An Enlightening Commentary Into the Light of the Holy Qur'an Volume 6

An Enlightening Commentary Into the Light of the Holy Qur'an13%

An Enlightening Commentary Into the Light of the Holy Qur'an Author:
Translator: Sayyid Abbas Sadr-'ameli
Publisher: Imam Ali Foundation
Category: Quran Interpretation
ISBN: 9645691028

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An Enlightening Commentary Into the Light of the Holy Qur'an

An Enlightening Commentary Into the Light of the Holy Qur'an Volume 6

Author:
Publisher: Imam Ali Foundation
ISBN: 9645691028
English

This book is corrected and edited by Al-Hassanain (p) Institue for Islamic Heritage and Thought


Notes:

The 20 Volumes of this book have been corrected and uploaded as you can go directly to any other volumes by just clicking on the volume numbers located on the left side.


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Section 5: The Battle of Badr a Proof of the Messenger's Truthfulness

Surah Al-Anfal - Verse 38

قُلْ لِلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا إِنْ يَنْتَهُوا يُغْفَرْ لَهُمْ مَا قَدْ سَلَفَ وَإِنْ يَعُودُوا فَقَدْ مَضَتْ سُنَّتُ الْأَوَّلِينَ

38. “Tell those who disbelieve, if they desist (from corruptions) what has past will be forgiven for them, but if they return (thereto), then what happened to the ancients has already passed.”

In this verse, the Prophet (S) is commanded to tell the pagans if they repent and really leave corruptions, their former sins will be forgiven. The verse says:

“Tell those who disbelieve, if they desist (from corruptions) what has past will be forgiven for them,...”

And if they return to war again and persist on infidelity, Allah's way of treatment unto the former nations has been this that He has always helped the believers and has made the enemies of the religion confronted with disgrace and misfortune.

The verse says:

“...but if they return (thereto), then what happened to the ancients has already passed.”

When the holy verse says: /sunnat-ul-‘awwalin/ and refers ‘Allah's way of treatment’ to the ancient, it is for the reason that ‘Allah's way of treatment’ had always been executed upon them. In another occurrence, the Qur'an says:

“(This is Our) course with regard to those of Our Messengers whom We sent before you...” (Surah Al-‘Isra' No. 17, verse 77).

Here, He attributes the way of treatment to His messengers, because Allah's way of treatment had been executed by them.

Therefore, in the same verse, He continues saying:

“...and I you shall not find a change in Our course.”

Here, He attributes the way of treatment (course) to His Pure Essence, again, because, in fact, the real executor of ‘the way of treatment’ is Allah Himself.

Surah Al-Anfal - Verse 39

وَقَاتِلُوهُمْ حَتَّىٰ لَا تَكُونَ فِتْنَةٌ وَيَكُونَ الدِّينُ كُلُّهُ لِلَّهِ فَإِنِ انْتَهَوْا فَإِنَّ اللَّهَ بِمَا يَعْمَلُونَ بَصِيرٌ

39. “And fight with them until there be no mischief and the religion be wholly for Allah. But if they desist, then verily Allah sees what they do.”

The content meaning of this verse addresses the Prophet (S) and the Muslim believers. It commands that they should fight against pagans and root out the sedition of polytheism.

The objective meaning is that the fight against those pagans, who have not given covenant, should be continued until there will remain none of them. The reason of it is that a pagan, who has not covenant, may penetrate inside his tribe and try to invite them to his own creed and, thereby, he can create temptation in the religion of Allah. The verse says:

“...And fight with them until there be no mischief...”

In that case, both the people of right and the people of wrong will wholly him and attend in the religion of Truth and will have correct beliefs. In other words, as a result of assembling people in the true religion, the whole religion will be of Allah. The verse says:

“...and the religion be wholly for Allah...”

Zurarah, as well as some other commentators, has narrated from Imam Sadiq (as) who said:

“The interpretation of this verse has not come forth yet. When our Gha’im raises, those who will be alive on the earth will see its interpretation and the religion of Muhammad (p.h.u.h.) will cover throughout the world. Then there will remain no polytheist therein.”1

And Allah says:

“They shall serve Me, not associating aught with Me...” (Surah An- Nur, No. 24, verse 55).

In Islam, the aim of wars is not occupying lands and countries, but their aim is the expansion of the religion of Islam and opposing with mischief.

The Qur'anic term /fitnah/ (sedition) has a vast meaning. It includes any imposition of pressure, too. This word has also been used in the Qur’an with the meaning of ‘polytheism’.

It is, maybe, for the fact that kinds of limitations and impositions of pressures are fulfilled over the minds, societies and truth- seekers from the side of polytheists. Or, since polytheism causes the eternal punishment to be incurred, imposing infidelity on believers and pure-nature humans is counted mischief, too.

Surah Al-Anfal - Verse 40

وَإِنْ تَوَلَّوْا فَاعْلَمُوا أَنَّ اللَّهَ مَوْلَاكُمْ نِعْمَ الْمَوْلَىٰ وَنِعْمَ النَّصِيرُ

40. “And if they turn away, then know that Allah is your guardian - an excellent Guardian, and an excellent Helper!”

You should know that Allah is your guardian even if they turn away. He is a very good Guardian and an excellent helper, and He assists the believers along the way of obedience, and He does not leave His friends to them.

The verse says:

“And if they turn away, then know that Allah is your guardian - an excellent Guardian, and an excellent Helper!”

The End of Part Nine

Surah Al-Anfal - Verse 41

وَاعْلَمُوا أَنَّمَا غَنِمْتُمْ مِنْ شَيْءٍ فَأَنَّ لِلَّهِ خُمُسَهُ وَلِلرَّسُولِ وَلِذِي الْقُرْبَىٰ وَالْيَتَامَىٰ وَالْمَسَاكِينِ وَابْنِ السَّبِيلِ إِنْ كُنْتُمْ آمَنْتُمْ بِاللَّهِ وَمَا أَنْزَلْنَا عَلَىٰ عَبْدِنَا يَوْمَ الْفُرْقَانِ يَوْمَ الْتَقَى الْجَمْعَانِ وَاللَّهُ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدِيرٌ

41. “And know that whatever thing you gain (of booties), a fifth of it is for Allah and for the Messenger and for the near relatives (Ahlul-Bayt) and the orphans, and the needy and the way-farer, if you believe in Allah and what We sent down to Our servant on the day of distinction (of right from wrong), the day when the two hosts encountered (the day of Battle of Badr), and surely Allah is All-powerful over everything.”

According to some Islamic traditions that the Shi'ite believe, the meaning of the term /qanimat/ (booty) is not confined to the war spoils, but, besides that, it encompasses my kind of gain which is obtained from mains, diving, trade, and so on. Thus, the revelation of the verse concerning the battle of Badr is not evidence that its purpose is only ‘war spoils’.

Through the first verse of this Surah, the Qur’an allocated all ‘Anfal (the things gained) to Allah and the Messenger, while this verse says that ‘a fifth of it is for Allah and for the Messenger (Ahlul-Bayt)’.

If the objective meaning of the term /qanimat/ (booty) is only ‘the spoils of war’, it must be said that this verse refers to only one instance of Khums (one fifth) and other instances are discussed in some Islamic traditions.

As many traditions of the Shi'ite and also some traditions of the Sunnite indicate, the meaning of the Qur'anic term /oil qurba/ (near relatives) does not envelop all the relatives of the Prophet (S) but its purpose is the immaculate Imams (as) from Ahl-ul-Bayt who possess the rank of leadership.

So, the amount of Khoms (one fifth levy) belongs to the divine leader and the Islamic government, not to all the relatives of the Prophet (S).

Other usages of Khoms (one fifth levy) are for indigents, way-farers who are progenies of Bani-Hashim -since it is unlawful to give them alms, and their needs should be provided through Khoms.

Besides the Islamic traditions which consider the meaning of /oil qurba/ (near relatives) the immaculate Imams (as), the occurrence of the word recited in the same row. With Allah and the Messenger in the verse is a sign which implies /oil qurba/ are some persons who are along the way of Allah (s.w.t) and the Messenger of Allah (S).

Explanations

1- Now that, by the help of Allah, you are victorious in the Battle of Badr, do not evade paying Khoms (one fifth) of booties.

“And know that whatever thing you gain (of booties), a fifth of it is for Allah and for the Messenger and for the near relatives (Ahlul-Bayt) and the orphans, and the needy and the way-farer, if you believe in Allah...”

2- ‘Khoms’ (a fifth of the gains) is for the sake of Messengership and the rank of government, not for a person.

3 - Government and the leader need budget for propagation and messengership.

(...for Allah and for the Messenger...)

4 - Khoms is obligatory, though the income and gains are scanty.

“...whatever thing you gain (of booties)...”

5- The deprive and the government are the owners of twenty percent of people's property.

“...a fifth of it is for Allah...”

6- Allah does not need to have a share. The remembrance of Allah’s share is for the sovereignty of the mastership of the line of Allah (s.w.t) and the Messenger (S).

7 - The share of Allah is spent for elevating the word of Allah, the Ka' bah, Islamic religious propagations, and the establishment of the Divine Law.

8 - Among the Islamic duties is to wipe out deprivation from the Islamic society. Therefore, the income gained from the holy Struggle and the spoils of war should be spent for the benefit of the poor.

9 - Allah's share is at the disposal of the Messenger (S), and the Messenger's share is at the disposal of Imam.2

10 - It is Imam who can decide upon the quantity of the share how to be used for the instances mentioned in the verse.3

11 - In order to honour the deprive, their name has been settled in the verse beside the name of Allah and the Messenger.

12 - In the same manner that the vast meaning of the Arabic term /qaramat / (indemnity) includes any damage, not merely a damage of war, the meaning of the Qur'anic term /qanimat/ (spoils ), which is referred to in this verse, also includes any gain, not merely a gain of war.4

13 - The sign of a complete belief is a full submission before all Divine Laws totally, not only in worships and even in war.

14 - The day of war is the day of distinction of the truthful ones from the people of lying.

“...on the day of distinction...”

15- In the Battle of Badr, the help of Allah made manifest the rightfulness of Islam.

Then, at the end of the verse, the Qur’an has pointed to the infinite power of Allah, Omnipotence, when it says:

“...and surely Allah is All-powerful over everything.”

That is, though you were in minority from any point of view in the field of the Battle of Badr and, apparently, your enemy was in majority from any point of view, Allah, the Mighty, defeated them and helped you to be victorious.

Surah Al-Anfal - Verse 42

إِذْ أَنْتُمْ بِالْعُدْوَةِ الدُّنْيَا وَهُمْ بِالْعُدْوَةِ الْقُصْوَىٰ وَالرَّكْبُ أَسْفَلَ مِنْكُمْ وَلَوْ تَوَاعَدْتُمْ لَاخْتَلَفْتُمْ فِي الْمِيعَادِوَلَٰكِنْ لِيَقْضِيَ اللَّهُ أَمْرًا كَانَ مَفْعُولًا لِيَهْلِكَ مَنْ هَلَكَ عَنْ بَيِّنَةٍ وَيَحْيَىٰ مَنْ حَيَّ عَنْ بَيِّنَةٍ وَإِنَّ اللَّهَ لَسَمِيعٌ عَلِيمٌ

42. “(Remember) when you were on the down side, and they were on the up side, while the caravan (of the enemy) was in below you; and had you agreed together on a tryst, you would have surely failed the tryst, but in order that Allah might bring about a matter which was to be done, that he who perishes may perish by a clear proof, and verily Allah is All; Hearing, All- knowing.”

The Qur'anic term /’udwah/ is derived from /’aduw/ with the meaning of ‘to transgress’. It is also used for the edge and surroundings of anything that has gone beyond the medium. In this verse, the objective meaning of the term /’udwah/ is ‘the side and lower extremities’.

The Arabic word /dunya/ is derived from /dunuww/ in the sense of ‘down side and nearer’, while the Arabic word /quswa / means ‘farther’.

In the Battle of Badr, the enemies not only had superiority from the points of arms, number of fighters, and preparation, but also they were preferable from the point of the site of settlement of their forces, because they could find a way at the bank of the Red Sea to escape.

But Allah caused the Muslims to encounter the pagans with the aim of confiscation of their properties, where they had no way but to fight. Yet, it was only the grace of Allah which brought triumph of that Battle for the Muslims.

A Review over the Battle of Badr

The illustration of the feature of the Battle of Badr by reviewing Surah Al-‘Anfal from the beginning can show Allah's helps better.

