Was Islam Spread by the Sword?
It is a common misconception with some non-Muslims that Islam would not have millions of adherents all over the world if it had not been spread by the use of force. The following points will make it clear, that far from being spread by the sword, it was the inherent force of truth, reason and logic that was responsible for the rapid spread of Islam. Islam has always given respect and freedom to all religions.
There are some facts that we can't ignore, for example Indonesia is the country that has the largest number of Muslims in the world, and the majority of people in Malaysia are Muslims but, no Muslim army ever went to Indonesia or Malaysia. It is an established historical fact that Indonesia entered Islam not due to war, but because of its moral message. Despite the disappearance of Islamic government from many regions once ruled by it, their original inhabitants have remained Muslims. Moreover, they carried the message of truth, inviting others to it as well, and in doing so they endured harm, affliction and oppression. The same can be said for those in the regions of Syria and Jordan, Egypt, Iraq, North Africa, Asia, the Balkans and in Spain
Bismillah (In the Name of Allah): Meaning of Bismillah, Power of Bismillah, Worth of Bismillah
Bismillah or in the Name of Allah is the start of all good things, so we shall start with it. This blessed phrase is mark of Islam, one constantly recited by all creatures through their tongues of disposition. If you want to perceive its inexhaustible source of strength and blessing, consider the following story:
Travelers in Arabian deserts must travel under a tribal chief’s name and protection, or else they will be bothered by bandits and unable to acquire what they need for the journey. Two people, one humble and the other arrogant, set out on a journey. The humble one obtained the name of a tribal chief; the arrogant one did not. The former traveled everywhere in safety. Whenever he met a bandit, he said: “I’m traveling in the name of this chief,” and so was left alone. He was treated with respect in every tent he entered. In contrast, the arrogant one suffered disaster and constant fear, for he had to struggle and beg for every need. He became bas
se and vile.
O arrogant soul! You are that traveler, and this world is the desert. Your weakness and poverty are endless, and the enemies and privations to which you are exposed are beyond number. Given this, invoke the name of the Eternal Owner and the Everlasting Ruler of this world, for only this can deliver you from such begging and fear
Sin
Two men came to Imam Jafar As-Sadiq (p.b.u.h) and said that they would like to do Tawbah (to ask for forgiveness of Allah) for their sins. The first man said that he had done a lot of small /minor sins while the second /one said that he had committed two big /major sins.
Imam Jafar As-Sadiq (p.b.u.h) told the first man to pick one small stone for each small sin that he had committed. Imam Jafar As-Sadiq (p.b.u.h) told the second man to bring a large boulder for each of his big sins. After a while both men came back to Imam Jafar As-Sadiq (p.b.u.h) having brought what they were asked to bring. Imam (p.b.u.h) now asked both of them to put back every stone in its place. The man with the two large boulders found it difficult to carry them back in their original place but eventually he managed. The man with the many small stones could not remember where he had picked all of them so he could not put them all back in their original place.
Therefore, it is very difficult to do Tawbah for the sins which seem small because we forget and take them for granted. That's why Imam Ali (p.b.u.h) has said: "The biggest sin is that which the doer considers the smallest."
I'tikaf
I'tikaf, spending the last ten days of Ramadan or some days in Rajab and Sha'ban in the Mosque, is a beautiful tradition of the holy Prophet (pbuh). After him his followers continued this practice of observing I'tikaf regularly. It is recommended that every Muslim makes at least one I'tikaf in his/her life. There must be at least few people in every community who should do it in every mosque, every year, to keep this tradition alive. People should do I'tikaf in the mosque so that they can pray in public and also offer the Friday prayers. There is a great blessing in I'tikaf and people who do it bring blessings upon themselves, upon their families, and upon the Muslim society at large.
During I'tikaf people should stay in the mosque day and night. They are allowed to eat inside the mosque, but if it is not convenient, they may go outside and come back as soon as they finish. During I'tikaf, one should spend most of his/her time in prayer, reading of the Koran and reflection. Engaging in business and other worldly conversations and activities is not allowed during I'tikaf. However, attending a funeral or visiting a sick person or leaving for any emergency is permissible.
prophet Joseph
After being imprisoned for a few years, God granted Joseph with the ability to interpret dreams, a power in which he became popular amongst the prisoners. In one occasion two less fortunate royal servants were thrown into the prison prior to Joseph's imprisonment. They were haunted by two ambiguous dreams and remained unaware of the dream due to the inability to interpret it until they heard about Joseph's popularity among the citizens. They went to Joseph to seek for his opinion and ask him if he could help them in solving the problems. Joseph asked them about the dreams they had, and one of them described that he saw himself in the vineyard picking grapes and pressing them into wine.
