WHY ARE YOU A MUSLIM AND WHY YOU CHOSE ISLAM?

WHY ARE YOU A MUSLIM AND WHY YOU CHOSE ISLAM?

ASSEMBLED BY MALLAM ABBA ABANA, KUBWA, ABUJA, NIGERIA

http://variousislamicdawadocuments.blogspot.com

emails:gonidamgamiri@yahoo.com; abba.abana@gmail.com

Sunday 17^th Rabiul Thani 1438 AH – 15^th January 2017

 

Bismillah Walhamdulillah Was Salaatu Was Salaam 'ala Rasulillah. As-Salaam Alaikum Wa-Rahmatullahi Wa-Barakatuhu

A-úthu billáhi minash shaytánir rajeem. Bismilláhir rahmánir raheem, Wa ash-hadu an Laa ilaaha ill-Alláh, wahdahoo laa shareeka lah, wa ash-hadu anna Muhammadan abduhoo warasooluh?

Bismillahir Rahmanir Raheem!

All Praise is due to Alláh, We praise Him and we seek help from Him. We ask forgiveness from Him. We repent to Him; and we seek refuge in Him from our own evils and our own bad deeds. Anyone who is guided by Alláh, he is indeed guided; and anyone who has been left astray, will find no one to guide him. I bear witness that there is no god but Alláh, the Only One without any partner; and I bear witness that Muhammad, SAW, is His servant, and His messenger.

1.0 Why Are You A Muslim And WHY YOU CHOSE ISLAM?

O You who believe, Fear Allah, as He should be feared, and die not except as Muslims.
Ya Ay-yuhal-latheena aamanut taqul-laaha, wa qooloo qawlan sadeedaa. Yuslih-lakum a?maalakum wayaghfir lakum thunoobakum, wamay yu-til-laaha warasoolah, faqad faaza fawzan atheemaa.

O You who believe, Be aware of Allah, and speak a straightforward word. He will forgive your sins and repair your deeds. And whoever takes Allah and His Prophet as a guide, has already achieved a mighty victory.

Why this topic, ‘’Why are you a Muslim and Why you chose Islam’’, has three folds to treat with. First Why Islam, then why are you Muslim and thirdly why got converted or by birth into Islam?

The word Islam means:

a)    Voluntary Submission?

b)    Surrender or obedience? To the Will of God.

c)    It derives from the root word Salam, meaning peace.

d)    Those who try to perform these actions are called ”MU-islams” shortly Muslims and equivalently, here we can say it [Islam-ERs]

The word ‘Islam’ means ‘submission’, and is derived from a word meaning ‘peace’.  As such, the religion of Islam teaches that in order to achieve true peace of mind and surety of heart, one must submit to Allah (God) and live according to His Divinely revealed Law.

In Arabic, the word “Islam” means submission or surrender – however, it was derived from the root word “salam”. From this root word, you can also derive the words peace and safety. Many people feel that Islam implies some sort of enslavement to Allah, but others find it more helpful to define the word “Islam” as surrender. You must also submit to the teaching of the Islam, including Sharia law.

Many religions have a concept of surrender to God. In Jewish history, when the ancient Hebrews obeyed God’s commands, they had a long period of prosperity and stability.

In Christianity, surrendering to God is a way of putting your life into more capable hands – in fact, Jesus asked many of his disciples to surrender their livelihoods and follow him.

So, if we look at the word ‘Islam’ in this way, we can understand why obeying Allah’s commands and trusting in Allah’s wisdom could bring about peace for a Muslim.

The word does not represent a one-sided relationship, where the believer is enslaved to Allah. Rather, the word Islam indicates a covenant between Allah and his Servants, where a Muslim surrenders his or her will to Allah in return for peace or safety.

Islam recognizes that human kind has Free Choice In Whether To Obey Or Disobey God, but ultimately we will be held accountable to God in the next life for the choices that we make in this life.

God sent Prophets to teach mankind how to worship Him; starting with Adam AS, including Noah AS, Abraham AS, Moses AS, Jesus or Isa AS and the last of the messengers, Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him). The Islamic position is that all of these prophets came with the same message, that there is no deity worthy of worship except the One True God, Allah.

Islam recognizes the close relationship between the Body And Soul. Whereas the Body Originates From The Earth and has a defined period of life on this earth, the Soul Originates From God And Does Not Die. Islam encourages the individual to focus on keeping the soul healthy, through the remembrance, obedience and worship of God. Islam teaches that it is through the doing of good deeds and seeking the pleasure of God that souls find true happiness and peace. It is in this context that the word Islam derives from the root word salam or peace.

