Why Did God Create the Universe? Muslim view
By Fethullah Gülen
Who is distressed by the universe's creation? Who does not desire to enjoy its benefits or seek happiness? Very few people express real sorrow at being in this world.
Some people have killed themselves, but their numbers are very small compared to those who haven't. The overwhelming majority of people are glad to be alive, to be here, and to be human. Who complains of being cared for by his or her parents, or of being nourished by that love during childhood? Who complains of being a young person, during which time the exhilaration of life is felt in the very bones?
Which mature adult complains of having a family, children, and leading a harmonious life with them? How can we hope to measure the happiness of Muslims who, even as they are cultivating the seed for the next world, are ensuring success in this world? They are discovering the keys to the gates of ultimate happiness, and so are content and feel no distress.
The universe, which has been ornamented with every sort of art, is like an endless parade or exhibition designed to attract us and make us reflect. Its extraordinary diversity and magnificent adornment, the sheer abundance and flow of events, present a certain reality to our senses and minds.
Muslims believe that this reality indicates the existence of an agent who brings it into being. Islam teaches that it is through the reality of His works and deeds we come to know the Doer, and so His Names. Through these Names, we try to know His Attributes.
Through the channels and prayers opened to our hearts, we strive to know Him in Himself. This raising up of our being is inspired across a wide domain of reality — things, events, the vast realm of humanity's stewardship, as well as the relation or connection between us and the universe and the realm of God's Names and Attributes.
While we perceive things from a human perspective, the way Muslims see it, God does not. While we act out of necessity or desire, God does not. In other words, we cannot ascribe human attributes and motivations to God.
But why did God create all of this? Consider the following: Great sculptors can produce, from the hardest stone or wood, life-like statues that express the most delicate feelings. But we cannot know these sculptors as sculptors unless their abilities are revealed. We can come to know or deduce their abilities from the statues or the process used to produce them.
Every potentiality wishes to reveal the reality hidden within itself, to demonstrate what it knows by assuming an outward form. Seeds strive to sprout, sperms strive to join the egg in the womb, and floating bubbles strive to reach ground as drops of water.
The urge to show our potentialities, and thus to be seen and known by others, is an expression of weakness or defect, as all beings and their wishes are merely shadows of the original essence.
However, according to Islam, the Creator has no defect or weakness. Remember that no single or composite manifestation of the essence is similar to the actual essence.
All artistry in the universe informs us of God's names. Each name, displayed by what has been created, illuminates our way and guides us to knowledge of the Creator's attributes. They stimulate and awaken our hearts by His signs and messages carried to our senses.
Muslims believe that the Creator wills to introduce Himself to us clearly and thoroughly. He wills to show His splendor through the variety and beauty of creation; His will and might through the universe's magnificent order and harmony; His mercy, compassion, and grace through His bestowal of everything upon us, including our most secret wishes and desires. And He has many more names and attributes through which He wills to make Himself known.
In other words, He creates and places things in this world to manifest His might and will. By passing all things through the prism of the intellect and understanding of conscious beings, He arouses their wonder, admiration, and appreciation. Great artists manifest their talents through works of art; the Owner of the universe created it simply to manifest the Might and Omnipotence of His Creativity.
In short, Muslims believe that we are sent here to improve our abilities and skills through the responsibilities He ordains for us. Not all people are created with the same ability and the same disposition; rather, they are like rough minerals waiting to be purified and refined.
For example, artists want to express their talents, and so are known by the resulting works of art.
In the same way, creation's majesty, splendor, and artistry present and reflect His sacred names and attributes. To show us His art, He created the universe and exhibited aspects of His mysterious, hidden treasures within it. To show us how His names, attributes, and divine art become manifest, He created the universe step by step.
He grants us countless opportunities to know Him better and to acquire sound knowledge about Him. He is the absolute Creator who makes everything from one, and adds thousands of benefits to whatever He wills.
Source: http://www.readingislam.com/servlet/Satellite?c=Article_C&cid=1217798733...
The Exonic: lol, yes, we may use it to explain it on a simplistic way :D
Only God Can Judge Me
الله فقط يمكنه محاكمتي
I am you and you are me, if you love i love, if you suffer i suffer
أنا أنت, و أنت أنا, إذا أحببت نفسك أحببت نفسي, إذا عانيتَ عانيتُ
Rayz: He's fair for your spirit, the harder the proof the higher your spirit becomes, you can be handicapped, poor, primitive, but if your spirit passes the test, because that's the reason why some spirits choose harder proofs to reach perfection.
Humans do what God set them to do, to explain it better, what's bad for humans maybe good for animals, the best way i have to explain you this is giving you a link for you to read:
http://www.afterlife101.com/Spirits_Book.html
If you have any doubts afterwards, feal free to ask ;)
Only God Can Judge Me
الله فقط يمكنه محاكمتي
I am you and you are me, if you love i love, if you suffer i suffer
أنا أنت, و أنت أنا, إذا أحببت نفسك أحببت نفسي, إذا عانيتَ عانيتُ
God created this universe so we all can learn to live along and play ping pong :D
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Norton Anti-virus cant keep draculas and T-viruses away, "G-lik" can ;), get yours today :D.