1 - They thought of confiscation of pagans’ properties, but they were not ready for war:

“...and loved that the one unarmed should be yours...” (verse No. 7).

2 - When the war began, they were worried:

“...a party of the believers was certainly averse (to it),” (verse No. 5).

3 - They were afraid of death:

“...as if they were being driven unto death...” (verse No. 6).

4 - They were disabled and were seeking their Lord for help:

“...when you were calling upon your Lord for succor...” (verse No. 9).

5 - By the night of attack, Satan imposed them his uncleanness (jenabat) (major ritual impurity):

“...The uncleanness of Satan...” (verse No. 11).

6 - They did not have complete obedience from the commander:

“...Those who say: ‘We heard,’ but they do not hear (indeed)” (verse No. 21).

7 - They were small in number and they were fearful to be hunted by the enemy:

“...you were few,...and were fearful that people would snatch you away...” (verse No. 26).

8 - Some of them had formerly committed treachery,5

9 - Their leader was threatened and plotted against by disbelievers:

“...Those who disbelieved plotted against you...” (verse No. 30)

10 - They were thirsty, and they fell in major ritual impurity while the sand under their feet was soft and Allah sent down water for them.

11 - If the affairs were at their disposal, with those many difficulties they had, they would never come to agreement:

“...and had you agreed together one tryst, you would have surely failed the tryst…” (verse under discussion).

12 - Wherever Allah pleases, He removes all the factors of weakness:

“... but in order that Allah might bring about a matter which was to be done…” (verse under discussion).

13 - Having all these helps, whoever does not believe will knowingly be destroyed, and whoever believes will knowingly believe:

“…that he who perishes may perish by a clear proof and he who lives may live by a clear proof...”

14- Do not judge hurriedly. They did not like to fight, but, later, they found out its goodness.

15 - Allah may change the ways and decisions, and, by this very way, Allah can be known.

Surah Al-Anfal - Verse 43

إِذْ يُرِيكَهُمُ اللَّهُ فِي مَنَامِكَ قَلِيلًا وَلَوْ أَرَاكَهُمْ كَثِيرًا لَفَشِلْتُمْ وَلَتَنَازَعْتُمْ فِي الْأَمْرِ وَلَٰكِنَّ اللَّهَ سَلَّمَ إِنَّهُ عَلِيمٌ بِذَاتِ الصُّدُورِ

43. “(Remember) when Allah showed them to you as few in your dream and had He shown them as many, you would have become dishearted and disputed about the matter; but Allah did save (you). Surely He is aware of what is in the breasts.”

Following the explanation of some Allah's graces and His helps unto the Muslims, this verse speaks about the number of pagans which was shown few in the eyes of the Muslims. This was done in a few stages.

The first stage was that the Prophet (S) saw them as few in his dream, and, saying that to the Muslims, promoted their courage. The second stage was that He showed the number of the Muslims in the eyes of pagans so few that they would not call for further fresh forces from Mecca to help them.

It is principally true that prophets’ dream is a glow of revelation, but that the Prophet of Islam (S) saw the large crowd of the pagans so few in his dream was an indication to the reality of the inward state of the pagans, which was fear, weakness and incapability. Surah Al-Hashr,No. 59 ,verse 14 in this regard says:

“...you may think them united, but their hearts are disunited.”

However, dream is one of the ways of communication, seeking help, and taking courage through Allah's succor. It should also be noted that, in the most terrible conditions, Allah may protect believers and crush their enemies.

The verse says:

“(Remember) when Allah showed them to you as few in your dream and had He shown them as many, you would have become dishearted and disputed about the matter; but Allah did save (you). Surely He is aware of what is in the breasts.”

Surah Al-Anfal - Verse 44

وَإِذْ يُرِيكُمُوهُمْ إِذِ الْتَقَيْتُمْ فِي أَعْيُنِكُمْ قَلِيلًا وَيُقَلِّلُكُمْ فِي أَعْيُنِهِمْ لِيَقْضِيَ اللَّهُ أَمْرًا كَانَ مَفْعُولًا وَإِلَى اللَّهِ تُرْجَعُ الْأُمُورُ

44. “And (remember) when He showed them to you, when you encountered (the enemy), as few in your eyes, and He made you few in their eyes in order that Allah may enact the matter which was destined to be done, and unto Allah all matters are returned.”

When infidels saw the crowd of the Muslims, they appeared in their eyes so few that they said they would send their slaves to destroy the Muslims.6 But when the war began and they were fighting, they saw the number of those Muslims two fold and they were afraid of them.7

Surah’ Al-i-‘Imran,No. 3 ,verse 13 says:

“...they (infidels) saw twice as many as they were with the sight of the eye...”

Therefore, in order to help Muslims, Allah may utilize genetic authority and interference in the sights. The verse says:

“And (remember) when He showed them to you, when you encountered (the enemy), as few in your eyes...”

So, if the Will of Allah lies in an affair, He will remove all barriers. The verse continues saying:

“...and He made you few in their eyes in order that Allah may enact the matter which was destined to be done, and unto Allah all matters are returned.”

Notes

1. Tafsir-ul-Burhan, p. 82, and Tafsir-us-Safi, p. 303

2. Tafsir-us-Safi.

3. Based upon the tradition of Imam Rida (as) recorded in Tafsir-us-Safi.

4. In the books of Lisan-ul-‘Arab, Taj-ul-‘Aroos, Ghamus, At-Tafsir-ul-Qurtubi, Fakhr-i- Razi, and ‘Alui, there is not found any doubt in the generality of the meaning of the word. In the Quran itself, the word /qammat / has also been applied for the gains other than that of war. For example, Surah An-Nisa, No.4, verse 94 says:

“...but with Allah are abundant spoils...”.

However, every one of these two words, /qaramat, qanimat/, has occurred six times in the Qur'an.

5. The event of ‘Abul-Babah, described in verse No. 27.

6. Tafsir-us-Safi

7. lbid

Section 6: Steadfastness and Unity Enjoined

Surah Al-Anfal - Verse 45

يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا إِذَا لَقِيتُمْ فِئَةً فَاثْبُتُوا وَاذْكُرُوا اللَّهَ كَثِيرًا لَعَلَّكُمْ تُفْلِحُونَ

45. “O you who have Faith! when you encounter a host (in battle), then stand firm, and remember Allah much, that you may be prosperous.”

Now that Allah (s.w.t,) has commanded the Muslims to be steadfast in the battlefield, He says:

“O you who have Faith! when you encounter a host (in battle), then stand firm...”

That is, whenever you face with a group of infidels in war, stand firm for fighting against them, and do not escape. And, it is evident that believers generally do not fight save against hostile infidels.

Then the holy verse implies that, at the time of war, Muslims should seek help from Allah, the Mighty, so that not only they become victorious and successful in the present world but also they become prosperous in the coming world. The verse continues saying:

“...and remember Allah much, that you may be prosperous.”

Some commentators say that this part of the verse means that you should remember the promises of Allah, which He has given you about triumph, in order that your steadfastness might he increased.

Surah Al-Anfal - Verse 46

وَأَطِيعُوا اللَّهَ وَرَسُولَهُ وَلَا تَنَازَعُوا فَتَفْشَلُوا وَتَذْهَبَ رِيحُكُمْ وَاصْبِرُواإِنَّ اللَّهَ مَعَ الصَّابِرِينَ

46. “And obey Allah and His Messenger, and do not dispute, for you will become dishearted and your power will depart; and be patient, verily Allah is with the patient.”

Believers should obey Allah and His Messenger, and when they encounter their enemy, they should be united and avoid disputing. Otherwise, they may fear and lose their hearts, and begin fighting while their courage and power vanish.

The verse says:

“And obey Allah and His Messenger, and do not dispute, for you will become dishearted and your power will depart...”

Some commentators have said that they may lose victory and government as a result of it.

The Arabic term /rih/, mentioned here, is a hint to progression, influence, and reaching the aim.

Some other commentators have said that if Muslims show discord with each other, they will not find the breeze of triumph upon their lives.

Thus, they should be patient in the war against the enemy, since Allah is with the patient ones. The verse says:

“...and be patient, verily Allah is with the patient.”

Surah Al-Anfal - Verse 47

وَلَا تَكُونُوا كَالَّذِينَ خَرَجُوا مِنْ دِيَارِهِمْ بَطَرًا وَرِئَاءَ النَّاسِ وَيَصُدُّونَ عَنْ سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ وَاللَّهُ بِمَا يَعْمَلُونَ مُحِيطٌ

47. “And do not be like those who got out from their homes boastfully and to show off to men and barring from Allah's way, and verily Allah encompasses what they do.”

The verse addresses the believers, telling them not to be like the Quraysh who made up a group of mischievous drunkard persons to go out in order to protect their caravan. Intending ostentation and prohibiting others from the religion of Allah, i.e. Islam, they started from Mecca toward the land of Badr.

Their hypocritical act was that they wanted to pretend that they did not count Muslims so considerable and important that they would be fearful of them. But they should know that Allah is aware of their deeds and none of their acts is concealed to Him, the One Who gives them the retribution of their hypocritical deeds.

The verse says:

“And do not be like those who got out from their homes boastfully and to show off to men and barring from Allah’s way, and verily Allah encompasses what they do.”

Surah Al-Anfal - Verse 48

وَإِذْ زَيَّنَ لَهُمُ الشَّيْطَانُ أَعْمَالَهُمْ وَقَالَ لَا غَالِبَ لَكُمُ الْيَوْمَ مِنَ النَّاسِ وَإِنِّي جَارٌ لَكُمْ فَلَمَّا تَرَاءَتِ الْفِئَتَانِ نَكَصَ عَلَىٰ عَقِبَيْهِ وَقَالَ إِنِّي بَرِيءٌ مِنْكُمْ إِنِّي أَرَىٰ مَا لَا تَرَوْنَ إِنِّي أَخَافُ اللَّهَوَاللَّهُ شَدِيدُ الْعِقَابِ

48. “And (remember) when Satan made their deeds fair seeming to them and said: ‘Today none of people shall overcome you, and I will be a protector for you.’ But when the two hosts sighted each other, he turned upon his heels, and said: ‘Indeed I am quit of you. Verily I see what you do not see. Surely I fear Allah, and Allah is severe in retribution’.”

Here, in this verse, another scene of the Battle of Badr, which happened on the day of war, has been illustrated.

At first, it implies that on that day, Satan made their deeds Seem decorous to them, so that they would think of their actions optimistically and became encouraged by them. The verse says:

“And (remember) when Satan made their deeds fair seeming to them...”

Satan's decoration is such that, by the way of stimulating lusts, desires, and indecent qualities in him, he makes the feature of man's actions so fair seeming to his eyes that he will terribly be attracted to it. Satan tempts them that today they have so many fighters with a lot of arms, so much so that none of people can overcome them, and they are an undefeating army. The verse says:

“...and said: ‘Today none of people shall overcome you...”

Then Satan adds that besides that, he is also their neighbor and so near to them that, at the necessary time, like a faithful sympathetic neighbor, he will withhold no support from them. The verse continues saying:,

“...and I will be a protector for you.'...”

But when the two armies encountered each other and the angels came to help the army of Unity, the infidels observed the power and steadfastness of the Muslims. Then, Satan turned back and shouted at them, saying that he hated them (the infidels). The verse says:

“...But when the two hosts sighted each other, he turned upon his heels, and said:, Indeed I am quit of you...”

Satan brought forth two reasons for his awful turning, back. The first reason was that he said:

“...Verily I see what you do not see...”

By this phrase, Satan meant that he saw the signs of triumph in the features of the believing Muslims, as well as the effects of Allah’s support and angels' helps among them.

Satan added another thing, saying that he was afraid of the painful punishment of Allah in the scene which he saw very near. The verse says:

“...surely I fear Allah...”

Allah's punishment is not such a simple thing that anybody can resist before it, but it is certain that His retribution is sharp and severe. The verse says:

“...and Allah is severe in retribution '.”

Section 7: Enemy Weakened by Allah

Surah Al-Anfal - Verse 49

إِذْ يَقُولُ الْمُنَافِقُونَ وَالَّذِينَ فِي قُلُوبِهِمْ مَرَضٌ غَرَّ هَٰؤُلَاءِ دِينُهُمْ وَمَنْ يَتَوَكَّلْ عَلَى اللَّهِ فَإِنَّ اللَّهَ عَزِيزٌ حَكِيمٌ

49. “(Remember) when the hypocrites said, and those in whose hearts were a disease: ‘Their religion has deluded them, But whoever puts his trust in Allah, then Allah is indeed the Mighty, the Wise.”

