GOD for sale

Disclaimer: Marketing and Product Endorsement Ahead. Please read at your own risk!

Dear Members,

I am extremely sorry for the constant bombarding of Islamic posts and messages on Social Media which have all been associated with some unpleasant comments. I understand it is not very nice to open FB and to see such hate across your screen when life is already very stressful

But, I do hope you all understand out sentiments and where we come from when we defend our religion (NOT defending certain fanatics who are mal-aligning it)

I have seen before people take to the group to share their personal vents, post screen shots and show how others are defaming them, and throwing false accusations at them, and they clarify their stand, so when something is posted or commented about a religion which has massive followers , and to read mudslinging and offensive comments on it, when it is not the reason behind.

I hope some of you appreciate, it is then not very easy for us to ignore it and sit back and enjoy our tea, especially when the religion is facing backlash at many fronts.

Having only-sided views posted on it and not letting anyone defend it, don’t you think will give prejudiced impressions to the viewers coming across it.

Now, that you are here with me, let me take this opportunity to put it across.

Islam is quiet a misunderstood religion today, which is why we try to create awareness

People quote verses from the Quran, as they wish, but never the entire story or Paragraph, cause if they do, people will see through.

YES, Quran speaks of war, like many other famous religious texts do. All these wars were but strictly defensive in nature and political wars rather than religious.

One of the most famous verse from the Quran used is

Surah Taubah chapter 9 verse 5 the Qur’an says, “Kill the Mushriqs [pagans] where ever you find them”,

during a battle to boost the morale of the Muslim soldiers. What the Qur’an is telling Muslim soldiers is, don’t be afraid during battle; wherever you find the enemies kill them.”

Now no one will ever post the verses before and after this, because then it will give a complete different story

For 13 years, The Prophet Muhammed and his followers, were tortured, kicked away from their houses, thrown stones at, called names, made to suffer. There was a peace treaty between the Pagans- (Tribe of Mecca who were against the Prophet and his message)

So, it was the believers, those with the Prophet and the non-believers those in Mecca against him.

There was a peace treaty between the Muslims and the pagans, to let the Muslims do pilgrimage in peace, but the treaty was broken by these pagans and the Muslims were attacked

After years of suffering oppression, God THEN send them the message that it is the time to fight the oppressors now, these verses came down to them at that time.

But the immediate next verse which again will not be quoted is: -

9.6- “And if anyone of them seeketh thy protection (O Muhammad), then protect him so that he may hear the Word of Allah, and afterward convey him to his place of safety. That is because they are a folk who know not. (PICKTHAL Translation, Quran 9:6)

EVERY single times a fight or war between the Arabs is discussed it is always followed by verses which say, if they offer peace, then offer peace too, guard them to a safe place, do not harm innocents, do not damage property or harm women and children or old…

The complete verses are never mentioned.

Now, sadly the above verse is not only misinterpreted by Islamophobics unfortunately BUT by Islamic extremists too. Allah is not, and never ordered killing of Non-Muslims, or non-believers except for the period and people who were at the time oppressing the Prophet and his believers and broke the peace treaty between them.

How can you kill innocents and think Allah will let you into Paradise the same God who speaks against killing Innocents in the Quran? You are free to fight the oppressors yes, but not take out personal revenge on innocents who have done nothing to you. Those who are and thinking by doing this they will land in Jannah… sorry to disappoint you. Not happening!

This verse is one example of others.

Let me show you guys something interesting

HINDUISM

 “Ekam-evAdvitIyam brahma” chAndogya-upanishad: (6 – 2 – 1):

   Brahman is one, one only, without a second.

“Na tasya kaścit patir asti loke na ceśitā naiva ca tasya liṅgaṃ /
sa kāraṇaṃ karaṇādhipādhipo na cāsya kaścij janitā na cādhipaḥ” // 6.9 //

He has no master in the world, no ruler, nor is there even a sign of Him by which He
can be inferred. He is the cause, the Lord of the lord of the organs; and He is
without progenitor or controller. [Svetasvatara Upanishad 6:9]

“Nainam ūrdhvaṃ na tiryañcaṃ na madhye parijagrabhat /
na tasya pratimā asti yasya nāma mahad yaśaḥ” // 4.19 //

No one can catch hold of Him either from above, or across, or in the middle. There is no likeness of Him. His name is Great Glory (Mahad Yasah).

CHRISTIANITY

Deuteronomy 4:35,39 — Unto thee it was shown, that thou mightiest know that the LORD he is God; there is none else beside him. (39) Know therefore this day, and consider it in thine heart, that the LORD he is God in heaven above, and upon the earth beneath: there is none else.

 Deuteronomy 6:4 — Hear, O Israel: The LORD thy God is one LORD. [Note in Mark 12:28-34 how Jesus and a Jewish scribe he encountered understood this text.]

