Islamic Blog for New Muslims: Support for New Muslim Converts

The idea of the existence of multiple gods is illogical at its core. There can be only One God. According to the Holy Quran, if other deities or gods existed other than Allah the Glorious, the gods would compete to establish superior strength, leaving the Heavens and the Earth in ruins. If one of two gods willed an act to occur, then the other god would either be forced to submit to that will or oppose it. If the second god submits to the first god’s will, then that would render the second god less than All-Powerful and not at all omnipotent—in other words, not a god. God is All-Powerful and can do anything He Wills. If he opposes the will of the first god, then a conflict would arise between the two gods, creating chaos in the Heavens and the Earth. The Universe would fall into a state of disorder, chaos, and disarray. There can only be One Omnipotent Creator.

"Say, [O Muhammad], "If there had been with Him [other] gods, as they say, then they [each] would have sought to the Owner of the Throne a way" (Quran 17:42)

Islam is a monotheistic religion; a faith in which followers admit and recognize the existence of one Supreme God and Being, who is Almighty, All-Powerful, All-Knowledgeable, All-Loving. Islam stresses the existence of only One God. The same God of Prophet Adam, Noah, Abraham, Joseph, Moses, David, Solomon, Jesus, and Prophet Muhammad peace be upon them all. Islam demonstrates the fact that, through the centuries, God has continued to bless humanity with holy Prophets who come bearing the same general Message. God is the only One to whom worship is due; He is the Creator of all, the Provider, the Sustainer of everything. He is the Supreme, the Eternal. God has no father nor mother, nor son nor daughter, nor a partner nor an equal. It is He who gives life and causes death; it is He who is Unique in His Names and Attributes.

Say, "He is Allah, [who is] One, Allah, the Eternal Refuge. He neither begets nor is born, nor is there to Him any equivalent" (Quran 112:1-4)

Why Do We Worship GOD? Importance of Worship and Praise GOD? | Benefits of Worshipping Allah ┇Why do we WORSHIP ALLAH?

The primary reason as to why Muslims worship God is—to put it simply--because of who God is. Beyond the fact that God created us and bequeathed us with all we have, God is worthy of veneration and worship solely by virtue of who He is as a being. Even if God had given us far less, He still would deserve worship and veneration exclusively. To Him belongs the Perfect Names and Attributes. God is the Almighty, the Majestic, the All-Knowing, the All-Seeing, All-Hearing, He is the only Being that is All-Perfect.

We worship Allah, the Glorious, because He is Our Lord, Our Master, Our Creator. And we are His slaves, His servants. God is the One that ultimately sustains, cares for, maintains, and nourishes His Creation through the grace of His bounty. God deserves endless praise by virtue of his Perfect Names and Attributes. We praise athletes and celebrities who have limited and flawed attributes, so we should heap endless praise upon God, the One that has no deficiency nor flaw. Our existence is solely dependent on God as we are not self-sufficient, contrary to the belief of some people. God makes it very clear in His Holy Book, the Quran, that the sole purpose of our lives is to worship Him. God sent Messengers and Prophets to relay His Message to mankind. "And I did not create the jinn and mankind except to worship Me" (Quran 51:56)

Islamic worship is not limited to religious rituals such as praying and fasting. Instead, the faith clarifies that everyday human acts such as eating, drinking, greeting others, sitting, learning, dressing, sleeping, giving charity, etc., are all acts of worship if done for God alone, and in accordance with His Divine Laws and guidelines. Of course, we have another, secondary reason as to why we worship God. We thank Him for creating us and for what He has given us--despite the fact that we did not earn nor deserve any of it. God has given us so much, his favors are innumerable. God gives, without measure, to His servants. He gave the gift of life and the ability to hear, feel, taste, and see. God gifted humans their hearts, minds, souls, strengths, skills, and countless other things.

"And He gave you of all what you asked of Him. And if you count the Favor of Allah, you will you be able to count them. Indeed, mankind is surely unjust and ungrateful" (Quran 14:34)

We worship God because He is The-Loving, and His love exists in the purest form. We worship God to gain Taqwa; God-fearing piety, righteousness, mindfulness, and consciousness of God. Life becomes meaningful as we fulfill our life’s purpose, resulting in a better and peaceful life here in this world and the hereafter. As another secondary motivation, we worship God so that we can earn the reward of Paradise and avoid certain condemnation to the flames of hellfire.

