Beating the Child

“My children do not listen to anything I say. What should I do? Although I know that it is a wrong method, I usually scold and beat my children. I usually feel angry with them and then with myself. I can not bear this type of life; there must be another solution.”
With these words, the sighs of the hopeless father who beats his children ended. He is confused between those who see that beating is the only solution and those who accuse him of neglecting his children and make him feel regretful. Due to the travails of those who assume the responsibility of the upbringing of children, I write these words:

Beating in the Eyes of Child-care Experts:
• 10 percent of parents harshly scold their children and do not see anything wrong with this
• 20 percent of parents severely scold their children but do not wish to do so. They are looking for a better way to discipline their children.
Even if I doubt these figures because I believe that the numbers are much more than this, few parents use beating correctly as a means of punishment.
Specialists still have different opinions about the efficiency of punishment through beating. They also disagree whether or not this is an efficient practice employed in a sound upbringing. However, most of them believe that beating does not change the child's behavior. Rather, it is just a temporary remedy for the child's bad behavior, but in fact it teaches the child nothing.
Given this logic, specialists divided the parents' methods in punishing their children into three different methods:
1. The impulsive method:
This method is also known as the “day-long” method. Mostly, this method is a reaction of the parents to their children's behavior in their daily life. This is commonly used with young children in particular. Their parents are not quite serious when they beat them violently. They often pull their children by their clothes with one hand and move the other hand in the air. In most cases, the beating is symbolic and the child screams thereafter and then returns to play again. This is the so-called "beat the child on his hand" method.
Many parents rashly use this method when their children do something wrong, like touching the electricity cord and similar actions. The children are excused because they neither know nor imagine that this is harmful. The parent should explain to his child why touching such things is not allowed and this justifies beating. Then, the parent should keep such things away from the child or keep him away from them and hence, the children will imitate him. If parents simply resort to beating, children too will just learn how to beat.
2. The anger method:
It is the most prevalent and the most harmful method. When you get angry and then scold and beat your child, this leads to a number of problems, including teaching your child how to provoke you and make you angry, and that his bad behavior causes you to lose control over yourself. Scolding and beating in moments of anger is impulsive behavior and is often a reaction to the child's bad behavior. If you scold your child and beat him when you are angry, you are unaware of what you are doing and you may harm your child.
When you scold and beat your child if you are angry, this creates negative feelings. Actually, you create these feelings inside yourself, your child as well as the rest of your family members. Such feelings could destroy your child's self-confidence due to extreme fear of parents and feeling that their parents have no confidence in them. Besides, the Prophet  forbade us from getting angry when he said:“Do not get angry.”
When you scold your child or beat him when you are angry, you mostly do so out of revenge. Thereafter, your feeling of guilt gets more and more severe until it finally explodes.
3. The planning method:
Although it is rarely used, this is the third method used by parents and it is the best method for those who want to punish their children through beating. It is when a parent talks to his child about an episode of bad behavior and tells him that he will be punished with a beating if he repeats such an action again. Say, for example, “If you use bad language, you will be punished by a beating.” When your child talks obscenely, you are required to quietly beat him. Quietness is crucial here because if you are not quiet, this means that you are using the anger method in punishing through beating. This method involves the implication: “beating you hurts me more than you.”

The mother of my child

I'm not a mother. But I've been blessed with a great one for almost a quarter century. That's education enough, at least for one thing:
Choosing a partner who embodies the top four qualities I believe a mother must have to help their Muslim children, in the words of the Quran (which mean), {"He made her grow in a good manner…"} [Quran 3:37]. So here they are:
1. Maturity: This trait leads my list because the surest way to guarantee a child won't be reared properly is for it to be raised by another child. A woman of minimum maturity cares for the souls that have come from her womb like the Heavenly blessings they are: Far and away, the most important family responsibility for both mother and father. The wise woman knows the wellbeing of her offspring comes before her career, social life, even her own needs.
2. Knowledge: Education, both Islamic and academic (not that these are different), is essential in a good mother. It is not a coincidence that children of highly educated parents often do well in school. My prototypical mother is one who can help the little ones with their academics even when they get to be big ones and go on to higher education.
Moreover, a woman who is well grounded in the religious sciences makes the very best soil for child growth. That old adage about mother being the first teacher is entirely true.
During my own childhood, for instance, my mother made an effort to treat birthdays and our many other market-driven holidays just like any other day. I intend to liberate my children accordingly, having freely lived the great benefits of this policy. A good Islamic background does, indeed, have a righteous domino effect on the character of our children and, therefore, the virtue of the family.
Now, Islamic knowledge means more than giving children a laundry list of "do’s and don’ts." I was particular when I used the phrase "religious sciences" regarding a good mother's education, for a mother, like a father, needs to understand how it is that we come to judgments, practices, and jurisdictions from the Quran and Sunnah. In this way, children will not merely accumulate disconnected outcomes but learn the processes by which they are to deduce their own conclusions about moral and religious issues, instead of blindly following a person or group.
3. Patience and mercy: I really can't think of more crucial human characteristics than these twin attributes. Mothers facing the frenzied pressures of our tough social environment profoundly need both. It is critical that a good mother refrain from hitting or veiling at her children out of frustration, of which there is much to go around. Children carry the emotional scars of unnecessary and unfair beatings with them into adulthood and often develop complexes and hold grudges against their parents because of this. Additionally, it is sinful for any of us to abuse our authority in the form of harmful physical or verbal abuse.
4. Role modeling: The mother I envision for my own children is, most of all, a role model, an integrated example of Islam in motion. For it is by this that she will best represent for her children how one lives as a whole human being. It is, moreover, the preeminent, most dependable way for her to gain their sovereign respect, on top of the natural feelings they have for her as their mother, which is important. Children should live thinking that their mother is close to perfect. She can't forbid her child from listening to hip hop music, for example, while she sways to R&B or Arabic songs. Part of modeling is also literal: She dresses modestly and carries herself with the dignity a Muslim woman should.
This is not only ideal for daughters but sons, as well. The girls learn how they ought to behave and the boys— along with that—begin to understand what they should really want in a wife, someone whose merits approach the high standard they have grown up with in their mother.
I have no illusions about being able to supplant a mother's role in the life of the children I pray that God gives me. For rearing a child correctly does, indeed, take an exclusive dedication from a "real" woman.
Yet just as mothers grow proud of' their children, so too daughters and, perhaps, especially sons, swell with a unique sense of honor when they begin to realize the worthiness of their mother. Soon, they will be looking around to see how other mothers treat their children and comparing it to their own situations.
I ask Allah to grant me, and all my unmarried peers, children of the righteous who esteem their mothers. I know no human being is perfect. But good Muslim mothers (mom!), you come closer to this than any of us.

Real Happiness and Inner Peace

Real happiness and peace can be found in submitting to the commands of the Creator and the Sustainer of this world.  God has said in the Quran:

“Truly, in remembering God do hearts find rest.” (Quran 13:28)

On the other hand, the one who turns away from the Quran will have a life of hardship in this world.  God has said:

“But whoever turns away from the Quran,[1]  he will have a hard life, and We will raise him up blind on the Day of Judgment.” (Quran 20:124)

This may explain why some people commit suicide while they enjoy the material comfort money can buy.  For example, look at Cat Stevens (now Yusuf Islam), formerly a famous pop singer who used to earn sometimes more than $150,000 a night.  After he converted to Islam, he found true happiness and peace, which he had not found in material success.[2]

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Footnotes:

[1] i.e. neither believes in the Quran nor acts on its orders.

[2] The present mailing address of Cat Stevens (Yusuf Islam), in case you would like to ask him about his feelings after he converted to Islam, is: 2 Digswell Street, London N7 8JX, United Kingdom.

