Do u know what does Islam mean?

[miss tenderness]

[COLOR=Black]Hello dear members…
Have u ever asked yourselves what does the word Islam mean? Obviousely there are lots of attacks forwarded to this religion in the media, so I kept wondering why? since I'm deeply involved in studying this religion let me give u some briefs aspects of it and I'll be pleased to have ur respectable replies concerning my post(I really hope it 'll be posted and not banned since I really believe in accepting each others' beliefs and opinions)
Ok…what does Islam mean?
Islam is an Arabic word taken from the Arabic word, istislam that word means surrendering to God the Almighty, and u should know that Muslims greet each other by saying-salaam alykum –which mean peace be upon u.

Having known the profound meaning of that word lets move to the basics or basic pillars of Islam which a Muslim must believe in and practice them as well: they are:
1. Believing that there is no God except Allah the Almighty, and that Mohammad is his servant and messenger.
2. Perforeming the 5 prayers (they're a must) in which Muslims are directly connected to their God 5times per a day.
3. Giving charity to poor people. 4. Fasting the Ramadan month (in order to remind Muslims of their suffering bros who do not have something to eat, a lot of charity is given by Muslims during this month)
5.performing pilgrimage(in Makkah where billions of Muslims gather in there wearing the same cloth-white-worshiping their God despite their colors or wealth or any other standards all are there as one person no difference accept for piety.
These are simple accpects of Islam and I assure you that once I go deep into understanding it, I really feel the truth of that religion and how it aimed at reforming the soul and the community.
If you want to read some parts of the Quran(which is the holy book of Muslims) u can go to this site
www.islamtomorrow.com
Bye bye all hope my post is interesting.. :smash:

[bhekti]

The question is: Does the dictionary meaning of a word signify the reality that word represent? The what-should-be is never the what-is.

[miss tenderness]

beleive me it does,the word islam represent what muslims beieve in,u can't judge without studying the matter ...u can read the Quran or some of its parts .

[bhekti]

U know that one might believe in falsehood, don't you? Therefore, everyone should judge. I totally agree with u. One should study the discussed matter very carefully and critically before making any judgment about it, or before giving oneself up to it. And, that, I think, is an never-ending process.

Talking about the matter discussed, If I'm not mistaken, muslims believe in one God. God is one, substantially singular. Non-muslims have totally different belief in this matter. Some believe in plural God(s). Some believe in triune God (One God in three persons). So, what do you think? which belief is right? Certainly, u can't say all of them are right because they are not the same. So, which belief should one possess? Certainly, u can't say that one may choose whatever one like for a belief because that would be ridiculous. So,...what do you think?

It's nice to talk with you. Regards.

[Nightshade]

:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D

[subterranean]

Hello miss,


Good that you share with us about your belief. We have Christian, Buddhis, and atheist threads already. So this Islam thread would enrich the diversity of our forum. IMO, long as we respect each other's belief, all discussions will go on just fine.

[miss tenderness]

thanks all for ur sharing bhkti,subterranean. bhkti i do believe in one God who is Allah.what is ur point?

[lover of jesus]

U

(So, what do you think? which belief is right? Certainly, ..



although iam anew but excuse me to add something

our God when He creates us He gives us many signs to know Him and to know His oneness...
He gives us ((the mind )) to know Him ...person should use his mind to know the really God...
He gives us (the science) to lead us to the right belief

we as Muslims believe in the role of science in knowing God,

especially the scientific miracles in quraan...there r many verses in quraaan talk about many scientific phenomena and medical miracles ....

although it was reveled to the prophet (Mohammed) peace should be upon him...before more than one thousand years...but it full with exact and accurate phenomena of earth, sun ,moon, and other planets .....does that tell people something?

it is great evidence that Quraan is from the God who creates the earth ,moon, sun ,people ,and every thing around us ,He creates them and knows every thing about them every thing that may we still ignore it
so we shouldn't be surprise if the scientists discover something new in the future and we find it in Quraan .

science4islam.com

another site shows many scientists convert Islam because this scientific miracles

islamyesterday.com

by the way...we have verse in quran which means
the scientists fears from Allah
before i know these sites i was amazing !! how!!
but after these sites i understand..
believe me ..Allah is merciful and fair

so that he sends such signs to know him

May Allah guide us to the good sayings and good deeds

regaaards all of you :wave:

[miss tenderness]

thanks lover and i like ur nick :) we all love jesus,may peace an blesseings of Allah be upon him

[adilyoussef]

That's good! That's a thread worth a discussion. But I wont say a thing now although I like this thread. Both of what you have posted, miss tenderness and Lover of jesus, are intresting. But this needs more reflection. I'll try to post something in the topic next time.
BTW, this post is just to remind me of the thread and to keep it in my cp.

