Religion has always been there; even long before we could ever expect. This is not a religious fanatic making such claims, but this is what comes to surface by historians and explorers. They are just amazed to see no matter how old a civilization they might come across while digging and excavating; it has got its religious symbols and manifests of one type or the other.

This is simply because Allah Almighty, the one and only creator of the whole universe did not set to rest after creating the universe and human beings; but He also bestowed His favorite creatures (human beings) the guidance and assistance they needed. That is why Allah (SWT) endowed humanity with more than one hundred and twenty four thousand of His Messengers.

In fact, this very fact is mentioned quite clearly in Qur’an, the final Scripture that Allah Almighty chose to reveal upon the final Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) more than 1400 years ago in the following words:

For We assuredly sent amongst every People a messenger, (with the Command) “Serve Allah, and eschew Evil”: of the people were some whom Allah guided, and some on whom Error became inevitably (established). So travel through the earth, and see what was the end of those who denied (the Truth). (16:36)

Now, this is something for which Muslims (in particular and all people in general) are advised to learn Qur’an, since it contains so diverse, profound, and true knowledge. As knowledge is not deemed significant without sharing it further; Muslims are also advised not only to learn Qur’an themselves, but also to help others learn it. Look what Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said about Quran teaching and learning:

“The best of you is he who has learnt the Qur’an and then taught it.” (Bukhari)

The fact that Qur’an proves as the ultimate source of truth and guidance is also authenticated by conversion of countless non Muslims to Muslims in past couple of decades; in fact, much so after 9/11 debacle back in 2001. The truth is that anti-Muslim forces conspired globally to blame Islam for such an insane act, which is nothing but pure fabrication and totally contradictory to Islamic teachings and beliefs. Look at the following verse from Holy Quran:

On that account: We ordained for the Children of Israel that if any one slew a person – unless it be for murder or for spreading mischief in the land – it would be as if he slew the whole people: and if any one saved a life, it would be as if he saved the life of the whole people. Then although there came to them Our messengers with clear signs, yet, even after that, many of them continued to commit excesses in the land. (5:32)

Killing someone for unjust reason is a serious issue; let us see what Qur’an tells us on smallest concern of calling each other bad names and backbiting:

“You who believe, do not let one (set of) people make fun of another set.” “Do not defame one another.” “Do not insult by using nicknames.” “Do not backbite or speak ill of one another.” (49:11-12)

Do you think a religion instructing its followers to act so politely and nicely in smallest domains of life would advise them or want them to act as insane as killing thousands of people for any unjustifiable reasons? Definitely not, and it is these clear, open, precise, and eloquent instructions from Allah Almighty stated in Qur’an that turn people towards it. If by any circumstances, you have not been able to go through the content of glorious Qur’an till now, one of the best ways to do so these days is to read Quran online, where expert Qur’an teachers assist students all across the world in learning and understanding Qur’an.

Nobody can deny the fact that every living being has to perish one day or the other. Much better is the case to learn and acknowledge the biggest reality and submit ourselves truly to the might of great lord Allah (SWT) for our own betterment before it is too late. Make sure you are among the ones who do so before it is too late!

Though Islam is not the only divine religion descended upon humanity for the ultimate purpose of their guidance, but it is definitely the final one chosen for this purpose by the ultimate creator Allah Almighty. This is not just some positive apprehension, but it is a fact mentioned by Allah (SWT) in the final Scripture, the Holy Quran, such as in the verse mentioned below:

This day, I have perfected your religion for you and completed My favor upon you, and have chosen for you Islam as your religion…” (Holy Qur’an, 5:3)

Now, mention of the word “complete” means comprehensively complete; covering all aspects of life, including the most talked about one today, i.e. human rights. Unlike what is portrayed about state of affairs related to human rights in Islamic societies on media, let us have a deeper look at the ultimate source of guidance for Muslims, i.e. the Holy Quran and try to infer truth from it. This shall also compel us to find a learned and experienced Quran tutor who might guide us in detail about teachings of Islam as mentioned in Qur’an.

