View Full Version : A Message from my view
Anne Marie Habibi
18-10-2001, 03:47
Dear Brothers and Sisters
I am a believer in Islam and as such I declare Holy W.A.R.S. on Poverty, Violence and Ignorance. Peaceful W.A.R.S. of course. W.A.R.S. stands for World Arising Responsibly and Spiritually.
The weapons of choice are Education, Forgiveness , Tolerance, Consultation and Prayer and the ammunition of choice is The Holy Quran, The Holy Books of Christianity and Judaism supported by science. Some other weapons of choice are Patience, Accountablity, Compassion and Action with Consultation.
Our Allies in this are Christians, Jews and all non Muslim’s and Muslim’s alike.
The best plan of attack is Leadership by good example with good behaviors and kindly words and actions towards all beings Muslim and non Muslim, this will draw non Muslim’s to Islam.
You and All Brothers and Sisters are the Mujahadeen in these Holy Great W.A.R.S. Remembering that W.A.R.S. stands for World Arising Responsibly and Spiritually.
Jihad’s to end all Jihads’.
Brothers and Sisters what are you willing to do for Islam and the World?
Sincerely
Anne Marie Habibi a believer in Islam
October 15th, 2001
Anne Marie Habibi
Halifax, Nova Scotia
Canada
Phone 1-902-443-4347
Email amlhabibi@hotmail.com
Dear Anne Marie:
As far as I know you're not a Muslim, though you say you're a believer in Islam, but you also say you beleive in other religions besides Islam.
It seems you're trying to promote a new kind of belief, or religion based on your experience. We won't allow our discussion board to serve as a vehicle of any belief or religion besides Islam, and your messages that redirect the users of IWC to your pages on the Web will be removed. We've already warned you in the past. This is a final warning.
Tayeb
Admin of IWC
Anne Marie Habibi
18-10-2001, 19:43
Dear Brother Tayeb
Most respectful I am a sincere believer in Islam, I believe in Christ and Moses therefor I believe I must believe in Christianity and Judaism too, maybe I am wrong.
I mean no disrespect or am I trying to convert or change anyone's mind I am sharing my beliefs so I may get a redirect from an Islamic point of view, as you are aware all of the responses have been just that.
I am on the path to Islam and as a sincere believer in Islam and as such I desire to share my beliefs as I said for redirect not to change or sell anyone another way of thinking.
I have read this Holy W.A.R.S. to Dr Jamal Badawi and I have his approval to read it at Friday night prayers.
If you would like you may call him and question him about my sincerity. 1-902-445-2494
I don't mind if you delete my web site url but please leave Holy W.A.R.S. for people to consider from a sincere sister.
Sincerely
Your Sister in Islam
Anne Marie Habibi
P.S. I have no doubts that I cannot affect the way any muslim thinks, however I do learn from their sincere responses to my post what is the correct way to be a muslim.
Assalamualikum.
I support you. I guess we believe the same way. I join you.
Luque
(Islamic Logicist)
Assalaamu alaikum ya muslimeen.
First of all, Luque...you are quite far off from Anne Marie. There is really little if any similarities between the two of you.
And for Anne Marie...I must say that I admire your persistance at these forums. Also, I admire your obvious desire to attempt to unite(and if not unite, then to try to create some civil sense of agreeability or non-fighting atmosphere) between the adherants of various religions.
Actually, there are more such people needed in this world. Regardless of their chosen religions, people need to learn to be more tolerant of each other.
If that would become a trademark of mankind, then such events as 9-11 and the world-wide oppression which has possibly been the cause of such events would not have happened in the first place, ans will eventually cease to exist.
Now, as for yourself, Anne Marie, you may be on the path to Islam, and you may not be. That in itself is not of importance. If you truly wish information about Islam, direction, or guidance, then please do ask your questions in more understandable terms.
However, in many of your posts, you are misleading by your statements that you believe in Islam...yet you are not a practicing muslim. A muslim is a muslim by practice and proof to the Creator, and not merely by any declaration.
Also, your closing statement 'your sister in Islam'...that is a true oxymoron if ever...for you are an admitted non-muslim. There is no shame in being a non-muslim, and there shall be no reciprocration from others at this site for non-muslims. However, to claim Islam falsely by such statements is only paramount to being a hipocrite. I suggest that you read up on verses in the Quran about hipocrites. They are the worst of the creation.
