One God- One true Religion!

In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

All praise and thanks are due to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon His Messenger.

Assalam alaikum [May peace be upon you].

How many of us really know why we believe in something?

Is it just because we were brought up around it or we never bothered to really find out??

There are approximately 6 billion human beings in the world today and majority of the population believe in the existence of God. We know of people following Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism, Taoism etc. as their Religion. Some people deny any such existence of a super power and turn to atheism [the rejection of belief in the existence of deity or religion].

Religion can be loosely translated as set of beliefs. There are many interpretations religion and some of them are:

§  A strong belief in a supernatural power that controls everything.

§  An institution to express belief in a divine power.

Let us analyze what each term means-

Christianity – Christianity is a word derived from Christ [Prophet Jesus Christ (peace be upon him)]  Greek word Kristos- which means "anointed one" and is based on the Bible as sacred scripture. The followers of Christianity are called Christians [Followers of the teachings of Christ (peace be upon him)]

Hinduism – Hinduism is derived from the word Hind [Region now called India] and is based on diverse traditions and is the predominant in the Indian subcontinent. Hinduism should be referred to as Sanathana Dharma [Sanskrit - "the eternal law"] also termed as Vedic religion since Vedas are considered to be the supreme authority amongst the scriptures in Hinduism.  The adherents are called Hindus.

Judaism – Judaism is derived from the word Judah [The name of a tribe] and is based on the teachings of the Old Testament. Those who profess unto Judaism are called Jews. It is considered by them to be the expression of the covenantal relationship Children of Israel with God.

Buddhism – Buddhism is derived from the name of Gautama Buddha [The name of a king]. Buddhism a religion and philosophy incorporating a diversity of beliefs traditions and practices based on teachings accredited to Siddhartha Gautama, commonly known as the Buddha. The adherents are called are Buddhists.

Islam- Islam is a word which comes from the Arabic word "aslama" which means Peace. And Islam means peace acquired by surrendering submitting, sincerely obeying the will of Allah [God]. The followers of Islam call themselves Muslims which means- A person who acquires peace by surrendering submitting, sincerely obeying the will of God Almighty.

Out of all the religions in the world Christianity, Islam and Hinduism are the 3 major world religions being adhered to, followed by Christians, Muslims and Hindus respectively. If we look into it further, we realize that most of the people who are adherents of a particular religion follow that brand of religion because their fathers follow the same religion. In other words, a family tradition being carried on from generation to generation!

One may say- I am a Christian because everybody at home follows Christianity or I am a Muslim because my father is a Muslim or I am Hindu because my ancestors were Hindus. So, if I were to say that most of the people are Christians, Muslims, Jews and Hindus by CHANCE.

I am proud to say that I am a Muslim by CHANCE and by CHOICE, both! Alhamdulillah.

By CHANCE because I was born to Muslim parents (alhamdulillah) and By CHOICE because I learnt about Islam, the message of Allah in the Qur’an and was truly convinced (alhamdulillah).

Islam promotes Monotheism (Belief in One God) and there are several verses in the Holy Qur’an that instruct mankind to be monotheistic. Allah reveals in the Qur’an that all the Prophets [Noah, Moses, Jacob, Joseph, Jesus, Muhammad (peace be upon them all)] promoted the same belief and never projected a belief different from what God ordained them to. Every prophet preached the same basic message- Believe in One God and keep His commandments (submit to the will of God).

But the question is- If the Prophets proclaimed this message of monotheism then why do people believe in multiple gods? Believing in multiple gods is termed as Polytheism.

Unfortunately, people (followers/adherents) portray an altogether different image of their religion.  Most of our Christian brothers would say GOD IS 3 IN ONE (Trinity). Most of our Hindu brothers believe that ‘In everything there is God’ and ‘Everything is God.’  In order to know what the religion says any sane person would try to seek answers from the Scriptures of the religion considered to be sacred by the adherents.

The Qur’an clearly mentions-

Say, "O followers of the scripture, let us come to common terms between us and you: that we shall not worship anyone except GOD; that we never set up any idols besides Him, nor set up any human beings as lords beside GOD."

If they turn away, say, "Bear witness that we are submitters (Muslims)."

[Al-Qur’an 3-64]

Allah, for surety guides those people who wish to seek the truth.

Let us see, what the Bible [Old and New Testament], The Vedas, The Qur’an have to say about this concept of One God.

