Alhassanain(p) Network for Heritage and Islamic Thought

Chapter 3: Benefits of the True Religion

The benefits of the true religion are numerous. The person who has no religion or has chosen a wrong religion is the biggest loser. Nothing can compensate this loss.

We find many disbelievers around us who have wealth, power, and property. Many people think that they are the most fortunate people in the world. But there were many people like them in the past who are now dead. Every person knows without any doubt that they have left all their wealth, power and honour which they were enjoying during their lifetime. So death is the end of every material and worldly thing.

The Holy Quran has revealed this truth in the following verses. "How many gardens, how many fountains they left behind them; and cornfields, and noble palaces, and good things in which they took delight. Thus (itwas ) , and we made other people inherit all that. Neither heaven nor earth shed tears for them, nor were they reprieved". (44:25-29)

"O believers: Shall I command you to a bargain that will save you from a miserableinfliction ? Have faith in Allah and His apostle and that you strive to your utmost in the cause of Allah with your wealth and your persons, that will be the best for you, if you but knew it. He will forgive you your sins and admit you to gardens watered by running streams. He will lodge you in pleasant mansions in gardens of eternity; that is indeed the supreme achievement." (61:10-12)

The holy Quran has repeatedly warned us that every thing which we possess in this world will be left behind. The intelligent people are those who purchase the prosperity that can remain with them even after their death. A man of understanding, even if he is not Muslim, can perceive it.

Jean-jacques Rousseau (1712-1778), a great French philosopher and most impor tant writer of the Age of Reason, has given some words of wisdom, when he wrote to his son about the reality of this worldly life:

"I know that I am destined to die; then, should I create attachment for myself in thisworld ? In a world where all things are changing and passing, I myself will soon become non- existent. Of what use to me are attachments?Emile, my son, if I lose you, what will be lef t for me? I must nonetheless prepare myself for such an intolerable eventuality, because no one can assure me that I will die before you. So if you wish to live happily and rationally, attach your heart only to beauties that are imperishable; try to limit your desires and hold duty in higher esteem than all else. Seek only those things that do not violate the law of morality, and accustomyourself to losing things without distress. Accept nothing, unless your conscience permits you. If you do all of this, you will surely be happy, and not become over attached to anything on earth ".

Rousseau was not a Muslim but was inspired by Islamic philosophy. A man of this thinking can command his people to bring revolution. Rousseau's philosophy motivated the people of his time that led to the French Revolution.

Now let us point out some of the discernible benefits of the true religion. Religion imparts a consciousness of the self-esteem. From Islamic point of view, all human beings are born asMuslims, it is their parents who make them Hindus, Christians, Jews or pagans. There are more than 2 millions kinds of living creatures and out of them men are the most supreme beings.

The first and foremost duty of man is to know its rank and status in the world of creation. It isthen, he can maintain his position and can go fur ther in his evolutionary growth and development. Quran and hadith are the only reliable source of knowing the origin of mankind. It is important to note that Quran has given a special emphasis to reveal the real position of man for his self-recognition.

Announcement of Divine Deputyship. Allah Subhanu taala has appointed man as His vicegerent on the earth .

Quran says:

"It is He who has appointed you vicegerent on the earth and exalted some of you in rank above others, so that He may test you by means of what he has given you." (6:165)The coronation ceremony of man. Allah arranged a special coronation ceremony in which the entire existing creatures of that time were asked to attend it. Theparticipants who were mostly the angels, were then ordered by Allah Subhanu taala, to bow down before Adam- the symbolic representative of mankind.

Quran says;

"Behold;your Lord said to the angels: I am about to create Man, from sounding clay from mud molded in. When I fashion him and breathe into him of My spirit, kneel down and prostrate yourself before him; All the angels prostrated themselves, except Satan, who refused to be one of those who prostrated themselves" (15:28-29-34)

All the angels and the archangel respectfully followed the command of Allah Subhanu Taala and prostrated, except Satan( a Jinn ), who was then disgracefully ousted from the paradise on his noncompliance of the Divine Command.