The persons who apparently express that they have believed in Islam but inwardly they hesitate about it are those who carry a disease in their hearts. The verse says:

“(Remember) when the hypocrites said, and those in whose hearts was a disease:...”

Some commentators have said that there were several young men from Quraysh in Mecca who embraced Islam, and then, their fathers put them in prison. They were: Qays-ibn- Walid-ibn-Muqayrah, Ali-ibn-'Ummayit-ibn-Khalf, -ibn- Munbih, Harith-ibn-Zam'ah, and Abu-Qays-ibn-Fakihat-ibn- Muqayrah.

As soon as they saw the small number of the Muslims in war, they said that those people were proud of their religion and, disregard the large crowd of pagans there, they had been deceived by the Prophet (S) and they came to fight.

“...‘Their religion has deluded them.’...”

Then Allah states the following phrase, meaning that they themselves were deluded. The verse says:

“...But whoever puts his trust in Allah, then Allah is indeed the Mighty, the Wise.”

That is, whoever delivers his affairs to Allah (s.w.t) and, trusts in Him while he tries to please Him by his good behaviour, Allah (s.w.t) helps him and prepares the means of victory for him. The reason is that Allah is Mighty and Wise, and the one who refuges to Him will be secured by His mightness and wisdom.

Surah Al-Anfal - Verses 50-51

وَلَوْ تَرَىٰ إِذْ يَتَوَفَّى الَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا الْمَلَائِكَةُ يَضْرِبُونَ وُجُوهَهُمْ وَأَدْبَارَهُمْ وَذُوقُوا عَذَابَ الْحَرِيقِ

ذَٰلِكَ بِمَا قَدَّمَتْ أَيْدِيكُمْ وَأَنَّ اللَّهَ لَيْسَ بِظَلَّامٍ لِلْعَبِيدِ

50 . “And had you seen when the angles take away the souls of those who disbelieve, smiting their faces and their backs (and saying): ‘Taste the punishment of the burning’.

51. “This is for what your hands have sent ahead, and that Allah is not unjust unto the servants.”

The verse indicates that were you to see when the angles take away the infidels, striking their faces and their backs, you would surprise. The objective meaning is the dead bodies of those who were killed in the Battle of Badr. The verse says:

“And had you seen when the angles take away the souls of those who disbelieve, smiting their faces and their backs (and saying): ‘Taste the punishment of the burning’.”

It has been said that a man came to the Prophet of Islam (S) and said that he had seen a trace on the back of Abu Jahl which was like the trace of a horseshoe. The Prophet (S) said that it had been the trace of the smiting of the angles.

Mujahid had narrated that once a man told the Prophet (S) that as soon as he decided to smite one of the polytheists, he fell dead The Prophet (S) said that the angels had attacked the pagan before he started.

The angels tell the infidels that after this punishment there is another chastisement waiting them which is more burning and more blazing.

Some commentators have said that, on the day of the Battle of Badr, the angels had some arms made of iron when they struck them on the polytheists, a fire burned their wounds, and the purpose of the phrase ‘taste the punishment of the burning’ is this very meaning.

This retribution they are involved with is for the evil manner they showed from themselves in this life.

The reason why the verse says ‘This is for what your, hands have sent ahead’, is that most of actions are done by the hands. The purpose here is their crimes, faithlessness, and sins. The verse says

“This is for what your hands have sent ahead, and that Allah is not unjust unto the servants.”

Allah (s.w.t) punishes the servants as much as they are deserving to, not more than that.

However, it is clearly understood from this verse that Allah does not punish anyone without having any sin, or for the sin another person has committed, because it is unjust So, Allah seriously negates cruelty and injustice from Himself, when He, says

“...and that Allah is not unjust unto the servants.”

Surah Al-Anfal - Verse 52

كَدَأْبِ آلِ فِرْعَوْنَ وَالَّذِينَ مِنْ قَبْلِهِمْكَفَرُوا بِآيَاتِ اللَّهِ فَأَخَذَهُمُ اللَّهُ بِذُنُوبِهِمْإِنَّ اللَّهَ قَوِيٌّ شَدِيدُ الْعِقَابِ

52. “(O' Prophet! the manner of pagans of your time is also) like the manner of Pharaoh's clan and those before them, they disbelieved in Allah's Signs, so Allah seized them for their sins. Verily Allah is strong, severe in retribution.”

In this verse and it’s following couple of verses, the Quran points to a constant Divine way of manner about clans and nations.

At first it addresses the Prophet (S) and implies that the style and the state of the pagans of Quraysh are like that of Pharaoh’s clan and the people who were before them. Those people rejected the Signs of Allah, therefore He punished them for their sins. The verse says:

“(O' Prophet! the manner of pagans of your time is also) like the manner of Pharaoh's clan and those before them, they disbelieved in Allah's Signs, so Allah seized them for their sins...”

It is certain that Allah (s.w.t) is Mighty, Omnipotent, and His retribution is severe. The verse says:

“...Verily Allah is strong, severe in retribution.”

Thus, there were not only the Quraysh and polytheists and idolaters of Mecca who rejected the signs of Allah and showed obstinacy before the Truth and disputed with the true leaders of humanity, and then they were involved with the retribution of their sins, but also this is a permanent Divine Law.

Surah Al-Anfal - Verse 53

ذَٰلِكَ بِأَنَّ اللَّهَ لَمْ يَكُ مُغَيِّرًا نِعْمَةً أَنْعَمَهَا عَلَىٰ قَوْمٍ حَتَّىٰ يُغَيِّرُوا مَا بِأَنْفُسِهِمْ وَأَنَّ اللَّهَ سَمِيعٌ عَلِيمٌ

53. “That is because Allah does not change a blessing He has bestowed on a people unless they change what is in their own selves, and Allah is All-Hearing, All-Knowing.”

Then, by mentioning the basic root of the subject, the, Qur'an makes this matter more clear. It implies that all of these are for that Allah does not alter whatever blessing He bestows on a people unless those people themselves alter their own conditions, and, of course Allah is aware of everything. The verse says:

“That is because Allah does not change a blessing He has bestowed on a people unless they change what is in their own selves, and Allah is All-Hearing, All-Knowing.”

In other words, the graces and blessings of Allah (s.w.t) are infinite, common, and general, but they reach people due to their eligibilities, suitability and competencies.

When people utilize the blessings of Allah (s.w.t) as a means for reaching unto their perfection, and show gratitude for them, which is the correct usage of them, Allah makes His blessings fixed and increased.

But, when these blessings are used as a means for disobedience, injustice, mischief, and ingratitude, He may take them back or changes them into some afflictions and calamities.

Thus, alteration of the bounties and blessings always depend on our own selves, else the blessings and merits of Allah are ceaseless.

An Islamic tradition indicates that nothing can change the Divine blessings like what injustice does, since Allah hears the complaints of the oppressed.1

Surah Al-Anfal - Verse 54

كَدَأْبِ آلِ فِرْعَوْنَ وَالَّذِينَ مِنْ قَبْلِهِمْكَذَّبُوا بِآيَاتِ رَبِّهِمْ فَأَهْلَكْنَاهُمْ بِذُنُوبِهِمْ وَأَغْرَقْنَا آلَ فِرْعَوْنَ وَكُلٌّ كَانُوا ظَالِمِينَ

54. “Like the manner of Pharaoh's clan and those before them, they denied the Signs of their Lord, so We destroyed them for their sins, and We drowned pharaoh's 'clan, and all of them were unjust.”

Following this aim, the Qur'an refers again to the state of some rich persons like the clan of Pharaoh and some groups of people from among former nations. It implies that the manner and worship of idolaters, concerning the change of blessings and facing with the severe retributions, is like the manner and circumstances of the people of Pharaoh and the people before them. The verse says:

“Like the manner of Pharaoh's clan and those before them...”

They also rejected the Signs of their Lord which were sent down with the aim of their guidance, reinforcement, and felicity

“...they denied the Signs of their Lord...”.

Therefore, the Lord destroyed them, too, for their own sins. The verse continues saying:

“...so We destroyed them for their sins...”

And Allah drowned Pharaoh's clan in the waves of the sea. The verse remarks:

“...and We drowned Pharaoh's clan...”

All of those people were unjust and cruel, both to themselves and to others. The verse concludes:

“...and all of them were unjust.”

Surah Al-Anfal - Verse 55

إِنَّ شَرَّ الدَّوَابِّ عِنْدَ اللَّهِ الَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا فَهُمْ لَا يُؤْمِنُونَ

55. “Verily the worst of animals in Allah's sight are those who disbelieve, so they will not have faith.”

In verseNo. 22 from the current Surah, the meaning of the Qur'anic phrase /sarr-ad-dawabb/ (the worst of animals) was introduced as ‘those who do not contemplate’, while here, in this verse, they are defined as ‘those who disbelieve’. The verse says:

“Verily the worst of animals in Allah's sight are those who disbelieve, so they will not have faith.”

So, the origin of infidelity is the absence of right intellect. The Qur’an considers the feature of humanity of man in wisdom and belief, so that if he does not contemplate or paves the way of infidelity, he will be out of the circle of humanity. Thus, a true human, indeed, is the one who is wise and has Faith.

It is possible that a disbeliever has a title and rank with the people of his society, but he is ‘the worst of animals’ in the sight of Allah.

It is cited in some commentary books that the referent of a concept of this verse is the Jews, but this idea does not harm the generality of the concept of the verse.

However, those who hear the call and invitation of prophets, and do not show any positive reflection to it, are ‘the worst of animals’.

Surah Al-Anfal - Verse 56

الَّذِينَ عَاهَدْتَ مِنْهُمْ ثُمَّ يَنْقُضُونَ عَهْدَهُمْ فِي كُلِّ مَرَّةٍ وَهُمْ لَا يَتَّقُونَ

56. “Those with whom you made a covenant, then they break their covenant every time, and they are not pious.”

The agreement of the Jews with the Prophet (S) was that they should not help pagans and not try to hurt the Muslims. But those groups of the Jews broke their promise and for the Battle of Khandaq they helped pagans by selling them arms.

Therefore, breach of promise is not consistent with humanity.

But breach of promise is the style of infidels. Faithfulness and chivalry are necessary to piety. The verse says:

“Those with whom you made a covenant, then they break their covenant every time, and they are not pious.”

Some Islamic traditions indicate that he who breaks promise is a hypocrite, although he establishes prayers and observes the fast.2

Surah Al-Anfal - Verse 57

فَإِمَّا تَثْقَفَنَّهُمْ فِي الْحَرْبِ فَشَرِّدْ بِهِمْ مَنْ خَلْفَهُمْ لَعَلَّهُمْ يَذَّكَّرُونَ

57. “So, when you confront them in war, (by punishing them) scatter the ones behind them so that they might be admonished.”

The Qur’anic term /taθqafannahum/ is derived from the Arabic word /θaqifa/ which means ‘to understand something quickly and carefully’. Then the word mentioned in the above-mentioned verse means that ‘when you encounter infidels in war, you should face them very vigilantly in order not to be seized unawares’.

The Arabic word /tasrid/ means ‘to cause insecurity, anxiety’ and ‘to disperse’. Thus, the phrase means that you should attack the enemy in a manner and with a martial plan that their supporters out of the scene, and the forces behind them, become so terrified that they do not think of invasion and continuation of supporting them anymore.

The verse says:

“So, when you confront them in war, (by punishing them) scatter the ones behind them so that they might be admonished.”

Islam is a religion of kindness and mercy, yet it does not tolerate treachery, breach of promise, and disturbance of the regularity and security. Then, infidels should be punished so violently that they relinquish attacking you again.

Notes

1. At- Tafsir-ul-Furqan

2. At- Tafsir-ul-Burhan

The American Sister

FATIMA

Islam brought happiness into my life and gave me a feeling of respect to myself and the others.

Just as truth emits a light that guides those who dive deep in the darkness and those who are led astray, You, our Lord, guide whom You wish to Your straight path, those who pray for Your help in the dark night of their confusion, to be met by Your gracious guidance.

From this deep darkness, the American sister Fatima was able to escape and become a new Muslim sister who was guided by the« Light of Islam » . In this interview, she tells us (at her home in Kaifoun in Mount Lebanon) the story of how she became a Muslim.