Now, after knowing what Islam is, we can start to answer the question, why Islam? And the simple answer that came to me is Islam gives me the purpose of life. People everywhere are asking the questions; “What Is The Purpose Of Life?”, “Why are we here in this world?” and Where are we going to go after we die? You might be amazed to learn, that Islam is providing clear and concise answers for these questions.

Most of those who reflect or think about life in any detail will consider and ponder these questions. There are as many different answers to these questions. Some would hold that the purpose of life was to acquire wealth. But think carefully, suppose the purpose of life is to become wealthy, this means that there would be no purpose after becoming wealthy.

Let’s give few examples:

1)    A child of 5 years would obviously prefer a new toy to a deposit slip for a million Naira.

2)    A teenager does not consider millions of Naira in the bank as substitute for movies, videos, pizza and hanging out with his friends.

3)    A person in their 80s or 90s would never consider holding on to their wealth in place of spending it to hold on to or regain their health etc.

This proves that money is not the main purpose at all for the stages of one’s life.

Meanwhile Islam can provide you the answer. In the Quran Surah Al Qasas 56, Allah defines that the only purpose for which He created mankind is to Worship Him.

To a Muslim the whole purpose of life is “Ibadah” or worship to the One True Almighty God on Terms and under His Conditions. The term “worship” to a Muslim includes any and all acts of obedience to Almighty Allah. Islam teaches us that this life is only a test or trial for the individual to show him his true nature. It is only natural that he would accept death as not so much an ending to everything but more as a beginning of the final and lasting life in the Hereafter.

Before entering into either of the final lodging places i.e.; Heaven or Hell, there must be a Day of Judgment or showing of one’s true self to make them aware of their own nature and thereby understand what they have sent on ahead during the life here on the earth. Whether you are President or Prime Minister, Minister or Senate or House of Representatives, or Billionaires or millionaires, King or Chief or Emir, Permanent Secretary or Director General, Managing Director, Governor or State Assembly, Rich or poor, Armed Robber or Muslim (Believer), non-Muslim etc. Every person will be rewarded [or punished] according to their attitude, appreciation, and efforts during this stay on earth. None will be asked about the actions and beliefs of others, nor will anyone be asked regarding that which he was unaware of or incapable of doing.

As the life here is considered as an examination for the individual, the death stage is considered as a resting period after the test. It could be easy for those who were faithful and dedicated or it could be grueling and horrible for the wicked.

Reward and punishment will be in direct proportion to each person and it is only Allah alone who will be the Final Judge over us all and No lawyers or Attorney generals to speak on your behalf. Even in your grave (resting place) no security agents or bodyguards or ADCs to help you against the Angels questioning you.

2.0 FROM NON-MUSLIM PERSPECTIVES ON ‘’ISLAM AND MUSLIMS’’?

Islam is not a new religion because ‘submission to the will of God’, i.e. Islam, has always been the only acceptable religion in the sight of Allah (God).  For this reason, Islam is the true ‘natural religion’, and it is the same eternal message revealed through the ages to all of God’s prophets and messengers as pointed out above.

The main message of all the prophets has always been that there is only One True God and He alone is to be worshipped. 

These prophets start with Adam and include Noah, Abraham, Moses, David, Solomon, John the Baptist, and Jesus, peace be upon them all.  God says in the Holy Quran:

وَمَآ أَرۡسَلۡنَا مِن قَبۡلِكَ مِن رَّسُولٍ إِلَّا نُوحِىٓ إِلَيۡهِ أَنَّهُ ۥ لَآ إِلَـٰهَ إِلَّآ أَنَا۟ فَٱعۡبُدُونِ (٢٥)

“We did not send before you (O Muhammad) any messenger but We revealed to him: ‘none has the right to be worshipped except I, therefore worship Me.’” (Holy Quran Chapter 21:25)

However, the true message of these prophets was either lost or got corrupted over time.  Even the most recent books, the Torah and the Gospel were adulterated and hence they lost their credibility to guide the people to the right path.  Therefore 600 years after Jesus, God revived the lost message of previous prophets by sending the Prophet Muhammad with His final revelation, the Holy Quran, to all of mankind. 