Quran further explains the status of man and the facilities and favors with which he has been bestowed by The Lord ofThe Worlds "Indeed We have honored the children of Adam. We have put the land and the sea under their control, provided them good livelihood and have definitely given them superiority above many of our creatures." (17:70) "Have you not seen that Allah has put at your service whatever there is in the heavens and the earth." (31:20)

"It is He who has made the earth subservient to you.so walk about in its regions and eat what Allah has produced." (67:15) Quran tells us that man has the highest rank among all the creatures of Allah.

Man has been given the power to rule the world. Everything in the universe is for him. What Quran had said 1400 years ago is proved now. We see that man is taking the maximum advantage of Allah's creations. He is ruling the world. Animals, plants, mountains, and even the moon and planets are under his full use. This is a great honor.

But the scientists of today classify man among the animals. Biologists say that human beings belong to the class of animals calledmammals which includes dogs, cats, donkeys, monkeys and all other animals. Of course, when the man considers himself a descendant of monkey, then one should not be surprised if he behaves like the beasts.

This sense of inferiority complex has developed because they do not have a religion that can inspire them to know their real status. The consequences of under mining the status of man is that after rising to the height of moon, man is still low as he was in his primitive age. Thus, the first and foremost task for every human being is to know his status and position in the creation of Allah Subhanahu taala. After recognizing himself, he will be able to understand the purpose of his creation and the cause of his supremacy and great Divine favors. Without the recognition of man's reality and his real status, all human endeavors and efforts, be they scientific or spiritual, will be futile and bottomless.

The Holy Imam HazratAli( as) has told this truth in many different ways. "Whoever recognizes himself has recognized his Lord." "I am surprised at one who seeks what he has lost while he has lost himself and does not search for it."

"The ultimate point of knowledge is for man to reach self-recognition." Thus, religion is the only reliable source of self awareness, which is prior to all other issues that concern man. Religion offers peace and tranquillity.

Many scientists do not believe in God and say that no one has created human beings or anything that we know in the universe. The net result of this misleading assumption would be that universe and everything in it is purposeless. In fact, this is what the modern scientists do believe and eventually tend to preach: No God, which precisely means - no religion - no purpose - no objective - no destination.

They deny everything all in all. A person who believes in true religion, which accurately tells about the life-after-death, will have a correct perception of his life. Eventually it would illuminate the mind to discover the real purpose of life. Thus, the inevitable outcome of this belief wouldbe ;

exhaust all his energy for that preparation.

sacrifice anything and everything on demand as he has knowledge of full reward.

never make mistakes in identifying the real nature of things.

never feel defeated if he loses any worldly thing.

Such a sensible person will live peacefully and will allow others to live with peace.

Today, the most technologically advanced world has everything but not peace. We all know very well that we can not enjoy anything if we don't have peace of mind.

Those who do not believe in life afterdeath, are killing each other to get hold of everything.

This is happening in this world at all levels. Thus, the benefit of true religion is that it offers peace and tranquillity in this world as well as hereafter. Religion offers a sense of security.

Apparently it seems that the people in the West, who do not believe in religion, are the most satisfied people. But according to one repor t published in the Times International magazine, 28,000 people in the United States, 25,000 people in Switzerland and the same number of people in Japan commit suicide every year. The US suicide rate is increasing steadily since the late 1950's. The majority of the people who commit suicide are old people, young adults and teen-agers. 75% of them are males.

In 1980, the best selling book in Japan was "How to commit suicide". In this book, the author has designed different postures of committing suicide. The large sale of this book precisely shows that a large number of people in Japan are inclined to commit suicide. The possibilities are that they might commit suicide in future.

Why people commit suicide?

A question arises, why people living in well-off and rich countries are committing suicide? These countries have relatively less economical, social, and political problems comparing with Third World countries such as India, Pakistan and Bangladesh.