[adilyoussef]

What does Islam mean? This is a broad question. One might look for the word in a lexicon and find a kind of an answer to it. But there are words that you wont understand their meanigs untill you experience them or are part of your cotidian life. To answer this question, I find it troublesome. Yesterday when i come across this thread I said to myself: well, what am I supposed to write here as an answer? And I finally managed to come up with this short consept in order to understand Islam.

Islam is a religion for sure. But what is a religion? Is it just beliefs and doing what it asks us to do? Or has it a deep meaning? Religion deals more with the soul than the boddy. The boddy needs food to survive so does the soul. Some finds in art a source of nourishment, some in religion and some in other things. From this consept many religions build their doctrins and lows. Islam, for instance, is built upon monotheism (one God and Mohammed is His proffet), doing the prayers five times a day, fasting ramadan, giving alms, and pilgrimage to Makka. These five pillars are all selfsentred. One doesnot do them for the sake of others but for his own sake. No one is there to judge you or check whether you do your duties as a muslim or not. It's between you and you Creator. What is so essancial here is that all these five pillars are invalid unless you believe in what you are involved in.

Most prayers are said silently between you and God. Ismal adresses God directly without the intervention of a priest or what ever human being in earth. If you sinned, you are your own redeamer. If you whant God's mercy or help, you need no one but yourself. You'r your own judge.

Fasting is also donne between you and God. Who shall prevents you from eating if you whant so. No one has the right. Everything is in your hands: water, food, your wife ( for sex is forbidden in ramadan while fasting), and whatever is forbidden in ramadan. In this holly month, whatever thing that is essencial for human life is forbidden. So the first question that arises is why. Simply because you have to teach yourself to abstract from what is treuly forbidden: wine, fornication, lying, killing, to name a few.

The consept of Islam is to make you teach yourself how to be the master of your soul and desires. While praying, it is forbidden to speak, to look behind or at the sides, to move or even be attracted by everyday life. You are then in the pressence of God. Imagin yourself have done somthing wrong and whanted to appologize to your superior (at work or whatever place). Are you going to send somebody to appologize for you or go and appologize yourself. Lets inverse the situation. If somebody wronged you, do you preffer s/he comes to appologize him/herself or send someone else. So the case with Islam. No one is responsible of your dids but yourself. So better appologize yourself.

Here I was just giving some fragmented images of how some practices are done in Islam. Islam is a religion which asks its believers to teach themselves to abstract from what is forbidden through everyday practice. It's like learning Maths, a new language or whatever subject. You begin by practicing it and doing the easy exercises. Little by little you get further and you'll be able to solve everyday life problems through practis and acquisition.

Recently I'v come across some concepts like "cultural studies" and find difficulties to defind its meaning or give it an essance. Also scholars working in the fild assumed the imbiguity of such a consept. Islam is just a word but also an institution. If a consept like "cultural studies" is difficult to be given an essance so what is for the institution that this concept is part of as of othe institutions. In what I have just written, I'v just tried to touch on and give a small idea about what the word "Islam" might mean. The question is too broad and neads restrictions and specifications.

[shadowy girl]

[COLOR=Black]Hello dear members…
Have u ever asked yourselves what does the word Islam mean? Obviousely there are lots of attacks forwarded to this religion in the media, so I kept wondering why? since I'm deeply involved in studying this religion let me give u some briefs aspects of it and I'll be pleased to have ur respectable replies concerning my post(I really hope it 'll be posted and not banned since I really believe in accepting each others' beliefs and opinions)
Ok…what does Islam mean?
Islam is an Arabic word taken from the Arabic word, istislam that word means surrendering to God the Almighty, and u should know that Muslims greet each other by saying-salaam alykum –which mean peace be upon u.

Having known the profound meaning of that word lets move to the basics or basic pillars of Islam which a Muslim must believe in and practice them as well: they are:
1. Believing that there is no God except Allah the Almighty, and that Mohammad is his servant and messenger.
2. Perforeming the 5 prayers (they're a must) in which Muslims are directly connected to their God 5times per a day.
3. Giving charity to poor people. 4. Fasting the Ramadan month (in order to remind Muslims of their suffering bros who do not have something to eat, a lot of charity is given by Muslims during this month)
5.performing pilgrimage(in Makkah where billions of Muslims gather in there wearing the same cloth-white-worshiping their God despite their colors or wealth or any other standards all are there as one person no difference accept for piety.
These are simple accpects of Islam and I assure you that once I go deep into understanding it, I really feel the truth of that religion and how it aimed at reforming the soul and the community.
If you want to read some parts of the Quran(which is the holy book of Muslims) u can go to this site
islamtomorrow.com
Bye bye all hope my post is interesting.. :smash:


all you just said is completely true, you can also go to Islamonline.net
it's also in English and the best Islamic website ;)

