CHAPTER 1 PROPHET ABRAHAM AND THE FIRST HOUSE OF ALLAH ON EARTH

CHAPTER 1 
PROPHET ABRAHAM AND THE FIRST HOUSE OF ALLAH ON EARTH

Prophet Abraham was born to honorable parents descended from Prophet Noah. He
was born in the city of Hara, Iraq during the reign of King Nimrod and is often referred to
as “The Friend of Allah” and "The Father of the Prophets". Before Abraham reached
maturity his father passed away, and as was the custom in those days, he would, out of
respect for his paternal uncle, refer to him as his father. There had been a void in
guidance since the death of Prophet Noah and the people of Hara reverted to idolatry.
Hara was renowned for its ornate, pagan temples and its citizens took great pride in the
idols housed within them. Offerings were sacrificed to the idols and ritual ceremonies,
wishfully invoking their favors performed before them. A lucrative commerce had grown
around the activities of the temples. Carved replicas of the idols were a much sought
after possession and it was to this profession that Azar, Abraham’s uncle, whom he now
called “father” directed his talents.
WHO IS MY LORD
Abraham was unlike his contemporaries, he grew to be an upright, caring, young man
repulsed by idol worship and sought the answer to a question that had consumed him for
many years −− who was his Lord? In the process of his guidance, Allah in His Mercy
caused Abraham to contemplate upon the kingdoms of the heavens and earth. One
evening, as he gazed up into the night sky, he saw a planet shinning more brightly than
the others and exclaimed, "This is surely my Lord!" but, as the morning light came the
planet set he rejected his thought saying, "I do not like the setting ones!" On another
occasion as he saw the moon rise he said once again, "This is my Lord!" But like the
planet as the light of the morning broke it disappeared whereupon he said, "If my Lord
does not guide me, I shall be amongst the astray nation!" Then, when he saw the sun
rise upon the horizon he said, "This must be my Lord, it is larger!" But as it set he turned
to his people saying, "O nation I am quit of what you associate (with Allah, the Creator) I
have turned my face to Him who created the heavens and the earth, uprightly, and I am
not among the idolaters!" Koran, Chapter 6 verses 76−79
ABRAHAM IS CHOSEN BY ALLAH AND BECOMES A PROPHET
Shortly after this Allah sent the Arch Angel Gabriel to inform Abraham that He had
chosen him to be His Messenger. Abraham was deeply humbled by the news and
Gabriel brought him, over a period of forty−two visits, ten Holy Scrolls. Prophet
Muhammad informed his companions later on that the contents of the Scrolls were
examples. Abraham's open rejection of idolatry caused a commotion, no one had ever
challenged the deity of the idols of Hara; to his fellow citizens the notion was deemed
blasphemous. However, Abraham was resolved, he had no doubt that Allah was the only
One to be worshipped because he was convinced that it was He alone who had created
everything.
THE LOGIC OF ABRAHAM
Abraham tried reasoning with those around him in the best manner, but they refused to
accept his logic even after he had drawn their attention to the obvious fact that their idols
had either been hewn from stone or carved from wood by people such as themselves.
Abraham never stopped challenging his people and asked if their idols could do anything
else other than just stand motionless, year after year, in the same place −− the place in
which they themselves had been positioned many years before! He reminded his people
that the idols neither ate nor drank from the offerings placed before them nor could they
harm or benefit anyone. But still the people refused to abandon their idolatry. Over the
course of time the idolaters became outraged and told Abraham that it was he who was
wrong and that he must fear their gods. Abraham shook his head and asked, "And how
should I fear what you have associated when you yourselves are not afraid that you
have associated with Allah that which He did not send down for it upon you an authority.”
Koran, Chapter 6 verse 81
ABRAHAM AND KING NIMROD
The news of Abraham's preaching reached King Nimrod who considered himself to be a
deity. Abraham feared no one except Allah, so when he was presented to the king he
challenged him saying, "My Lord is He who revives and causes to die." But the artful
king scoffed at Abraham and told him, "I revive and cause to die." The king knew exactly
what Abraham meant, but had tired to outwit him with his reply by referring to the power
he had as king to either spare the life of a guilty criminal, or put to death an innocent
person −− whichever suited his whim. Abraham challenged him yet again saying, "Allah
brings up the sun from the east, so you bring it from the west." This time the king knew
he had been revealed and the color drained from his face, and Abraham waited to see if
he would surrender to Allah but he did not and so Abraham returned home. Koran,
Chapter 2 verse 258
ABRAHAM AND THE MIRACLE OF THE FOUR BIRDS
One day, Abraham asked Allah to show him how He revived the dead. Allah asked
Abraham, "Haven't you believed?" Abraham told Him that it wasn't that, rather, it was
just to satisfy his heart. So Allah told him to take four birds, sacrifice them, then cut them
into pieces and mix their bits and pieces together then go to the neighboring hills and
place some of the mixed pieces on each of them. Allah told Abraham that after he had
done this to call the birds and their severed parts would reassemble and fly to him.
Abraham did exactly as he was told, he sacrificed a peacock, an eagle, a crow and a
rooster, then, after he had mixed their body parts together he placed them upon the
neighboring hills, keeping only their heads with him. Once this had been done he called
