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by: isa abdullah biago

ISLAM is the Abrahamic Mystery of Ishmael The Qur’an confirms this undeniable truth about Abraham, who is the leader of all mankind. (Genesis 12:2; 13:14; 15:1,5). From the Biblical and Qur’anic point of view, Abraham was the Father of the Semitic people i.e. subfamily of the Afro-Asiatic people that includes Hebrew, Aramaic, Arabic, and Amharic. Abraham was not a dualist, Trinitarian and Polytheist but Monotheist and chosen as the Father of many nations. In Genesis chapter 17 after Ishmael was born, God renew his promised and covenant by changing

his name from Abram to Abraham and from him all his descendants were circumcise as a covenant with the One True God. God fulfilled his promised to Isaac through Israel, the sons of Jacob of whom Jesus the Messiah was born and the Arabs from Ishmael of whom Muhammad the last and Final Prophet1 and Messenger was born (Genesis 25:12-16; Deuteronomy

33:2; Habakkuk 3:3 Isaiah 42:11,12). His two sons, Ishmael and Isaac inherited this pure belief from their Father Abraham and acknowledged and accepted by their descendants (Genesis 25:12-18; I Chronicle 1:28-31) until Jesus Christ and to Muhammad, continue to preach this Monotheistic religion. The Qur’an says: “ And who can be better in religion than one who submits himself to Allah; and he is a righteous man, and follows the religion of Abraham in worshipping none but Allah alone. And Allah did take Abraham as an intimate friend.” (4:125). In addition, in the Bible he was chosen by God as a Father of many nations, the Qur’an clarify this covenant and promise, Allah says: “ Verily, I am going to make you Abraham AN IMAM that is a leader for mankind. And Abraham said,‘ and of my offspring. Allah said to Abraham,

1 May peace, and the blessing of Allah, be on His Messengers Muhammad, Jesus, Moses and others.

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“COVENANT OF PROPHETHOOD includes not the polytheists and wrong doers… And this religion of Islam was enjoined by Abraham upon his sons and by Jacob, saying” O my sons! Allah has chosen for you the religion, then die not except in the Faith of Islam…and indeed, We sent NNOOAAHH AANNDD AABBRRAAHHAAMM,, AANNDD PPLLAACCEEDD IINN TTHHEEIIRR

OOFFFFSSPPRRIINNGG PPRROOPPHHEETTHHOOOODD AANNDD SSCCRRIIPPTTUURREE.. Moreover, among them, there are some who guided; but many of them are rebellious or disobedient to Allah. ” (2:125, 132; 57:26). This prophetic declaration and revelation was confirmed by Giulio Basetti-Sani, a

Roman Catholic clergy says: "" IIssllaamm iiss aa mmyysstteerryy lliinnkkeedd wwiitthh

tthhee bblleessssiinngg oobbttaaiinneedd bbyy AAbbrraahhaamm ffrroomm GGoodd ffoorr hhiiss ssoonn

IIsshhmmaaeell aanndd IIsshhmmaaeell''ss pprrooggeennyy.. TThhiiss lliinnee ooff tthhoouugghh,,

ddeerriivveedd ffrroomm tthhee BBiibbllee,, iiss tthhee oonnee ttoo ttaakkee iinn oorrddeerr ttoo

ggrraasspp tthhee ssiiggnniiffiiccaannccee ooff IIssllaamm…… IIssllaamm mmiigghhtt wweellll bbee

tthhee AAbbrraahhaammiicc mmyysstteerryy ooff IIsshhmmaaeell..”” With regard to the

covenant with Isaac, Jesus is the fulfillment however the Jews and Israelites received him not and rejected him (John 1:11; Luke 19:41-44; John 19: 12-16). Jesus said unto them: “ Have you never read in the scriptures: the very stone which the builders rejected has become the head of the corner; this was the