[quasimodo1]

the arabic derivation of islam is submission to the will of allah RJS

[Grammar]

I like this thread. I find really wise brains behind these words. I truely believe that :
""He gives us ((the mind )) to know Him ...person should use his mind to know the really God...
He gives us (the science) to lead us to the right belief""

These days I'm really fond of a site called : The Quran Miracles Encyclopedia

I invite all muslims and non-muslims to this site. It really talks to the mind of a person. This is the site>> 55a.net/firas/english

Hope you enjoy it.

my Regards

[Virgil]

I never saw this thread before. Thanks all. I found it informative.

[miss tenderness]

I never saw this thread before. Thanks all. I found it informative.

that's because it's too old:)

good to see it again:D

[miss tenderness]

it was posted in 2005!

life runs:(

[whatsername]

If it wasn't for Islam I probably wouldn't be on these boards right now(long story)
One great religion.

[Goodfella]

If it wasn't for Islam I probably wouldn't be on these boards right now(long story)
One great religion.

That is a general belief of all believers of whatsoever religion. Can you please tell more on what makes Islam great?
Thanks

[whatsername]

Sure, but this is gonna be a bit long...oh well

First, for me to say why Islam is great I need others to understand what Islam is all about.

The point in General

Ever since the beginning of time all the prophets who were sent to people only had one message to say to them "Believe in only one God who is Allah". Many prophets were sent and many people believed. Islam wasn't fully established until prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) came to his people, he was the last prophet of God. And with him came the Quran, the book of Islam. As a Muslim we are told to follow the rulings of the Quran and the Sunnah (actions) of the prophet Muhammad since he is the best role model for Muslims.

The Quran is the last revealed word of Allah and the basic source of Islamic teachings and laws. The Quran deals with the basis of creeds, morality, history of humanity, worship, knowledge, wisdom, God-man relationship, and human relationships in all aspects. Comprehensive teachings, on which can be built sound systems of social justice, economics, politics, legislation, jurisprudence, law and international relations, are important contents of the Qur’an. The Hadith, the teachings, sayings and actions of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), meticulously reported and collected by his devoted companions, explain and elaborate the Quranic verses.
The prophet (peace be upon him) said: "When evening comes, do not expect (to live till) morning, and when morning comes, do not expect (to live till) evening. Take from your health (a preparation) for your illness, and from your life for your death."

In the world, there must be a great force in action to keep everything in harmony. In exquisite nature, there must be a great creator who fashions the most charming pieces of art and produces everything for a special purpose in life. The deeply enlightened people recognize this creator and call him God, or "Allah". He is not a man because no man can create or make another man. He is not an animal, nor is He a plant. He is neither an idol nor is He a statue of any kind because none of these things can make itself or create anything else. He is different from all of these things, because He is the maker and keeper of them all. The maker of anything must be different from and greater than the things that he makes.
There are various ways to know the true God "Allah", and there are many things to tell about Him. The great wonders and impressive marvels of the world are like open books in which we can read about God. Besides, God Himself comes to our aid through the many messengers and revelations He has sent down to man. These messengers and revelations tell us everything we need to know about God.
The complete acceptance of the teachings and guidance of God "Allah" as revealed to His last messenger Muhammad (peace be upon him) is the religion of Islam. Islam enjoins faith in the oneness and sovereignty of God, which makes man aware of the meaningfulness of the Universe and of his place in it. This belief frees him from all fears and superstitions by making him conscious of the presence of Almighty Allah and of man's obligations towards Him. This faith must be expressed and tested in action. Faith alone is not enough. Belief in one God requires that we look upon all humanity as one family under the universal Omnipotence of God, the Creator and Sustainer of all. Islam rejects the idea of chosen people. Believing in the one God, and behaving according to His rules are the only way to Heaven. Thus, a direct relationship is established with God, without any intercessor.
Muslims believe in the timeless knowledge of God and in His power to plan and execute His plans. They believe that nothing could happen in His Kingdom against His will. His knowledge, power and command are in action at all times over His creation. He is wise and merciful, and whatever He does must have a meaningful purpose. If this is established in our minds and hearts, we should accept with good faith all that He does, although we may fail to understand it fully.

My personal point of view:

What I really love about Islam is the fact that Allah is always there for you. He's that one friend who could never leave you. You can always ask him for forgiveness and help. Every Muslim should have a bond between themselves and their creator and that’s what Islam tells us and helps us to do.