to them whereupon their mixed parts were brought back to life, reassembled, and flew to
join themselves to their respective head that Abraham still held in his hand. Koran.
ABRAHAM AND HIS “FATHER” PART COMPANY:
Now Azar was among those who refused to accept Allah as his Lord. Abraham asked
him why he was so devoted to the idols but Azar could offer no better reply than to say
that many people before him had worshipped them, and what was good enough for them
was good enough for him also. Azar became upset and embarrassed by his nephew’s
preaching and threatened to stone him if he persisted. Such was Abraham’s conviction
that he did not stop preaching and after a while, Azar realized that his threats were of no
use so he told his nephew he did not wish to see him again for sometime. As they parted
company, tender−hearted Abraham told Azar he would ask Allah to forgive him, and that
perhaps his Lord would accept his prayer. Abraham continued to preach against the
idols but the people continued to spurn what he had to say. After each refusal he would
ask them the same question he had asked his uncle −− what made them so devoted to
their idols −− but they replied in the same way, which was simply because their fathers
and ancestors had worshipped them. Some even accused Abraham of jesting with them,
but he swore that this was not so, and that without doubt their Lord and Creator is and
always had been the Lord of all that is in the heavens and earth, and that they should
abandon their useless idols.
ABRAHAM OUTWITS THE IDOLS
No matter how hard Abraham tried they would not accept the truth, so he told them, "By
Allah, I shall outwit your idols as soon as you have turned your backs and gone." No one
took Abraham seriously so they left and went about their business. Some time later,
Abraham, unseen with ax in hand, entered the temple in which the most revered idols
were housed, and smashed all except the largest into pieces then left unseen. It wasn't
long before the idolaters returned to the temple and saw their gods lying broken into
pieces on the floor. There was an outcry of horror and those who had heard Abraham's
challenge immediately suspected him, and so he was summoned before them.
"Abraham," they asked, "was it you who did this to our gods?" Abraham replied, "It was
their great one that did it. Ask them if they can speak." The idolaters huddled together in
a corner knowing well in their hearts the truth of the matter and that Abraham had at last
succeeded in exposing the worthlessness of their idols. Begrudgingly, they admitted,
"You know they do not speak." Thereupon Abraham challenged them saying, "Would
you then worship that which can neither benefit nor harm you, instead of Allah? Shame
on you and that you worship other than Allah! Have you no understanding?" Koran,
Chapter 21:68
THE BONFIRE
It was more than the idolaters could bear, their idols lay broken in pieces unable to do
anything for themselves. Outraged by the whole situation they cried out, "Burn him and
help your gods!" The idolaters hastened to build a huge bonfire with the intent of burning
Abraham to death, however, Abraham remained calm having complete trust in His Lord
and did not flinch. There was nothing that would tear him away from his belief in the
Oneness of Allah. Abraham was led to the bonfire and placed in its center, and the
kindling wood lit. It wasn't long until the flames leapt high into the air −− but not even a
single hair of Abraham's head was scorched. That was because Allah had caused a
miracle to occur. He commanded the flames to be cool and safe for Abraham and
eventually, when the fire had consumed itself, Abraham walked away unharmed praising
and thanking Allah for His mercy. Even though the idolaters had witness this great
miracle they continued in their arrogance and refused to abandon their idols. In their
hearts they knew that nothing they did would ever harm Abraham because he was
protected by Allah, so in desperation they banished him and his wife, Lady Sarah, from
their homeland.
ABRAHAM AND SARAH IN EGYPT
After a long, tiring journey, Prophet Abraham and Lady Sarah reached Egypt and it was
there they decided to make their home. During their time in Egypt, Haggar, one of the
noble ladies−in−waiting in the court of Pharaoh, came to live in Abraham's household as
a companion to Sarah. Haggar was a sweet natured lady, she loved Lady Sarah dearly
and a very special friendship bonded them together. Idolatry was also commonplace in
Egypt especially in the court of Pharaoh but when Haggar heard Abraham speak about
Allah she was quick to recognize the truth and accepted it. In those days it was common
place for a man to have more than one wife and Prophet Abraham and Lady Sarah, who
were now elderly remained childless. Lady Sarah had given up hope of ever bearing a
child so she suggested to Abraham that he might like to take Haggar to be her co−wife.
Both Abraham and Haggar accepted her suggestion and shortly after Haggar became
his lawful second wife. The family's wish was fulfilled when Lady Haggar conceived and
gave birth to a fine son whom they named Ishmael. Lady Sarah was delighted and
happy that Abraham had at long last been blessed with a son −− little did she know at
that time that she too would be blessed in later years for her patience with a son of her
own, Isaac.
DECEIT
Throughout the centuries nationalistic Jews and Orientalists have sort to distort the truth
about Prophet Abraham’s legal marriage to Lady Haggar and the very close relationship
between Ladies Sarah and Haggar. Their object has been and still is to undermine the
great event which had been promised and recorded in the original, unadulterated Holy
Scriptures that announced the coming of Islam with its protected revelation, the Holy
Koran and the seal of all the prophets, Prophet Muhammad (sa).