Lord’s doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes’? Therefore, I tell you, the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a nation producing the fruits of it.“ (Matthew 21:42-44; compare Genesis 17:20 Ishmael is a fruitful nation- RSV). God blessed Ismael and fulfilled His

promised. Richard Wolff says:: ""AAccccoorrddiinngg ttoo SSccrriippttuurree tthhee AArraabbss

ddeesscceennddeedd ffrroomm AAbbrraahhaamm tthhrroouugghh IIsshhmmaaeell.. GGoodd ggrraanntteedd aa ssppeecciiaall

bblleessssiinngg ttoo IIsshhmmaaeell bbeeccaauussee ooff AAbbrraahhaamm..""22

Auxiliary Culture

2 Israel Act III , Richard Wolff p. 81

Let me give you a slight briefing about Muslim culture in general perspective past and present. Those who are familiar with the Biblical information, Arabs and or the Muslims are the real adherent of the Biblical faith and practices which many of them are part of their religious obligation. The Bible is a sacred scripture of the Christian in general. Originally, it is written in the Semitic language, such as Aramaic and Hebrew, which is the sister-language of Arabic, and many of its idiom, grammatical form, words, culture, practices belief and topography are Middle East culture and practices. Let me show some Biblical Faith and practices of the Muslims in the Bible. Before we prolong to this exposition, biblical scholars like Rev. H.S. Miller says: The Arabic belongs to the branch of the Semitic language, preserving original Semitic form. It is a rich, simple flexible language and render valuable help in the light given sounds, grammatical forms, and words with their meaning in connection with the Old Testament study. It is the language of the Koran, one of the principal languages of the world. (page 162 General Biblical Introduction). In addition, the Watchtower admitted: " the language of the peoples of Arabia is a member of the South Semitic group and has remained more stable than the other Semitic language. It has therefore, proved helpful in improving the understanding of many expression and words of the ancient Hebrew of the Bible (Insight Vol. 1 p. 141). Therefore, Arabs and its language. i.e. the Arabic is one of the way of understanding the faith, cultural, tradition and the true recipients of its birthright.

Faith and Practices Shahada (Declaration of the Oneness of God and His Prophets)

In the Islamic faith, there is an important standard by which a man is judged as a Muslim or a Kafir (unbeliever). The declaration is called Shahada (Confession of Faith) in Arabic, the first

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principles in the belief in the Oneness of Allah (Tawheedullah). A Muslim declares his Faith by reciting sincerely and conviction, " LA

ILAHA ILLA ALLAH, MUHAMMADAR RASULULLAH." This saying means, " There is no worthy of worship and other deity except Allah (swt) and Muhammad is the last Messenger of Allah.”. The Shahadah is the ground foundation upon which Islam is based. Shahada is a statement of belief to be contemplated and remembered repeatedly through all the days of his life on this world. It is a covenant of our promise to the Almighty God. On the other hand, a commitment to a total self-surrender to God’s will. Anyone who declares this (Shahada) is a new person and expected to change his thoughts and deeds if contrary to the Islamic way of life or standards and principles. To believe in Allah as the Only True God must worship Him alone; the believers must reject or negate all types of worship to anyone or anything. The phrase there is no deity; reject all false deity, while the phrase "except Allah" confirms that Only Allah is the true God. The Holy Qur'an says: " There is no ilah " There is no ilah " There is no ilah " There is no ilah

(god or deity) except Allah(god or deity) except Allah(god or deity) except Allah(god or deity) except Allah. “La ilha illa Allah” it denotes denying

everyone and everything other than Allah. The ANGELS, the PROPHETS and the rest of MANKIND, IDOLS (Qur’an 39:44; 21:283), IDEOLOGY, INTERCESSION OF SAINTS, ANCESTORS, Qur’an (44:8), PERSONAL PASSIONS (Qur’an 27:43), NATURE (Qur’an 7:54), are not gods nor do they deserve neither to be worship nor to adore. This fundamental conviction of the Muslim are embodied and promulgated in the Bible.

