Comparative Religion:
By Javed Ahmad
90% of the world population do not understand the concept of 'religion', nor do they understand the religion they claim to follow or practice. For centuries, mankind have carried out series of atrocities 'in the name of religion', that puts the whole of mankind into shame and disgust.
When it comes to science, arts, business, politics, sociology, or what have you, our curiosity runs wild, and we have no shortage of 'questions'. But, when it comes to 'religion', we're numb and dumb. We readily and willingly surrender all our intelligence to the 'people in the robes' (now-a-days, they are in the expensive suits and ties). And they are the ones who tells us what to believe and what not to. According to them, one just has to believe without any question, even if it doesn't make any sense. As if they have something to hide. They are the one "in control" of our "mind and soul".
Yes, there are a lot of things 'hidden' in the interpretations that we hear from our priests and rabbis. Lies, with help of deception, have been kept alive for centuries by suppression and repetition. Books have been altered to fit the needs of the ruling class. Hate is used as a tool to terrorize unsuspecting people, who in turns surrenders their will and freedom out of paranoia, and blindly follows the directions of the secret masters. Yet, no questions asked.
People just pick a label of religious belonging out of fashion or societal sake, but they have no idea what those 'labels' actually represent. Therefore, they end up representing something, which they do not understand. Thus, ignorance and chaos continue to reign.
Let's have a quick review of some of the religions in crisis today. Let's begin with Judaism.
Judaism:
A follower of Judaism is called a "Jew". And a Jew is a follower of the religion of Prophet Moses (or Musa, peace be upon him). However, over the past 2000 years, this religion Judaism has undergone several changes. In order to cope with the 'situations' or 'environment', they had to modify their beliefs and practices. As a result, we find different kind of followers of Judaism. Some follows the Torah, the way they were supposed to, while there are some who follow Talmud, which is the modified version of Judaism. Even among them, they have further divisions. I would strongly recommend the following book to every Jew and non-Jews to read it.
http://www.geocities.com/javedahmad/ourduty.htm
http://www.davidduke.net/store/commerce.cgi?page=israelourduty.html
This religion Judaism has gone through serious modifications. During the time of Prophet Jesus (or Isa, peace be upon him), he got involved with open conflict with the Pharisees or the keepers of the Judaic religion. He challenged some of the beliefs and practices of Judaism and wanted to correct the errors. But he had to face a fierce resistance from the Jews of that time. To learn the historical details, I would suggest the following book,
http://www.geocities.com/javedahmad/gospel.htm
http://www.geocities.com/javedahmad/thegospel.htm
Quite frankly, after reading the above-mentioned two books, I see no reason how could a thinking, rational, ethical and moral person would still call himself or herself a Jew.
Some online references:
COULD TALMUDIC INFLUENCE BE AFFECTING THE CONSCIOUSNESS OF SOME OF OUR LEADERS?
By Michael A. Hoffman II and Alan R. Critchley
http://www.gooff.com/NM/templates/Breaking_News.asp?articleid=257&zoneid=19
The Truth About the Talmud: A Documented Exposé of Supremacist Hate Literature
By Michael A. Hoffman II and Alan R. Critchley
http://www.hoffman-info.com/talmudtruth.html
Here are some quotes from the book, “Israel: Our Duty Our Dilemma”:
“Let me ask: Are you aware the Orthodox Jews revere the opinions of the Pharisees, as contained in the Talmud, much more than the law of Moses? How many of us realize that, far from being ashamed of the Scribes and Pharisees, modern Jews look to the Pharisees as the greatest religious authorities for all time? I will not ask you if have read the Talmud – or even seen one, as it is almost certain you have not. But don’t feel badly. Neither have most evangelical scholars.” (2).
“…Jews do not encourage Gentiles to read the Talmud, much preferring that they read books written about the Talmud. For this reason, although the Soncino edition of the Talmud is ostensibly available to Gentiles, in reality it is very poorly distributed, even in the larger libraries. To further complicate matters, if one is fortunate enough to locate a Talmud in its entirety he may be completely baffled by its evident formlessness and vast, dry complexity…one will quickly perceive why Jews would rather it be left unread by Gentiles.” (3).
“Israel: Our Duty - Our Dilemma thus constitutes a “crash course” on Jewish history which I hope will better equip you to handle the question of our duty to Israel…Rabbinic Judaism is, in my opinion, the least understood of all major world religions. For this reason I urge you to set aside preconceptions and with an open mind…expect the unexpected.” (4).
