties and protect ourselves from mischief. We have only to notice how our powers increase, as we grow stronger and then later on decrease, as we grow older and weaker. We can recall persons in history, who were very strong and who were regarded as the heavyweight champions of the world. Then they developed all kinds of ailments and they become weak and finally die to show us that only Allah is Most Strong and never becomes weak. Those persons who called themselves the
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greatest, eventually have to admit that they are all dependent on Allah for their strength. 45. Al-Mateen (The Firm One or The Invincible) The following short verse is found in the Holy Qur'n: Verily, Allah! He is the Provider, the Firm One. (51; 58). Allah is the All-Powerful, Who controls the Universe and all the creations, without any effort or exertion. He is untiring and without limited powers. He is there to provide livelihood for all creatures. His name is Mateen, because He is Eternal and will remain forever. He is not dependent on anything or anybody. All stability, reliability, invincibility, strength and power depends on His grace and on His Command. 46. Al-Walee (The Protecting Friend or Patron) In another short verse of the Holy Qurn, Allah mentions: Allah is the Protecting Friend of those who believe. (2; 257). Al-Walee is an attribute of Allah, which manifests love, nearness and guardianship. He loves, helps, protects, safeguards, guides, blesses and rewards all His faithful servants. One should offer praises and gratitude and seek His favours and help in all problems of this world and for salvation in the Hereafter. A faithful servant will never doubt His protection instead of being disappointed or faithless. How many times have we narrowly escaped injury or death in life, without thinking that there is a Protecting Friend, Whom we have to thank for our narrow escape. A Muslim will utter the name of Allah in such a case and turn to Him in worship and thanks Him for His love, nearness and protection. 47. Al-Hameed (The Praiseworthy) Here we refer to the following Qurnic verse: Unto Him belongs all that is in the Heavens, and all that is in the Earth. Lo! Allah, He verily is the Absolute, the Praiseworthy. (22; 64). Al-Hameed is an attribute of Allah and therefore we should praise Him at all times to show our deep respect. Those who offer praises to fellow human beings or to idols are disrespectful and disloyal to Our Almighty, the Praiseworthy. Besides our praises, we have to show our love, adoration, gratitude and worship with absolute sincerity, purity with our hearts and soul. Those of us who expect praises from others for our appearances, looks, bodies, knowledge or achievements, are just as ignorant, because without Allahs grant and allowance, we would have none of this in life. So what is there to be proud of in life? Whenever we are being praised, we should immediately state: Alhamdu Lillah (All Praise and thanks belong to Allah). By doing this we show that Allah is Al-Hameed. 48. Al-Hayy (The Alive) The following verse of the Holy Qurn covers this as well as the following attribute of Allah:
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Allah! There is no god save Him, the Alive, the Self-Subsisting. (3; 2). Al-Hayy is an attribute of Allah which means the Ever-living, the Deathless, the Eternal. His existence has neither a beginning nor an end. Earlier in this book, we read about manmade gods, who were born or made, and eventually exterminated by the actual power of the Creator. All these should be enough reason for the individual to believe that our Creator is still in existence after all these thousands of years and is Ever-Alive? Our Creator cannot die as some of the gods in their Churches, whom they confirm as having died on the cross. Allah has no physical defects like human beings or animals and is invisible to our human eyes. If the human eye cannot even see air, then how can we expect to see the Creator of such air? 49. Al-Qayyoom (The Self-Subsisting or Sustainer of Life) We have already mentioned this attribute of Allah in the previous verse. Allah is neither dependent on anyone, nor does he need any support from anyone. He is Omnipotent, Omniscient, Creator and Sustainer of all things. Those who ascribe a son, a daughter or a partner to Him, are known as partnership-creaters or idolworshippers, which is regarded as a major sin by Allah. They will have to return repentantly, before it will become too late. While Allah forgives all sins, there will be none for those who ascribe partners to Allah. 50. Al-Waahid (The One) We are enlightened in the Holy Qurn of the following attribute of Allah: The day when they come forth, nothing of them will be hidden from Allah, Whose is the sovereignty (on) this day? It is Allahs, the One, the Almighty. (40; 16). Al-Waahid is the title of Allah, because He is the Only One Whom we worship, the Only One without beginning or End, Who is Omnipotent, Omniscient, Omnipresent and nothing is hidden from Him. He is the Only One, Who is born to no one and no one is born to Him. He has no partner or sharer. He is the Only One, to Whom we are answerable for our deeds. He is aware of every act and thought in every instant of our life. We will appear in front of Him on Judgement Day, to render account of all virtuous and sinful acts. He will accordingly issue decrees of rewards and penalties at His Will and Pleasure. We have to love, obey, adore and worship Him, while we fear His punishment. (2; 129). 1. Al-Ahad (The One Unequelled) In Sura Ihlaas of the Holy Qurn we are reminded: Say: He is Allah, the One. (112.1).