You are not a muslim...you have admitted yourself again and again...and yet you sign off as 'your sister in Islam'...where does that fit in?
You are another human being...your adherance to faith or religion is different, and there is no bond of sisterhood between you and any muslim...at this site or elsewhere.
Islam is a brotherhood/sisterhood for it's adherants...and not including others. Simple. Sorry, but that is a point which is clear in the Quran and Hadith.
Does not mean that we cannot all be polite towards each other, and try to eminate a sense of non-violence and work together and live together...but please do cease in trying to imitate muslims, when you are not yourself a muslim. Just does not wash down well.
Thankyou.
Lulua.
Anne Marie Habibi
20-10-2001, 16:43
Thank you Lulu
For your foth right response. I know my post are different but I am on the path to Islam I am learning more everyday and one day when I have reconciled that I can follow the laws I will become muslim.
I read this at Friday night prayers and the brothers and sisters welcomed it and were astonished that someone on the path to Islam could be such a lover of Islam that they would write something like this.
I said your sister in Islam for though I have yet to make my pledge to Islam I am waging Jihad with you.
I intend to share this message with the Islamic world and the world as a whole.
Fffor including non muslims in this means like myself they can be educated about Islam, come to love and appreciate if not declare.
Aagain sister thank you for your response
Sister Anie Marie
Why are they so angry with you?
Anyone wants to claim as a muslim, I can't see any harm. I do not think Allah perceive it as any harm as well.
Many want to representing God in talks. I think God has his way to communicate to any one he wants to. We human just appreciate what we have and respect others.
Luque
(Islamic Logicist)
Luque
They are upset because I am on the path to Islam only half way to being muslim.
I still love Islam and am working to share my love for it and the people.
It doesn't affect the sincerity of this Jihad.
Anne Marie,
If you are Jewish, Christian, and Muslim, how do you believe salvation is achieved? For Jews it depends who you talk to. For Christians it is only faith and trust that Jesus died for your forgiveness of sins. For Muslims it depends who you talk to, basically only to follow God and his Apostle close enough and with pure enough intentions to out-weigh your sins. The second two seem hopelessly incompatible. How do you combine the two?
JBJ
Anne Marie Habibi
17-11-2001, 06:13
It is easy, I believe in the power of all religions.
Each one brings us a step closer to our creator though I have to say I have found some people not following any religion and they are very spiritual.
I believe each of Us must choose our own path to the creator.
"There is no complusion in religion" So Mohammad said in the Quran.
I think you are as close to the creator as you want to be. It is up to you how close and what path you will take to get there.
Anne Marie,
That wasn't really what I meant. I meant that there's a contradiction between religions. Maybe it will make more sense this way:
Do you believe Jesus died to save you from your sin? Yes or no.
If you say no, then you deny the Bible because it says "he died that we may live."
If you say yes, then you deny Qur'an because it says "no one can bear the sins of another." You also deny Hinduism because it goes against the system of kharma. Judaism too because the Talmud says Jesus misled his followers.
My point is that you seem to over simplify religion in places that they can't be simplified in. You say that all religions have power, but God in the Qur'an says "this day I have perfected your religion." If you believe that, why would there be other religions when Islam is already perfect?
In the same why the Bible says if anyone "should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let him be eternally condemned."
Then you say that some people without religion are still reaching God. The Jewish, Christian, and Muslim scriptures all insist on the belief in God.
Your view does sound beautiful, it be wonderful if you were right. But in trying to accept all religions, you really end up denying these three. Like you, I think that each religion has some partial truth, and each one brings us closer. The mistake is thinking that each one can take us all the way. There can only be one truth. If there wasn't it wouldn't really be truth. How do you rectify these ideas? If you can't I seriously suggest you reconsider your belief. God bless.
JBJ
LAST EDITED ON 21-11-01 AT 10:24 PM (GMT)[p]Greetings All.
I agree with JBJ that different religions seem to contradict one another. I also agree that almost all religions have "partial truths", including the religion of human secularism.
I do not really agree with the statement that a single religion has a lock on taking one "all the way" as JBJ seems to put it.
What is the goal of all religions? The gospel sums up the greatest commandments as loving God with your whole mind, your whole soul, and all your being, and loving your neigbor as yourself. These notions are also found in Judaism. Bhuddism teaches that there is a blind force that one seeks union with. Maybe this is an attempt to describe the absolute mystery of Allah. Having acheived this union through negation of the self (taking up your cross?) you acheive a state of compassion for the entire universe. Hinduism recognizes the Brahma. Taoism recognizes the absolute. Islam teaches submission to Allah.