In my study of the Old Testament I came across the following verses-

Hear, O Israel: The LORD thy God is one LORD. [Deuteronomy 6:4 ]

Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God. [Exodus 20:3-5]

See now that I, even I, am he, and there is no god with me. [Deuteronomy32:39]

Do not worship any other god, for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God. [Exodus 34.14]

For thou art great, and doest wondrous things: thou art God alone.[ Psalm 86:10 ]

Thus saith the LORD the King of Israel, and his redeemer the LORD of hosts; I am the first, and I am the last; and beside me there is no God. Fear ye not, neither be afraid; have not I told thee from that time, and have declared it? ye are even my witnesses. Is there a God beside me? yea, there is no God; I know not any. [Isaiah44:6,8 ]

Ye are my witnesses, saith the LORD, and my servant whom I have chosen: that ye may know and believe me, and understand that I am he: before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me. I, even I, am the LORD;

and beside me there is no savior. [Isaiah43:10,11 ]

For I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me.[Isaiah 46:9]

And thou shalt know no god but me; for there is no savior beside me. [Hosea 13:4 ]

As we read, the verses from the Old Testament clearly instruct monotheism. What about the New Testament?

And Jesus answered him, the first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord: [Mark 12:29]

And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent. [ John 17:3 ]

Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen. [1 Timothy 1:17]

Now a mediator is not a mediator of one, but God is one. [Galatians 3:20]

As concerning therefore the eating of those things that are offered in sacrifice unto idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is none other God but one.[1 Corinthians 8:4]

Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.

[James 2:19 ]

There are many more verses in the Bible that speak about ONE GOD and I couldn't find the word Trinity in the whole bible.

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Interestingly, the study of Vedas too proved that the basic message of Monotheism must be adhered to.

Following are some of the quotations and passages from the Vedas (Rigveda, Attharvaveda, Samveda and Yajurveda)-

O friends, do not worship anybody but Him, the Divine One. Praise Him alone.[Rigveda 8:1:1]

He[God] is bodyless and pure. [Yajurveda 40:8]

There is no second God, nor a third, nor is even a fourth spoken of

There is no fifth God or a sixth nor is even a seventh mentioned.

There is no eighth God, nor a ninth. Nothing is spoken about a tenth even.

This unique power is in itself. That Lord is only one, the only omnipresent.

It is one and the onlyone.  [Atharvaveda 13-4[2]19-20]

Oh God! There is nobody like you either in this world or the world beyond. No body equal to you is born as yet nor will be born ever in future also. [Yajurveda  27-36]

Friends! Do not praise and worship anything else, do not be doomed, praise and worship only the benevolent God Almighty, unitedly in this world, sing his glory, again and again.

[Atharva 20-85-1]

This passage solves the problem of belief in Multiple gods-

The real God is one, the enlightened ones, speak of Him in several ways, God is divine, the supreme  protector and graceful sentient, the Universal soul. They call Him Indra, the Almighty, the universal  friend [mitra].  Varuna, the most acceptable and obliterator of sins, they describe Him as [agnim] the supreme guide of the Universe, [Yaman] the controller of the Universe, and [matarishvanam] the life of all lives.   [Rigveda 1-64-46]

Thus it is easy to understand that the names Indra, Agni, Yama, Suparna, Garuthman and others are different descriptions for one and the same God.

The Lord of the entire universe is one and one only [Rig-Veda 6-36-4]

He is the sole sovereign of the universe. [Rig Veda 6-36-4]

Verily He is one Single, indivisible, supreme reality. [Atharva Veda 13-4-20]

He is one, unparalleled

Through His wondrous, mighty

And formidable laws and deeds. [Rig Veda 8-1-27]

There is only One

Who ought to be adored

By the people. [Atharva Veda 2-2-1]

God has no image. [Yajur Veda 32-3]

When we read the Upanishads we come across the following verses-

Not above nor across

nor in the middle has one grasped this.

There is no comparison to that whose name is great glory.

Its form cannot be seen; no one ever sees it with eyes.

Those who know it in heart and mind

as living in the heart become immortal. [shvetashvatara Upanishad 4]

There is not seen its equal nor a superior.

It has no parent nor ruler.[shvetashvatara Upanishad 6]

The Brahma Sutra of Hinduism:

[ Ekam Brahm, dvitiya naste neh na naste kinchan]

There is only one God, not the second; not at all, not

at all, not in the least bit.

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Islam- In the Qur’an we have a chaper called Surah Ikhlaas [Purity of faith] which most of the Muslims recite daily.

It reads-

Say, He is God, the One and Only!

God, the absolute the eternal!

He neither begets nor is He begotten.

