From Secularism to Islam
By Javed Ahmad
Following the “model” of our forefathers as taught and supported by our so called “moulanas and imams”, I lived as a “secular or moderate or liberal” Muslim till my golden jubilee not realizing at all that I was in err; until I began to read about Islam from the original sources, namely the Qur’an and Sunnah (Ahadiths).
Majority of the Muslims today are just Muslims by name many of whom have not even read the Qur’an with understanding in their entire life; let alone the ahadiths. For some strange reasons, majority of non-Arab Muslims have no interest in learning Arabic, which is the language of their holy book – The Qur’an, and yet show strong passion to memorize the book without understanding, which defies all logic and reasoning. They do not seem to realize that memorizing a book in a foreign language without understanding has no advantage whatsoever. Therefore, though majority (i.e., 80%) of the Muslims today consists of non-Arabs, but only a handful of them knows Arabic as a language and understands the Qur’an from reading from the original form. Thus, majority of these make believe Muslims rely on “translations” of the book done by someone who took the trouble to learn that language to translate the book so that these folks could at least understand the partial message of Allah if not the whole thing. And amazingly, these “Muslims” are quite content with this arrangement and do not see anything wrong with it.
Yet, majority of them do not read even the translation of the Qur’an; which means, they are Muslims without knowing what Allah says in the Qur’an and what is expected of them!
Hence we find Muslims in different colors and flavors; some calling themselves “liberal” or “moderate” Muslim and some say they are “secular” Muslims in an attempt to identify them belonging to Universal Muslim Ummah or Brotherhood but not paying any attention to any details of Islamic practices.
On the other hand, we find some “fundamentalist” who try to follow Islam the hard way with their own manufactured “way of life” which they call “madhabs”. They think of themselves “very pious” but not at all aware that their ideas and practices are deeply rooted in blasphemies (shirk) and innovations (bidats), which is strongly prohibited in Islam.
To make it even worse, there are some “fanatics” who aspire to establish Caliphate or Islamic State so that they could be ruled by Islamic laws (Shariah laws) without fully understanding how this caliphate works. As a result, they are into disrupting peace and causing chaos all around the so called Muslim world associating themselves with various militant groups mostly funded by the West. Visit http://whatreallyhappened.com/ to read such news that is covered almost daily.
Realizing the fact that we are living in a total bullshit and we have been goofed badly when we were taught Islam at some point in our life, I have decided to venture into Islam on my own. I began with the Qur’an, the book which is protected by Allah Himself from any possible corruption –
Verily, those who disbelieved in the Reminder (i.e. the Qur'an) when it came to them (shall receive the punishment). And verily, it is an honourable well-fortified respected Book (because it is Allah's Speech, and He has protected it from corruption. (See V.15:9) ( سورة فصلت , Fussilat, Chapter #41, Verse #41)
The discoveries I have made from my reading opened my eyes and made me to understand what it says and what we actually do and believe. There is a huge contrast between the true Islam and the Islam we understand and practice today. So, allow me to shed some light briefly in your dark ignorant world of faith to shake you a little in the comfort zone you are currently living in. Trust me; you need this for your own good.
According to Qur’an, submission completely to Allah is “Islam” –
And this (submission to Allah, Islam) was enjoined by Ibrahim (Abraham) upon his sons and by Ya'qub (Jacob) (saying), "O my sons! Allah has chosen for you the (true) religion, then die not except in the Faith of Islam (as Muslims - Islamic Monotheism)." ( سورة البقرة , Al-Baqara, Chapter #2, Verse #132)
Islam is a religion chosen by Allah Himself for all of mankind and jinn –
And I (Allah) created not the jinn and mankind except that they should worship Me (Alone). ( سورة الذاريات , Adh-Dhariyat, Chapter #51, Verse #56)
Rests of the creations of Allah are already in Islam. All of His creations obeys Him and worships Him all the time willingly or unwillingly –
And unto Allah (Alone) falls in prostration whoever is in the heavens and the earth, willingly or unwillingly, and so do their shadows in the mornings and in the afternoons. ( سورة الرعد , Ar-Rad, Chapter #13, Verse #15)
Those who submit to Islam are called the “Muslims” or “Believers” in a more general term, as Islam mainly segregates mankind and jinn into two distinct groups of believers and disbelievers.