Islam to me is more of a way of life then a religion; it's a guide through life, giving advice to all humans. For example, Muslims aren't allowed to drink alcohol because obviously it gets you drunk and results in you doing stupid stuff you’d regret doing later on. Muslims aren't allowed to eat pork because pigs roll around in mud all day and end up eating garbage.

There was a time in my life when I didn't know why I was living. It most probably occurred in many other lives as well. For me the answer to that question came through my knowledge and understanding of Islam

I live to serve God
I believe that life is a test. God is testing us to see if we will always believe in him through good times and bad, or will we lose our faith over a hard situation.
He is testing us to see if we'll be tempted by the luxuries of this life, forget our main purpose of existence, and our goal which is to make it to heaven. Judgment day is when we get our grades in our test of life.
Some people don't take the concept of heaven and hell seriously, others would say "I'm a good person, so of course I'm going to heaven" while others would have already given up hope and say "forget it, I'm going to hell no matter what I do"
The Prophet Muhammad came to deliver the message of Islam to everyone, so clearly that shows that anyone can go to Heaven as long as they work for it.

Faith without action and practice is a dead end, as far as Islam is concerned. Faith by nature is very sensitive and can be most effective as a motivator in our lives. When it is out of practice or out of use, it quickly loses its liveliness and motivational power.

THERE ARE FIVE PILLARS OF ISLAM:
1. The Declaration of Faith: To bear witness that there is none worthy of worship except Allah, and that Muhammad is His messenger to all human beings till the Day of Judgment. The prophethood of Muhammad obliges Muslims to follow his exemplary life as a model.
2. Prayers: Daily prayers are offered five times a day as a duty towards Allah. They strengthen and enliven the belief in Allah and inspire man to a higher morality. They purify the heart and prevent temptation towards wrongdoing and evils.
3. Fasting the month of Ramadan: During the month of Ramadan, Muslims not only abstain from food, drink and sexual intercourse from dawn to sunset but also from evil intentions and desires. Fasting teaches love, sincerity and devotion. It helps to develop a sound social conscience, patience, unselfishness and willpower.
4. Zakaah: The literal and simple meaning of Zakaah is purity. It is a charity and continued help to be given by the rich Muslims to the poor and needy Muslims annually.
5. Hajj (Pilgrimage to Makkah): It is to be performed once in a lifetime, if one can afford it financially and physically.
Having said all this, it is clear that the religion of Islam is suitable for all of God's creation. God says in the Qur’an: "O you who believe! Observe your duties to God properly, as He deserves, and do not die except as Muslims!" God has made my intended purpose and path in this life clear.

Islam is a religion for all people; it gives everyone a chance to make it to heaven. One of the great things about Allah is that he is forgiving, patient and merciful.
As Muslims, we are encouraged to think of all humans as brothers and sisters, Islam is here to unite people together, thats why we go to the mosque 5 times a day to pray should to should with other muslims. It also tells us to treat others the way you want to be treated.

Allah Almighty says, "Do good so that hopefully you will be successful."

The prophet said "The Muslim is the brother of the Muslim. He should not wrong him nor surrender him to his enemy. Allah will take care of the needs of anyone who takes care of the needs of his brother. On the Day of Rising Allah will dispel the anxiety of anyone who dispels the anxiety of another Muslim. On the Day of Rising Allah will veil anyone who veils another Muslim."

He also said "None of you truly believes (in Allah and in His religion) until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself"

When it comes to the veil I find the whole thing quite interesting. A girl wearing the veil is like a pearl still in its shell, she can only show her true beauty to that one person, her husband. I think in that case it increases the love between couples. Who wouldn't want a wife who covers up in front of unknown men? Islam discourages people from trying to attract attention to themselves and that is a form of modesty.

I think the true message of Islam is love, to love one another as if you are all one big family, to love the prophet who did so much just to spread the words of Islam, and most of all to love Allah, the one who created you and gave you everything you have now and who will give you the happiness of paradise.

And that is why I think Islam is great.

P.S: Just wanted to say sorry if anyone got offended with anything I said.

[Dante Wodehouse]

He is not a man because no man can create or make another man.

Very informative post, whatsername, and I don't mean to be offensive or cruel, but are you aware of the theory of human reproduction?

[Nightshade]

Very informative post, whatsername, and I don't mean to be offensive or cruel, but are you aware of the theory of human reproduction?

I think Ill ake this one on, and add a few of my own opion and ideas as I go one.