In other words, when we speak of the divine, we all acknowledge that there is a common human experience of a higher power that is absolute mystery beyond description. We all believe that humanity is called into an intimate union with this power.
Perhaps some religions have "more truth" than others. Indeed, I practice Catholicism with the faith that "the fullness of truth" is found in Catholic teaching.
But does one really need to know the fullness of truth to be saved? If that were true, those who died as infants would be condemned to hell, along with those who suffer from neurobiological disorders such as mongolism, schizophrenia, etc....
And if all religions agree on anything other than a vague sense of divine mystery, don't we all agree that humanity is currently in an imperfect state? Some of us call it sin, others might call it illusion (Bhuddists), and still others may just say "Life isn't fair". If the world's religions are made up of finite and imperfect people, then it is logical to assume that every religion contains some error (even if the error is the hypocrisy of its members -- and I believe that some Christians are headed for hell if they don't repent and convert).
And isn't it possible for the "fullness of truth" to be expressed by different cultures in different ways? Maybe in the truly essential things, from a divine perspective, more than one religion has the fullness of truth. I wrote pretty extensivley about this topic under a recent post titled "Random Reflections on Comparative Religion".
The similarities between Greek Orthodox and Roman Catholic belief and practice is so similar, I find it difficult to believe that the average person in the pew could explain the differences. As one who went to seminary, I can explain and defend the "filioque" that became the dividing issue of East and West, but how many other Christians even know what "filioque" means? And the Anglicans are also very similar....
Does God really distinguish between us the way we distinguish among ourselves? I really think God doesn't. I think he looks at us as little children with sibling rivalry.
In comparing religions as a Christian, it is true that Christ is the test for ME as to what is true or false in other religions. But I understand that Muslims are testing what I say in light of the Qur'an. Furthermore, I would be overjoyed if everyone I spoke with saw instantly what I see in Christ and embraced him as Lord and Savior.
However, if we are saved by faith, the real question in speaking to non-Christians is whether this person has faith: the faith of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph (who never knew Christ by name). "Faith is the assurance of things hoped for and evidence of things unseen." (Hebrews 11:1). I do believe that salvation comes from Christ alone, and nobody is saved apart from him. However, I also believe that Christ is the human face of God. Therefore, when I say salvation comes from Christ, I am saying that salvation comes from God. Doesn't Islam agree that salvation comes form God?
If a person has faith in God, they may already be saved, even though they do not know the name of Christ. The words and deeds of Christ are good news that enable us Christians to place our trust in God. We naturally seek to share this good news.
However, a person who already trusts God, loves God, is aware of God's presence in their soul, and loves their neigbor as themselves -- perhaps such a person is already saved by Christ, even though they don't know him by name. That is why I have said in several places that you do not need to know a life-guard's name before he jumps in the water to save you.
With JBJ, I have problems understanding how the Islamic articulation of salvation can save a person. There seems to be to much dependence on works righteousness, and I have trouble understanding other aspects of the religion as well. However, just because I do not understand it does not mean that the Islamic system cannot save one!
I have suggested to Anne Marie in the past that her tendency to speak her personal opinions on behalf of entire religious bodies is disrespectful to the adherents of that religion. I think she should be honest in stating that her opinions are just that (her opinion).
However, in her basic theology, I think she is speaking of truth that we all need to acknowledge. There is NOT only one organized body of believers who has a lock on the salvation process. The Spirit of the prophets and of the Christ and of gurus, etc...is dwelling in us and moving in us all. We may not all call each other brother and sister, but that is what we are.
God is saving many of us in ways that will not make sense until we cross to the other side of death.
Peace and Blessings!
jcecil3
To jcecil-
Your response was very interesting. There is indeed a great deal to be learned from various religions. I still find the obedience to God of many of the Muslims I interact with a challenge to my own obedience to Him.
I've often wondered on the issue of salvation outside direct faith in Christ, and I certainly wouldn't claim do have the answer thus far. There's definetly a mystery of the salvation vs damnation of those who haven't heard of Christ. I think that just as God hadn't revealed the full plan of salvation to the Jews prior to Christ, he hasn't revealed all the details of it to us through the entire Bible.
