Islam in the view of a NON-Muslim

Before the War, Long Before

(Don't be distracted by the introduction, this article is a collection of quotes from non-Muslim intellectuals from the 17th century onward. If you don't wish to read my short summary of the origins of Islam's modern image, scroll down a few paragraphs. Enjoy!)

Islam's modern image as a savage religion of terror and oppression is a relatively recent phenomenon. During the nine-year Soviet war in Afghanistan, the American C.I.A. sent aid to the Afghan mujahideen who were fighting the Soviet occupation of their country. As the Cold War drew to a close, and Iraq annexed Kuwait, threatening America's steady supply of oil, America grew ever less isolationist and ever more interventionist, determined to protect 'her' resources at all costs. In order to justify her brutal actions abroad, the American government has claimed many different excuses, including bringing democracy to the Middle East, searching for weapons of mass destruction, protection of economic interests abroad, and last but not least, a 'war on terror'.

To validate this last, the media has resorted to extraordinarily fraudulent tactics, creating a narrative of highly-organized 'jihadists' initiating violence against the west, Muslim suicide-bombers determined to kill as many infidel westerners as possible. America in turn, is the heroic defender of the west, stamping out these murderous Muslims to bring secular democracy and peace to the Middle East. And the West swallows it up. Every new act of murder in the news is labeled Islamic terror, until proven otherwise, and once the aggressor is acquitted of any Islamic connection, he is written off as a mentally-unstable individual (see, for example, the media's initial reaction to Anders Breivik). Few have the audacity to step back and analyze the narrative objectively, to recognize America's true hand in the war, the utter ridiculousness of the vast levels of power, structure, funding, and ammunition attributed to supposed back-woods organizations in under-developed countries (such as alqaeda and the taliban), to grasp the extent of America's wanton slaughter of innocent men, women and children in the Middle East, to ask Muslims what their religious and political views are, to study the Qur'an and find out what it says about terrorism, and to realize that this is nothing but a political war in which weak countries are fighting for their rights against the invasion of a militant superpower. The fact that America is predominantly secular and these countries are Muslim-majority, is irrelevant, yet the media's portrayal of these citizens as militant Islamists has been so successful, that Islam's long-held image as a peaceful, civilized reformer of society has been bulldozed into the ground along with the homes and families of millions of Muslims.

Yet, prior to these events, Islam has long enjoyed a high reputation for many centuries, since its advent in the Arabian peninsula. Non-Muslim intellectuals through the ages have esteemed the prophet Muhammad highly, as one of the world's most successful religious and political leaders of all time, and recognized the Islamic civilization that blossomed throughout both East and West as the first and most impressive renaissance to take place. I've shared a collection of quotes below in hopes that it will encourage readers to set aside their modern misconceptions shaped by a political war and the media's scandalous distortion of it, and view Islam through the lens of Europe's Christian and secular intellectuals whose writings have shaped Western thought for generations.

Edward Gibbon

" 'I believe in One God and Muhammad the apostle of God,' is the simple and invariable profession of Islam. The intellectual image of the Deity has never been degraded by any visible idol; the honours of the prophet have never transgressed the measure of human virtue, and his living precepts have restrained the gratitude of his disciples within the bounds of reason and religion." ~Simon Ockley (b. 1678), History of the Saracens

"More pure than the system of Zoroaster, more liberal than the law of Moses, the religion of Muhammad might seem less inconsistent with reason than the creed of mystery and superstition which, in the seventh century, disgraced the simplicity of the gospels." ~Edward Gibbon (b. 1737), The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire

Napoleon Bonaparte

"Arabia was idolatrous when, six centuries after Jesus, Muhammad introduced the worship of the God of Abraham, of Ishmael, of Moses, and Jesus. The Arians and some other sects had disturbed the tranquility of the east by agitating the question of the nature of the Father, the son, and the Holy Ghost. Muhammad declared that there was none but one God who had no father, no son and that the trinity imported the idea of idolatry." ~Napoleon Bonaparte (b. 1769)

"He was Caesar and Pope in one; but he was Pope without the Pope's pretensions, Caesar without the legions of Caesar, without a standing army, without a bodyguard, without a palace, without a fixed revenue; if ever any man had the right to say that he ruled by the right divine, it was Muhammad, for he had all the power without its instruments and without its supports." ~Rev. Benjamin Smith (b. 1784), American bishop and author of Apostolic Succession

Alphonse de Lamartine

"The founder of twenty terrestrial empires and of one spiritual empire, that is Muhammad. As regards all standards by which human greatness may be measured, we may well ask, is there any man greater than he?" ~Alphonse de Lamartine (b. 1790), Histoire de la Turquie

Thomas Carlyle

"These Arabs, the man Muhammad, and that one century, - is it not as if a spark had fallen, one spark, on a world of what proves explosive powder, blazes heaven-high from Delhi to Granada! I said, the great man was always as lightning out of Heaven; the rest of men waited for him like fuel, and then they too would flame." ~Thomas Carlyle (b. 1795), Scottish historian and essayist, author of The French Revolution: A History

Sir William Muir

"Muhammad brought an end to idol worship. He preached monotheism and infinite Mercy of God, human brotherhood, care of orphans, emancipation of slaves, forbidding of wine - no religion achieved as much success as Islam did." ~Sir William Muir (b. 1819), Scottish orientalist and colonial administrator

"Islam replaced monkishness by manliness. It gives hope to the slave, brotherhood to mankind, and recognition of the fundamental facts of human nature." ~Isaac Taylor (b.1829), Anglican canon of York and author of Leaves from an Egyptian Notebook

"I often think that woman is more free in Islam than in Christianity. Woman is more protected by Islam than by the faith which preaches monogamy. In the Qur'an, the law about woman is more just and liberal. It is only in the last twenty years that Christian England has recognized the right of woman to property, while Islam has allowed this right from all times." ~Annie Besant (b. 1847), British socialist, feminist, political activist, author, and president of the India National Congress, The Life and Teaching of Muhammad