You can throw spem at ovas and they dont always nesseraly fertailize combine whatever to create a zygot do they? and even then the zygot doesnt always grown to be a human being does it? No. Basically the thing is you could shake sperm and ovas around in a testtube all day and there is no 100% certanty that they will combine. But to us muslims God is that certinaty that thing that means that yes this time it will work.
And reproduction has little to do with creation. No for a man to creat a man they would have to make maufature mind you the nesseray cells from scratch and to combine them sculpt them if you will and make this sculpture come alive. But even then it is not creation because to create is to make somthing totally new and unique from scratch if a clever scientist guy actually managed this then well it would be palgurismm wouldnt it? And not a creation

Thats why I dont disaprove of cloning on religious level becase its not creation because nothing can be alive without a soul and humans cant make souls so quite simply if a clone lives it lives becasue God created it whatever anyone else might think.

[whatsername]

Very informative post, whatsername, and I don't mean to be offensive or cruel, but are you aware of the theory of human reproduction?
There is a difference between Reproduce and Creat.
As explained by Nightshade


I think Ill ake this one on, and add a few of my own opion and ideas as I go one.

You can throw spem at ovas and they dont always nesseraly fertailize combine whatever to create a zygot do they? and even then the zygot doesnt always grown to be a human being does it? No. Basically the thing is you could shake sperm and ovas around in a testtube all day and there is no 100% certanty that they will combine. But to us muslims God is that certinaty that thing that means that yes this time it will work.
And reproduction has little to do with creation. No for a man to creat a man they would have to make maufature mind you the nesseray cells from scratch and to combine them sculpt them if you will and make this sculpture come alive. But even then it is not creation because to create is to make somthing totally new and unique from scratch if a clever scientist guy actually managed this then well it would be palgurismm wouldnt it? And not a creation

Thats why I dont disaprove of cloning on religious level becase its not creation because nothing can be alive without a soul and humans cant make souls so quite simply if a clone lives it lives becasue God created it whatever anyone else might think.
Nice reply.


Just one thing I wanted to add. I remember reading The Alchemist, that the character felt that god was inside him, and that got me thinking and it actually turned out to be true.When Adam was created God blew his soul into him, so yes, a part of God is in all of us and all his other creations.

[Nightshade]

When Adam was created God blew his soul into him, so yes, a part of God is in all of us and all his other creations.
wait is that blew His soul into him, or blew his ( as in adams) soul into him??

[whatsername]

wait is that blew His soul into him, or blew his ( as in adams) soul into him??


Adams soul

[Nightshade]

Ok
:D

[whatsername]

I just hope it made some kind of sense in a way.

[Nossa]

Hello,
I have one point to comment on here..
Someone mentioned that there's always some kind of contradiction between what 'should be' and what 'is'..well one question, isn't that in all religions then? isn't that in many things in life that may/may not be connected to religion?
I've grew up in a Muslim family, which I believe is a modest one, and seeing what's been said about Islam all around the globe, only makes me wonder if people only tried to make Islam a some sort of a scapegoat for any other distorted images of any other religiongs.
Another point is that, I do agree that what 'should be' isn't practised properly nowadays, but that's not Islam's fault, if I may say it like that. How can anyone judge such a great religion by the acts of some people, who don't even get it correctly? How can you, after reading and knowing about it, not respect it and know that all what's been said about it isn't correct?

[pinkmoon]

Yes Nossa. The point is to know what is Islam and how a Muslim should be,
but not how too many Muslims behave or how people who do call them selves Muslims behave. When you want to know Islam you have to ask about it as a religion don't ask what some Muslims do.:p

[Shield&Sword]

Just one point to be cleared. God blew his soul in Adam, his doesnt mean the soul of God or part of soul of God, no one said that God got a soul as we got it. "His" here is to honor the soul of the humans so he said "my soul", its like saying His prophet, Allah relaited the prophet to him to honor him so he mentioned him as "his". Soul is created as flesh is created, we cant say soul is part of God, soul is honored when God said "my soul into him" mean "soul i created into him". Another example is when God said to worship him and directly said to treat good our parents he honored parents when he mentioned them after his name, same thing when he talked about time, he relaited time to him to show us that time is important. Its an important issue and for more understanding you can go back to explination of Quran.

[miss tenderness]

Yes Nossa. The point is to know what is Islam and how a Muslim should be,
but not how too many Muslims behave or how people who do call them selves Muslims behave. When you want to know Islam you have to ask about it as a religion don't ask what some Muslims do.:p

exactly! but that doesn't mean that you shouldn't judge a religion by its people ,because they partly reflet their religion . the thing is if we are to judge a religion,we have to be aware of the holy text and its teaching in the first place . It is what a religion is real about.

Sheild : :thumbs_up

[blazeofglory]

Islam represents a great religious segment. I know little of it. But some Islamic poems I have read particularly of Sufi masters are matchlessly beautiful and moving.