I don't think that anyone can truly answer whether Muslims or anyone else can be saved but also be non-Christians (though many can obviously guess). But as for the Muslims on this part of this forum and other Muslims in contact with Christianity, I think it's fairly obvious that Islam isn't a guarantee for getting to God "all the way" after seeing what the Qur'an says about the Bible. (Speaking of which, do you know why this subject was taken off the list of topics?)
All I can really say about Christian salvation is that Jesus taught to take his gospel to all peoples, for what reason I don't fully understand, but God often isn't extensively complete in revelation.
'God isn't complete in his revelation'???
What kind of a blasphemy is that? Blasphemy, for sure.
It is not God who has made any mistake, or been incomplete, but rather our own human incapacity to understand or comprehend all that has been revealed to us.
God's revelations are complete...and have been complete throughout time, and for the times that they were revealed in. But...it was apparently the developing of the world, the expansion of the humans throughout the world, or the human interference from time to time in those very revelations, that rendered the need for newer revelations to be revealed.
With the revelation of the Quran...this is the sealant of the course of the revelations to the world from God...it is the final revelation, and the accumulation of all the previous revelations...and will be no further revelations or messangers after it. We are told explicitly of that in the Quran.
Lulua.
Lulua,
You misunderstood me. I'm speaking from the Biblical perspective, not the Islamic. I understand that God is said to have perfected the religion of Islam and therefore it must be complete.
However, in the Bible God has chosen not to reveal everything. It states very plainly how one reaches God and salvation for those reading it, what it is implicit on or doesn't mention is those who haven't heard the gospel, ie, the good news of Christ.
Maybe you're thinking that it's unlike God to be incomplete, but that idea contradicts Islam also. After all, it wasn't until the Qur'an was revealed that religion was perfected and completed. Before that Islam was not fully revealed and thus incomplete. That's why Judaism was abrogated, it was incomplete.
I'm not a Muslim, so maybe I'm mistaken. If I am, pleas correct me.
JBJ
Greetings!
I have to agree with JBJ once again. Islam does not seem to teach that the Qur'an reveals EVERYTHING about Allah. Rather, the Qur'an says that it teaches only what is necessary.
"If all the trees of the earth were pens, and the sea, with seven more seas to replenish it, were ink, the writing of Allah's words could never be finished." Sura 31:28.
The Bible makes similar statements about Yahweh or Christ.
I guess it all depends on what you mean by "complete".
Peace and Blessings!
jcecil3
Mardhiah
07-12-2001, 05:45
Greeting Jcecil3,
There is a mistake in the ayah you gave.I wonder which translation you read.To have a very different one is something serious.Pls make sure that you get the right source if you want to study about Islam.
The actual verse is: The creation of you all and the resurrection of you all are only as (the creation and resurrection of) a single person. Verily, Allâh is All*Hearer, All*Seer.
The Quran does reveal much about Allah.Of course not everything.Just what is needed to know by mankind; mostly what Allah can do and no other power is greater than Him, His characteristics and the 99 attributes.You just have to read more on it.
Mardhiah Mansor
Greetings Mardhiah.
It appears from conversations on this site with Ruqayya and Dr. Qaisar that my translation of the the Qur'an is different than what most of you use.
The translation I have was purchased while I was an undergraduate in college in the 1980's. It is N.J. Dawood's translation originally published by Penguin Classics in the 1950's, and republished in 1980's. I bought it in a college bookstore because I am interested in other religious beliefs.
I attempted to read the Qur'an in college, but found it very tedious and could not finish it all at once. I did finally read it straight through all at once after September 11, 2001.
Dawood was born in Iraq and went to London where he published several tranlations of Arabic classics into English and taught at Oxford University.
In his translation of the Qur'an, he changes the order of the Suras in order to make it a little more readable to the English speakers. However, he provides the traditional numbering sequence in the back and in the margins.
The problem is that while the suras are numbered pretty clearly, he only provides numbers for the ayat about 4 or 5 verses, and it is difficult for me to determine where the ayat actually shift from one to another in this version.
On another post, I asked if there web sites I could go to search for words in the Qur'an. Dr. Qaisar provided two excellent links. I realized as I was exploring the recommended sites that Dawood translates some ayat in a slightly different way than Yusaf Ali, Pickthal or Shakir. While the differences are slight, some of them are substantial enough to create some confusion.