Freedom of choosing religion

Let us start by one of the most popularized allegation on Islam, i.e. people are forcefully converted to Islam. Have a look at this clear and blunt verse that shall serve enough to conclude the true state of affairs in this regard from true Islamic perspective:

Let there be no compulsion in religion: Truth stands out clear from Error: whoever rejects evil and believes in Allah hath grasped the most trustworthy hand-hold, that never breaks. And Allah heareth and knoweth all things. (2:256)

Protecting all under Islamic jurisdiction

Yet another proof to Islam’s intent to unbiased justice and freedom in an Islamic society comes from the fact that it not only cares for Muslims living in an Islamic society, but cares for all, irrespective of their religions. “Dhimmi” is a term that refers to non Muslims living in an Islamic state. Look what Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said in this regard:

“One who kills a man under covenant (i.e., dhimmi) will not even smell the fragrance of Paradise.”

Protesting tyranny

Today, media portrays Islam as a religion that promotes tyranny. Though it appears true under current circumstances when majority of Islamic societies are being ruled by tyrants, but this is much far from true Islamic perspective that can be seen from the following statement of the first Caliph of Muslims, i.e. Abu Bakar (R.A):

“Cooperate with me when I am right but correct me when I commit error; obey me so long as I follow the commandments of Allah and His Prophet; but turn away from me when I deviate.”

Share of needy in basic necessities of life

This is yet another brilliant chapter in Islam’s concern about human welfare. It asks and encourages for provision of basic necessities of life to all, especially the needy ones, as evident from the following verse:

Adh-Dhariyat [51:19] And in their wealth and possessions (was remembered) the right of the (needy), him who asked and him who (for some reason) was prevented (from asking).

Securing life and property

Security of human life and property is also very important in regard to Islam’s concept of human welfare. Have a look at the following words from The Last Sermon of Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) at Hajja-tul-vida:

“Your lives and properties are forbidden to one another till you meet your Lord on the Day of Resurrection.”

Conclusion

The points mentioned above serve just a little fraction of the comprehensive teachings of Islam on human rights in Qur’an and Sunnah. That is why learning both of them are so imperative to Muslims. In fact, we can do it in the most convenient manner by registering with Quran online institutions where tutors help people in learning the ways of Quran and Sunnah.

Remember, Allah Almighty has descended His final message to humanity in the form of Quran, to be complemented by Sunnah as well. Now, it rests upon us to get acquainted with it and get the best out of it. Make sure you also do that before it is too late.

Of all major religions of the world, we see Islam at the very center stage of raging debates and discussions all around the globe, particularly within the geographic confines of United States of America. When we see this in a much broader perspective of 9/11 tragedy, pieces of the puzzle seem to settle into their respective spaces. What’s not so good about all this, however, is the fact that majority of U.S citizens are quite far from knowing more and better about Islam.   In fact, according to various surveys, about 60 percent of American population is still unable to understand Islam.

What might be the solution?

Such a situation is not only quite unwanted and unbeneficial for Muslims living in the U.S.A, but it is equally not so good for all other people living there. In fact, one of the reasons behind developing negative perceptions about an issue does not know about it as we should. That means every Muslim living in America should contribute towards the cause of letting other fellow Americans more about Islam.

What Keith Ellison believes

One of the best solutions under such circumstances for Muslims living in America, according to a Keith Ellison (the first Muslim who ever got elected to the U.S Congress), is to positively contribute in letting all communities across the U.S know more about Islam by taking any and every measure that progressive Muslims can. This is how Ellison practically proved. November 2006 was the very first time he got elected to the U.S Congress and ever since then, he has overcame all odds by getting reelected twice more. It is very important to realize that Ellison, despite living in post 9/11 era, did his best to achieve this feat. Though it is a task conventionally associated with institutions like Quran School to help people know more about Islam, Ellison believes every Muslim living in America should do their best by expressing their actions and beliefs in whatever field they belong to, to help non-Muslims understand the better, softer, and truer side of Islam.

What Wajahat Ali believes

Keith Ellison is not the only positive and happening image of Islam in the United States of America, but there are scores of other positively spirited people who want to bridge the gap between Muslims and rest of the America, and Wajahat Ali, a playwright and director of Pakistani descent serves to be yet another example of positively high spirited Muslim Americans. In fact, quite recently he earned lot of fame and respect due to one of his works, i.e. The Domestic Crusaders. He believes what’s going on with Muslims in America is quite the same as that what happened with American Jews, Japanese, Blacks, Italians, and some other ethnicities as well sometimes back.