The report says that the most common cause of suicide is a sense of insecurity. But we know that in these developed countries, most of the people are well-to-do, and also the governments have a variety of security schemes and agencies to look after the general welfare of the people.

Then, why do these people develop feelings of insecurity that eventually lead them to commit suicide?

A Psychologist gave a beautiful explanation. He says that we all human beings are naturally accustomed of a special kind of security. Lack of faith in God and aimlessness of life trigger the sense of insecurity which generates depression and eventually leads to kill oneself to get rid of that unknown fear. This is the reason that thousands of people are committing suicides and murder due to their inner frustration and sense of insecurity.

Thus, a true religion is the only solution of depression and insecurity. Quran confirms that the real peace of mind can only be achieved by the intellectual remembrance of Allah.

Those who believe, and whose hearts find satisfaction in the remembrance of Allah: for without doubt, in the remembrance of Allah, do hearts find satisfaction. (13:28)A child feels complete sense of security when he finds himself near to his mother. It is because of child's strong belief that his mother will save him from all disasters. The innocent child does not know this fact that his mother loves him but can not save him in all circumstances. It is only God Who loves us( as He is the one who creates love for the child in the mother's heart), and also He is All-Mighty.

"And whenMy servants ask you concerning me, then surely I am near; I answer the prayer of the supplicant when he calls on Me." (2:186) gives a purpose in life.

Man-made things

Man makes everything with a purpose

Natural things

Man finds everything in nature with a purpose

Man & Universe

Can it be without anypurpose ?

IMPOSSIBLE

As we know that a large number of scientists do not believe in God and consider man an accidental product of nature. Eventually for them, man has no purpose in life except what he sets for himself. But their assumption goes totally against their own findings. Let us see how these so-called learned people contradict themselves.

The medical scientists have studied each and every part of the human body. They now know the whole organization of the body, from its smallest parts to the largest ones. On the basis of these studies they say that the human body is made up of trillions of cells. These cells are of many kinds such as blood cells, muscle cells, and nerve cells. Each kind of cell has special features and some par ticular job.

Then there are special highly sophisticated organs such as hear t, kidney, lungs, liver etc. All these organs have special functions and well defined purpose of their being. A question should be asked to these medical researchers who themselves have disclosed these facts. That if every cell and every organ in the human body has special work to do,then what is the special work of the whole human body.

Is it wise to assume that, all cells of the body and the organs, have a purpose and a job, but the human beings who are made up of these cells and organs have no well defined purpose. Thus, a man of average intelligence will agree that when every organ of the body has been given a special assignment, then humans must also have a special purpose of life.

The Holy Quran educates us precisely the Divine purpose of creation and aims and objectives of every human being. Those who serve the purpose and do their duties are said to have a meaningful life.

I have only created Jinns and Men that they should worshipMe . I demand no sustenance from them,nor I ask that they should feed Me. (51:56)

Thus, Allah Subhanahu taala has given us a perfect body in which each and every cell and organ tirelessly serves us. In our body, millions of sophisticated machines are working for us to fulfill our demands and keep us active and alive. Millions of pages will be required to describe the functions and activities of these machines that serve us round the clock. A student of medicine spends five to seven years just to acquire knowledge of the functions of these organs. Briefly, we describe here the functions of just some of the vital organs.

Thelungs provides the body with oxygen and simultaneously rids the body of carbon dioxide. The heart which is a powerful pump, beats 100,000 times each day as it pump 4.5 litres blood per minute throughout the body. The digestive system breaks down the food we eat into simple substances that the cells can use.

The urinary system removes unwanted things from the blood and flushes them from the body.

The nervous system regulates and coordinates the activities of all the system of the body and enables the body to adjust to changes that occur withinitself and in sur roundings. The endocrine system controls body functions by producing hormones which work as chemical messengers.

The lymphatic system consists of a network of tubes carrying a clear, watery fluid called lymph. It baths and nourishes the cells of the body tissues. The immune system protects the body at all times from the disease- producing bacteria, viruses and other kinds of harmful substances. The specialized cells resist and destroy all kinds of invaders that can become a threat to our health.