This does not surprise me, because I experience the same thing when I read various versions of the Bible in English. In my house, I have 7 versions of the Bible in English: the New American Bible, the Revised Standard Version, the New International Version, the King James Version, The New Living Translation, The New Revised Standard Version, and the New Jersalem Version. There are no substantial variations in the meaning of the overall texts, but there are differences. In addition to these, I have two Spanish versions, two Kiswahili versions, and Nestle Aland's New Testament in the original Koine Greek.
English is a very precise and technical language, and it is hard to translate some figures of speech or words that have double meanings from a more fluid language into English. Some Bibles attempt to do a thought for thought translation. Others attempt to do a word for word translation. I suspect that translators of the Qur'an have the same difficulties translating some Arabic words and phrases into English, since it is my understanding Arabic resembles Aramaic or Hebrew somewhat.
English is my native language, but I also speak some Spanish and I can read Latin and Greek. I have dabbled with some Hebrew. My wife's native language is Kiswahili, but she speaks English like a native, and is pretty fluent in French. Often, when we question a verse of the Bible, we will pull out two English versions, a Swahili version, a Spanish version, and the original Greek. Between all these versions, we come to a better understanding of what the original author intended to say.
I have never studied Arabic, and I do not know Hebrew well enough to guess at Arabic if that were possible. My wife says that Kiswahili has some Arabic roots.
Since coming to this site, I have considered the fact that I probably need to buy another version of the Qur'an to compare with Dawood. I must say, however, that as hard as it was for me to read Dawood, Pickthal, Yusaf Ali, and Shakir seem even more tedious as I've seen them quoted.
Anyway, I apologize if I have confused you in some prior posts of mine because of the faults of the Dawood translation. Can you recommend a good English Qur'an? Also, where is a good resource for the hadith?
Peace and blessings!
jcecil3
Anne Marie Habibi
08-12-2001, 02:15
King Fahd's english arabic translation is a good Qquran to have it has the meanings behind the surrah's too.
I am never confused by your posts.
Anne Marie
Anne Marie,
Maybe you didn't see my last post to you, because you never answered back. If you could do that now, I'd be very grateful, your beliefs fascinate me. Here's what I said:
Do you believe Jesus died to save you from your sin? Yes or no.
If you say no, then you deny the Bible because it says "he died that we may live."
If you say yes, then you deny Qur'an because it says "no one can bear the sins of another." You also deny Hinduism because it goes against the system of kharma. Judaism too because the Talmud says Jesus misled his followers.
JBJ
Anne Marie Habibi
09-12-2001, 00:06
I believe that Jesus died believing he could save others from sin, whether he can will remain to be seen when we die.
I believe in the Spiritual truths put forward by all religions.
I believe all religions bring us closer to our creator and as such are excellent tools for the progress of the soul if people follow them.
What I admire about Islam is that they pray five times a day.
One thing I have found is that regardless of whether a person follows a religion or not does not determine whether they are bad or good people. Their actions speak louder than words and as we know know there are a lot of religious people that have bad actions.
One thing to remember when it comes to sin we all will face our maker in heaven and be held accountable for our deeds.
I pray that everyone be mindful of their actions or inaction so as not to have any sins in the first place to be held accountable for.
Anne Marie Habibi amlhabibi@hotmail.com
Hello Anne Marie,
Thanks for responding. You said
I believe that Jesus died believing he could save others from
sin, whether he can will remain to be seen when we die.
Me too. But do Muslims? If he did, this would violate the Qur'an 1.135, "Who forgive sins but Allah alone?" This also falls with Jewish theology, and the Torah says that blasphemy, as this would be classified as, is punishable by death.
If he did say this, he was either right or wrong. If he was right, then he must have been God, for only God can forgive sins. He was God, then everything else he said must have been right too, including commissioning Paul to write the words of damnation to anyone teaching a Gospel different from Jesus'.
If he was wrong, then we have just as big a problem, it means Jesus was insane. Then the Talmud, the New Testament, and the Qur'an all fail because they also implie that Jesus knew what he was talk about. You also said:
One thing to remember when it comes to sin we all will face our maker in heaven and be held accountable for our deeds.
This plainly violates the Bible, as it says "God made him (Jesus) a sacrafice of atonement." Therefore those who Christ works through are no longer accountable for their sin. It is true that we face discipline for sin within our lives, but not "in heaven" as you said.