What Hussein Rashid believes

Yet another devoted and passionate American Muslim is Hussein Rashid, who not only lectures in different educational institutions across the United States of America, but is also quite renowned as an eager Muslim activist based in New York. What he believes (and quite rightly so) is that one of the reasons why not much people across U.S are aware of true Islamic ideology is because Muslims lack the ability to tell their stories as they should. This, once again leads us to conclude that not only the innovative concept of Online Quran (something that enables people learn Quran using internet from anywhere they want) is going to be needed to help Americans learn more about Islam, but it will take every individual Muslim to bridge this gap by being true and expressive to whatever they believe in accordance with Islamic theology.

Conclusion

Historically speaking, wherever Muslims used to go, their moral high grounds helped them win hearts, minds, and souls of indigenous populations. It is about time for Muslims living in America to do so yet again, so let’s stay tuned to that.

One of the testaments to the truth and reality of Islam is the fact that ever since its inception, it has been under the attack of so many enemies collectively; but the number of its followers is increasing till date despite all odds. In fact, this number has gone much higher in recent past, despite the efforts of Islam’s enemies to subdue it by spreading different false perceptions about it in masses through their stronghold on popular media.

Questioning women’s status in Islam

Of all the propaganda against Islam, one of the most favorite areas of Islam-haters is the women’s status in Islam. As mentioned earlier, with their influence on almost all popular media of the world, anti-Islam forces keep trying to propagate falsely that Islam is some sort of anti-women religion that has nothing else to do other than suppress, disrespect, and disgrace women. Oh God! How ironic it is that such people try to portray Islam as an anti-women religion and more irony lies in the fact that people start believing so without making any kind of research at their own. Irrespective of what different people (Muslims or non-Muslims, for that matter) have to say about Islam, the best way to have a clear idea about its teachings is through consulting Holy Prophet Muhammad (PPBUH) and Holy Quran. So, let us have a glimpse of what Quran has to say about women in their different ages, roles, and statuses:

Islam’s stance on female children

At the time when Islam first glorified the whole world, things were much worse than they seem to be today. Pre-Islamic Arabian culture was of brutally killing (to the extent of burying alive) their female children soon after they were born, or a bit later on still at a younger age. None other than Islam had the courage and strength to challenge and stop that cruel practice that was adamantly followed by those people. In fact, Quran Reading reveals to us what Islam’s view on that was, as can be seen from the following verse:

When news is brought to one of them, of (the birth of) a female (child), his face darkens, and he is filled with inward grief! ith shame does he hide himself from his people, because of the bad news he has had! Shall he retain it on (sufferance and) contempt, or bury it in the dust? Ah! what an evil (choice) they decide on? (16:57-58)

Islam’s stance on adult females

Yet again, those lucky few females who reached adulthood during those times of ignorance and darkness were treated as a material commodity. They were not respected as wives and life partners, but were treated as objects of trade and reconciliation. People never bothered giving them their due share in inheritance. Let’s have a glance at what Quran tells us about Islam’s stance on adult women in these scenarios:

O ye who believe! Ye are forbidden to inherit women against their will. Nor should ye treat them with harshness, that ye may Take away part of the dower ye have given them,-except where they have been guilty of open lewdness; on the contrary live with them on a footing of kindness and equity. If ye take a dislike to them it may be that ye dislike a thing, and Allah brings about through it a great deal of good. (4:19)

As mentioned previously, Qur’an is truly a comprehensive book of life and one can get any type of answer if they truly seek for it through Qur’an. It is better resorting to the assistance of a learned Quran Teacher who can teach it to you; so that you can search for all the answers you need in Qur’an.

Conclusion

Winding up the debate, there is no point in assuming things. The better way is to search for the reality by yourself and Qur’an can be the best of your guides in this regard. At the end, just have a look at the following verse to realize that for Allah Almighty, gender does not come into consideration while deciding the fate of any human being:

An-Nahl [16:97] Whoever works righteousness, man or woman and has Faith, verily, to him will We give a life that is good and pure, and We will bestow on such their reward according to the best of their actions.

Today, Islam is pictured as the epicenter of injustice, inhumanity, biasness, and whatever negative traits of a society one might think of; however, all too unjust in itself. Fact of the matter is that almost all mainstream world media is in an undeclared alliance in maligning and tarnishing the image of Islam to world masses, and everybody knows how influential media can be in brainwashing common people. Little do people actually ever bother to dig the facts for themselves and a vast majority of them prefers to go the easy way of embracing what world media presents to them.