Who Created GOD? ┇If God Created EVERYTHING, Who Created GOD? ┇Who Created ALLAH? ┇Who made GOD? The question, ‘Who created God?’ is both nonsensical and self-contradictory. The inquiry, for all intents and purposes, is illogical and meaningless. The question can be translated to mean, ‘Who created ‘the uncreated’?’ How can something be created if it claims its origins as an uncreated being? The question assumes the existence of an entity that is at once created and uncreated. By definition, God is uncreated. If a god was created, then he would not be a god because another creator or god would stand over him. The question is assuming the existence of a limited god. The idea of a ‘god being created’ produces in its essence a circular fallacy. Whereas creations claim definite beginnings and ends, God does not. He is not confined to time and space, as we are. He is the One that created time and space, just as He created everything else. When it is stated that everything has a Creator, the statement refers to everything that is created. God, however, is uncreated. Our God, our Master, our Creator by definition cannot be created. He is the One performing the Creation, He is the Supreme Being. God exists in an uncreated form. He has no beginning nor an end. He is the First, the Last, the Eternal. He is Self-Existent, Self-Sufficient. God is independent. If he was dependent on something or someone, he could not be God. "That is Allah, your Lord, Creator of all things; there is no deity except Him, so how are you deluded?" (Quran 40:62) He is the creator of the Heavens and Earth, the creator of the Universe. He is the Lord of all lords, King of all kings. He is the Most Compassionate and Most Merciful. Allah neither Begets, nor is He Begotten. He cannot be compared to anything, as nothing is comparable to Him. He knows no equal. God offers a description of Himself in His Book, the Holy Quran, stating...

Sometimes the media portrays Islam as an oppressive religion, one which oppresses women especially. While sadly it is true that some Muslim women are oppressed in some areas in Muslim countries around the world, any form of emotional, physical, or psychological abuse or oppression towards women is prohibited in our faith and goes strongly against the teachings and laws of Islam. The overall suppression of women occurs in many parts of the world regardless of the oppressor’s religion or culture, even if the oppressor is atheist in faith. However, no Islamic laws stand in place to oppress women; moreover, Islam specifically states that women have every right to a decent life without facing aggression or abuse of any sort--just as a man does. The Holy Quran states that God the Almighty created all species in pairs, thus indicating that both men and women were created of the same species. Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him stated in a narration that ‘Women are the twin halves of men.’ God states in the Holy Quran that: “The men believers and women believers are Auliya' (helpers, supporters, friends, protectors) of one another” (Quran 9:71) Islam states that both men and women were created in a pure state and that both are equal in the eyes of God. The only real criterion that judges the superiority of one person over another is that of piety, God-consciousness, and righteousness. "...Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you..." (Quran 49:13) Both men and women in the Islamic faith are expected to fulfill the same obligations of faith, worship, prayer, charity, etc., and—as stressed in the Holy Quran--women are no different than men in the spiritual sense. Both men and women are subject to the reward or punishment of God. "And whoever does righteous deeds, whether male or female, while being a believer - those will enter Paradise and will not be wronged, [even as much as] the speck on a date seed" (Quran 4:124) While both men and women are spiritually equal in the eyes of God, the two genders are not identical and claim many biological, psychological, and physical differences—therefore, it would not be logical to compare the roles of men and women. The rights, responsibilities, and roles of each gender are balanced, yet are not necessarily the same. Each gender claims different roles in life, and each is suited for that role by their functions, as designed by nature. Generally speaking, men in general, possess more physical strength than women, which is why men and women compete in separate athletic competitions in rigorous sports such as boxing or basketball. "...And the male is not like the female..." (Quran 3:36) For example, women are equipped for childbearing, while men are incapable of performing this function. On the other hand, a man is suited for military field battles during times of war; the appointment of a woman to fight in the field in place of a man would disadvantage an army. One should not misinterpret these differences to mean that men are superior or inferior to women; rather, these roles are attributed to the natural capacity and proper functioning between genders. Men and women complement each other, with each existing as a means of mutual fulfillment to the other.