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The name Al-Ahad is synonomous with the previous attribute of Allah, with a slight difference, with more emphasis on the Unity. Hence it refers to Allah only, whereas Waahid can also refer to number one for human beings. Even the Jews refer to God as being akhad in Hebrew. 52. As-Samad (The Eternal Who is free from want) We also read in Sura Ikhlaas: Allah, the eternally besought of all! (112; 2). As the name indicates, it is quite clear that Allah is free from all physical necessities like that of living creations and free from all defects, weaknesses, liabilities, etc. He can see, hear and control everything without the necessity of having our senses. All His attributes are far beyond our description and imagination. He requires no services, duty or any worship from anyone for Himself. Hence we must worship Him with sincere feeling at all times to show our gratitude towards Him. Too many Muslims practise their salaah as a ritual, with hurried movements. Allah does not need our worship as a ritual, which is only practiced for the eyes of others. It is stated in Sura 107; 1-7, as a reminder to us: Do you see one who denies the Judgement (to come)? Then such is the (man) who repulses the orphan (with harshness), and does not encourage the feeding of the indigent. So woe to the worshippers who are neglectful of their Prayers, those who (want but) to be seen (of men) but refuse (to supply even) neighbourly needs. 53. Al-Qaadir (The Able) We read in the Holy Qur'n: Say: He is Able to send punishment upon you from above you or from beneath your feet, or to bewilder you with dissension and make you taste the tyranny one of another. (6; 65). Allah is Almighty. If He wills He can raise the dead, make stones talk, trees walk, annihilate the Heavens and the Earth, and recreate gold or silver in thousands similar to those destroyed. He can transfer a man from the east to the west or from the west to the east, or to the seventh heaven. We are aware that the Prophet of Islam was transported by Allah during the Israa and the Miraj. 54. Al-Muqtadir (The Powerful) Allah states in the Holy Qur'n: Who denied Our revelations, every one. Therefore, We grasped them with the grasp of the Mighty, the Powerful. (54; 42). Al-Muqtadir is an attribute which is synonomous to Qadeer. In order to form an idea of His attribute related to these two names Qadeer and Muqtadir, we must ponder over the verses in
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which the names Awwal, Aakhir, Dhaahir and Baatin have been used. Allah has power over everything. He provides life and also causes death. He causes the rise and the downfall. The seasons change by His command. Allah is Muqtadir, because He is more powerful than any being. 55. Al-Awwal (The First) 56. Al-Aakhir (The Last) 57. Adh-Dhaahir (The Manifest) 58. Al-Baatin (The Hidden) We find the following verse in the Holy Qurn: He is the First and the Last, and the Evident and the Hidden; and He is the Knower of all things. Allah is Al-Awwal, because He has always been there, prior to and before anything or any being ever existed. He is also Al-Aakhir, because none can exist after Him. In other words He is Final and Perfect in every respect. Allah is also Dhaahir, because His Signs are evident everywhere or manifest, wherever we look. Take our fingerprints or the leaves of plants, as an example, which is so evident for those who cannot reason. Who made the leaves of fruit trees, different from the leaves of flowers or bushes, etc? Who made the fingerprints of even twins different from each other? If it isnt evident to us, then we must be blind! Allah is Hidden or Concealed to us, because His signs are evident to us, so we cannot expect Allah to be visible to us, while all His signs are Manifest to us. 59. Al-Waali (The Governor) We read the followingverse inthe Holy Qurn: For him are angels ranged before him and behind him, who guard him by Allahs Command. Lo! Allah changes not the condition of a folk until they (first) change that which is in their hearts: and if Allah wills misfortune for a folk there is none that can repel it, nor have they any governor beside Him. (13; 11). It is Allah Who directs, manages, conducts, governs, measures, or plans every action which happens at any moment in the entire universe. Not only does Allah watch over us, but He appointed such Guardians, who are aware of everything we do. Consequently, a full record of all our deeds are being kept. In actual fact we invite our own punishment by our daily lives, which can either be good or bad. It shows that Allah is a very fair Governor. 60. Al-Muta 'aali (The Most Exalted, far above the entire creation) This attribute of Allah is described as follows in the Holy Qurn: He is the Knower of the invisible and the visible, the Great, the Most Exalted. (13; 9).
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He is called Al-Muta Aali, because He is the Greatest, the Most Exalted and Most High. We as people do not realise how exalted the Almighty really is. It is an attribute which is far beyond our conception. 61. Al-Bar (The Source of All Goodness) The Holy Qurn describes this attribute as follows: Lo! we used to pray unto Him of old. Lo! He is the benign, the Merciful. (52; 28). In its normal sense it means pious or good, but when applied to Allah it means The Benficient One. Allah is extremely tolerant to His servants, to all creations, and is exceptionally good to them all. No human being can ever be as tolerant as Allah with their fellow beings. We have witnessed how intolerant South Africans reacted to foreigners in our country, because of xenophobic tendencies. The Pilgrimage of a Muslim is one of the Principles of Islam so that we can learn how to become tolerant with our fellow human-beings. Allah placed the Pilgrimage there for us to depart from the comfort of our homes, family, friends and environment and to experience how to serve our Creator in a foreign place, with different weather conditions, languages and cultures. The Qurn mentions that Allah does not place a burden on us, but we have to experience the Pilgrimage to develop tolerance. 62. At-Tawwaab (The Accepter of Repentance) The Holy Qurn is specific about this attribute of Allah: The Forgiver of sin, the Accepter of Repentance, the Stern in punishment, the Bountiful. There is no god save Him. Unto Him is the journeying. (40; 3). According to Islamic Jurisprudence the validity of Tauba depends on the following things: (1) Confession of Ones sin to Allah alone. (2) To show remorse for sinning. (3) A firm resolve to abstain from its recurrence. Those who take their preachers of the Church for repentance, are sinners as well as those who give absolution, because they will also be punished for their own sins. How this Church law could be respected by people with knowledge goes beyond a persons understanding. 63. Al-'Afoo (The Pardoner) We read in the Holy Qurn: If we do good openly or keep it secret, or forgive evil. Lo! Allah is Forgiving, Powerful (4; 149).