I pray that everyone be mindful of their actions or inaction
so as not to have any sins in the first place to be held accountable for.
All three religions teach that everyone has sin, so I really can't understand how your statement makes any sense at all.
I believe all religions bring us closer to our creator and
as such are excellent tools for the progress of the soul if people follow them.
This makes little sense, for one religion is true, and the rest false. The false religions can be tools, but not excellent ones.
It would seem to me or anyone else who reads this that you don't understand much about Christianity or Islam. Or if you do, then you ignore what each teaches, not following them as you advised. In the first case, I would advise you to study each before believing the truth that's inside them. In the second, I can only hope you'll open yourself to the truth you're unwillling to face.
What I admire about Islam is that they pray five times a day.
Me too. I apologize if I sound overly critical. But try as you may, you simply cannot bridge Christianity and Islam. You must take you and deny the other. Either accept the Christ is Savour, or deny it. There's nothing but confusion to be gained by staying in the middle.
JBJ
HamasheachYeshua@hotmail.com
To all students in religion!
I want to call people's attention one last time to our self-proclaimed prophetess Anne Marie Habibi. She's plucked beliefs from Islam and the Bible and hodged them together, and in the end there's a distorted view that is niether Muslim nor Christian. This is obvious from what I wrote in the above post and that she hasn't been able to answer it.
One more problem that I didn't mention above is her wrong use of 2.256 of the Qur'an. The comman, "Let there be compulsion in religion" was abrogated later by 9.5 which says the opposite. At the beginning of Muhammad's prophethood 2.256 was in affect, and Muslims were to be peaceful with all non-Muslims, but later, when God decided they had been tolerant long enough, physical struggle was commanded, "slay the idolaters wherever you find them."
The Torah, Gospel, and Qur'an are all clear that false teaching is not to be tolerated:
Torah: If anyone does not listen to my words that the prophet speaks in my name, I myself will call him to account. (Deuteronomy 18.19)
Gospel: Evidently some people are throwing you into confusion and are trying to pervert the gospel of Christ. But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let him be eternally condemned!(Galatians 1.7&8)
Qur'an: Strive against the disbelievers and the hypocrites! Be harsh with them.(Immunity 9.73)
Obviously we shouldn't take physical action now, Anne Marie isn't under the shariah, but also obvious that she shouldn't be believed, but persuaded to right thinking.
Many people, especially Americans and Sulphur, bear the same ideals as Anne Marie, trying to reconcile all beliefs into one, finding the "ultimate religion." All those people should realize that this attempt is impossible, there is one Truth, everything else is a decption. God bless the truth.
JBJ
Anne Marie Habibi
17-12-2001, 04:02
I believe Mohammad said let there be no compulsion in religion those familar with the Quran correct me if I am wrong.
This part of the website is for comparative religion so thoughts from all religions may be shared.
I have some different views and these belong to me, I share my beliefs so as to learn more not be beaten down or abused.
I appreciate the beauty in each religion and do believe they all bring people to the Creator, God Allah and his many names.
I would appreciate you not trying to label me as a sinner or anything else as it is uncalled for and it goes against even your religion.
I believe Jesus said it best when he came on a group about to stone a woman he said," You without sin cast the first stone" They all left as none was without sin.
I come here to learn and share and when someone is rude it is upsetting.
Hi Anne Marie,
You asked that if you were wrong with the "compulsion in religion" verse then to correct you. I'm simply telling you now, you were mistaken. It's a common mistake, many people do it. I'm not putting any blame on you for it. Indeed the only way to know the verse was abrogated was looking at more extensive Islamic history, as the Qur'an doesn't specify this fact.
I never labeled you a sinner, and I admit to being just as much a sinner as you are.
I understand your views, and you're free to express them. If I sounded rude, then I sincerely apologize, I didn't mean to be.
However, I firmly believe that those ideas are impossible, for they contradict the Books you're holding to be truthful. I showed in a simple way that ideas you have are simply not possible. If they were, I would probably join you, as a unitive religion is very appealing. Unfortunately it's not the truth. I've come to realize that and I think you should also.
For a Muslim to follow your ideas violates the Qur'an, and that person ceases to be Muslim. For a Christian to follow your ideas violates the Bible, and ceases to be Christian. In fact, the verses I last quoted all show that truth and falsehood both exist, while if all religions are true, would be wrong.