Shahada in the Old and New Testament “ Hear me, O Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem; Believe in the LORD your God, so shall ye be established; believe his prophets, so shall ye prosper.” ( 2 Chronicle 20:20)

“ And it came to pass at the time of the offering of the evening sacrifice, that Elijah the prophet came near, and said, LORD God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, let it be known this day that thou art God in Israel, and that I am thy servant, and that I have done all these things at thy word.” (1 Kings 18: 36) “And this is life eternal that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom thou hast sent.” (John 17:3)

Prayer and Worship of the Muslims Prayer constitutes one pillar of Islam and is considered the Foundation of Religion. Any Muslim who fails to observe his prayer and has no reasonable excuse is committing a grave offense and a heinous sin. To neglect prayer is to oppress the good qualities in human nature and unjustifiably deny it right to adore and love the right to aspire and ascend the right to excel and goodness and achieve noble aims. TIMES OF REQUIRED PRAYERS 1. Fajr (dawn). From the first light appearing in the sky (about one and a half hours before sunrise) until sunrise 2. Dhuhor (noon) from the decline of the sun (about 20 minutes after it has reached its zenith) until Asar. 3. Asar (afternoon). From mid-afternoon (when the length of a shadow is equal to the length of its object until sunset. 4. Maghrib (sunset) from the setting (i.e., disappearance) of the sun until Isha. 5. Isha (Evening). From the disappearance of the red glow in the sky (about one and a quarter hours after sunset) until midnight. It extends until fajr for those who, for some reason, are unable to pray in the first of the night.

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As you could notice, all these required timing and procedures for Muslims to pray are openly and circuitously embodied in Biblical references, which is the practices of Old, and New Testament believers. Such as…

PROSTRATION (SUJUD) IN PRAYING. A Muslim who is praying prostrate by placing the forehead and nose on the ground. In this position, the forehead, hands, knees and toes should be touching the ground, this is called Sujud. Prostration is an act of worship with face on the ground that portrait adoration or submission to the One and Only True God -Allah. The Bible portrait this procedures.

“ And he went a little farther, and FELL ON HIS FACE, and prayed, (Matthew 26:39)

“ And Moses made haste, and BOWED HIS HEAD TOWARD THE

EARTH, AND WORSHIPPED. (Exodus 34:8)

“ And Moses and Aaron went from the presence of the assembly unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, and they FELL UPON THEIR FACE; and the Glory of the LORD appeared unto them. “ (Numbers 20:6)

“ And Abram (Abraham) FELL ON HIS FACE; and God talked with him…” (Genesis 17:3)

“ … And Joshua fELL ON HIS FACE TO THE EARTH, and did worship, …” (Joshua 5:14)

“ And Ezra blessed the LORD, the great God. And all people answered, Amen, Amen, with lifting up their hands; and THEY BOWED THEIR HEAD, AND WORSHIP THE LORD WITH THEIR FACE TO THE GROUND.” (Nehemiah 8:6) PRAYER FROM MORNING UNTIL EVENING. Prayer is incumbent upon every Muslim (male and female) who is of sound mind and has reached puberty. There are five required prayers in every 24 hours and other voluntary (Sunnah) prayers, by which the Muslim may gain additional reward. The obligatory prayer is called fardh. (see Times Required Prayers) PRAYER IN ALL DAYS ( 5 Times within the whole Day ) “ Thou art my God; be gracious to me, O Lord, for thee do I cry all the day.” (Psalms 86:3) “And he told them a parable, to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart. (Luke 18:1) TIME OF PRAYER (Fajr [Morning], Dhuhor [Noon], Asr [Afternoon], Magreb [before sunset] and Isha [evening]) In the morning [Fajar] “ O LORD, in the MORNING thou dost hear my voice; in the morning I prepare a sacrifice for thee, and watch.” (Psalms 5:3; Ps. 8:3) EVENING, MORNING & NOON - [Isha, Fajr and Dhuhor] “ But I call upon God; and the LORD will save me. Evening and morning and at noon I utter my complaint and moan and he will hear my voice.” (Psalms 55:17) AFTERNOON PRAYER [Asr] “ Now Peter and John went up together into the Temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour (3 o clock in the afternoon) [Acts 3:1]