And there none like unto Him. [Al-Qur’an 112]

And your Lord has decreed that you worship none but Him [Al-Qur’an 17:23]

In our daily prayers, 5 times a day we recite Surah Fatihah in which occurs the following verse-

You [Alone] we worship, and You [Alone] we ask for help [for each and everything]

[Al- Qur’an 1:5]

Thus when we study and look into the scriptures of various religions, we realize that people do not represent what their scripture demands of them. It is sad to see that people do not think about the religion they follow but imitate or blindly believe in what they got from the families they were born in. People do not check, verify the sources of their religion and yet call themselves to be the adherents of so and so belief. It is not right for anyone to concoct ideas and claim that to be Religion.

The Qur’an says-

Then woe to those who write the Book with their own hands, and then say:"This is from God," to traffic with it for miserable price!- Woe to them for what their hands do write, and for the gain they make thereby. [Al-Qur’an 2-79]

Though the people are into practices which the scriptures totally reject it becomes incumbent upon everyone to know the truth.

The Torah was a revelation given unto Moses[pbuh], the Injeel was a revelation given to Isa(Jesus) [pbuh] and the Qur’an is the last and final revelation by God almighty which was given unto Muhammad [saw] for the whole of mankind since there was no Prophet to come after him. However, the books before the Qur’an were tampered with for personal gains and desires and thus their authenticity is questionable.

God reveals to us in the Qur’an-

Verily We: It is We Who have sent down the Qur'an and surely, We will guard it (from corruption)

[Al-Qur’an 15-9 ]

As mentioned earlier, there was no scripture to be revealed after Prophet Muhammad andthus the Qur’an was revealed as a Mercy, Guidance and Blessing from God to the whole of humanity. And as for those you challenge the authenticity of the Qur’an to be the word of God, here is a test for them-

Do they not consider the Qur'an (with care)? Had it been from other than Allah they would surely have found therein much discrepancy (contradictions). [Al-Qur’an 4-82]

God has endowed us with intelligence- To decide and differentiate between right and wrong. Yet many of us deviate from the true path of God.  Every step in seeking the truth counts and God guides those who wish to be guided.

When we read the history of most of the Religions we see that they have originated on the bases of place, country, and names of Prophets or influential persons.

So how can even they be called religions??

True religion is the one sent down by God almighty himself for He is the One who is our Creator and knows us best!

A complete way of life and system for human kind!

Remember! many claim but not all claims are true.. Only when we read and try to find out, we can know for ourselves what is genuine and what is not!

Alhamdulilllah, we make no distinctions between the prophets of God as they all came to promote the same message of submitting our wills to God almighty. Only if we read about the lives of Moses[pbuh] and Jesus[pbuh] we would know that they were Prophets of God calling people unto Allah and never came to preach anything else other than submitting will into God almighty.

Jesus[pbuh] according to the Gospel of John says-

I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father (God) which hath sent me." [John 5:30]

May God guide us all unto truth and may we live our lives according to the commandments of God and not our vain desires.

Ameen..

God guides those who wish to guide themselves!

In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

All praise and thanks are due to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon His Messenger.

It’s been quite some time since I wrote my last post. The reason behind this article was one of Sheikh Ahmed Deedat’s (May Allah have mercy on him) lecture video wherein he beautifully explains how Prophet Moses, Prophet Jesus and Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon them all) preached the same message of One God. Each Prophet being ‘one of a kind’ was a model of character, full of patience and nobility. They strived to the best of capabilities to deliver the message of mercy and guidance to the people they were sent to. The Qur’an was revealed unto the Last and final messenger of God- Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) as a mercy and guidance for the whole mankind.

The truth is distinct from falsehood. God has enjoined upon us all that is good and prohibited all that is evil. All that which is good and lawful is allowed and permitted us and that which is evil and cause us harm is forbidden. One such aspect which impresses me most about Islam is that is clearly states- There is no coercion in religion.

 Allah says:

There is no compulsion in religion. Verily, the Right Path has become distinct from the wrong path.

 [Al-Qur’an 2:256]

The answer is given in the verse below:

“Whoever does good, benefits his own self and whoever does bad only hurts himself”. And your Lord is not at all unjust to (His) slaves.” [Al-Qur’an 41: 46]

God guides whomsoever He wills. He is the Creator (Al-Khaliq) of all that exists.

He created Man and gave him power to comprehend right from wrong; to reason. Man has a choice in whatever he wishes to believe or forsake. A person who calls other people to Islam (peace acquired through submission, surrender and obedience to the will of God) should prepare himself to deal with all sorts of weathers so to say; the different moods and nature of people. One may recieve good from people at times but may also be mocked at by those who are cold and out-and-out insulting in their opposition to the message. This is one of the reasons why patience and tolerance are key qualities for a Muslim who wishes to spread much good.