Say (O Muslims), "We believe in Allah and that which has been sent down to us and that which has been sent down to Ibrahim (Abraham), Isma'il (Ishmael), Ishaq (Isaac), Ya'qub (Jacob), and to Al-Asbat [the offspring of the twelve sons of Ya'qub (Jacob)], and that which has been given to Musa (Moses) and 'Îsa (Jesus), and that which has been given to the Prophets from their Lord. We make no distinction between any of them, and to Him we have submitted (in Islam)." ( سورة البقرة , Al-Baqara, Chapter #2, Verse #136)
Therefore, all believers are recognized just as “Muslims”. There are no further divisions among the Muslims as we find today. There is no such thing as Sunni, Shia, Salafi, Ahle Hadis, Sufi, Deobond, Ismaili, Kadiani, Ahmadia, Behlovi, Wahabi, or any such nonsense. Anyone following the religion of Islam is a Muslim, period. It is our ignorance and lack of proper understanding of Islam influenced by Satan has created all the sects and divisions. According to Qur’an, anyone labeling and following any sectarian group or sect is disobeying Allah directly –
He (Allah) has ordained for you the same religion (Islamic Monotheism) which He ordained for Nuh (Noah), and that which We have revealed to you (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه و سلم), and that which We ordained for Ibrahim (Abraham), Musa (Moses) and 'Îsa (Jesus) saying you should establish religion (i.e. to do what it orders you to do practically), and make no divisions in it (religion) (i.e. various sects in religion). Intolerable for the Mushrikun, is that (Islamic Monotheism) to which you (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه و سلم) call them. Allah chooses for Himself whom He wills, and guides unto Himself who turns to Him in repentance and in obedience. ( سورة الشورى , Ash-Shura, Chapter #42, Verse #13)
Those who considers a label for themselves other than what is prescribed in the Qur’an is going against Allah –
Verily, those who divide their religion and break up into sects (all kinds of religious sects) , you (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) have no concern in them in the least. Their affair is only with Allah, Who then will tell them what they used to do. ( سورة الأنعام , Al-Anaam, Chapter #6, Verse #159)
Under the circumstance, I have abandoned the Hanafi Madhab to follow the way of Islam as demonstrated by Prophet Muhammad (s) through his Sunnah; because Allah instructs us to do so –
Say (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم to mankind): "If you (really) love Allah then follow me (i.e. accept Islamic Monotheism, follow the Qur'an and the Sunnah), Allah will love you and forgive you your sins. And Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful." ( سورة آل عمران , Aal-e-Imran, Chapter #3, Verse #31)
Imam Abu Hanifa (rah.) was not a companion of the Prophet (s) and he did not initiate or establish the so called “Hanafi” school of thought as it is claimed by its followers. This “Madhab” (which basically means ‘way of life’ or ‘path’ or ‘method’) was created almost 400 years after his death attributing some writings to his credit that he did not write. Because during his life time Imam Hanifa never wrote down anything not did he advice anyone to write anything down. Therefore, all the books and materials we find in his name are all false. Ask the Hanafis to produce their proof if they are truthful –
…Say (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم), "Produce your proof if you are truthful." ( سورة البقرة , Al-Baqara, Chapter #2, Verse #111)
It was a common practice of the companions of the Prophet (s) to challenge anyone if and when they noticed any variation from Qur’an and Sunnah –
'Abdullah reported: An Amir or a person pronounced taslim twice. 'Abdullah said: Where did he get this Sunnah? (Muslim, Book #004, Hadith #1207)
Islam does not allow a Muslim to accept anything without proof or evidence. If anyone makes any claim in any religious practices should produce their proof to support the claim. Muslims today have replaced the actual leader Prophet Muhammad (s) with one of the four “Imams” and are following them instead of the Prophet (s) of Allah. Where as, none of those imams have ever told their followers to follow them and they themselves followed the Sunnah – the way of the Prophet (s). All of them said clearly that if any of their teachings contradicts with an authentic ahadith then we are ought to follow the Sunnah.