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This attribute of Allah means One Who pardons or cancels, The Pardoner (of sins). Allah pardons everybody who is repentant in the proper way, whether we publish them or conceal them. 64. Ar-Ra-oof (The Compassionate) The following verse appears in the Holy Qurn: Were it not for the grace and mercy of Allah on you, and that Allah is full of kindness and mercy. (24; 20). One should observe purity in act and in thought, concerning ones own self and others. It is Allahs grace, which keeps that purity spotless, because He hears all prayers and He knows all the temptations to which we are subject. We must place our trust in Him for protection and peace. It is a pity that many of our spiritual leaders try to frighten us with the punishment of Allah, instead of concentrating on Allahs Compassion and Forgiving. 65. Al-Jaami' (The Gatherer) We read in the Holy Qurn: Our Lord! it is You Who gathers mankind together to a Day of which there is no doubt. Lo! Allah does not fail to keep the tryst. (3; 9). Allah is Al-Jaami because He is the One Who gathers everything, everywhere He wills at any time. 66. Al-Ghani (The Self-Sufficient) Allah states in the Holy Qurn: O Mankind you are the poor in your relation to Allah. And Allah! He is the Self-Sufficient, the Owner of Praise. (35; 15). Man is forever dependent on God and not the other way around. God needs nothing from mankind, because He is Almighty and Self-Sufficient. God does not need man or his worship, his sacrifice or his praise. Everything that we do is to our own benefit or loss. We cannot blame Allah for our punishment, because we prepare our own heaven or hell, according to our livelihood on earth. Our conscience should warn us between good or evil. Our Allah is very lenient and forgiving so we are ourselves to blame if we land in hell with our deeds on earth. 67. An-Nur (The Light) A powerful verse of the Holy Qurn states the following: Allah is the Light of the Heavens and the Earth. (24; 35). We are aware of the fact that light is one of the most important creations, because without light none of us would be able to survive. With the chapter about Creation, we learnt that
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Light was the very first Creation. That first Light was known as the Light of Muhammad (Nur-al-Muhammad). The Prophet stated Knowledge is Light. In other words no book can be read or written without knowledge. Only people with knowledge know their God as well as the Laws of God. While animals may move in the dark, because of their sharp eyesight, man needs light in which to move around. Allah created the sun, which provides light and life to the universe. The moon reflects the light of the sun, during the night. However, Allahs Light is free from any defects. 68. Al-Haadi (The Guide) Allah mentions in the Holy Qur'n: Even so have We appointed unto every Prophet an opponent from among the guilty; but Allah is sufficient for a Guide and Helper. (25; 31). In the event of the guides whom Allah has chosen for man, we learnt throughout history that when Allah created the first man, there was also the negative force in the form of Satan to corrupt people. Nimrod was the negative force during the time of Prophet Abraham. There are also the tests with which we struggle, in order to strive towards righteousness. We should always have full confidence in Allah as our guide and should not lose confidence when the first problem occurs. That is why Allah placed certain acts on the Muslim, such as Salaah (worshipping of Allah, five times daily), Zakaah (poor mans alms, once yearly), Sawm (Fasting for one month of the year) and Hajj (Pilgrimage to the Holy Land, once per lifetime), to perform, in order to show our sacrifice towards a perfect way of life. The person who takes the easy way out, by believing that another person died for his sins, is living with a pipe dream, and might wake up too late in life. 69. Al-Badi' (The Originator) Allah mentions in the Holy Qur'n: The Originator of the heavens and the earth! When He decrees a thing, He says unto it only Be! And it is. (2; 117). Those who want to limit the Creator, do no damage to Him, but they will have to bear witness about their lies one day. Those who have even uttered such lies in their holy Scriptures will be responsible for misleading others on that day. To ascribe a son to the Creator is of course a blatant lie against the Creator, because Allah mentions that He is the Originator and not a father. Earlier in this book it was explained how Nimrod and his mother tried to fool the world with their absurd lies. The fact remains that several congregations still believe in such lies, which goes against the grain of any learned person. The eyes of many theologians have been opened, and they have written books to show about their awakening to the truth, but instead they have been banned from the Church so as to keep the other members in the dark. Allah is the Originator, who creates wonders in the universe, so why should He be the father of a human being? 70. Rabb (The Sustainer)
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We read in the Holy Qur'n: Lo! Allah is my Lord and your Lord, so worship Him. That is a straight path. (3; 51). The Arabic word of Rabb is usually translated as Lord, although it is inadequate to describe the Rabb. Rabb implies cherishing, guarding from harm, sustaining, granting all the means and opportunities of development. He is Lord of the universe in a complete sense. He is our Guardian Lord. If we present a child with a gift, which operates on batteries and we always supply the batteries and see to the repairs of the toy, then we are not only the giver, but also the sustainer. Not only did Allah present our bodies to us, but He sustains our bodies with a heart, which serves as a pump and lungs with which we inhale the air, etc. While we sleep peacefully our bodies will function perfectly, because the Sustainer cares for everything. 71. Mubeen (The Manifest) Allah states in the Holy Qur'n: On that day Allah will pay them their just dues and they will know that Allah, He is the Manifest Truth. (24; 25). Mubin implies both openness and clearness. It means free from ambiguity. Our religion informs us that Allah is the Manifest Truth, so woe to those who ask in the name of anybody besides Him. Those who insist on teaching people about more than one god will be the losers one day for their outright lies. We repent only to the Manifest Truth when it comes to confessing our sins. No sinful human being may be taken as good enough to act as a witness of our sins, or less so for forgiving. 72. Al-Qadeer (The Mighty) We read the following in the Holy Qur'n: It is Allah Who creates you and takes your souls at death; and of you there are some who are sent back to a feeble age, so that they know nothing after having known (much); for Allah is All-Knowing, All-Powerful. (16; 70). Allah does not only provide us with the necessities and good things in life, but He has full power over our life and our death. All the evidence is there for us to notice, but still we doubt. We have been given our wonderful brains and our power of reasoning to use, but the lies, which have been told to us, while we are damaging our brain power with alcohol and drugs cause us to doubt, until it is too late. 73. Al-Haafidh (The Protector) Allah mentions in the Holy Qur'n: Allah is the best Protector, and He is the Most Merciful of those who show mercy. (12; 64). Once a person has true spiritual understanding then he has nothing to fear, because he has