God isn't really fair. How can you say that He doesn't have favorites when most are born normal while some are special or handicapped? Rich or poor. Male or Female. Humans or animals or plants (they too have life don't they?). Why alone humans are answerable to God?
I'd be better as an animal who has all fun in life without answering any questions. I didn't ask to be made in human form.
That's not equality.
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2800 QL Points
Way to go Ray!
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Realsome: In real life just beliving ain't enough, you are asked to go to a moske talk with Iman and show him you really belive in Islam, if i don't do it i ain't considered legally a muslim ;)
Rayyz: I would say that a true perfect being as God is supposed to have only 1 message to all his creations and no favourites, so, every contradiction amongst the 3 main religions should be corrected to the one that is similar to majority of the 3 religions.
You are right, Hell/Heave are man's creations to make people behave and fear the afterlife.
The best example of Humankind assuming God's wishes are the clericals that say that only their religion is the correct one and all others are wrong, that's 2 reasons why i'm a monotheist like Abraham, Moses, Jesus or Mohamed, every christan/jew/muslim is considered a monotheist that were taken away from Monotheism by some supposed God's prophets that instead of uniting God's children, splitted them in, supposably, diferent faiths, all that God wants from us is to do to others what we would like them to do to us.
Only God Can Judge Me
الله فقط يمكنه محاكمتي
I am you and you are me, if you love i love, if you suffer i suffer
أنا أنت, و أنت أنا, إذا أحببت نفسك أحببت نفسي, إذا عانيتَ عانيتُ
No religion is perfect. Yes there probably is someone who created the entire universe including the human beings.
Religions are man-made, were only invented to bring about some discipline in their lives and install a fear of someone larger than life to get a control on them. :)
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2800 QL Points
Way to go Ray!
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rami-leb you are misstating...where is that said??
Poverty is not for the sake of hardship. No, it is there because nothing exists but God. Poverty unlocks the door -- what a blessed key!
- Jalaluddin al-Rumi
no this is not the accountability this is the mercy, we have no right to claim we are accounted so we have to go to heaven NOW.
it all comes to the mercy of God that he puts there who ever he wishes, because remember no matter how good you try to be,you will always have sins but the option open for you is to repent.
secondly, not all Muslims will go to heaven, they will be accounted just as anyone else and will go through if the mercy of God showers them not because they have worked for it.
thirdly, i really dont know about the fate of Mother Terasa :).
Poverty is not for the sake of hardship. No, it is there because nothing exists but God. Poverty unlocks the door -- what a blessed key!
- Jalaluddin al-Rumi
So I don't even have to repent my sins?
I just have to believe in Allah and Mohammed and all that other Koran stuff? But I can keep sinning?
This just keeps getting better and better.
Islam rocks. I don't know any other religion that just lets you keep sinning!!
tanx a lot!!!!!!!!!!
"dgoodrebel will always be the rebellious good one"
Interesting article Gypsy. Thanks for posting.
prophet mahammed said "no one goes trough unless its the mercy of God" his companions asked him "including you" and he said "including me"
I think this might need a little correction. By this it probably was meant in a way that whether or not Prophet Mohammed would goto heaven 'directly', without being accounted for.
As per my knowledge, anyone who believes in Allah and His Prophet will get to heaven no matter how good or bad he's been in real life. And for those who didn't believe in Allah, won't go to heaven at all and burn in hell forever and ever. This is said in clear words. Then how could Allah let Mother Teresa go thru?
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2800 QL Points
Way to go Ray!
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Obviously they aren't considering wives of Qatari's, because I know several who are Christian.
I know Owen, I know. :P
Visit www.qatarhappening.com
geez.. gypsy.. you got a lot of time with you digging this.. :P
[img_assist|nid=12867|link=none|align=left|width=|height=0]Nothing in life is to be feared. It is only to be understood.
yeah its easy in real life. if one is ready to strive.
Poverty is not for the sake of hardship. No, it is there because nothing exists but God. Poverty unlocks the door -- what a blessed key!
- Jalaluddin al-Rumi
I wonder who's that Christian Qatari?
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2800 QL Points
Way to go Ray!
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what if she didnt did anything for God? anyway judgment is only for God, he is merciful and justice.
prophet mahammed said "no one goes trough unless its the mercy of God" his companions asked him "including you" and he said "including me"
so its all upto him to judge us all.
Poverty is not for the sake of hardship. No, it is there because nothing exists but God. Poverty unlocks the door -- what a blessed key!