George Bernard Shaw

"I have always held the religion of Muhammad in high estimation because of its wonderful vitality. It is the only religion which appears to me to possess that assimilating capacity to the changing phase of existence which can make itself appeal to every age. I have studied him - the wonderful man - and in my opinion far from being an anti-Christ, he must be called the saviour of humanity. I believe that if a man like him were to assume the dictatorship of the modern world, he would succeed in solving its problems in a way that would bring it the much needed peace and happiness. I have prophesied about the faith of Muhammad that it would be acceptable to the Europe of tomorrow as it is beginning to be acceptable to the Europe of today." ~George Bernard Shaw (b. 1856), The Genuine Islam

Edward Montet

"Islam is a religion that is essentially rationalistic in the widest sense of this term, considered etymologically and historically. The teachings of the Prophet, the Qur'an, has invariably kept its place as the fundamental starting point, and the dogma of unity of God has always been proclaimed therein with a grandeur, a majesty, an invariable purity and with a note of sure conviction, which it is hard to find surpassed outside the pale of Islam. A creed so precise, so stripped of all theological complexities and consequently so accessible to the ordinary understanding, might be expected to possess and does indeed possess a marvelous power of winning its way into the consciences of men." ~Edward Montet (ca. 1860), La Propagande Chretienne et ses Adversaires Musulmans 

"The Qur'an, its grandeur of form is so sublime that no translation into any European language can allow us to appreciate it." ~Edward Montet

Mohandas Ghandi

 "I wanted to know the best of the life of one who holds today an undisputed sway over the hearts of millions of mankind. I became more than ever convinced that it was not the sword that won a place for Islam in those days in the scheme of life. It was the rigid simplicity, the utter self-effacement of the Prophet Muhammad, the scrupulous regard for pledges, his intense devotion to his friends and followers, his intrepidity, his fearlessness, his absolute trust in God and in his own mission. These and not the sword carried everything before them and surmounted every obstacle. When I closed the second volume [of the Prophet's biography], I was sorry there was not more for me to read of that great life." ~Mohandas Ghandi (b. 1869), Young India

""It was the genius of Muhammad, the spirit that he breathed into the Arabs through the soul of Islam, that exalted them, that raised them out of the lethargy and low level of tribal stagnation up to the high watermark of national unity and empire. It was in the sublimity of Muhammad's deism, the simplicity, the sobriety and purity it inculcated, the fidelity of its founder to his own tenets, that acted on their moral and intellectual fiber with all the magnetism of true inspiration." ~Major Arthur Glyn Leonard (ca. 1870), Islam, Her Moral and Spiritual Values

Bertrand Russell

"Our use of the phrase 'the Dark Ages' to cover the period from 699 to 1,000 marks our undue concentration on Western Europe... From India to Spain, the brilliant civilization of Islam flourished. What was lost to Christendom at this time was not lost to civilization, but quite the contrary." ~Bertrand Russell (b. 1872), History of Western Philosophy

"History makes it clear however, that the legend of fanatical Muslims sweeping through the world and forcing Islam at the point of the sword upon conquered races is one of the most fantastically absurd myths that historians have ever repeated." ~De Lacy O'Leary (b. 1872), British Arabist and Semitist, University of Bristol professor, and author of Short History of the Fatimid Caliphate

Robert Briffault

"The Renaissance of Europe did not take place in the 15th century. Rather it began when Europe learned from the culture of the Arabs. The cradle of European awakening is not Italy. It is the Muslim Spain." ~Robert Briffault (b. 1876), The Making of Mankind

"Sense of justice is one of the most wonderful ideals of Islam, because as I read in the Qur'an I find those dynamic principles of life, not mystic, but practical ethics for the daily conduct of life suited to the whole world." ~Sarojini Naidu (b. 1879), Indian independence activist, first woman president of the Indian National Congress, and governor of Uttar Pradesh

"It was the first religion that preached and practiced democracy for, in the mosque when the call for prayer is sounded and worshipers are gathered together, the democracy of Islam is embodied five times a day when the peasant and king kneel side by side and proclaim: 'God alone is great.' I have been struck over and over again by this indivisible unity of Islam that makes man instinctively a brother." ~Sarojini Naidu, The Ideals of Islam

Arnold J. Toynbee

"The extinction of race consciousness as between Muslims is one of the outstanding achievements of Islam, and in the contemporary world there is, as it happens, a crying need for the propagation of this Islamic virtue." ~Arnold J. Toynbee (b. 1889), Civilization on Trial

Hamilton Alexander Gibb

"But Islam has a still further service to render to the cause of humanity. It stands, after all, nearer to the real East than Europe does, and it possesses a magnificent tradition of inter-racial understanding and cooperation. No other society has such a record of success uniting in an equality of status, of opportunity, and of endeavours so many and so various races of mankind … Islam has still the power to reconcile apparently irreconcilable elements of race and tradition. If ever the opposition of the great societies of East and West is to be replaced by cooperation, the mediation of  Islam is an indispensable condition. In its hands lies very largely the solution of the problem with which Europe is faced in its relation with East." ~Hamilton Alexander Rosskeen Gibb (b. 1895), Whither Islam

"The Qur’an in its original Arabic dress has a seductive beauty and charm of its own. Couched in concise and exalted style, its brief pregnant sentences, often rhymed, possess an expressive force and explosive energy which it is extremely difficult to convey by literal word-for-word translation." ~John Naish M.A., D.D. (ca. 1900), The Wisdom of the Qur'an

 "The doctrine of brotherhood of Islam extends to all human beings, no matter what colour, race or creed. Islam is the only religion which has been able to realize this doctrine in practice. Muslims wherever on the world they are will recognize each other as brothers." ~Dr. R.L. Mellema (ca. 1900), Dutch anthropologist and author of Een Interprtatie van de Islam