They take their priests and their anchorites to be their lords in derogation of Allah, and (they take as their Lord) Christ the son of Mary; yet they were commanded to worship but One Allah: there is no god but He. Praise and glory to Him: (Far is He) from having the partners they associate (with Him). ( سورة التوبة , At-Taubah, Chapter #9, Verse #31)
Muslims are not allowed to follow their conjectures, whims or personal impulses.
Never will the Jews or the Christians be satisfied with thee unless thou follow their form of religion. Say: "The Guidance of Allah,-that is the (only) Guidance." Wert thou to follow their desires after the knowledge which hath reached thee, then wouldst thou find neither Protector nor helper against Allah. ( سورة البقرة , Al-Baqara, Chapter #2, Verse #120)
They are required to follow Islam exactly the way it had been demonstrated by the Prophet (s) in relation and coherence to Quranic teachings.
It is not fitting for a believer, man or woman, when a matter has been decided by Allah and His Messenger to have any option about their decision: if any one disobeys Allah and His Messenger, he is indeed on a clearly wrong Path. ( سورة الأحزاب , Al-Ahzab, Chapter #33, Verse #36)
We are required to please Allah and His Apostle only and not the pirs, fokirs, dorbesh, hujurs, awlia, bujurkhs or whatever favorites one may have -
To you they swear by Allah. In order to please you: But it is more fitting that they should please Allah and His Messenger, if they are believers. ( سورة التوبة , At-Taubah, Chapter #9, Verse #62)
We are required to approach Allah directly through our daily prayers and not just in Jumma prayer once a week without any via-media –
When you have finished As-Salat (the congregational prayer), remember Allah standing, sitting down, and (lying down) on your sides, but when you are free from danger, perform As-Salat (Iqamat-as-Salat). Verily, As-Salat (the prayer) is enjoined on the believers at fixed hours. ( سورة النساء , An-Nisa, Chapter #4, Verse #103)
Each and every one of us is accountable for our own deeds and actions. No pirs, fokirs, dorbesh, hujurs, awlia, and bujurkhs will be able to take us to heaven if Allah is not pleased with our individual account settlement –
And fear the Day (of Judgement) when no person shall avail another, nor shall compensation be accepted from him, nor shall intercession be of use to him, nor shall they be helped. ( سورة البقرة , Al-Baqara, Chapter #2, Verse #123)
To Allah belongs all that is in the heavens and all that is on the earth, and whether you disclose what is in your ownselves or conceal it, Allah will call you to account for it. Then He forgives whom He wills and punishes whom He wills. And Allah is Able to do all things. ( سورة البقرة , Al-Baqara, Chapter #2, Verse #284)
Prophet Muhammad (s) is our only leader who is to be followed and no one else. Though he is no longer with us, but he has left behind his legacy and teachings as recorded in the ahadiths that are Sunnah to us to follow –
Similarly (to complete My Blessings on you), We have sent among you a Messenger (Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) of your own, reciting to you Our Verses (the Qur'an) and purifying you, and teaching you the Book (the Qur'an) and the Hikmah (i.e.Sunnah, Islamic laws and Fiqh - jurisprudence), and teaching you that which you used not to know. ( سورة البقرة , Al-Baqara, Chapter #2, Verse #151)
Therefore, those who attempt to isolate the Sunnah from Islam saying that it is sufficient to follow the Qur’an alone are liars and deceivers. Islam consists of two main sources of knowledge and guidance – The Qur’an and Sunnah; there is no third source. Therefore, one is safe with Qur’an and Sunnah totally abandoning any third sources. Without proper understanding of the first two sources, it is risky to deal with any third sources of knowledge about Islam. And this is exactly where most of us have gone wrong. Most of us have begun our journey to Islam from the “third source” readings. If you have the patience then please read my other article “Straightforward approach to religion”.