Salvation from Hellfire

God has said in the Quran:

“Those who have disbelieved and died in disbelief, the earth full of gold would not be accepted from any of them if one offered it as a ransom. They will have a painful punishment, and they will have no helpers.” (Quran 3:91)

So, this life is our only chance to win Paradise and to escape from Hellfire, because if someone dies in disbelief, he will not have another chance to come back to this world to believe.  As God has said in the Quran about what is going to happen for the unbelievers on the Day of Judgment:

“If you could but see when they are set before the Fire (Hell) and say, “Would that we might return (to the world)!  Then we would not reject the verses of our Lord, but we would be of the believers!” (Quran 6:27)

But no one will have this second opportunity.

The Prophet Muhammad, may the mercy and blessings of God be upon him, said: “The happiest man in the world of those doomed to the Fire (Hell) on the Day of Judgment will be dipped in the Fire once.  Then he will be asked, ‘Son of Adam, did you ever see any good?  Did you ever experience any blessing?’  So he will say, ‘No, by God, O Lord!’”[1]

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Footnotes:

[1] Narrated in Saheeh Muslim, #2807, and Mosnad Ahmad, #12699.

The Pleasures of Paradise in Brief

God has said in the Quran:

“And give good news (O Muhammad) to those who believe and do good deeds, that they will have gardens (Paradise) in which rivers flow....” (Quran 2:25)

God has also said:

“Race one with another for forgiveness from your Lord and for Paradise, whose width is as the width of the heavens and the earth, which has been prepared for those who believe in God and His messengers....” (Quran 57:21)

The Prophet Muhammad, may the mercy and blessings of God be upon him, told us that the lowest in rank among the dwellers of Paradise will have ten times the like of this world,[1]  and he or she will have whatever he or she desires and ten times like it.[2]  Also, the Prophet Muhammad said: “A space in Paradise equivalent to the size of a foot would be better than the world and what is in it.”[3]  He also said: “In Paradise there are things which no eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no human mind has thought of.”[4]  He also said: “The most miserable man in the world of those meant for Paradise will be dipped once in Paradise.  Then he will be asked, ‘Son of Adam, did you ever face any misery?  Did you ever experience any hardship?’  So he will say, ‘No, by God, O Lord!  I never faced any misery, and I never experienced any hardship.’”[5]

If you enter Paradise, you will live a very happy life without sickness, pain, sadness, or death; God will be pleased with you; and you will live there forever.  God has said in the Quran:

“But those who believe and do good deeds, We will admit them to gardens (Paradise) in which rivers flow, lasting in them forever....” (Quran 4:57)

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Footnotes:

[1] Narrated in Saheeh Muslim, #186, and Saheeh Al-Bukhari, #6571.

[2] Narrated in Saheeh Muslim, #188, and Mosnad Ahmad, #10832.

[3] Narrated in Saheeh Al-Bukhari, #6568, and Mosnad Ahmad, #13368.

[4] Narrated in Saheeh Muslim, #2825, and Mosnad Ahmad, #8609.

[5] Narrated in Saheeh Muslim, #2807, and Mosnad Ahmad, #12699.

The Pleasures of Paradise (part 2 of 2)

The Eternalness of the Hereafter

The Pleasures of this world are transient whilst the joys of the hereafter are lasting and eternal.  In this life when a person enjoys something, it is only a short while before they get bored with it and proceed to search for something they feel is better, or they may not feel a need for it altogether.  As for the delights of Paradise, a person will never feel bored with anything, but rather, its goodness will increase each time they indulge in it.

Also, the life of this world is very short.  Humans only live on this earth for a short while, and very few people reach the age of seventy.

“…Say: Short is the enjoyment of this world.  The Hereafter is (far) better for him who fears God...” (Quran 4:77)

As for Paradise, people will live forever.  God says:

“...its provision is eternal and so is its shade…” (Quran 13:35)

“What is with you must vanish, and what is with God will endure …” (Quran 16:96)

“(It will be said to them): This is Our Provision, which will never finish” (Quran 38:54)

Superior Delights

The delights of the people of Paradise, such as their clothing, food, drink, jewelry and palaces, will be far superior to their counterparts in this world.  There is in fact no room for comparison, as even the smallest space in Paradise is better than this world and all that is in it.  The Prophet Muhammad, may the mercy and blessings of God be upon him, said:

“The space of the bow of any one of you in Paradise is better than all that the sun rises upon” (Mishkaat al-Masaabeeh 3/85, no. 5615)

Free from all Impurities

Paradise is free from all the impurities of this world.  Eating and drinking in this life results in the need for excretion and its associated unpleasant odors.  If a person drinks wine in this world, he loses his mind.  Women in this world menstruate and give birth, which are sources of pain and hurt.  Paradise is free from all of these discomforts: its people will not urinate, defecate, spit or suffer from catarrh.  The wine of Paradise, as described by its Creator, is:

“Crystal-white, delicious to those who drink (thereof), free from intoxication, nor will they suffer intoxication therefrom” (Quran 37:46-47)

The water of Paradise does not become brackish, and its milk never changes in flavor:

“...rivers of water incorruptible; rivers of milk of which the taste never changes...” (Quran 47:15)

The women of Paradise are pure and free from menstruation, postnatal bleeding and all the other impurities suffered by women in this world, and all are free from stool and feces.  God says:

“...and they shall have therein purified mates…” (Quran 2:25)

The prophet answered a person when they asked how the people of Paradise will relieve themselves:

“They relieve themselves by perspiring through their skins, and its fragrance will be that of musk, and all stomachs will have become lean.” (ibn Hibbaan)

What we have mentioned has been a mere comparison in order to understand the nature of Paradise, but as God said, its delights are truly hidden:

“No person knows what is kept hidden for them of joy, as a reward for what they used to do.” (Quran 32:17)

Paradise: There is Nothing Like It

The delights of Paradise surpass the imagination and defy description.  They are like nothing known to the people of this world; no matter how advanced we may become, what we achieve is as nothing in comparison with the joys of the Hereafter.  As is mentioned in several reports, there is nothing like Paradise:

“It is sparkling light, aromatic plants, a lofty palace, a flowing river, ripe fruit, a beautiful wife and abundant clothing, in an eternal abode of radiant joy, in beautiful soundly-constructed high houses”. (Ibn Maajah, Ibn Hibbaan)

The Sahabah asked the Prophet about the buildings of Paradise and he replied with a wonderful description:

“Bricks of gold and silver, and mortar of fragrant musk, pebbles of pearl and sapphire, and soil of saffron.  Whoever enters it is filled with joy and will never feel miserable; he will live there forever and never die; their clothes will never wear out and their youth will never fade.” (Ahmad, at-Tirmidhi, ad-Daarimee)

God says:

“And when you look there (in Paradise) you will see a delight (that cannot be imagined), and a great dominion.” (Quran 76:20)

What God has kept hidden from us the delights of Paradise is beyond our ability to comprehend.  The Prophet said that God said:

“I have prepared for My slaves what no eye has seen, no ear has heard and no human heart can imagine.”  Recite if you wish:

“No person knows what is kept hidden for them of joy as a reward for what they used to do.” (Quran 32:17)

In another report:

“Never mind what God has told you; what He has not told you is even greater.” (Saheeh Muslim)

In other articles, we will attempt to mention some of the specific details of Paradise and the delights therein described to us by God and His last Prophet.

The Pleasures of Paradise (part 1 of 2)

The reality of Paradise is something which people will never be able to understand until they actually enter it, but God has shown us glimpses of it in the Quran.  He has described it as a place essentially different to the life of this world, both in the very nature and purpose of life, as well as the types of delights which people will enjoy therein.  The Quran tells people about Paradise, which God offers to them, describes its great blessings, and proclaims its beauties to everyone.  It informs people that Paradise is one of two ways of life prepared for them in the afterworld, and that every good thing will be theirs in Paradise to a degree that surpasses our present ability to imagine.  It also shows that Paradise is a place where all blessings have been created perfectly and where people will be offered everything their souls and hearts will desire, and that people will be far removed from want and need, anxiety or sadness, sorrow and regret.  Every kind of beauty and blessing exists in Paradise and will be revealed with a perfection never seen or known before.  God has prepared such blessings there as a gift, and these will be offered only to people with whom He is pleased.

