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The Beauties of Islam
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Jan 20, 2014, 3:07:17 PM1/20/14
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The Beauties of Islam
At this time in Islam’s history, when the entire religion is being judged by the actions of a few, it is appropriate to step back from the glare of the media spotlight and examine the beauties that infuse the way of life known as Islam. There is greatness and splendour in Islam that is often overshadowed by actions that have no place in Islam or by people who speak about topics they only vaguely understand. Islam is a religion, a way of life that inspires Muslims to try harder, reach farther and act in a manner that is pleasing to those around them and most importantly pleasing to their Creator.
The beauties of Islam are those things that are part of the religion and make Islam stand out. Islam answers all of humankind’s eternal questions. Where did I come from? Why am I here? Is this really all there is? It answers these questions with clarity and in a beautiful way. So then, let us begin our journey and discover and ponder over the beauties of Islam.
1. The answers to all your questions about life are in the Quran
The Quran is a book detailing the glory of God and the wonder of His creation; it is also a testament to His Mercy and Justice. It is not a history book, a storybook, or a scientific textbook, although it does contain all of those genres and more. The Quran is God’s greatest gift to humanity – it is a book like no other, for it contains the answers to the mysteries of life. It answers the questions and asks us to look beyond materialism and see that this life is little more than a transient stop on the way to everlasting life. Islam gives a clear aim and purpose to life.
“And I (God) created not the jinn and humankind, except to worship Me (Alone).” (Quran 51:56)
Thus it is the most important book and Muslims have no doubt that it is exactly the same today as it was when it was first revealed to Prophet Muhammad, may God praise him. When we ask those most important questions, we want to be sure that the answers we receive are the truth. Knowing that the answers are coming from a book which is the unchanged Word of God, gives comfort and solace. When God revealed the Quran, He promised to preserve it. The words we read today are the same as those memorised and written down by the companions of Prophet Muhammad.
“It is We Who have sent down the remembrance (i.e. the Quran) and surely, We will guard it from corruption.” (Quran 15:9)
2. True Happiness can be found in Islam
Rejoice and be happy, remain positive and be at peace. [1] This is what Islam teaches us, for all God’s commandments aim to bring happiness to the individual. The key to happiness is in understanding and worshipping God. This worship serves as a reminder of Him and keeps us always conscious of Him and hence we stay away from evil, committing injustices and oppression. It elevates us to being righteous and of good character. By following His commands, we lead a life that guides us to the best in all our affairs. When we lead such a meaningful life, then and only then are we able to see happiness all around us, at any given moment and even on the darkest of times. It is even there in the touch of a hand, in the smell of rain or newly mown grass, it is in a warm fire on a cold night or a cool breeze on a hot day. Simple pleasures can make our hearts truly happy because they are manifestations of God’s Mercy and Love.
The nature of the human condition means that amongst great sorrow can be moments of joy and sometimes in moments of despair we can find an anchor in the things that bring us happiness. Prophet Muhammad said, “Indeed amazing are the affairs of a believer! They are all for his benefit. If he is granted ease then he is thankful, and this is good for him. And if he is afflicted with a hardship, he perseveres, and this is good for him.” [2]
3. In Islam we can easily communicate with God at any time of day or night
Every member of the human race is born innately knowing that God is One. However those who do not know how to communicate with God or establish a relationship with Him tend to find their existence puzzling and sometimes even distressing. Learning to communicate with God and worshiping Him gives life a whole new meaning.
According to Islam, God is accessible at any time and in any place. We need only call on Him and He will answer the call. Prophet Muhammad advised us to call on God often. He told us that God said,
“I am just as My slave thinks I am, (i.e. I am able to do for him what he thinks I can do for him) and I am with him if He remembers Me. If he remembers Me in himself, I too, remember him in Myself; and if he remembers Me in a group of people, I remember him in a group that is better than they; and if he comes one span nearer to Me, I go one cubit nearer to him; and if he comes one cubit nearer to Me, I go a distance of two outstretched arms nearer to him; and if he comes to me walking, I go to him running.” [3]
In the Quran God says, “Remember Me and I will remember you…” (Quran2:152)
Believers call on God in any language, at any time and in any place. They supplicate to Him, and give thanks. Muslims also pray in a more ritualised way five times every day and interestingly the Arabic word for prayer is ‘salah’, which means a connection. Muslims are connected to God and can communicate with Him easily. We are never alone or far from God’s Mercy, Forgiveness and Love.
4. Islam gives us real peace
The words Islam, Muslim and salaam (peace) all come from the Arabic root word “Sa - la – ma”. It denotes peace, security, and safety. When a person submits to the will of God he or she experiences an innate sense of security and peacefulness. Salaam is a descriptive word that entails more than tranquillity and calmness; it also encompasses the concepts of safety, security and submission. In fact, Islam in the complete sense means submission to the One God who grants us safety, security, peace and harmony. This is real peace. Muslims greet each other with the words ‘Assalam Alaikum’. These Arabic words mean ‘May God grant you protection and security (real and lasting peace)’. These brief Arabic words let Muslims know that they are among friends, not strangers. This greeting encourages believers to be a worldwide community unencumbered by tribal or nationalistic loyalties and bound together by peace and unity. Islam itself is inherently associated with inner peace and tranquillity.