Those of you who are living in western societies must think about how much of people who talk bad about Islam have actually tried to know what Islam is about by themselves. You would be surprised that almost none of them would have ever done so. Therefore, this article tries to present common people with an idea of what justice and equality means in the eyes of Islam with the help of two of the most authentic sources of Islamic teachings, i.e. Quran and Hadith.

What Quran Talks of Justice

As mentioned earlier, it is unjust in itself to form an opinion of hatred about any issue without even knowing about it. In fact, today, not only Muslims can learn what Quran says about various issues; but even non Muslims can do so by resorting to Online Quran resources. Let’s have a look at few verses giving us all a better idea of what Qur’an has to teach in this regard:

• “O you who believe!  Stand out firmly for justice, as witnesses to Allah, even if it be against yourselves, your parents, and your relatives, or whether it is against the rich or the poor…” (4:135)

• “O you who believe! Stand out firmly for Allah as witnesses to fair dealings and let not the hatred of others to you make you swerve to wrong and depart from justice. Be just, that is next to piety. Fear Allah, indeed Allah is well-acquainted with all that you do.” (5:8)

• And when you speak, then be just though it be (against) a relative, and fulfill Allah’s covenant; this He has enjoined you with that you may be mindful; (6:152)

Well, anybody unbiased enough can conclude very well from these examples about Quran’s perspective of justice.

What Hadith teaches about Justice

Hadith, is a collection of praiseworthy sayings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) as recorded by his respectable companions. In fact, the wholesomeness of Islam remains insignificant without due share of (authentic) knowledge of Hadith and that is why the concept of conventional Quran School was never deemed complete without knowledge of both, i.e. Quran as well as hadith.

Now, this is what Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is reported to have said when he (PBUH) intended to punish a woman (who was found guilty of theft) from high ranked tribe of ancient Makkah and people tried to influence him (PBUH) by sending Usama (R.A), a beloved companion of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), to convince him (PBUH) in not being very harsh in the punishment:

“Do you want yourself to be responsible for not upholding the sanctity of the Divine law? The cause of misfortune and ruination of the followers of earlier Prophets was that when the aristocrats committed sins the Divine law was not enforced upon them but it was only done in the case of common people! By Allah! Even if my own daughter Fatima commits any theft, l shall chop off her hand also”. (Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim quoted by Ruhuddin al-Islami)

Conclusion

Staying unbiased is one of the prime requisites of learning. Those who study these examples unabashedly cannot stop themselves from praising the teachings of Islam and Quran in implementing justice in a society. May Allah help us all to be fair enough to embrace the realities and accepting them with open heart, mind, and soul.

The word Islam literally translates into peace and this is what Islam is all about. It begins with the quest of finding inner peace and tranquility, by acknowledging the greatness of one and only Allah Almighty, so that a person can be relieved from any fear or apprehensions. The same inner peace is then expected to be emanated outwards to the immediate surrounding a person is part of, so that the whole society (initially) and the whole world (ultimately) can bear the fruits of such a high living.

The true spirit of Islam

This is the truest spirit of Islam, which very unfortunately, all the way from its inception, has been attacked and misinterpreted by people who assume their interests to be at stake because of a just and peaceful society. It is very important to realize that one cannot be on accord with peace without respecting others around them.

Religious tolerance and respect in Islam

In fact, Islam is a religion that insists its followers to respect people from all religions and live with peace and harmony among each other, as also evident from the following verse:

Ash-Shura [42:13] The same religion has He established for you as that which He enjoined on Noah–that which We have sent by inspiration to thee–and that which We enjoined on Abraham, Moses, and Jesus: namely, that ye should remain steadfast in religion, and make no divisions therein: to those who worship other things than Allah, hard is the (way) to which thou callest them. Allah chooses to Himself those whom He pleases, and guides to Himself those who turn (to Him).

Yet another undesired and unfortunate Quran Burning incident in Afghanistan

Now, don’t you think it is cruelly unfair to treat such a religion with despise and biasness, as evident from the latest incident of Quran burning (yet again!) in Afghanistan on 20^th February, 2012. The irony of this unfortunate (and undesirable) incident is that the anti-Islamic doctrine of media is portraying Afghan Muslims to be rebellious and war-loving creatures who are waged into significant protests against such a lowly incident.