James Michener

"No other religion in history spread so rapidly as Islam. The West has widely believed that this surge of religion was made possible by the sword. But no modern scholar accepts this idea, and the Qur'an is explicit in the support of the freedom of conscience." ~James A. Michener (b. 1907), American author

"That his [Muhammad's] reforms enhanced the status of women in general is universally admitted." ~James A. Michener, Mohammedanism

William Montgomery Watt

"I am not a Muslim in the usual sense, though I hope I am a 'Muslim' as 'one surrendered to God', but I believe that embedded in the Qur'an and other expressions of the Islamic vision are vast stores of divine truth from which I and other occidentals have still much to learn, and Islam is certainly a strong contender for the supplying of the basic framework of the one religion of the  future." ~William Montgomery Watt (b. 1909), Islam and Christianity Today

Bernard Lewis

"Muslims are commanded not to kill women, children, or the aged; not to torture or otherwise ill-treat prisoners; to give fair warning of the opening of hostilities; and to honour agreements." ~Bernard Lewis, British historian, scholar, and Professor Emeritus of Near Eastern Studies at Princeton University

Paul Findley

"Jihad has two meanings: one, non-violent struggling within oneself for a life of virtue; the other, fighting for justice, a supreme goal in Islamic teachings. Islam eulogizes moderation and abhors extremism, terrorism, fanaticism, oppression and subjugation." ~Paul Findley, Silent No More: Confronting America's False Images of Islam

Hermann Eilts

"What to me is equally impressive is that Islam today is the fastest growing monotheistic religion. This is something we have to take into account. Something is right about Islam. It is attracting a good many people." ~Hermann Eilts, American ambassador to Saudi Arabia and Egypt, U.S. Foreign Service Officer, and U.S. Near Eastern Affairs Diplomat

Hans Küng

"The same church must, in my opinion, also respect that the one whose name is absent from the same declaration out of embarrassment, although he and he alone led Muslims to pray to this one God, so that once again through him, Muhammad, the prophet, this God has spoken to mankind." ~Hans Küng, Swiss theologian and author

Michael H. Hart

"My choice of Muhammad to lead the list of the world's most influential persons may surprise some readers and may be questioned by others, but he was the only man in history who was supremely successful on both the religious and secular level." ~Michael H. Hart, The 100: A Ranking of the Most Influential Persons in History

"Medieval Islam was technologically advanced and open to innovation. It achieved far higher literacy rates than in contemporary Europe; it assimilated the legacy of classical Greek civilization to such a degree that many classical books are now known to us only through Arabic copies.  It invented windmills, trigonometry, lateen sails and made major advances in metallurgy, mechanical and chemical engineering and irrigation methods. In the middle-ages the flow of technology was overwhelmingly from Islam to Europe rather from Europe to Islam." ~Jared Diamond, Professor of Physiology at UCLA School of Medicine, Guns, Germs, and Steel - The Fates of Human Societies

"Jim Jones, David Koresh and Meir Kahane do not typify Christianity and Judaism in the eyes of the 'civilized' West, but those same eyes are prone to see Osama bin Laden and Mullah Muhammad Omar as typifying Islam." ~Richard Bulliet, Professor of History at Columbia University

"Prophet Muhammad bequeathed to humanity a scripture that has helped millions of human beings to make sense of their lives. To have such a combination of very strong spiritual genius with political genius is extraordinary." ~Karen Armstrong, British author and commentator on comparative religion, author of A History of God

"Islam is part of our past and our present, in all fields of human endeavor. It has helped to create modern Europe. It is part of our own inheritance, not a thing apart." ~Prince Charles, Islam and the West

"Islam's appeal, wherever it has triumphed, has been in its simplicity. It requires submission to some basic, straightforward rules which are easily kept, and in return it offers that most wonderful and rare commodity, peace of mind." ~Peter Hitchens, British columnist, foreign correspondent, and author

"The Qur'an often urges believers to fight, yet it also commands that enemies be shown mercy when they surrender. Some frightful portions of the Bible, by contrast, go much further in ordering the total extermination of enemies, of whole families and races - of men, women, and children, and even their livestock, with no quarter granted." ~Prof. Philip Jenkins, Distinguished Professor of History at Baylor University, and Professor of Humanities Emeritus at Pennsylvania State University

"Muslim scripture counsels respect for these communities (Jews & Christians), and indeed, in the history of Islam, within Islamic societies Jews and Christians have fared FAR better than non-Christians in Christendom." ~Gary Leupp, Professor of History at Tufts University and author of Challenging Ignorance on Islam: A Ten-Point Primer for Americans

(taken from http://gracethroughtawbah.blogspot.com/2012/10/before-war-long-before.html)

Our Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), How to defend him.

The Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) cannot by defended by oppression and misguidance by AbdurRahman.org

The Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) cannot by defended by oppression and misguidanceCompiled by Aboo Sufyaan 'Uthmaan Beecher
http://salafiyyah-kuwait.blogspot.in/

Verily all praise is due to Allaah, and may peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, and upon his family and his Companions, one and all.

To proceed...

No Muslim would ever agree with the mocking, ridicule, and blasphemous lies directed at our Deen and at our beloved Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم).  Rather the Imaams of Ahlus-Sunnah, the likes of Maalik, al-Layth, Ahmad, Ishaaq, and ash-Shaafi’ee, have agreed unanimously that the one who mocks, ridicules, and defames the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) has disbelieved, and that the prescribed punishment for the one who lives in the lands of the Muslims and does that is death, a punishment that falls under the authority of the Muslim ruler.

There is no doubt that these types of attacks on our Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) will cause anger and make the stomach of every Muslim turn due to his love for Allaah, His Messenger, and His Deen.  But the Muslim who is truthful, sincere, and just, he doesn’t allow himself to be overcome by emotion and respond to these attacks with a knee-jerk reaction that entails actions which Allaah and His Messenger have prohibited.  Rather, like in all matters, he is first and foremost patient, and then he takes those matters back to the Qur’aan and Sunnah and the understanding of the Companions, and those ‘Ulamaa’ who are firmly-grounded in knowledge.  So he is patient and he plants his feet squarely upon knowledge, and he submits to what Allaah and His Messenger (صلى الله عليه وسلم) have decreed.