Question: NON-VEGETARIAN FOOD MAKES MUSLIMS VIOLENT

8. NON-VEGETARIAN FOOD MAKES MUSLIMS

VIOLENT

Question:

Science tell us that whatever one eats, it has an effect on one’s behaviour. Why

then, does Islam allow Muslims to eat non-vegetarian food, since eating of

animals could make a person violent and ferocious?

Answer:

1. Only eating of herbivorous animals allowed

I agree that, what a person eats has an effect on his behaviour. This is one of

the reasons why Islam prohibits the eating of carnivorous animals like lion, tiger,

leopard, etc. who are violent and ferocious. The consumption of the meat of

such animals would probably make a person violent and ferocious. Islam only

allows the eating of herbivorous animals like cow, goat, sheep, etc. that are

peaceful and docile. Muslims eat peaceful and docile animals because Muslims

are peace loving and non-violent people.

2. The Qur’an says Prophet prohibits what is bad

The Qur’an says:

“The Prophet commands them what is just and prohibits what is evil”.

“He allows them as lawful what is good (and pure) and prohibits them

what is bad (and impure),”

[Al-Qur’an 7: 157]

“So take what the Messenger assigns to you and deny yourselves that

which he withholds from you.”

[Al-Qur’an 59: 7]

For a Muslim, the Prophet’s statement is sufficient to convince him that Allah does

not wish humans to eat some kinds of meat while allowing some other kinds.