Yes, this book is indeed an eye opener. This is a kind of book that would make any Jew to stop and re-think about his or her standpoint on Judaism. I think that's why many Jews are now reverting to Islam. Check the link below:
Remember the part in the movie “Ten Commandments” when Moses destroyed the tablets in anger when he found his followers worshipping a ‘calf’ after his return from the mountain? Well, it seems like they still worship the calf, otherwise, why are they still looking for a ‘Red Heifer”? Just go to http://www.google.com and search for ‘red heifer’ and read some of the news and articles on the topic. So you see, Judaism is not really a ‘monotheistic’ religion as we are made to believe. Another deception!
Christianity:
Now that you have read the Gospel of Barnabas (I'm assuming you did. If you haven't, they please go back to the link and read it), you are probably wondering what 'gospel' is this? How come no one told me about this gospel before? Well, most of the Christians around the world do not accept this gospel as 'authentic'. Thus, they call it a hoax. In order to judge the matter yourself, I would suggest you to read,
http://www.geocities.com/javedahmad/barnabas.htm
This book will clear up everything. Along with this book, you may also want to read,
http://www.geocities.com/javedahmad/deception.htm
This book reveals the attempt of the Christian world to suppress the new discoveries. Now the question that naturally comes to ones mind is, why there are so much of hide and seek? Well, if you read the suggested books above, you wouldn't have any problem understanding the matter.
Personally, when I come across with a fanatic Christian, I
normally ask the following questions:
Who wrote the Bible? Did they all know Jesus Christ?
When was the Bible compiled?
What was the original language of the Bible? Was it English?
How old is the Bible?
Where are the originals copies?
Can we verify authenticity of the Bible?
At one time, there were over 2000 versions of the Bible in Europe, how was it narrowed down to just one version? Who did it? How was it done? What happened to all other versions?
How do we know that the Bible as we read today is not corrupted? Etc.
Please note that the questions are very legitimate and straightforward. But still, majority of the followers of Christianity do not know the answers. Go ahead; try to find the answers yourself! Surprise your priests and then surprise yourself. If your priest cannot give you a satisfactory answer, grab them by the collar and ask for a refund of all the donations you have given to their church. And don’t forget to ask for a refund for all the donations made by your forefathers too. Because, chances are, instead of being ‘saved by Jesus’, they all may have been put into a burning hell by the ‘Father’- the real God. To these priests and rabbis, religion is a career. They make a tax-free, easy and luxurious living at the expense of the unsuspecting church or synagogue goers, who put their trust and faith on them and donate generously for the establishments and the for the people who run them. In return what they get is all BS.
I can't help smiling when I see Christians eating pork! The Bible (which they really do not read) clearly prohibits eating of pork. It even warns the followers from touching it! Never mind eating. But hey, look around, the Christians do not give a damn, they are eating many variations of pork everyday in every meal! Yet, they call themselves Christians! And it doesn't stop there, they even ridicule others for not eating pork. Hmmm.
Try searching for 'dangers of eating pork' at http://www.google.com and see for yourself the results. Also try, 'how not to eat pork' on the same google search. You don't have to take my word for it.
I took the liberty to search for some of the keywords in the online Bible (King James Version) at http://bible1.crosswalk.com/ . When I looked for the word “swine”, I found the following verse:
Deuteronomy 14:3-8
Thou shalt not eat any abominable thing. These are the beasts which ye shall eat: the ox, the sheep, and the goat, The hart, and the roebuck, and the fallow deer, and the wild goat, and the pygarg, and the wild ox, and the chamois. And every beast that parteth the hoof, and cleaveth the cleft into two claws, and cheweth the cud among the beasts, that ye shall eat. Nevertheless these ye shall not eat of them that chew the cud, or of them that divide the cloven hoof; as the camel, and the hare, and the coney: for they chew the cud, but divide not the hoof; therefore they are unclean unto you. And the swine, because it divideth the hoof, yet cheweth not the cud, it is unclean unto you: ye shall not eat of their flesh, nor touch their dead carcase.
So, you didn’t know that you were not supposed to eat pork, eh? What a blunder!
Then again, I can't help laughing when I see someone from Oriental descent (Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Philippines, etc.), European descent, African descent and Indian descent claiming to be Christians! Wow! How did that happen? Didn't Jesus Christ clearly say in the Bible the following?