The Prophets displayed great perseverance though they faced resentment. No matter how prejudiced people’s mind might be about Islam (especially when the media has been portraying Islam in negative light and because of deeds of some individuals who call themselves ‘Muslims’), it is not appropriate for a Muslims to give up hope and the noble cause. Consider the trouble Prophet Noah (peace be upon him) faced from his people. Despite all the harassment, Prophet Noah stayed strong in his faith in God almighty. Yes, many acts of sinfulness lurk in every corner of our world as well. How do we cope with them?  In today's society, most people live for the pleasures of the world instead of the pleasure of God who created us all. Prophet Noah (peace be upon him) tried hard to bring his people to the right path, but his attempts and efforts weren’t heeded.

All rational individuals must bring in mind the amount of efforts the Prophets put in in order to exhort people to the path of righteousness. Think about it- God has given us all a golden chance to do a Prophet’s job and earn a Prophet’s reward! Alhamdulillah.

One may say- It is just not possible to convince everyone to think and act in the same wavelength as we do. How can we guide the one who doesn’t wish to be guided at all?

Allah says in the Qur’an:

" Verily, you can not guide everyone whom you love, but Allah guides whom He wills and He knows best those who Will guided" [Al-Qur'an 28:56] 

Yes! It is as right as it sounds- It is not in our hands to guide. It is God who opens up our hearts to faith, to His mercy and guidance. It is only by His will and grace that the most dogged and loath of hearts become receptive to His message.  We can very well see this in History, particularly in the stories of the Prophets.

Umar bin al-Khattāb was one among the most prominent personalities. A man who was a feared and well respected man known for his fearless nature; he became one of the early opponents of the religion of Islam. He was man of strength and rigid at heart (severe).  He used to abuse the believers in Mecca in the early days of Islam. His hatred grew so much so that he determined himself upon killing the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him). On his way he ran into a person who asked him to deal with his sister first (inferring that she became Muslim).  When he came near his sister’s house he heard the recitation of the Qur’an.  Upon entering he asked his sister and her husband “Have you (left the faith of your forefathers)?”  Enraged,He then began to attack his sister and her husband.  Upon seeing blood of her sister; he had began feeling guilty.  He apologized to his sister and her husband, and requested to read the words of the Qur’an.  Upon the request his sister said “You are not clean, go wash yourself.”  Upon reading the verses of Surah Ta ha; he was touched by the beauty and eloquence of the verses. (1)  Allah had opened his heart and guided him to the path of truth. 

He began as an enemy to Islam but became one the most eminent vanguards of Islam after seeing the light of truth.

Tufayl bin Amr al-Dawsī used to place cotton in his ears to prevent him from hearing Prophet Muhammad’s words (peace and blessings be upon him). Then he said to himself: “I am a well-grounded individual who can discern what is good from what is bad.  By God! I will hear what he has to say. If it is right, I will accept it, and if not I will shun it.” The very first time he listened to the Prophet’s message, he believed in it and accepted it.  (2)

Such has been the journey of faith for many people who came to Islam. 

Those who were in the forefront in their wrongdoings and opposition to Islam became strong believers and heralds of truth after being guided by Allah to the light of truth.

Therefore our behaviour must be a tantamount to that of the Prophets (peace be upon them all). We must try our best to be this way with our friends, colleagues and neighbours. Give people the respect and goodness which can bring about a lot of good in return. Leaving people with a good impression is important.  At times, all it requires is a few words full of heartfelt compassion, concern and wisdom which make a difference.  Remember, what they think of you personally will also greatly influence their attitudes about the groups and affiliations you follow. We must try and make sure that the dealings they have with us are pleasant ones.

Do good, no matter what. You may not get back from people what you give to people but Allah will definitely reward you handsomely for each and every small act of good you do.

Calling people to the path of righteousness and the much needed reformation are deeds which can be achieved by selfless and forbearing minds which hold the courage to accept things gracefully even if they go against them regardless of all good. People will take course to disagreement and oppose you for talking that which goes against their stereotypical practices.  

There are people who seek truth. Some of those are scornful about ‘man made‘ religions and therefore wish to keep away because they reason and wonder how could God approve such practices which men have invented. Some are arrogant, full of themselves and rebellious, who are lost in the shallow pleasures of this world wherein everything goes away someday or the other.   But just remember we have seen the similar pattern among many people even in the past.

Allah has guided and will guide all those who wish to change themselves. Much attention is given to the progress of mankind, technology, arms and weaponry, education, nation, selfish ideologies but least attention is given to the reformation of hearts.

 

Brothers and Sisters, remember the advice of the last and final messenger of God who said-

“Indeed there is a piece of flesh in your body that, if it be sound, then the whole body will be sound and if it be corrupt then the whole body will be corrupt. Indeed it is the heart.” [Al-Bukhaari]

 Glory be to Allah who changes people’s hearts for the better and guides them to the light of truth. And blessed be those who exhort mankind unto the truth. 

p.s- (1) & (2) Narrations.