 2 Samuel 7:22 — Wherefore thou art great, O LORD God; for there is none like thee, neither is there any God beside thee, according to all that we have heard with our ears.

 Isaiah 43:10,11 — Ye are my witnesses, saith the LORD, and my servant whom I have chosen: that ye may know and believe me, and understand that I am he:before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me. I, even I, am the LORD; and beside me there is no saviour.

SIKHISM

Sikh beliefs about God

Belief in one God is central to Sikhism. Sikhs are monotheists. They believe it is important to keep the name of God in their mind and live their life as God would wish.

Sikhs believe that God:

• ·         cannot be described and is neither male nor female
• ·         is eternal truth, timeless, beyond the cycle of birth and death, and self-existent
• ·         is both sargun (immanent – everywhere and in everything) and nirgun (transcendent – above and beyond creation)
• ·         created the world for people to use and enjoy
• ·         created people, and made them know the difference between right and wrong
• ·         is present in everyone's soul but can only be seen by those whom he blesses
• ·         is personal and available to everyone
• ·         is the only one to be worshipped; no images of God are to be worshipped
• ·         is made known by the grace of the Guru

-      source bbc.co.uk

ISLAM

Surah IKHLAS

1.      Say: He is Allah, the One and Only;

2.      Allah, the Eternal, Absolute;

3.      He begetteth not, nor is He begotten;

4.      And there is none like unto Him.

-      Surah Ikhlas -112 Quran

Amazing isn’t it? They are ALL saying the very same thing.

In fact, in the Quran Allah tells the Prophet (pbuh) NOT to think this is a new religion. From the time Adam, the first man came to the very last person there has been only ONE religion till date

             Muslim just means ‘A person who submits is will to God’ literal meaning.

When we all say- If God wills, Upar wale jo chahe, Jo rabb di marzi, Bhagwan ki iccha- ALL mean the same thing submitting our will to God.

I believe in the same Brahmam, the Vedas speak about so I am Hindu before Muslim as Sanatan Dharm came first,

I bow down to the same Lord, who Jesus (peace be upon him) speaks of then, I am Christian before Muslim, as the Religion of Jesus came first,

 I am doing namaz for Sat Nam (The Eternal reality), Akal Purakh (The Eternal One), WaheGuru (The Wonderful Lord), so basically, I am a Sikh first!!

Whatever religion I can call myself as I am still doing what the Quran repeats.

The Prophet was the last messenger it says in the Quran, but Allah, Wahe Guru, Brahmam , The Lord says in this book that there have been 1 Lac 40,000 Messengers before Muhammed (pbuh), and they were sent at different eras, to different nations but with the SAME message

Quoting again

'And We have revealed to you, [O Muhammad], the Book in truth, confirming that which preceded it of the Scriptures before and as a criterion over it. So, judge between them by what Allah has revealed and do not follow their inclinations away from what has come to you of the truth. To each of you We prescribed a law and a method. Had Allah willed, He would have made you one nation [united in religion], but [He intended] to test you in what He has given you; so, race to [all that is] good. To Allah is your return all together, and He will [then] inform you concerning that over which you used to differ.'

                           -      Surah Al Maidah -5.48 Quran

We have all been made different for a reason, to test something God says, and we can happily say most of us failing that test, maybe including me.

The current issues in the world in my view is 2 wrongs happening

• 1    Western world involvement and a recent interest in Arab countries (read oil) and ending up doing more harm than good,
• 2.      People coming here and killing innocents on the street to get revenge for their people killed back home, and thinks Allah is with them, Allah said yes, stand up to oppressors, fight them BUT didn’t say anything about killing Innocents

Which is basically the answer to why these people are Muslims some of you asked (coming from the Arab countries where bombs are thrown like angry bird game literally anywhere at home, schools, playgrounds, hospitals) and these people taking Allah’s name to justify their wrong aimed revenge

So, I want to call out to my Fellow Muslims sisters here, and just a request lets back off a bit, maybe we are overdoing it and not fair to other members to be subjected to these exchanges which have been happening too much lately. Haters will still hate no matter how much you explain, but for every ONE, A S and Y (deliberate choice of Alphabets :-p ) we have 10 who support us and can spot the difference. So let’s remember

Let there be no compulsion in religion: Truth stands out clear from Error:

 trans. Yusuf Ali, Quran 2:256

People are saying we Muslims shouldn’t get defensive and sell our Religion, whereas I think there is just a need for that, Awareness is needed on both sides, amongst as Muslims, as well as outside world and it is critical to spread good about the religion which is wrongly brought into picture owing to the countries where the attackers come from. 

So as a happy satisfied customer of this religion I am trying to speak out against the negative reviews this product called Islam was getting. No, you don't have to buy it at all ...but some false and fake Trip Advisor ratings given to it, needs to be flagged, as blaming Islam is unfortunately not the solution, as IT is not the Problem. 