But what is the nature of these delights in Paradise, and how will it be different from the delights of this world?  We will try to highlight a few of these differences.

Pure delight without pain and suffering

While people in this world experience some delight, they also face much toil and suffering.  If one was to scrutinize the life which they live, they will find that the amount of hardship they face is much more than the ease and comfort.  As for the life of the Hereafter, there will be no hardship nor suffering in it, and people will live therein in pure joy and delight.  All the causes of sorrow, pain and suffering which people experience in this life will be absent in the Hereafter.  Let’s take a look at some of these causes.

Wealth

When one thinks of success in this life, they usually conjure the image of big houses, fine jewelry and clothing, and expensive cars; financial stability is seen to be the key to a happy life.  To most people, success is inseparably related to wealth, even though this is the furthest from the truth.  How many times have we seen the wealthiest of people living such miserable lives, that it sometimes even leads them to commit suicide!  Wealth is something which humans in their very nature desire at any cost, and this desire has been created for a great and wise purpose.  When this desire is not satiated, it causes some extent of grief in a person.  For this reason, God has promised the inhabitants of Paradise that they will have all that they imagined as far as wealth and belongings are concerned, both for those who were extremely poor, experiencing even hunger and thirst, to those well-to-do but who desired even more.  God gives us a glimpse of this when he says:

“... there will be there all that the souls could desire, all that the eyes could delight in …” (Quran 43:71)

“Eat and drink at ease for that which you have sent forth (good deeds) in days past!” (Quran 69:24)

“… They will be adorned therein with bracelets of gold, and they will wear green garments of fine silk and heavy brocade.  They will recline therein on raised thrones.  How good [is] the recompense!  How beautiful a couch [is there] to recline on!” (Quran 18:31)

Disease and Death

Another cause of pain and suffering in this life is the death of a loved one or disease, which are both non-existent in Paradise.  None will feel any sickness or pain in Paradise.  The Prophet Muhammad, may the mercy and blessings of God be upon him, said about the people of Paradise:

“They will never fall ill, blow their noses or spit.” (Saheeh Al-Bukhari)

None will die in Paradise.  All shall live eternally enjoying the pleasures therein.  The Prophet Muhammad said that a caller will call out in Paradise when people enter it:

“Indeed may you be healthy and never be sick again, may you live and never die again, may you be young and never grow feeble again, may you enjoy, and never feel sorrow and regret again.” (Saheeh Muslim)

Social Relationships

As for the remorse felt due to a rift in personal relationships, people will never hear any evil or hurting comments or speech in Paradise.  They will only hear good words and words of peace.  God says:

“They will not hear therein ill speech or commission of sin.  But only the saying of: Peace! Peace!” (Quran 56:25-26)

There will be no enmity between people nor ill-feelings:

“And We shall remove from their breasts any (mutual) hatred or sense of injury (which they had, if at all, in the life of this world)…” (Quran 7:43)

The Prophet said:

“There will be no hatred or resentment among them, their hearts will be as one, and they will glorify God, morning and evening.” (Saheeh Al-Bukhari)

People will have the best of companions in the Hereafter, who were also the best people in the world:

“And whoever obeys God and the Messenger – those will be with the ones upon whom God has bestowed favor – of the prophets, the steadfast affirmers of truth, the martyrs and the righteous.  And excellent are those as companions!” (Quran 4:69)

The hearts of the people of Paradise will be pure, their speech will be good, their deeds righteous.  There will be no hurtful, upsetting, offensive or provocative talk there, for Paradise is free of all worthless words and deeds. If we were to discuss all the causes for anguish in this life, we would surely find its absence or opposite to be true in Paradise.

Q & A 4

(Q) You spoke about Universal brotherhood, but if a non-muslim boy, will marry a muslim girl… no one will tolerate - Where does universal brotherhood go ?

(Ans) It’s a very  good question asked by the brother -that no one will agree, that a non-muslim person marries a muslim person -where does Universal brotherhood, go? It is like you asking me -that we will make a car, in which one  tyre… is a cycle tyre, and the other is a truck tyre -how will the  car run?… how will the car run? See...the way of life should  be same -Wife is a life partner. In Islam, Qur’an says that…The marriage is a ‘Misaak’… sacred covenant… is a sacred covenant. It’s not like… that she becomes your slave. It’s a sacred covenant - Both have equal rights, on to one another. If the way of life is different, one person will say that… I  will  go to the church this day -and one person will say…I  will go to the Mosque -and they start worshipping different  things. Then it will not be a good vehicle -the vehicle can’t run. So for the family to run good, both should have the same philosophy -its very important. If they have different philosophies, it will surely won’t run. Therefore I said, that Islam believes in Universal  brotherhood… all the humans, are my brothers. But the muslims are my brothers in faith. See… you have different Christians . A Christian also… if that Christian doesn’t agree with your view, you will even not marry that Christian. A Christian that doesn’t agree with you Christian  philosopy…you will not marry that Christian  also. Because the philosophy of both the life partners should be same - then it will be a very smooth sailing. If the philosophy will differ, it will be like a cycle tyre and a truck tyre -the vehicle will not go. That is the reason why,  the philosophy and  way of life, of both the partners, should be same.

(Q) Why is it, non-muslims are looked  down upon, and  known as Kafirs… is used  in a different manner, which critics other Religion?

(Ans) The question passed is… why do you call the Non-muslims  as kafirs, and why do you look down upon them. Brother, the Arabic word ‘Kaafir’, comes from the root word ‘kufr’… which means to deny, to cancel. In context of the Qur’an, it means… Who denies the one truth of Islam so any one – Who is a non-muslim. So Arabic word kafir,  is another word for… Non-muslim. So if you  are a  non-muslim,  I will  have to call you a non-muslim . The Arabic word for non-muslim is Kaafir. If you feel that Kaafir… calling Kaafir,  is  abusive…its wrong, then you should become a muslim. See… if someone tells me…I am a Non-Hindu, why should I feel bad. I mean, if someone calls me Non-Hindu…its not a abuse to me. If someone calls you a Non-Muslim…and you are a non-Muslim, he is speaking the truth. You don’t accept  Islam… that you are the … that your are rejecting. It’s a word  for non-Muslims. If you feel, someone robs…and if he says… Why you are calling  me a robber, then he should stop robbing.  Then if he says that… He is Kaafir, your are feeling bad, then accept Islam - No one is going to call you Kaafir. So it is a Arabic word, used for people  who are non-Muslims.           Hope that answers

(Q) Islam teaches…peace - Why are there so many violent incidents, associated with muslims. Example, fundamentalist… terrorist. Islam teaches equality of gender - why is that women of Islam, are not allowed to have equal rights of employment, in Afghanistan?