“O you who believe! Obey Allaah and obey the Messenger, and those of you who have been placed in authority (over you). (And) if you differ in anything amongst yourselves, refer it back to Allaah and His Messenger, if you truly believe in Allaah and in the Last Day. That is better and more suitable for final determination.” [1]

And al-Haafith Ibn Katheer mentions that “those of you who have been placed in authority (over you)”, according to Ibn ‘Abbaas, Mujaahid,  ‘Ataa’ and others from the Salaf refers to the ‘Ulamaa’. And Ibn Katheer mentions that it is general to both the rulers and the ‘Ulamaa’.  And of course this means the ‘Ulamaa’ of Ahlus-Sunnah, not those who ahlul-bid’ah call scholars, the likes of al-Qaradaawee, al-‘Awdah, ‘Abdur-Rahmaan ‘Abdul-Khaaliq, and other than them from the callers to misguidance.

What has transpired over the past few days in the lands of the Muslims and other than them as a reaction to the film attacking Islaam and insulting our beloved Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) - contradicts the guidance and Sunnah of Allaah’s Messenger (صلى الله عليه وسلم).  One should remember that these types of attacks are not something new.  Indeed Allaah mentions throughout the Qur’aan that His messengers (عليهم الصلاة و السلام) were constantly mocked and defamed, that their people called them crazy, mad, and even labeled them as sorcerers, etc.  Allaah تعالى said:

“Likewise, no Messenger came to those before them except that they said: "A sorcerer or a madman!" [2]

And this happened with the Prophets and Messengers from Nooh (عليه السلام) up to His final Messenger, Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم).

In the lifetime of Allaah’s Messenger (صلى الله عليه وسلم) there were those who cursed and insulted him openly.  Ka’b bin al-Ashraf al-Yahoodee, in al-Madeenah, used to recite defamatory poetry about him and made explicit poetry about the women of the Muslims.  And there was ‘Abdullaah bin Khatal in Makkah, who had two female singers who he had sing songs making fun of Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم).

As for Ka’b bin al-Ashraf, when he returned from Makkah to al-Madeenah and began reciting his poetry insulting him, the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) asked his Companions, “Who will deal with Ka’b bin al-Ashraf? For indeed he has harmed Allaah and His Messenger.”  And this was when the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) was in his dawlah in al-Madeenah and he was the ruler, and Ka’b bin al-Ashraf was living under his authority in al-Madeenah.  But the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) didn’t ask his Companions to punish his neighbors, companions, or even his family members for what Ka’b bin al-Ashraf did.  Nor did he punish the representatives of his tribe, Banu an-Nadeer, or randomly target the Jews of al-Madeenah nor did he boycott their businesses.   Any person of sound intellect would agree that this would be unjust and defies logic, not to mention the texts of the Book and the Sunnah.  Instead he (صلى الله عليه وسلم) -as the ruler - dealt with Ka’b bin al-Ashraf, the one who caused that harm specifically.

--

 ‘Abdullaah bin Khatal was in Makkah, and he had two female singers who he taught to sing songs making fun of the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم).  And at that time, the Prophet was in al-Madeenah, and was the ruler (صلى الله عليه وسلم), and never did he attack anyone from the kuffaar in al-Madeenah or any other town or village as retribution for the defamation and insults of ‘Abdullaah bin Khatal towards him.  Nor did he command his Companions to attack Makkah or its people because of him. Rather he was patient (صلى الله عليه وسلم) and did not oppress, and did not transgress.  He was patient and he was just (صلى الله عليه وسلم). So when the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) conquered Makkah, and he entered Makkah with his armies, he ordered them not to harm anyone who did not fight them, except for a small group of people who he named by name (صلى الله عليه وسلم).  From them – and here the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) had conquered Makkah, and had might and capability (qudrah) – from them was ‘Abdullaah bin Khatal and his two songstresses.  He didn’t tell them to kill Ibn Khatal’s neighbors or his family members. He didn’t  destroy the property of the members of his tribe.  Rather he ordered them to kill ‘Abdullaah bin Khatal and his two songstresses.

These are just two examples of how the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) dealt with those who abused him in his lifetime.   He was aadil (just), and was saabir (patient) - (صلى الله عليه وسلم).  He did not oppress and was not unjust, and these people cursed him, abused him, mocked him, and insulted him during his lifetime - (صلى الله عليه وسلم)!!   So where are the actions of the jamaa’aat (political groups and parties) and the ignorant folk who’ve been affected by them from the actions and example of Allaah’s Messenger (صلى الله عليه وسلم)?!

Where do you find that the Messenger of Allaah (صلى الله عليه وسلم) and his Companions went to another town and protested, or that they murdered the innocent, or destroyed or burnt their property to the ground because of what the likes of Ibn al-Ashraf and Ibn Khatal did in Makkah and al-Madeenah?!

Rather he was patient and just (صلى الله عليه وسلم)!!  And ‘adl (justice) is to put everything in it’s proper place.  And what we see from these people in Egypt, Yemen, Libya, and other places in the Middle East, is oppression, injustice, and deviation from his Sunnah.  And Allaah said:

“So warn those who oppose his command, lest some fitnah befall him or they afflicted with a painful punishment.” [3]

And what further elucidates the distinction between the guidance of Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم) and those Muslims who have been overtaken by emotion and misguidance, is the narration of ‘Aa’ishah (رضى الله عنها), collected by al-Bukhaaree, Muslim, Ahmad and others, when a group of Jews entered upon the Messenger of Allaah (صلى الله عليه وسلم) and said “as-saamu ‘alaykum” (death be upon you).  So ‘Aa’ishah (رضى الله عنها) understood what they said, so she responded:  “wa ‘alaykum as-saam wal-la’nah” (and death and curses be upon you).  So the Messenger of Allaah (صلى الله عليه وسلم) said:  “Take it easy, O ‘Aa’ishah!  Verily Allaah loves rifq (gentleness and leniency) in all matters.”  So ‘Aa’ishah said: “O Messenger of Allaah! Didn’t you hear what they said?” So he (صلى الله عليه وسلم) said: “I already responded to them (by saying) ‘wa ‘alaykum’ (and upon you, too).”