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MORNING AND BEFORE SUNSET (Fajr and Magreb Prayer) “ From the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same the LORD’s name is to be praised.” (Psalms 113:3) ALL NIGHT (Tahajud or Istikara)- they pray in one accord, praising continually in the temple- (Acts 1:14; 24:53) LIFTING THE HANDS IN PRAYER AND PROSTRATION. Muslim who wants to recite any supplication, he can do it by lifted up his hands up to the sky and or cupped his hands in front of him. The best example of this was performed by Ezra, a biblical Prophet. “And Ezra blessed the LORD, the great God. And all people answered, Amen, Amen, with lifting up their hands; and they bowed their head, and worshipped the LORD with their face to the ground.” (Nehemiah 8:6) Washing (Wudu) before Prayer. Wudhu (Washing or Ablution) is one of the requirements before a Muslim could perform his prayer, and going to bed.

The Bible, illustrate the procedure performed by Moses and Aaron “ And he set the laver between the tent of the congregation and the altar, and put water there, to wash withal. And Moses, Aaron, and his sons washed their hands and their feet thereat. When they went into the tent of the congregation, and when they came near unto the altar, they washed, as the LORD commanded Moses.” (Exodus 40:30,31,32)

TAKING OFF THE SHOES BEFORE ENTERING THE HOUSE OF WORSHIP. Cleanliness is part and partial of the Islamic faith especially a requirement or conditions necessary for prayer. Clean surrounding, body, clothing and place from the contamination by any impurities. Not only that, Mosques was consecrated for the worship of devotees and it should be free from such foulness. By removing, our shoes and sleeper or anything that might be carrying dirt is partly a safe measure of pure worship and devotion. This act of devotion was inculcated to Prophet Moses. “ And he said, Draw not nigh hither; put off thy shoes from off thy feet, for the place whereon thou standest is holy ground.” (Exodus 3:5) “ And the Captain of the LORD’s host said unto Joshua, loose thy shoes from off thy foot; for the place whereon thou standest is holy.” (Joshua 5:15) Masjid (House of Prayer). A place of Prayer is called “ House of Prayer” or “ MASJID in Arabic. The English word “ Mosque” is from the Spanish word mezquita , and from the Arabic word “masjid” which the root word is sajda ( Arabic) meaning to prostrate oneself, worship. It is also a building used for public worship by Muslims (p. 758 Merriam –Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary 10th Edition, Philippines 1999). Jesus called the Jerusalem temple a “ House of Prayer” in Arabic Masjid, hence a Mosque in English. Jesus said: “ And said unto them, it is written, My house shall be called the House of Prayer,” (Matthew 21:13) CALENDAR IS BASE ON THE LUNAR MONTH. Calendar is a fixed system and or table of period that counts and marks the beginning and ending, length, and divisions of the common year and arranging days and longer divisions of time such as weeks and

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months in a definite order. There are two well-known type of calendar that counts each year, the Solar and Lunar. Solar is a system based on the sun together with group of celestial bodies that are held by its attraction and revolved around it. The Lunar Calendar measured by the moon’s revolution. The Christian, in general used the Solar Calendar akin and originally from the Greek mythology adapted by the Roman Catholic, also known as Gregorian calendar introduced in 1582 by Pope Gregory XIII as a revision of the Julian calendar, adapted in Great Britain and in American colonies. However, Islamicaly, the Muslim used officially the Calendar called Hijrah Calendar based on lunar, analogous to the Biblical counting of years, months and weeks. Here is one of the examples mentioned in the Bible. “ And it shall come to pass, that from one new moon to another, and from one Sabbath to another, shall all flesh come to worship before me, saith the LORD.” (Isaiah 66:23) ABSOLUTE FASTING. Fasting or As-Siyam is to abstain “ completely” from food, drinks, intimate intercourse and smoking, before the break of the dawn until sunset, during the entire month of Ramadan, the 9th month of the Islamic Calendar. It is also expected that during fasting month the Muslim also refrain from all bad deeds and speech as much as possible. Absolute fasting is the common practice of the Biblical Prophets; it is the total avoidance of all food and liquid (Ezra 10:6; Esther 4:6 Acts 9:9). Fasting is an act of worship, which teaches self-control and resistance to passion, likes the prophets and men of God. Jesus fasted: “ And he had fasted forty days and forty nights he was afterward hunger. “ (Matthew 4:2)