3. Hadith of Mohammad (pbuh) prohibi-ting eating of carnivorous

animals

According to various authentic Ahadith narrated in Sahih Bukhari and Sahih

Muslim including hadith narrated by Ibn Abbas in Sahih Muslim, Book of hunting

and slaughter, Hadith No. 4752 and Sunan Ibn-I-Majah chapter 13 Hadith no.

3232 to 3234, the Holy Prophet (pbuh) prohibited the eating of:

(i) Wild animals with canine teeth, i.e. meat eating carnivorous animals. These

are animals belonging to the cat families such as lion, tiger, cats, dogs,

wolfs, hyenas, etc.

(ii) Certain rodents like mice, rats, rabbits with claws, etc.

(iii) Certain reptiles like snakes, alligators, etc.

(iv) Birds of prey with talons or claws, like vultures, eagle, crows, owl, etc.

There is no scientific evidence that proves beyond doubt that eating nonvegetarian

food makes one violent.

Question: Why do Muslims slaughter the animal in a ruthless manner by torturing it and slowly and painfully killing it?

Question:

Why do Muslims slaughter the animal in a ruthless manner by torturing it and

slowly and painfully killing it?

Answer:

The Islamic method of slaughtering animals, known as Zabiha has been the

object of much criticism from a large number of people.

One may consider the following points, which prove that the Zabiha method is

not only humane but also scientifically the best:

1. Islamic method of slaughtering animal

Zakkaytum is a verb derived from the root word Zakah (to purify). Its infinitive is

Tazkiyah which means purification. The Islamic mode of slaughtering an animal

requires the following conditions to be met:

a. Animal should be slaughtered with sharp object (knife)

The animal has to be slaughtered with a sharp object (knife) and in a fast

way so that the pain of slaughter is minimised.

b. Cut wind pipe, throat and vessels of neck

Zabiha is an Arabic word which means ‘slaughtered’. The ‘slaughtering’ is

to be done by cutting the throat, windpipe and the blood vessels in the neck

causing the animal’s death without cutting the spinal cord.

c. Blood should be drained

The blood has to be drained completely before the head is removed. The

purpose is to drain out most of the blood which would serve as a good

culture medium for micro organisms. The spinal cord must not be cut

because the nerve fibres to the heart could be damaged during the process

causing cardiac arrest, stagnating the blood in the blood vessels.

2. Blood is a good medium for germs and bacteria

Blood is a good media of germs, bacteria, toxins, etc. Therefore the Muslim way

of slaughtering is more hygienic as most of the blood containing germs,

bacteria, toxins, etc. that are the cause of several diseases are eliminated.

3. Meat remains fresh for a longer time

Meat slaughtered by Islamic way remains fresh for a longer time due to

deficiency of blood in the meat as compared to other methods of slaughtering.

4. Animal does not feel pain

The swift cutting of vessels of the neck disconnects the flow of blood to the

nerve of the brain responsible for pain. Thus the animal does not feel pain.

While dying, the animal struggles, writhers, shakes and kicks, not due to pain,

but due to the contraction and relaxation of the muscles defecient in blood and

due to the flow of blood out of the body.

Question: Why are most of the Muslims fundamentalists and terrorists?

Question:19

Why are most of the Muslims fundamentalists and terrorists?

Answer:

This question is often hurled at Muslims, either directly or indirectly, during any

discussion on religion or world affairs. Muslim stereotypes are perpetuated in every

form of the media accompanied by gross misinformation about Islam and Muslims.

In fact, such misinformation and false propaganda often leads to discrimination and

acts of violence against Muslims. A case in point is the anti-Muslim campaign in the

American media following the Oklahoma bomb blast, where the press was quick to

declare a ‘Middle Eastern conspiracy’ behind the attack. The culprit was later

identified as a soldier from the American Armed Forces.