Now a sensitive mind should think that how obediently an instrumental team of workers in our body is serving us all the time like obedient slaves. We should ask ourselves, are we not obliged to serve the Lord, Allah Subhanahu Taala, who has created them and made them our free servant.

The scientists, who have observed this remarkable organization in the body with their naked eyes and still deny the existence of God are fit for nothing but the hell-fire, where they should live for ever to see the result of their acute ignorance and indescribable ungratefulness. Those who do not believe in the Divine Creator will remain unfit to accomplish the purpose of their creation. This means that such people are totally valueless whether they are world's top scientists or presidents or richest men. Every thing they possess is worthless for them because they will lose it one day for ever.

The Holy Quran has described the wor thlessness of such works. "As for the unbelievers (non-Muslim or Muslim just by name), their works (all remarkable scientific achievements) are like a mirage in a desert. The thirsty traveler thinks it water, but when he comes near he finds that it is nothing. He finds Allah there, who pays him back in full.swift is Allah's reckoning." (24:39)

Thus all world's top scientists, Head of States, Prime Ministers, and wealthy people who seem to be very great and astounding personalities are like a mirage in a desert if they don't believe in God and His commandments.

The religion should not be just a trademark of a person. If a person follows a particular religion, he must see the benefits of that religion in his life. Today, scientists are studying each and every part of the human body just to know their purpose and specific function. They know that every organ has a special role to play in the body. Is it not the height of the craziness that the samescientists who strongly believe that every organ in the body has a particular purpose, do not recognize any definite purpose of the whole human personality.

Thus, denying the existence of God means denying everything. Man has been created in the nature of sensing the existence of his Creator. This sensing is by itself a religion. Islam is a religion which interpreates this natural sensing in human language.

Chapter 4: Islam - The Only True Religion

Though the followers of every religion say that their religion is the only true religion, but none other than Muslims can prove it rationally. Let's give some strong points in suppor t of our belief that no one can disprove them on valid grounds.

1. Muslims never claim that Islam is a new religion, but believe that it is the first and the oldest religion which was revealed to the first man and the first Prophet, Adam (as ) who arrived on the planet earth by the order of Allah Subhanahu taala.

2. Muslims believe in the basic teachings of Prophet Ibrahim (as), Prophet Musa (as),Prophet Isa (as) and assert that Prophet Muhammed was the last prophet of all prophets who testified and completed the Divine message.i.e . all prophets from Hazrat Adam (as) to Hazrat Muhammad (sws ) have the same basic beliefs.

3. The Holy Quran is the only Divine book which is present in its original form and has never been slightly changed or adulterated or corrupted in anyway. No other book claimed as Divine book is available in its original form or in the same language in which it was revealed.

4. Islam covers each and every aspect of human life and gives complete guidance in every field of human interest. It has complete code of perfect life. No other religion has such complete course of social laws.

5. The basic beliefs and social laws of Islam never collide with each other. Also, the basic beliefs and fundamental teachings of Islam and the established facts of science show compatibility with each other. This is not true with any other religion of the world.

6. Islam tells us very clearly, from where we have come, why we are here, and where we will ultimately go. Islam clearly defines the aim of our creation and the purpose of our life. All other religions do not answer these basic questions so clearly.

7. Islam is the only true monotheistic religion which teaches us to believe in the absolute oneness of God.

Christians claim that they believe in one God but they also believe in trinity, i.e. they say 1+1+1 =1 which is not correct. Similarly Hindus claim that they also believe in one God but they worship many gods.

We shall now prove that the original teachings of Judaism, Christianity and many other religions testify the basic beliefs of Islam. These religions are now different because they have been changed by the people to fulfill their selfish demands.

The original Judaism and Christianity verify Islam

Followers of Judaism are known as Jews. Judaism in its original form was nothing but Islam. Jews still believe in Hazrat Moosa (Moses) who was a true messenger of Allah.