The Biblical prophets like David (Psalms 35:13), Daniel (Daniel 9:3), Moses (Duet. 9:9), Elijah (I Kings 19:8) and the first believers or followers of Jesus Christ (Acts 13: 2; 14:23) were

all subscribers of this religious duty. Fasting shaped the social, cultural, moral and commercial life with basic laws and principles which are most in conformity with human nature and hence applicable in all times as human nature does not change. Here is an explanation of the spiritual meaning of the Islamic Fasting. 1. It teaches man the principles of sincere love; because when he observes the Fasting, he does it out of deep love for God; and the man who loves God truly is a man who really knows what love is. 2. It equips man with a creative sense of Hope and an optimistic outlook on life; because when he fasts he is hoping to please God and seeking His grace. 3. It imbues man with a genuine virtue of effective devotion, honest dedication and closeness to God; because when he fasts, he does so for God and for His sake alone. 4. It cultivates in man a vigilant and sound conscience, because the fasting person keeps his past secret as well as in public. In Fasting, especially, there is no mundane authority to check man's behavior or compel him to observe the Fasting. He keeps it to please God and satisfy his own conscience is being faithful in secret and in public. 5. It indoctrinates man in patience and unselfishness, because when he rests he feels the pains of depravation but endures patiently. Truly this depravation may be only temporary, yet there is no doubt that the experience makes him realize the severe effects of such pains on others. The meaning of this experience in a social and humanitarian sense is that such a person is much quicker than anybody else in sympathizing with his fellow men is and responding to their

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needs is. That is an eloquent of unselfishness and genuine sympathy. 6. It is an effective lesson in applied moderation and willpower. The person who observes his fasting properly is certainly a man who can discipline his passionate desires and place his self above physical temptations. Such is the man of personality and character, the man of willpower and determination. 7. It shows man a new way of wise saving and sound budgeting; because normally when he eats quantities or less meal he spends less money and effort. In addition, this is a spiritual semester of home economics and budgeting. 8. It enables man to master the art of mature adaptability. We can easily understand the point once we realize that fasting makes man change the entire course of his daily life. When he makes the change, he naturally adapts himself to a new system and moves along to satisfy the new rules. This, in long run, develops in him a wise sense of adaptability and self-created power to overcome the unpredictable hardships of life. A man who values constructive adaptability and courage will readily appreciate the effects of fasting in this respect. 9. It grounds man in discipline and healthy survival. When a man observes the regular course of fasting on consecutive days of the month of Ramadan, he is certainly applying himself to a high form of discipline and a superb sense of order. Similarly, when he relieves his stomach and relaxes his digestive system, he is indeed insuring his body, not to mention the soul, against all harms that result from stomach overcharge. In this manner of relaxation he may be sure that his body will survive free from the usual disorder and break, and that his soul will continue to shine purely and peacefully.

10. It originates in man the real spirit of social belonging of Unity and brotherhood, of equality before God as well as before the law. This spirit is the natural product of that when man fasts; he feels that he is joining the completely Muslim society in observing the same duty in the manner at the same time for the same motives to the same end. No sociologist can say that there has been at any period of history anything comparable to this institution of Islam. People have been crying throughout the ages for acceptable belonging, for unity, for brotherhood, for equality, but how echoes less their voices has been, and how very little success they have meet! 11. It is a godly prescription for self-reassurance and self-control. When a man fasts in the proper manner, he is in control of himself, exercises full command over his passions, disciplines his desires and resists all evil temptation.