Let us analyze this allegation of ‘fundamentalism’ and ‘terrorism’:

1. Definition of the word ‘fundamentalist’

A fundamentalist is a person who follows and adheres to the fundamentals of

the doctrine or theory he is following. For a person to be a good doctor, he

should know, follow, and practise the fundamentals of medicine. In other words,

he should be a fundamentalist in the field of medicine. For a person to be a

good mathematician, he should know, follow and practise the fundamentals of

mathematics. He should be a fundamentalist in the field of mathematics. For a

person to be a good scientist, he should know, follow and practise the

fundamentals of science. He should be a fundamentalist in the field of science.

2. Not all ‘fundamentalists’ are the same

One cannot paint all fundamentalists with the same brush. One cannot

categorize all fundamentalists as either good or bad. Such a categorization of

any fundamentalist will depend upon the field or activity in which he is a

fundamentalist. A fundamentalist robber or thief causes harm to society and is

therefore undesirable. A fundamentalist doctor, on the other hand, benefits

society and earns much respect.

3. I am proud to be a Muslim funda-mentalist

I am a fundamentalist Muslim who, by the grace of Allah, knows, follows and

strives to practise the fundamentals of Islam. A true Muslim does not shy away

from being a fundamentalist. I am proud to be a fundamentalist Muslim

because, I know that the fundamentals of Islam are beneficial to humanity and

the whole world. There is not a single fundamental of Islam that causes harm or

is against the interests of the human race as a whole. Many people harbour

misconceptions about Islam and consider several teachings of Islam to be

unfair or improper. This is due to insufficient and incorrect knowledge of Islam.

If one critically analyzes the teachings of Islam with an open mind, one cannot

escape the fact that Islam is full of benefits both at the individual and collective

levels.

4. Dictionary meaning of the word ‘fundamentalist’

According to Webster’s dictionary ‘fundamentalism’ was a movement in

American Protestanism that arose in the earlier part of the 20th century. It was

a reaction to modernism, and stressed the infallibility of the Bible, not only in

matters of faith and morals but also as a literal historical record. It stressed on

belief in the Bible as the literal word of God. Thus fundamentalism was a word

initially used for a group of Christians who believed that the Bible was the

verbatim word of God without any errors and mistakes.

According to the Oxford dictionary ‘fundamentalism’ means ‘strict maintenance

of ancient or fundamental doctrines of any religion, especially Islam’.

Today the moment a person uses the word fundamentalist he thinks of a Muslim

who is a terrorist.

5. Every Muslim should be a terrorist

Every Muslim should be a terrorist. A terrorist is a person who causes terror.

The moment a robber sees a policeman he is terrified. A policeman is a terrorist

for the robber. Similarly every Muslim should be a terrorist for the antisocial

elements of society, such as thieves, dacoits and rapists. Whenever such an

anti-social element sees a Muslim, he should be terrified. It is true that the word

‘terrorist’ is generally used for a person who causes terror among the common

people. But a true Muslim should only be a terrorist to selective people i.e. antisocial

elements, and not to the common innocent people. In fact a Muslim

should be a source of peace for innocent people.

6. Different labels given to the same individual for the same action,

i.e. ‘terrorist’ and ‘patriot’

Before India achieved independence from British rule, some freedom fighters of

India who did not subscribe to non-violence were labeled as terrorists by the

British government. The same individuals have been lauded by Indians for the

same activities and hailed as ‘patriots’. Thus two different labels have been

given to the same people for the same set of actions. One is calling him a

terrorist while the other is calling him a patriot. Those who believed that Britain

had a right to rule over India called these people terrorists, while those who

were of the view that Britain had no right to rule India called them patriots and

freedom fighters.

It is therefore important that before a person is judged, he is given a fair hearing.

Both sides of the argument should be heard, the situation should be analyzed,

and the reason and the intention of the person should be taken into account,

and then the person can be judged accordingly.

7. Islam means peace

Islam is derived from the word ‘salaam’ which means peace. It is a religion of

peace whose fundamentals teach its followers to maintain and promote peace

throughout the world.

Thus every Muslim should be a fundamentalist i.e. he should follow the

fundamentals of the Religion of Peace: Islam. He should be a terrorist only towards

the antisocial elements in order to promote peace and justice in the society.