BAZ

Amazing store. I was just there a couple of weekends ago and got 2 books from there.

Hope He does.. I need it.

I agree with you 100% N30 Singh!

Many gung-ho muslims (especially new converts) are out there inviting people to Islam. Let me tell you some of the reasons they are doing this: 1.The believe Islam is the only right path 2. Many want to save your soul because they believe you are heading for hell 3. Some are just a bit too over enthusiastic 4. Making another person a muslim will reward them with Gods pleasure. I am sure there are many other reasons but these are the main ones I can think of. I have been a muslim for over 10 years now and I refuse to “Invite†people to Islam. It is not my place to do so. Here is why: 1.Inviting people to the Truth is the job of the Prophets and of the men of God. Jesus, Muhammad and Nanak invited people to the Path of Truth because they had traveled this Path. Who am I to invite people to a Path that I have not fully traveled??? I stumble on this path, sometimes I sit instead of walk, sometimes I stray. Im a traveler just like 99% of us so how can I even try to become a guide? 2.I am one of those muslims that don’t believe that all non-muslims are bound for hell. The Quran was revealed in an area where the population contained pagans, Christians and Jews. There are verses in the Quran that say that Christians and Jews will enter heaven. There are also some passages that condemn them to hell but if you look at those passages then you will see that these passages refer to a certain group who was persecuting muslims. Now if one takes this example as a model and uses it globally then anyone who believes in God and does good with the right intention in their heart is going to be rewarded by God by His Mercy. 3.I am a flawed human being using my religion to better myself and get closer to God. I am not an example of someone who has perfected Islam within myself. All I can do is try my best and if someone is attracted to the good that I might do or the Truth that comes from my mouth by the grace of God then so be it.

Its quite simple why many people convert to Islam. This conversion isnt a myth.. I have seen many many people become muslim in the past few years and these include some of my own friends. One reason is that it not only gives us reflections on God but almost like a road map to purify ones life to get to God. There are clear rules and structure for daily living. The Quran claims to be the actual and exact words of God and not someone elses account of their experience with God. Islamic talks are given in the language of the population whether that is English, urdu, punjabi, spanish, french etc. This allows more people to understand the message. God knows best however why there are so many people converting to Islam. People are NOT converting because of some so-called unity within the muslim community. The muslim community as a whole is in shambles. It is infected by extremists which spread like cancer. Religion is a powerful tool and power can corrupt.. some muslims have really lost their humanity by becoming extremely "religious".

Thanks N30 Singh. I try and clear up misconceptions of Sikhs among muslims too.

As do I but if having a certain number of wives being a king or political leader in the past is a way of saying a man is morally corrupt then that is wrong and ignorent.