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Allahs protection in many ways, of which even he does not know. Allah is also the Guardian of the Holy Qurn, because Allah says in the Holy Qurn: We have, without doubt, sent down the Message: and We will assuredly Guard it (from corruption). (15;9). The Holy Qurn is the Word of Allah and He guards it, so that nobody can ever destroy or corrupt it or change it. It is a proven fact that those who have tried in the past have not been successful. Only Muslims have learnt the complete Qurn by memory, and as soon as there is a misprint it will be rectified immediately. In nature we find that even the animals protect their young ones. This should prove to us that Allah is our Protector. Dont you see how certain plants are protected by thorns, to keep their flowers or fruit in tact? Think of all the diseases which could have affected us if Allah did not protect our bodies. 74. Al-Kafeel (The Surety) The following verse is found in the Holy Qurn: Fulfil your covenant with Allah when you have made a covenant with Him, and break not your oaths after the asseveration of them, and after you have made Allah surety over you. (16; 91). When Man requires a true surety, then Allah is not an ordinary surety. Allah is always everywhere with us. We should purify our hearts and turn in true repentance to Allah and He will surely guide us and show us the correct Way. 75. Ash-Shaakir (The Appreciative) Allah mentions in the Holy Qurn: And whosoever does good of his own accord, then Allah is Appreciative (of his good deeds and) All-Knowledge. (2; 158). Shaakir, just like Shakoor, when applied to Allah means: He Who approves or rewards, or forgives, much, or largely: He Who gives large reward for small, or few works. We can also state One Who highly appreciates good and is Bountiful in rewarding it. Allah does not derive pleasure in punishing His own creations, over whom He watches with loving care. He appreciates and recognises any good, however little, which He finds in us, and delights in giving us a reward beyond all measures. This is the type of appreciation, which is way above any human appreciation. It is a pity that there are so many spiritual leaders on earth, who always stress the punishment of God with their congregations, instead of explaining how full of hope, mercy and loving God is to His creations. The Holy Qurn is filled with Gods Mercy and Love, while there is very little mentioned about His punishment. We also find that most of the Bounties of Allah are valid for us, instead of being forbidden. Only those things that are harmful to us are forbidden for our own sakes. It again shows Allahs mercy. Allah loves those who practise regular charity. Charity can even be a smile or advice to a person, so you do not need wealth to practise charity. 76. Al-Akram (The Most Bounteous)
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One of the attributes of Allah is mentioned as such in the Holy Qur'n: Read: And your Lord is the Most Bounteous. (96; 3). Allah is the Most Bounteous, because besides giving us life, He sustains us and all His creations. He also grants us all kinds of favours. The Holy Qurn which He revealed to us, is definitely a major Bounty. On top of this He has sent His beloved Messenger to guide us with his sunnat. The messenger supplicated between Safa and Marwah: Lord of mine! Pardon, and have mercy ! Most Powerful, Most Bounteous art Thou! 77. Al-A'laa (The Most High) We find that Allah informs us in the Holy Qurn: Praise the name of thy Lord the Most High. (87; 1). Allah is called Al-A'laa, because He is the real King and above all the kings on earth. He is also the Most High and the Mighty. We have seen in the story of Nimrod, how he thought that he could be higher in status than God, and how he was eventually humiliated by Allah, Who sent a little gnat to cause his death. Prophet Abraham again met a king of Egypt, who was pious and who presented him with his daughter, who later became his second wife and the mother of a prophet in his old age. We realise that only the name of Allah is worthy of praise, because even kings and queens require the help of Allah, when they are in desperate need. 78. Al-Gallaaq (The Creator) We are reminded in the Holy Qurn: Lo! Thy Lord! He is the All-Wise Creator. (15; 86). Allah is the Creator, Who is perfect in His Skill and Knowledge, and Whose creation answers perfectly to His design. As was mentioned earlier in this work, Allah blessed us with the skill to create, to design, to discover and to invent. This is what the Old Testament calls the likeness of God. Unfortunaely the church does not understand this. In the Qur'n we as human beings are honoured as the vicegerents of Allah, and those of us who doubt in Allah, have been challenged in the Qurn to create a little pest like a fly, which proves to us that we are helpless to create life. Allah has allowed us to invent the most modern vehicles, computers, cameras, television sets, telephones, etc. and also to paint masterpieces in art, write great books and poems, design fashions, compose wonderful music, etc, yet none of these can ever compare to Allahs creation. 79. Al-Mowlaa (The Protector) Allah mentions in the Holy Qur'n:
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And if they turn away, then know that Allah is your Protector, -- a transcendent Protector, a transcendent Helper. (8; 40). Mowlaa is a term used in Islamic Law for a freed slave, but in the Holy Qur'n it is used as a Protector or Helper, for example in the Qurn we read: That is because Allah is the Protector of those who believe, but those who reject Allah have no protector. (47; 11). In another verse we read: Our Lord! lay not on us a burden greater than we have strength to bear. Blot out our sins, and grant us forgiveness. Have mercy on us. Thou art our Protector; Help us against those who stand against Faith. (2; 286). 80. An-Nasir (The Helper) We read in the Holy Qur'n: And Allah knows well your enemies. And Allah suffices as a Protector, and Allah suffices as a Helper. (4; 45). Allah is An-Nasir and His help appears in the form of guidance. However, the disbelievers, disobedient and the arrogant are deprived of His help. The question arises with the person: How helpful are we with Allahs creation, whether human being, plant or animal? Anas (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: when the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) went to battle, he would say: O, Allah! Thou art mine arm and my helper. With Thy help do I move; with Thy help do I assail; and with Thy help do I battle. (Tirmidi and Abu Dawood). 81. Al-Ilaah (The God) We are reminded in the Holy Qurn: Say: What has come to me by inspiration is that your God is one Allah. (21; 108). Both the Qurn and the Bible is quite clear that there is only One Almighty God. It is the Church theory of Trinity and that of a son of god, which confuses the congregants and causes disruption of the human race. We have studied the origin of Trinity in this book, from where all these stories originated, which have always caused confusion. Both the Bible and the Qurn mentions that there is none so blind as those who refuse to understand. Therefore, it is no wonder that it is regarded as the greatest sin before God when anybody worships or places a god next to Him. In the New Testament we read the words: Eli, Eli, lama sabagtni? Which means My God, my God, why have Thou forsaken me? (Matt.27; 46). A person should ask the question whether the word Eli and ilaah are not very near to each other? If Jesus was a god then why would he appeal to somebody else as My God? Will the eyes and ears of those who are confused then never re-open? Surely the reader of this book
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should try to understand, unless blindness to the the truth and bias keep them away from understanding. It, however, remains my duty, as a practicing Muslim, to utter the truth, while it remains their duty to understand. 82. Al-'Allaam (The Omniscient) Earlier in this book you have read God posed a question to the Angels, and it was recorded in the Holy Qurn as such: In the day when Allah gathered together the messengers, and saith: What was your response (from mankind)? They say: We have no knowledge. Lo! Thou, only Thou art the Knower of Things Hidden. (5; 109). Allah is Al-Allaam, because He knows all things and nothing is hidden from Him. Man is commanded by Allah to seek knowledge, regularly. It is, therefore, important for us to know the Asma-ul-Khusnaa so that we can strive to carry out our duty as the vicegerents on earth, who will satisfy our Lord. 83. Al-Qaahir (The Omnipotent) A verse of the Holy Qurn mentions the following: He is the Omnipotent over His slaves, and He is the Wise, the Knower. (6; 18). We should always remember that Allah is Qaahir (Omnipotent), because nobody is equal to Him in Excellence and Attributes. He has greater Commanding influence over all creations. Those who are in positions of power should be aware that they dont abuse their powers. Even married partners, who abuse their powers, will be answerable one day for their abuse of their partners or children. Allah is not interested in our holiness to show others, while we are abusive in our daily lives. We might fool others, but Allah is Omniscient and Omnipotent, and He is aware of everything that we do or say. 84. Al-Ghaafir (The Forgiver) A very important verse of the Holy Qurn is: The Forgiver of sin, the Accepter of repentance, the Stern in punishment, the Bountiful. There is no god save Him. Unto Him is the journey. (40; 3). For those who are repentant about their sins and faults there is hope, as long as they seriously establish a good life afterwards. Too many spiritual leaders spell out the punishment of God, instead of showing the forgiveness of Allah. No preacher has the right to claim that he can forgive sins and those who still run to such preachers for repentance are creating their own gods, which is a major sin. How can a sinful human being forgive our sins? Allah alone is Ghaafir (Pronounced as the French pronounce the r in Paris (Paghis). 85. Al-Faatir (The Creator) We are reminded in the Holy Qurn:
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Praise be to Allah, Who created (out of nothing) the heavens and the earth. (35; 1). The word Faatir implies the creation of original matter, to which further creative processes have to be added by the hand of Allah, because Allah adds to His Creations as He pleases. He does not add in quantity, but in quality, functions, relations, and variations in many ways. His creation did not stop at a specific time, but it continues because He has all the power and His mercies poured forth without stint. Those scientists who discover new galaxies might be amazed, because they are not aware that Allah adds to His creations all the time as He pleases. According to Islam Faatir is an attribute of Allah. 86. Al-Maalik (The Sovereign) We read in the Holy Qurn: In an Assembly of Truth, in the Presence of a Sovereign Omnipotent. (54; 55). Allah is Sovereign to us all, all things and events. Allah is present everywhere at all times, but we cannot perceive Allah so we are unaware of his presence. Allah made us His vicegerent on earth and it remains our duty to reach out to others with compassion, mercy, love, generosity, etc, to indicate that we understand what life is all about. God does not want us to pray the whole day, unless we show our generosity to others. The tenets of our religion, is merely a foundation to show our willingness towards the commands of Allah, but the rest of the building has to be completed by our generosity and mercy to others. No man should be an island or should live in total isolation. 87. Al-Hafiyy (The Most Gracious) The following verse appears in the Holy Qurn: He said: Peace be unto thee! I shall ask forgiveness of my Lord for thee. Lo! He was ever Gracious unto me. (19; 47). The word Hafiyy signifies well-disposed to, favourable to, good to, kind to. When applied to Allah, it means The Most Gracious. Consider what Allah gives to His servants and to all His creations in comparison to what the king or queen of England does to you, yet she is being hailed as our gracious queen. We should retain our priorities in the correct order when.it comes to praises. 88. Al-Muheet (The All-Pervading) For those who still doubt, the following is recorded in the Holy Qurn: Ah indeed! Are they still in doubt about the meeting with their Lord? it is He that does encompass all things. (41; 54). Shortsighted people might still like to think that there will be no Judgement. But Judgement is inevitable and cannot be escaped, because Allah encompasses everything. Some of us practise sport, while a referee or umpire is in charge. We expect the infringement to go
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against the defaulter, otherwise there is no fairness. Yet, what do we expect when we are at fault? Surely, we will have to be punished for our sins and faults, so it is always up to us to play out game on earth, without default if we want to be rewarded with a win, afterwards. Allah is the best of referees, umpires, or judges, because He will pardon you if you approach Him with repentance and show that youre a better person afterwards. Allah is All-Pervading, yet He is very lenient with every sinner, who wants to change his lifestyle. 89. Al-Musta'aan (One Who is called upon for Help: God) The following verse is to be found in the Holy Qur'n: He saith; My Lord! Judge Thou with truth, Our Lord is the Beneficient, Whose help is to be implored against that which ye ascribe (unto Him). (21; 112). We turn only in prayer to Allah, when we are in need of help, because we know that He is the Lord of the whole Universe, He has all powers and He is the Master of everything. Anybody who worships anyone else, instead of Allah, will be the ultimate loser on Judgement Day, because those whom they worship will not be there to reward them. 90. Ar-Rafee' (The Sublime) Once again we use the Holy Qurn to describe this attribute of Allah: The Exalter of Ranks, the Lord of the Throne: He casteth the Spirit of His command upon whom He will of His slaves, (so) that He may warn of the Day of meeting. (40; 15). We again notice that Allah is way beyond any rank or degree, which we can imagine, that is why He is known as Rafi. Those of us who seek name with earthly titles, diplomas, rank and clothing only fool ourselves, because none of these things are important to Allah. Only our piety is important as far as Allah is concerned. The pilgrim to the holy city, experiences that nobody is considered important with their annual gathering, where emperors, heads of state, professors, and the wealthy are all judged only by their piety. As the Prophet mentioned in his final sermon No Arab is regarded as above a non-Arab, and no Non-Arab above an Arab, nor a white person above a black person or a black person above a white person. 91. Al-Kaafi (The Sufficient One) We read in the Holy Qur'n: Is Allah not sufficient for His servant? Yet they would frighten thee with those beside Him. He whom Allah sendeth astray, for him there is no guide. (39;36). The just person will say that Allah is enough protection Whom he needs. He gives all the rest and peace, which we require and all the happiness, which we dream about. When the evil ones try to frighten us with false gods, we will know that it is merely superstition. Besides idols, there are also false gods in whom people believe, such as wealth, position, rank, might, science and selfish desires. All these ideas may mislead them and will leave them eventually in the lurch, because it will lose them the grace of Allah, with which He wants to guide them and comfort those, who seek God. All the false gods are misleading because in the end, they are of no benefit and use, when a person appears in front of his Creator to give evidence on
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Judgement Day. 92. Ghaalib (Predominant) A Verse from the Holy Qur'n mentions as follows:: And Allah was predominant in his career, but most of mankind knows not. (12; 21). Although the verse in the Qurn reminds us that it is Allahs mercy, which makes us qualify in certain positions or careers, we still believe with stubbornness that everything is due to our power, strength and knowledge. How many times do we hear a certain person being praised for his success, without the name of the Predominant being mentioned. A person has actually nothing to be proud of, because everything is due to Allah, and we have to give recognition with the words, Alhamdu Lillah (All Praise and Thanks to Allah). Our beautiful appearance, good manners, intelligence, wisdom, ability, power, etc, are all allowances from Allah. We have to realise that all those gifts are temporary and will disappear with age, because after all only Allah is Predominant in the end. 93. Al-Mannaan (The Most Gracious) The Holy Qur'n mentions the following: Allah verily hath shown grace to the believers sending unto them a messenger of their own who reciteth unto them His revelations, and causeth them to grow, and teacheth them the Scriptures and wisdom, although before (he came to them) they were in flagrant error. (3; 164). The word Mannaan is derived from the root Mann, which means Gracious. Allah shows favour on all His creations and bestows benefits on them. 94. Al-Jaleel (The Glorious) We are reminded about Al-Jalil in the following verse of the Holy Qurn: Blessed be the name of thy Lord, Mighty and Glorious! (55; 78). Immediately after his Salaah a Muslim will say the words Astah firullah (I seek the forgiveness of Allah), thrice. After that he will supplicate a prayer of (O Allah! Thou art the Peace and from Thee is Peace. Blessed art Thou. O, Lord of Majesty and Glory). 95. Al-Muhayi' (The Giver of Life) The following verse appears in the Holy Qurn: Look, therefore, at the prints of Allahs mercy (in creation) how He quickens the earth after death. Lo! He verily is the Quickenener of the Death, and He is Able to do all things. (30; 59). The process of dead coming to life is observed during every rainy season, year after year. The earth, which dies during drought, is survived again in spring or rain by Allahs grace. So