Our Deen is not based on emotion.  Rather the Muslim who truly and sincerely loves Allaah and His Messenger (صلى الله عليه وسلم) will stick to his guidance and his Sunnah:

“Say:  if you truly love Allaah, then follow me. (If you do) Allaah will love you and forgive you for your sins.  And Allaah is all-forgiving, most merciful.” [4]

Here are some points to consider and reflect upon:

- These protests which have spread throughout the Muslim lands, even to our beloved Kuwait, are a bid’ah, as the ‘Ulamaa’ of Ahlus-Sunnah like Shaykh Ibn Baaz, Shaykh al-Albaanee, and Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen have clarified. [5] They are an act of opposing and contending with the Muslim ruler and are from the way of the Khawaarij.  Of course the jamaa’aat as-siyaasiyyah allow them and promote them as they are means for them to contend with the Muslim rulers and reach rulership itself.

- We’ve seen how the emotionally charged youth have taken to the streets in these protests and clashed with the police, and caused damage to property - not just the property of the American Embassies - which is in itself an act of oppression - but the property of the Muslims as well!  And this is supposed to be defense of the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم)??!    It cannot be that the Muslims defend the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) with oppression when Allaah has commanded us with justice (‘adl):

“O you who believe! Stand out firmly for Allaah and be just witnesses and don’t let the enmity and hatred of a people keep you from being just. Be just! That is closer to Taqwaa.” [6]

al-Haafith Ibn Katheer said:  “Don’t let hatred for a people cause you to abandon justice towards them.  Rather exercise justice with everyone, whether it be a close friend or an enemy.”

Shaykhul-Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah:  “for indeed the people did not dispute in the fact that the end result of thulm (oppression and injustice) is evil and harmful, and the end result of ‘adl (justice) is good and noble.  And for this it has been said:  Allaah will aid the nation that is just, even if it is a disbelieving nation, and He will not aid the nation that is unjust and oppressive, even if it is a believing nation.”  [Majmoo’ al-Fataawaa (28/63)]

Then know that punishing others for the crimes and offenses of another is not justice!  Allaah says:
“No person earns any (sin) except against himself (only), and no bearer of burdens shall bear the burden of another.” [7]

- The jamaa’aat as-siyaasiyyah use these protests and these types of events as a forum and a podium to spread their doubts and their conspiracy theories amongst the people and to turn them against their rulers.  They spout out anti-American, anti-western, and anti-Israeli rhetoric and place the blame for the destruction we’ve seen over the past few days on everyone but themselves.  ‘Ali al-Deqbas,  head of the Arab Parliament, actually blamed “international Zionism of being behind the unrest and inciting sedition and hatred of Islam and Muslims in the Middle East in favor of the Zionist entity”.  And the misguided statements like this are many.

- These protests – which as the ‘Ulamaa’ have said is a bid’ah – were used as a cover for those upon the manhaj of the Khawaarij to murder a U.S. ambassador and three other members of his staff, the murder of non-Muslims who were given amn (an assurance of safety and protection) and were from a country that has treaties and agreements with the government of Libya.

The Messenger (صلى الله عليه وسلم) said: “Whoever – from the Muslims - kills a person who is under an agreement or treaty (with the Muslims), he will not smell the Fragrance of Jannah, even though it’s fragrance can be smelled from the distance of 40 years away.” [al-Bukhaaree]

And in another narration he said:  "The assurance of protection of the Muslims is one, so whoever betrays the assurance of protection and safety of another Muslim, then upon him is the curse of Allaah, and (the curse) of the Angels, and (the curse) of all the people."

al-Haafidh Ibn Hajr (رحمه الله) explained:  "His saying 'The assurance of protection of the Muslims is one', means that their giving an assurance of safety and security is correct (and binding).  So if one of them gives amn to a kaafir, then it is haraam upon anyone else to harm him…"

Those non-Muslims who live and work in the Muslim countries have been given amn (an assurance of safety and protection), so by attacking them is contending with and opposing the Muslim ruler, and is an act of treachery and oppression.

Shaykh Taariq as-Subay’ee explained that if even one of the Muslims gives amn to a non-Muslim, even if that Muslim is a man or a woman, a free man or a slave, and even if that is by a gesture, or if a person is given amn by the authorities of a Muslim land through diplomatic agreements or by giving him a visa to enter that land – that person has an assurance of safety and protection from every Muslim.  It is totally haraam for any Muslim to harm him. And the person, - the Muslim -, who does, falls under the curse of Allaah, the Angels, and all of the people.

- Look to those at the head of these protests and you’ll see that all of them are from the heads and supporters of the jamaa’aat as-siyaasiyyah.  And the fact that none of the ‘Ulamaa’ of Ahlus-Sunnah have anything to do with this should be another sign for the person of intellect, just as Ibn ‘Abbaas (رضى الله تعالى عنهما) brought as a proof against the Khawaarij the fact that none of the Companions were with them, when he said (رضى الله عنهما): Indeed I’ve come to you from the Companions of Allaah’s Messenger (صلى الله عليه وسلم) and there is not a single one of them with you!

-  We see the Muslims protesting, fighting with the police, destroying property and other than that, all in the name of defending the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) from this film produced by a man living in America.  What is amazing is that no one is upset over the masaajid that have graves in them where other than Allaah are worshipped besides Allaah, like the masjid of al-Badawee, Zaynab, or al-Hussayn?!  The greatest sin that one can commit is committed in the lands of the Muslims, and the people are tearing down the American embassy over something they don’t have the authority or ability to do anything about?!