- Jalaluddin al-Rumi
Sorry guys, this is going to be long:
International Religious Freedom Report: Qatar
(2007)
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The Constitution, as well as certain laws, provide for freedom of association, public assembly, and worship in accordance with the requirements of public order and morality. However, the law prohibits proselytizing by non-Muslims and places some restrictions on public worship. The state religion is Islam.
There was no change in the status of respect for religious freedom by the Government during the period covered by this report, and government policy and practice continued to contribute to the generally free practice of religion.
There were no reports of societal abuses or discrimination based on religious belief or practice, and prominent societal leaders took positive steps to promote religious freedom.
The U.S. Government discusses religious freedom issues with the Government as part of its overall policy to promote human rights.
Section I. Religious Demography
The country has an area of 4,254 square miles and a total population of more than 907,200, of whom one quarter are citizens. Of the citizen population, Shi'a Muslims account for approximately 10 percent and Sunni Muslims 90 percent. The majority of noncitizens are from South and Southeast Asian and Arab countries working on temporary employment contracts, accompanied by family members in some cases. Most noncitizens are Sunni or Shi'a Muslims, Christians, Hindus, Buddhists, or Baha'is. Most foreign workers and their families live near the major employment centers of Doha, Al Khor, Mesaieed, and Dukhan.
While the Government does not release demographic figures regarding religious affiliation, some membership figures are available from Christian community groups. Accordingly, the Christian community includes Roman Catholics (80,000), Eastern and Greek Orthodox, Anglicans (10,000), Copts (3,000), and other Protestants. The Hindu community is almost exclusively Indian, while Buddhists include South, Southeast, and East Asians. Most Baha'is come from Iran. Religion is not a criterion for citizenship, according to the Nationality Law. However, nearly all Qatari citizens are either Sunni or Shi'a Muslims, except for at least one Christian, a few Baha'is, and their respective families who were granted citizenship.
No foreign missionary groups operated openly in the country.
Section II. Status of Religious Freedom
Legal/Policy Framework
The Constitution, as well as certain laws, provide for freedom of association, public assembly, and worship in accordance with the requirements of public order and morality. However, the law prohibits proselytizing by non-Muslims and places some restrictions on public worship. The state religion is Islam. While most Qataris are Sunni, Shi'a Muslims freely practice their faith. The nationality law does not impose any restrictions on religious identity.
The Government and ruling family are linked inextricably to Islam. Non-Muslims, however, serve in government posts. The Ministry of Islamic Affairs controls the construction of mosques, clerical affairs, and Islamic education for adults and new converts. The Amir participates in public prayers during both Eid holiday periods and personally finances the Hajj for citizen and noncitizen pilgrims who cannot afford to travel to Mecca.
Religious groups must register with the Government for legal recognition. The Government has granted legal status to Catholic, Anglican, Greek and other Eastern Orthodox, Coptic, and Indian Christian churches. It maintains an official register of approved religious groups. To be recognized, each group must have at least 1,500 members in the country. While evangelical congregations are not legally recognized because they individually lack the required membership, they worship freely and are provided physical security for their celebrations by the Ministry of Interior when required.
Both Muslims and non-Muslims are tried under the unified court system, incorporating both secular law and Shari'a (Islamic law). Convicted Muslims may earn a sentence reduction of a few months by memorizing the Qur'an. Litigants in civil cases may request the Shari'a courts to assume jurisdiction. In 2005 a panel was established in the courts for the Shi'a. The panel decides cases regarding marriage, divorce, inheritance, and other domestic matters. In matters involving religious issues, the new Family Law applies, which is not restricted to one branch of Islam.
Islamic instruction is compulsory for Muslims in state-sponsored schools. While there were no restrictions on non-Muslims providing private religious instruction for children, most foreign children attended secular private schools. Muslim children were allowed to go to secular and coeducational private schools.
The Government regulates the publication, importation, and distribution of all religious books and materials. However, in practice, individuals and religious institutions were not prevented from importing holy books and other religious items for personal or congregational use.
The Islamic holy days of Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha are national holidays.
Restrictions on Religious Freedom
Government policy and practice contributed to the generally free practice of religion, although there were some restrictions.
Converting to another religion from Islam is considered apostasy and is technically a capital offense; however, since the country gained independence in 1971, there has been no recorded execution or other punishment for such an act.
The Government regulates the publication, importation, and distribution of non-Islamic religious literature. Individuals and religious institutions are allowed to import Bibles and other religious items for personal or congregational use. Christian religious literature, with the exception of Bibles, is readily available in English in local bookstores. In addition, religious materials for use at Christmas and Easter are readily available in local shops. A ship run by a Christian group docked in Doha for one week during the reporting period to sell books, including books on Christianity.
Religious services were held without prior authorization from the Government; however, congregations have been asked not to advertise them in advance or use visible religious symbols such as outdoor crosses. Christian services are regularly held and open to the public. Some services, particularly those on Easter and Christmas, drew more than 1,000 worshippers.