(Ans.) Brother has posed a question, that Islam believes in peace…a Universal Religion - Why…there you find, they are called terrorists, fundamentalists…women aren’t given the equal rights, etc. Brother you can refer to my Video cassette - Womens rights in Islam -Modernising  are Outdated?  This is a lecture for 2 hours…this is a         Question-Answer session for 2 hours - Womens rights in Islam -Modernising or Outdated? And I have proved there…in Islam, men and women are overall equal. First, because a particular group of people don’t give their rights to the women…that does not mean, Islam is wrong. Therefore  I say  that, womens rights in Islam, should not  judged on what individual muslims  do,  or what the muslims society does - the womens rights, should be  judged through the authentic sources. That is...Islam gives maximum rights - more than, even the western world. It gives 1,400 years ago, what rights - the rights for them to own property, about spiritual rights, about legal rights, about social rights, about educational rights. In detail…you can refer to my Video cassette. Why a particular individual community does?…You go and ask them -Islam does not preach that. Regarding fundamentalists…that Muslim, is a peace loving people…why are they fundamentalists? I tell that…I am proud to be a fundamentalist -Dr Zakir Naik is proud to be a fundamentalist. A person who follows the fundamentals, is called a fundamentalist. So if you want to be a good Mathematician, you should know, you should follow, the fundamentals of, and practice of, Mathematics. If you don’t, the fundamentals of mathematics unless  your are a fundamentalist mathematician, you can not be a good doctor. Similarly, I am proud to be a fundamentalist  Muslim .I know, I follow, and I practice, the fundamentals of Islam. But I  do know, in the modern context, fundamentalist means terrorist…terrorist. It does not mean…what it actually means. For a Hindu, to be a good Hindu, he should know, follow, and practice, the fundamentals of Hinduism. You should be a fundamentalist Hindu, to be good Hindu. For a Christian, to be a good Christian, you should  know,  follow, and  practice, the fundamentals of Christianity. Unless he is a fundamentalist Christian, he cannot be a good Christian. But now I know, that each and every fundamental of Islam, they are good, they are not against humanity. If the fundamentals of a particular Religion is against humanity, then you can say…It is fundamentalist…But that fundamentalist is a bad human being. There is not a single fundamental of Islam, which goes against humanity. The reason, you may think, that it is against humanity, is lack of knowledge. Either you may not be knowing the Islamic law correctly, or you may not be knowing the statistics of the world correctly. Regarding terrorist…A person, like the freedom fighters of India -you know what we call them…freedom fighters…'Desh Bhakt'.

The British government called them…terrorists -Same man…same work he is doing. The Indians feel, that the Britishers had no right to rule India, therefore these people are called as, freedom fighters. The British government think, that they had the right over India -they think that they are terrorists. Same man same activity two different labels. So, depending on upon which view you agree -if you agree with the British view, you will call them terrorists. If you agree with the Indian view, you will call them 'Desh Bhakt'. So, a person can be given different labels, by different criteria of judgement. If you judge a person correctly, no true Muslim can ever be a terrorist. True, there are black sheep in every community, there are black sheep in every community. That does not mean -Hitler…he inncinurated six million Jews, so can you say…Christianity is bad? He was a Christian! Just because Hitler killed six million Jews, Mussolini killed thousands of people, you cannot say…Christianity is bad. Similarly, there are black sheep in every community, but the label depends, upon which view you agree with. Hope that answers your question.

(Q). Why are woman in Islam, are not allowed to have equal rights in Afghanistan?

(Ans) Why are'nt woman in Afghanistan, have equal right for employment. The thing is that, in Islam a woman is allowed to do any work, as long as it does not go away, out of the shariah, or views. For example, a woman cannot work in alcoholic bar…even a man cannot work. A woman cannot work in a gambling den…where, even a man cannot work. A woman cannot do jobs which exploit her body, like modeling, film acting -it exploits her body. We want our woman folk to be respected. Thousands of men looking at the woman, and whistling and all. We believe in a modest way of life, therefore such jobs which exhibit the body. The Western culture…talking about Womens' liberalisation -It is actually a disguised form, of the exploitation of the body of the woman, of deprivation of her honour, and degradation of her soul. The Western society, claiming to uplift the woman, have actually degraded her, to the status of a concubine, to mistresses, and society butterflies…which are hidden behind the colourful screen of art and culture... art and culture. Islam does'nt agree with such jobs. Otherwise the other jobs… if it’s a modest job, if she has the hijab, and segregation of  sexes, she can very well do it. Afghanistan…Afghanistan… See, what reports do we in papers, we don’t know whether it is right or wrong. The Qur'an says in Sura Hujurat, V. 6, 'Whenever you get any news, verify it '. I read in the Indian papers, that these Afghanistan…these Mujahideens, they killed the women -They say…You should not go to work. And they have stopped the doctors from going to work…all the lady doctors, and they have stopped their pay, and etc. I read  in the Time Magazine. The Time Magazine says that… The Mujahideens have stopped the women from doing immodest jobs…even after they have stopped. But have not stopped the lady doctors…they have not stopped  lady teachers. And those people whom they have stopped…they are providing them with salaries, at their doorsteps…at their doorsteps. If any one says that - 'Ahlan Was ahlan'…I would love it. Don't work…Salary at door step -Why?… to prevent them from doing immodest things. See if you are doing a immodest job, we will tell you it is wrong -It  is attracting violence. Don't do modeling, don't do dancing, don't do film acting…but whatever salary you are getting, we will provide you at your door step. So the views that we get in the paper is variant… different. I cannot say sitting from here…which is right. Whether Times of India is  right, or Time Magazine is right, I don’t know. So the Qur'an says… Ask the person who knows.

So there are experts in these fields…you know -but what reports I get, I have given it to you. That this is just the media… in the hands of the Westerners. They control the Media and they maligning unnecessarily, Islam. Hope that answers your question.

(Q) Qur'an says…Allah is most Merciful - its also prescribed later on that the find of very severe punishment -So is He revengeful God…is he a revengeful God, or is He a Merciful God ?

(Ans) Brother as iled a good question…I have understood the question.I am in the field I have understood the question. The brother has asked a question, that the Qur'an says -Allah (SWT) is Rahman-o-Rahim…most Merciful, most Gracious -then why does He give punishment…you know, revengeful or horrifying God, etc. And you have punishments, as I said… Capital punishment for rape, in this world. Some punishment would be… put in the hell fire, etc. The thing that you should realise brother, that Allah (SWT), is a Merciful God at the same time, He is a Just God…both, Just and Merciful -the Qur'an gives 99 different attributes. For e.g. if someone commits rape, Qur'an …you cannot say that God is so merciful, God let the rapists go free. That is not a Merciful God…that is an unjust God. What about the person…the lady which was raped… you let him so free. Science tells us    today, that a person who commits rape…one again when he goes in the society, 95% times he will commit a rape again. People say that…First give him 5 years imprisonment, and second time…death penalty. Statistics today tell of America that… 95% when a person commits rape, when he goes in the society, he again commits rape. So Allah (SWT) is Merciful and Just, at the same time. Allah is Just, to the lady who was raped. Allah is even Merciful to that man -he will commit a rape again -It is bad for him…committing rape. Similarly if you rob, the Qur'an says…Chopping of the hands -You call it a very ruthless law… Oh…Islam is very ruthless -Chopping of hands. First Islam says…The system of Zakah. As I said, every rich person should give 2.5 % of excess wealth, to poor people. After that, if some one robs, then…chopping off the hands. Surah Maidah, Ch.5, V. 38, says that…As per the thief, be it a man or a woman, chop off his  or her hands, as a punishment from Allah (SWT).People will think that, every second person you will come across in Saudi Arabia, will have his or her hands dropped  off. I have been to Saudi Arabia…I did not come across a single person, with this hands chopped off. There will be few people -but I have not  come across them -It is not as common as it seems. If you implement the Shariah in America today, that every person…rich person should give Zakat and charity, and after that, if any one robs chop of the hand -Will the rate of crime in America…will it increase?…will it remain the same?…or will it decrease? - It will decrease. So Allah (SWT), is Merciful at the same time… Just - And He is very careful, in taking of accounts. All three…all three can only come together, if a person  seeks for the justice of the whole of humanity. Overall… to the humanity, He is merciful or not…to stop rape? It is merciful, or not?…It is merciful. So if you say…No let the people enjoy -today you'll 1,000 rapes…tommorow 10,000 daily, and it will keep on increasing. So, this law of Allah (SWT), is Merciful to the whole of humankind - not only for a particular group of people -or only permission for Saudi Arabia or for Americans -It is Merciful, for the whole of humanity. That is why, these punishments have been kept -so that even they improve, and benefit to the whole of human kind. Hope that answers your question.