“And those who believed (in the Oneness of God and His Messengers and whatever they brought) and did righteous deeds, will be made to enter Gardens under which rivers flow, - to dwell therein for ever (i.e. in Paradise), with the Permission of their Lord. Their greeting therein will be, salaam!” (Quran 14:23)
5. Islam allows us to know God
The first principle and focal point of Islam is belief in one God, and the whole of the Quran is dedicated to this. It speaks directly about God and His Essence, Names, Attributes and Actions. Prayer connects us to God, however truly knowing and understanding the Names and Attributes of God is an important and unique opportunity, one that is only available in Islam. Those who do not make the effort to really know God may find the nature of their existence puzzling or even distressing. A Muslim is encouraged to remember God and be grateful to Him and a person can do this by contemplating and understanding God’s beautiful Names and Attributes. It is through this that we are able to know our Creator.
“God! (None has the right to be worshipped but He)! To Him belong the Best Names.” (Quran 20:8)
“And (all) the Most Beautiful Names belong to God, so call on Him by them, and leave the company of those who belie or deny (or utter impious speech against) His Names…” (Quran 7:180)
6. Islam teaches us how to care for the environment
Islam recognises that human beings are the custodians of the earth and all that is on it, including vegetation, animals, oceans, rivers, deserts, and fertile land. God provides us with the things we need to survive successfully and flourish, but we are obligated to care for them and preserve them for future generations.
In 1986 Prince Phillip the then president of the World Wildlife Fund invited the leaders of the world’s five major religions to meet in the Italian city of Assisi. They met to discuss how faith could help save the natural world, the environment. What follows is from the Muslim statement in the Assisi Declarations on Nature:
Muslims say that Islam is the middle path and we will be answerable for how we have walked this path, how we have maintained balance and harmony in the whole of creation around us.
It is these values which led Muhammad, the Prophet of Islam, to say: ‘Whoever plants a tree and diligently looks after it until it matures and bears fruit is rewarded.’
For all these reasons Muslims see themselves as having a responsibility towards the world and the environment, all of which are the creations of Allah.
Unlike many other religions, Muslims do not have any specific festivals in which they give thanks for the harvest or the world. Instead they give thanks to Allah regularly for his creation. [4]
7. Islam is respect
Another beautiful aspect of Islam is respect for humanity and the universe in which we live. Islam states clearly that it is the responsibility of each member of the human race to treat creation with respect, honour and dignity. The most deserving of respect is the Creator Himself and of course respect begins with loving and obeying His commandments. Total respect for God allows all the manners and high standards of morality that are inherent in Islam to flow into our lives and the lives of those around us. Because Islam binds respect to peace, love and compassion this involves respecting the honour, reputation and privacy of others. Respect involves staying completely away from the major sins of backbiting, lying, slander, and gossip. It means avoiding sins that will sow discord among the people or lead to destruction.
Respect also includes loving for our brothers and sisters what we love for ourselves. It involves treating others the way we expect to be treated and the way we hope God will treat us – with compassion, love and mercy. Major sins put a barrier between humanity and God’s Mercy and cause all the torment, misery and evil in this world and the hereafter. God commands us to stay away from sin and to strive against our own destructive character flaws. We live in an age where we often demand respect from others but may not respect those around us. One beauty of Islam is that it allows us to regain lost respect by submitting wholeheartedly to the will of God. However if we do not understand how and why we surrender to God’s will we cannot gain respect we want and need. Islam teaches us and God reminds us in the Quran that our sole purpose in life is to worship Him.
8. The Equality of men and women
Quran states that all believers are equal and that only righteous deeds elevate one person above another. Believers therefore have an immense respect for pious men and women and Islamic history also tells us that both men and women served and showed righteousness in all areas. A woman, like a man, is obligated to worship God and fulfill the duties upon her. It is thus required that every woman testify that there is none deserving worship but God, and that Muhammad, may God praise him, is His Messenger; to pray; to give charity; to fast; and to perform the pilgrimage to God’s House if she has the means and ability to do so. It is also required that every woman to believe in God, His angels, His scriptures, His Messengers, the Last Day, and to believe in God’s decree. It is also required that every woman worship God as if she sees Him.
“And whoever does righteous good deeds, male or female, and is a (true) believer in the Oneness of God such will enter Paradise and not the least injustice, even to the size of a speck on the back of a date-stone, will be done to them.” (Quran 2:124)
Islam however recognizes that equality does not mean that men and women are the same. It takes into account their differences in physiology, nature and temperament. It is not a question of superiority or inferiority, rather a question of natural abilities and having different roles in life. The laws of Islam are just and fair and take these aspects into consideration. Men have been assigned the duty to work and provide for their family and women have been assigned the role of motherhood and homemaking. Islam states however that that the roles are not exclusive nor are they inflexible. Women can work or serve society and men are able to take responsibility for their children or their household. It is interesting to note that where women choose to work the money they earn is their own however a man must provide financially for the whole family.
9. Humankind is able to regret past actions and reform
Muslims believe that all members of humankind are able to reform; in addition they believe that the possibility of successful reform is greater than the probability of failure. This belief is derived from the fact that God has given humankind the means to reform, not once but over and over again right up until close to the Day of Judgement. God sent Messengers and Prophets to each and every nation. Some we know from the Quran and the traditions of Prophet Muhammad, others are known only to God.