[https://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=271632996186957]

Prophet Muhammad [pbuh]- Prophesied in World scriptures!!

In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.


All praise and thanks are due to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon His Messenger.


We know that Allah sent a prophet to every nation to warn mankind and revive the message of submission to God. The last and the final Prophet to be sent in the chain of Prophets was Prophet Muhammad [May peace and blessings be upon him]. Thus he [Prophet Muhammad] was the seal of Prophets. As Prophethood would come to an end with the departure of the last and final prophet, Allah sent Muhammad [pbuh] as His Messenger to the whole mankind with a Universal message.


We have not sent thee but as a universal (Messenger) to men, giving them glad tidings, and warning them (against sin), but most men understand not.[Al- Qur’an 34: 28]




Prophet Muhammad [pbuh] came at a time when almost the state of the entire world was miserable. The world had forsaken the path of truth, virtue and righteousness. He came at a time when ignorance was widespread and superstitions were in vogue.  Men had turned cold-hearted and inhumane practices were at peak. Women were subject to atrocities, treated like objects and had zero status in the society. In such an era of darkness, Allah sent him to revive the message of God, perfect all moral values and to serve as the best example for mankind to follow. 




Today, it is a well-known fact that the Prophet Muhammad [pbuh] was the supremely successful man in the entire human history [Discussed in - The 100: A Ranking of the Most Influential Persons in History].
George Bernard Shaw, an eminent playwright, rightly called him ‘The Savior of Humanity’. Famous Personalities from all over the world have studied Prophet Muhammad [pbuh] deeply and inculcated his teachings in their lives. Mahatma Gandhi, who is popularly known as the Father of our country, also read about the life and behavior of this Prophet of God [pbuh] and was influenced greatly.  There were many who were taken aback when they learnt about the beautiful character and conduct of the Last and final Messenger of God, there are and there will be. 


We are told in the Qur’an that Prophet Muhammad [pbuh] is of most sublime and exalted character. However there was one verse that caught my attention. In the 7th Surah of the noble Qur’an, Allah states [addressing the Jews at the time of Prophet Muhammad [pbuh]] in verse 157-

"So I will decree it [mercy] [especially] for those who fear Me and give Zakaat and those who believe in Our verses. Those who follow the apostle, the unlettered Prophet [Muhammad], whom they find mentioned in their own (scriptures) in the law and the Gospel."

This verse clearly states that the advent of the last and final Messenger was mentioned aforetime in the scriptures. Moreover we are told in the Qur’an that Isa [pbuh] prophesied the coming of Prophet Muhammad to the Bani Israel [Children of Israel]

 “And (remember) when ‘Isa (Jesus), son of Maryam (Mary), said: 
‘O Children of Israel! I am the Messenger of Allah unto you, confirming the Tawraat [(Torah) which came] before me, and giving glad tidings of a Messenger to come after me, whose name shall be Ahmad.’ But when he (Ahmad, i.e. Muhammad) came to them with clear proofs, they said: ‘This is plain magic’! [Al-Qur’an 61:6]

This instigated me to look into the scriptures and learn about the prophecies which spoke about the same.  Undoubtedly all prophets at their time living far away from Arabia, centuries ago prophesied the advent of the last Prophet.  Unlike other prophecies these had strong and clear evidence and arguments to support it. Let us see what the world scriptures have to say about the last and final messenger of God- Muhammad [pbuh]

In the Bible- Old Testament

There are several predictions and prophecies which talk about the last Prophet to come. I will be brief in explaining the Prophecies, as expounding each and every prophecy word by word would be difficult here and would require detailed description.

Prophecy 1]


"I will raise them up a Prophet from among their brethren, like unto thee, and will put my words in his mouth; and he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him..[Deuteronomy 18:18]


When we analyze the Prophecy closely we realize:


 The Promised Prophet will be from the Ishmaelites [Arabs].  The Arabs and the Jews are cousins i.e. the Ishmaelites are brethren the Israelites.
 Like unto thee- The term ‘like unto thee’ refers to the promised prophet being like Prophet Moses [pbuh]. When we study their respective lives and the occurrences of events we can establish the fact that both were ‘like’ each other in many ways. One of the similarities is- Both brought a comprehensive legal code. [Torah was revealed to Moses [pbuh] for the Bani Israel and the Qur’an was revealed to Muhammad [pbuh] for the whole Mankind]
 Will put my words in his mouth; he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him- This indicates that the Prophet would speak unto people that which is commanded.