1)Sikhism does not believe that any Holy Book takes precedence over all others or any religions prophet is the final messenger of God. - The Quran is considered the final revelation of God in His own words. It was send to clear up previous messages that had been distorted by men for their own benefit. It is also consodered to be the final chapter in revelation. If you look at the word "Rasul" in arabic then the word prophet doesnt give justice to its meaning. Muhammad was considered the final Rasul in that he was the last person to recieve Gods direct and exact words through the angel Gabriel. This is not to say that great teachers and saints did not and would not come after him. This is the belief of muslims according to Islam. 2) Purpose of the Holy Book "Thus We have revealed the Koran in the Arabic tongue and proclaimed in it warnings and threats so that they may take heed and guard themselves against evil." (20:114 Quran) - Yes but each chapter also begins with the words "In the name of Allah MOST GRACIOUS MOST MERCIFUL" and muslims are also told by God that "My mercy is greater than my anger". Anger at what? Anger at us doing harm to our own souls by wronging ourselves, wronging others and wronging God. 3)Sikhism believes that people of different religions are equally capable of achieving salvation while still following their own religion. "Believers, take neither Jews nor Christians for your friends. They are friends with one another. Whoever of you seeks their friendship shall become one of their number. Allah does not guide the wrongdoers." (5:49, Quran) - this quote refers to a time of war when muslims were being persecuted by Jews and Christians. Some where former family and friends. It reminds me of the story of Arjun when he had to fight against his own family in the Mahabharat. "Mohammed is Allah's apostle. Those who follow him are ruthless to the unbelievers but merciful to one another." (48:29, Quran) - another quote revealed in a time of war when muslims were fighting oppression. Ruthless to those unbelievers they were at war with.. those who would persecute the muslims and did. "When the sacred months are over slay the idolaters wherever you find them. Arrest them, besiege them, and lie in ambush everywhere for them. If they repent and take to prayer and pay the alms-tax, let them go their way. Allah is forgiving and merciful." (9:4, Quran) - another quote in the time of war. if their enemy became muslim then he was no longer their enemy because he was not fighting against them or persecuting them for what they believed in. 4) Sri Guru Granth Sahib places greater emphasis on love of God as the main motivation for man rather than fear of God. - Each chapter begins with the words "In the Name of Allah, Most Compasionate Most Merciful" There is a reason for this. There has to be a balance of fear and love. Fear of displeasing your Creator and Love for wanting to please Him. In the begining a child is afraid when their parent shouts at them or talks firmly to them.. fear keeps a young child in line. As the child begins to grow and understand then this child realizes that their parent only had their best interest in mind and begins to do things out of love for the parent and not out of fear. This is the same thing with ones love and fear for God. 5) Sikhism does not believe in the idea of Gods name being only those authorized in a religious tradition or Holy Book. - Neither does Islam. We are told that 124,000 prophets have been sent to the earth and to every people and nation in it since the beginning of time. So therefore God has been called upon by many names and even names that have been forgotten. 6) Non-Sikhs are allowed to visit and enter the most sacred shrine of the religion, The Golden Temple. - Non-muslims can go into any mosque except the Kaaba. 7) Attitude towards women. Sikh women are allowed to lead congregations of men at the temple or administer all religious ceremonies involving either men or women. - Sikh form of worship and muslim form of worship are quite different. In Islam women pray behind the men or above them at the upper level of the mosque. the reason for this is so that people can concentrate on God. Women will not be dstracted by men and most of all men wont be distracted by women. Some men are easily distracted by a womans body and if she is bowing and bending over in front of him then his thoughts may go to places it shouldnt be while he is standing before God in prayer. This is only a restriction for formal ritual prayers. This is not necessarily a restriction in other forms of worship like zikr (simran) and giving talks on religious and spiritual matters. 8)Sikhism does not believe in women wearing veils. - Neither do most sects in Islam. Infact women who wear veils must take them off when they are praying. Many learned muslims speak out against the veil. According to the understanding of most muslim scholars the veil is a choice and not something that is forced. Women may wear the veil if they feel men in a foreign area would be a threat to them. 9)Sikhism does not believe in fasting or pilgrimages. - Islam teaches that empty rituals are useless. Fasting and pilgrimage done without proper intent and devotion are empty. 10) Sikhism rejects the killing of any animal evoking a prayer or by slow death. Muslim Halal meat is forbidden for Sikhs. - Islam is against the torture of animals. There is a hadith (saying of the prophet) that tells of a woman who was punished by God for starving a cat to death and a prostitute that was given the reward of heaven for giving a thirsty dog some water. Animals that are to be slaughtered must be slaughtered with a sharp knife. Must be calmed before they are slaughtered and the killing cannot happen infront of other animals. The jugular vein must be cut so that the blood is drained from the animal. These are the guidelines for slaughter according to Islam. Jhatka would be quicker but muslims have a restriction against consuming blood which carries impurities... especially in hot countries. 11) Sikhism rejects the idea of circumcision. - Circumcision was a tradition started by Abraham so Muslims and Jews follow it. There is a religious and medical reason for it. In places where water was not that available and living outside the whole time it was very important to keep oneself clean. Not only was circumcision the sign of the covenant between Abraham and God but it was also done to prevent infections etc. Circumcision is not necessary for converts who enter Islam but only mandatory for newborns. We all alter our body in some way to show which religion we belong to too.