The name of Hazrat Musa (as) has appeared 136 times in 37 different chapters of the Holy Quran. Hazrat Moosa (as) is among the five great prophets. Allah Subhanahu taala has admired his sincere efforts and great contribution in the Quran.

And mention in the Book Musa. For He( Hazrat Musa ) was an apostle, a prophet , and a chosen man. (19:51) Hazrat Musa( as ) preached to his nation, the Ten Commandments, which are described in the Holy Quran. He taught his people that,There is no god except Allah and I (Musa) am His messenger.

Just as the Holy Quran was revealed to Prophet Muhammad (sws), Torah( Taurait ) was revealed to Hazrat Musa ( as ). Quran has confirmed that Taurat was a true Divine book which was revealed to the Prophet Musa (as ) .

"He has revealed to you the Book with the truth, confirming what preceded it; and he has already revealed the Torah (Laws of Moses) and the Gospel (of Jesus) for the guidance of mankind, and the distinction between right and wrong." (3:3)

"It wasWe who revealed the Torah (law to Moosa): therein was guidance and light". (5:44) But today the religious book of Jews, the first five books of the Bible, which is called the Pentateuch or the Old Testament or the Torah, is not the same book which was revealed to Hazrat Moosa (as ).

Thus Muslims believe that Taurait, the original religious book of Jews, is a true Divine book which was revealed to Hazrat Musa (as ) from Allah but do not recognize the present Torah as a Divine book as it has been changed.

It is important to note that some of the unchanged traditions of Hazrat Musa (as) which Jews could not change and which they still observe are present in Islam. For example;

a - Jews still practice circumcision which is also compulsory in Islam.

b - Jews do not eat pork which is also strictly forbidden in Islam.

c - Jews do not eat shrimps, and other kinds of shellfish.

d - Jews follow certain acts of Islamic slaughtering.

e - Jews spiritual leaders Rabbis keep beard and cover their head.

f - Jews observe burial formalities as soon as possible.

It is intersting to note that Christians, who also recognise Hazrat Musa as the Prophet of God and consider Torah as the part of theirBile do not follow any of the above laws. Jews also believe in Hazrat Ibrahim( as ), the great prophet of Islam and the ancestor of the Holy Prophet of Islam Hazrat Muhammad Mustafa (sws ).

The grandson of Hazrat Ibrahim (as ) was Hazrat Yaqoob ( Jacob ), who was also called Israel. He had 12 sons. They founded the 12 tribes that became the Israelites. Over a period of time, many of them (the descendants of Hazrat Yaqoob) settled in Egypt, where they eventually became slaves. In the 1200's B.C, Hazrat Musa (as) freed them from the captivity of Firaun ( Pharaoh ) and led them out of Egypt to Cannon (Palestine ).

It is unfortunate that the followers of Hazrat Musa and the descendants of Hazrat Yaqoob and Hazrat Ibrahim (as) were the staunch enemies of the Holy Prophet (sws)Similarly the followers of Christianity are known as Christians.

Christians claim that Christianity is based on the life and teachings of Hazrat Isa (Jesus Christ). They believe that God sent Hazrat Isa as the savior of mankind.

But Christianity in its original form was nothing but Islam. Hazrat Isa (as ) taught his people that God is one and He has no par tner, no son, no father and that he is his messenger. Today Christians believe that Hazrat Isa is son of God and is a par t of God. They call him the lord of the universe and associate him with God. This is totally against the tr ue and original teaching of Hazrat Isa (as ) .

The Quran tells us very clearly that Hazrat Isa (as ) did not say what Christians believe but he said what we Muslim believe. Quran also confirms that the true followers of Hazrat Isa (as) were Muslims.

"And behold! I inspired the disciples to have faith inMe and Mine messenger: They said, We have faith and do thou bear witness that we bow to Allah as Muslims." (5:111) "Then Allah (S.W.T) will say: Isa, son of Mariam, did you ever say to mankind: 'Worship me and my mother as gods besides Allah?