The truth is that media is brainwashing people on a global scale to portray Islam as a religion of unrest and uproar. In fact, it entails a rational mind to learn all aspects of an issue, which is not possible without knowing about the true teachings of Islam. Luckily, this has become quite convenient in recent times. One can Learn Quran Online as well and see how Islam deems all humans, let alone Muslims, as evident from verses like these:

Mankind! We created you from a male and female, and made you into peoples and tribes so that you might come to know each other. The noblest among you in God’s sight is that one of you who best performs his duty. God is All-Knowing, All-Aware. (49:13)

Conclusion

This is the real stance of Islam; considering the differences between people as a matter of choice and opinion rather than taking it as a matter of dispute and biasness. Not only Islam heralds the message of peace, but it also talks about justice and forgiveness. Don’t you think it is absolutely unfair to treat a religion badly that talks of justice and equal treatment, but still prefers a treatment of forgiveness to even those who play rogue with you? That is why, it is suggested to consult a Quran Tutor who can introduce you to true teachings of Islam, such as:

Nor take life – which Allah has made sacred – except for just cause. And if anyone is slain wrongfully, we have given his heir authority (to demand qisas or to forgive): but let him not exceed bounds in the matter of taking life; for he is helped (by the Law). (17:33)

May Allah help us all to be able to accept and tolerate each other above all biasness and differences!

Allah Almighty has furnished this world with a great variety of people having different casts, colors, and creeds. This adds great color and diversity to the wholesomeness of this world and people with pure and exalted souls are to acknowledge this fact and establish the will of Lord of the whole universe, i.e. Allah (SWT), by acknowledging His might and strength.

Allah Almighty’s purpose of variation in human beings

The following verse should explain this to us:

“Oh humankind! We created you from a single pair of a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, so that you may know each other (not that ye may despise each other). Verily the most honored among you in the sight of Allah is the who is the most righteous of you. And Allah has full knowledge and is well acquainted (with all things)” (49:13).

Human shortcoming in appropriate realization

However, to their own dismay, human race has always seem to fallen short in taking advantage of this diversified blessing of Allah by making this difference a cause of hatred, bloodshed, and decimation of their own race in different means. In simple words, majority of human beings had failed in realizing the true purpose of this difference in color and creed by Allah, which He Himself mentions in Quran as:

• {Allah calls to the Abode of Peace and He guides whom He wills to a straight path.} (Yunus 10: 25)

And

• {O You who believe! Enter absolutely into peace. Do not follow in the footsteps of Satan. He is an outright enemy to you.} (Al-Baqarah 2: 208)

We need to realize that Allah Almighty is the most peaceful and just of all creators and wants to see His creatures (humans) living in peace, harmony, and tranquility with each other, as mentioned in the verses above.

Islam’s concept of “The People of the Book”

This is the term mentioned in Qur’an for followers of all divine religions prior to Islam, prompting Muslims to offer due respect and honor to them as well. This term is not made specific for followers of any one Prophet of Allah Almighty, but it is a generalized reference of Quran to people having faith in Allah and following instructions of Prophets (those who were bestowed with a Holy Scripture to follow) of their times.

In fact, Islam is nothing new but continuation and refinement of the same message of realization and acknowledgement of oneness of Allah Almighty, following His instructions to live life with peace, harmony, and tranquility while thanking Him for all His blessings. The verse mentioned below is just one description of what Islam teaches its followers about People of the Book:

Ash-Shura [42:13] The same religion has He established for you as that which He enjoined on Noah–that which We have sent by inspiration to thee–and that which We enjoined on Abraham, Moses, and Jesus: namely, that ye should remain steadfast in religion, and make no divisions therein: to those who worship other things than Allah, hard is the (way) to which thou callest them. Allah chooses to Himself those whom He pleases, and guides to Himself those who turn (to Him).

Conclusion

The fact is that Qur’an is the finest manuscript to follow for living a life that pleases our Creator Allah Almighty, so that we not only get the best of life in this world for our faithfulness and obedience to Allah (SWT), but also get rewarded with best in the life hereafter. That entails all human beings (particularly the Muslims) to learn Quran and understand its true message. In fact, this has been made much convenient in modern times by online Quran learning; an innovative concept that enables anyone from any part of the world to learn more about Islam and Quran through internet as a medium.