The brother has posed a question, that the women have a lot of responsibility, to keep up to themselves. I do agree…details are mentioned in my video cassette -it calls for a talk. But yet, the rights are equal -Qur'an does not put them at a lower level. Qur'an… Qur'an clearly says in Surah Al Baqarah, in Ch.2, Verse 238, that… The woman has rights equal to them, as those against them, on terms equitable.' They have equal rights. What are the rights?…You can refer to my Video cassette, brother. There are rights, but they are equal -It is not that more burden is put on woman, so men can relax. In some places, woman have got more burden , men has got less burden . In some places, men have got more burden, woman has got less burden. Like, looking after the family, the burden is put on the shoulder of a man. It is the duty of the man to earn the living, lodging, boarding, clothing, and all financial aspects of a woman. Before she is married, it is the duty of her father and her brother. After she is married, it is the duty of the husband and the son, to look after her boarding, clothing, and lodging, and everything. Some aspect…if you see in my video  cassette, I have analysed there -that in some cases, the women have a higher responsibility -In some cases, men have a higher responsibility. Overall both are equal. Hope that satisfies you.

Q & A 3

(Q). You earlier in your speech, quoted a Verse from the Qur'an, that actually its not only the moon which moves, but it is also the sun… and  science has proved, that sun moves alright. But this seems to be, regarding the earlier belief, that the earth is round alright - but all the heavenly bodies, are going round the earth… including the sun. The geo-centric theory… you know that all the stars, sun, and the moon, go round the earth… and the earth is the centre of everything - This seems to be implying that… is n it not?

(Ans) A very good question, the brother has asked. That’s why for more details, I said… You refer to my video cassette - “Qur'an and Modern Science – Conflict or conciliation” Part I & II. It’s a four hour cassette, which took place in Bombay. The chair person is saying that… Be brief. It  is difficult to be brief and convince, and the brother has rightly said…There was a theory… which was propounded by Tolommy - I am giving the name of the person by Tolommy… 2^nd century B.C., which believed in the theory of Goecentrism. Geocentrism means, the earth was the centre of the universe, and all the planets including the sun, revolved round the earth - which the Qur'an completely contradicts. In fact, what I quoted from the Verse of the Holy Qur'an was brother, from Surah Al-Anbiya, Ch. No. 21, V. No. 33… (Arabic)…. That it is Allah, who has created the nights and the day…. (Arabic)…. each one travelling in a orbit, with its own motion. It says that… The sun and the moon is travelling in a orbit… orbit means revolving - with its own motion means… rotating. Yasbahun is an Arabic word, describing the motion of a moving body for a celestial body. It is rotating… it revolving and rotating. No where does the Qur'an say that… The sun and moon revolves, around the earth. Today the science has advanced - that is on old theory, which has been proved wrong. Today science tells us that… The sun solar system… of the solar system - sun is the centre. The planets Mercury, Earth, Venus - all one revolving. But the solar system on its own - the solar system is also revolving round, in the galaxy. If you know brother, that is the latest theory... That even the solar system is revolving around a  point in the galaxy, and even the galaxy is revolving point in the universe. So the Qur'an does not say, that the sun and moon is revolving round the sun - which Tasnema Nasreen has misinterpreted. She says that… The Qur'an says that the sun, revolves round the earth. There  is not a single statement - that is a misinterpretation. The Qur'an says that… The sun and moon, revolve and rotate. It doesn’t say… Around the earth - That is she is adding the own. Previously, when I was in school, I was thought that the sun revolves…  it does not rotate - it was stationery. Today, with the help of an equipment, you can have the image of the sun, on the table top. Since we can look at the sun directly, you can have the image of the sun, on the table top - And we have come to know, that the sun has got black spots. And it takes approximately 25 days for these black spots, to complete one rotation - indicating, the sun takes 25 days to complete one rotation. So what science tells… proves today, in school I didn’t knew this. What science has proved today… that the sun rotates and revolves. Qur'an has mentioned this, 1400 years ago. There is not a single statement in the Holy Qur'an, which goes against established science. There may be theories which go against the Qur'an -Theories like Darwins Theory, which has been proved wrong. But theories… Not a single scientific fact, which has been established, which goes against a single Verse of the Holy Qur'an. Hope that satisfies for brother.

(Q). Why Islam prescribes Non-vegetarian diet? Another one -whether politicians can fit into Religion… whether Religion can independently survive without politians?

(Ans). Brother has asked two questions -The second one is politics and Islam…. Can Religion survive without politicians. Brother, as I said… Islam is a complete way of life. There is politics in Islam -But its not similar to the modern politics we have…you know every one filling their pockets, etc. - So Islam is against such modern politics. But there is a political system in Islam. As I said, that Islam is a complete code of conduct  -It’s a complete way of life. You cannot be a good Muslim, without being a good worldly human being -You have to be. So even Islam speaks about politics…that is a different thing. But surely, what you are referring to… Modern politics… Islam is far away. Islam don’t where they                   people back this politics, and they try and fill their pockets - Their pocket is more important, than other peoples betterment -Islam is against that. Regarding your first question, which is very important…since we are having dinner…you know, after the Question and Answer session. The brother has posed a question that… why does Islam say that you should have Non-Veg.?… Why does Islam allows Non-Veg. That’s a good question. If you analyse, the set of teeth of the herbivorous animals… the cows, goat and sheep, they have got a vegetables. If you analyse, that set of teeth of the carnivorous animals, the lion, tiger, or leopard, they all have a pointed set of teeth… they have only Non-Veg. If you analyse, the set of teeth of human beings, are pointed teeth -We have carnivorous, as well as herbivorous -We have an omnivorous set of teeth. If God Almighty…our Creator, wanted us to have only Veg…. He should have given us only flat teeth. Why did He give us pointed teeth? There is a purpose. Even if you push down the throat of goat, sheep, cow, the herbivorous animals…Non-Veg….for it to digest it will not -the digestive system will not digest. Similarly the digestive system of carnivorous animal cannot digest vegetables. The digestive system of human beings, can digest both Non-Veg. and Veg. If God Almighty wanted us to have only Veg…. why did He gave us a digestive system which can digest both. If you analyse… if you analyse the Hindu Scriptures, if you read… The sages and the saints had Non-Veg. -Its mentioned there. Even if you read the Ramayana -See again I am quoting… Always give the reference. People should not think that I am pulling a fast one -I am not pulling a fast one, because I am giving references. People…when I give information to the Muslim. They got shocked… its mentioned in the Qur'an and the Hadiths. When I mentioned the Ram and the Vedas to be Non-Muslims, they get shocked. It is mentioned in Ayodhya Khandam, Ch. No. 90, Ch. No. 26, when Ram was sent for Banvaas, he told his mother that… I will have to sacrifice my tasty meat dishes. That means, Rama ate Non-Veg. -He ate meat. The reason why Hindu philosophy, later on changed to Veg…. due to a reason -It has to have a reason. Because people got influenced by Ahimsa… other ways of life like Buddhism, Jainism, etc., which believe in Ahimsa. So to prevent people getting converted to other Religions they accepted Vegetarianism. If you ask these Jains, and all that… Why do you  have only vegetable? They tell you that…  Plants are without life, animals are with life…and killing any living creature is wrong. If you kill any living creature without a cause, it is haram even in Islam. If you kill any living creature… let be an ant also, without cause, its not allowed. But they have a misconception…that plants do not have life. But science has advanced, and we have come to know, that even plants have got life -so their reason has failed. So they have come out with a new answer, saying that… See plants do have life, but they do not feel pain. Animals can feel pain. Therefore killing an animal is a greater crime that killing a plant. Today, science has advanced, and we have come to know, that even the plants can feel pain. They can even cry… they even feel happy. You know, they have a nervous system, but it is ill developed. There  is a research done in America, that a farmer had a equipment. The cry of the plants, cannot be heard by human beings, because the frequency of the human ear, is from 20 cycles to 20,0000 cycles per second. You know the silent dog whistle… the dog can listen to 40,000 cycles per second. So when you blow the dog whistle, the human being can’t listen…but the dog comes to the master. So human being can hear only from 20 cycles to 20,000 cycles per second. May be the cry of the plant given, is out of range. So a farmer took out an equipment, in which, the moment the plant didn’t get water, it cried…and he could hear it. So the plants can feel pain, they even feel happy, and they can even cry. So there was a person who had the maximum argument with me, and he said that… See brother Zakir, I agree with you that plants are living creatures, they can feel pain. But if you see, you analyse logically, the animal have got 5 senses - the plants have got 2 or 3 senses. So killing a living creature having 5 senses, is a greater crime, than killing a living creature having 3 senses… logical. I said… For the sake of argument, I agree with you. Suppose you brother, if he is born deaf and born dumb, and when he grows up, if a criminal comes and murders him. Will you go and tell the judge, O my lord give the murderer a less punishment, because my brother had 2 senses less?… Will you say that? You will say that… Give the murderer a bigger punishment… the poor person could not support himself. So in Islam, you can. In Islam, Allah (SWT) says in Surah Al-Baqarah, Ch. No. 2, V. No. 168, Eat of the good things, We have provided. But a Muslim, can be a very good Muslim, even by being a pure Veg. - he can be…not that he cannot be. The Qur'an does not say, that you should have Non-Veg. You can be a good Muslim, even by having pure vegetarian. But if you analyse, there is no first class protein in vegetarian. Do you know that the best protein of vegetable, is Soya bean…which is second class? Non-Veg. has got first class protein, which is not there in vegetable. There are articles, coming written by scientists, who say that… See these are the benefits of Veg. over the Non-Veg. They are promoting Veg., because its their way of life. But there are articles written by Non-Veg. scientists also, which disapprove that. So when you have a person who has got knowledge of both Non-Veg and Veg., you will come to know, that eating Non-Veg. is beneficial for the human body. So when Allah has given us good food, which we can have, why should we abstain from it? Hope that answers your question.