The other said to have seen himself holding a basket of bread on his head but then a bird came and took it from him. Joseph smiled to the first man and said that he will be released from the prison and he would serve the King but he warned the other one that he will soon die. One day, under the order of the King of Egypt, soldiers came to take the two men away, the King said one would be forgiven, the other will be executed.
Fasting
Fasting is not unique to Muslims. It has been practiced for centuries in connection with religious ceremonies by Christians, Jews, Hindus and many other religions. Some Native American societies fasted to avert catastrophe or to serve as apology for sin. Jews observe fasting as a form of penitence and purification annually on the Day of Atonement. On this day neither food nor drink is permitted.
Islam is the only religion that has retained the outward and spiritual dimensions of fasting throughout centuries. The most unruly human emotions such as pride, lust, envy, and anger are not easy to control, thus a person must strive hard to discipline them when fasting. Muslims fast to purify their soul because fasting puts a bridle on the most uncontrolled, savage human emotions. Fasting occurs once each year during the 9th lunar month, the month of Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar in which the Koran was sent down as guidance for the people.
The Prophet Mohammad: Wealth and Poverty
It was a usual meeting. Prophet Mohammad was in his place and his companions gathered around him to hear the words of wisdom and guidance. Suddenly a poor man with old clothes appeared, greeted the people: "Peace be upon you" (Salamun Alaikum). Prophet Mohammad had taught them that all Muslims were brothers and in a meeting they should sit wherever they find a place, regardless of their position. So the poor man sat at the empty place he found, near a rich man. The rich man felt very disturbed and tried to sit away from him, so that the poor man didn't touch his clothes. Prophet Mohammad observed this and said to the rich man: "Perhaps you are afraid that his poverty would affect you?" The rich man said: "No, O Messenger of Allah". Prophet Mohammad said: "Then perhaps you were apprehensive about some of your wealth flying away to him? Or you feared that your clothes would become dirty if he touched them? Then why did you draw yourself and your clothes away from him?" The rich man said: "I admit that was the most undesirable thing to do. It was an error and I confess my guilt. Now to make apology for it, I will give away half of my wealth to this Muslim brother so that I may be forgiven."
At this moment the poor man rose and said: "O Messenger of Allah, I do not accept this offer." People present were surprised, they thought that the poor man was a fool, but then he explained: "O Messenger of Allah, I refuse to accept this offer because I fear that I might then become proud and treat my Muslim brothers the way he did to me."
The Chief of the Women of Paradise
Fatima Zahra (p.b.u.h), the symbol of grace and beauty, is the finest lady in the history of Islam. Khadija, The Mother of the Believers and her daughter, Fatima, the Truthful are role models for the women of the world. Fatima, The Most Truthful Lady from the House of the Prophet got her knowledge and wisdom directly from her father, who got all this through revelation. Fatima used to watch all her father’s actions closely. She was brought up by Prophet Mohammad (p.b.u.h) and was also taught how to be an ideal example for all women.
Aisha once said: "I have seen no one whose words and speech were as similar to that of the Prophet as Fatima's ". The most prosperous household is that of Imam Ali and Fatima, because its foundation was made by Mohammad and Khadija. The Prophet named his daughter, Fatima, Leader of the Women of Paradise. In the short period that Fatima lived after her father and until the time she died at the age of eighteen, she devoted her life to fight for justice. After her death Imam Ali said: “She was a flower from Heaven and went to Heaven, but has left her smell in my mind.”
The Right of Companionship in Islam
One day outside the city two gentlemen, a Muslim and the other one Jew or Christian, met on the road. The Muslim was going to Kufa and the other gentleman to another place nearby. Since a part of their journey was common, they decided to travel together. They went on and on until they arrived at the point where their paths separated. The non-Muslim was surprised to see that his Muslim companion did not take the path of Kufa but went with him on the other path, where he was going. He asked: "You said you were going to Kufa, then why are you coming this way? The other one is the path to Kufa." The Muslim replied: "I know. I want to walk a few steps with you to see you off as our Prophet Mohammad has said, “Whenever two persons travel together on the same path, they have some responsibilities towards each other.”
The surprise of this gentleman increased when he later learnt that his Muslim friend was Imam Ali, the Caliph of that time. Soon after, he converted to a Muslim and was counted among the most devoted companions of Imam Ali.
Fatima Zahra and the Blind Man
One day Prophet Mohammad was sitting in Fatima Zahra’s house when they heard a knock on the door. The housemaid came to Prophet Mohammad and said: "Oh! Prophet of Allah your companion Abdullah Ibn Umme Maqdoom (who was blind) has come to visit you." Prophet Mohammad immediately told the housemaid to let him in. At this time his daughter Fatima Zahra, got up to go to her room. Prophet Mohammad told her "My daughter Fatima, where are you going?" Fatima Zahra replied: "since your companion is coming to see you, I am going to my room to observe my Hijab from him." Prophet Mohammad replied: "But my daughter Fatima, my companion is blind and can’t see you." She said: "My father, he can’t see me but I can see him so I must go inside."