Since Allah Himself has declared to protect the Qur’an from any tampering, we could rely 100% on the information and guidance therein, but we need to be cautious about taking guidance from the Sunnah; because this guarantee of protection does not apply to the ahadiths which has been tampered over time for generations. Only the ahadiths that are in line with the Qur’an are acceptable as authentic or “Sahih”. In general, Bukhari sharif, Muslim sharif, Sunan Abu Dauwd, Sunan Malik Muatta are considered to be more reliable among the collections of ahadiths. There are other collections as well that are not as reliable as these sources. In order to consult these sources one need to have a strong footing on the first four sources.
Allah have completed His chosen religion (deen) for us through His message the holy Qur’an and the Sunnah of His Apostle (s) –
… This day, I have perfected your religion for you, completed My Favour upon you, and have chosen for you Islam as your religion. But as for him who is forced by severe hunger, with no inclination to sin (such can eat these above mentioned meats), then surely, Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful. ( سورة المائدة , Al-Maeda, Chapter #5, Verse #3)
There is no room for innovations in Islam anymore. All the innovations that have taken place after the departure of Prophet Muhammad (s) are null and void and ought to be rejected.
Narrated Aisha: Allah's Apostle said, "If somebody innovates something which is not in harmony with the principles of our religion, that thing is rejected." (Bukhari, Book #49, Hadith #861)
Our current practice of observing “Bishwa Ijtema”, “Eid-e-Miladunnabi”, “Chollisha”, “Chehlum or Kulkhani”, “Shab-e-Barat”, “Milad”, “New Years Day & Christmas”, “Valentine Day”, “Halloween Day”, etc are all innovations (bidats) and / or non-Islamic rituals. We should stay away from observance of these “days”. Following a bidat knowingly would earn us punishment (gunah).
"Narrated Abu Said: The Prophet said, "You will follow the wrong ways, of your predecessors so completely and literally that if they should go into the hole of a mastigure, you too will go there." We said, "O Allah's Apostle! Do you mean the Jews and the Christians?" He replied, "Whom else?" (Meaning, of course, the Jews and the Christians.) (Bukhari, Book #56, Hadith #662)"
No other “religion” other than the pure form of Islam is acceptable to Allah anymore –
The religion before Allah is Islam (submission to His Will): Nor did the People of the Book dissent therefrom except through envy of each other, after knowledge had come to them. But if any deny the Signs of Allah, Allah is swift in calling to account. ( سورة آل عمران , Aal-e-Imran, Chapter #3, Verse #19)
Therefore, we have been asked to enter this religion completely and whole-heartedly –
O ye who believe! Enter into Islam whole-heartedly; and follow not the footsteps of the evil one; for he is to you an avowed enemy. ( سورة البقرة , Al-Baqara, Chapter #2, Verse #208)
We have also been asked to die in Islam as well –
O you who believe! Fear Allah (by doing all that He has ordered and by abstaining from all that He has forbidden) as He should be feared. [Obey Him, be thankful to Him, and remember Him always], and die not except in a state of Islam [as Muslims (with complete submission to Allah)]. ( سورة آل عمران , Aal-e-Imran, Chapter #3, Verse #102)
If one chooses any other way of life other than Islam will not be acceptable to Allah. Entering Islam partially would not do one any good either. One needs to surrender completely to Allah obeying His instructions as laid down in the Qur’an and by following the Sunnah of the Prophet (s). No exceptions and excuses are allowed.