Q: Please tell us about your environment and the circumstances that led you to Islam?

A: First, I would like to welcome you. I am an American from the city of Denver. I was born in 1951. I called myself Fatima after Fatima al-Zahra (A.S.). I have a university degree in nursing, and I am interested in the various fields of culture especially religion. I have worked as a nurse in America, but now I am a housewife. I take care of my family and my Lebanese husband whom I met after I became a Muslim. We live in this beautiful Lebanese town. And I always try to develop myself as a Muslim by learning more about Islam to serve my religion and my message.

I thank Allah, (Subhanahu wataallah ), for helping me find the truth, Islam. As He offers this path to all His creatures, and so to me, and I am so grateful. It is as if I« came home » after a long journey and finally sat before the heart of knowing that there are answers to all my questions, and I can have peace of mind in knowing that ultimate truth does exist. That is because Christianity took a sectarian detour in its origin and did not adhere to the truth as taught by Prophet Jesus (A.S.). So the present day Christianity is based on basic misconceptions. Growing up in a Christian environment, as I did, gives one, as myself, some confusing concepts such as altered literature (Bible), indirect relationship with Allah (S.W.T.), separation of church from political economic structure, forgiveness through the« crucifixion » of Jesus, doctrine of original sin, son of Allah (S.W.T.), and some left over pagan ideas such as Christmas, Easter, and the« trinity » ... These are the negative aspects, and I mention these in retrospect, not knowing they were misconceptions at the time of learning and practicing Christianity. I did wonder at the inconsistencies, and I did ask some questions which were left to ...« When you grow up you will understand » . Well I grew up and still did not understand. The positive things that Christianity gave to me were knowledge of God, respect for God, and a social structure adherent to religious laws as they knew them to be. It also gave me some knowledge base to continue my search for the truth. I am thankful to these experiences, and I am also thankful to my parents and grandparents who did the best they could to let me know about a relationship with God.

My family in the U.S.A. is German in origin and strictly Protestant Lutheran in religion. I attended Lutheran school for 13 years and lived in a fairly isolated German, Lutheran social atmosphere. I attended daily religious study classes - a« typical » American upbringing. If one can generalize, my rearing was much more« religious » and attentive than the norm.

I became an inactive member of the church in my early adult years as I became disillusioned with its inability to answer those questions I had and its inability to address social and political realities in the U.S.A., and I began to look at various philosophies and other branches of Christianity. I made an attempt to return to the Lutheran church for one year, however, I found it impossible to honestly participate as an adult in the doctrines I found to be more and more false. Bewilderment within myself was my ever present baggage as I wondered why I could not find inner peace in knowing what the truth is, as I never gave up the prospect that Allah (S.W.A.) had created all of us and this world so exquisitely with the truth contained therein. I feel within myself that there was a« Complete Truth » given to us by our God; however, for some reason I could not find it.

Q: How did you come to embrace Islam?

A: In the middle of my third decade of life (Alhamdulillah ), I more and more felt distress about looking at the world around myself, participating in the world, be holding a future, and still not having the missing puzzle piece. I feared the Day of Judgment and did not know how to face it in my then present state of incomplete knowledge. At that time I quite simply prayed. Yes, I prayed. I prayed that God would show the right path to me and lead and guide me.

Within two weeks, a doctor I was working with at that time (my profession is nursing) began to speak with me about her Islamic faith. She was from Pakistan and Shia. She did not have books about Islam in English for me; however, she shared what she knew. I was quite interested and wanted more information.

At that time, I was completing my nursing education at the university, so I looked at the university schedule to see if there was perhaps any class about Islam. I found an« Islamic Study » class and took it for one semester. It was a general survey course, historical in nature. I gleaned what information from it and from the classmates - many of whom were Muslims. Through my participation in this class I was able to meet an American sister who had become a Muslim through the teaching of her Iranian husband and the Iranian community. She helped me so much (Alhamdulillah ) in my study of Islam and in many of its aspects of daily living and worship. Through her friendship and care I was introduced to a group of believers in the local cultural Iranian and Lebanese community.

Nearly after one year of study since I had beseeched Allah (Subhanahu wataallah ) for help in showing me the right path I became a Muslim during the month ofRamadan (Alhamdulillah ). How gracious and beneficent Allah (S.W.A.) has been to me in my life to guide me to the truth!

Q: Could you tell us about the impact of your embracement of Islam on your milieu, and what are the problems, if any, that you now face?

A: Embracing Islam does mean inevitable change in one’s life. Every change adherent to the faith has been a joy in my life. Initially, I can say some have been a bit startling and difficult; however, how can I ever not be pleased to change when I waited for so long to know the truth?

Personally, my impulse became to get all the information I could, to read books, to read The Quran, and to learn from other Muslims. The reciting of prayer and contemplation is my solace. I wear women’s Islamic dress and feel a metamorphosis of subtle change by so doing. I did not know that this was essential when first studying Islam and was a bit taken aback when my sisters told me of this. I began this process slowly and realized that this mode of garmenting oneself is not only the cloth and what it covers but an inward spiritual journey as well. I truly feel my self respect. My honor for society and the Islamic« body of believers » has grown by covering appropriately. Our examples for Islamic dress come from the Household of the Prophet (P.B.U.H.) as Sayyeda Zeinab (A.S.) and Sayyeda Fatima Zahra (A.S.). Certainly their examples in behavior as wives, mothers, and members of society were intimately connected to their covering themselves, their self respect, and their honor for those around them.

The effect on my parents, children, and relatives was predictable I suppose. They adhere to Christian doctrine and see me as a lost, condemned soul. This has been the most difficult thing for me to lose the respect of my parents in this regard. I pray that they would follow the path of Islam. Of course, they still love me as their daughter and through the years have become more accepting of my change in dress, eating, etc. but the look in their eyes is not the same for me. They feel hurt by this change. I respect my parents and their commitment to their church and family.

My great happiness is the subsequent conversion of my three adult children to Islam (Alhamdulillah ). They are studying their faith and each has in his heart the desire to serve Islam in propagation and service. My sons are currently being educated to teach, (Inshallah ), and my daughter is a homemaker, mother, and wife.

Non-Muslim friends, who were truly friends, respect my decision to become a Muslim. Our relationship has become closer in some cases because we can discuss« religion » with more knowledge. They do nice, respectful things such as buy meat from the Islamic meat store to serve for me and provide a quiet room in which I can pray when I visit their home. In general, I have not lost friends and probably have gained.

In my employment at the hospital, fellow employees were quite accepting of me. They would cover my absence so I could pray, arrange their meal times so I could break my fast inRamadan , and, in general, were open and sharing with me about their lack of knowledge of Islam which elicited many discussions. I started wearing Islamic dress to my work approximately one year after becoming a Muslim and six months after wearing it at home and socially. This provoked many questions from staff, patients, etc. They were accepting and respectful. My career advancement was not affected, (Alhamdulillah ), as the hospital wanted me to take a higher position as supervisor, However, I said I would not be able to attend the parties associated with the position as there was drinking of alcohol and dancing. So they said that this party attendance was mandatory; therefore, I declined the position.

Q: On the personal level, do you feel more peaceful, secure, and relieved?

A: Yes, all of the above: more peaceful, secure, and relieved, and as I said before, it was as if I have« come home » . Islam covers in practical terms every aspect of life, and I see it as a continuing evolving process. I am ever humble before its greatness and completeness. Each day I learn new aspects of this path.

The Quran is the source of peace to me. My security comes from knowing more and more about the Prophet (P.B.U.H.) and the twelve Imams (A.S.) who provide a supreme example for living this life. There is not any problem I face which could compare to what Imam Hussein (A.S.) confronted at Karbala in his sacrifice.

The relief comes from now having a direct relationship with Allah (S.W.A.) without need of an intermediary, as Jesus (A.S.) is in Christianity. It states in the Quran [50: 16]:« We are nearer to him than the regulate vein » . This is a very direct and close relationship we have with Allah (S.W.A.).

Q: On the social relations level, do you feel the difference between your relations with Muslims now and those with non-Muslims in the past?

A: Yes, there is a code of ethics and conduct prescribed and ordained by Allah on our relations between each other. We have The Quran and traditions of our Prophet (P.B.U.H.) and Imams (A.S.) to look to for guidance. I am grateful for these sources and examples.

I feel close in my relations with other Muslims. Certainly, we are all not perfect, and we all error in our caring for each other as« one body » ; however, in general, there is a much higher level of mutual honesty, benevolence, and cooperation in the Muslim world compared to the non-Muslim world.

I did not leave Christianity because of not having benevolence, honesty, and cooperation; I left because the doctrine is incorrect. One can find many fine examples of loving, caring Christians such as in the community in which I was raised, but without the entire« truth of Islam » one is left, as a Christian, without all the rules for life and will inevitably feel lost in the social realm of life.

Q: Do you suggest any specific methods, based on you own experience, to call non-Muslims to Islam?

A: The example that we are in our everyday learning is one of the greatest ways to show that submission to Allah is part of our personality. This« personality » would hopefully be an impetus for some to examine Islam. I would encourage all who travel as Muslims to non-Muslim lands for work or study or whatever reason not to abandon their example. Their behavior with non-Muslims is important, and too often what the non-Muslim sees of their actions is taken as Islamic behavior which is a deception and misleading to the non-Muslims.

Doctrine for the Christian, as it was for myself, may be the greatest reason for conversion to Islam. I would encourage any Christian to really study well the doctrine of Christianity. I believe true study of Christianity will lead one to Islam because of the many errors in logic and reasoning found therein. There are books available to give to them regarding misconceptions in the Bible, but point to even passages in the Bible itself proclaiming Prophet Muhammad (P .B.U.H.) as the final Messenger.

I truly appreciated and continue to appreciate the many fine Islamic books which have been translated into English. In the U.S.A., the Iranian foundations were most helpful in supplying these for my children and me.

Q: What is the role you are personally assuming or the role you intend to assume in serving the Islamic Call?

A: I believe the greatest role I can serve is to be a good wife, mother, and homemaker. I have a small baby and feel great prospect in being able to raise him in Islamic surroundings. Parenting is the most valuable undertaking for the future and certainly an all-consuming mission. We are most blessed to have as our examples for parenting our Prophet (P.B.U.H.), the Imams (A.S.), and their wives. Their hard work in parenting and working for the family helped us in Islam to, still, have a solid social and family structure network.

I feel there is a great need for Islamic children’s books written in English. I am certainly not an illustrator but I have thoughts about their content.Inshallah , I can contribute my effort in this regard as well as any writing that is needed in general.

Q: What are the potentials and prospects of the Islamic Call in your country?

A: I am now living in Lebanon, but to give my view of the U.S.A. seems logical as I spent most of my life there. The potentials of the Islamic Call in the U.S.A. are great as the general population is good and accepting. They are a searching group with great disillusion with their present society.

Only Allah (S.W.A.) knows about the prospects for the Islamic Call in the U.S.A. I feel I can suppose that the prospect for the Americans present course is downfall and misery as it is not currently based on Islam, or even Christianity. It is a racial, secularist, floundering government and society.

Q: What in your view is the state of Muslim women?

A: I think we Muslim women have as our guide and example the faithful women of our Islamic history. Khadija (A.S.), Sayyeda Fatima Zahra (A.S.), Sayyeda Zeinab (A.S.), the wives of our Imams (A.S.), Hajjar (A.S.), Miriam (A.S.), the wife of Pharaoh (A.S.) etc... If we take their example as they struggled, suffered, and took their happiness and try to incorporate even a small part of their traits into our personalities, we would take more comfort and solace in the life that Allah (S.W.A.) has given to us. Does this represent the current« state of Muslim women? » Probably not, because as stated before, we become entrapped in our cultures rather than Islam. We have no excuse because Allah (S.W.A.) has elevated women to an exalted position in Islam. Her rights are protected, and her status is individual in regard to her path of faithfulness.

Q: Do you wish to address Muslims from the forum of Noor Al-Islam?

A: I would like to add my voice to others having great concern about the influx of« Hollywood Media » into developing countries around the world.« Hollywood » , I believe, has done much to destroy the limited social structure that existed in the U.S.A. maybe 30 to 40 years ago, and now is being incorporated into populations around the world, especially with the advent of the satellite dish, videos, CDs, cassettes; etc. Hollywood movies, music, and cartoons are currently the U.S.A.’s largest export, so its distribution will of course be propagated and protected worldwide by the private owners and the U.S. government. Remember when you turn on the television to any meaningless violence and inhumane behavior contained in many cartoons, movies, and T.V. programs, contrary to Islamic teachings, you are inviting a very potent and evil force into your home, and many will divert your children and your own attentions away from valuable subjects to disrupting and corrupting subjects.