“And for every community or nation there is a Messenger; when their Messenger comes, the matter will be judged between them with justice, and they will not be wronged.” (Quran 10:47)
God does not hold any person responsible until he has been clearly shown the right way.
“...And We never punish until We have sent a Messenger. ” (Quran 17:15)
At the same time we are responsible to search for the truth and upon finding it we should accept it and reform our lives accordingly. The past bad actions can be left behind. There is no sin that cannot be forgiven!
“Say, 'O My servants who have transgressed against themselves [by sinning], do not despair of the mercy of God. Indeed, God forgives all sins. Indeed, it is He who is the Forgiving, the Merciful.'” (Quran 39:53)
A person should take advantage of God’s mercy by sincerely repenting for the past or if one is not a believer, by converting to the religion of Islam. Every person must work towards his salvation by combining faith, belief and action.
10. God loves beauty in all its forms
Prophet Muhammad said, “No one will enter Paradise who has an ant’s weight of pride in his heart.” A man said, “What if a man likes his clothes to look good and his shoes to look good?” He said, “God is beautiful and loves beauty. Pride means denying the truth and looking down on people.” [5]
Beauty is the opposite of ugliness. The beauty that exists in creation attests to God’s beauty as well as His power. He who created beauty is the most entitled to beauty. And indeed Paradise is adorned with beauty beyond imagining. God is beautiful and this is why the greatest of all pleasures in Paradise is to look upon God’s Face. God says,
“[Some] faces, that Day, will be radiant; looking to their Lord.” (Quran 75: 22-23)
He refers to His names as being the Most Beautiful:
“And the Most Beautiful Names belong to God, so call on Him by them...” (Quran 7:180)
Noted Islamic scholar Ibn al-Qayyim, may Allah have mercy on him, had the following to say about beauty in Islam:
“God is to be acknowledged for beauty that bears no resemblance to anything else, and He is to be worshipped by means of the beauty which He loves in words, deeds and attitudes. He loves His slaves to beautify their tongues with the truth, to beautify their hearts with sincere devotion, love, repentance and trust in Him, to beautify their faculties with obedience, and to beautify their bodies by showing His blessings upon them in their clothing and by keeping them pure and free of any filth, dirt or impurity, by removing the hairs which should be removed, by circumcision, and by clipping the nails. Thus they recognize God through these qualities of beauty and seek to draw close to Him through beautiful words, deeds and attitudes. They acknowledge Him for the beauty which is His attribute and they worship Him through the beauty which He has prescribed and His religion.” [6]
[1] Al Qarni, Aaidh Ibn Abdullah, (2003), Don’t be sad. International Islamic Publishing House, Saudi Arabia.
[2] Saheeh Muslim
[3] Saheeh Al-Bukhari, Saheeh Muslim
[4]http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/rs/environment/isstewardshiprev2.shtml
[5] Saheeh Muslim
[6] al-Fawaa’id (1/185)
-------------------------------------------------
http://www.islamhouse.com/425320/en/en/articles/The_Beauties_of_Islam
Thank you
At this time in Islam’s history, when the entire religion is being judged by the actions of a few, it is appropriate to step back from the glare of the media spotlight and examine the beauties that infuse the way of life known as Islam. There is greatness and splendour in Islam that is often overshadowed by actions that have no place in Islam or by people who speak about topics they only vaguely understand. Islam is a religion, a way of life that inspires Muslims to try harder, reach farther and act in a manner that is pleasing to those around them and most importantly pleasing to their Creator.
The beauties of Islam are those things that are part of the religion and make Islam stand out. Islam answers all of humankind’s eternal questions. Where did I come from? Why am I here? Is this really all there is? It answers these questions with clarity and in a beautiful way. So then, let us begin our journey and discover and ponder over the beauties of Islam.
1. The answers to all your questions about life are in the Quran
The Quran is a book detailing the glory of God and the wonder of His creation; it is also a testament to His Mercy and Justice. It is not a history book, a storybook, or a scientific textbook, although it does contain all of those genres and more. The Quran is God’s greatest gift to humanity – it is a book like no other, for it contains the answers to the mysteries of life. It answers the questions and asks us to look beyond materialism and see that this life is little more than a transient stop on the way to everlasting life. Islam gives a clear aim and purpose to life.
“And I (God) created not the jinn and humankind, except to worship Me (Alone).” (Quran 51:56)
Thus it is the most important book and Muslims have no doubt that it is exactly the same today as it was when it was first revealed to Prophet Muhammad, may God praise him. When we ask those most important questions, we want to be sure that the answers we receive are the truth. Knowing that the answers are coming from a book which is the unchanged Word of God, gives comfort and solace. When God revealed the Quran, He promised to preserve it. The words we read today are the same as those memorised and written down by the companions of Prophet Muhammad.
“It is We Who have sent down the remembrance (i.e. the Quran) and surely, We will guard it from corruption.” (Quran 15:9)
2. True Happiness can be found in Islam
Rejoice and be happy, remain positive and be at peace. [1] This is what Islam teaches us, for all God’s commandments aim to bring happiness to the individual. The key to happiness is in understanding and worshipping God. This worship serves as a reminder of Him and keeps us always conscious of Him and hence we stay away from evil, committing injustices and oppression. It elevates us to being righteous and of good character. By following His commands, we lead a life that guides us to the best in all our affairs. When we lead such a meaningful life, then and only then are we able to see happiness all around us, at any given moment and even on the darkest of times. It is even there in the touch of a hand, in the smell of rain or newly mown grass, it is in a warm fire on a cold night or a cool breeze on a hot day. Simple pleasures can make our hearts truly happy because they are manifestations of God’s Mercy and Love.