Allaah said:

“Verily, Allaah does not forgive that partners should be set up with him in worship (shirk), but He forgives what is less than that (from sins) for whomever He wills, and whoever sets up partners with Allaah in worship, he has indeed invented a tremendous sin.”  [8]

So these Muslims and these jamaa’aat want to defend Prophet Muhammad(صلى الله عليه وسلم) – by committing oppression and injustice – but where is the defense of Allaah and His Tawheed from the shirk committed by muslims in the lands of the muslims themselves?!

So know that Allaah (تبارك و تعالى) has commanded us with patience and justice, and forbidden us from injustice and oppression.  And there is no justice in the actions we see from our brothers and sisters in Egypt, Yemen, Tunisia, Morocco, Sudan, and the other countries that this is happening in.  Rather what we see is ignorance, oppression, misguidance, and deviation from the Sunnah of Allaah’s Messenger (صلى الله عليه وسلم).

And what benefit have they brought about?

The producer of this shoddy film lives in America, and America is a country that has it’s own laws that it governs it’s citizens by.  And America also has treaties and agreements with almost all of these lands that their embassies are being attacked in, proven by the fact that they have embassies there to begin with.  So then this affair is not in the hands of us common folk, and we don’t have the capability to do anything about it.  What is upon us then is to be patient and cling to the Sunnah of the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم).  And this is a better defense of the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) than what we see from the jamaa’aat and those infected by them!

And it is important to note that our patience and our clinging to the Sunnah during situations like this, when we don’t have the ability to change them, is not a sign of weakness or deficiency.  Rather it is the people of misguidance from the jamaa’aat as-siyaasiyyah that have duped our youth into thinking that not having the ability to act is the same as not acting, and this is misguidance and deception.

Ibn Mas’ood narrated that the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) was praying by the Ka’bah, and when he went into sajdah, one of the companions of Aboo Jahl put the entrails of a camel on the Prophet’s back (صلى الله عليه وسلم) while Ibn Mas’ood looked on.  And Ibn Mas’ood said:  “I was watching but couldn’t do anything about it. If only I had the strength and ability (to stop them).” [al-Bukhaaree]

This shows us that in situations when we don’t have the capability to act, due to physical weakness, lack of strength or capability, or there being something else that prevents us from doing that, there is no shame or deficiency in that, just as the Messenger of Allaah (صلى الله عليه وسلم) himself could not aid Yaasir, ‘Ammaar, and Umm ‘Ammaar (رضى الله تعالى عنهم) when he saw them being tortured for their Eemaan in Allaah.  So he said to them (صلى الله عليه وسلم):  “Patience, O Aal-Yaasir (O family of Yaasir)! For indeed you’ve been promised Jannah.”  [9]

What we’ve written here is not a defense of this film.  We find it just as offensive, appalling, and insulting as everyone else.  Nor is it a defense of America, Israel, or any other country.  Rather it is meant to be a defense of the Messenger of Allaah (صلى الله عليه وسلم) and our Deen from those who go beyond the bounds, and those who play on the emotions of the Muslims and the emotional, disenfranchised youth, and call them to deviation and misguidance.  It is a call to patience, justice, and sticking to the Sunnah of the Messenger of Allaah (صلى الله عليه وسلم).  And this what was needed to be said and clarified.  And Allaah knows best.

‘Ubaadah bin as-Saamit narrated:  “The Messenger of Allaah (صلى الله عليه وسلم) took an oath of allegiance from us to listen and obey (the ruler) in adversity and prosperity, in pleasure and displeasure (and even) when somebody is given preference over us, and to not dispute or contend the authority of those it belongs to, and that we speak the truth wherever we may be without fearing in the matter of Allaah the blame of the blamer.” [10]

May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, and upon his family and his Companions, one and all.  And All praise and thanks are due to Allaah, Lord of al-'Aalameen.

Compiled by Aboo Sufyaan 'Uthmaan Beecher

[1] an-Nisaa’ (4):59
[2]  adh-Dhaariyaat (51):52
[3]  an-Noor (24):63
[4] Aal-‘Imraan (3):31
[5] Ash-Shaykh, al-‘Allaamah Ibn ‘Uthaymeen said: “so indeed protests are a newly-invented affair.  It was not known during the time of the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم), nor in the era of the Khulafaa’ ar-Raashideen, nor in the era of the Companions (رضى الله عنهم).  Then there is in them from anarchy and disorder what makes them a matter that is prohibited.” الجواب الأبهر ص 75
[6]  al-Ma'idah (5):8
[7] al-An'aam (6):164
[8] an-Nisaa’ (4):48
[9] al-Mastadrak of al-Haakim (3/383), al-Hilyah (1/140), and others. See Saheeh seeratun-Nabawiyyah of Shaykh al-Albaanee (pg.154-155)
[10] Muslim and others

Taken from : http://salafiyyah-kuwait.blogspot.in/2012/09/the-prophet-cannot-by-defended-by.html

Subhana'Allah. The first POSITIVE thing I read all year.

This is probably the only thing I've read in my entire lifetime since I converted to Islam, that is close to being as accurate as possible and surprisingly POSITIVE.  

Here is an article by CBS NEWS about Islam and the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) hidden amongst all the other negative news about Muslims protests *sigh*...

An overview about the Prophet Muhammad and why he matters so much to Muslims around the world:

Who is the Prophet Muhammad?

Muslims believe that God revealed the Quran to Muhammad starting in the early 6th century through the Angel Gabriel. Muhammad is not only considered part of a long line of major prophets, including Moses and Jesus, but Muhammad is also considered the last prophet.