Thank you for the Patience

Ramblings of a Normal Muslim lady

                                                        

Right! Not a pretty start to the day when you start the car and on the way to school realise one of the tyres not behaving as it should. Slowly and scarily you drop the child, and pray you reach safely home. Get down and as suspected see a nearly flat tyre.

Get home give baby breakfast, get ready take car to garage and take the bus to the dentist appointment and worry and wonder that the evening school run will also have to be in bus as school is not walkable distance. Drat. 

Amidst all this in the stop while waiting for bus, happen to check FB, and come across this video ..unable to see it the comments no doubt suggests not a good one. And you think… Ah not one of ‘those’ videos again. You jump to the comments, dying to comment but can’t yet cause you don’t know the content entirely of the video. Interesting comments sadly many who have jumped on the bandwagon yet again to proclaim the video represents the entire Muslim community. Quiet upsetting were some comments that I missed my stop and as the bus stands at the next signal decide to run to the driver’s side and ask if he would open the door at the signal for me get down . For a fleeting second also think ‘you’re wearing a scarf maybe he won’t. Luckily, he opened as I jump out saving myself to have walked back a long way from the next stop. SO, I must leave the car, take a bus back grab something to eat for the kids and take a bus back from school, prepare dinner and last but not the least, AHhh.. once more yet again Defend my religion... So exhausting. 

Apparently like some documents where failing to tick one ‘ACCEPT/REJECT’ is taken as acceptance. Similarly failing to say anything on such issues may be taken as acceptance. Although I know I don't HAVE to reply, but I am someone who will, who can't let such morons shown get away with it . Most importantly because I am proud of my religion not ashamed of it. 

I come home as soon as find time watch this controversial video. I realise it’s an old one. And I am sure such activities or Madrasas nearly to none exist now. Considering it’s such anold video and there would have been no monitoring on Madrasas since then. Hard to believe. 

Ok I thought now, first I couldn’t dress how I want, couldn’t visit the beach, not eat certain kinds of foods and now can’t send my daughter to Madrasa. Cause everyone believes the video is the story of every Islamic religious school. When my other faith friends can send their children to their religious schools, why can’t I ?? Why God why.  Why can’t my child learn of her religion and teachings from a qualified Islamic teacher.

I call my daughter and asked her if her Madrasa ever teaches them to disrespect other faiths. She said No! in a very Duh manner. I told her that there are certain Madrasas which do so, and some of my friends think they should shut all Madrasas.And she went. Well, they should shut the madrasas which teach these wrong stuff, not all Madrasas mummy. My teacher doesn’t say anything like that. I asked her will you tell me if they teach you anything like that. And she goes. Yes, I will. 

I felt upset thinking why don’t they understand what my 8-year-old can. We majority Muslim strongly condemn these opinions of fanatics. I call them fanatics because they can kill a non-Muslim and also a Muslim IF according to THEM he is not a Muslim, clearly my Islam doesn’t teach anything like that! These few imbeciles have made our life difficult nodoubt but what hurts equally is being painted by the same brush. Everything in our religion people have a finger to point. Why do you cover your face/ body/ . Why do your children wear hijab too? When I was small never once did we think odd of a Sikh toddler or child wearing the turban. We had many Sikh turban clad kids in school. None of us felt they were forced to wear it. A meat eating Muslim can incite more reactions than a meat eating Christian, and Christianity happens to be the major religion in the world.

Of course I talk about my religion to my friends, doesn’t mean I am inviting them to Islam, people have so many misconceptions of Islam I try to place my views and in return also hear to their religious stories. 

My dear friends none of us will ever stand by such thoughts and teachings as above. But what we must understand is all this hoo haa and years of recent limelight on Islam is a part of a bigger game. Why hasn’t it happened before. The west interest in to the east have scripted a bigger screenplay. No person who kills an innocent is Muslim and Islam teaches us to respect all religions alike. We all should be careful not to get sucked into this play of mega games with deeper motives. Their sole purpose is to create pawns in society to make sure hatred thrives. And what better tool than Religion.

When my Husband saw the video he instantly started showing me videos from ‘certain’ group brainwashing and teaching children hatred against Muslims. He asked me post the link … he sent me not one 5 -6 such videos. And I was like Bah I am not posting so many and more over that’s not what I want to do. Spreading more negativity is no use and any one sensible can find such videos themselves if they were to search. 

Having said all this, I know there are some of you out there who know when they see me or someone wearing a hijab that we make dinner in our homes like you and not some bombs. And I don’t mean no harm by wearing a hijab. It’s my freedom of choice. I know there are some of you surely, who when they see my scarf wearing daughter, know that we haven’t forced her on gunpoint to wear it. I know there are some of you who don’t squirm when they see a bearded man who may just be picking up a paw patrol toy for his son. I know YOU are there, some of you, my friends and sisters who will defend my religion for me before I do.