As the Noble Qur’an testifies –


Nor does he speak from personal desire. It is no less than an inspiration sent down to him [Al-Qur’an 53:3, 4]


Sheikh Ahmed Deedat explains saying-
“If I were to teach you a language like Arabic about which you have no knowledge and if I asked you to read or repeat after me what I utter i.e.:


"SAY: HE IS ALLAH THE ONE AND ONLY;
ALLAH, THE ETERNAL ABSOLUTE;
HE BEGETTETH NOT, NOR IS HE BEGOTTEN:
AND THERE IS NONE LIKE UNTO HIM.
[Al Qur'an 112:1-4] (I read them in Arabic )


Would I not be putting these unheard words of a foreign tongue which you utter, into your mouth?"


The next prophecy we will be dealing with will provide a strong base to the above prophecy as well as an explanation to it.

Prophecy 2]  


                   Then the book will be given to the one who is illiterate, saying, "Please read this."And he will say, "I cannot read. [NIV Isaiah 29:12]



Other translation reads- And the book is delivered to him that is not learned, saying, Read this, I pray thee: and he saith, I am not learned [King James Bible]
Compare this prophecy with the incident which took place in the cave of Hira when Muhammad [pbuh] was bestowed with Prophethood.  The angel Gabriel descended and asked him to READ [IQRA- Read, recite, proclaim]; Bewildered and terrified, The Prophet [pbuh] replied, "I do not know how to read.” After which the angel asked him again to read and he replied, 'I do not know how to read.' When Angel Gabriel repeated this for the 3rd time, Prophet Muhammad [pbuh] realized that he had to repeat.  


This was when the 1st verse of the Qur’an was revealed -


'Read in the name of your Lord, who has created (all that exists) has created man from a clot.  
Read! And your Lord is the Most Generous."  [Al-Qur’an 96:1, 2, 3]


Amazing it is but absolutely well known that Prophet Muhammad [pbuh] was unlettered [had no formal schooling since childhood] and thus ‘the book will be given to the one who is illiterate’ is the fulfillment of the Prophecy . Alhamdulillah.

In the New Testament-

The Qur’an says that Isa [pbuh] (Jesus Christ) foretold the coming of Prophet Muhammad who was also known as Ahmad which means ‘highly praised.’  Muhammad [Pbuh] was given the title Al-Amin i.e. Truthful, Honest by everyone who knew him even before he was given Prophethood. It was because of his helping nature and trustworthy character he was liked and wanted by all.

Let’s see what this prophecy from the Gospel of John says-
Jesus Christ [pbuh] is reported to have said-


Nevertheless I tell you the truth; it is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. And when he is come, he will reprieve the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment 
[John 16:7, 8]

The prophecy clearly speaks of someone to come. We know that Prophet Muhammad succeeded Prophet Jesus [pbut] and he truly reprieved the world of sin, established righteousness and propounded judgment with the God given Law.

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The Quran English translation by Abdullah Yousif Ali [Note No 5438]

 “Ahmed, or Muhummed”, the praised One, is almost a translation of the Greek word Periclytos. In
the present Gospel of John 14:16, 15:26, and 16:7, the word Comforter in the English
version for the Greek word Paracletos, which means Advocate, “one called to the help of
another, a kind friend”, raher than “Comforter”. Our doctors contend that Paracletos is a
corrupt reading for Periclytos, and that in the original saying of jesus there was prophecy
of our holy prophet Ahmed by name. Even if we read Paraclete, it would imply to the
Holy Prophet, who is “a Mercy for all creatures” [Al-Quran 21:107] and “most kind
and merciful to the Believers”
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Another clear prophecy which fits Prophet Muhammad [pbuh] like a glove is as below-
Jesus Christ [pbuh] tells his disciples-


 I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now. Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. He shall glorify me.[John16:12,13,14]

When we read the Gospels we learn that the disciples couldn’t grasp most of the simple things Jesus Christ told them. In addition to it, the Jews misunderstood whatever he said and even charged him of Blasphemy. He therefore promised the coming of the “spirit of truth” [upright Prophet] who would be a guidance and mercy for all leading men unto “ALL TRUTH”.
As for the last part of the Prophecy- It is evident through the dictates of the Qur'an and Prophet Muhammad [pbuh]  we Muslims glorify [honor] Jesus Christ [pbuh] . Muslims are the only people (besides the Christians) who are obliged to believe in Jesus Christ [pbuh] No Muslim would be a Muslim if he denies Jesus Christ [pbuh].  It was revealed unto Prophet Muhammad [pbuh] about the miraculous birth of Jesus Christ [pbuh] and his being a Prophet to the Jews. As Muslims, we love, revere and accept the true teachings of Isa (Jesus Christ) [pbuh] who preached the same message of submission to the will of God.