Since the Prophet Muhammad was the final prophet, God Himself has promised to preserve His last revealed words so that it is a source of guidance for all humanity till the Last Day.  It is now imperative for everyone to believe and follow this final message from God.  God Almighty says in the Quran:

وَمَآ أَرۡسَلۡنَـٰكَ إِلَّا ڪَآفَّةً۬ لِّلنَّاسِ بَشِيرً۬ا وَنَذِيرً۬ا وَلَـٰكِنَّ أَڪۡثَرَ ٱلنَّاسِ لَا يَعۡلَمُونَ (٢٨)

“We have not sent you (O Muhammad) but to all mankind as a giver of good news and as a warner, but most people do not know.” (Holy Quran Chapter 34:28)

وَمَن يَبۡتَغِ غَيۡرَ ٱلۡإِسۡلَـٰمِ دِينً۬ا فَلَن يُقۡبَلَ مِنۡهُ وَهُوَ فِى ٱلۡأَخِرَةِ مِنَ ٱلۡخَـٰسِرِينَ (٨٥)

 “Whoever seeks a religion other than Islam, it will never be accepted of him, and in the Hereafter he will be one of the losers.” (Holy Quran Chapter 3:85)

The non-Muslims should know that, the word “Muslim” means one who submits to the will of God, regardless of his/her race, nationality or ethnic background.  Hence, any person who is ready to submit to the will of God is eligible to become a Muslim.

2.1 Benefits of Converting to Islam

There are many benefits of converting to Islam.  Some of them are:

1)    One forms a personal and direct relationship with God by worshipping Him alone, without the need of intermediaries.  One feels this personal relationship and is aware that God knows everything and is there to assist him/her.

2)    A person realizes the true purpose of his or her life, which is to recognize God and follow His commandments.

3)    A person is provided with a light, which guides him/her through life.  The religion of Islam has answers to all situations, and one will always know the right steps to take in all aspects of life.

4)    One finds true happiness, tranquility, and inner peace.

5)    Upon converting to Islam, all of one’s previous sins are forgiven, and one starts a new life of piety and righteousness.  And as a Muslim, when one makes a mistake thereafter, he/she can always repent to God who forgives the sins of those who repent to Him sincerely.  There are no intermediaries or created beings to make confessions to.

6)    One achieves salvation from Hellfire, which all prophets have warned against.

The greatest benefit is that a Muslim is promised by God the reward of eternal Paradise (Heaven).  Those who are blessed with Paradise will live eternally in bliss without any sort of sickness, pain or sadness.  God will be pleased with them and they will be pleased with Him.  Even the lowest in rank among the dwellers of Paradise will have ten times the like of this world, and they will have whatever they desire.  In fact, in Paradise there are pleasures that no eye has ever seen, no ear has ever heard, and no mind has ever thought of.  It will be a very real life, not spiritual only, but physical as well.

2.2 How to Convert to Islam - The Testimony of Faith (Shahada)

Becoming a Muslim is a simple and easy process for any non-Muslim.  All that a person has to do is to say a sentence called the Testimony of Faith (Shahada), which is pronounced as:

I testify “La ilaha illa Allah, Muhammad rasoolu Allah.”

These Arabic words mean, “There is no true god (deity) but God (Allah), and Muhammad is the Messenger (Prophet) of God.” 

Once a person says the Testimony of Faith (Shahada) with conviction and understanding its meaning, then he/she has become a Muslim. 

The first part, “There is no true deity but God,” means that none has the right to be worshipped but God alone, and that God has neither partner nor son.  The second part means that Muhammad was a true Prophet sent by God to humankind.

2.3 To Be A Muslim, One Should Also:

a)    Believe that the Holy Quran is the literal word of God, revealed by Him.

b)    Believe that the Judgment Day (Resurrection Day) is true and will come.

c)    Believe in the prophets that God sent from Adam and include Noah, Abraham, Moses, David, Solomon, John the Baptist, and Jesus, peace be upon them all.

d)    The books He revealed to His Prophets,

e)    In His angels.

f)     Accept Islam as his/her religion.

Not worship anything nor anyone except God. 

The conversion can be done alone, but it is much better to do it with the help of one of our advisors through the “Live Help

2.4 You are Not Alone

If you have followed the guidance above and converted to Islam by yourself, then rest assured that you are not alone, rather the same faith is shared by 1.7 billion people on the globe.  

2.5 Some Common Misconceptions by non-Muslims

Some people may postpone their conversion to Islam, though they believe it to be the true religion of God, due to some misconceptions.  They may think that things like changing their name, knowing some Arabic, informing others of their conversion, knowing some Muslims, or not having committed many sins, are conditions for conversion – however the reality is that none of these are valid excuses for delaying the conversion.

2.6 For Those Not Yet Convinced

Islam claims to be the true way to God.  What makes one religion valid over other ideologies is the proofs it offers for its truthfulness.  Hence, one needs to look at these proofs, weight them and take an informed decision.  One needs to be sincere in one’s endeavour and above all seek the help of the Almighty to guide him/her to the right path.