PROHIBITION OF UNLAWFUL THINGS Eating of the flesh of swine. Expatriate or Visitors to Gulf country, a Non-Muslim might take notice of the word Halal (Lawful) and Haram (unlawful or forbidden) from the lips of the populace. The main purpose of a True Religion must be build an ideal community in this universe; a religion that promote moral, political and cost-effective well being; social harmony and peace, as well as good health of its believer or followers. Hence, the progressive and developing country sees that preventive measures is considering it so important and exerting its effort to educate the students and the populace alike. In Islam, preventive measures are in four types, cleanliness, food and drinking, public health and physical exercise. Islamic doctrine promote to the populace a healthy principles which modern science consider as very basic in driving away diseases before it strikes, eliminating it as if possible.

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Hence, to define health means the physical and mental well being and free from diseases and pain. About the swine the Bible says: “ And the swine, though he divide the hoof, and be cloven footed, yet he chewed not the cud; he is unclean to you. Of the flesh shall ye not eat, and their carcasses shall ye not touch; they are unclean to you.” (Leviticus 11:7-8 see also Deuteronomy 14:8) There are several passages in the Bible, articulating that because of sin (a transgression of the law of God). God inflicted the human being with diseases (Psalms 103:3; Exodus 15:26 ) This ruling , in Islam issue an instructions and teachings on diseases prevention so that it adherents will always stay healthy.

The Importance of Abstention From Eating Pork To protect the public from psychosis and deterioration, weakness and immoderation, indecency and inducement, Islamic countries prohibited certain things pertaining to food and drinking. Muslims promotes a healthy measure to ensure the well being of the society including the expatriate. Some of it are those that intoxicate such as wine or liquors (Qur’an 2:219; 4:43; 5:93-94). Hence, the core of our topic here are to nourish our body with clean food to promote healthy body, a special attention must be focus on diet. A deceived person may argue that food or diet has no direct important effects on the general condition of the person. The authentic principles in Islam with regards to diet are this, “All things which pure and good for man are lawful while they have to take it moderately.” Beyond this principles, there are certain types of food specified by God as forbidden, such as the meat and products of swine (pork, bacon, ham, hotdog, lard), of wild animals that use claws or teeth to kill their victims (tigers, wolves, leopard) and all types of birds of prey like hawk, vultures, crows), reptiles, worms

and the like, and dead animals and birds not slaughters properly. (Qur’an 2:172-173; 5:4-6). Consequently, most forbidden food mentioned in the Qur’an and particularly in the Bible are not customary diet of the non- Muslims, with exception of some eastern countries being served as exotic food such as rats, snakes, worms and earth worms and et citera. Swine flesh is the most popular and a normal delicacy all over the world. Why eat pork when it is among the forbidden food in the Scripture of Islam and Christianity? Abstention from eating pork is one of the measures to keep man free from diseases, and to promote good health of the body. In other religions, food selection is a minor thing and not part of their religious duties. It must be included in the religious tenets, for religion is the channel of God’s mercy and instruction for the well being of the creation.

Character and Physiological Composition of Pig All types of animals are lawful to be eaten whether those living on land or in the water with the exception of those animals specifically forbidden in Al-Qur’an revealed by the Almighty Creator and the teaching of the Prophet with clear and well-defined instructions. However, with regards to the PORK, according to Bong Barrameda that:

“ The pig being closer physiological similarity to humans than any other mammal. Its digestive organs, teeth, blood, and skin are strikingly akin to their human counterparts… Because of this physiological compatibility, pigskin is used as a component in artificial heart valves and as a soothing natural covering for severe burns.““““

(Trivia, Phil Daily Inquirer, July 10, 1992)

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Therefore, pig meat consumption is likely an act consuming human flesh. Pig belong to the forbidden animals, and not allowed to be eaten by the believers. Pig eats almost anything dirty and they are very lazy animals. It is the most avaricious of all domestic animals. Amongst all animals, pig is the cradle of harmful viral and bacterial diseases. Its meat serves as carrier of diseases to mankind and plays the major role in transmitting some of these diseases. A better measure is to abandon eating pig meat. It is this very reason that made it unfit for human consumption. Allah describes it as an abomination, in Al-Qur’an ( Sura An’am :145) EATING OF DEAD ANIMAL cause by sickness or Accident. As for animals, which die in an accident or sickness, Islam prohibits eating their flesh. If by sickness then there is no doubt the disease or poisoning still dwells in the carcasses though the flesh of the carcass is sterilized by cooking, and eating of it may cause death.. The Biblical prohibition of eating dead animals was mentioned in Deuteronomy 14:21, it says” Ye shall not eat of any thing that dieth of itself. ” DRINKING OF INTOXICANTS To protect people health, Islam prohibits the drinking of intoxicants (Qur’an 5:90). The Prophet says: “ Every intoxicants is a liquor, and all liquor are prohibited. He also says that God curse is on him who drinks it, him who offers it, him who buys, him who sells it, him who produces it, him who transport it and him whom it is transported to. “ This prohibition is also injunction in the Bible it says: “ Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging, and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise…Be not among winebibbers; For the drunkard and the glutton shall come to