Matthew 10:5-6
These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not: But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.
The Bible specifically mentions that his ministry was for the 'house of Israel' meaning the Jews, then how come the non-Jews became his followers? Interesting, isn't it?
Every ethnic group has their own kind of Jesus Christ. Africans have a black Jesus, Europeans have a white Jesus, and of course the Orientals have their own too, a Chinese looking Jesus! No one stops for a moment to contemplate on the fact that the real Jesus was a Jew, and he probably was a man with light brown complexion and curly hair. Poor Jesus, no one would recognize him anymore if he returned to earth.
When I tried to find something under ‘lust’, I found the followings:
Proverbs 6:23-35
For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life: To keep thee from the evil woman, from the flattery of the tongue of a strange woman. Lust not after her beauty in thine heart; neither let her take thee with her eyelids. For by means of a whorish woman a man is brought to a piece of bread: and the adulteress will hunt for the precious life. Can a man take fire in his bosom, and his clothes not be burned? Can one go upon hot coals, and his feet not be burned? So he that goeth in to his neighbour's wife; whosoever toucheth her shall not be innocent. Men do not despise a thief, if he steal to satisfy his soul when he is hungry; But if he be found, he shall restore sevenfold; he shall give all the substance of his house. But whoso committeth adultery with a woman lacketh understanding: he that doeth it destroyeth his own soul. A wound and dishonour shall he get; and his reproach shall not be wiped away. For jealousy is the rage of a man: therefore he will not spare in the day of vengeance. He will not regard any ransom; neither will he rest content, though thou givest many gifts.
Matthew 5:27-29
Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery: But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart. And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.
Wow! Look at that! No we are in real trouble! The Bible is so strict about ‘sexual conduct’, whereas in realty, the Judeo-Christian Western world is at its best when it comes to lust and promiscuity! Cowabunga!
Then I stumbled with the following verse:
Leviticus 4:27-35
And if any one of the common people sin through ignorance, while he doeth somewhat against any of the commandments of the LORD concerning things which ought not to be done, and be guilty; Or if his sin, which he hath sinned, come to his knowledge: then he shall bring his offering, a kid of the goats, a female without blemish, for his sin which he hath sinned. And he shall lay his hand upon the head of the sin offering, and slay the sin offering in the place of the burnt offering. And the priest shall take of the blood thereof with his finger, and put it upon the horns of the altar of burnt offering, and shall pour out all the blood thereof at the bottom of the altar. And he shall take away all the fat thereof, as the fat is taken away from off the sacrifice of peace offerings; and the priest shall burn it upon the altar for a sweet savour unto the LORD; and the priest shall make an atonement for him, and it shall be forgiven him. And if he bring a lamb for a sin offering, he shall bring it a female without blemish. And he shall lay his hand upon the head of the sin offering, and slay it for a sin offering in the place where they kill the burnt offering. And the priest shall take of the blood of the sin offering with his finger, and put it upon the horns of the altar of burnt offering, and shall pour out all the blood thereof at the bottom of the altar: And he shall take away all the fat thereof, as the fat of the lamb is taken away from the sacrifice of the peace offerings; and the priest shall burn them upon the altar, according to the offerings made by fire unto the LORD: and the priest shall make an atonement for his sin that he hath committed, and it shall be forgiven him.
Now wait a minute! I thought your Jesus Christ died for your sins! Now looks like it isn’t true either! Oh man! You guys are in real trouble! You too have to repent for your sins. And if you forget, you will be in big trouble…again.
Finally, I tried to find the word ‘trinity’ in the Bible. Guess what! It isn’t there! Trinity is a manufactured concept!
"O People of the Book! Commit no excesses in your religion: Nor say of God aught but the truth. Christ Jesus the son of Mary was (no more than) an apostle of God, and His Word, which He bestowed on Mary, and a spirit proceeding from Him: so believe in God and His apostles. Say not "Trinity" : desist: it will be better for you: for God is one God: Glory be to Him: (far exalted is He) above having a son. To Him belong all things in the heavens and on earth. And enough is God as a Disposer of affairs." (Holy Qur'an, 4: 171)
Christianity in fact, is a man-made religion. Seeing the motivating power of a religion (as was witnessed during the time of Jesus Christ), the dominant group came up with the idea of ‘Christianity’ as a universal religion to be used to subjugate and control people under the Roman Empire. So it began...rest is history. Not Islam, it was Christianity that was established under the power of sword.