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those, who believe that, after our death, we cannot be revived by Allah, are living with false illusion. We are created from a dead sperm drop, so Allah is the Giver of Life. 96. Al-Mumeet (The Giver of Death) We read in the Holy Qurn: There is no god but He: it is He that giveth both life and death. (7; 158). The mysteries of life and death are in the hands of Allah, Who gives death to every living creature. When we die in this world, it is not the end. We are from Him and to Him is our return. Allah can bring about resurrection at any moment when He wills. There are those who believe in permanent death, but they will eventually realise that those whom Allah causes to die, He can also re-awaken with life. There are others who believe in a different kind of life after death, which they call reincarnation, and which means a person will come back to life in a different form. This is all a theory, which has not been proved, just like the evolution theory of Darwin. 97. Al-Waarith (The Inheritor) Another Qurnic verse, which refutes any human theory is: And verily, it is We Who give life and Who give death: it is We Who remain Inheritors (after all else passes away). (15; 23). To Allah Alone belongs the heritage of the heavens and the earth. Material wealth or property is only called ours, during our short lifespan, afterwards it descend to the heirs and more heirs, until it goes to the ultimate heir, the State. So all gifts are ours, only in trust, until they, ultimately, revert to Allah. Allah is called Al-Waarith, because all things proceed from Him and shall eventually return unto Him. 98. Al-Baa'ith (The Awakener or The Resurrector of the Dead) The Holy Qurn makes mention of the following: And because the Hour will come, there is no doubt thereof; and because Allah will raise those who are in the graves. (22; 7). Al-Baaith is an attribute of Allah, which means that He shall re-awaken or raise everybody from the dead (on the Day of Reckoning). Allah has sent Messengers with glad tidings and warnings, because He is Merciful. Those who reject this attribute of Allah will ultimately be the losers. 99. Al-Baaqi (The Everlasting One or The Eternal) We read in the Holy Qur'n: But will abide (forever) the Face of your Lord, - full of Majesty, Bounty and Honour. (55; 27).
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As mentioned before, everything will eventually perish, except Allah Who is Al-Baaqi, The Everlasting One, Who will never perish. In an earlier chapter of this book we noticed that Allah first created Nur (light) and thereafter everything. In other words Allah was always there and He will be there ultimately, because Allah is Everlasting. With the arrangement of the attributes of Allah we have shown that human beings are only creations of Allah and that they will have to live their life, according to what Allah expects from them. They are Allahs vicegerents on earth and should always serve their fellow creations, in order to satisfy the Creator. Consequently, we all have a duty towards Allah and His creations. Nobody was created to live only for themselves or even worse, to harm others. We should also not worship false gods or idols. Just imagine what a wonderful world this will be if these expectations are realised on earth. I must give recognition to the author Muhammad Iqbal Siddiqi for his excellent book: NINETY NINE NAMES OF ALLAH, which was of the utmost importance to me for this chapter. Summary The ideal would be for the whole world to develop the above principles and thereby practice uniformity in belief and lifestyle. It will bring about love, peace, godliness, sobriety, holiness, mercy, charity and uniformity, which is the Creator's desire since the origin of creation. With the current trend, which we are witnessing in the world, the tendency is to eliminate each other, while morality is absolutely low, and there is virtually no difference between man and animal anymore. The nudity, drunkenness and pornography being observed on television, and the prostitution, which is so rife in our community, indicate the low morality in life, not to mention theft, rape and murder. We notice lately how life has become increasingly expensive, so people generally suffer under the present trend. When will it all end? It can definitely not continue in this fashion. We must realise that finally an end will be put to everything. We should prepare ourselves for such an end of the Universe. If this book can possibly contribute to at least one person, who was doubtful of anything, and then switching over to a life of morality, repentance and total godliness, then all these words will have been worthwhile. To summarise everything, it is the desire of our Creator that humanity should live in peace with one another and that we should wish for others what we desire for ourselves. The elimination of intoxicants and unhealthy drugs will be to our own benefit, and anyone who prescribe any wrong eating and drinking habits, has hidden motives. With a sound understanding and thorough knowledge and selfcontrol, the individual should realise that Islam or submission to the Will of Allah is not a superstition, but it is actually the only way of life, which should benefit our own selves. The tendency is towards ungodliness in various religions or cults, while trendy people become, apparently, more ungodly and less religious. This is called a new world order that is being planned by the Satanists. A recent film, "The Arrivals", mentions this new fad in the world. The True Essence of Dust Persons, who sincerely study their immediate neighbourhoods, should come to the ultimate conclusion that everything in the universe, both living and non-living, is created. Thus, the
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question should arise: 'Who is the creator of all these things? In an alarming book by the famous writer, Harun Yahya, I want to quote the following comments on page 215 of the book The Evolution Deceit: It is evident that the fact of creation, which reveals itself in every aspect of the universe, cannot be an outcome of the universe itself. For example, a bug could not have created itself. The solar system could not have created or organised itself. Neither plants, humans, bacteria, erythrocytes (red-blood corpuscles), nor butterflies could have created themselves. The possibility that these all could have originated by chance is not even imaginable. We therefore arrive at the following conclusion: Everything that we see has been created. But nothing that we see can be the creators themselves. The Creator is different from and superior to all that we see with our eyes, a superior power that is invisible but whose existence and attributes are revealed in everything that exists. This is the point at which those who deny the existence of God demur. These people are conditioned not to believe in His existence unless they see Him with their own eyes. These people, who disregard the fact of creation, are forced to ignore the actuality of creation manifested all throughout the universe and falsely prove that the universe and the living in it have not been created. Evolutionary theory is a key example of their vain endeavours to this end. The basic mistake of those who deny God is shared by many people who in fact do not deny the existence of God, but they have a wrong perception of