(Q). Some people think that Muslims are taking Non-Vegetarian food multicleeled animal flesh… as a result of this, they are not able to control their emotions and feelings - Is this correct?… Please throw some light.

(Ans). Brother has asked a very good question, and the basis… it’s the diet that you have… has an effect on your behaviour. And I do agree with it - the diet that you eat, that food that you eat, has an effect on your behaviour. That is the reason…Islam only allows us to have…only herbivorous animals, like the cow, goat, and the sheep. You know mild people…we are going to be mild. We are not allowed to have lion, tigers, leopards, carnivorous animals. If you eat those - lion, tiger and leopards, you will become like a lion, tiger and leopard… Right? The food that you eat, is going to have an effect on your behaviour… Science has said that. That’s the reason, you will have only herbivorous animal like cow…a domicile…you know a cow - so humble. We too have that, because we want to be humble. Non-Veg. of animals like lion, tiger and leopard - Our Prophet said… Anything which is carnivorous, any thing which has got chaws and canine teeth… you are not allowed to have that meat…the Prophet said. There was a research done in America, that people were only fed on vegetables for months together, and another group of people, were fed on Non-Veg. When you say…Non-Veg., you cannot feed only on Non-Veg. - When you say… Non-Veg., it means Veg. is included. When you say Non-Veg., it includes Veg. also. So those who were fed on Non-Veg., their social behaviour was much better, than those who were fed on Veg. This is a research done - the documents are there. People have a misconception that, if you have only vegetable - The difference is very minute - the difference, is not a major difference. It’s a minute difference, that the social behaviour of a pure Veg. is less cordial, as compared to Non-Veg…. Research says that. But the people…Some Vegetarians are soft, some are ferocious - Some Non-Veg. are soft, some are ferocious. That is because of the atmosphere, not diet - Because of their upbringing. May be the teacher they got, was ferocious - And they told them to behave like that. Otherwise, Islam is the Religion - Peace comes from the root word Salaam. We always promote peace…we always promote peace - And it’s a peace loving, merciful Religion. Hope that answers the question.

(Q). Why is Polygamy allowed for man, but not for woman? Why is there no birth control in Islam?

(Ans) Regarding the first question that - why is Polygamy allowed for the male, and not for the woman?…Why is a man allowed to do Polygamy? Polygamy means, a man having more than one spouse… more than one wife. Polyandry, is the woman having more than one husband. In fact if you analyse, Qur'an is the only religious Scriputre on the face of the earth, that says…‘Marry only one’ it’s shocking. Qur'an is the only religious Scripture on the face of the earth, that says…Marry only one. If you read the Ramayana, if you read the Vedas, if you read the Bible, other Scriptures....No Scripture says… Marry only one, except the Holy Qur'an. In fact, if you read the Scripture of the Christians, their saint Soloman, had hundreds of wives - Abraham had more than one wife…the Bible says, three wives. Even the Hindu Scriptures, they had several wives… the father of Rama… King Dashrata - he had more than one wife.

The Holy Qur'an is the religious Scripture  which says that…Marry only one. It says in Surah Nisa Ch. No. 4, V. No. 3, Marry woman of your choice, in twos, threes or fours. But if you cannot do justice, marry only one - Islam puts an upper limit. In other ways of life, you can marry as many as you want - no upper limit. Islam puts on upper limit, of maximum four. But you can marry, only if you can do justice. If you can’t do justice, marry only one. And the Qur'an says in Surah Nisa, Ch. No. 4, V. No. 129, that… It is difficulty to do justice between your wives. So don’t altogether turn away from them. It is nowhere mentioned, that if you marry more than one wife, you get more blessings. No where its mentioned - Its optional. So, why has Islam given permission to marry more than one wife. The reason is that, Islam has given permission because…if you analyse the birth rate of male and female… they are approximately equal. But if you ask any pediatrician…  a doctor of the children,  he will tell you that…The female  child can fight the germs and the disease, much better than a male child. They are the stronger sex medically - so there are more death rate in the males, than the female children. When you grow up, there are accidents taking place, wars taking place, more men die than women. If you analyze the statistics of the world, India is one of the few countries, in which the female population, is less than the male population. You know why?… Because there is the answer given in BBC…a television programme “Let her die”, by the title… assignment  Emilly Beckhenen, a Britisher. She came and said…according to the statistics…Every day, more than 3000 feticides are been aborted, after they are identified as female. According to a government hospital report, of Tamil Naidu…Out of ten born alive, four are put to death…female children. Islam prohibits female  infeticide , in Surah Al Takurr, Ch. 87, Verse 8 and 9. In fact, Qur’an says in Surah Isra, Ch.  17, Verse 31, as well as in Surah Anam,  Ch.  6 Verse 151 , Kill not your children for want of sustenance , for it is Allah who will give…who will give sustenance,  to you and your children. It is prohibited in Islam…even if its male or female. So because of this…that the male population is more in India. If you stop this evil practice of female infeticide  and female infeticide…even in India,  within a few decades, the female will be more. If you know the statistics of America… in America alone, there are 7 to 8 million more females than the males - in New York alone, there are one million more females than males. Out of the population of New York,  1/3rd are Gays. Gays, means Sodomites,     Kaume – Looth… who can’t find female partners. There are more than 25 million Gays, in America. If you analyse the statistics, there are more than 30 million females in America, who can’t  find husbands.  In U.K. alone, there are more than  4 million females, as compared to males  - Germany alone, there are more than  5 million females, more than male - Russia alone, there are more than 7 million more females, than the male. And almighty God alone knows, that how many millions females, are more in the world, than the males. If I agree with the customs, the religious Scriptures, put no upper limit - You marry as many as you want. If you believe into the customs of the other ways of life, that… You should marry only one - and if my sister happens to live in America, and suppose the market is saturated - every man has got a wife for himself.  Yet, there will be 30 million females, who won’t be able to find husbands. If my sister happens to be one of those unfortunate ladies, who has got not married, living in America - the only option remaining for her is… she either marries a man who already has a wife, or become public property - There no third option. And I have asked this question, to modest people… That what would you prefer for your sister?…Would you prefer your sister, marry a man who already has a wife, or become a public  property. All the modest people said that…We will  choose the first one,  when required. If you can get a man who has got no wife, then grab him…No problem. Regarding the second part of the question, that why can’t the Muslim women, be allowed to marry more than one husband? The reason is that of you analyze if a man