Christian clergy reported no problems wearing traditional religious clothing in public. While disclosure of religious affiliation is required when applying for a passport or other identity documents, affiliation is not reflected in the issued documents.
Hindus, Buddhists, Baha'is, and members of other religious groups do not operate as freely as Christian congregations; however, they did not seek official recognition from the Government during the reporting period. Even so, there was no official effort to harass or hamper adherents of these groups in the private practice of their religion.
According to the Criminal Code, individuals caught proselytizing on behalf of an organization, society, or foundation, for any religion other than Islam, may be sentenced to a prison term of up to 10 years. Proselytizing on behalf of an individual for any religion other than Islam can result in a sentence of up to 5 years. Individuals who possess written or recorded materials or items that support or promote missionary activity can be imprisoned for up to two years.
While discrimination against expatriates in the areas of employment, education, housing, and health services occurred, nationality was usually the determinant rather than religion.
There were no reports of religious prisoners or detainees in the country.
Forced Religious Conversion
There were no reports of forced religious conversion, including of minor U.S. citizens who had been abducted or illegally removed from the United States, or of the refusal to allow such citizens to be returned to the United States.
Anti-Semitism
On occasion, in response to political events and developments in the region, some of Qatar's privately owned Arabic-language newspapers carried cartoons depicting offensive caricatures of Jews and Jewish symbols, and editorial comparisons of Israeli leaders and Israel to Hitler and the Nazis. These occurred primarily in the Arabic daily newspapers, Al-Watan, Al-Sharq, and Al-Raya, and drew no government response.
Improvements and Positive Developments in Respect for Religious Freedom
The Government enacted the new Family Law on June 29, 2006. The new law is not entirely based on Shari'a, and it is not restricted to one branch of Islam. It contains features consistent with developments worldwide aimed at protecting the rights of women and children and shows compatibility with provisions of relevant international laws. Prior to enactment of the new law, adjudication of family issues was based on articles of the different doctrines of Islam, judges' personal interpretations, and traditions and customs of society. The law applies to all Muslims in Qatar, whether citizens or not. Those of other faiths may choose to have the court apply the rules of their own faith.
The Amir and other top government officials strongly supported the construction and establishment of churches. The Government assigned a coordinator in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to speed up and facilitate the process, although some restrictions have been imposed on the use of certain religious symbols on buildings.
In May 2005 representatives of Christian churches in the country signed an agreement with the Government for a 50-year lease on land near Doha, where they intend to erect 6 churches. The leases will be nominal. Ground-breaking on the first church began in April 2006. It and three others are expected to be completed in 2008. A board composed of members of all the Christian churches was formed to liaise directly with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs regarding church matters. Previous barriers stemming from religious and cultural sensitivities were eased, and church representatives can now approach any government agency directly to conduct their religious affairs.
The Government granted each church permission to apply for visas for visiting clerics to preside over, and assist in, church services. There were no restrictions on religious ceremonies. Plans for large events were reported to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which in turn requested the Ministry of Interior to provide appropriate physical security measures.
The Fifth Conference of Inter-Faith Dialogue took place in Doha, May 7-9, 2007. Christian, Muslim, and Jewish representatives were invited. Invitations were extended to the Roman Catholic, Anglican, Coptic, and Orthodox Churches, as well as the Middle East Churches Council, the Vatican, and Jewish rabbis, among others. Rabbis from the United States and other countries participated. During the conference, the Government announced the establishment of the "Doha International Center for Inter-Faith Dialogue," which will be based in the country. The center will be financed by the Government but will function as an independent entity. Its purpose will be to follow up on conference resolutions, papers, and studies, and engage local and international research centers and universities.
Section III. Societal Abuses and Discrimination
There were no reports of societal abuses or discrimination based on religious belief or practice, and prominent societal leaders took positive steps to promote religious freedom.
Section IV. U.S. Government Policy
The U.S. Government discusses religious freedom issues with the Government as part of its overall policy to promote human rights.
U.S. embassy officials met with government officials at all levels to address religious freedom issues. The Embassy facilitated contacts between religious leaders and the Government and coordinated initiatives with other foreign embassies to increase their impact.
The U.S. Ambassador and other embassy officials also met with representatives of religious communities in the country to discuss religious freedom issues, including protection of the interests of minority congregations. The Embassy brought these concerns to the attention of the National Human Rights Committee and other appropriate officials in the Government.
Visit www.qatarhappening.com
Realsome: Nice to know it, honestly. I just wished that it would be that easy on real life ;)
Only God Can Judge Me
الله فقط يمكنه محاكمتي
I am you and you are me, if you love i love, if you suffer i suffer
أنا أنت, و أنت أنا, إذا أحببت نفسك أحببت نفسي, إذا عانيتَ عانيتُ
That's amazing!