Him. They do not deny creation, but they have superstitious beliefs about where God is. Most of them think that God is up in the sky. The Importance of the Brain All the information that we have about God, consists of our own physical perception and our own prejudice. Even the information of the world consists of memory images of our five senses. The world, which we know, is only what our eyes have observed, our hands have felt, our noses have smelt, our tongues have tasted, and our ears have heard. We do not only believe that the external world could be something else than our own perception, because we are so prone to rely on our own senses, ever since our birth. Modern science, however, indicates different concepts and shows a serious defect in our senses and the world of our own perception. This suggests that our brain contains only a version of electronic signals. For example, it indicates the colour of something, the hardness of the wood, everything a person owns in your home, your work, etc. The famous philosopher, George Berkeley, made the following statement on the subject: We believe in the existence of objects just because we see and touch them, and they are reflected to us by our perceptions. However, our perceptions are only ideas in our mind. Thus, objects we captivate by perceptions are nothing but ideas, and these ideas are essentially in nowhere but our mind Since all these exist only in the mind, then it means that we are beguiled by deceptions when we imagine the universe and things to have an existence outside the mind.So, none of the surrounding things have an existence out of our
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mind. The thoughts of two famous philosophers, B. Russell and LJJ Wittgeinstein were: For instance, whether a lemon truly exists or not and how it came to exist cannot be questioned and investigated. A lemon consists merely of a taste sensed by the tongue and odor sensed by the nose, a colour and shape sensed by the eye, and only these features of it can be subject to examination and assessment. Science can never know the physical world. (The History of Thought). Harun Yahya summarises it as follows: As a result of the physical facts described so far, we may conclude the following. Everything we see, touch, hear and perceive as matter, the world or the universe is nothing but electrical signals occurring in our brain. Another point to be considered is the sense of distance. Distance, which is to say the distance between you and this book, is only a feeling of emptiness formed in your brain. Objects that seem to be distant in the person's view also exist in the brain. For instance, someone who watches the stars in the sky assumes that they are millions of light years away from him. Yet what he sees are really the stars inside himself, in his centre of vision. While you read these lines, you are, in truth, not inside the room you assume you are in; on the contrary, the room is inside of you. Your seeing your body makes you think that you are inside it. However, you must remember that your body, too is an image formed inside your brain. Who is the Observer? When the brain is analysed, we discover nothing else, but fat and protein particles, which are found in our other living organisms. This means that those pieces of meat of our brains are what we consider and nothing else of what we imagined. This is actually what is known as consciousness, and therefore that which I call "myself". The philosopher RL Gregory makes the following observation: There is a temptation, which must be avoided, to say that the eyes produce pictures in the brain.A picture in the brain suggests the need of some kind of internal eye to see it but this would need a further eye to see its picture and so on in an endless regress of eyes and pictures. This is absurd. (The Psychology of Seeing). If we analyse the subject of dreams, then we discover that imaginary people and images will appear in our dreams, without any eyes being involved with which to see. In Ken Wilber's Holographic Paradigm and Other Paradoxes, Karl Pribram states the following: Philosophers since the Greeks have speculated about the ghost in the machine, the little man inside the little man and so on. Where is the I the entity that uses the brain? Who does the actual knowing? Or, as Saint Francis of Assisi once put it, What we are looking for is what is looking. We therefore speak of a being referred to.
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This Being is the Soul By now it is quite obvious that a Supreme Creator exists, Who created the whole material universe, that means He is absolutely aware, and He still continually creates. Since this Creator produces such brilliant creations, we must assume that He possesses everlasting strength and power. When we discussed the Asma-Ul-Khusnaa, we discovered that the Qur'n already mentions this. We would like to refer to the book by Harun Yahya on page. 229: However, as we have considered so far, matter is composed only of sensations. And the real absolute being is God. That means that it is only God that exists: everything except Him are images. Consequently, it is impossible to conceive God as a separate being outside this whole mass of matter. God is surely everywhereand encompasses all. This reality is explained in the Qur'an as follows: God! There is no God but He, the Living, the Self-subsisting, Eternal. No slumber can seize Him nor sleep. His are all things in the heavens and on earth. Who is there can intercede in His presence except as He permits? He knows what (appears to His creatures as) before or after or behind them. Nor shall they compass aught of His knowledge except as He wills. His Throne extends over the heavens and the earth, and He feels no fatigue in guarding and preserving them for He is the Most High, the Supreme (in glory). (Sura al-Baqara, 2; 255). Harun Yahya continues to expand his philosophy: Since material things are each a perception, they cannot see God; but God sees the matter He created in all its forms. In the Qur'an, this fact is stated thus: No vision can grasp Him, but His grasp is over all vision (Surah al-Anaam 6: 103). Conclusion Allow me to conclude this assignment with the knowledge that although we cannot see Allah (the Creator), he is definitely closer to us than we realise. Allah states in the Qur'n (Chapter Qaf: 50, 16): We're closer to him than (his) artery. In the Second Chapter, 186, it is reported: "When My servants ask about Me, I'm really close (to them)." Therefore, man has no right to feel proud of anything, because all wealth, beauty, strength, craftsmanship, art or knowledge of man actually belongs to the Reality, named Allah. In ending, we use a verse from the Holy Qur'n: "We have indeed created man in the best of moulds, then do We abase him (to be) the lowest of the low,--except such as believe and do righteous deeds: for they shall have a reward unfailing. Then what can, after this, contradict you, as to the Judgement (to come)? Is not Allah the greatest of Judges? (95; 4-8). Ameen. Moosa Patel www.patelspoetry.com
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Normal 0 false false false MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstylerowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; msopadding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0cm; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansilanguage:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} Bibliography Aalam-e-Islam Ajaibul Kasas Vol. I Ali, Abdullah Yusuf , Translation of the Holy Qur'an Alvi, Abul Mohsin Hasan Hussein, Tafrihul Askia Ahwal Ul Ambia Vol.I & II Ansari, Fazl-ur'Rahman, Islam to the Modern Mind As-Sibaa'ie, Mustafa, The Life of Prophet Muhammad Ata ur-Rahim, Muhammad, Jesus, a Prophet of Islam Austen, John, TPs and Cassel's Weekly Azlan, Reza, No God but God Babylon the Great has Fallen Baigent, Michael & Leigh, Richard, The Dead Sea Scrolls Deception Berry, RJ, God & Evolution Bethell, Tom, Harper'sBethell, Tom, Harper's Bible, The Holy, 1984 Revised Standard Version Bodley, RVC, The Messenger Bose, Basanta Coomar, Mahomedism Brown, Dan, The Da Vinci Code Bucaile, Maurice, La Bible, Le Coran et Science Buckland, Raymond, Witchcraft the Religion Buckley, Tales from the Unknown Bybel, Die,1971, Bybelgenootskap van S.A.