…Then do you believe in a part of the Scripture and reject the rest? Then what is the recompense of those who do so among you, except disgrace in the life of this world, and on the Day of Resurrection they shall be consigned to the most grievous torment. And Allah is not unaware of what you do. ( سورة البقرة , Al-Baqara, Chapter #2, Verse #85)
One may wonder, how can we learn the authentic Islam to live a life of a complete Muslim? The answer is simple –
O you who believe (Muslims)! When the call is proclaimed for the Salat (prayer) on Friday (Jumu'ah prayer), come to the remembrance of Allah [Jumu'ah religious talk (Khutbah) and Salat (prayer)] and leave off business (and every other thing). That is better for you if you did but know! ( سورة الجمعة , Al-Jumua, Chapter #62, Verse #9)
Develop a habit of cross checking all the Islamic references you find in books and articles you read about Islam from the third sources or when you listen to any lecture of any so called Islamic shaykh or scholar or imam. It is not a difficult task to do as the hadith books have categorized the topics and many of the new translations of the Qur’an have an alphabetized index at the end of the book. To your utter surprise, you would often find discrepancies in what you read and hear from the third sources. But you would only be in the position to detect the errors only if you have a sound and thorough foundation of knowledge from the first two sources, which is the “straight path” –
Truly! Allah is my Lord and your Lord, so worship Him (Alone). This is the straight path. ( سورة آل عمران , Aal-e-Imran, Chapter #3, Verse #51)
One need to do this favor to oneself for protection from hell fire. Our avowed enemy Satan (Iblis) and his army of devils are always trying to derail us from the straight path –
(Iblis) said: "Because You have sent me astray, surely I will sit in wait against them (human beings) on Your straight path. ( سورة الأعراف , Al-Araf, Chapter #7, Verse #16)
And none but Allah is our One and Only protector and savior from their deceptions –
Know you not that it is Allah to Whom belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth? And besides Allah you have neither any Wali (Protector or guardian) nor any helper. ( سورة البقرة , Al-Baqara, Chapter #2, Verse #107)
It is impossible to win Allah’s pleasure and mercy by disbelieving and disobeying Him. We must return to Islam with full submission with thorough understanding of the declaration of faith (Kalema) when we say, “There is no God but Allah, and Muhammad (s) is the Messenger of Allah” and by following the teachings of the Qur’an and Sunnah.
Narrated Abu Huraira: Allah's Apostle said, "All my followers will enter paradise except those who refuse." They said, "O Allah's Apostle! Who will refuse?" He said, "whoever obeys me will enter paradise, and whoever disobeys me is the one who refuses (to enter it)." (Bukhari, Book #92, Hadith #384)
One must repent (Taubah) to begin a new life as a Muslim with a renewed vow and declaration of faith –
Except those who repent and do righteous deeds, and openly declare (the truth which they concealed). These, I will accept their repentance. And I am the One Who accepts repentance, the Most Merciful. ( سورة البقرة , Al-Baqara, Chapter #2, Verse #160)
There is no partiality in Islamic belief. One must accept the religion as it is. No modifications allowed –
… Then do you believe in a part of the Scripture and reject the rest? Then what is the recompense of those who do so among you, except disgrace in the life of this world, and on the Day of Resurrection they shall be consigned to the most grievous torment. And Allah is not unaware of what you do. ( سورة البقرة , Al-Baqara, Chapter #2, Verse #85)
Abu Hassan reported: It was said to Ibn 'Abbas (Allah be pleased with them) that this affair had engaged the attention of the people that he who circumambulates the House was permitted to circumambulate for Umra (even though he was in a state of Ihram for Hajj), whereupon he said: That is the Sunnah of your Apostle (may peace be upon him), even though you may not approve of it. (Muslim, Book #007, Hadith #2868)
There is no such thing as moderate Muslim or liberal Muslim or secular Muslims; one is either a Muslims (Believer) or non-Muslim (Disbeliever). One who accepts Islam partially is not a Muslim –
On the Day (i.e. the Day of Resurrection) when some faces will become white and some faces will become black; as for those whose faces will become black (to them will be said): "Did you reject Faith after accepting it? Then taste the torment (in Hell) for rejecting Faith." ( سورة آل عمران , Aal-e-Imran, Chapter #3, Verse #106)
The so called secular Muslims are in a dire state. Because they not only are ignorant about Islam, they are also ignorant about the word “secular”. They have no idea what it really means.
Secularist are basically disbelievers and oppose religion altogether. By definition, the word ‘secular’ carries the following meanings:
1. Of or pertaining to worldly things or to things that are not regarded as religious, spiritual, or sacred; temporal: secular interests.
2. Not pertaining to or connected with religion (opposed to sacred): secular music.
3. Concerned with nonreligious subjects (of education, a school, etc.)
4. Not belonging to a religious order; not bound by monastic vows (opposed to regular of members of the clergy).
From the meanings above, we can equate ‘secularism’ to ‘atheism’, denying existence of God, life after death, Day of Judgment, etc. Therefore, “Muslims” who are advocating for secularism are actually advocating for atheism! Alas! Most of them are not even aware! On one end they are claiming to be Muslims identifying themselves with a Muslim sounding name and on the other hand they are attempting to kill Islam!