To sum it up. A person who has been real real bad all the way and realized his mistake, possibly out of fear of old age and meeting God pretty soon. He gets to go to heaven.
However, someone who has been great throughout, dedicated her life to serving mankind and being an excellent human being, yet a question mark hangs on her head whether or not she would make it to paradise.
I still think she won't make it to paradise cos she didn't believe in Allah as the true God. :) That's the primary criteria of getting thru.
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2800 QL Points
Way to go Ray!
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rami-leb God forgives all sins except associating something with him, given that , sinning all your life and repenting before your end depends on if you know your end.
for the true lover of God, he will avoid sin all of his life and will treat his whole life as the end is an hour away.
Poverty is not for the sake of hardship. No, it is there because nothing exists but God. Poverty unlocks the door -- what a blessed key!
- Jalaluddin al-Rumi
Not sure which agency it is, but I could probably find out.
Visit www.qatarhappening.com
I didn't realise converting to Islam was a free ticket to just be a sinner for my whole life.
That rocks!!
What is that ? yes what you are saying is bad. but i have no idea who you are talking about?
Poverty is not for the sake of hardship. No, it is there because nothing exists but God. Poverty unlocks the door -- what a blessed key!
- Jalaluddin al-Rumi
can you recommend an office to go or a person that can facilitate registration?
"dgoodrebel will always be the rebellious good one"
God accepts repentance all times, even if you repent a day before your death you are in the right side.
I do not judge people, Allah judges mother terasa or anyone else, only God knows what is their fate including mine.
Poverty is not for the sake of hardship. No, it is there because nothing exists but God. Poverty unlocks the door -- what a blessed key!
- Jalaluddin al-Rumi
Unfortunately my friend... one person did write on a thread and in pms... in a violent abusive and sexual manner in a personal way and he was meant to be pro-Islam...
It was a very sad and bad thing to do.
You have to register with a government agency here just to inform them that you will be holding religious services and what religion it is. It's not a huge deal.
Visit www.qatarhappening.com
"dgoodrebel will always be the rebellious good one"
So a week before my death if I realized whatever I've been doing all through my life was wrong and started practicing as per the religion, I'd still get to goto heaven, right?
You didn't give me your views on Mother Teresa. Is she still being punished in her grave for not being a Muslim?
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2800 QL Points
Way to go Ray!
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platao if you are one of "those who their own free will accept God, and surrender to his divine will and undertake to regulate their lives in accordance with his commandments"
you aren't an infidel ,
Poverty is not for the sake of hardship. No, it is there because nothing exists but God. Poverty unlocks the door -- what a blessed key!
- Jalaluddin al-Rumi
Who or what does a church have to 'register' with to be, well, a church?
And what would the people worshipping be arrested for, exactly? If I say grace before a meal, can I be arrested? What if I hang rosary beads from my car's rear vision mirror? Does that mean I should be arrested too?
Dmighty they ARE registered. They are allowed to conduct their religious ceremonies, they will not get in trouble with the police so long as they have the proper liscense to conduct the service in their home. There are even Reverends to conduct the services.
Why do you think there is no religious freedom in Qatar?
There are already plans to build 5 more churches in the same spot as the Catholic church, the Catholic church was built first because it's the one with the most followers in Qatar.
Visit www.qatarhappening.com
RS: So, i can consider myself a muslim? Will i have the same rights as any other muslim? Are you sure i ain't an infidel? ;)
Only God Can Judge Me
الله فقط يمكنه محاكمتي
I am you and you are me, if you love i love, if you suffer i suffer
أنا أنت, و أنت أنا, إذا أحببت نفسك أحببت نفسي, إذا عانيتَ عانيتُ
those gathering were done discretely because of the fact that they are not "registered" here or recognized openly. Meaning they can be arrested and thrown to jail. The reason why a catholic house was allowed to be built here in Qatar is because it was a concession signed by the Emir for Vatican to allow the construction of a mosque in their territory. It is fine since not all residents of Vatican City are Catholics in the same manner as not all residents of Qatar are Muslims. The reason given for not allowing other religion in KSA because that is the place of the Two Sacred Mosques. But why not designate a specific place for non-Muslim to build their own "buildings" so it can easily be monitored by the authorities and everybody will be free and relax and safe from any arrest whatsoever.
"dgoodrebel will always be the rebellious good one"
Rayyz: Not only Mother Teresa, don't forget Delai Lama, Ghandi, John Paul II and some others lesser known.
A born baby isn't evil or bad, just has no notion of responsabilities but he'll leurn them during his life.
Yes, only you are responsable for your actions, so only God can judge you ;)
Only God Can Judge Me
الله فقط يمكنه محاكمتي
I am you and you are me, if you love i love, if you suffer i suffer
أنا أنت, و أنت أنا, إذا أحببت نفسك أحببت نفسي, إذا عانيتَ عانيتُ
those who their own free will accept God, and surrender to his divine will and undertake to regulate their lives in accordance with his commandments are called Muslims.