The nature of the human condition means that amongst great sorrow can be moments of joy and sometimes in moments of despair we can find an anchor in the things that bring us happiness. Prophet Muhammad said, “Indeed amazing are the affairs of a believer! They are all for his benefit. If he is granted ease then he is thankful, and this is good for him. And if he is afflicted with a hardship, he perseveres, and this is good for him.” [2]
3. In Islam we can easily communicate with God at any time of day or night
Every member of the human race is born innately knowing that God is One. However those who do not know how to communicate with God or establish a relationship with Him tend to find their existence puzzling and sometimes even distressing. Learning to communicate with God and worshiping Him gives life a whole new meaning.
According to Islam, God is accessible at any time and in any place. We need only call on Him and He will answer the call. Prophet Muhammad advised us to call on God often. He told us that God said,
“I am just as My slave thinks I am, (i.e. I am able to do for him what he thinks I can do for him) and I am with him if He remembers Me. If he remembers Me in himself, I too, remember him in Myself; and if he remembers Me in a group of people, I remember him in a group that is better than they; and if he comes one span nearer to Me, I go one cubit nearer to him; and if he comes one cubit nearer to Me, I go a distance of two outstretched arms nearer to him; and if he comes to me walking, I go to him running.” [3]
In the Quran God says, “Remember Me and I will remember you…” (Quran2:152)
Believers call on God in any language, at any time and in any place. They supplicate to Him, and give thanks. Muslims also pray in a more ritualised way five times every day and interestingly the Arabic word for prayer is ‘salah’, which means a connection. Muslims are connected to God and can communicate with Him easily. We are never alone or far from God’s Mercy, Forgiveness and Love.
4. Islam gives us real peace
The words Islam, Muslim and salaam (peace) all come from the Arabic root word “Sa - la – ma”. It denotes peace, security, and safety. When a person submits to the will of God he or she experiences an innate sense of security and peacefulness. Salaam is a descriptive word that entails more than tranquillity and calmness; it also encompasses the concepts of safety, security and submission. In fact, Islam in the complete sense means submission to the One God who grants us safety, security, peace and harmony. This is real peace. Muslims greet each other with the words ‘Assalam Alaikum’. These Arabic words mean ‘May God grant you protection and security (real and lasting peace)’. These brief Arabic words let Muslims know that they are among friends, not strangers. This greeting encourages believers to be a worldwide community unencumbered by tribal or nationalistic loyalties and bound together by peace and unity. Islam itself is inherently associated with inner peace and tranquillity.
“And those who believed (in the Oneness of God and His Messengers and whatever they brought) and did righteous deeds, will be made to enter Gardens under which rivers flow, - to dwell therein for ever (i.e. in Paradise), with the Permission of their Lord. Their greeting therein will be, salaam!” (Quran 14:23)
5. Islam allows us to know God
The first principle and focal point of Islam is belief in one God, and the whole of the Quran is dedicated to this. It speaks directly about God and His Essence, Names, Attributes and Actions. Prayer connects us to God, however truly knowing and understanding the Names and Attributes of God is an important and unique opportunity, one that is only available in Islam. Those who do not make the effort to really know God may find the nature of their existence puzzling or even distressing. A Muslim is encouraged to remember God and be grateful to Him and a person can do this by contemplating and understanding God’s beautiful Names and Attributes. It is through this that we are able to know our Creator.
“God! (None has the right to be worshipped but He)! To Him belong the Best Names.” (Quran 20:8)
“And (all) the Most Beautiful Names belong to God, so call on Him by them, and leave the company of those who belie or deny (or utter impious speech against) His Names…” (Quran 7:180)
6. Islam teaches us how to care for the environment
Islam recognises that human beings are the custodians of the earth and all that is on it, including vegetation, animals, oceans, rivers, deserts, and fertile land. God provides us with the things we need to survive successfully and flourish, but we are obligated to care for them and preserve them for future generations.
In 1986 Prince Phillip the then president of the World Wildlife Fund invited the leaders of the world’s five major religions to meet in the Italian city of Assisi. They met to discuss how faith could help save the natural world, the environment. What follows is from the Muslim statement in the Assisi Declarations on Nature:
Muslims say that Islam is the middle path and we will be answerable for how we have walked this path, how we have maintained balance and harmony in the whole of creation around us.
It is these values which led Muhammad, the Prophet of Islam, to say: ‘Whoever plants a tree and diligently looks after it until it matures and bears fruit is rewarded.’
For all these reasons Muslims see themselves as having a responsibility towards the world and the environment, all of which are the creations of Allah.
Unlike many other religions, Muslims do not have any specific festivals in which they give thanks for the harvest or the world. Instead they give thanks to Allah regularly for his creation. [4]
7. Islam is respect
Another beautiful aspect of Islam is respect for humanity and the universe in which we live. Islam states clearly that it is the responsibility of each member of the human race to treat creation with respect, honour and dignity. The most deserving of respect is the Creator Himself and of course respect begins with loving and obeying His commandments. Total respect for God allows all the manners and high standards of morality that are inherent in Islam to flow into our lives and the lives of those around us. Because Islam binds respect to peace, love and compassion this involves respecting the honour, reputation and privacy of others. Respect involves staying completely away from the major sins of backbiting, lying, slander, and gossip. It means avoiding sins that will sow discord among the people or lead to destruction.