Thank you for your kind consideration of my thoughts and words. I appreciate your diligent work and like to read the English section ofNoor Al-Islam .

CLEAR FACTS LEAD A BELGIAN COUPLE TO EMBRACE ISLAM

Following the Zionist invasion of Lebanon in 1982, Beirut was besieged for more than two months. The deteriorated situation motivated me to make the hard decision: Departure!

During a short cease-fire, we had the chance to leave the bunkers and cast a look on our homes and store shops. Everything was a ruin. I decided to leave the country to ease my nerves and start business abroad. The only route out was via Syria. From Damascus airport I left for Brussels, the capital of Belgium, where I was often for business or visits of relatives.

I reached the country on that Friday noon and went directly to my relative’s house. The family was getting ready to spend the weekend at the seaside, a 100 km. away.

They welcomed me, praised Allah for my safety, and asked a lot of questions about the homeland, the friends, and the relatives, since the telephone services were inoperative.

My relative Said was a surgeon working in a big hospital; he was married with two children. He was bright, intellectual, and skilled in his profession, and with high morals and good reputation. He was committed to Eastern traditions despite spending many years in the West.

His only defect that saddened me was his indifference regarding Islam. Though he was of inborn purity (Fitra ), he lacked the Islamic knowledge as a result of living in a non-Muslim country. Being fully occupied with his job, he had no time to get such religious information. Hence he led a western routine life.

I performed my prayer and sat to have some rest. My relative asked me to join them and spend the weekend at the seaside. Giving some excuses, I apologized but he was not convinced since he knew how much I loved swimming. He insisted, and I finally told him the real reason for my refusal. It was to avoid seeing women semi-naked (in their swimming suits) or in indecent situations. He then suggested spending the couple of days in his friend’s villa, Dr. Bernard, a physician who worked in the same hospital where my relative used to work. He phoned him, and we soon were on our way to his villa in Louvain, 30 km. south of Brussels. He welcomed us warmly since the Westerners suffer loneliness and hardly enjoy visits of their relatives. It was a splendid villa amid a big garden, with a swimming pool at one corner. In the small room near the pool, we put on our swimming suits and jumped into the clean water. We enjoyed swimming then got out to stretch on the green grass and enjoy the warm sun. I looked at the villa and was taken by a surprise when a beautiful woman, the doctor’s wife, in her swimming suit came in our direction to welcome the dear guest. The husband introduced her to me, and she stretched her hand to shake mine. I drew back and apologized for not shaking hand with her. She became red in the face and quickly returned to the villa. Her husband followed in anger, and my relative exploded blaming me for such backward behavior, finalism, and religious prejudice. How could I humiliate such a famous doctor and his wife - a famous psychiatrist? Could Islam be disgusting to such an extent? I tried to pacify his anger and told him of my readiness to apologize to them and explain the situation. He went inside and came with the husband who was still angry. He said:« You have humiliated us. How could you refuse shaking my wife’s hand? Are not we clean enough? » I said:« Please, do call your wife; I want to apologize to her » . He went, and she came with him, still vexed. She said:« Am I dirty? Suppose I were, is it a matter of good behavior not to shake my hand while you are my guest? Are you such a fanatic to consider us filthy or infidels? »

I said:« It is nothing to do with filth or infidelity. I shook your husband’s hand just few minutes before you came to join us » .

« What is it then? » she asked.

I thought that the best means of defense is to attack. Seeking Allah’s help, I said:« I used to think that the Europeans are objective and discuss the matters objectively. No doubt, scientific progress affects the social behavior, especially of those highly educated individuals. You could have taken the matter easy and asked about the reasons for my behavior. Instead, your reaction was quite strange vis-à-vis such simple matters. I think the concept of civilized or uncivilized has nothing to do with the educated or the uneducated, poverty or wealth, and the developing or the developed countries » .

They said nothing, and I added:« Dr. Bernard, whose beautiful villa is this? » He said,« My wife’s and mine » .

I said: «What would you say if I seized a part of it to be my own? Would you agree on no conditions? »

He said: «It is nonsense! Why should I agree? »

I said:« If it were the jungle law, I could do it at my will. Yet, there are laws that regulate the social relations » .

He asked: «What do you intend to say? »

I said:« You don’t agree at my sharing with you your property. Could you agree at sharing with you your wife?

She is beautiful; every man wants to kiss her or shake her hand. Even I would do it if my instincts were not controlled. However, I act through laws decreed by my Lord, the Creator of all. It is a matter of religious instructions and Islamic behavior.

Have you ever been to a jeweler’s shop? Have you seen precious stones thrown here and there? Can everyone touch them? Are not they kept in a safe place where no one can get them? We, Muslims, consider woman as a precious stone. Not everyone can touch or enjoy her beauty. We don’t allow one to degrade her or damage her chastity. It is not the same as in your country where woman has lost her female nature and become a commodity, a plaything for all vices and indecencies. She is no more considered a human being. All your feminist organizations are means to cover the woman’s exploitation. » They still listened attentively without interrupting me. I continued,« You see how corruption spreads at large and family relations are discarded. It is the result of the freedom of no limits. It starts with shaking hands to end in an intimate love affair. Don’t you feel it is an odd situation? You do! But you are afraid of saying your opinions, lest you may be labeled as reactionaries. You stick to such trifles which are the real backwardness. In such an atmosphere, every woman will look for a lover and thus corruption spreads as fire in dry straws. Children of unknown fathers can be seen everywhere. Your girls count the days to be 15 and leave the parents’ house and experience life by their own. Can these countless illegal children settled in special homes be considered civilization? What do statistics tell you? Thousands of the aged die in their homes while no one knows about them until bad smelling leak out of their homes » .

When I took a breath, the doctor’s wife said:« Don’t you think that Muslim men are quite tough on women? Women are locked in their homes. They cannot have jobs and should observe hijab. Is not polygamy a remnant of old ages? »

I said:« Islam forbids whatever leads to situations experienced in your communities. Hijab is woman’s shield against men’s lusty instincts. It is to spare man the instincts stirred by woman’s beauty. It is for the benefit of all humanity.

Islam does not lock woman in her house. She can have any job or social activity outside her house, but she should observe decent clothes. Our history is rich with such active women in their communities.

Moreover, man is also ordered to act decently. The reason for this dispute is my refusal to shake hands with you. It is a religious duty. Similarly, a Muslim woman is not allowed to shake hand with a foreigner.

Regarding polygamy, it is allowed under strict conditions to solve social problems suffered by communities such as yours. Your thinkers confess such a truth » . When I finally apologized, I felt a clear change in their attitude. They asked me to spend the night with them but I apologized and was about to leave when they expressed their wish to meet again and have more discussions. I was ready to do that. For more than ten days we met, and I answered all their questions regarding Islam religion. Both were convinced of the sound reasoning and asked how to become Muslims. I said,« Quite simply. There is no baptism, no confession and no sacred bread! Just you utter: There is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is His messenger » .

Both of them uttered the clause twice for an accurate pronunciation. I congratulated them and shook the husband’s hand, while the wife drew back. I taught them how to perform ablution, prayers and fasting and promised to provide them with Islamic literature. I gave the doctor’s wife an Islamic dress as a gift. Both of them today propagate Islam in America.

Antoine Ja’ja:

The Bible Calls to Islam

Ja’ja (Mustafa) is a graduate from a French University. He is from the city of Bshirry (Lebanon). He is a Christian who converted to Islam. He read the Old Testament and the new one, and after reading The Holy Quran, he became a Muslim enjoying spiritual tranquility and rest, though his kin and kith turned away from him. A local newspaper interviewed him recently.

Q: When and how did you acquire Islamic ideology?

A: I am proud of being of the people of The Book. The Bible was the first book that linked me to Islam and to The Quran. I read The Quran and pondered on the Quranic verse that reads:{ Those who follow the Apostle, the Prophet, the Ummi ( unlearned) whom they find written ( in their scriptures) with them in the Torah and the Ingil; (who) enjoins unto them ( what is) good and prevents them from evil... } [A’araf: 157].

I made a thorough investigation in the Divine Books that preceded The Holy Quran. I found that the Islamic religion is actually the religion of all prophets and apostles. Prophet Jesus (a.s.) was sent with the mission of The Lord. He says:{ For I have not spoken of myself, but of the Father ( Lord) Who sent me, He gave me commandment, what I should say and what I should speak. } . [John: 12/49].

The Bible clearly calls to Islam, the religion of Prophet Ibrahim (a.s.) who was a monotheist.

Q: When did you start such investigation?

A: I became a Muslim after profound studying of the Torah and David Psalms. In 1993 and 1994, I made a comparative study of the holy Books and The Holy Quran. I found that The Quran completes and verifies the preceding Divine Books.

Prophet Muhammad’s (P.B.U.H.) message is a perfection of the preceding religions. The Holy Quran says:{ ...This day I have perfected for you, your religion and have completed My favor on you and chosen for you Islam (to be) the religion. } [Al-Maidah :3].

Q: You are a Christian from the Maroni sect; how could you overstep the sectarian factor flourishing in Lebanon?

A: I believe in religion not in sects. I am proud of my Christian background. The Holy Quran mentions all the prophets and apostles including Prophet Muhammad (P .B.U.H.). The Quran says:{ Say ( O’ Muhammad!) O, you people, surely I am the messenger of Allah unto you all... } [Al-A’araf; 158].

I found that the message of Islam addresses all people. Hence I had the right to become a Muslim. I do not claim that I changed from one religion to another, but that I found the right path. I was on the wrong track; then, I found the right one.

I became a Muslim following Prophets Muhammad and Jesus (Peace be upon them both). I believe in Christianity as a doctrine, and I find a lot that leads to Islam in the Bible.

Q: Your major is psychology; how did you feel before embracing Islam and how do you feel now?

A: Psychologically, I have thoroughly changed. I was pessimistic, hesitant, lost, and alien to my own self. Now I am optimistic and firm in belief. Previously, I had to choose one of three: to be a heretic, to commit suicide, or to embrace Islam. I preferred the third option. Following the west scientific development one cannot be a heretic.

Science proves the existence of a creator. To commit suicide means to displease Allah. I embraced Islam.

Q: Are you influenced by famous intellectuals who embraced Islam in France such as Maurice Bucaille and Rojer Garaudy?

A: I was greatly influenced by those famous men, especially Bucaille who was stunned by the Quranic verse that reads:{ ...And say: 0’ my Lord! Increase me in knowledge } [Taha: 114].

No other religion but Islam demands one to increase one’s knowledge. Man is at the threshold of a new century; still increase in scientific knowledge is demanded.

It is logic and reasoning that led me to embrace Islam. I did not blindly follow one of the present trends, nor did I flatter Muslims for some personal interest in marriage or divorce. I found the scientific factor in The Quran. They are scientific miracles in the age of science and knowledge.

Q: What was the reaction in your own locality?

A: Naturally, they rejected my new attitude. I suffered hardship and social harassment. I became a stranger in my family and amid my friends. But I consider myself an immigrant from one religion to another. Today I live amid the Muslims.

Q: The majority of Muslims are not committed Muslims; how were you attracted to Islam?

A: I was attracted to Islam through its clear reasonable logic and concepts that can be enacted. There is nothing secret or ambiguous in Islam. Islam’s practical instructions are clear to both: the common people and intellectuals. No one is humiliated or despised in this religion. There are no complicated or ecclesiastical rituals. No one has the authority to forgive the sinners. Allah the Almighty is only the One Who forgives. Islam is religion of reason and convincing argument. The Holy Quran says:

{ But if they dispute with you ( O’ Muhammad), then say: I have submitted myself ( wholly) to Allah and so does everyone who follows me } [Al-Umran: 19].

{ And they say: ‘None shall enter Paradise except him who is a Jew or a Christian.’ Say ( O, Muhammad to them): Bring your proof if you are truthful. } [The Cow: 111].

Islam is the religion of dialogue. A Muslim feels certain of the Creator hence enjoys spiritual tranquility.

The Holy Quran says:{ And those who believe and their hearts are set at rest by God’s remembrance; certainly by God’s remembrance are the hearts set at rest. } [Al-Ra’d:28].