Prophecies in the Hindu scriptures-


When we look into the Hindu scripture we find that all major books of the Hindus prophesy about Prophet Muhammad [pbuh]. As I mentioned earlier, expounding each and every prophecy word by word. Hence I would limit the description to few words and keep it brief.

It is mentioned in the Bhavishya Purana [which literally means future events ]


A Malechha (person from a foreign country and speaking foreign language) spiritual teacher will appear with his companions. His name will be Mahamad...

The Shloka further goes on to state-

'O Ye! the pride of mankind, the dweller in Arabia, Ye have collected a great force to kill the Devil and you yourself have been protected from the malechha opponents (idol worshipers, pagans).' ‘O Ye! the image of the Most Pious God the biggest Lord, I am a slave to thee, take me as one lying on thy feet.'


Shlokas 10 to 27 say:


The Malechas have spoiled the well-known land of the Arabs. Arya Dharma is not to be found in the country. Before also there appeared a misguided fiend whom I had killed; he has now again appeared being sent by a powerful enemy. To show these enemies the right path and to give them guidance, the well-known Mahamad [Muhammad], is busy in bringing the Pishachas to the right path. O Raja, You need not go to the land of the foolish Pishachas, you will be purified through my kindness even where you are. At night, he of the angelic disposition, the shrewd man, in the guise of Pishacha said toRaja Bhoj, "O Raja! Your Arya Dharma has been made to prevail over all religions, but according to the commandments of Ishwar Parmatma, I shall enforce the strong creed of the meat eaters. My followers will be men circumcised, without a tail (on his head), keeping beard, creating a revolution announcing the Aadhaan (the Muslim call for prayer) and will be eating all lawful things. He will eat all sorts of animals except swine. They will not seek purification from the holy shrubs, but will be purified through warfare. On account of their fighting the irreligious nations, they will be known as Musalmaans. I shall be the originator of this religion of the meat-eating nations."

 Wickedness was widespread and the wrong doers have corrupted Arabian land.
 The Indian Raja need not go the Arabia since his refinement will take place in India after themusalmaan will arrive in India.
 The coming Prophet will guide all unto the truth of the Aryan faith, i.e. Monotheism and reformation of the misguided people will take place.
 The followers of the Prophet will be circumcised. They will be without a tail [shendi-choti] on the head and bear a beard and will create a great revolution.
 Proclaimation of the Adhan, i.e. ‘the Muslim call for prayer’.
 He will eat all [halal]lawful things except pork which is [Haraam] prohibitted.
 They will be known as musalmaans.
Each and every statement mentioned above lies in conformity with truth about the Muslims.
Prophet Muhammad [pbuh] is also Prophesised in Atharvaveda-


Shloka 1- He is Narashansah [ the praised one (Muhammad)]. He is Kaurama: the prince of peace or the emigrant..


Shloka 2- He is a camel-riding Rishi

Note- The word ‘Narashansah’ means ‘the praised one’, is the literal translation of the name Muhammad [pbuh]. The word ‘Kaurama’ means ‘one who spreads and promotes peace’. Muhammad [pbuh] preached peace, equality and universal brotherhood. Kaurama also means an emigrant. We know that the Prophet migrated from Maccah to Madinah.

[Atharvaveda book 20 Hymn 127 shlokas 1-13]

There are many other Shlokas which talk about the coming of Prophet Muhammad [pbuh]. Pundit Vedaprakash Upadhyay, a Hindu professor, writes in his book that all these prophecies match the personality of Muhammad [pbuh] him perfectly.
[Read: http://saif_w.tripod.com/interfaith/hinduism/kalki_avatar.htm ]

All the way through history, there have been many learned Christian scholars who have come to recognize the truth of the prophecies in the Bible and that it originally referred to Prophet Muhammad [pbuh], Similarly, Many Hindu pundits who were open to truth accepted Islam on learning about the mention of the last and final messenger of God.

An exemplar to the whole world, Prophet Muhammad was the living Qur’an. Many Non-Muslims today have accepted the truth [Islam] after having read the biography of this Prophet of God.

Anyone who browses through history and reads about the world before and after Prophet Muhammad would definitely arrive to the truth, period.

Insha’allah.

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And Prophet Moses[pbuh] said- "Show him to me O Allah!"

In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

All praise and thanks are due to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon His Messenger.

Assalam alaikum [May peace be upon you].

As humans we all are bound to make mistakes and it is a part of our nature to commit mistakes and also learn from them. Some are wise to learn from other’s mistakes and wrong doings. We all deviate from the right path in greater or lesser degree and commit sins, sometimes knowingly and at times unknowingly. Thus we as humans will inevitably make mistakes.   