The actual founder of Christianity was Paul. Who was originally a man from Turkey, but had Roman citizenship. He never met Jesus, but was self-proclaimed disciple of Jesus! Therefore, many also refer to Christianity as “Pauline Christianity”. I need not bother to re-iterate the story here as the story is already mentioned in the "Dead Sea Scrolls Deception". So please take the time to read it.
Today's Christians are more of an ‘anti-Christ’ than ‘for Christ’. They do not know what is in the Bible, nor do they care, so they end up doing things that are contrary to the Bible (as shown in the examples above). Therefore, without even any realization, instead of representing Christ, they represent everything Anti-Christ! Yet, the so-called Christian missionaries are roaming around the world preaching the gospel to win converts. Amazing!
"They say: "Become Jews or Christians if ye would be guided (To salvation)." Say thou: "Nay! (I would rather follow) the Religion of Abraham the True, and he joined not gods with God."
Say ye: "We believe in God, and the revelation given to us, and to Abraham, Isma'il, Isaac, Jacob, and the Tribes, and that given to Moses and Jesus, and that given to (all) prophets from their Lord: We make no difference between one and another of them: And we bow to God (in Islam)."
So if they believe as ye believe, they are indeed on the right path; but if they turn back, it is they who are in schism; but God will suffice thee as against them, and He is the All-Hearing, the All-Knowing.
(Our religion is) the Baptism of God: And who can baptize better than God? And it is He Whom we worship.
Say: Will ye dispute with us about God, seeing that He is our Lord and your Lord; that we are responsible for our doings and ye for yours; and that We are sincere (in our faith) in Him?
Or do ye say that Abraham, Isma'il Isaac, Jacob and the Tribes were Jews or Christians? Say: Do ye know better than God? Ah! who is more unjust than those who conceal the testimony they have from God? but God is not unmindful of what ye do!" (Holy Qur'an, 2: 135-40)
Do yourself a favor, please check out the following websites for your own sake:
It Sucks That You Don't Know Hebrew, Greek or Aramaic
http://www.davidicke.net/religiousfrauds/christianity/piousfraud.html
Bible Mystery Links
http://www.mysteries-megasite.com/main/bigsearch/bible-1.html
The Bible Fraud
http://www.thebiblefraud.com/internal/fraud.htm
The Bible Hoax
http://truesite.org/Biblehoax/
Imperfect Perfection And The Free Will Fraud
http://www.geocities.com/b_r_a_d_99/perfection.htm
Religious Fraud Is Legal!
http://www.thezephyr.com/bible/bibleb.htm
God Fraud
http://www.evolvefish.com/fish/product1495.html
The Bible (or Torah) Code
http://skepdic.com/bibcode.html
The Bible Code
http://www.nmsr.org/biblecod.htm
Randy's Bible Code Page
http://www.rsingermanson.com/html/bible_code.html
Answering Christianity
http://www.answering-christianity.com/
Challenge to the Intellectual World of Christendom
http://www.ais.org/~maftab/christ.html
The Skeptic's Annotated Bible
http://www.skepticsannotatedbible.com/
Christianity's History and Heritage
http://www.geocities.com/iconoclastes.geo/index.html
Truth Be Known
http://www.truthbeknown.com/warning.htm
bluehoney.org - the infinite mushroom
http://www.bluehoney.org/
"So if they dispute with thee, say: "I have submitted My whole self to God and so have those who follow me." And say to the People of the Book and to those who are unlearned: "Do ye (also) submit yourselves?" If they do, they are in right guidance, but if they turn back, Thy duty is to convey the Message; and in God's sight are (all) His servants." (Holy Qur'an, 3: 20)
Many however, upon realization, have reverted to Islam. There are many web sites that are created and maintained by the new reverts. One of the interesting sites I've come across is,
One of the many objectives of the 911 emergency drama was to discourage people from entering the fold of Islam. The organizers of the 911 drama wanted to create an environment of ‘fear’ by demonizing Islam and by calling the Muslims ‘terrorists’. They wanted to make Muslims look bad by harassing them randomly not just in America, but also around the world. But in reality, instead of shying away from Islam, more and more people got curious about this religion and began to take interest in it. As a result, many discovered the true face of Islam and eventually accepted it even after 911. The following link is one such links that talks about the converts (Muslims like to call them ‘reverts’, because, according to Islam, everyone is born a Muslim; but due to family, cultural, social, environmental, or national influences, people end up following different form of religion) who accepted Islam after the 911 incident.
http://www.thetruereligion.org/
Go ahead, check out the sites and correspond with some of the new reverts and find out directly from them why they reverted and how do they feel after becoming a Muslim. You would be surprised to learn so many interesting stories they all are ready to share with you.