[sun & sky]

glade to see this thread .. !! so educated , so informative ..

and I find nice web sites too ,


Islam is really a great religion

[Guinivere]

Where does the word 'Islam' derive from. What is its meaning and I mean this literally. Not looking for an interpretation.
All I can come up with is either 'Islam', meining peace, because of the word 'sa - lam'. Or a very different translation meaning oppression (my source for the latter would be my former R. E. teacher so he would be a bit biased). Surely that can't be right. Anyone ?

[Nightshade]

Where does the word 'Islam' derive from. What is its meaning and I mean this literally. Not looking for an interpretation.
All I can come up with is either 'Islam', meining peace, because of the word 'sa - lam'. Or a very different translation meaning oppression (my source for the latter would be my former R. E. teacher so he would be a bit biased). Surely that can't be right. Anyone ?

Its hasn't an exact literal translation, Arabic doesn't work like that, the root is S-L-M and the nearest complete word to the root is Peace, Salam. Esteslim means to surrender peacefully.
Moselim is a faa'il meaning he who surrenders peacefully.
Ooselim means I surrender peacefully

I believe the word Islam didn't occur till after the occurrence of the word Muslim which would make sense from a logical train of thought anyway, as as far as I know the way the story goes the early Muslims ( and I'm talking like the first 5 here ) used to say things like Ini Ooselim nafsee li wajah allah meaning I have surrendered myself to the Will [literal translation face but in context means will or way of or in the cause or even though it doesn't make sense in the English translation the sake --as in fasting liwajah allah which means fasting for the sake of god, or for God or just because I want to demonstrate my love of God-- ] of God and these people became know as the muslimoon or the surrenders. so the religion's name came from this name the surrenderers because of what they used to say and the word Islam actually means the Surrender to the will of God (in order that you/i/they/'people' might live in peace/goodness and prosper)

and I never ever ever thought I would have to regurgitate that lecture from year 9 Arabic grammar :lol:

[Guinivere]

and I never ever ever thought I would have to regurgitate that lecture from year 9 Arabic grammar :lol:

Well thanks anyway. Your explanation did help. ;)

[blazeofglory]

I suppose Islam is a way of life, something full of ancient words of wisdom but am sad at the fact that very few follow it in practice. Reading the Koran and Sufi literature I feel there is room for fundamentalists, terrorists, fanatics in the world. They are treasure-troves of inspirations. Some of my best storehouses of inspirations are Sufi poems and I repeatedly read them.

The point is Islam is really a big fountainhead of inspiration and it leads us and directs our course of living, but at times we misconstrue it, the sacred texts of the Koran.

Let us keep it in high esteem, revere every saint in the Koran take every word as a jewel of life and never take it to direct human beings into acts of violence, terrorism.

Forgive me if I have trespassed the domain I should not have. Maybe what I said can be construed or misconstrued. The point is, however, let us take every word of the Koran to our mutual benefits. That was what the prophet wanted.

[Tournesol]

I suppose Islam is a way of life, something full of ancient words of wisdom but am sad at the fact that very few follow it in practice. .


Hello, and asalamualaikum to all on the forums.

To comment on what you said, blazeofglory, you're quite right in one respect.

There's a reason why the name of the 'way of life' is different from the name of a person who follows this 'way of life', i.e. the name of the 'way of life' is 'Islam', but the name of a follower is 'Muslim'.

Unlike other 'ways of life': a 'Hindu' follows 'Hinduism'; a Christian follows 'Christianity' The 'way of life' was named after its followers. This means that if the practices of the followers change, then so can the way of life. Eg, if there are gay priests, then homosexuality is allowed in the church, even though it was condemned in the Bible. [I know that there are disputes about this, and I hope that I do not offend anyone]

However, Islam originated, and then the followers of Islam were called Muslims.
Therefore, the 'way of life' that is 'Islam' will never change its beliefs, even if the actions/practices of the Muslims change. They are two different things. If a Muslim were to be gay, homosexuality will still never be allowed in Islam.

The Quran has never been altered in any way.

So, blazeofglory, yes - there are those Muslims who make wrong decisions.

Their behaviour is not Islamic, even though they are Muslims.

However, the behaviour of a non-Muslim may be Islamic, even though they are not Muslim Eg- helping an old person across the street, giving a dollar to the poor, smiling at a sad person on the subway: these are all Islamic things [these are all considered to be chairty in Islam]. And yes, Muslims do do these things :)

[blazeofglory]

However, the behaviour of a non-Muslim may be Islamic, even though they are not Muslim Eg- helping an old person across the street, giving a dollar to the poor, smiling at a sad person on the subway: these are all Islamic things [these are all considered to be chairty in Islam]. And yes, Muslims do do these things :)

I like this idea, and it roused spurts of feelings in me and now you rose to a height so high that is un-scalable by any measure. This is what I want always said and here. You took it totally differently and there is no confusion, and this is really a broad perspective to include all in the Islamic mainstream. I see no air of fundamentalism, any guise or conceit or deceit in your expressions. I really got excited to hear that any other faith holders too can be included provided he proves himself to live an Islamic way of life. That is what exactly I want a religion to be, to involve one in works of charity and philanthropy. With this idea and ideal man elevates him above all other ideals.