Muhammad was married to Khadija, a wealthy woman who inherited her family business and was 15 years older than him. She is considered the first follower of Islam after the prophet. The prophet did not marry again until after her death. Among the women he married after are Aisha, who is revered for transmitting to his followers after his death his way of life and habits, and Maria, a Coptic Christian who converted. The revelation of the Quran began in what is celebrated by Muslims around the world as the month of Ramadan. Muslims believe the Quran is a continuation of the core values of the Torah and Bible.

Why is the Prophet Muhammad so important to Islam?

Muslims consider Muhammad both a spiritual and very human figure who is a model of how they should behave in all aspects of life. The Muslim declaration of faith, or shahada, is: "There is no God but Allah, and Muhammad is the messenger of Allah." This declaration is recited often during the five daily prayers as a way of glorifying God and sending blessings to Muhammad, as well as cementing one's faith in the declaration. Muslims do not worship Muhammad but honor him by trying to emulate his ideals.

Why are depictions of the prophet seen as heretical by most Muslims?

Among Sunni Muslims in particular, depictions of any prophets, whether it be Muhammad or Jesus or Moses, are shunned to avoid worship of a person or figure rather than God. God is the absolute in Islam and shares no partner and has no associates. Throughout history, there have been some depictions of the prophet in Islamic art, and it is common to find his name in the form of calligraphy. His name as God's messenger and as part of the Islamic declaration, shahada, is drawn in Arabic and hung in homes and mosques. Shia Muslims are less opposed to depictions and images of Islamic leaders, but drawings of the Prophet Muhammad, positive or not, continue to draw ire by Muslims around the world.

In what ways does the prophet's life impact Muslims today?

In mosque sermons, Muslim homes, Islamic studies and literature on the religion, the prophet's way of life and his words are studied and repeated as examples to live by. While Muslims do not believe the prophet to be perfect, as perfection is believed to be reserved only for God, they revere his relationship with his companions, followers, enemies, wives and neighbors as the ideal that humans should aspire to emulate.

The verbal sayings and actions of the Prophet Muhammad are key elements of Islam that Muslims often refer to when interpreting Islamic law or answering questions that may not be fully addressed in the Quran. A saying or action by the prophet, known as a "hadith," has been studied in great detail by scholars for centuries to establish its validity. This means the reliability of its transmitters and the accuracy of its lineage back to the prophet must be authenticated.

What is an example of a hadith?

The Prophet Muhammad and his followers were often subjected to mockery, abuse and torture in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, by those opposed to Islam and its message during its early years. It is said he remained patient and did not return insult for insult. This is further exemplified by one his teachings or hadith, in which he states; "Should I inform you about the best characteristics of the dwellers of this world and the hereafter? They are: keeping a relationship with one who cuts it off with you, giving to the one who deprives you, and pardoning the one who oppresses or wrongs you."

___

Associated Press religion writer Rachel Zoll contributed from New York. (May Allah guide her) 

http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-501713_162-57513404/key-questions-answers-about-the-prophet-muhammad/

Prophet Muhammad ...who was he? PART 1.

Assalamualaikum wa rahamtulahi wa barakatu (May the peace and mercy and blessings of Allah be upon you) , 

Who was the most beloved man to mankind to ever set foot on this earth? Here is a small serious to help educate non-Muslims as well as Muslims about the last and final messenger of Allah (God). 

Firstly, 

what the NON-Muslims have to say about our beloved messenger of Allah (sallahu aleyhi wasselum)

1-Michael Hart said in his book The 100: A Ranking of the Most Influential Persons in History (p. 13), where he put Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) at the head of his list of one hundred: 

I chose Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) to be top of this list … because Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) was the only man in history who was supremely successful on both the religious and secular levels. 

2-The Englishman George Bernard Shaw wrote a book called Muhammad, which was burned by the British authorities. He said: 

The world is in the utmost need of a man with the mentality of Muhammad.

Medieval ecclesiastics, either through ignorance of bigotry, painted Mohammadanism in the darkest colors. They were in fact; trained to hate both the man Muhammad and his to them was anti-Christ. But I have studied his life, and found him to be extraordinary. I have reached the conclusion that  he was never an enemy to Christianity. He must be called the Saviour of Humanity. I believe that if a man like him were to assume the dictatorship of the modern world, he would succeed in solving its problems in a way that would bring it much needed peace and happiness. 

3-Annie Besant said: 

It is impossible for anyone who studies the life and character of the great Prophet of Arabia, who knows how he taught and how he lived, to feel anything but reverence for that mighty Prophet, one of the great messengers of the Supreme. 

4-The Austrian Schabrak said: 

Mankind may be proud of having a man like Muhammad among them, for despite being illiterate he was able more than ten centuries ago to introduce legislation that we Europeans would be the happiest ever if we could produce something of equally high quality. 

5-Dr. Zwemer (a Canadian Orientalist): 

Muhammad was an able reformer, eloquent and well spoken, courageous and daring, a great thinker. We cannot attribute to him anything that contradicts these qualities. This Qur’aan that he brought and his history bear witness to the truth of these claims. 

6-The English philosopher Thomas Carlyle, the Nobel Prize winner, says in his book Heroes: 

It is very shameful for any individual in this era to listen to what is said about the religion of Islam being a fabrication and Muhammad being a treacherous fabricator. Throughout his life we see him holding firm beliefs, sincere in resolve, generous and kind, compassionate, pious, virtuous, very serious. In spite of that, he was easy-going, cheerful, friendly, and even sometimes light-hearted. He was just, sincere in intention, smart, chivalrous, and quick-witted, as if he carried in his heart the lamps of every dark night, filled with light; a naturally great man who never studied in school or at the hand of a teacher, because he had no need of that. 

7-Goethe, the German poet, said: 

We Europeans with all our concepts and ideas have not yet attained that which Muhammad attained, and no one will ever surpass him. I searched in history for the loftiest example for man to follow, and I found it in the Prophet Muhammad. Thus the truth must prevail and become supreme, because Muhammad succeeded in subjugating the whole world by means of the message of Divine Oneness. 