The Jews and Christians have sent their gods back to heaven with bags and packages, taking over all the worldly affairs. They are the ones who are now in charge. The truth is, West would not have prospered if the Church were not separated from the state. Under the domination of the Church, they would still be living in the "Dark Ages", or even worse.
"The Jews say: "(Allah)'s hand is tied up." Be their hands tied up and be they accursed for the (blasphemy) they utter. Nay, both His hands are widely outstretched: He giveth and spendeth (of His bounty) as He pleaseth. But the revelation that cometh to thee from Allah increaseth in most of them their obstinate rebellion and blasphemy. Amongst them we have placed enmity and hatred till the Day of Judgment. Every time they kindle the fire of war, Allah doth extinguish it; but they (ever) strive to do mischief on earth. And Allah loveth not those who do mischief." (Holy Qur'an, 5: 64)
The Church business is now bad; therefore the true face of prejudice and bigotry is now surfacing. Once again the Christians are trying desperately to regain control over people capitalizing on unlearned prejudices and ignorance. Before they undermine other religions and declare them "false", let them first justify their own.
"O ye who believe! take not for friends and protectors those who take your religion for a mockery or sport,- whether among those who received the Scripture before you, or among those who reject Faith; but fear ye Allah, if ye have faith (indeed).
When ye proclaim your call to prayer they take it (but) as mockery and sport; that is because they are a people without understanding." (Holy Qur'an, 5: 57-8)
Hinduism:
Like the Jews in Palestine, Hindus in India also murder and massacre the Muslims living in India. Fanatic Hindus are full of hatred, but with no real understanding of their religion. As I see it, most of them are illiterate and blind followers. Obviously, they haven't read the following book,
http://www.geocities.com/javedahmad/vedas.htm
If they did, and if they really understood the message, like the Jews and Christians, they would also have no choice but revert to Islam. Please feel free to read that book too! Also check out the following sites:
http://www.islamzine.com/ideologies/hinduism/
http://www.allaahuakbar.net/hindu/
Islam:
Recently, I came across with someone who claimed to be the follower of the Bahai faith. So, curiously I asked her, “Tell me about your Bahai faith!” In reply she said, “Well, we believe in equality of all human races, we believe in justice for all, etc.”, then I said, “We Muslims do too! What else?” She began to say, “We believe all men and women are equal before the law and should get equal justice, etc.” I said, “That too we have in Islam!” Then she goes, “Really!?” Then I asked, “Tell me something about the religious background, like how it got started, etc.” Now she was caught by her limitation of knowledge, she said, “I don’t know”. At this point I knew that so much for her faith, that’s all she knows. So I said, “Have you heard of the name Bahaullah?” She goes, “Yes”. “He was the founder of Bahai faith, and he was a Muslim apostate”, I continued. Now a bit puzzled, she asked, “Then why did the Muslims kill the Bahai people?” Realizing her innocence and to avoid further complications, I simply replied by saying, “In order to judge that we need to know both side of the story.” And she agreed. That was the end of the religious discussion.
Islam is a strict religion. It doesn’t allow any deviation, innovation, or corruption of the articles of faith. Therefore, when an apostate attempts to go against the principles of Islam, and tries to create a new religion, the Islamic rulers felt obligated to respond to it with an iron fist. As a result, we can see similar incidents that happened with all the new faiths that evolved out of the Islamic faith. For instance, Shikhism, Ahmadiyya, Shiai, etc. they are all the off shoots of Islam. And they all faced a fierce resistance form the Islamic rulers of the time. According to Islam, this is the last and final religion. Allah except Islam will accept no religion. By allowing the religions to flourish, many will be misguided and eventually end up in hell. So, as a Caliph, the rulers of those times felt the need to try to crush the followers of the new faith my military force.