Respect also includes loving for our brothers and sisters what we love for ourselves. It involves treating others the way we expect to be treated and the way we hope God will treat us – with compassion, love and mercy. Major sins put a barrier between humanity and God’s Mercy and cause all the torment, misery and evil in this world and the hereafter. God commands us to stay away from sin and to strive against our own destructive character flaws. We live in an age where we often demand respect from others but may not respect those around us. One beauty of Islam is that it allows us to regain lost respect by submitting wholeheartedly to the will of God. However if we do not understand how and why we surrender to God’s will we cannot gain respect we want and need. Islam teaches us and God reminds us in the Quran that our sole purpose in life is to worship Him.
8. The Equality of men and women
Quran states that all believers are equal and that only righteous deeds elevate one person above another. Believers therefore have an immense respect for pious men and women and Islamic history also tells us that both men and women served and showed righteousness in all areas. A woman, like a man, is obligated to worship God and fulfill the duties upon her. It is thus required that every woman testify that there is none deserving worship but God, and that Muhammad, may God praise him, is His Messenger; to pray; to give charity; to fast; and to perform the pilgrimage to God’s House if she has the means and ability to do so. It is also required that every woman to believe in God, His angels, His scriptures, His Messengers, the Last Day, and to believe in God’s decree. It is also required that every woman worship God as if she sees Him.
“And whoever does righteous good deeds, male or female, and is a (true) believer in the Oneness of God such will enter Paradise and not the least injustice, even to the size of a speck on the back of a date-stone, will be done to them.” (Quran 2:124)
Islam however recognizes that equality does not mean that men and women are the same. It takes into account their differences in physiology, nature and temperament. It is not a question of superiority or inferiority, rather a question of natural abilities and having different roles in life. The laws of Islam are just and fair and take these aspects into consideration. Men have been assigned the duty to work and provide for their family and women have been assigned the role of motherhood and homemaking. Islam states however that that the roles are not exclusive nor are they inflexible. Women can work or serve society and men are able to take responsibility for their children or their household. It is interesting to note that where women choose to work the money they earn is their own however a man must provide financially for the whole family.
9. Humankind is able to regret past actions and reform
Muslims believe that all members of humankind are able to reform; in addition they believe that the possibility of successful reform is greater than the probability of failure. This belief is derived from the fact that God has given humankind the means to reform, not once but over and over again right up until close to the Day of Judgement. God sent Messengers and Prophets to each and every nation. Some we know from the Quran and the traditions of Prophet Muhammad, others are known only to God.
“And for every community or nation there is a Messenger; when their Messenger comes, the matter will be judged between them with justice, and they will not be wronged.” (Quran 10:47)
God does not hold any person responsible until he has been clearly shown the right way.
“...And We never punish until We have sent a Messenger. ” (Quran 17:15)
At the same time we are responsible to search for the truth and upon finding it we should accept it and reform our lives accordingly. The past bad actions can be left behind. There is no sin that cannot be forgiven!
“Say, 'O My servants who have transgressed against themselves [by sinning], do not despair of the mercy of God. Indeed, God forgives all sins. Indeed, it is He who is the Forgiving, the Merciful.'” (Quran 39:53)
A person should take advantage of God’s mercy by sincerely repenting for the past or if one is not a believer, by converting to the religion of Islam. Every person must work towards his salvation by combining faith, belief and action.
10. God loves beauty in all its forms
Prophet Muhammad said, “No one will enter Paradise who has an ant’s weight of pride in his heart.” A man said, “What if a man likes his clothes to look good and his shoes to look good?” He said, “God is beautiful and loves beauty. Pride means denying the truth and looking down on people.” [5]
Beauty is the opposite of ugliness. The beauty that exists in creation attests to God’s beauty as well as His power. He who created beauty is the most entitled to beauty. And indeed Paradise is adorned with beauty beyond imagining. God is beautiful and this is why the greatest of all pleasures in Paradise is to look upon God’s Face. God says,
“[Some] faces, that Day, will be radiant; looking to their Lord.” (Quran 75: 22-23)
He refers to His names as being the Most Beautiful:
“And the Most Beautiful Names belong to God, so call on Him by them...” (Quran 7:180)
Noted Islamic scholar Ibn al-Qayyim, may Allah have mercy on him, had the following to say about beauty in Islam:
“God is to be acknowledged for beauty that bears no resemblance to anything else, and He is to be worshipped by means of the beauty which He loves in words, deeds and attitudes. He loves His slaves to beautify their tongues with the truth, to beautify their hearts with sincere devotion, love, repentance and trust in Him, to beautify their faculties with obedience, and to beautify their bodies by showing His blessings upon them in their clothing and by keeping them pure and free of any filth, dirt or impurity, by removing the hairs which should be removed, by circumcision, and by clipping the nails. Thus they recognize God through these qualities of beauty and seek to draw close to Him through beautiful words, deeds and attitudes. They acknowledge Him for the beauty which is His attribute and they worship Him through the beauty which He has prescribed and His religion.” [6]
[1] Al Qarni, Aaidh Ibn Abdullah, (2003), Don’t be sad. International Islamic Publishing House, Saudi Arabia.