Islam is different from other religions in such features in addition to its demand of one to seek knowledge. Moreover, Islam does not stifle the natural instincts of the human being. We are today at the age of stirred instincts through media propaganda. Islam is moderate; it does not suppress the instincts. The Prophet (P.B.U.H.) says:« The believer who lives amid others and is patient at hardship is better than he who isolates himself and is impatient. » In Islam there is not monasticism that suppresses the instincts Allah created in men to survive the species reproduction. Tribes and nations are created to know each other. The Holy Quran says:{ O’ you people, surely We have created you of a male and female and made you in nations and tribes that you may recognize each other; surely the most honored of you to Allah is the one of you who guards ( against evil) the most, Allah is All- Knowing All-Aware } [Al-Hujurat: 13].

Q: Are you active amid Muslims or Christians?

A: Naturally amid the Muslims. I give lectures, radio interviews, and explain a lot about reasons for my conversion to Islam. I refer to the scientific miracles in The Quran and confirm its authenticity vis-à-vis the distorted Bibles.

Q: You do not address Christians, do you?

A: No, I do not, but I do call them to seek authentic information related to the Prophet (P.B.U.H.) in their Bibles. The Deuteronomy 18: 18 says:

{I will raise them up a Prophet from among their brethren like unto thee (Moses - having a father and a mother)and will put My words in his mouth and he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him. }.

Isaiah 2:12 says:

{And the Book (The Quran)is delivered to him that he is not learned saying: Read this, I pray thee, and he says: I am not learned .}.

Q: Do you consider Islam as a perfect religion encompassing all previous religions? Can it play a role at the international level?

A: Of course I do. The Quranic verse 3 chapter Al-Maidah confirms this fact. Other religions need Islam so that they may be refined of all distortion.

Islam can be a unique school for science and culture. The renowned writer George Bernard Show says:« If a man like Muhammad were to assume leadership of the modem world, he would succeed in solving its problems and bring peace and happiness. »

MRS. BERNICE HOLTON

Mrs. Bernice Holton is a British biologist who embraced Islam more than twenty years ago. She married a committed Muslim scientist and has three children. In an interview with a local magazine, Mrs. Holton speaks about her early inclination toward religion in general and Islam in particular. Following is the text of her interview.

Q: Kindly tell us how were you attracted to Islam?

A: As a child, I attended the church as is usual for Christian families to do. Then I became a teacher in the church; however, the teaching and the contents of the Bible did not convince me. Hence I left the church and turned to other religions, such as Hinduism, Buddhism... and Islam as well. The problem in the West is that one reads about Islam in books that cannot tell the true meanings in Islam. Writers play with words to distort information. I gave up thinking of religion. Then in college, I saw people from all over the world. Some were Muslims, and I asked them about Islam. At that time, the Muslims and the Arabs were ridiculed in the magazines and newspapers. They were portrayed as being silly and stupid, and it was said that one Jew could mislead a thousand Arabs.

However, when I talked with true Muslims, they furnished me with good, reasonable information which proved them to be clever and intelligent. I asked for books written in English by British Muslims. I never thought of becoming a Muslim woman, because I knew my family, friends, and co-workers would oppose me and create trouble for me. Hence I put away all the Islamic books in a place where I could not get them easily. Yet I could not tolerate the situation and hurried to get them back. I accepted Islam after I received my college degree. I got a job in Toronto... It was not easy for me to work with Jews, Christians, etc. They mocked my new belief, but I used to tolerate their behavior and talked to them sociably.

When I started to fast, I could not arrange the times for eating: Iftar and suhur (eating after sunset and before dawn). When I suffered poor health, my colleagues hurried to get me a doctor and from that time on, they were so nice to me that they even supplicate me on fasting days with chocolates or biscuits at the time of eating. They are still my good friends.

Q: What is your opinion regarding women’s freedom in the West and Muslim women in the Muslim community?

A: Women have gained some freedom in recent years. They have entered all fields of knowledge. The West talks a lot about freedom but never talks about duties and obligations. For women, it is good to study and achieve social status. Women can work as doctors, engineers, and in business. The problem is not to work or not outside the home. The problem is that she is being cheated, misled, and sexually abused. In this regard you can see the article of Dr. Frances Conley published in« Time » No. 27, July 1991.

In a capitalist society, companies compete for the highest profits for their products. Now who is to buy their products? Of course, men, women, and children. Women also take the husband’s money for their own use. Here the companies encourage women to buy even useless items. Women, in turn, try to find the latest fashions, cosmetics, furniture, luxurious cars… They think about how to spend the evening and where. The company’s profits increase. In the West, nothing is encouraged if it is not profitable. As a result, immorality and deviation spread, families break down, and children suffer psychological damage. Women also suffer. This is the result of the media campaigns which don’t differentiate between reasonable freedom and interference in one’s obligation...

In regard to a Muslim woman wherever she lives, she suffers hardships in her community. Even those who agree with her decent (Islamic) clothes (hijab ) find it difficult to have her at work. She faces difficulties in bringing up her children in an environment where the schools (usually with secularist curriculums), the T.V. programs, and the media teach them something in contrast with their belief. Hence the Muslim mother must be aware of Islamic ethics (ideology) and must know that which is forbidden and that which is not forbidden.

Q: How can a true Muslim woman play a positive role in a Muslim community?

A: Every person can play such a role. A woman can have such a role if she brings up her children according to Islamic instructions. Speaking for myself, I like reading scientific and social books as well as books about environment. I like very much to join organizations caring for the disabled. I think disabled people throughout the world are in great need of help. The work with the disabled may not seem fruitful since improvement is not always obvious... However, in Third World countries, we see few organizations caring for them. Everyone is concerned with his own affairs. In the results of the territorial wars, one can see thousands of helpless citizens.

The disabled may not suffer from a missing leg or hand. He may suffer from a mental disorder, a bullet in the liver, etc. The disabled often feel they are a burden to their families, and they may develop other sicknesses. Organizations can be of great help. We are all supposed to demonstrate sympathy, compassion, and help towards those who need it.

The American Sister

FATIMA

Islam brought happiness into my life and gave me a feeling of respect to myself and the others.

Just as truth emits a light that guides those who dive deep in the darkness and those who are led astray, You, our Lord, guide whom You wish to Your straight path, those who pray for Your help in the dark night of their confusion, to be met by Your gracious guidance.

From this deep darkness, the American sister Fatima was able to escape and become a new Muslim sister who was guided by the« Light of Islam » . In this interview, she tells us (at her home in Kaifoun in Mount Lebanon) the story of how she became a Muslim.

Q: Please tell us about your environment and the circumstances that led you to Islam?

A: First, I would like to welcome you. I am an American from the city of Denver. I was born in 1951. I called myself Fatima after Fatima al-Zahra (A.S.). I have a university degree in nursing, and I am interested in the various fields of culture especially religion. I have worked as a nurse in America, but now I am a housewife. I take care of my family and my Lebanese husband whom I met after I became a Muslim. We live in this beautiful Lebanese town. And I always try to develop myself as a Muslim by learning more about Islam to serve my religion and my message.

I thank Allah, (Subhanahu wataallah ), for helping me find the truth, Islam. As He offers this path to all His creatures, and so to me, and I am so grateful. It is as if I« came home » after a long journey and finally sat before the heart of knowing that there are answers to all my questions, and I can have peace of mind in knowing that ultimate truth does exist. That is because Christianity took a sectarian detour in its origin and did not adhere to the truth as taught by Prophet Jesus (A.S.). So the present day Christianity is based on basic misconceptions. Growing up in a Christian environment, as I did, gives one, as myself, some confusing concepts such as altered literature (Bible), indirect relationship with Allah (S.W.T.), separation of church from political economic structure, forgiveness through the« crucifixion » of Jesus, doctrine of original sin, son of Allah (S.W.T.), and some left over pagan ideas such as Christmas, Easter, and the« trinity » ... These are the negative aspects, and I mention these in retrospect, not knowing they were misconceptions at the time of learning and practicing Christianity. I did wonder at the inconsistencies, and I did ask some questions which were left to ...« When you grow up you will understand » . Well I grew up and still did not understand. The positive things that Christianity gave to me were knowledge of God, respect for God, and a social structure adherent to religious laws as they knew them to be. It also gave me some knowledge base to continue my search for the truth. I am thankful to these experiences, and I am also thankful to my parents and grandparents who did the best they could to let me know about a relationship with God.

My family in the U.S.A. is German in origin and strictly Protestant Lutheran in religion. I attended Lutheran school for 13 years and lived in a fairly isolated German, Lutheran social atmosphere. I attended daily religious study classes - a« typical » American upbringing. If one can generalize, my rearing was much more« religious » and attentive than the norm.

I became an inactive member of the church in my early adult years as I became disillusioned with its inability to answer those questions I had and its inability to address social and political realities in the U.S.A., and I began to look at various philosophies and other branches of Christianity. I made an attempt to return to the Lutheran church for one year, however, I found it impossible to honestly participate as an adult in the doctrines I found to be more and more false. Bewilderment within myself was my ever present baggage as I wondered why I could not find inner peace in knowing what the truth is, as I never gave up the prospect that Allah (S.W.A.) had created all of us and this world so exquisitely with the truth contained therein. I feel within myself that there was a« Complete Truth » given to us by our God; however, for some reason I could not find it.

Q: How did you come to embrace Islam?

A: In the middle of my third decade of life (Alhamdulillah ), I more and more felt distress about looking at the world around myself, participating in the world, be holding a future, and still not having the missing puzzle piece. I feared the Day of Judgment and did not know how to face it in my then present state of incomplete knowledge. At that time I quite simply prayed. Yes, I prayed. I prayed that God would show the right path to me and lead and guide me.

Within two weeks, a doctor I was working with at that time (my profession is nursing) began to speak with me about her Islamic faith. She was from Pakistan and Shia. She did not have books about Islam in English for me; however, she shared what she knew. I was quite interested and wanted more information.

At that time, I was completing my nursing education at the university, so I looked at the university schedule to see if there was perhaps any class about Islam. I found an« Islamic Study » class and took it for one semester. It was a general survey course, historical in nature. I gleaned what information from it and from the classmates - many of whom were Muslims. Through my participation in this class I was able to meet an American sister who had become a Muslim through the teaching of her Iranian husband and the Iranian community. She helped me so much (Alhamdulillah ) in my study of Islam and in many of its aspects of daily living and worship. Through her friendship and care I was introduced to a group of believers in the local cultural Iranian and Lebanese community.

Nearly after one year of study since I had beseeched Allah (Subhanahu wataallah ) for help in showing me the right path I became a Muslim during the month ofRamadan (Alhamdulillah ). How gracious and beneficent Allah (S.W.A.) has been to me in my life to guide me to the truth!

Q: Could you tell us about the impact of your embracement of Islam on your milieu, and what are the problems, if any, that you now face?

A: Embracing Islam does mean inevitable change in one’s life. Every change adherent to the faith has been a joy in my life. Initially, I can say some have been a bit startling and difficult; however, how can I ever not be pleased to change when I waited for so long to know the truth?

Personally, my impulse became to get all the information I could, to read books, to read The Quran, and to learn from other Muslims. The reciting of prayer and contemplation is my solace. I wear women’s Islamic dress and feel a metamorphosis of subtle change by so doing. I did not know that this was essential when first studying Islam and was a bit taken aback when my sisters told me of this. I began this process slowly and realized that this mode of garmenting oneself is not only the cloth and what it covers but an inward spiritual journey as well. I truly feel my self respect. My honor for society and the Islamic« body of believers » has grown by covering appropriately. Our examples for Islamic dress come from the Household of the Prophet (P.B.U.H.) as Sayyeda Zeinab (A.S.) and Sayyeda Fatima Zahra (A.S.). Certainly their examples in behavior as wives, mothers, and members of society were intimately connected to their covering themselves, their self respect, and their honor for those around them.

The effect on my parents, children, and relatives was predictable I suppose. They adhere to Christian doctrine and see me as a lost, condemned soul. This has been the most difficult thing for me to lose the respect of my parents in this regard. I pray that they would follow the path of Islam. Of course, they still love me as their daughter and through the years have become more accepting of my change in dress, eating, etc. but the look in their eyes is not the same for me. They feel hurt by this change. I respect my parents and their commitment to their church and family.

My great happiness is the subsequent conversion of my three adult children to Islam (Alhamdulillah ). They are studying their faith and each has in his heart the desire to serve Islam in propagation and service. My sons are currently being educated to teach, (Inshallah ), and my daughter is a homemaker, mother, and wife.