poverty…Who hath woe? Who hath sorrow? Who hath contentions? Who hath babbling? Who hath wounds without cause? Who hath redness of eyes? They that tarry long at the wine; they that go to seek mixed wine? (Proverbs 20:1; 23:20-21; 23:29-32 see also Leviticus 10:8-9; Hosea 4:11,12,;); The harmful effect of Alcohol and intoxicants in general, alcohol causes damage resulting in a chronic inflammation of nerves and kidneys, in arteriosclerosis, hepatic petrification, and cardiac weakness. Some medical expert found that though liquors are taken in small does, they are greatly harmful to the enzymes along the gastrointestinal tract, which are indispensable to the proper functioning of the digestive process. A small dosage of liquor causes a rise in blood pressure. It has destructive effects on the gastrointestinal tract. The liver is an organ most sensitive to the harmful effects of alcoholic compounds et citera, that we cannot enumerate whole bad effects of alcohol or liquor. THE PRACTICE OF CIRCUMCISION TO MALE, as a symbol of adherence to the covenant of Abraham with God (Luke 2:21; Genesis 17); Circumcision is not only hygienic in its effects but also a memorial adherence to the obedience of Gods covenant with Abraham. In Genesis 17: 9-14 “And God said unto Abraham, thou shall keep my covenant therefore, thou and thy seed after thee in their generations. This is my covenant, which ye shall keep, between you, thy seed, and me after thee; every man-child among you shall be circumcised. And ye shall circumcise the flesh of your foreskin; and it shall be a token of the covenant betwixt you and me. And he that is eight days old shall be circumcised among you, every man-child in your generations, he that is born in the house, or bought with money of any stranger, which is not of thy seed. He that is born in thy house, and he that is bought with thy money, must needs be circumcised; and my covenant shall be in your flesh for an everlasting covenant. And the uncircumcised man child whose flesh

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of his foreskin is not circumcised, that soul shall be cut off from his people; he hath broken my covenant.” In the New Testament, Jesus in his childhood, his mother and foster father adhere to this covenant and put into practice by circumcising him. “And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called Jesus.” (Luke 2:21) WEARING OF VEIL for women (Genesis 24:65; I Corinthians 11:3-6). The woman, who makes herself a dazzling display, by uncovering her beauty and make-up for every body to enjoy, excites dormant desires. This exposure causes her to be harmed by the hands of human wolves. On the other hand, the covered women hides her beauty and make-up so that only her face and hands are exposed according to one ruling or only eyes are exposed according to the other ruling. What desires this covered woman excites, and what instinct does she incite? This is the brief reason why Muslim women wear their veil. They promote spiritual purity that wits of men could not decontaminate with rubbish imagination. The prohibition of exposing once physical shape of a woman had lot of discussion. One of the wisdom behind the commandment was embodied in Old Testament as well as in the New Testament. In Old Testament, we can find an example how human behave herself: “For she had said unto the servant, what man is this that walketh in the field to meet us? And the servant had said. It is my master: therefore she took a veil, and covered herself.” In the same way, in the New Testament it says: “Every woman that prayeth or prophesieth with her head uncovered dishonored her head: for that is even all one as if she were shaven. For if the women be not covered, let her also be shorn: but if it be a shame for a woman to be shorn or shaven, let her be covered For a man indeed ought not be cover his head, forasmuch as he is the image and glory of God: but the woman is the glory of man. “( I Corinthians 11:5-7). The scenery that you observe nowadays of unveiled women along the busy streets and making