[2] Saheeh Muslim
[3] Saheeh Al-Bukhari, Saheeh Muslim
[4]http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/rs/environment/isstewardshiprev2.shtml
[5] Saheeh Muslim
[6] al-Fawaa’id (1/185)
-------------------------------------------------
http://www.islamhouse.com/425320/en/en/articles/The_Beauties_of_Islam
Thank you
woodb...@gmail.com
Jan 20, 2014, 5:56:28 PM1/20/14
to
The C++ Middleware Writer is based on Judeo/Christian roots.
I'm not aware of C++ work based on Islamic roots.
Brian
Ebenezer Enterprises - In G-d we trust.
http://webEbenezer.net
Mr Flibble
Jan 20, 2014, 7:48:28 PM1/20/14
to
On 20/01/2014 22:56, woodb...@gmail.com wrote:
>
> The C++ Middleware Writer is based on Judeo/Christian roots.
> I'm not aware of C++ work based on Islamic roots.
>
> Brian
> Ebenezer Enterprises - In G-d we trust.
What a load of bollocks mate.
>
> The C++ Middleware Writer is based on Judeo/Christian roots.
> I'm not aware of C++ work based on Islamic roots.
>
> Brian
> Ebenezer Enterprises - In G-d we trust.
/Flibble
Mr Flibble
Jan 20, 2014, 7:49:58 PM1/20/14
to
/Flibble
woodb...@gmail.com
Jan 20, 2014, 8:37:50 PM1/20/14
to
On Monday, January 20, 2014 6:49:58 PM UTC-6, Mr Flibble wrote:
Please don't swear here.
Brian
Ebenezer Enterprises - The fool has said in his heart,
"There is no G-d." Psalms 14:1
Please don't swear here.
Brian
Ebenezer Enterprises - The fool has said in his heart,
"There is no G-d." Psalms 14:1
woodb...@gmail.com
Jan 20, 2014, 8:55:07 PM1/20/14
to
On Monday, January 20, 2014 7:37:50 PM UTC-6, woodb...@gmail.com wrote:
> On Monday, January 20, 2014 6:49:58 PM UTC-6, Mr Flibble wrote:
>
> Please don't swear here.
>
http://www.desiringGod.org/interviews/can-christians-cuss-to-prove-a-point#full-audio
> On Monday, January 20, 2014 6:49:58 PM UTC-6, Mr Flibble wrote:
>
> Please don't swear here.
>
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_mFaRD3OPHE
Juha Nieminen
Jan 21, 2014, 4:27:43 AM1/21/14
to
woodb...@gmail.com wrote:
> The C++ Middleware Writer is based on Judeo/Christian roots.
> I'm not aware of C++ work based on Islamic roots.
I think there's something wrong in your brain. Maybe you should have
> The C++ Middleware Writer is based on Judeo/Christian roots.
> I'm not aware of C++ work based on Islamic roots.
it checked.
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Qu0ll
Jan 21, 2014, 5:23:20 AM1/21/14
to
wrote in message
news:c2f415a8-d26c-412e...@googlegroups.com...
> The C++ Middleware Writer is based on Judeo/Christian roots.
> I'm not aware of C++ work based on Islamic roots.
Brian, we both may identify ourselves as Christians but my response to that
is definitely a big WTF???
--
And loving it,
-Qu0ll (Rare, not extinct)
_________________________________________________
Qu0llS...@gmail.com
[Replace the "SixFour" with numbers to email me]
news:c2f415a8-d26c-412e...@googlegroups.com...
> The C++ Middleware Writer is based on Judeo/Christian roots.
> I'm not aware of C++ work based on Islamic roots.
is definitely a big WTF???
--
And loving it,
-Qu0ll (Rare, not extinct)
_________________________________________________
Qu0llS...@gmail.com
[Replace the "SixFour" with numbers to email me]
Victor Bazarov
Jan 21, 2014, 7:37:59 AM1/21/14
to
On 1/21/2014 4:27 AM, Juha Nieminen wrote:
> woodb...@gmail.com wrote:
>> The C++ Middleware Writer is based on Judeo/Christian roots.
>> I'm not aware of C++ work based on Islamic roots.
>
> I think there's something wrong in your brain. Maybe you should have
> it checked.
Please don't feed trolls.
> woodb...@gmail.com wrote:
>> The C++ Middleware Writer is based on Judeo/Christian roots.
>> I'm not aware of C++ work based on Islamic roots.
>
> I think there's something wrong in your brain. Maybe you should have
> it checked.
Bo Persson
Jan 21, 2014, 2:13:30 PM1/21/14
to
Qu0ll skrev 2014-01-21 11:23:
> wrote in message
> news:c2f415a8-d26c-412e...@googlegroups.com...
>
>> The C++ Middleware Writer is based on Judeo/Christian roots.
>> I'm not aware of C++ work based on Islamic roots.
>
> Brian, we both may identify ourselves as Christians but my response to
> that is definitely a big WTF???
>
So Brian admits to being ignorant on islamic software, whatever that is.
> wrote in message
> news:c2f415a8-d26c-412e...@googlegroups.com...
>
>> The C++ Middleware Writer is based on Judeo/Christian roots.
>> I'm not aware of C++ work based on Islamic roots.
>
> Brian, we both may identify ourselves as Christians but my response to
> that is definitely a big WTF???