has more than one wife , you can identify father as well as the mother. But if a woman has more than one husband…you can identify the mother, but not the father.  There are today…researches today done, that you can have genetic coding  and blood testing, which can identify. May be possible…which is accepted  by the court of law …I have got no objections . That  is one of the reason, may be for the past. These one other reasons, that a man is more sexual than a woman, biologically. And if a man has more  than one partner…more than one wife, there are no problems of sexual disease. But if a woman is having more than one husband, then there are chances of Veneral disease, more chance of AIDS, more chance of general diseases. That’s the reason, why Islam does not allow polyendry. Hope that answers. Birth control is a very low. Birth control means… Birth control, is a word used by every one… should follow  this, by hook or by crook. Like, India takes out a law…Hum Do, Hamare Do… Ek Ke Baad, Abhi Nahi - Do Ke Baad, Kabhi Nahi. See irrespective of rich and poor, if my parents would have done family planning, I wouldn’t have been here. I am the fifth child of my parent  - I wouldn’t have been in front of you. So birth control is not allowed in Islam. Birth control is for every one - whether you  are rich or poor… you follow. Regarding  family planning, there are do's and dont's - For that, you can refer to my Video casette - Qur’an and Modern Science - its given there… it’s a long answer. Hope that answers your question

Q & A 2

(Q) If God is One, He has sent lot of messengers to this world. If Islam believes in the messenger called Moses (pbuh), Christianity also believes that Moses one of His Prophets, too. Know… Moses the Prophet, wrote the book of Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy. In these books of laws, he has revealed more this humanity. Both Islam and Christianity claim that Moses is their Prophet. In his revelation, he has got 10 Commandments, in the books of Exodus Ch. No. 20, V. No. 3 to 17. It is very well written that... ‘The Lord is the Almighty Creator’. My question is within this frame. Which is verse no. 8, Exodus, Ch. No. 20, V. No. 8 which says… Remember the sabbath day, to keep it Holy… which the Lord has created the entire world in six days, and on seventh day, He tested. If Islam claims… Moses to be the Prophet, and Christianity claims those, Moses as the Prophet … why so indifference in the Revelation? Could you please answer?

(Ans) Brother has asked… Pasteur has asked a very good question - I would love to answer each and every point. He has spoken a few sentences, in which  I believe there are ten questions for me. But then, Nawab Sahab is saying… Be brief - The co-ordinator is saying… Be brief. Its difficult I am a student of comparative Religion. I have studied the Bible, I have studied the Vedas, and the Bhagvadgita, the Qur'an, and I love… I love taking discussions, to come to know the truth. Jesus Christ (pubh) said… Seeketh the truth, and the truth shall….. Brother… he quoted…. he said that… The ten Commandments, are mentioned in Exodus, Ch. No. 20, V. No. 38. He didn’t quote the first few verses - I’ll quote the first few verses. If you read the Exodus, Ch. No. 20, V. No. 2, says… Thou shalt have no other God besides Him. Thou shalt not make any graven things of thee, of the likeness in the heavens above, in the earth beneath, and the water beneath the earth. Thou shalt not serve them, nor bow down to them, for thy God, is the jealous God. Who says that?… the same Exodus which gave the quotation - but you jumped to verse No. 8, directly. The first few verses say that… Thou shalt make no graven image of thee, of the likeness of thee, in the heavens above, on the earth - for their God, is a jealous God. You cannot bow down to anyone, nor worship them - same as Islam…same as Hinduism - no images, no idol worship, worship only, one true God . Jesus Christ (pbuh) said the same thing, that Moses (pbuh) said, in the book of Deuteronomy, Ch. No. 6, V. No. 47 in Hebrew)…Hear O Israel, the Lord our God is one Lord. Coming to the main question… there were many questions in it - Time doesn’t permit me to answer all. The main question is - Why is the difference of Sabbath? See… I do agree, that the Jews, they believe that Saturday was the Sabbath, and Jesus Christ (pbuh) mentioned in the Gospel of Mathews - you are a Pastor… you must be knowing Gospel of Mathews, Ch. No. 5, V. No. 17 to 20… I think - Not that I have come to destroy the law and Prophet but to  fulfill. Jesus Christ (pbuh) is speaking in the Bible in the New Testament, in Gospel of Mathews, Ch. No. 5, that… Think not that I have come to destroy, the laws and Prophet. I have come not destroy but to fulfill. So unless the heavens and the earth pass away, not one got or title shall pass away from the law, until all be fulfilled. So whosoever shall break one of the least Commandments, and teach men do so, he will be called least in the Kingdom of Heaven. And whosoever shall teach the Commandment… teach others to do so, will be called great in the Kingdom of heaven. Pastor… its from King James Version… it’s a verbatim quotation. That unless your righteousness, exceeds the righteousness of the Scribes and the Pharases, in no way you shall enter the Kingdom of Heaven. So Jesus Christ (pbuh) said that… If a Christian, has to be a good Christian, he should follow each and every law of the Torah - Whatever Moses said… they have to follow, verbatim. Even if one jot or a title, if they break… they will not enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Who said that? - Jesus Christ (pbuh) said that. So that’s the question for the Christian - Why don’t they observe Saturday, as the Holy day?…You have to ask the Christians. That’s the law Jesus Christ (pbuh) thaught… that I have not come to destroy the laws and the Prophet, but I have come to fulfill. Now when Prophet Muhammed (pbuh) came he didn’t say that. The Qur'an says in Surah Baqarah, Ch. No. 2, V. No. 106, We have sent Revelations, We have given Ayaats, but We substitute things which are better or similar. The Qur'an believes that Moosa Ale-salam was a Prophet of God Almighty, the Qur'an believes that Isa, Jesus Christ ( pbuh) was a Prophet of Almighty God. Islam is the only Non-Christian faith, which makes it an article to believe in Jesus Christ (pbuh).We believe, that he was one of the mightiest messengers of Allah (SWT). We believe, that he was born miraculously, without any male intervention… which many modern day Christians today, do not believe. We believe, that Jesus Christ (pbuh), he gave life to the dead, with Gods permission. We believe, that he healed those born blind and lepers, with God’s permission - We are together. But what we believe, as I said earlier…All the previous messengers, they only came for a particular group of people. For example, the Qur'an says in Surah Al-Imran, Ch. No. 3, V. No. 49, that… Isa Ale-Salam, was sent as a messenger to the Bani Israel… to the children of Israel. Jesus Christ (pbuh) says in the Gospel of Mathews, Ch. No. 10, V. No. 5 to 6, he tells his twelve disciples… Go ye, not in the way of gentiles. Who were the Gentiles? - the Non-Jews, the Hindus, the Muslims, the Christians. Jesus Christ (pbuh) said… Go ye not in to the way of gentiles… enter ye not in to the city of the Samaritans, but rather go to the lost sheep of Israel. Jesus Christ (pbuh) says, in the Gospel of Mathews Ch. No. 15, V. No. 24, I have not been sent, but to the lost sheep of Israel. That means… Jesus Christ (pbuh), came only for the Jews - not for the other humanity. Who says that? - Jesus Christ (pbuh) says that - its mentioned in the Bible. But Prophet Mohammad (pbuh)… (Arabic)... That We have sent thee not, but as a mercy to the whole of humanity. So whatever revelations Mohammad Sallalah-u-Alayhiwassalam received, it need not be the same, as of the previous Revelation - the basic message is the same. The basic message brother… is the same - that believe in one God…You don’t do idol worship. But the basic is same… laws may change - The laws… the superficial laws may change. The Jew does it on Saturday… Christian does it on Sunday. I don’t know why? Jesus Christ (pbuh) said… You can’t break a single law. Mohammed Sallalu-Alayhiwassalam… to show that they are different… we one differtent, from the so called Jews and Christians of that are today. Because what we say, that…Isa Alaysalam, he did not teach Christianity… he teach nothing but Islam. The word Christian is a nick name, given by the enemies of Christ - Its mentioned in the Bible, in the Book of Acts. The Pastor may be knowing - It’s the Book of New testament…It’s the Book of Acts. The enemies of Christians, nick named the follower of Christ, as Christian. Its an abuse given to them… which is held on today. But the Holy Qur'an says in Surah Al-Imran, Ch. No. 3, V. No. 52, that… Jesus Christ was a Muslim. Qur'an says in Surah Al-Imran, Ch. No. 3, V. No. 67, he was not a Jew or a Christian but he was a Muslim. So what law Prophet Mohammad (pbuh) brought… the basic message, is the same… Believing one God, don’t do idol worship, same the superficiality. So that human race, when it reached a certain level, Allah (SWT)… God Almighty, thought it fit, that they can receive the final message. After this no other Messenger will come, no other law will come… and todays law, is the most practical law. For example, Moses (pbuh) said… An eye for an eye, an a tooth for a tooth - that’s a very good law… that time. People didn’t have court… like they have today - like the Judge sitting. Anyone take somebodys eye… you take his eye. And, an eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth - that was the law. Jesus Christ (pbuh), another spiritual person, another messenger of Allah (SWT). Its mentioned in the Gospel of Matthews, Ch. No. 5, V. No. 32 to 40, It is said of the old times, that an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth. But I say unto you… whosoever slaps your one cheek, offer him the other. Whosoever asks you for a shirt, give him your cloak. If he asks you to walk for one mile, walk two miles . It’s a remedy… it’s a remedy - that people took it literally. That… if a person playing with a Kati, if he hurts somebodys eye… but natural its by mistake. You can’t take that eye of that person,  who by mistake hurt your eye. So Jesus Christ brought a remedy, which was right at that time. Today… depends upon the situation. If he hurts you actually, without a cause or reason - you can take back, you can teach him a lesson. But if its by mistake, you should have a court of law - what is a right…what is wrong. So the law kept on changing, depending upon the situation. This Holy Qur'an, is the last and final Revelation, which will live till eternity, and you can it prove practically, today. Hope that answers your questions.