[mazHur]

A Muslim is anything but a hypocrite.
He believes in the edicts of Quran...without demur!
This is basic,,,,fundamental duty of a Muslim..
Other things such as Sunnah (Traditions) come later on,,

[Scheherazade]

A Muslim is anything but a hypocrite.
He believes in the edicts of Quran...without demur!
This is basic,,,,fundamental duty of a Muslim..
Other things such as Sunnah (Traditions) come later on,,I am not sure if it is right to group people in that manner and make generalisations.

There are many Muslims, even though they practise devotedly, who fail to practise the teachings of Islam (they have extra-marital affairs, drink, gamble, gossip and what not) or interpret different teachings in a way to suit their own agendas.

And there are non-Muslims who lead moral lives that can set examples to many Muslims.

People are people; there are hypocrites everywhere, regardless of their religious background.

[mazHur]

I suppose Islam is a way of life, something full of ancient words of wisdom but am sad at the fact that very few follow it in practice. Reading the Koran and Sufi literature I feel there is room for fundamentalists, terrorists, fanatics in the world. They are treasure-troves of inspirations. Some of my best storehouses of inspirations are Sufi poems and I repeatedly read them.

The point is Islam is really a big fountainhead of inspiration and it leads us and directs our course of living, but at times we misconstrue it, the sacred texts of the Koran.

Let us keep it in high esteem, revere every saint in the Koran take every word as a jewel of life and never take it to direct human beings into acts of violence, terrorism.

Forgive me if I have trespassed the domain I should not have. Maybe what I said can be construed or misconstrued. The point is, however, let us take every word of the Koran to our mutual benefits. That was what the prophet wanted.


Quran teaches all good things but unfortunately different Muslim sects have found their own reasoning for interpreting many tenets as well as traditions of the Prophet in their own way. this has led to all the trouble and misconceptions about Islam. Terrorism and violaence are abhored in Islam and those who believe in it are obviously not Muslims (eventhough they may call themselves so)
In my personal opinion those people are culturally induced people, acting beyong the tenets of Islam, at the exploitation of 'some unknown hands' or for their own 'vested interests'' having to do least with Islam.

Islam is a religion of peace, a code of life.....it's rigid as well as flexible depending on strict 'conditions''!


I am not sure if it is right to group people in that manner and make generalisations.

There are many Muslims, even though they practise devotedly, who fail to practise the teachings of Islam (they have extra-marital affairs, drink, gamble, gossip and what not) or interpret different teachings in a way to suit their own agendas.

And there are non-Muslims who lead moral lives that can set examples to many Muslims.

People are people; there are hypocrites everywhere, regardless of their religious background.


dear me, it's not a generalization. A Muslim cannot be a Hypocrite! If he is then he's not complying with the tenets of holy Quran, simple as that. One shouldn't trust such people--muslim or non muslim!

[blazeofglory]

I revere the Koran and yet wonder why there are too many fundamentalists who derail all those are on the right path?

[mazHur]

I revere the Koran and yet wonder why there are too many fundamentalists who derail all those are on the right path?


there are black sheep everywhere who have their own motives, usually socio-political and psychological. The target areas of such people are isolated place where the bulk of the population is uneducated or bound by feudal/tribal system. Then there are other reasons as well,,,such as sectarianism and misinterpretation of religious tenets to suit one's own purpose.

[learntodiscover]

Very informative post, whatsername, and I don't mean to be offensive or cruel, but are you aware of the theory of human reproduction?

CHAPTER 75
VERSE 37 "Was he not a nutfah( mixed drops male and female sexual dishcarge) emitted?"
VERSE 38 "Then he became 'Alaqah (a clot); then Allah shaped and fashioned him in due proportion."
VERSE 39 "And made of him two sexes, male and female."

Does that answer your question. Allah mentions in the quran about reproduction. so that people can understan that they do not have the power to create.

[Shield&Sword]

Muslims who really follow islam are not few, and fundamentalists are not so many. if this is true (that fundamentalists are too many) then we will see that the christian minorities is islamic countries are perished long time ago, but we find that arabic christians and jews are living side by side in islamic countries (which mean that the "few" true muslims control the huge number of fundamentalists), in the other side we find that the islamic minoriteis in non islamic countries are treated badly, for example Philipin, india, europe (where the exrimist parties in governments are allowed). The only people who are killed by muslims are soldiers of foriegn countries that are located in islamic countries, Afghanistan, Iraq, Somalia and so o, these are terrorists? well in order to answer it right try not to be fundamentalist.
The remaining people who are killed by "muslims" are the 2 towers victims and spain trains, such thing was done by fundamentalists, but they were fewwwww fundamentalists.