Non-Muslim friends, who were truly friends, respect my decision to become a Muslim. Our relationship has become closer in some cases because we can discuss« religion » with more knowledge. They do nice, respectful things such as buy meat from the Islamic meat store to serve for me and provide a quiet room in which I can pray when I visit their home. In general, I have not lost friends and probably have gained.

In my employment at the hospital, fellow employees were quite accepting of me. They would cover my absence so I could pray, arrange their meal times so I could break my fast inRamadan , and, in general, were open and sharing with me about their lack of knowledge of Islam which elicited many discussions. I started wearing Islamic dress to my work approximately one year after becoming a Muslim and six months after wearing it at home and socially. This provoked many questions from staff, patients, etc. They were accepting and respectful. My career advancement was not affected, (Alhamdulillah ), as the hospital wanted me to take a higher position as supervisor, However, I said I would not be able to attend the parties associated with the position as there was drinking of alcohol and dancing. So they said that this party attendance was mandatory; therefore, I declined the position.

Q: On the personal level, do you feel more peaceful, secure, and relieved?

A: Yes, all of the above: more peaceful, secure, and relieved, and as I said before, it was as if I have« come home » . Islam covers in practical terms every aspect of life, and I see it as a continuing evolving process. I am ever humble before its greatness and completeness. Each day I learn new aspects of this path.

The Quran is the source of peace to me. My security comes from knowing more and more about the Prophet (P.B.U.H.) and the twelve Imams (A.S.) who provide a supreme example for living this life. There is not any problem I face which could compare to what Imam Hussein (A.S.) confronted at Karbala in his sacrifice.

The relief comes from now having a direct relationship with Allah (S.W.A.) without need of an intermediary, as Jesus (A.S.) is in Christianity. It states in the Quran [50: 16]:« We are nearer to him than the regulate vein » . This is a very direct and close relationship we have with Allah (S.W.A.).

Q: On the social relations level, do you feel the difference between your relations with Muslims now and those with non-Muslims in the past?

A: Yes, there is a code of ethics and conduct prescribed and ordained by Allah on our relations between each other. We have The Quran and traditions of our Prophet (P.B.U.H.) and Imams (A.S.) to look to for guidance. I am grateful for these sources and examples.

I feel close in my relations with other Muslims. Certainly, we are all not perfect, and we all error in our caring for each other as« one body » ; however, in general, there is a much higher level of mutual honesty, benevolence, and cooperation in the Muslim world compared to the non-Muslim world.

I did not leave Christianity because of not having benevolence, honesty, and cooperation; I left because the doctrine is incorrect. One can find many fine examples of loving, caring Christians such as in the community in which I was raised, but without the entire« truth of Islam » one is left, as a Christian, without all the rules for life and will inevitably feel lost in the social realm of life.

Q: Do you suggest any specific methods, based on you own experience, to call non-Muslims to Islam?

A: The example that we are in our everyday learning is one of the greatest ways to show that submission to Allah is part of our personality. This« personality » would hopefully be an impetus for some to examine Islam. I would encourage all who travel as Muslims to non-Muslim lands for work or study or whatever reason not to abandon their example. Their behavior with non-Muslims is important, and too often what the non-Muslim sees of their actions is taken as Islamic behavior which is a deception and misleading to the non-Muslims.

Doctrine for the Christian, as it was for myself, may be the greatest reason for conversion to Islam. I would encourage any Christian to really study well the doctrine of Christianity. I believe true study of Christianity will lead one to Islam because of the many errors in logic and reasoning found therein. There are books available to give to them regarding misconceptions in the Bible, but point to even passages in the Bible itself proclaiming Prophet Muhammad (P .B.U.H.) as the final Messenger.

I truly appreciated and continue to appreciate the many fine Islamic books which have been translated into English. In the U.S.A., the Iranian foundations were most helpful in supplying these for my children and me.

Q: What is the role you are personally assuming or the role you intend to assume in serving the Islamic Call?

A: I believe the greatest role I can serve is to be a good wife, mother, and homemaker. I have a small baby and feel great prospect in being able to raise him in Islamic surroundings. Parenting is the most valuable undertaking for the future and certainly an all-consuming mission. We are most blessed to have as our examples for parenting our Prophet (P.B.U.H.), the Imams (A.S.), and their wives. Their hard work in parenting and working for the family helped us in Islam to, still, have a solid social and family structure network.

I feel there is a great need for Islamic children’s books written in English. I am certainly not an illustrator but I have thoughts about their content.Inshallah , I can contribute my effort in this regard as well as any writing that is needed in general.

Q: What are the potentials and prospects of the Islamic Call in your country?

A: I am now living in Lebanon, but to give my view of the U.S.A. seems logical as I spent most of my life there. The potentials of the Islamic Call in the U.S.A. are great as the general population is good and accepting. They are a searching group with great disillusion with their present society.

Only Allah (S.W.A.) knows about the prospects for the Islamic Call in the U.S.A. I feel I can suppose that the prospect for the Americans present course is downfall and misery as it is not currently based on Islam, or even Christianity. It is a racial, secularist, floundering government and society.

Q: What in your view is the state of Muslim women?

A: I think we Muslim women have as our guide and example the faithful women of our Islamic history. Khadija (A.S.), Sayyeda Fatima Zahra (A.S.), Sayyeda Zeinab (A.S.), the wives of our Imams (A.S.), Hajjar (A.S.), Miriam (A.S.), the wife of Pharaoh (A.S.) etc... If we take their example as they struggled, suffered, and took their happiness and try to incorporate even a small part of their traits into our personalities, we would take more comfort and solace in the life that Allah (S.W.A.) has given to us. Does this represent the current« state of Muslim women? » Probably not, because as stated before, we become entrapped in our cultures rather than Islam. We have no excuse because Allah (S.W.A.) has elevated women to an exalted position in Islam. Her rights are protected, and her status is individual in regard to her path of faithfulness.

Q: Do you wish to address Muslims from the forum of Noor Al-Islam?

A: I would like to add my voice to others having great concern about the influx of« Hollywood Media » into developing countries around the world.« Hollywood » , I believe, has done much to destroy the limited social structure that existed in the U.S.A. maybe 30 to 40 years ago, and now is being incorporated into populations around the world, especially with the advent of the satellite dish, videos, CDs, cassettes; etc. Hollywood movies, music, and cartoons are currently the U.S.A.’s largest export, so its distribution will of course be propagated and protected worldwide by the private owners and the U.S. government. Remember when you turn on the television to any meaningless violence and inhumane behavior contained in many cartoons, movies, and T.V. programs, contrary to Islamic teachings, you are inviting a very potent and evil force into your home, and many will divert your children and your own attentions away from valuable subjects to disrupting and corrupting subjects.

Thank you for your kind consideration of my thoughts and words. I appreciate your diligent work and like to read the English section ofNoor Al-Islam .

CLEAR FACTS LEAD A BELGIAN COUPLE TO EMBRACE ISLAM

Following the Zionist invasion of Lebanon in 1982, Beirut was besieged for more than two months. The deteriorated situation motivated me to make the hard decision: Departure!

During a short cease-fire, we had the chance to leave the bunkers and cast a look on our homes and store shops. Everything was a ruin. I decided to leave the country to ease my nerves and start business abroad. The only route out was via Syria. From Damascus airport I left for Brussels, the capital of Belgium, where I was often for business or visits of relatives.

I reached the country on that Friday noon and went directly to my relative’s house. The family was getting ready to spend the weekend at the seaside, a 100 km. away.

They welcomed me, praised Allah for my safety, and asked a lot of questions about the homeland, the friends, and the relatives, since the telephone services were inoperative.

My relative Said was a surgeon working in a big hospital; he was married with two children. He was bright, intellectual, and skilled in his profession, and with high morals and good reputation. He was committed to Eastern traditions despite spending many years in the West.

His only defect that saddened me was his indifference regarding Islam. Though he was of inborn purity (Fitra ), he lacked the Islamic knowledge as a result of living in a non-Muslim country. Being fully occupied with his job, he had no time to get such religious information. Hence he led a western routine life.

I performed my prayer and sat to have some rest. My relative asked me to join them and spend the weekend at the seaside. Giving some excuses, I apologized but he was not convinced since he knew how much I loved swimming. He insisted, and I finally told him the real reason for my refusal. It was to avoid seeing women semi-naked (in their swimming suits) or in indecent situations. He then suggested spending the couple of days in his friend’s villa, Dr. Bernard, a physician who worked in the same hospital where my relative used to work. He phoned him, and we soon were on our way to his villa in Louvain, 30 km. south of Brussels. He welcomed us warmly since the Westerners suffer loneliness and hardly enjoy visits of their relatives. It was a splendid villa amid a big garden, with a swimming pool at one corner. In the small room near the pool, we put on our swimming suits and jumped into the clean water. We enjoyed swimming then got out to stretch on the green grass and enjoy the warm sun. I looked at the villa and was taken by a surprise when a beautiful woman, the doctor’s wife, in her swimming suit came in our direction to welcome the dear guest. The husband introduced her to me, and she stretched her hand to shake mine. I drew back and apologized for not shaking hand with her. She became red in the face and quickly returned to the villa. Her husband followed in anger, and my relative exploded blaming me for such backward behavior, finalism, and religious prejudice. How could I humiliate such a famous doctor and his wife - a famous psychiatrist? Could Islam be disgusting to such an extent? I tried to pacify his anger and told him of my readiness to apologize to them and explain the situation. He went inside and came with the husband who was still angry. He said:« You have humiliated us. How could you refuse shaking my wife’s hand? Are not we clean enough? » I said:« Please, do call your wife; I want to apologize to her » . He went, and she came with him, still vexed. She said:« Am I dirty? Suppose I were, is it a matter of good behavior not to shake my hand while you are my guest? Are you such a fanatic to consider us filthy or infidels? »

I said:« It is nothing to do with filth or infidelity. I shook your husband’s hand just few minutes before you came to join us » .

« What is it then? » she asked.

I thought that the best means of defense is to attack. Seeking Allah’s help, I said:« I used to think that the Europeans are objective and discuss the matters objectively. No doubt, scientific progress affects the social behavior, especially of those highly educated individuals. You could have taken the matter easy and asked about the reasons for my behavior. Instead, your reaction was quite strange vis-à-vis such simple matters. I think the concept of civilized or uncivilized has nothing to do with the educated or the uneducated, poverty or wealth, and the developing or the developed countries » .

They said nothing, and I added:« Dr. Bernard, whose beautiful villa is this? » He said,« My wife’s and mine » .

I said: «What would you say if I seized a part of it to be my own? Would you agree on no conditions? »

He said: «It is nonsense! Why should I agree? »

I said:« If it were the jungle law, I could do it at my will. Yet, there are laws that regulate the social relations » .

He asked: «What do you intend to say? »

I said:« You don’t agree at my sharing with you your property. Could you agree at sharing with you your wife?

She is beautiful; every man wants to kiss her or shake her hand. Even I would do it if my instincts were not controlled. However, I act through laws decreed by my Lord, the Creator of all. It is a matter of religious instructions and Islamic behavior.

Have you ever been to a jeweler’s shop? Have you seen precious stones thrown here and there? Can everyone touch them? Are not they kept in a safe place where no one can get them? We, Muslims, consider woman as a precious stone. Not everyone can touch or enjoy her beauty. We don’t allow one to degrade her or damage her chastity. It is not the same as in your country where woman has lost her female nature and become a commodity, a plaything for all vices and indecencies. She is no more considered a human being. All your feminist organizations are means to cover the woman’s exploitation. » They still listened attentively without interrupting me. I continued,« You see how corruption spreads at large and family relations are discarded. It is the result of the freedom of no limits. It starts with shaking hands to end in an intimate love affair. Don’t you feel it is an odd situation? You do! But you are afraid of saying your opinions, lest you may be labeled as reactionaries. You stick to such trifles which are the real backwardness. In such an atmosphere, every woman will look for a lover and thus corruption spreads as fire in dry straws. Children of unknown fathers can be seen everywhere. Your girls count the days to be 15 and leave the parents’ house and experience life by their own. Can these countless illegal children settled in special homes be considered civilization? What do statistics tell you? Thousands of the aged die in their homes while no one knows about them until bad smelling leak out of their homes » .