If a person is still not convinced of the truthfulness of Islam, then he/she can further look at the proofs Islam offers.  Islam offers overwhelming proofs of its truthfulness and is the only religion that completely appeals to common sense.

Some of the proofs Islam offers are:

1)    the scientific proofs in the Hoy Quran,

2)    the miracles performed by the Prophet Muhammad and the prophesies of his coming in previous scriptures,

3)    the foretold events mentioned in the Quran that later came to pass,

4)    the unmet challenge of the Quran to bring even a chapter like it,

5)    The divine wisdom in the laws and teachings of Islam that cover all aspects of life etc. 

Our everlasting life in the Hereafter depends on what faith we choose to follow in this transient life, hence let us give this struggle the priority it deserves.

3.0 TEACHINGS OF ISLAM TO A ‘’MUSLIM’’

So, in the teachings of Islam, the line of life and its purpose is logical, clear and simple:

a)    The first life is a test (this life)

b)    The life in the grave is a resting or waiting place before the Day of Judgment

c)    The Day of Judgment brings about the clear understanding of what will happen to the individual based on his own desires and actions

d)    The Permanent or Afterlife will either be spending in luxurious splendor or miserable punishment.

Following this clear understanding of life, the Muslim’s purpose is clear. First of all, he has no doubt in his mind that:

1)    he is only created by Allah (God)

2)    he is going to spend a period of time in this material world [called “Ad Dunyah”]

3)    he knows he will die

4)    he knows he will spend time in the grave, either pleasant or difficult depending on his own choice of attitude and actions

5)    he knows he will be resurrected for the Day of Judgment

6)    he knows he will be judged according to the most fair of standards by Allah the Almighty, etc.

For a disbeliever, the purpose of this life is to collect and amass great wealth, money, power and position. Over indulging in eating, drinking, drugs, sex and gambling are a high priority to them. But all of this will not avail them anything good in the grave, on the Day of Judgment or in the Next Life.

Eventually he will be faced with the question:

a)    Now what?

b)    What’s Next?

c)    Where am I going?

d)    What will happen to me?

e)    Eventually, he will come to know. For sure, he will come to know. But then what will the knowledge avail him?

Look how Islam solves the mystery of the puzzle of life. It provides the answers to the questions and concerns of the human beings on all levels and in every aspect. It is really quite simple. The purpose of life as understood by the Believing Muslim can be simply stated in only two (2) words: Obey God. Our only purpose and salvation lie in these two words.

In Al Quran surah 28 al Qasas verse 56 Allah says:

إِنَّكَ لَا تَہۡدِى مَنۡ أَحۡبَبۡتَ وَلَـٰكِنَّ ٱللَّهَ يَہۡدِى مَن يَشَآءُ‌ۚ وَهُوَ أَعۡلَمُ بِٱلۡمُهۡتَدِينَ (٥٦)

‘’It is true thou wilt not be able to guide everyone whom thou lovest: but Allah guides those whom He will and He knows best those who receive guidance. ’’

1)    We have to bear in our mind that Allah doesn’t need you,

2)    Allah doesn’t need me,

3)    and Allah doesn’t need any of us.

4)    But, we do need Allah.

5)    If we decide not to choose Islam, it is not in Allah’s loss,

6)    it is our loss instead.

7)    Of course, there are thousands, hundred thousands, even million answers to question

8)    Why Islam? And I have found mine.

9)    Now, it’s time for you to answer it by yourselves.

There is a beautiful story about Hidayah or Guidance. It is about the end of life of Abu Talib, the paternal uncle of the Messenger of Allah and the closest person to him, for he used to protect and help him (peace and blessings be upon him) and take his side, and he loved him very much since the messenger of ALLAH 8 years old? That is, naturally (as a blood relative), not in accordance with the Law (as a brother in faith).

So when death approached him, and his time was near, prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) called him to believe in Allah (Subhanahu Wa Taala) Alone, without partners and to enter into the fold of Islam. But what had been ordained for him overtook him, and he was plucked from his hand, remaining (until the end) one of the disbelievers? and the most complete Wisdom belongs to Allah (Subhanahu Wa Taala).

It is reported on the authority of Saeed Ibn Al-Masayyib that he heard from his father that he said: When death approached Abu Talib, Allah’s Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him), Abu Jahl & Abdullah Ibn AbiUmayyah Ibn Al-Mugheerah were with him, and so RasulALLAH (peace and blessings be upon him) said: O uncle! Say, La ilahaIllaAllah, a testimony by which I will intercede Allah on your behalf.? But Abu jahl and Abdullah IbnAbi Umayyah said: O Abu Talib! Will you reject the religion of Abdul Muttalib?