Difference between Sunni & Shia (Shiites) 90% of the Muslim world is Sunni and 8% is Shia in faith. Shia followers, also spelled Shiite, are commonly found in Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Bahrain, and a few other places. The difference between Sunni and Shia arose as a result of a political division, as a result of Shia followers went their separate way. Yet while the split started as a difference of opinion in politics, some major theology differences occurred later; with Shia incorporating many unconventional, foreign concepts into their theology and faith. The Sunni and Shia division found its origins as a disagreement about the leadership of the Muslim community after the death of Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him. After his death, his companions were forced to choose the next leader, the ruler, the successor of the Muslim community, commonly known as the Caliphate. Sunnis believed that Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him did not explicitly designate his replacement, and that they needed to appoint this leader by mutual consultation. The Shia, by contrast, believed that the Prophet designated his cousin and son-in-law Ali, peace be upon him to resume the role of Caliph. Sunni Muslims deemed Abu Bakr, the Prophet’s closest companion, the most fit to lead the Muslim community. Abu Bakr hence became the first Caliph and Ali eventually became the fourth, serving in the wake of Abu Bakr, Umar, and Uthman peace be upon them. Ali himself was well satisfied with the decision to appoint Abu Bakr as the ruler, but others were less pleased with the decision. Sunni Muslims consider themselves followers of Islam’s orthodox tradition; following the pure, uninfluenced faith taught by Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him. The word ‘Sunni’ comes from the term ‘Sunnah,’ which refers to the teachings and practice of Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him--who in turn was taught by Angel Gabriel, who learned the faith from God himself. The term ‘Shia’ linguistically translates to mean party, sect, supporters, a group of similar minded people. The term ‘Shia’ is an abbreviation for ‘Shiatu Ali,’ which signifies ‘Group or ‘supporters of Ali.’ Shia was a political faction who claimed that the cousin and son-in-law of Prophet Muhammad should have led the Islamic community as the Caliphate, in place of Abu Bakr. Originally, this group of Ali’s supporters known as Shia stood against the Umayyads political party but remained purely Sunni in their theology and faith--unlike modern-day Shia. Yet with passing years arose major doctrine/theological differences. The famous 12 Imams who Shia hold in the highest regard were Sunni in Creed--not Shia. If Ali indeed was explicitly appointed by Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him, as the Shia claim, then that would mean that Abu Bakr was appointed unjustly in the role of a caliph—also meaning that he disobeyed and went against the wishes of the Prophet, despite his role as his closest associate and dearest friend. Additionally, this move would imply that the companions who accepted Abu Bakr as the Caliphate went against the Prophet, peace be upon him, despite earning a high rank and God’s praise in the Holy Quran. Many of the beliefs of Shiism claim no basis in the religion of Islam. Shi’ism evolved from its role as a political sect supporting and favoring the leadership of Ali and his descendants--whom they label as Imams--over more qualified companions, to a holder of strange ideas foreign to Islam.

History of Islam ┇How Did Islam Begin? ┇How Did Islam Spread? Contrary to popular belief, Islam is not a new religion; one that came into existence a mere 1400 years ago, back in the 7th century. Islam in truth has existed since the first moment that man set foot on Earth. The final Prophet of mankind, Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him, was not the founder of Islam, as many people mistakenly believe. Instead, he was sent as the last and final Prophet of God; one delivered by God the Almighty to convey His Universal and Eternal Message to our nation, the final nation. When Prophet Muhamad peace be upon him appeared, he did not bring with him a new religion; rather he brought forth a faith which already existed. Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him renewed an ancient tradition of the preceding monotheistic religion. That which has been preached and taught by every previous Messenger and Prophet of God. Prophet Muhammad was only the last and final Prophet, the very seal of the Prophets. Islam is the continuation, the culmination, the final completion of God’s universal and eternal Message to mankind, as revealed to all of God’s previous Messengers and Prophets. Like all previous Prophets and Messengers of God, Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him preached and taught Tawheed—the Oneness of God. He taught that God Alone is worthy of worship and veneration; and that God Alone is the Creator of all. No other being is worthy of worship; not the Sun, the Moon, nor an idol. Throughout history, anyone who practiced monotheism through their submission to the will of God and the following of his prophet, was considered a Muslim. Human beings have been practicing Islam since the creation of Prophet Adam peace be upon him. Throughout the ages, God the Almighty sent Prophets and Messengers to guide and teach their nations in the way of Islam. All Prophets preached the same general Message to their nations. All of God’s Messengers and Prophets were Muslims by definition, because the term Muslim translates to mean those who submit their will to God the Almighty. "He has ordained for you of religion what He enjoined upon Noah and that which We have revealed to you, [O Muhammad], and what We enjoined upon Abraham and Moses and Jesus - to establish the religion and not be divided therein. Difficult for those who associate others with Allah is that to which you invite them. Allah chooses for Himself whom He wills and guides to Himself whoever turns back [to Him]" (Quran 42:13) Allah the Glorious states that Prophet Abraham peace be upon him was indeed a Muslim. All three major religions--Islam, Christianity, and Judaism--portray Prophet Abraham peace be upon him as a towering, inspiring example of someone who submitted himself fully to God and worshipped Him without intermediaries. Prophet Abraham peace be upon him played a prominent role in history as an example of pure and true faith. The Holy Quran shares stories of Prophet Abraham’s firm and steadfast belief in God, calling and preaching the Oneness of God and rejecting the belief of idolatry. He later persevered in the face of various difficult tests and hardships that God placed before him, testing his belief and his loyalty. With that said, Islam always has stood as the one and only universal Message of God, as all Messengers and Prophets--including Prophet Abraham peace be upon them—were considered ‘Muslims’; i.e., those who submitted their will to God the Almighty. They all followed Islam, which translates to the act of submitting one’s will to God the Almighty. One that engages in the act of submitting their will to God is, by definition, is a Muslim.