"Glory to You,' he will answer, 'how could I say that to which I have no right? If I had ever said so,You would surely have known it. You know what is in my mind, but I can not tellYou what is in Yours. You alone know what is hidden. I spoke to them nothing except whatYou bade me. (I said): 'Serve Allah (S.W.T), my Lord and your Lord'.

I watched over while living in their midst, and ever sinceYou took me to You, You Yourself have been watching over them. You are the witness of all things. IfYou punish them, they surely are Your servants; and if You forgive them, surely You are Mighty Wise." (5: 116-118) This shows that the Christian's claim that they follow the teachings of Hazrat Isa is not correct. Hazrat Isa had never taught what Christians believe today.

Thus the true followers of Hazrat Isa are not Christians but Muslims. Muslims also believe that Injil was the Divine Book which was revealed to Hazrat Isa by Allah (S.W.T). The present Bible (New Testament) which Christians believe as a Divine Book is not the original Divine Book (Injil) which was revealed to Hazrat-e-Isa.

Thus, Muslims strongly believe that Hazrat Isa was the true messenger of Allah (S.W.T) who taught the basic beliefs and teachings of Islam. Today Christians do a lot of things which are totally against the teaching of Hazrat Isa. The religious center of Christianity is Rome, which was never even visited by him. Thus, history shows that Christianity has no connection with Hazrat Isa and his basic teachings.

Thus, both Jews and Christians claim that their religion is based on monotheism, but they don't believe in the absolute oneness of God. Quran reveals:

"The Jews call Uzayr a son of God, and the Christians call Christ the son of God. That is a saying from their mouth. They imitate what the unbelievers of old times used to say.

Allah's cursebe on them, "How they are deluded away from the truth." (9:30) The religions such as Hinduism and Zoroastriaanisim etc., have been so badly changed that it is difficult to trace out their origin. We can not say anything about their original teachings and original beliefs Buddhism, Jainism, Confucianism, Shintoism, and Sikhism are the thoughts of human minds and cannot be considered as Divine religion.

Chapter 5: What Does the Word Islam Mean?

Islam is an Arabic word. Arabic language has substantially large vocabular y in which one word has many different meanings. The word Islam has also different meanings such as;

We caninterrelate these different meanings to give one simple and precise interpretation of Islam.

Islam means

Total submission to the will of Allah Subhanahu taala with full commitment in absolute obedience to His laws. This purity of soul and mind will bring perfect peace in this world and in the life hereafter.

This means that mankind can not achieve perfect peace in this world without total submission to Allah Subhanahu taala.

Today we find that there is no peace in the world. United Nations, and other such big organizations are making efforts to acquire peace but they have failed in their endeavors. The reason is very simple i.e., peace can never be achieved without total submission to Allah Taala subhanahu.

Thus Islam guarantees permanent peace, happiness and tranquillity which mankind is looking for. So Islam is the only answer of our very basic problem. If all the human beings sincerely and wholeheartedly embrace Islam, then the world will become a paradise.

Who are Muslims?

The meaning of Muslim is one who thoughtfully and willfully submits himself to the will of Allah. Those who intellectually and firmly believe in Islam and sincerely practice its teachings are referred as Muslims.

There are many Muslims in the world who are Muslims just because they are bor n in a Muslim family, bear a Muslim name, and follow some Islamic traditions in marriage and burial ceremonies. But they live as others live and do whatever suits them to seek worldly pleasure.

They show some superficial emotional feelings for the Prophet (sws) and Imams but do not follow their teachings. Islam considers such people as Muslim in this world for the convenience of the true Muslims but will not recognize them Muslim after their death. For being a Muslim, Quran strongly demands complete obedience and fulfillment of basic commitment of total submission as endorsed in shahadah.

"It is not fitting for a believer, man or woman, when a matter has been decided by Allah and His messenger, to have any option about their decision. If anyone disobeys Allah and His messenger, he is indeed on a clearly wrong path." (33:36)A born Muslim has no advantage over a born non- Muslim.