A true Muslim should advocate for Islam at all levels – personal, social and national. Islam is not like other religions. Try creating a ‘constitution’ using the wisdom and references in the scriptures of other religion. It is possible and perhaps necessary to separate state from religion when it comes to any religion other than Islam. There is no such thing as “Christian State based on Christianity” or “Jewish State based on Judaism” or “Hindu State based on Hinduism” or “Buddhist State based on Buddhism” – they are all secular states with similar constitution and a political system simply because their religion is not rich enough as a complete guidance for mankind. But Islam is different, there is something called the “Islamic State based on Islam.”
In Islam, there is a complete state system and governance that once stood on earth and reigned almost a thousand years! There was Caliphate and an Islamic Empire spreading across all the known countries and cultures of Asia, Europe and Africa of the time encompassing people from all background, nationality, race and ethnicity under one single government ruled by a single caliph. Did mankind stop breathing to death under the Islamic rule? No! It is quite the opposite. Mankind and civilization survived and flourished under the domain of Islam.
It is important that we read the Qur’an with understanding so that we could answer the queries of the angels in the grave after our death –
Narrated Al-Bara' ibn Azib: We went out with the Apostle of Allah (peace_be_upon_him) accompanying the bier of a man of the Ansar. When we reached his grave, it was not yet dug. So the Apostle of Allah (peace_be_upon_him) sat down and we also sat down around him as if birds were over our heads. He had in his hand a stick with which he was scratching the ground. He then raised his head and said: Seek refuge with Allah from the punishment in the grave. He said it twice or thrice. The version of Jabir adds here: He hears the beat of their sandals when they go back, and at that moment he is asked: O so and so! Who is your Lord, what is your religion, and who is your Prophet? Hannad's version says: Two angels will come to him, make him sit up and ask him: Who is your Lord? He will reply: My Lord is Allah. They will ask him: What is your religion? He will reply: My religion is Islam. They will ask him: What is your opinion about the man who was sent on a mission among you? He will reply: He is the Apostle of Allah (peace_be_upon_him). They will ask: Who made you aware of this? He will reply: I read Allah's Book, believed in it, and considered it true; which is verified by Allah's words: "Allah's Book, believed in it, and considered it true, which is verified by Allah's words: "Allah establishes those who believe with the word that stands firm in this world and the next." The agreed version reads: Then a crier will call from Heaven: My servant has spoken the truth, so spread a bed for him from Paradise, clothe him from Paradise, and open a door for him into Paradise. So some of its air and perfume will come to him, and a space will be made for him as far as the eye can see. He also mentioned the death of the infidel, saying: His spirit will be restored to his body, two angels will come to him, make him sit up and ask him: Who is your Lord? He will reply: Alas, alas! I do not know. They will ask him: What is your religion? He will reply: Alas, alas! I do not know. They will ask: Who was the man who was sent on a mission among you? He will reply: Alas, alas! I do not know. Then a crier will call from Heaven: He has lied, so spread a bed for him from Hell, clothe him from Hell, and open for him a door into Hell. Then some of its heat and pestilential wind will come to him, and his grave will be compressed, so that his ribs will be crushed together. Jabir's version adds: One who is blind and dumb will then be placed in charge of him, having a sledge-hammer such that if a mountain were struck with it, it would become dust. He will give him a blow with it which will be heard by everything between the east and the west except by men and jinn, and he will become dust. Then his spirit will be restored to him. (Abu Dauwd, Book #40, Hadith #4735)
After living around twenty years in North America I have returned home to live like a Muslim and die in Islam. Unknowingly I lived a life like a liberal or moderate Muslim while trying hard to maintain my Islamic practices by offering regular prayers and fasting in the month of Ramadan. But yet, I was committing blasphemy (shirk) and practicing bidats without realizing it. Unfortunately, majority of the Muslims today are in this situation; and that is why Allah is saying in the Qur’an –