(Q). As a doctor of medicine, would you think it is right to discriminate against Hindus, on the basis of Religion, for jobs in the Holy land of Saudi Arabia - The advertisements say… Only Muslims and Christians can apply.

Ans. The doctor has asked a very good question, that can you discriminate among human beings, on the basis of Religion, for a job - like the Ads. in the paper say… Only Muslims…only Christians apply, in Saudi Arabia. I have been to Saudi Arabia - Sister this is theoretical - several times in fact, I complain the opposite. Most of the top posts held by ex-patriots in Saudi Arabia, are Non-Muslims, Hindus and Christians. I complain to them…See you should give equal justice, give us also a opportunity. Muslims are there…sweepers, etc. - But if you analyze, the top posts…I have been to Saudi Arabia, the top most - and we had a similar gathering, in the Tridant Hotel, in Jeddah. It’s a five star hotel, where we called all the white collared Non-Muslims - And the chief guest that time was, the General Manager of Air India. And there we saw the top most - there are few Muslims majority ex-patriots. Ex-patriots means, those who are not citizens of Saudi Arabia. Majority are Non-Muslims... I don’t know why? - I have to ask them. So it’s a misconception. Then, for certain job… for certain job, suppose if you have to offer Salaah in the Mosque, it has to be a Muslim. Non-Muslim cannot read the prayers - So depending upon the job. But the criteria for taking any person should be, the criteria of the job. If you require an accountant… but natural, the accountant should be good. The discrimination is not there in Saudi Arabia - It’s a misconception. Even the top agents, who sent people to Saudi Arabia - they are Hindus. In Bombay, top people, the major… major travel agents - they are Non-Muslims. So it is a misconception, sister… It’s a misconception. If your job is good… if you are a good doctor, whether Muslim or Non-Muslim - If my mother is sick, and if I know there is a Hindu doctor, who is a heart specialist… Who will I go to? I’ll go to the Non-Muslim. Because the Qur'an says… If you don’t know, ask the person who knows. Qur'an says in Surah Nahl, Ch. No. 16, V. No. 43, and Surah Furkan, Ch. 25, V. No. 59, If you are in doubt, ask the person who knows - Go to an expert. Qur'an does not say… Go to a Muslim. Qur'an says… Go to an expert. If the expert is a Muslim, InshaAllah we’ll go to a Muslim - If he is a Non-Muslim, I’ll go to a Non-Muslim. He should be an expert in the field, in which I require help. Hope that answers your question.

(Q). Do you have sainthood in Islam? Is Allah perceptable to our senses, by ways of meditation, prayers and penance? What is Islams response to free economic market?

(Ans) Brother has asked a question that - what about free market economy? I have given a talk brother… Interest free economy promulgated in the Holy Qur'an. The cassette is available there - You can take the cassette. It shows you how to deal with Economics… Islamic Economics. Malaysia is following it… they are improving, in short. The second… meditation, etc. - Our best form of Ibaadah… the meditation, that we call. You can call meditation…with various words, with various meanings. That’s why, we prefer to keep it out.What we do is…we worship Allah (SWT). One of the forms of worship is, … and I described in my talk… Salaah - That is how, do we thank Allah (SWT). And I showed you a brief thing… if you heard the talk, I showed you that one of the medical benefits. But we Muslims, we pray… to thank Allah (SWT), to gain guidance. Besides gaining medical benefits, we get guidance, in the Salaah - What is good, what is wrong… for the human being. Regarding your first question - Is there sainthood in Islam?… there is something like priesthood . But by priesthood… if you mean, by birth - there is nothing like… He is born like a priest… in Islam. Every human being… our beloved Prophet said… Every child is born in Deen-ul-Fitr. Deen-ul-Fitr means… born as a Muslim. Irrespective, whether he is born in a Hindu family, Christian family, or a Muslim family, or Buddhist family… he is born sinless. Every child born is born as sinless. Even a child in the Hindu family, if he dies at the age of five, he is going to go to Paradise, directly. Later on, they may get convinced, with wrong views, etc. - but every child born, is sinless. Regarding priesthood… there is nothing like priesthood birth… or by family. A person who is qualified - Example… we have Imams in our Mosques. A person who can recite well… anyone who is a Muslim, who can recite well, he can be an Imam. A scholar… a person who has more knowledge about a particular field, than you… ask  him for advice. The Qur'an says… Ask the person who knows. So suppose you want to know, what medicine… you will go to a doctor. If you want to know about science… you’ll go to a scientist. If you want to know the Revelation… when it was revealed, etc….the Holy Qur'an…you will go to a Maulana, who is well versed in that field - but there is nothing like…by birth priesthood. We have the Imans, who read the prayers for congregation - We have a leader…but not by birth. Hope that satisfies you, brother. All the human beings are equal. The only thing by which you are superior, is by righteousness. If you are more righteous…you are a superior human being, than another human being. Hope that answers your question.