Quran has made it very clear that no other religion except Islam will be accepted by Allah Taala on the Day of Judgment.

And whoever seeks a religion other than Islam, it will never be accepted of him, and in the Hereafter he will be one of the losers. (3:85)Does it mean that all non-Muslims are basically unfit and not eligible for Jannat by vir tue of their birth? And that all Muslims have a reserved seat in Jannat just because they were born in a Muslim family.

If this is true, then all non-Muslims would plead on the Day of Judgment: "O, God, You are Just and Impartial: what is our fault if we are a non-Muslim. We were born in a non-Muslim family byYour will and not by our choice. We learned and practiced the religion of our father because it was taught by our parents. This is why we were Hindu, or Christian or Jews and died as non-Muslims".

This appeal will take a solid ground if we assume a fittingly parallel case where the neighbor of any non-Muslim is a Muslim just because he was born in a Muslim family. If that Muslim is considered eligible to enter Jannat just because he was brought up in an Islamic environment and died as a Muslim. Then a question would arise:

For what reason that non-Muslim is being punished and his Muslim neighbor is being rewarded when they both have simply followed the religion of their respective fathers. Generally a child embraces the religion of his forefathers. i.e., a Hindu is Hindu because his father was Hindu, a Christian is Christian because his parents were Christians, and also a Muslim is Muslim because his father and mother were Muslims.

So why a non-Muslim should be punished and a Muslim should get reward when initially they all have no contribution in choosing the right or wrong religion.This is a question which has confused many people. Apparently it seems to be a valid question, but this argument is based on a misconception.

We have a very wrong conception that all those who are born in a Muslim family are Muslims and those who are born in a non-Muslim family are basically unable to be a Muslim. This is not true. The fact is that, whether a person is a born Muslim or non-Muslim by birth, he has an inborn capability to identify the truth. Quran has made it clear that every person has been taught the basic truths before his birth so that he should not give any such excuse that he was born in a Non-Muslim family or he was completely unaware of the whole situation.

The verses 172 and 173 of the Surah Aaraf cer tify that every person is born with some kind of innate knowledge with which he can verify the truth and falsehood.

"And( Remember ) when your Lord brought forth the children of Adam, from their loins- their descendants and made them testify of themselves, (saying): Am I not your Lord ?

They said: Yes, verily, We do testify: lest (so that) you should say on the Day of Judgment:" Verily , we have been unaware of this." (7:172) "or you can say: " our fathers before us have taken false gods, and we are their descendants after them. Will You destroy us on account of that which they followed" (7: 173) Muslim scholars quoting the Holy Prophet (as) and Imams(as) have described the scene of this covenant in different books. The full account of this story is as follows.

The event which Quran is referring in the above two verses, has occurred sometimes in the distant past i.e., before the birth of man. Allah Subhanahu Taala gathered all human beings, who are from the lineage of Adam, in the form of minute particles and asked them to testify their faith in Him. All human beings in that state confirmed that they know the truth by saying: "We bear witness thatYou are our Lord".

This testimony was then induced in every soul. Any soul which takes birth whether in a Muslim or a non- Muslim family comes with this inborn knowledge which is enough for him to achieve the truth and reject the falsehood.So, all human beings, whether born in a Muslim or nom-Muslim family, are equally equipped to achieve the truth and are therefore equally responsible for what they believe irrespective of their personal background.

On Islamic standard, a person is not qualified to be called as Muslim just because he is bor n in a Muslim family. It is only for the sake of convenience in social dealings that Islam recognizes every born Muslim as Muslims. But the basic criteria of being a Muslim is the same for everyone whether he is a born Muslim or born non-Muslim.

The basic criterion for any person to be called as a Muslim is that he has intellectually recognized the basic concepts of Islam and he consciously observes the Islamiclaws .

This means that a Muslim is one whose faith is based on his research and deep understanding of Islam. He has not inherited his faith from his father but he has realized the truth and has accepted it because of its merits.