When I took a breath, the doctor’s wife said:« Don’t you think that Muslim men are quite tough on women? Women are locked in their homes. They cannot have jobs and should observe hijab. Is not polygamy a remnant of old ages? »

I said:« Islam forbids whatever leads to situations experienced in your communities. Hijab is woman’s shield against men’s lusty instincts. It is to spare man the instincts stirred by woman’s beauty. It is for the benefit of all humanity.

Islam does not lock woman in her house. She can have any job or social activity outside her house, but she should observe decent clothes. Our history is rich with such active women in their communities.

Moreover, man is also ordered to act decently. The reason for this dispute is my refusal to shake hands with you. It is a religious duty. Similarly, a Muslim woman is not allowed to shake hand with a foreigner.

Regarding polygamy, it is allowed under strict conditions to solve social problems suffered by communities such as yours. Your thinkers confess such a truth » . When I finally apologized, I felt a clear change in their attitude. They asked me to spend the night with them but I apologized and was about to leave when they expressed their wish to meet again and have more discussions. I was ready to do that. For more than ten days we met, and I answered all their questions regarding Islam religion. Both were convinced of the sound reasoning and asked how to become Muslims. I said,« Quite simply. There is no baptism, no confession and no sacred bread! Just you utter: There is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is His messenger » .

Both of them uttered the clause twice for an accurate pronunciation. I congratulated them and shook the husband’s hand, while the wife drew back. I taught them how to perform ablution, prayers and fasting and promised to provide them with Islamic literature. I gave the doctor’s wife an Islamic dress as a gift. Both of them today propagate Islam in America.

Antoine Ja’ja:

The Bible Calls to Islam

Ja’ja (Mustafa) is a graduate from a French University. He is from the city of Bshirry (Lebanon). He is a Christian who converted to Islam. He read the Old Testament and the new one, and after reading The Holy Quran, he became a Muslim enjoying spiritual tranquility and rest, though his kin and kith turned away from him. A local newspaper interviewed him recently.

Q: When and how did you acquire Islamic ideology?

A: I am proud of being of the people of The Book. The Bible was the first book that linked me to Islam and to The Quran. I read The Quran and pondered on the Quranic verse that reads:{ Those who follow the Apostle, the Prophet, the Ummi ( unlearned) whom they find written ( in their scriptures) with them in the Torah and the Ingil; (who) enjoins unto them ( what is) good and prevents them from evil... } [A’araf: 157].

I made a thorough investigation in the Divine Books that preceded The Holy Quran. I found that the Islamic religion is actually the religion of all prophets and apostles. Prophet Jesus (a.s.) was sent with the mission of The Lord. He says:{ For I have not spoken of myself, but of the Father ( Lord) Who sent me, He gave me commandment, what I should say and what I should speak. } . [John: 12/49].

The Bible clearly calls to Islam, the religion of Prophet Ibrahim (a.s.) who was a monotheist.

Q: When did you start such investigation?

A: I became a Muslim after profound studying of the Torah and David Psalms. In 1993 and 1994, I made a comparative study of the holy Books and The Holy Quran. I found that The Quran completes and verifies the preceding Divine Books.

Prophet Muhammad’s (P.B.U.H.) message is a perfection of the preceding religions. The Holy Quran says:{ ...This day I have perfected for you, your religion and have completed My favor on you and chosen for you Islam (to be) the religion. } [Al-Maidah :3].

Q: You are a Christian from the Maroni sect; how could you overstep the sectarian factor flourishing in Lebanon?

A: I believe in religion not in sects. I am proud of my Christian background. The Holy Quran mentions all the prophets and apostles including Prophet Muhammad (P .B.U.H.). The Quran says:{ Say ( O’ Muhammad!) O, you people, surely I am the messenger of Allah unto you all... } [Al-A’araf; 158].

I found that the message of Islam addresses all people. Hence I had the right to become a Muslim. I do not claim that I changed from one religion to another, but that I found the right path. I was on the wrong track; then, I found the right one.

I became a Muslim following Prophets Muhammad and Jesus (Peace be upon them both). I believe in Christianity as a doctrine, and I find a lot that leads to Islam in the Bible.

Q: Your major is psychology; how did you feel before embracing Islam and how do you feel now?

A: Psychologically, I have thoroughly changed. I was pessimistic, hesitant, lost, and alien to my own self. Now I am optimistic and firm in belief. Previously, I had to choose one of three: to be a heretic, to commit suicide, or to embrace Islam. I preferred the third option. Following the west scientific development one cannot be a heretic.

Science proves the existence of a creator. To commit suicide means to displease Allah. I embraced Islam.

Q: Are you influenced by famous intellectuals who embraced Islam in France such as Maurice Bucaille and Rojer Garaudy?

A: I was greatly influenced by those famous men, especially Bucaille who was stunned by the Quranic verse that reads:{ ...And say: 0’ my Lord! Increase me in knowledge } [Taha: 114].

No other religion but Islam demands one to increase one’s knowledge. Man is at the threshold of a new century; still increase in scientific knowledge is demanded.

It is logic and reasoning that led me to embrace Islam. I did not blindly follow one of the present trends, nor did I flatter Muslims for some personal interest in marriage or divorce. I found the scientific factor in The Quran. They are scientific miracles in the age of science and knowledge.

Q: What was the reaction in your own locality?

A: Naturally, they rejected my new attitude. I suffered hardship and social harassment. I became a stranger in my family and amid my friends. But I consider myself an immigrant from one religion to another. Today I live amid the Muslims.

Q: The majority of Muslims are not committed Muslims; how were you attracted to Islam?

A: I was attracted to Islam through its clear reasonable logic and concepts that can be enacted. There is nothing secret or ambiguous in Islam. Islam’s practical instructions are clear to both: the common people and intellectuals. No one is humiliated or despised in this religion. There are no complicated or ecclesiastical rituals. No one has the authority to forgive the sinners. Allah the Almighty is only the One Who forgives. Islam is religion of reason and convincing argument. The Holy Quran says:

{ But if they dispute with you ( O’ Muhammad), then say: I have submitted myself ( wholly) to Allah and so does everyone who follows me } [Al-Umran: 19].

{ And they say: ‘None shall enter Paradise except him who is a Jew or a Christian.’ Say ( O, Muhammad to them): Bring your proof if you are truthful. } [The Cow: 111].

Islam is the religion of dialogue. A Muslim feels certain of the Creator hence enjoys spiritual tranquility.

The Holy Quran says:{ And those who believe and their hearts are set at rest by God’s remembrance; certainly by God’s remembrance are the hearts set at rest. } [Al-Ra’d:28].

Islam is different from other religions in such features in addition to its demand of one to seek knowledge. Moreover, Islam does not stifle the natural instincts of the human being. We are today at the age of stirred instincts through media propaganda. Islam is moderate; it does not suppress the instincts. The Prophet (P.B.U.H.) says:« The believer who lives amid others and is patient at hardship is better than he who isolates himself and is impatient. » In Islam there is not monasticism that suppresses the instincts Allah created in men to survive the species reproduction. Tribes and nations are created to know each other. The Holy Quran says:{ O’ you people, surely We have created you of a male and female and made you in nations and tribes that you may recognize each other; surely the most honored of you to Allah is the one of you who guards ( against evil) the most, Allah is All- Knowing All-Aware } [Al-Hujurat: 13].

Q: Are you active amid Muslims or Christians?

A: Naturally amid the Muslims. I give lectures, radio interviews, and explain a lot about reasons for my conversion to Islam. I refer to the scientific miracles in The Quran and confirm its authenticity vis-à-vis the distorted Bibles.

Q: You do not address Christians, do you?

A: No, I do not, but I do call them to seek authentic information related to the Prophet (P.B.U.H.) in their Bibles. The Deuteronomy 18: 18 says:

{I will raise them up a Prophet from among their brethren like unto thee (Moses - having a father and a mother)and will put My words in his mouth and he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him. }.

Isaiah 2:12 says:

{And the Book (The Quran)is delivered to him that he is not learned saying: Read this, I pray thee, and he says: I am not learned .}.

Q: Do you consider Islam as a perfect religion encompassing all previous religions? Can it play a role at the international level?

A: Of course I do. The Quranic verse 3 chapter Al-Maidah confirms this fact. Other religions need Islam so that they may be refined of all distortion.

Islam can be a unique school for science and culture. The renowned writer George Bernard Show says:« If a man like Muhammad were to assume leadership of the modem world, he would succeed in solving its problems and bring peace and happiness. »

MRS. BERNICE HOLTON

Mrs. Bernice Holton is a British biologist who embraced Islam more than twenty years ago. She married a committed Muslim scientist and has three children. In an interview with a local magazine, Mrs. Holton speaks about her early inclination toward religion in general and Islam in particular. Following is the text of her interview.

Q: Kindly tell us how were you attracted to Islam?

A: As a child, I attended the church as is usual for Christian families to do. Then I became a teacher in the church; however, the teaching and the contents of the Bible did not convince me. Hence I left the church and turned to other religions, such as Hinduism, Buddhism... and Islam as well. The problem in the West is that one reads about Islam in books that cannot tell the true meanings in Islam. Writers play with words to distort information. I gave up thinking of religion. Then in college, I saw people from all over the world. Some were Muslims, and I asked them about Islam. At that time, the Muslims and the Arabs were ridiculed in the magazines and newspapers. They were portrayed as being silly and stupid, and it was said that one Jew could mislead a thousand Arabs.

However, when I talked with true Muslims, they furnished me with good, reasonable information which proved them to be clever and intelligent. I asked for books written in English by British Muslims. I never thought of becoming a Muslim woman, because I knew my family, friends, and co-workers would oppose me and create trouble for me. Hence I put away all the Islamic books in a place where I could not get them easily. Yet I could not tolerate the situation and hurried to get them back. I accepted Islam after I received my college degree. I got a job in Toronto... It was not easy for me to work with Jews, Christians, etc. They mocked my new belief, but I used to tolerate their behavior and talked to them sociably.

When I started to fast, I could not arrange the times for eating: Iftar and suhur (eating after sunset and before dawn). When I suffered poor health, my colleagues hurried to get me a doctor and from that time on, they were so nice to me that they even supplicate me on fasting days with chocolates or biscuits at the time of eating. They are still my good friends.

Q: What is your opinion regarding women’s freedom in the West and Muslim women in the Muslim community?

A: Women have gained some freedom in recent years. They have entered all fields of knowledge. The West talks a lot about freedom but never talks about duties and obligations. For women, it is good to study and achieve social status. Women can work as doctors, engineers, and in business. The problem is not to work or not outside the home. The problem is that she is being cheated, misled, and sexually abused. In this regard you can see the article of Dr. Frances Conley published in« Time » No. 27, July 1991.

In a capitalist society, companies compete for the highest profits for their products. Now who is to buy their products? Of course, men, women, and children. Women also take the husband’s money for their own use. Here the companies encourage women to buy even useless items. Women, in turn, try to find the latest fashions, cosmetics, furniture, luxurious cars… They think about how to spend the evening and where. The company’s profits increase. In the West, nothing is encouraged if it is not profitable. As a result, immorality and deviation spread, families break down, and children suffer psychological damage. Women also suffer. This is the result of the media campaigns which don’t differentiate between reasonable freedom and interference in one’s obligation...

In regard to a Muslim woman wherever she lives, she suffers hardships in her community. Even those who agree with her decent (Islamic) clothes (hijab ) find it difficult to have her at work. She faces difficulties in bringing up her children in an environment where the schools (usually with secularist curriculums), the T.V. programs, and the media teach them something in contrast with their belief. Hence the Muslim mother must be aware of Islamic ethics (ideology) and must know that which is forbidden and that which is not forbidden.

Q: How can a true Muslim woman play a positive role in a Muslim community?

A: Every person can play such a role. A woman can have such a role if she brings up her children according to Islamic instructions. Speaking for myself, I like reading scientific and social books as well as books about environment. I like very much to join organizations caring for the disabled. I think disabled people throughout the world are in great need of help. The work with the disabled may not seem fruitful since improvement is not always obvious... However, in Third World countries, we see few organizations caring for them. Everyone is concerned with his own affairs. In the results of the territorial wars, one can see thousands of helpless citizens.

The disabled may not suffer from a missing leg or hand. He may suffer from a mental disorder, a bullet in the liver, etc. The disabled often feel they are a burden to their families, and they may develop other sicknesses. Organizations can be of great help. We are all supposed to demonstrate sympathy, compassion, and help towards those who need it.


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