Islam teaches that everyone is born a muslim without sins, a person chooses where he wants to head. the person's deeds leads to paradise or hell.
Poverty is not for the sake of hardship. No, it is there because nothing exists but God. Poverty unlocks the door -- what a blessed key!
- Jalaluddin al-Rumi
Explore a scenario.
I inherited Islam from my parents. Now lets say I have been bad throughout my life. Being bad to stealing to raping women etc. etc.
Being a Muslim, as a kid, I was taught by my parents that Allah is the only God and I was made to believe in His existence. I lived my entire life and died believing the same. Now as per Islam, I would surely goto heaven 'someday' after my sins are washed after burning in hell as I was a born Muslim and believed in Allah and His Prophet.
However, someone like Mother Teresa, would never get to see the door of heaven only because she wasn't a Muslim.
Corrent me if I am wrong.
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2800 QL Points
Way to go Ray!
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There are places that are not allowed for Muslims nor Christians to build up their religious houses and openly practice their religions?
But in any other Muslim dominant areas, non-Muslims are free to do that. Here in Qatar, there are lots of houses that have been use for religious studies/prayers and gatherings. 2 houses in the same area of my home here is a house for religious/bible studies. So where is the problem which had been asked by Dmighty? Don't think, the authority is not aware of that, sure they are....and I dont think its illegal here?
that is your believe my friend, my soul didnt committed a sin before i was mature. saying a just born baby has sin attributes injustice to God which is wrong.
God says everyone is accountable for what he/she do, not something that someone else did.
this comes back to your questions, when there is accountability favoritism comes because those who fail the accounting and those who pass cannot be favored same. hope you got my point.
Poverty is not for the sake of hardship. No, it is there because nothing exists but God. Poverty unlocks the door -- what a blessed key!
- Jalaluddin al-Rumi
Realsome: I'm a monotheist that talks with the spirits of the dead, so, how can i help you to know why we are here and where we are heading :)
Only God Can Judge Me
الله فقط يمكنه محاكمتي
I am you and you are me, if you love i love, if you suffer i suffer
أنا أنت, و أنت أنا, إذا أحببت نفسك أحببت نفسي, إذا عانيتَ عانيتُ
i answered you that, you will know why are some favored then others when you know why we are in this world and where we are heading.
Poverty is not for the sake of hardship. No, it is there because nothing exists but God. Poverty unlocks the door -- what a blessed key!
- Jalaluddin al-Rumi
Realsome: "God is not impartial or imperfec, he is all complete" - define complete. In the article you used, they say he's perfect.
Realsome: We are in this world due to a sin commited by our souls and were forced to carry a physical body that fouls the senses of the soul.
Plato, the greek philosopher, wrote about it some centuries before Jesus Christ.
Only God Can Judge Me
الله فقط يمكنه محاكمتي
I am you and you are me, if you love i love, if you suffer i suffer
أنا أنت, و أنت أنا, إذا أحببت نفسك أحببت نفسي, إذا عانيتَ عانيتُ
"
Apple said Whatabout in Vatican City, ...
Whatabout in Vatican City, are Muslims allowed to build up Mosques and openly practice their religions?"
Aple: Can you build churchs/sinagogs in Mecah or Medina in Saudi Arabia?
==============================
"rayyz said Realsomeone ...
Creation of universe and letting humans discover the greatness of the Creator is all fine until the part where humans are picked on basis of their religions whether they goto heaven or hell.
Lets say if God did exist, it is God alone who gave humans a brain. They use it to interpret His form of existence and communicate with him in their own ways. If people did deviate in their own ways to worship Him, which is now termed as 'religion', why does He has to pick on few chosen ones?"
Well said
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Realsome: I feal really happy that you finnally understood what i meant and have realized vthat flaming wont take you anywhere :)
I just hope i have some credits too on your change :)
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A perfect father has no favourites, if we, humans, can't
give Human attributes/qualities to God why we all keep beliving that only some owe the trueth?
Just the thought of someone consider him/herself God's favourites is considered a deadly sin using the perspective of a perfect being.
Only God Can Judge Me
الله فقط يمكنه محاكمتي
I am you and you are me, if you love i love, if you suffer i suffer
أنا أنت, و أنت أنا, إذا أحببت نفسك أحببت نفسي, إذا عانيتَ عانيتُ
respect - what?
ignore - who?
and move - where:)))))))))))))))
onBan Spoon Feeding not Me
Well said Platao
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2800 QL Points
Way to go Ray!
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at the time of prayers Muslim can offer his prayers any place which is neat and clean.
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U guys definatley dont know Charan....
charan-no one can shut your mouth as long as you are living until you voluntarily decide to respect, ignore and move on.
platao your opinion is yours, as per myself God is not impartial or imperfec, he is all complete. regarding that he will have made us understand all once and for all,
you need to know first why we are in this world and what is coming next this should clarify that one.