This is not to say that the Prophet of Allah was not aware of the matter but this question was asked to inform the women, of the importance of Hijab. And that it is not sufficient to think that we are capable of controlling our desires and will not think or look badly at someone.
The Great Challenge
The Great Challenge to Produce One Chapter Like the Chapters of the Holy Quran
God has said in the Quran:
And if you are in doubt about what We have revealed (the Quran) to Our worshiper (Muhammad ), then produce a chapter like it, and call your witnesses (supporters and helpers) besides God if you are truthful. And if you do not do it, and you can never do it, then fear the Fire (Hell) whose fuel is men and stones. It has been prepared for disbelievers. And give good news (O Muhammad) to those who believe and do good deeds, that for them are gardens (Paradise) in which rivers flow.... (Quran, 2:23-25)
Ever since the Quran was revealed, fourteen centuries ago, no one has been able to produce a single chapter like the chapters of the Quran in their beauty, eloquence, splendor, wise legislation, true information, true prophecy, and other perfect attributes. Also, note that the smallest chapter in the Quran (Chapter 108) is only ten words, yet no one has ever been able to meet this challenge, then or today.
Some of the disbelieving Arabs who were enemies of the Prophet Muhammad tried to meet this challenge to prove that Muhammad was not a true prophet, but they failed to do so.This failure was despite the fact that the Quran was revealed in their own language and dialect and that the Arabs at the time of Muhammad were a very eloquent people who used to compose beautiful and excellent poetry, still read and appreciated today.
The smallest chapter in the Holy Quran (Chapter 108) is only ten words, yet no one has ever been able to meet the challenge to produce one chapter like the chapters of the Holy Quran.
Islamic Text Eight: Jihad
Jihad is a religious duty of Muslims. In Arabic, Jihad means "strive" or "struggle". Jihad appears frequently in the Quran and in common usage as the expression "striving in the way of Allah (al-jihad fi sabil Allah)". A minority among the Sunni scholars sometimes refer to this duty as the sixth pillar of Islam, though it occupies no such official status. In Twelver Shi'a Islam, however, Jihad is one of the ten Practices of the Religion.
Jihad is directed against Satan's inducements, aspects of one's own self, or against a visible enemy. The four major categories of jihad that are recognized are Jihad against one's own self (Jihad al-Nafs), Jihad of the tongue (Jihad al-lisan), Jihad of the hand (Jihad al-yad), and Jihad of the sword (Jihad bil-sayf). In the classical manuals of Islamic jurisprudence (Fiqh), the armed warfare are covered at great length. Such rules include not killing women, children and non-combatants, as well as not damaging cultivated or residential areas. More recently, modern Muslims have tried to re-interpret the Islamic sources, stressing that Jihad is essentially defensive and aims at protecting Muslims and Islam.
Islamic Text Seven: Imam Hussein (p. b. u. h) Fought with Yazid to Save Islam
Imam Hussein (p. b. u. h) was forced to fight with Yazid's army because he would not give allegiance to Yazid. When Imam Hussein (p. b. u. h) heard that he had to give allegiance to Yazid or he would be killed, he replied that: a man like him could not give allegiance to a man like Yazid. Imam Hussein (p. b. u. h) knew that he, his friends and his family would die in Karbala. He also knew that this was the only way that he could show the other Muslims that Islam was in fact being destroyed. Imam Hussein (p. b. u. h) wanted people, to know that it was not for power but for Islam and because of this in his army people had to be believers, not soldiers.
Imam Hussein (p. b. u. h) had rich, noble men, freed slaves, old and young men, men who had done wrong and repented, and also pious men. Whenever other Muslims heard about the events of Karbala, they would ask themselves, why it was that men from different backgrounds, different ways of life, all came together to fight and die with Imam Hussein (p. b. u. h). Every Muslim regardless of his color, his race, his background, his financial situation, his age, could be one martyr in the army of Imam Hussein (p. b. u. h) and through his martyrdom understand why Imam Hussein (p. b. u. h) did what he did.
Islamic text Six: Fatima Bint Asad, as Kind as a Real Mother
Fatima Bint Asad was born in a family that was the center of religion. Her grandfather, Hashim Ibn Abd Manaf, was the leader of Quraysh and keeper of Kaaba. The Hashimi family in the tribe of Quraysh was famous for its moral virtues among the Arab tribes. Fatima Bint Asad was the most remarkable lady who followed the religion of prophet Ibrahim, before Islam. She believed in Allah and acted according to all the previous prophets' instructions. She took good care of her husband and loved her children and above all Mohammad (p. b. u. h). Fatima Bint Asad had the chance to bring up five of the holy infallibles (Ma'soomin). They were Mohammad, Imam Ali, Fatima Zahra and for a short time Imam Hassan and Imam Hussein (Peace be upon them) too.