1. Kill the Infidels. - this quote is taken out of context. First you have to understand the context and the time of revelation of that particular verse. After being persecuted as a minority and being driven from their homes the muslims were attacked again because of their religious belief in One God. Finally the revelation came down for them to fight back. At the same time rules were laid down and these rules incluse not to kill non-combattants, women and children. Not to burn crops and destroy the land etc etc. 2. Liberty - please give some quotes from the Quran about this because i havnt heard it before. In that chapter Kaafirun (Unbelievers) it says: In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful. Say : O ye that reject Faith! I worship not that which ye worship, Nor will ye worship that which I worship. And I will not worship that which ye have been wont to worship, Nor will ye worship that which I worship. To you be your Way, and to me mine. This was revealed in Mecca after they were expelled from Madina. 3. Fraternity - Brotherhood - whats wrong with a "brotherhood"? Is the Khalsa not a brotherhood? It all comes down to what brotherhood means to you. 4. Captive Womanhood This is a load of rubbish. Do we all not marry women who appeal to us? Why have an unappealing wife?? Yes men were allowed to marry up to 4 women.. this was actually a restriction because men had previously been allowed to marry as many as they wanted. How many wives did Shri Ram's father have? Most of the Prophet Muhammads marriages were divorced or widowed women. Marriages of leaders like him were also to build alliances with allys. These marriages were also done to solidify certain Islamic laws which he would be an example of. Aisha's marriage at such a young age was not a controversial issue at that time. Once a girl began having her period she was considered of marriagable age in that time and culture. Ask they ages of your grandmothers and great grandmothers at their time of marriage. Mine was 13 when she got married and it was arranged (hindu family too by the way). Honour killings are in no way justified by any islamic law. 5. Gender Equality "Tilling fields" is an analogy. You plant your seed to get something good out of this field. Whats wrong with that? This child that is born is also told that "Paradise is at the feet of your mother" according to one saying of the Prophet. And as for the description of Paradise it is merely a visual image for a muslim at a basic level of undertanding to comprehend the pleasure of God. The first people to hear the message of Islam were desert arabs living in very harsh conditions. This description of heaven would give them some idea of the feeling of Gods pleasure and reward. As one developed in their Islam they begin to understand the deeper layers of meaning in the texts. The description of heaven is like a dream... visual representations for certain feelings, concepts and messages. 6. Adultary Stoning is the punishment for adultry (married person cheating on their partner not an unmarried person having sex before marriage). HOWEVER.. there needs to be 3 witnesses... how often is that gonna happen? The family is considered the founding pillar of society so it is protected by a firm thick wall of laws such as this. This law is more of a deterant to stop someone from damaging their family. As for this quote about "beating" your wife here is the explaination of all this: If ones wife does something very immoral or against the religion the husband is to tell her first to stop. This would be something like drinking alcohol or dressing in a very provocative way etc. If she continues then the man is told to stop sleeping with her to show his displeasure at her actions. If she continues ONLY then can he SYMBOLICALLY hit her and ONLY with a "miswak" which is a tiny stick used to clean the teeth and only use this on her side and never her face. Thats like spanking your wife with a toothbrush on her bum. Its not gonna hurt. BUT there is also a saying of the Prophet that says "The best among you are those who are good to their wives". If you want to know the truth you will search for it and find it. If you are happy to back up your own ignorence and only look for things to back up ignorence then that is what you will find. Baba Farid was an orthodox sunni muslim of the Chisti order of sufis who is highly respected and respected enough to have his writing in the Sri Guru Granth Sahib. If you want to understand Islam then look at it through his eyes and not through your own faulty vision that is clouded by ego.

These are quotes for times of war. Not to be applied at all times. When the muslim minority was being persecuted they were first asked to pray, then they were asked to migrate away from Mecca to Medina to get away from persecution and then after being attacked again they were told to defend themselves by warring against their oppressors. Look at the story of Arjun as a comparison when he had to fight against his own relatives. Then you will better understand the quote "and in any case take no friends or helpers from their ranks" because this was the same situation the muslims of that time were faced with... fighting against family members and former friends and allies. Now when it comes to the Jizya tax on non muslims this thing is blwon out of proportion too. The Jizya is actually lower than the tax muslims must pay yearly (Zakat). By paying this tax non muslims do not have to fight in wars that the muslims of that country are fighting in.