Remember, this life is awarded to humans for seeking accord of Allah Almighty to be awarded by unbelievably good rewards in the life hereafter and learning Quran could be the best guide to us for that. May Allah help us all to work for that!

Of all things that Allah Almighty has created, human beings are very special, much exalted in their status as compared to everything else that we see furnishing and beautifying the whole universe. This is because human beings embrace Allah Almighty’s biggest blessing that also leads to toughest accountability, i.e., the intellect.

Human Intellect

People might end up defining human intellect in myriads of ways, but its simple interpretation pertains to human being’s decision and opinion in favor or against anything (or any matter). However, Allah (SWT) awarded human beings the custodianship of this intellect not without the bar of accountability, and that is what makes being human so special. It is simply analogous to “higher the risk higher the reward”.

Forgiveness in relation to human intellect

Forgiveness is an aspect that makes the concept of intellect and accountability even more challenging. How, one may ask? Well, according to Islamic perspective, intellect is not only confined to making choice between right and wrong, but it also entails a person to forgive or overlook other’s wrongs despite the realization that they are wrong.

Islamic perspective to forgiveness

In fact, when we Learn Quran, we come to know of two aspects of forgiveness, i.e. Allah Almighty’s forgiveness and human forgiveness.

Allah’s Forgiveness – Quran reveals to us that forgiveness is one of the most important one of Allah Almighty’s countless characteristics. This is clearly evident from the narrations of Quran that refer to The Mightiest Lord’s forgiveness in many names and many dimensions, such as:

• Al-Ghafur – This graceful name of Allah graces Quran more than 70 times through its entirety. In Arabic, it is interpreted as “to pardon”, “to excuse”, “to cover”, etc. In fact, Quran reveals the fact that there is only thing Allah (SWT) exempts from his generous forgives; other than that, everything might be forgiven by His mercy. Consider the following verse

Indeed, Allah does not forgive association with Him, but He forgives what is less than that for whom He wills.[Surah Al-Nisa 4:116]

• Al-Afuw – This name appears 5 times in Qur’an, meaning “to heal”, “to remit”, “and “to release”. Now, this refers to the fact that Allah Almighty is most generous in releasing human beings from the burden of their intentional or unintentional sins

• Al-Haleem – We see this beautiful name of Allah 15 times in Quran. It relieves human beings by telling them Allah is not quick in judgment. He bestows human beings plenty of time and acts very patient in seeing His servants return to Him and seek His forgiveness

These are not the only aspects of Allah Almighty’s forgiveness; there are plenty more that are clearly mentioned to us and even more that we might never be able to know of properly, such as Al-Tawwab, Al-Rahman, Al-Rahim, etc.

Human Forgiveness

Just seeing how forgiving and merciful our Lord Allah is, human beings are entailed to express this beloved characteristic of Allah Almighty into their characters as well, to a degree possible to achieve humanly. One should not think of being honored with Allah’s forgiveness unless they inculcate some of it into their own being for betterment of fellow human beings. The best source to get inspiration of doing so is none other than Quran, so every one of us should look for a learned Quran Tutor who can help us better understand its teachings to enjoy a rewarding life in this world and the world hereafter.

Conclusion

In fact, forgiveness and patience is best of the virtues of a wonderful social life, where everyone is helping others. One should pay heed to the likes of following verse:

The reward of the evil is the evil thereof, but whosoever forgives and makes amends, his reward is upon God [Surah Al-Shura 42: 40]

At the time of Prophet, Arabian Peninsula was a region where various faiths were present. They were Jews, Christians, Zoroastrians, Polytheists and are not affiliated with any religion. When a person looks to the life of Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H), he can draw many examples from his life where he has demonstrated tolerance to people who have faith. Online Quran Recitation will tell you more about Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) and the tolerance towards some other religions.

In order to judge and understand the tolerance, one must look into period where Islam was a formal state with specific laws that are laid down by Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) in accordance with the tenets of religion. Therefore, dealings of Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) and his mercy can be described in the following verse of Holy Quran:

“To you be your religion, to me be mine.”