>
Who cares?
woodb...@gmail.com
Jan 21, 2014, 5:51:00 PM1/21/14
to
On Tuesday, January 21, 2014 3:27:43 AM UTC-6, Juha Nieminen wrote:
> woodb...@gmail.com wrote:
>
> > The C++ Middleware Writer is based on Judeo/Christian roots.
> > I'm not aware of C++ work based on Islamic roots.
>
> I think there's something wrong in your brain.
>
Consider these verses from Psalms 121:
> woodb...@gmail.com wrote:
>
> > The C++ Middleware Writer is based on Judeo/Christian roots.
> > I'm not aware of C++ work based on Islamic roots.
>
> I think there's something wrong in your brain.
>
"I will lift up my eyes to the mountains;
From where shall my help come?
My help comes from the L-rd,
Who made heaven and earth.
He will not allow your foot to slip;
He who keeps you will not slumber.
Behold, He who keeps Israel
Will neither slumber nor sleep."
G-d is the original server. He's 100% ready.
I turn to G-d and the Bible for inspiration
and understanding when it comes to providing
quality services. I also ask around here for
ideas. G-d has people all over the world.
Maybe we can agree that C++ is an excellent language
for writing services.
Brian
Ebenezer Enterprises - Ask, and it will be given
to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will
be opened to you.
http://webEbenezer.net
woodb...@gmail.com
Jan 21, 2014, 6:20:47 PM1/21/14
to
On Tuesday, January 21, 2014 4:51:00 PM UTC-6, woodb...@gmail.com wrote:
>
> Consider these verses from Psalms 121:
>
> "I will lift up my eyes to the mountains;
> From where shall my help come?
> My help comes from the L-rd,
> Who made heaven and earth.
> He will not allow your foot to slip;
>
This is another answer to when Leigh asked me about
>
> Consider these verses from Psalms 121:
>
> "I will lift up my eyes to the mountains;
> From where shall my help come?
> My help comes from the L-rd,
> Who made heaven and earth.
> He will not allow your foot to slip;
>
the possibility of me being hit by a bus. I replied
with the story about Elijah and Elisha, but here we
have supernatural protection so my foot doesn't slip.
And remember how Elijah was treated. He wasn't hit
by a bus, but was whisked away in a flaming chariot.
David Brown
Jan 22, 2014, 6:53:24 AM1/22/14
to
Why this is marked as abuse? It has been marked as abuse.
Report not abuse
"inspired by God", and we can trust your company because you have
supernatural powers and will not die, but be "whisked away", and
presumably continue to provide customer service and support from heaven?
I don't really care what you believe in or not - faith is a personal
matter (except when it affects how you treat other people, of course).
If your faith inspires you to work hard and have confidence in the job
you do, then that's great. But the sort of twaddle you posted here has
no place in a business or profession. A piece of software has no faith,
and a company has no religion - you really have to learn to separate
these from yourself. If you can't do that, switch professions - you'll
make far more money as a TV evangelist.
woodb...@gmail.com
Jan 22, 2014, 12:32:48 PM1/22/14
to
On Wednesday, January 22, 2014 5:53:24 AM UTC-6, David Brown wrote:
> Are you really claiming that people should trust your code because it is
No. The generated code is available to be read by anyone.
> Are you really claiming that people should trust your code because it is
The same is true of a lot of the hand written code.
> "inspired by God", and we can trust your company because you have
> supernatural powers and will not die, but be "whisked away", and
to do his job and then Elijah was carried away.
>
>
>
> I don't really care what you believe in or not - faith is a personal
> and a company has no religion
has Judeo/Christian roots? I'm thinking of the pilgrims
who sailed across the Atlantic and also thinking of modern
day pilgrims like Sean Hannity
http://www.truthrevolt.org/news/sean-hannity-andrew-cuomo-i-cant-wait-leave-new-york
David Brown
Jan 22, 2014, 2:24:41 PM1/22/14
to
On 22/01/14 18:32, woodb...@gmail.com wrote:
> On Wednesday, January 22, 2014 5:53:24 AM UTC-6, David Brown wrote:
>
>> Are you really claiming that people should trust your code because it is
>
> No. The generated code is available to be read by anyone.
> The same is true of a lot of the hand written code.
>
Making all your source code available to others is good for trust, of
> On Wednesday, January 22, 2014 5:53:24 AM UTC-6, David Brown wrote:
>
>> Are you really claiming that people should trust your code because it is
>
> No. The generated code is available to be read by anyone.
> The same is true of a lot of the hand written code.
>
course.
>> "inspired by God", and we can trust your company because you have
>> supernatural powers and will not die, but be "whisked away", and
>
> I didn't claim that I won't die. Elijah trained Elisha
> to do his job and then Elijah was carried away.
>
training a replacement before getting "whisked away" ?
If you are a one-man company, that's fair enough - as long as you are
clear about this to customers, and have appropriate measures in place
(available documentation, source code, license details, etc.) so that
they know how they can continue with their own work if you get hit by a
bus. But when you tell customers that they don't need to worry because
you've got God on your side, and you are the next Elijah, then any sane
customer will laugh at you.
>>
>>
>>
>> I don't really care what you believe in or not - faith is a personal
>
> Remember "In G-d we trust".
any customers to trust in /your/ trust.