Mohammad loved her so much that when he heard the news of her death, he quickly went to her house, sat beside her and prayed for her. He gave his shirt to be used as part of her shroud. When the grave was prepared, Mohammad himself examined it and with his own hands put her into the grave. After the ceremony he said: "She was so kind to me that whenever she had any good thing, she gave it to me, instead of using it for herself or for her own children." And I said once that on the Day of Judgment people would be gathered naked. She said: "Oh, the shame!" So, I guaranteed her that Allah would resurrect her with clothes. Then Mohammad said: "O God! Life and death are in your hands. You alone will never die. Bless my mother, Fatima Bint Asad, and give her a house in Heaven. You are the most Merciful.
Islamic text Five: Some Parts of the Prophet’s Speech at Qadir
In the name of God, the Merciful, the Compassionate. Praise and thanks be to Allah who is Supreme in His uniqueness. His knowledge is upon every being while He is in His place, and He controls all creatures by His power and logic. He has always been praised and will be forever. I thank Him very much and always praise Him, though in comfort or in trouble, though in difficulty or in peace.
Gabriel came down three times and chose me to stand here and announce to any black or white person that Ali, the son of Abu Talib, is my brother, my substitute, and the leader of my nation after me. His relation to me is the same as the relation of Haroun to Moses except that there is no prophet after me.
Importance of Paying Zakat
Islam regards all wealth as belonging to God and thus a trust (amanat) from Allah. We will have to account for the wealth that Allah has given to us in the hereafter. One may collect as much wealth as one pleases, as long as it does not violate the law of morality. Wealth-gathering is a legal activity as long as it does not cause theft, cheating, cruelty, usury (riba), or harming of others. Indeed, the search of wealth is one of man’s primitive concerns and demands for survival (consisting of food, shelter and clothing).
One of the tenets of Islam is that wealth, ought to be shared with others in some proportion. This is the requirement of charity and it is as old as humanity and is always regarded as a high moral value. Some purposes of Zakat are:
- To hold back jealousy and uneasiness among the poor and needy towards the rich. As a tradition had mentioned: “Once you have settled the Zakat upon your property, then you had put away the evil that might have risen from it.”
- To assure the needy that their fellow brothers will not passively see them suffer misfortune.
Respecting Parents in Islam
Imam Sajjad (p.b.u.h) was a very kind and patient person. He almost never got angry and he always had a smile on his face. One day when he was walking down the street with a few of his friends, he saw an old man carrying a heavy load while his son walked next to him. He lost his smile and became angry. All his friends were very surprised to see him in this way, as they had never seen him angry. They asked what had happened to make him so angry. Imam Sajjad (p.b.u.h) replied that he was angry to see a son walk with his father letting him carry a heavy load and not helping.
It is narrated that Prophet Mohammad (p.b.u.h) has said: "One who pleases his parents has actually pleased Allah, and one who has angered his parents has actually angered Allah." A person once went near Prophet Mohammad and said: "I have an old father and mother who, due to their dependence on me, are not keen for me to go to Jihad." After hearing this, Prophet Mohammad (p.b.u.h) said: "Stay with your parents! One day of attending them is better than one year of Jihad."
Dignity of Labor
Once a man from the Ansars came to the Prophet expecting some charity. The Prophet (p.b.u.h) asked the man: “What do you have in your house?” The man replied: “I have a blanket big enough to cover our body and to spread as a carpet. Also I have a leather bag that we use to carry water to drink.” The Prophet (p.b.u.h) told him: “You go home and bring both to me.” The man went home and brought both these things. The Prophet took hold of them and asked those present: “Who will buy these?” A man said: “I will take them for one dirham.” The Prophet said: “Can anyone offer some higher amount?” Another man cried: “I will take them for two dirhams.” The Prophet collected two dirhams from this man and delivered them to him. The Prophet gave this amount to the man telling: “Go and buy food for your family with one dirham and with another, you buy an axe and bring it to me.”
The man did as the Prophet told. The Prophet (p.b.u.h) made a handle for the axe with his own hands and returned the axe to the man and said: “Go! Cut wood with this axe, sell the wood and meet me after 15 days.”
The man went to the forest, cut wood, sold them and returned to the Prophet (p.b.u.h) with 20 dirhams in his hand-the money that he had earned for his labor. Out of this earning, he bought clothing for some (p.b.u.h) amount and provisions for some amount. He was happy. Then the Prophet told him: “This is much better for you than begging that leaves horrible scars on your face in the hereafter."