If you want to judge and understand the tolerance, you must learn the Holy Quran Online and look into the period in which Islam is a formal state, and it was presented by Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) in accordance with the tenets of religion. Although there are many examples of tolerance that were shown by Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) in his early stays in Mecca.

The best example of tolerance was shown by Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) to some of the other religions and it might constitute itself, known as Saheefah by the early historians. When the Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) migrated to Medina, his role as a religious leader ended and he was now the political leader of state that is governed by percepts of Islam. Because of this reason, Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) developed a constitution which showed the responsibilities of all the parties residing in Medina and their duties and obligations towards each other and the restrictions were placed on it.

All the parties have to obey what is mentioned here, while any breach of article was regarded as act of treachery. First article of constitution was that all inhabitants of Medina, Muslims and the one who entered the pact from Christians, Jews, and idolaters, were all one nation. All the citizens were considered as the member of society regardless of the race, religion, or the ancestry.

Each tribe had their enemies and alliances outside and within Medina. Prophet gathered all these tribes under the governance of one system which held the pacts of alliances that existed between various individual tribes. All of the tribes had to act in a single unit with regard to the individual alliances. Any attack on other religion or the tribe was considered attack on the state and on the Muslims as well.

People who are practicing other religion in the Muslim society were given a protective status: As the Holy Prophet said:

“Whoever kills a person who has a truce with the Muslims will never smell fragrance of Paradise.”(Saheeh Muslim)

In an article, it is stated: “the Jews have their religion and the Muslims have theirs.”

There are many articles that might be discussed, but the emphasis will be made on the articles that state, “If any dispute or controversy likely to cause trouble should arise, it must be referred to God and His Messenger.”

As the 12^th Rabbi ul Awwal has been celebrated around the Muslim Ummah; however, there are many who believe that the celebration is mistaken. The reason for the disagreement is that the exact date of birth of the Prophet Muhammad (May peace be upon him) is irresolute and therefore the celebrations are contradictory.

Here is a detailed note on the disagreements of the Ullemah regarding the celebrations of the 12^th Rabbi ul Awwal, birthday of Muhammad (P.B.U.H).

Should Muslims Celebrate The Birthday of Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H)?

The Holy Quran does not indicate any such incident or celebrations and the disagreement about the birth of the Holy Prophet and so the controversies arise. It is believed by many that the birth took place in the “Year of the Elephant,” but may disagree.

• Controversies relating to the birth date, day, month and year:

Muhammad Husain Haykal writes in the biography of Muhammad (May peace be upon him), “Historians have also differed concerning the month of Muhammad’s birth although the majority of them agree that it was Rabi` al Awwal, the third month of the lunar year. It has also been claimed that he was born in Muharram, in Safar, in Rajab, or in Ramadan.”

At another place he indicates that “others claim that he was born a few days, months, or years, after “the Year of the Elephant.”

Hence, not only the day or the month, but also the year of birth is a contradictory matter.

• Celebration of the day by the Sahaba and the Arabs:

Another pressing matter is that the intensity of the celebrations that take place in Pakistan is not similar to that of the Arabs. Arabs have great memorization skills and a matter of this high regard to be overlooked or forgotten is unlikely.

Arabs are known for their feat of memorization and know hundreds of verses by heart. If the birthday of the Holy Prophet were such an important festive matter, they would not have missed it for the world.

Furthermore, neither there is any real proof in the history that the day was celebrated among the Sahaba, the companions of Rasool Allah (SAW), nor there is any narration, which states that Muhammad (P.B.U.H) encouraged his followers to celebrate the day with Darood recitation or to hold milads and make it a day of worship.

The question again arise that so we love Prophet Muhammad more than his own closest companions, who scarified their lives and their families for him, or the people today who are ignorant of the teaching so Islam. You should read Quran online to know instant solutions in the light of Quran and Sunnah, to such complex matters

Conclusion:

Muslims love Prophet with all their heart and show their love and affection in the form of milads, recitations of holy verses and through Darood recitals. However, the processions that are taken out on the 12^th of Rabi ul Awwal are often considered as Bidah (innovation) in Islam.

Today, it has become a Muslim culture, instead of symbol of blessing and rewards and people indulge themselves in transgressions that are more sinful.

Rasool Allah (saw) himself said: “Whoever has performed a deed which is not in the religion from its inception is rejected (not acceptable to Allah) “. (Bukhari and Muslim)