Poverty is not for the sake of hardship. No, it is there because nothing exists but God. Poverty unlocks the door -- what a blessed key!
- Jalaluddin al-Rumi
What - you telling me it wasn't Barry Manilow?
My mouth will be automatically shut after I die. Until then.........
Ban Spoon Feeding not Me
Realsome: Nice article, once again :)Seams you are finnally getting racional :)
Would like to comment the following passages at article:
"While we perceive things from a human perspective, the way Muslims see it, God does not. While we act out of necessity or desire, God does not. In other words, we cannot ascribe human attributes and motivations to God."
"However, according to Islam, the Creator has no defect or weakness. Remember that no single or composite manifestation of the essence is similar to the actual essence."
This is why i keep saying that Qur'am/Bible/Torah aren't 100% honest, all gave human attributes to God.
He created the Universe and all life on it just like an artist that creates a piece of art, he'll work on it and on other pieces and wont destroy some pieces just because they are different from the others.
The same God that has such powers to create an universe, that splitted the waters of the Nilo for the People of Israel to escape egyptians, that destroyed 2 cities for their sins, the same that gave the commitments to Moses, is also the same that needed to send prophets to teach us his wills when with a simple thought he could make all Humans understand?
If God is perfect, than he's impartial, a perfect being doesn't have favourites.
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Only God Can Judge Me
الله فقط يمكنه محاكمتي
I am you and you are me, if you love i love, if you suffer i suffer
أنا أنت, و أنت أنا, إذا أحببت نفسك أحببت نفسي, إذا عانيتَ عانيتُ
Who is the enemy?
And the enemy of what?
you can never chut up
people do not choose their own way to worship him. he has chosen his own way for us to worship him and so we have to follow the way he wants us to worship.
Poverty is not for the sake of hardship. No, it is there because nothing exists but God. Poverty unlocks the door -- what a blessed key!
- Jalaluddin al-Rumi
"yesterday when moderators locked the ramadan thread."
It was done after some members received "Death Threats, Deportation Threats, Jail Threats etc in a langauge not suitable for humans from your highly Inteligent friend :(
fromBan Spoon Feeding not Me
Came back Already :))))))))))))
Ban Spoon Feeding not Me
of course your not , how could you and you are the enemy
Creation of universe and letting humans discover the greatness of the Creator is all fine until the part where humans are picked on basis of their religions whether they goto heaven or hell.
Lets say if God did exist, it is God alone who gave humans a brain. They use it to interpret His form of existence and communicate with him in their own ways. If people did deviate in their own ways to worship Him, which is now termed as 'religion', why does He has to pick on few chosen ones?
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2800 QL Points
Way to go Ray!
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Who's fighting, I'm clarifying an issue. :S
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LOL Apple, Where would you fit a mosque?!!! Actually I have seen a Muslim cab driver get out and pray in St. Peter's square, so there you go.
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"dgoodrebel will always be the rebellious good one"
what i am wondering is why do you guys have to make this topic so hot?? what you guys talking about is off topic.
it simply happened yesterday when moderators locked the ramadan thread. why cant you simply give your opinion in relation to the topic without trying to drag others into argument.
i once used to have this illness and thank God not anymore. please give your opinion and ignore the rest unless otherwise someone is expecting a reply from you.
Poverty is not for the sake of hardship. No, it is there because nothing exists but God. Poverty unlocks the door -- what a blessed key!
- Jalaluddin al-Rumi
Whatabout in Vatican City, are Muslims allowed to build up Mosques and openly practice their religions?
Are we talking about Muslim countries (as in states) or muslim people (individuals)?
True I'm neither your honey nor your sweetie. Please stop calling me those.
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Yes Dmighty there are congretional worship services on Fridays at ALL of the major Hotels. I know on Friday there are Anglican, Born-Again Christian, Presbeteriyan, Babtist, Salvation Army and so on and so forth. Basically as long as there's enough of you to organize it, there's a service for you. There's even Bible classes.
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HuH !!! EveryDay the Same TopiC and issues regarding REligioN....
Guess we have to make it a HaBbIT now ...:(
Peace FriendZ...!!!
you are allowed honey, your right sorry
does it means that everybody is free to do congregational worship services without fear of reprisal from local authorities? Can you give me a list of Non-catholic services you know? Thanks!
BTW, forget True, they don't know what we're talking about
"dgoodrebel will always be the rebellious good one"
So I;m not allowed to say that most Muslim countries allow freedom of religion, when that's an easily verifiable fact?
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Dmighty said : why is there no freedom of religion in Muslim-dominated countries?In Quran, Muslim are enjoined to respect other religion but what is that level of respect?)
Gypsy:Dmighty virtually every Muslim country in the world but Saudi and Iran allow freedom of religion.
so i am reading well sweety
Who was saying that all Muslims are the same?