With this definition in mind, we find no difference between a person who is born in a Muslim or a non-Muslim family. Everyone whether born in a Muslim or a non-Muslim family is required the same amount of efforts to achieve the truth.

On the Day of Judgment, each person will be judged fairly on the basis of his sincere effor ts and thoughts. Thus many Muslims who were Muslims just by virtue of their birth and not by their research and understanding will find themselves among the non-Muslims.

The basic criterion of Islam is Shahadah. A person becomes Muslim when hepronounce the shadah, which says:

"I bear witness that there is no god but Allah and I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant and messenger".

The word witness implies that he has thoughtfully accepted Islam and not just by blind following. The pre-requisite condition of a proper witness is a thorough knowledge. The problem lies that many Muslims just pronounce shahadah without understanding its meanings and requirements. If we simply analyze the word witness used in Shadah then the error in understanding can easily be identified.

The question of who is suitable to serve as a witness is not difficult to answer. All of us know very well that a witness is always based on evidence.

For instance, a person appears in cour t as witness in a murder case. The Judge will ask him to give evidence in support of his statement. If he fails to do so then the Judge will ask him the grounds on which he suspects that Mr. XYZ to have committed the murder. Now he replies that he doesn't know any thing about the murder except what his father has told him.

The Judge will further ask him;Did his father see the accused person involved in murder. He replies; No, I think my father has learned this from his father.

What will be the judgment of the court?

Obviously the court will reject his statement. In fact, he is liable to punishment for contempt of court. A witness who testifies untruthfully is guilty of the crime of perjury and can be severely punished.

Thus, all those Muslims who claim to be a Muslim without any solid evidence in suppor t of their faith i.e., without any research and deep knowledge by which they can testify their beliefs, are not true Muslims.

On the Day of Judgment, if non-Muslims will be charged with not having accepted the truth then Muslims will also be cer tainly questioned about how they have accepted the truth. This is why acquisition of knowledge in Islam is compulsory (wajib) for every male and female Muslim. But most of us take it for granted The Divine word Islam holds full contents of its teachings. It demands from its followers - peace, purity, submission and obedience. Thus, Muslims are those who make a strong commitment for total submission to the Will of Allah Subhanahu taala by obeying His laws.

Every material thing in the universe is made up of atoms. It is an empirical belief of all scientists that all atoms, thatmeans everything in universe, strictly obey laws of nature. Ignorant scientists do not believe in the existence of Allah and call His laws as laws of nature. Thus, the whole universe is regarded in the state of Islam.

"Have they not observed things that Allah has created,How their (very) shadows turn round, from the right and the left, prostrating themselves to Allah, and that in the humblest manner?" (16:48)

"And to Allah prostrate all that is in the heavens and all that is in the earth, of the moving (living) creatures and the angels, and they are not proud [i.e they worship their lord with humility]" (16:49)

In His whole creation, Allah taala has given only two kinds of His creatures, namely men and jinaat, freedom of choice in respect of submission to His will. Allah has equipped men with intelligence to take the right decision. Those who choose to submit to His will and obey His laws are known as Muslims.

How the people of different backgrounds can be expected to embraceIslam ?

Quran has the answer to this question.

So set thou thy face steadily and truly to the Faith: (establish) Allah's handiwork according to the pattern on which He has made mankind: no change (let there be) in the work (wrought) by Allah: that is the standard Religion: but most among mankind understand not. (30:30)

So Quran tells us that all mankind have the recognition of Allah imprinted on their souls, a part of their very nature with which they are created. Every child is born with a natural belief in Allah and an inborn inclination to worship Him alone in a way Islam has educated its followers. This is known as nature or Fitrah.

The Holy Prophet (sws) said:

"Each child is born in a state of Fitrah, then his parents make him a Jew, Christian or Zoroastrian" So it is not difficult for man to turn back towards his real nature, if he makes reasonable efforts. The concern to put reasonable efforts is the major criteria of ultimate fate of all mankind.