And most of them believe not in Allah except that they attribute partners unto Him [i.e. they are Mushrikun i.e. polytheists. See Verse 6: 121]. ( سورة يوسف , Yusuf, Chapter #12, Verse #106)
The only way to protect ourselves from any risk of misfortune is to learn Islam from the original sources directly and not through any scholar or imam or hujur or any third sources. Because if we follow the way of the majority then we would surely fall into the trap of Satan –
And if you obey most of those on the earth, they will mislead you far away from Allah's Path. They follow nothing but conjectures, and they do nothing but lie. ( سورة الأنعام , Al-Anaam, Chapter #6, Verse #116)
By the grace of Allah, today I consider myself a rectified Muslim and have started a new life as a true Muslim after repentance and re-declaring my faith in Islam with complete understanding and assigning myself the task to relearn Islam from the original books and attempt to learn Arabic. Because as a Muslim I am not allowed to imitate the non-Muslims who defy Islam and are open enemies of Islam. Their way of life is not approved by Allah –
O you who believe! Enter perfectly in Islam (by obeying all the rules and regulations of the Islamic religion) and follow not the footsteps of Shaitan (Satan). Verily! He is to you a plain enemy. ( سورة البقرة , Al-Baqara, Chapter #2, Verse #208)
And if I do then I am sure to enter the hell fire –
And even if you were to bring to the people of the Scripture (Jews and Christians) all the Ayat (proofs, evidence, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.), they would not follow your Qiblah (prayer direction), nor are you going to follow their Qiblah (prayer direction). And they will not follow each other's Qiblah (prayer direction). Verily, if you follow their desires after that which you have received of knowledge (from Allah), then indeed you will be one of the Zalimun (polytheists, wrong-doers). ( سورة البقرة , Al-Baqara, Chapter #2, Verse #145)
I am currently working on a book in Bangla entitled “বাংলাদেশের হ য ব র ল মুসলিম সমাজ”; a preview of which could be read online at https://javedahmad.tripod.com/islam/hojoborolo.htm . Please feel free to comment or ask any question as I would take any response to this article as a criticism or feedback and thus have an opportunity to improve it accordingly.
Do not let anyone fool you anymore. Take charge of your own life as no one is in a position to help or assist you on the Day of Judgment except Allah Himself. So, seek refuge to Him alone and obediently follow His guidance as demonstrated by His apostle Prophet Muhammad (s).
O you who believe! Take care of your ownselves . If you follow the (right) guidance [and enjoin what is right (Islamic Monotheism and all that Islam orders one to do) and forbid what is wrong (polytheism, disbelief and all that Islam has forbidden)] no hurt can come to you from those who are in error. The return of you all is to Allah, then He will inform you about (all) that which you used to do. ( سورة المائدة , Al-Maeda, Chapter #5, Verse #105)
Say: "O you mankind! Now truth (i.e. the Qur'an and Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) has come to you from your Lord. So whosoever receives guidance, he does so for the good of his own self; and whosoever goes astray, he does so to his own loss; and I am not (set) over you as a Wakil (disposer of affairs to oblige you for guidance)." ( سورة يونس , Yunus, Chapter #10, Verse #108)
Points to remember:
Ø There is no god but Allah;
Ø Muhammad (s) is the messenger of Allah;
Ø The message he brought for us on behalf of Allah is the holy Qur’an;
Ø He was the living Qur’an demonstrated how to live like a Muslims as recorded in the ahadiths, which is his Sunnah to us;
Ø Islam is last and final version of the same religion revealed to earlier prophets;
Ø Anyone submitting to Allah following the religion Islam is a Muslim;
Ø No change in Islam is allowed;
Ø Islam is a complete and a perfect package for guidance of mankind and jinn;
Ø The language of Qur’an is Arabic, and our Prophet (s) spoke Arabic; thus the language of Islam is Arabic. Therefore, every Muslim must learn Arabic to receive proper guidance;
Ø Islam prohibits following of imams or scholars blindly who get paid to what they say about Islam, an income which is haram for them;
Ø No matter what they promise, we are responsible for our own souls;
Ø On the Day of Judgment, all of us will be held accountable for our actions in this world and we will be rewarded accordingly individually, not collectively.
Thank you for bearing with me till end. Wassalaam.