Frankly, there is no reference in Islam to support the above logic. Therefore, we could conclude that the rulers of the time did something that is not supported by Islam. Most of these religions evolved during the time of decline of the Islamic empire, when the kings, caliphs or rulers of the Muslims were oppressors, corrupt and living in luxury. They were more of emperors and conquerors, and Islam was not their priority. Very little did they know of Islam themselves, and little they practiced. Interestingly, most or all of these apostate Muslims who started these religions were non-Arabs. And often times they failed to understand the true meaning of the Islamic teachings, or failed to interpret the meanings accurately. As a result, many people were confused and blindly followed the apostates in forming a new religion. It is also interesting to note that, during these times, the Western world was slowly making incursions in the Muslim world. It is possible that many of the founders of the new religions were helped, supported, and even financed by the Western powers to weaken and to create divisions in Islam. At later times, most of these religions found shelter not in Muslim lands, but in Europe and North America.
Every cause has an effect, and vice versa. Invasion of
Genghis Khan had also a cause.
"His barbaric legions were triggered into a forty year bloodlust through the folly of the Muslim ruler, Muhammad Khwarizm Shah. Once a powerful and mighty monarch, Khwarizm Shah ordered the execution of Mongol caravans that came to trade within his kingdom. When Genghis Khan sent a delegation of envoys to lodge a formal protest, Khwarizm Shah executed most of them. These two inhuman acts were avenged at the cost of millions of innocent lives...On the eve of the Mongol invasion, the spiritual state of the Muslim world was pathetic. Corruption, disunity, and materialism were rampant. Khwarizm Shah was not the only example of insufferable leadership. The Abbasid Caliph, Al-Mustasim, was reportedly pleased to hear of the collapse of Khwarizm Shah's empire because of his personal dislike for the monarch. Before the Mongols reached Baghdad, the Caliph's advisors had convinced him to seriously scale back the army. The city was in no way prepared to withstand what lay in store for it...And yet Islam did not die." (http://www.lenzinfo.org.za/religion/when_islam_almost_vanished100403.htm)
Come to think of it, it is possible that the Muslim rulers during the time of the end of the Islamic empire were not just toward the people of other faith. By looking at their nature and behavior, one could conclude that they probably oppressed the populace of non-Islamic faith in one way or another. As a result, instead of loving and accepting Islam, people rebelled and went against it. Take Hindus of India for instance. There is no doubt that they have a tremendous hatred against Islam and Muslims. But why is it so? The religion that conquered Mecca through peace, non-violence and without any bloodshed, the religion that has spread around the world without the power of the sword, the religion that preaches itself, how can it be that someone would hate this magnificent religion? Yes, hate can occur only if someone misrepresent an ideology without any intellectual merit. Chances are, those Muslims rulers were unjust and had discriminatory policies towards non-Muslims. As a result, people resisted Islam from their heart. However, it is also true that those rulers didn't force Islam through their throat. Because if they did, the entire India would become Islamic. Therefore, it is safe to say that there was freedom of religion, but maybe not enough equality in justice. They didn't educate the people they ruled about Islam on the fear that the people would then turn around and begin to ask questions to the rulers for not following the religion as they were supposed to. A problem we see happening in pretty much all of the so called Muslim countries around the world today. For a dictator, 'ignorance is bliss'.
Hindus often complain about the wastage of wealth of India by the Muslim rulers. As an example, they bring up the Taj Mahal. They say the Muslim rulers wasted the wealth of India to build monuments. But what they fail to realize that, Taj Mahal is not just a monument, it is now one of the 'seven wonders of the world'! And it represents more that just a wonderful creation, it also symbolizes "Love". Not just love of Emperor Shahjahan for his wife Mamtaj, but an example of love of a husband for his wife. Which is universally understood and appreciated.
Taj Mahal generates a huge tourism revenue for India. The revenue that have long exceeded the original cost of the construction of the building. Instead of criticism, they should be thankful that the Taj Mahal was built in India, and not in Mongolia or Afghanistan or somewhere else. It now symbolizes India, and is undoubtedly an Indian pride.
Islam encourages intellectual freedom. Allah makes it quite
clear when he said the following:
“There is no compulsion in religion; truly the right way has become clearly distinct from error; therefore, whoever disbelieves in the Shaitan and believes in Allah he indeed has laid hold on the firmest handle, which shall not break off, and Allah is Hearing, Knowing.