I'm not attacking you, I want to guide you to the Truth. Jesus said, "Not everyone who says to me 'Lord, Lord' will enter the kingdom of heaven." I'm afraid that it may be the same for you, and I really wish it won't be. Please take an honest look at what you've been writing, if you're right, then the truth will show. The second part of that ayah is that "truth stands out clear from error," and is still just as true now. And if you find error, then I hope you could be honest will yourself that there is error.
As Jesus said, "I am the truth." Not just a truth, or some truth, but the truth. You said you've come here to learn, I pray that you do.
Warmly,
JBJ
Dear JBJ:
You are wrong that the verse of Qur'an that says there's no compulsion in religion was abrogated.
What are you basing on? In fact your assumption based on Islam's History is biased and wrong.
Tayeb
Assalamu Alaykum Ya Muslimeen !
About verse 5 of Surah Taubah, Dr. Zakir Naik gave a good explanation about it.
" A few selected verses from the Quran are often misquoted to perpetuate the myth that Islam promotes violence, and exhorts its followers to kill those outside the pale of Islam.
1. Verse from Surah Taubah
The following verse from Surah Taubah is very often quoted by critics of Islam, to show that Islam promotes violence, bloodshed and brutality: “Kill the mushrikeen (pagans, polytheists, kuffar) where ever you find them.” [Al-Quran 9:5]
2. Context of verse is during battlefield
Critics of Islam actually quote this verse out of context. In order to understand the context, we need to read from verse 1 of this surah. It says that there was a peace treaty between the Muslims and the Mushriks (pagans) of Makkah. This treaty was violated by the Mushriks of Makkah. A period of four months was given to the Mushriks of Makkah to make amends.
The oft-quoted Quranic verse about killing of disbelievers pertains to only a particular period when the disbelievers had rejected a treaty. It is like generalising the American army order to kill Vietnamese guerillas for all time to come
Otherwise war would be declared against them. Verse 5 of Surah Taubah says: “But when the forbidden months are past, then fight and slay the Pagans wherever ye find them, and seize them, beleaguer them, and lie in wait for them in every stratagem (of war); but if they repent, and establish regular prayers and practise regular charity, then open the way for them: for Allah is oft-forgiving, Most merciful.” [Al-Quran 9:5] This verse is quoted during a battle.
3. Example of war between America and Vietnam
We know that America was once at war with Vietnam. Suppose the President of America or the General of the American Army told the American soldiers during the war: “Wherever you find the Vietnamese, kill them”. Today if I say that the American President said, “Wherever you find Vietnamese, kill them” without giving the context, I will make him sound like a butcher. But if I quote him in context, that he said it during a war, it will sound very logical, as he was trying to boost the morale of the American soldiers during the war.
4. Verse 9:5 quoted to boost morale of Muslims during battle
Similarly in Surah Taubah chapter 9 verse 5 the Quran says, “Kill the Mushriks where ever you find them”, during a battle to boost the morale of the Muslim soldiers. What the Quran is telling Muslim soldiers is, don’t be afraid during battle; wherever you find the enemies kill them.
5. Shourie jumps from verse 5 to verse 7
Arun Shourie is one of the staunchest critics of Islam in India. He quotes the same verse, Surah Taubah chapter 9 verse 5 in his book ‘The World of Fatwahs’, on page 572. After quoting verse 5 he jumps to verse 7 of Surah Taubah. Any sensible person will realise that he has skipped verse 6.
6. Surah Taubah chapter 9 verse 6 gives the answer
Surah Taubah chapter 9 verse 6 gives the answer to the allegation that Islam promotes violence, brutality and bloodshed. It says: “If one amongst the pagans ask thee for asylum, grant it to him, so that he may hear the word of Allah; and then escort him to where he can be secure that is because they are men without knowledge.” [Al-Quran 9:6]
The Quran not only says that a Mushrik seeking asylum during the battle should be granted refuge, but also that he should be escorted to a secure place. In the present international scenario, even a kind, peace-loving army General, during a battle, may let the enemy soldiers go free, if they want peace. But which army General will ever tell his soldiers, that if the enemy soldiers want peace during a battle, don’t just let them go free, but also escort them to a place of security?
This is exactly what Allah (swt) says in the Glorious Quran to promote peace in the world.
Wassalamu Alaykum,
Asif.
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