stunning display of their body and faces is the outcome of cultural attack against the modesty of women and the moral of the society will collapse. Women guard your modesty! Revert to the fashion set by the Almighty God. THE GREETING, says Peace be with you, in Arabic ASSALAMU ALAIKOM (John 20:19, 21 26; Matthew 10:12-13). It known and cannot be denied that the greeting: Assalamu Alaikom is the code word used by Muslims and as a greeting to identify themselves among each other. This greeting is the most and stands out salutation of all times. This is not only a greeting but also as a prayer and wishes to our Almighty God the Creator for someone whom we address this. Assalamu Alaikom cannot be equal with another type of reverential greeting, for this reason, Prophets of God habitually used this admirable phrase of courtesy. Muslim are obliged to commence this phrase to greet his brother and as his desire to promote harmony or in one accord with each other. Jesus used this phrase of greeting among his disciples saying, “Peace be unto you “ (John 20:19,20), in the same way he instructed his disciples to salute the greetings of Peace of whom they met into a house.” (Matthew 10:19,20). I n addition, the Muslim to show greatest etiquette civility is advising to response and return the salutation more courteous or equal courtesy. So, say “Assalamu Alaikom “to everyone whom you meet and or if someone greet you with this greeting, reverse it:” Wa alay-kum As –Salam” (Peace be unto you also) as a reply. ASPIRATION OF GUIDANCE FROM GOD by saying “IINNSSHHAA AALLLLAAHH, it means, “ If God permit” or “God’s willing.” (James 4:14,15). This expression is a confirmation of subordination to God’s wills and is a cautious utterance of a Muslim as adherence to one of the Pillars of Faith in Islam, which is “ belief in the Divine Destiny “ or Qadar in Arabic. Men were created with distinct personality and intelligence

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and enjoy the privilege of freedom to choice. However, our will and choice are restricted of what God is ordained to do. Islam is Arabic word which means submission, obedience to the will of God. Islam came from the root word Salam meaning peace, hence Men can attain peace of mind and soul through submission to God’s will. Insha Allah is the phrase of submission, a man’s will subordinate to God’s will. This expression leads man to put forth all his effort and movement to reach his aspiration, keep his hopes even stricken by catastrophe. If frustration ends up from attaining his objectives, belief in Qadar and trust in God is his weapon. The other wisdom of Qadar and Submission to God’s will is always accompanied with bravery, courage and openhandedness. Well, my dear expatriate, whomever you meet and discussed something that would be or to be accomplished say “Insha Allah.! Welcome to Islam, explore more and discover the Biblical land, its people, places, plants and animals, tradition and culture, religion and beliefs. You can fully understand the Bible by understanding Arabs and the Muslims, places, culture, custom and religion. Welcome to Islam, the foundation of Muslim believers, and the core of their daily living and principles of life. Their sources and code of life is the Qur’an. John William Drapper says: “ The Koran abounds in eexxcceelllleenntt mmoorraall ssuuggggeessttiioonnss aanndd pprreecceeppttss; Its composition is so fragmentary that we cannot turn to a single page without findings maxims of which all men must approve this fragmentary construction yields texts, and mottoes, and rules complete in themselves, suitable for common men in any of the incidents of life.” ( A History of the Intellectual Development of Europe, 1875 Vol. 1 pp. 343-344) In addition, The Watch Tower commented: “The SShhaarriiaahh,, oorr CCaannnnoonn LLaaww bbaasseedd oonn pprriinncciipplleess ooff tthhee QQuurr’’aann rreegguullaatteess aa MMuusslliimm’’ss eennttiirree lliiffee iinn tthhee rreelliiggiioouuss,, ppoolliittiiccaall,, aanndd ssoocciiaall sseennsseess ... The faith of the Qur’an had penetrated into Spain and was at the French border. “ (Mankind Search for God, Watch Tower p. 291 , 292, 1990 )

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