Allah is the guardian of those who believe. He brings them out of the darkness into the light; and (as to) those who disbelieve, their guardians are Shaitans who take them out of the light into the darkness; they are the inmates of the fire, in it they shall abide.” (Holy Qur’an, 2: 256-7)
If a Muslim wants to become an apostate and walks away from Islam, he or she should be allowed to do so without any fear. No king or ruler or caliph have any right to hurt the person because of his or her religious choice. Those who believe, they believe on their own merit, and those who disbelieve, they do so on their own demerits. One cannot force another to believe in something, or expect any affection, devotion or faith by force and by secret plots. Instead of trying to crush the religions by force, if the caliphs encouraged open intellectual public debate, these religions would not have stand. The followers of the religion created by Muslim apostates should analyze the matter carefully and seriously. Because, I’ve noticed that most of those faiths are based on poor logic that can be easily refuted. Visit the following web site to read some analytical reviews of different religions:
When I was young, my parents hired a part-time tutor for me to teach me reading Arabic. A practice that almost all parents used to do back then (when I was growing up) to fulfill their religious obligation to their children. Which many parents still do. One day, during the time when Apollo 11 made big news on Radio and TV for landing on the moon, out of curiosity, I asked my tutor, “Some people say that the whole thing of people landing on the moon is a hoax. They say that the Earth is standing still, and it is in the Qur’an! What do you think of it?” He smiled, and then replied, “Yes, I agree with them.”
Since then it bothered me. I just couldn’t accept his answer. I had to dig in myself to find out the truth. Some years later, when I had access to the English translation of the Qur’an by Abdullah Yusuf Ali, I took the liberty to read the book. And there I came across with the following verse:
"Allah is He Who raised the heavens without any
pillars that you see, and He is firm in power and He made the sun and the moon
subservient (to you); each one pursues its course to an appointed time; He
regulates the affair, making clear the signs that you may be certain of meeting
your Lord.
And He it is Who spread the earth and made in it
firm mountains and rivers, and of all fruits He has made in it two kinds; He
makes the night cover the day; most surely there are signs in this for a people
who reflect." (Holy Qur’an, 13:2-3)
At last! I’ve found the true answer. Not just the earth, even the sun and the moon ‘pursues its course’! Unfortunately, my tutor due to his limitation of scientific knowledge and Arabic language skills failed to ‘reflect’ on this matter and ended up drawing a wrong conclusion. This is the danger we run into when we try to interpret the Qur’an without knowing the language it is written in. Thus the result is misinterpretation and confusion. Not just Arabic, one needs to have sufficient knowledge of modern day science and other areas of knowledge in order to get an accurate understanding of the Quranic teachings. And this is how an apostate is born.
Every religion in the world has a singular source or origin. And all of them talked about coming of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) to complete the religion for mankind, which would be, known as "Islam" (literally meaning 'Peace'). No matter how you approach, Islam is the last stop.
So what is the problem? The problem is with us; it is called 'ignorance'. We don't care much about 'religion'. As a result, ignorantly we maintained our prejudices and differences. Is it not time yet that you began your journey to Islam? If not now, when? Remember, our biological clock is ticking, and soon it will stop. And there won't be any second chance. Don't waste anymore of your time. Do the right thing.
You may begin your spiritual journey from here:
http://www.ahmed-deedat.co.za/frameset.asp
Non-Muslims hate the Muslims for being able to point out the errors of other religions. Instead of getting upset and hating the Muslims, one should correct himself / herself and stop self-deception. It is now time to ‘change the label’. Welcome to Islam!
"Do they seek for other than the Religion of God?-while all creatures in the heavens and on earth have, willing or unwilling, bowed to His Will (Accepted Islam), and to Him shall they all be brought back.
Say: "We believe in God, and in what has been revealed to us and what was revealed to Abraham, Isma'il, Isaac, Jacob, and the Tribes, and in (the Books) given to Moses, Jesus, and the prophets, from their Lord: We make no distinction between one and another among them, and to God do we bow our will (in Islam).
If anyone desires a religion other than Islam (submission to God), never will it be accepted of him; and in the Hereafter He will be in the ranks of those who have lost (All spiritual good).” (Holy Qur’an 3: 83-5)
"Behold this is the Word that distinguishes (Good from
Evil):
It is not a thing for amusement.
As for them, they are but plotting a
scheme,
And I am planning a scheme.
Therefore grant a delay to the Unbelievers: Give respite to them gently (for
awhile)." (86:13-7)
"When comes the Help of God, and Victory, And
thou dost see the people
enter God's Religion in crowds, Celebrate the praises of thy Lord, and pray for
His Forgiveness: For He is Oft-Returning (in Grace and Mercy)." (Holy
Qur'an, Chapter 110).