True did you actually read what we were talking about?
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i don't know why you guys are giving answers for things you don't know, please KNOW alot of muslims don't represent real islam so stop preaching
I'm fully aware of the congretional services that happen in Doha. Would you like me to give you a list of locations, timings and sects?
Do you think they aren't allowed to practice freely simply because a chruch hasn't been built for them yet?>
As a Catholic yourself perhaps you simply don't know what's going on for people of other Christian sects.
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How can anyone, even a Muslim, not know what a church service is?
Isn't that a touch arrogant?
implying that maybe you are not attending congregational services (actual now) but of course I believe you know it. But knowing it and practicing it have different perspective. So you don't need to be offended. But if you are, that's not my intention. My opinion is atheist don't believe in God so therefore no worship services as in congregational services, this is what I'm saying. Now these congregational services is the one I am mentioning that is not fully given freedom to practice.
And to other posters, giving permission to Catholic does not mean freedom for all other religion. Catholic is not the representative of "Christianity" (see the difference in spelling? Again, no offense, just an opinion.
"dgoodrebel will always be the rebellious good one"
Dmighty do you really think putting no offence takes away from the fact that you are implying that I don't know what a church service is?
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no offense. I want to be as respectful but it seems you are not reading. I anticipate what your reaction if I mentioned "atheist" so I put there, no offense, just an assurance that you will not be offended. Sorry if you misunderstood me.
Why, Darude, don't I have the right to return (as per advice of other Qlers)?
"dgoodrebel will always be the rebellious good one"
just few days ago you sent me a PM you quit QL??
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The only extremeties are Iran and Saudi Arabia..
Kuwait allows other religions and has allowed preaching and the erecting of "hoLy" places.
Jordan also allows freedom of relgions and offers the sanctuaries
syria same as Jordan and Not only talking about 3 relgions but also inclusive of the Druze Society
Iraq same as above
and the list continues... but they restrict the freedom in only one sense (for those who see it as restriction) and that is that they require from u to respect their Religion and decorums and form of conduct (ex: Dress code, not eating in public during fasting, and not offering the Non-allowed food and drink.. etc.. )
WYSIWYG
Ok, so because I'm an athiest I'm not supposed to know about church services :S Once again dmighty you astound me with your stupidity.
Please check with the hotels, they offer services for all different kinds of denominations. You can even hold church services in your homes here if you get the license (which is the same anywhere in the world).
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Muslim countries vary from one to another .. some allow more freedom than others .. some allow preachin some do not ... some allow building of churches or temples others do not ... most of them only acknowledge the three religions and do not acknowledge other religions .. so freedom of religion becomes a relative thing ...what extend of freedom are you looking at?
"The best way to predict the future is to create it".
congregational worship service, no offense, but you are an atheist, so you don't practice this kind of "meeting", do you?
"dgoodrebel will always be the rebellious good one"
once caught, you will be persecuted. Everybody is willing to register but taking time. If the authorities in these countries are really "that" sincere, registration will not be a problem.
"dgoodrebel will always be the rebellious good one"
logic i just shared the article from IOL and the author's name is written above.
but yes i think your statement is also true.
Poverty is not for the sake of hardship. No, it is there because nothing exists but God. Poverty unlocks the door -- what a blessed key!
- Jalaluddin al-Rumi
Dmighty virtually every Muslim country in the world but Saudi and Iran allow freedom of religion.
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mention in your article about Love of God, God does not need us to praise his work or worship him ... he has created the universe for us his beloved ones out of his love ...
It is beacuse God is Love that he created us and the universe ..
What do you think?
"The best way to predict the future is to create it".
Your question addresses an isolated cases but you are making it something common in all Muslim countries.
as far i as know most of Muslim countries people can worship freely Qatar being the latest to build charges for their expatriates, secondly most Muslim countries have not much non Muslims and the minority non Muslims practice freely.
I acknowledge that in isolated cases there are pressures for non Muslims and that is often happens because of ignorance or political gains.
P.S: this thread is only informational not QnA session about Islam.
if you like to know more about islam and Muslims you may like to visit islamonline.net
Allah knows best.
Poverty is not for the sake of hardship. No, it is there because nothing exists but God. Poverty unlocks the door -- what a blessed key!
- Jalaluddin al-Rumi
only one question, why is there no freedom of religion in Muslim-dominated countries? Was that part of the universe God created. When I say freedom of religion, it means openly conducting worship services by all (not only catholics) without fear of persecution from the authorities. Why is it in other countries, Islam is practiced freely? If you will cite isolated countries, does it means that because of these isolated countries (which is few, I supposed so) you are reciprocating in also a negative ways? In Quran, Muslim are enjoined to respect other religion but what is that level of respect?, just acknowledged but prevent from exercising worship services? Where is "justice" here?
"dgoodrebel will always be the rebellious good one"