Allah says in the Noble Qur’an- 

"Do not despair of God's mercy; He will forgive you of all your sins". [Al-Qur'an 39:53]

"Ask your Lord for forgiveness and then turn in repentance to Him..." [Al-Qur'an 11:3]

The verse above is absolutely clear. Allah, our Creator, fully apprehends the inducements and temptations that come in the way of every one. He also knows that many of us fall for them. Allaah is Ar-Rahmaan, Ar-Raheem [The Most Gracious, the Most Merciful], Allah is Most forgiving. It is He who has bestowed His mercy and kindness upon us through the innumerable favors which we enjoy every day. He gives us chances over chances and grants us respite for our wrong doing until we realize, repent and rectify. It is obvious by the fact that He doesn’t punish us immediately for our acts of carelessness, mistakes or sins.

Just imagine, if He were to account us for everything we did at the very moment, what would be the state?

Truly, one can erase sins and previous misdeeds through Tawbah (Repentance) and by humbling oneself before His Lord. The Arabic word Tawbah literally means 'To return'. When spoken of in Islamic context, it refers to the deed of shunning what Allah has prohibited and returning to what He has ordained.

Acknowledging one’s mistake, repenting for it and seeking forgiveness are deeds most noble and beloved in the sight of God All Mighty. Also remember, that Allah raises high the status of those who humble themselves.

On the contrary, we must bear in our minds the outcome of those people and nations who turned arrogant and rejected faith. History has been a great lesson for those who think and understand how civilizations, empires and nations were destroyed and forgotten owing to their state of arrogance, thanklessness, mischief and corruption on earth.

The Noble Qur’an has recorded a number of civilizations which were humiliated and punished which lead to their collapse.

                        http://nisaaryusuf.wordpress.com/2011/06/02/when-nations-fall-lessons-from-the-history/

Pharoah, the King of Egypt is a classic example of sheer arrogance. Consider what happened to him.

                      http://islamgreatreligion.wordpress.com/2009/04/11/pharaoh-ramesses-firaun-with-professor-maurice-story/

Allah says in the Noble Qur'an:

"Except those who repent, have faith and good deeds, those Allah will charge their sins for good deeds. Certainly Allah is most forgiving and merciful." [Al-Qur'an 25:70]

Here is a heart softener for all my brothers and sisters. This narration goes back to the time of Prophet Moses who was sent as a guide for the Children of Israel.

It was narrated that in the days that Prophet Moses [Musa] [pbuh] wandered with Bani Israel [Children of Israel] in the desert, an intense drought befell them. Together, they raised their hands towards the heavens praying for the blessed rain to come.  

Then, to the astonishment of Prophet Moses [Musa] [pbuh] and all those watching, the few scattered clouds that were in the sky vanished, the heat poured down, and the drought intensified.

It was revealed to Prophet Moses [pbuh] that there was a sinner amongst the tribe of Bani Israel [Children of Israel] who had disobeyed Allah for more than forty years of his life.

"Let him separate himself from the congregation," 

Allah told Prophet Moses [pbuh]. "Only then shall I shower you all with rain."

Prophet Moses [pbuh] then called out to the throngs of humanity, "There is a person amongst us who has disobeyed Allah for forty years. Let him separate himself from the congregation and only then shall we be rescued fromthe drought."

That man waited, looking left and right, hoping that someone else would step forward, but no one did. Sweat poured forth from his brow and he knew that he was the one. The man knew that if he stayed amongst the congregation all would die of thirst and that if he stepped forward he would be humiliated for all eternity.

He raised his hands with a sincerity he had never known before, with humility he had never tasted, and as tears poured down on both cheeks he said, "O Allah, have mercy on me! O Allah, hide my sins! O Allah, forgive me!"

As Prophet Moses [pbuh] and the people of Bani Israel [Children of Israel] waited for the sinner to step forward, the clouds hugged the sky and the rain poured. 

Prophet Moses [pbuh] asked Allah, "O Allah, you blessed us with rain even though the sinner did not come forward."

And Allah replied, "O Musa, it is for the repentance of that very person that I blessed all of Bani Israel [Children of Israel] with water."

Prophet Moses [pbuh], wanting to know who this blessed man was, asked, "Show him to me O Allah!"

Allah [SWT] replied, "O Musa, I hid his sins for forty years, do you think that after his repentance I shall expose him?"

Such Is Allah, The most High, the Most forgiving!

Brothers and sisters, repent before it is too late, for you never know when you will die, wishing at the last minute that you had done good deeds, and repented for the bad.

May Allah make us humble and not insolent towards everything in life.

May we be thankful for all the favors of Allah!

Ameen

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