In order to know islam you must read Quran and sunna (sayings and deeds of prophet) and if something is not clear there are scholars, islam is not rappresented by youtube and cnn.....

And about creating each other, if you say that you create a big man (by reproduction), well please create a little fly by any way you want. thx.

[mazHur]

islam is not rappresented by youtube and cnn.....

this is so true!

The anomalous behaviour of some Muslims is not due to teaching of the holy Quran but rather due to deviation from its teachings and overshadowing of faith by socio-cultural, political and other interests.

Have you ever thought why after more than 1400 years of inception of Islam the people now malign Muslims as so-called ''fundamentalists'' and look with awe at the Islamic religion???

[thuraiya]

The question is: Does the dictionary meaning of a word signify the reality that word represent? The what-should-be is never the what-is.

the qestion is" is islam what do you is in th media or what is in the reality " among thou who follow it( in their socities)":)

[muhsin]

Have you ever thought why after more than 1400 years of inception of Islam the people now malign Muslims as so-called ''fundamentalists'' and look with awe at the Islamic religion???

If you have, brother, then tell us why? Though I've, I thinka And my conclusion is that, briefly; we don't actually practise the religion the way it should be. Thus, we tend to rather necessarily be misunderstood especially by those who have 'phobia' of it already.

There is no time to shade more light.

God bless.

[mazHur]

If you have, brother, then tell us why? Though I've, I thinka And my conclusion is that, briefly; we don't actually practise the religion the way it should be. Thus, we tend to rather necessarily be misunderstood especially by those who have 'phobia' of it already.

There is no time to shade more light.

God bless.

No. it's due to sectarian interpretation of Islam by Muslims in their own way, to suit their own vested interests. Quran provides us with a code of life,,,,as Muslims we have failed to follow it and take for granted that merely observing roza , namaz, haj and some other ''selected' duties towards Allah would be sufficient enough to emancipate them from their sins, I think there is more to do than that,and that is Act,,,and fulfil duties towards fellow beings........

[muhsin]

Assalamu alaikum,

Brother mazHur, I think there is no significance difference between what you said and what I did say initially. Its just of our failure to follow the true precepts/priciple teaching of the religion that culminates the problem.

Moreso, I recently heard of one Sheik saying something really on good track. He succintly urged Muslims to do what we exactly are talking here--follow the Qur'an and Sunnah. And nobody would look with owe at us, for our religion has said everything and on everything, eg economy, health, education, general life and so on.

May Allah help us, amin.

[mazHur]

Assalamu alaikum,

Brother mazHur, I think there is no significance difference between what you said and what I did say initially. Its just of our failure to follow the true precepts/priciple teaching of the religion that culminates the problem.

Moreso, I recently heard of one Sheik saying something really on good track. He succintly urged Muslims to do what we exactly are talking here--follow the Qur'an and Sunnah. And nobody would look with owe at us, for our religion has said everything and on everything, eg economy, health, education, general life and so on.

May Allah help us, amin.


Quran comes first, then the Sunnah. There is too much controversy over Hadith
(traditions) among the various Muslim sects. Also, there is a lot of controversy over interpretation of Quranic verses,,,,but I personally do not like to follow any Sheikh or whatever,,,,Allah has given everyone his own intellect and commonsense... to understand the word of God. Notwithstanding this what the Muslims of today require is character building. Just sticking to Huqooqullah (duties towards God) ain't enough,,,Allah is God of the Universe,,not only |Muslims...so we must as well carry out our duties towards fellow men and all things in the universe. For doing that we muslims must resolve our difference over petty matters, such as personalities, rituals, etc and act,,,act as commanded by the Quran. Traditions may serve as a secondary guiding factor. Let us not distort the Quranic tenets to suit our interests,,,the interests of a sect,,,,,and malign others. There are no sects in Islam ,,,,Muslims are jut Muslims,,,if we think in terms of different schools of thought or dogmas we are ina way stepping away from the spirit of Islam.

For good reading on Islam i recommend you to read books by Syed Amir Ali
,,one of his book's titles History of the Saracens ,,,,or works by Shustri,,,,
you may google for more details about them

[muhsin]

Thanks, mazHur. I'll, inshaAllah, look for that.

[ola,m,k,hailat]

brilliant discussion

[planet earth]

Yes it is a brilliant discussion
I think I will start a new thread discussing the History of the word Islam