Secondly, 

Just some AHadith (Prophetic sayings) about our beloved Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) 

His Manners & Character:  

Ana b. Malik reported: I served the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) for ten years, and, by Allah, he never said to me any harsh word, and he never said to me about a thing as to why I had done that and as to why I had not done that. Abu Rabi' has made this addition (in this narration): "The work which a servant should do." There is no mention of his words" By Allah". {Sahih Muslim} Book 030, Number 5720:

Anas reported Allah's Messenger (may be be upon him) as saying : I served the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) as saying : I served the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) for nine years, and I do not know (of any instance) when he said to me : Why you have done this and that, and he never found fault with me in anything. (Sahih Muslim) Book 030, Number 5723

Musa b. Anas reported on the authority of his father: It never happened that Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) was asked anything for the sake of Islam and he did not give that. There came to him a person and he gave him a large flock (of sheep and goats) and he went back to his people and said: My people, embrace Islam, for Muhammad gives so much charity as if he has no fear of want.{Sahih Muslim} Book 030, Number 5728:

Abu Huraira reported that al-Aqra'b. Habis saw Allah's Apostle (may peace be upon him) kissing Hasan. He said: I have ten children , but I have never kissed any of them, whereupon Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) said: He who does not show mercy (towards his children), no mercy would be shown to him. { Sahih Muslim} Book 030, Number 5736


Abu Sai'id Khudri reported that Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) was more modest than the virgin behind the curtain (or in the apartment), and when he disliked anything, we regonised that from his face (Sahih Muslim) Book 030, Number 5739

... 'Abd Allah ibn 'Amr said, "The Prophet of Allah, upon him be peace, was never obscene or coarse. Rather, he used to tell us that the best among us were those with the best manners." Hadith - Sahih Bukhari, Muslim, and Tirmidhi

His Moral Conduct:

*Masruq reported: We went to Abdullah b. 'Amr when Mu'dwiya came to Kufa, and he made a mention of Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) and said: He was never immoderate in his talk and he never reviled others. Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) also said: The best amongst you are those who are best in morals. Uthman said: When he came to Kufa along with Mu'awiya... (The rest of the hadith is the same). { Sahih Muslim} Book 030, Number 5740: *

...It is said that he (sallallahu aleihi wa sallam) mentioned anger, saying, "Some are swift to anger and swift to cool down, the one characteristic making up for the other; some are slow to anger and slow to cool down, the one characteristic making up for the other; but the best of you are those who are slow to anger and swift to cool down, and the worst of you are those who are swift to anger and slow to cool down." He continued, "Beware of anger, for it is a live coal on the heart of the descendant of Adam. Do you not notice the swelling of the veins of his neck and the redness of his eyes? So when anyone experiences anything of that nature he should lie down and cleave to the earth." 

Hadith - Al-Tirmidhi #5145, Narrated Abu Sa'id al-Khudri, transmitted by Tirmidhi

To be continued....

Be patient, and think with rationality, not emotions.

Assalamualaikum wa rahmatulahi wa barakatu,

As you all know the HORRENDOUS NEWS of the video made by the dirty Sam Bacile has been sparking outrage amongst Muslims all across the globe ( AS IT SHOULD). Insulting our beloved Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is simply like insulting our very own family member. Would it be ok for someone to make a video of your mother or daughter or sister being raped or in a pornography film (excuse the explicit language but it's JUST THAT SERIOUS). 

“Truly, We will suffice you  against the scoffers”

[al-Hijr 15:95] 

The anger that I have can't and will not be expressed but instead I ask you all to make use of your duaa's. The only thing we can do, is make duaa as a whole UMMAH. To ask Allah to guide this dirty mongrel and if not guide him then CURSE HIM AND HIS ENTOURAGE UNTIL THE END OF TIME, IN THIS DUNYA AND IN THE HEREAFTER. I personally prefer the latter, as someone as classless, and stupid and disgusting deserves no share of our beautiful religion of Islam (but, Allah knows best) and I am not one to say who should be guided and who should not.

DO YOU REALLY LOVE the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) ? We quickly say "yes of course" but do our actions really show that we do? What are we doing as a Muslim ummah to speak out about this ridiculous act? There is no excuse for violence, NONE, but we as Muslims should be stepping it up and asking everyone to make duaa against the oppressors of our time. Violence does not solve anything except paints a bad picture of Islam, instead we should use the power of duaa and make duaa against these idiotic foolish pigs!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This is a great trial for us, and there are many more to come. If we can't even work together to educate the ignorant ones, and instead use hatred and violence against them, then aren't they WINNING? That's exactly what they want from us! We need to approach this situation, as hard as it may be, with sophistication, tactic, and rationality. Rasulullah (sallahu aleyhi wasselum) would not just sporadically attack at anyone who mocks him, instead he would be patient with them and kind to them, showing the true manners of a TRUE MUSLIM! We must do the same.

So please, MUSLIM UMMAH, sincerely, make the duaa against these disgusting oppressors who are nothing but jealous and ignorant of our beautiful religion. With all this evil in the world, Allah does not leave His believing slaves empty handed. WE WILL PREVAIL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

“How wonderful is the situation of the believer, for all his affairs are good. If something good happens to him, he gives thanks for it and that is good for him; if something bad happens to him, he bears it with patience, and that is good for him. This does not apply to anyone but the believer.” Narrated by Muslim (2999). 

This friday, since there is a time when our duaa's are answered, we should all be making duaa against the oppressors !!! MAY ALLAH expose them in this dunya and grant them a terrible demise as well as torture them in the Hellfire. Ameen.

“For he who hates you (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم), he will be cut off (from posterity and every good thing in this world and in the Hereafter)”

[al-Kawthar 108:3] 

"Those who mock the Prophet Muhammad is like looking up at the sun and spitting at it, his own spit will fall back in his face" 


PLEASE PASS THIS ON AND FOR ALL THE BLOGGERS, You all need to start a post (if you claim you love our Muhammah ( peace be upon him), then do something about it NOW).