Allah’s Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) continued to urge him upon it [to declare that none has the right to be worshiped but Allah (Subhanahu Wa Taala)], while they repeated their question, until his final words, which were that he remained upon the religion of Abdul Muttalib, and he refused to say: La ilaha IllaAllah. And so the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) was really sad and crying while said: By Allah I will continue to ask for forgiveness for you until I am forbidden to do so?

So Allah revealed:

مَا كَانَ لِلنَّبِىِّ وَٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوٓاْ أَن يَسۡتَغۡفِرُواْ لِلۡمُشۡرِڪِينَ وَلَوۡ ڪَانُوٓاْ أُوْلِى قُرۡبَىٰ مِنۢ بَعۡدِ مَا تَبَيَّنَ لَهُمۡ أَنَّہُمۡ أَصۡحَـٰبُ ٱلۡجَحِيمِ (١١٣)

‘’It is not for the Prophet nor those who have believed to seek forgiveness for the polytheists, even if they were relatives after it has become clear to them that they are companions of Hellfire?’’ (Holy Qur’an At Tawbah 9: 113)

And Allah (Subhanahu Wa Taala) revealed concerning Abu Talib: Verily, [O Muhammad] you guide not whom you like, but Allah, guides whom He wills. And He knows best those who are guided? (The story was Narrated by Az-Zuhri)

Be grateful that you are here right now reading this article, be grateful that you are Muslim, be grateful that you have been chosen by ALLAH to get His guidance since it is the highest level of grace that human being could achieve.

‘INNALLAAHA YA-MURUU BIL ‘ADLI WAL IHSAAN WA IITAA-I DZIL QURBAA WA YANHAA ‘ANILFAHSYAA-I WAL MUNKARI WAL BAGHYI YAIZHZHUKUM LA’ALLAKUM TADZAKKARUUN (Holy Quran Sura 16:90),

إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ يَأۡمُرُ بِٱلۡعَدۡلِ وَٱلۡإِحۡسَـٰنِ وَإِيتَآىِٕ ذِى ٱلۡقُرۡبَىٰ وَيَنۡهَىٰ عَنِ ٱلۡفَحۡشَآءِ وَٱلۡمُنڪَرِ وَٱلۡبَغۡىِ‌ۚ يَعِظُكُمۡ لَعَلَّڪُمۡ تَذَكَّرُونَ (٩٠)

Surely Allah commands justice, good deeds and generosity to others and to relatives; and He forbids all shameful deeds, and injustice and rebellion: He instructs you, so that you may be reminded?

Fadth kuroonee adth kurkum, wash kuroolee walaa tak furoon [2:152].

فَٱذۡكُرُونِىٓ أَذۡكُرۡكُمۡ وَٱشۡڪُرُواْ لِى وَلَا تَكۡفُرُونِ (١٥٢)

Then do ye remember Me; I will remember you. Be grateful to Me and reject not faith. (152)

wala thikrul-Laahi akbar, Wal-Laahu yalamu maa tasnaoon.[Holy Quran Chapter 29:45].

وَلَذِكۡرُ ٱللَّهِ أَڪۡبَرُ‌ۗ وَٱللَّهُ يَعۡلَمُ مَا تَصۡنَعُونَ (٤٥) ۞

and without doubt, Remembrance of Allah is the Greatest Thing in life, and Allah knows the deeds that you do?

4.0 OTHERS

 

KUBWA MUSLIM COMMUNITY (KMC) AND JBWS KUBWA BRANCH:

BREAKING INFORMATION!

 

1.   JAMA’ATU IZALATIL BID’AH  WA’IKAMATU TIS SUNNAH (JIBWS)

Announces and request for denotions towards building of Mosque at Gbazango-Kubwa. Your cash denotions or in kind (materials for building) towards the realization of this lofty projects can be channeled through

‘’Ahmad Bin Hambal Masjid’’,

Unity bank account No. 0021968307.

All building plan comprising structural, mechanical and electrical drawings for the project duly approved to take off the Project.  In sha' Allaah.

Contact telephones: For your personal information you can reach MOSQUE DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE on 080452200887, 08025592382 and 080554433272.

2.   ABUJA TA'LIM MOVES TO KUBWA ON THE 12TH FEBRUARY 

This is to announce the movement of the ABUJA TA'LIM FROM ASO ESTATE MOSQUE to Islamic Model Schools at Queen Amina Way, Phase 2 Section 2, Kubwa. 

3.    Jazaakumu Allaahu khairan on Islamic authentic information to rebroadcast to gain hasanat or rewards from Allah SWT.