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Childe, V.Gordon, New Light on the Most Ancient East Cook, Edward M., Solving the Mysteries of the Dead Sea Scrolls Crabbs Mythology Darwin, Charles Robert, The Origin of Species by means of Natural Selection Deedat, Ahmed, Crucifixion or Cruci-fiction Deedat, Ahmed, The Choice, Islam and Christianity Vol.1 1993 Deist, Ferdinand, Kan ons die Bybel dan nog glo? Dehelvi, Moulana, Ahsan Ul Muwaiz Draper, John William, A History of the Intellectual Development of Europe Vol.I Ehrman, Bart, Lost Christianities Encyclopaedia Amiricana Vol.8 Encyclopaedia Brittannica, Encyclopaedia of Religion and Ethics Esterhuyse, Willie, Die God van Genesis Esterhuyse, Willie, God en die Gode van Egipte Fraser, Sir James George, The Golden Bough Freund, Philip, Myths of Creation Gascoigne, Bamber, The Christians Gibb, HAR, Mohammadenism Gibbon, Edward, The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire Vol.I & II Gibbon, Edward & Ockley, Simon, History of the Saracen Empire Gregory, RL, Eye and Brain, The Psychology of Seeing Groothuis, Douglas R., Unmasking the New Age Gumley, Frances & Redhead, Brian, The Pillars of islam Haarhoff PC & Claerhout, Frans, Skeppingsverhaal Hamid, Abdul Wahid, Islam the natural Way
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Hawking, Steven, A Brief History of Time Herod, FG, What Men Believe Hibbon, Frank C., Prehistoric Man in Europe Hislop, Alexander, The Two Babylons Howell, Clark, Early Man Hugo, GJ, Christelike Tekens en Sataniese Simbole Huisamen, E.van N., Demoniese Besetenheid Ibrahim, I.A. A Brief Illustrated Guide to Understanding Islam Jackson, Foakes, The Life of Paul Kamal-ud-din, Khwaja, Sources of Christianity Kassim, Hajee Mahboob, Destruction or PeaceKassim, Keller, The Bible as History Kleinhans, Bennie, Diaboliese Sameswering Kleinhans, Bennie, Die Koning Kom II Kleinhans, Bannie, Die laaste Uur en die Merk van die Dier het Gekom Krishna, Lord, Bhagwat GitaKrishna, Lord, Bhagwat Gita Krossney, Herbert, The Lost Gospel Layard, Nineveh and Babylon Lonsdale & Ragg, Lorna, The Gospel of Barnabas Mackinon, James, From Christ to Constantine Maier, Paul L, First Christmas Maier, Paul L., First Easter Malan, JS, G evare van die Nuwe-Era Beweging Maurice, Indian Antiquities M'Clinlock & Strong Encyclopaedia Vol.II
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Meyer, Marvin, Gnostic Discoveries Misri, Hasan Ibrahim, Tariq Imri Ibnil As Vol.I,II Moorey, Teresa, Paganism Munsoorpuri, Kazi Md.Munsoorpuri, Kazi Md.Sulaiman, Rahmatul Aalamin Najaar, Sheikh Abubaker, I am a Muslim- Part 2 O'Leary, De Lacy, Islam at the Crossroads Oosthuizen, GC, Die Godsdienste van die Wreld Pagel, Elaine, Beyond Belief Page, Ekaine, The Gnostic Gospels Patel, Moosa, Tougheed Pelser, HS, Pienaar, HS, Van Zyl, HS, Engelbert, BJ Wat s die Bybel Deel I Poole, Michael, Science and Belief Potter, Charles, Francis, The Faiths Men Live By Qadi Abu Bakr Ibn Al-Arabi, Defence Against Disaster 1995 Rapport, Sondag 15 Maart 2009, Sondag 12 Desember 2010 en Sondag 19 Desember 2010Rapport, Reculus, Elie, Primitive Folk Robertson, JM, History of Christianity Rushdi, Salman, Satanic Verses Sanders, Dero A, The Portable Gibbon Sharma, Diwan, Chand, The Prophets of the East Sharon, Moshe, Judaism, Christianity & Islam Shilliby, J., The Lord Jesus in the Koran Siddiqi, Muhammad Iqbal, Ninety Nine Names of Allah Smit, Johan, Abraham Avontuur Spiegelberg, Frederick, Living Religions of the World
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Spangenberg, Sakkie, Jesus van Nasaret Stace, Walter T., The Teachings of the Mystics Stander, Hennie, S imbole, Veilig of Gevaarlik St.Augustine, On the Trinity Tucker, Ruth, Strange Gospels Velikovsky, Immanuel, Worlds in Collision Wahed, Abdul, Ahsan-ul-Muwaiz Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society: Hoe het dit hier gekom? Deur Evolusie of deur Skepping Watson, Lyall, Omnivore Wilber, Ken, Holographic Paradigm and Other Paradoxes Wilford, Kolonel, Asiatic Researches Wistrich, Robert S., Antisemitism Yahya,Harun, The Evolution Deceit Zias, Joe, Crucifixion in Antiquity
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Worship None But God

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CHAPTER 2 THE ORIGIN OF MAN AND THE KA'ABA

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CHAPTER 3 THE ORIGIN OF RELIGION AND SOVEREIGNTY

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CHAPTER 4 THE ORIGIN OF CHRISTMAS CELEBRATIONS, TOASTING AND VALENTINES DAY

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