>
>
>> and a company has no religion
>
> Ebenezer Enterprises does.
beliefs. Your problem is that you fail to understand what a company
/is/, and mix it up with yourself.
A company has a /profile/, and that profile can have ethical or moral
standards (as long as they are legal and non-discriminatory) - but that
is not the same as claiming it has a religion.
> Would you agree that the US
> has Judeo/Christian roots?
though many do not. The "founding fathers" attempted to make a country
where people could be free to follow whatever religion they wanted,
which was a noble aim and certainly /not/ a Christian idea. If
anything, their inspiration was the Roman Empire with its tradition of
tolerance for many peoples and religions.
> I'm thinking of the pilgrims
> who sailed across the Atlantic and also thinking of modern
> day pilgrims like Sean Hannity
>
> http://www.truthrevolt.org/news/sean-hannity-andrew-cuomo-i-cant-wait-leave-new-york
>
"religious persecution" - what is less well-known is that it was the
sect left England because /they/ were not allowed to persecute others.
There was far too much religious freedom (i.e., several different
variants of Christianity were allowed) in England for their tastes, and
they wanted to go somewhere where everyone could be forced to follow
/their/ ideas.
woodb...@gmail.com
Jan 22, 2014, 6:14:50 PM1/22/14
to
On Wednesday, January 22, 2014 1:24:41 PM UTC-6, David Brown wrote:
>
> So you - on the basis of your beliefs in the OT - you are confident of
> training a replacement before getting "whisked away" ?
>
I'm not saying I'll be whisked away. Just that Elijah
>
> So you - on the basis of your beliefs in the OT - you are confident of
> training a replacement before getting "whisked away" ?
>
was whisked away.
> If you are a one-man company, that's fair enough - as long as you are
> clear about this to customers, and have appropriate measures in place
> (available documentation,
here. I acknowledge there's room for improvement on
the documentation and welcome specific ideas on how to
improve it. I've been focusing a lot on the software,
and the docs need work.
> source code, license details, etc.) so that
> they know how they can continue with their own work if you get hit by a
> bus. But when you tell customers that they don't need to worry because
> you've got God on your side, and you are the next Elijah, then any sane
> customer will laugh at you.
>
of both the generated code and hand written code.
There's also this page
http://webEbenezer.net/comparison.html
.
I'm not the next Elijah. I'm learning from his example.
Habakkuk 2:4
"Behold the proud, his soul is not upright in him; but the
just shall live by his faith."
I can give some help to people to make a decision about
using the C++ Middleware Writer, but as with any other
decision there's some risk involved. For those who are
living by faith in G-d it might be an easier decision
to make than for those aren't.
It doesn't hurt that the company has been here since 1999.
Maybe some will admit that making it to 2014 in better
shape than ever is evidence that G-d has helped us.
>
> > Remember "In G-d we trust".
>
> If /you/ want to trust in God, that's fair enough - just don't expect
> any customers to trust in /your/ trust.
We're upfront about our faith in G-d. We let other people
know the source of our strength.
>
>
> A company has no religion. It is not a person, it does not have
> beliefs. Your problem is that you fail to understand what a company
> /is/, and mix it up with yourself.
>
Remember our name is Ebenezer - that means "So far G-d
has helped us."
Would you expect anything but the best of work
(interesting, rewarding, etc.) for those who follow G-d?
>
> It is well-known that the pilgrim fathers left England because of
> "religious persecution" - what is less well-known is that it was the
> sect left England because /they/ were not allowed to persecute others.
to follow G-d according to their conscience. I had
to do the same thing when I started a company. I left
behind those companies with immoral policies. If I
were an employee of IBM, Microsoft, Apple, etc. today,
some of the money I helped them make would be going to
support immoral lifestyles. I said, "Thanks, but no
thanks" to that. If you want to lead a G-dly life, it
will cost you some in terms of income. Unfortunately
what is considered "good" by some is evil from G-d's
perspective.
"Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil;
Who substitute darkness for light and light for darkness;
Who substitute bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter!"
Isaiah 5:20
I see this as a King David against Goliath struggle.
G-d blessed David with the victory over the foul-mouthed
Goliath.
Brian
Ebenezer Enterprises
http://webEbenezer.net
http://www.truthrevolt.org/news/sean-hannity-andrew-cuomo-i-cant-wait-leave-new-york
Gerhard Fiedler
Jan 31, 2014, 2:40:00 PM1/31/14
to
woodb...@gmail.com wrote:
> On Wednesday, January 22, 2014 1:24:41 PM UTC-6, David Brown wrote:
>> It is well-known that the pilgrim fathers left England because of
>> "religious persecution" - what is less well-known is that it was the
>> sect left England because /they/ were not allowed to persecute
>> others.
>
> Your understanding is incorrect.
Maybe not. To this day, many of their followers try to force others to
> On Wednesday, January 22, 2014 1:24:41 PM UTC-6, David Brown wrote:
>> It is well-known that the pilgrim fathers left England because of
>> "religious persecution" - what is less well-known is that it was the
>> sect left England because /they/ were not allowed to persecute
>> others.
>
> Your understanding is incorrect.
do as they see fit, for example by basing political discussions on
religious arguments. Which for one can't work (political discussions, if
they should serve any purpose, are meant to get to a compromise between
all involved, and this by definition makes religious arguments a no-no),
and for another is probably against the basics of the constitution (for
that same reason).
Gerhard
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