Many of my friends haven't ever had the opportunity to read the Quran. There is no need to be scared about reading someone's religious books.
That is why I have prepared this guide to understanding what the Quran is all about. It has lots of historical information and other facts that give some background.
It really is a very unique book. See why so many people over the ages have been impacted by the Quran.
I believe in the hereafter. I have to otherwise, what would I do with myself. What would be the purpose of my being here? I believe that before we proceed to the hereafter, there will be a Q and A session between yourself and God. So what would be your answers if these questions were asked to you:
Have you ever thought of how long is your time here on earth? Well, if you haven't really thought of it then, you must watch this video. I love how Mr. Chen explained the concept of time and our purpose in this world. As a Muslim, this is what we work on everyday, every action, every word and every intention - the life in the hereafter.
It is unfortunate that many people use the Quran and its verses out of context. Here is a popular example:
Quran 9:5 Slay the pagans where you find them
Who is this verse referring to? What were the circumstances? What is the context of this verse?
People use this verse to jump all over Muslims as violent more than anyone else. A fair observer should read the surrounding verses that speak about the rights and obligations outlined in the treaties the people had at the time.
God describes the attitude of some of the opponents of the prophet Muhammad who were continually attacking the weaker Muslim community. “They do not observe toward a believer any pact of kinship or covenant of protection. And it is they who are the transgressors.”
So what is the result if a hostile group or nation refuses to abide by treaties and golden rules of human rights? All just states employ punitive measures. Many of the conflicts of the 20th century were to restore justice and fight oppression. It was a situation similar to this that the verse describes.
The surrounding verses also repeat many times the need for leniency and restoration of peaceful conditions.
What is the lesson? Understand the full context of the situation. Be just and fair in your assessment. Hold everyone accountable to the same standards.
Mujeeb asked me to elaborate on my diary. The Prophet Muhammad knew he had a role to guide all of humanity through the ages. God told him he was the final Prophet.
That made me think. How is it one person could guide humanity through the centuries? Wouldn’t that mean he’d have to give so many different rules for different times?
It is pretty amazing when you look at how the Prophet did it so simply. He guided people to take the easy path and the path with the most benefit.
You would see the Prophet adopting whatever was good from the diverse cultures around him. There is a universal concept in Islam that almost everything is good and lawful and only a small handful of things are prohibited – and for good reason as they create more harm.
I think that is why the Prophet was so successful capturing peoples imagination through the ages. His mercy and empathy for all circumstances is felt. At the same time he empowered people take all that is good from whatever society or culture they belong to.
God knows best…
Steve Williams
My friend Steve is going to be my surprise guest on the very first episode! Wait til you see his face when I start recording.
Steve is super nice guy. We've been friends for a while now - let's see how it goes with my very first guest.
Join us on February 8, 2016 for our launch! I can hardly wait....