GUIDE POSTS

4 ,GUIDE POSTS, LIGHT OF ISLAM (Bashir Ahmad Orchard) Hearts cannot be won by the sword; nor can religion be imposed by coercion. During the period 610-632 A.D. Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be on him, the Messenger of God, succeeded with divine succour to convert a nation of idol worshippers and debauchers into a nation of unitarians and saints. It is written in Scripture (Deuteronomy 18:19, Jeremiah 14:15) that the wrath of God descends upon a false prophet and he is destroyed. The mission of Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be on him, was a glorious success wherein he transformed a Godless and corrupt people steeped in every kind of iniquity into pious devotees of God Almighty thereby establishing without doubt the truth of his prophethood. I believe in Islam because it has transformed my life more or less in the same manner that it transformed the lives of the Arabs in the days of Muhammad, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him. I believe in Islam because it does not refer only to miracles and heavenly signs of the past, but demonstrates them even in the present age thereby revealing the ever presence of God. I believe in Islam because it proclaims the absolute Unity of God who has no partner or earthly form of any kind: “Say He is Allah, the One! Allah the Independent and Besought of all. He begets not, nor is He begotten; and there is none like unto Him.” (The Holy Quran 112:2-5) I believe in Islam because it is the only revealed religion intended for all mankind. Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be on him, was commanded to proclaim: “I have been sent for all mankind.”(Quran 7:159) Previous prophets were sent only to particular tribes and nations with guidance suitable for the times and people to whom they were sent. Jesus, peace be on him, declared: “I am not sent but unto the lost GUIDE POSTS sheep of the house of Israel” (Matthew 15:24) for which reason he specifically instructed his disciples ‘Go not into the way of the Gentiles and into any CIty of the Samaritans enter ye not. But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” (Matthew 10:5, 6). 5 I believe in Islam because it seeks to unite people of all nations into one bond of brotherhood irrespective of colour and race. The real mark of distinction between one person and another is his or her degree of righteousness: “Verily the most honourable among you in the sight of Allah is he who is the most righteous among you.” (Quran 49:14) . I believe in Islam because I find that the Quran provides clear evidence in support of its claim to be the Word of God. The transcendent eloquence of its Arabic text is matchless. No one has ever been able and never will be able to produce the like of it. Its style, diction and syntax is supreme. The challenge of the Quran remains open forever: “And if they do not accept your challenge then know that it has been revealed, ” (Quran 11: 15) Keeping also in mind that Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be on him, was illiterate, the text of the Quran is indeed a mighty sign of its divine origin and is not the work of any mortal. I believe in Islam because it exhorts an attitude of tolerance towards people of other religions despite differences of belief. The Quran commands: “Let there be no compulsion in religion.” (2:256) Again: “The truth is from your Lord; let him who will, believe, and let him who will disbelieve.” (Quran 18:29) I believe in Islam because I observe heavenly light emanating from the countenance of true devotees of the faith which is as visible as the light of the sun reflected in the moon. This one sign alone is sufficient to convince me of the truth of Islam. I believe in Islam because I know that a tree is known by its fruits. I have tasted the sweet fruit of Islam and know, therefore, that it is a tree planted by God. 6 REVIEW OF RELIGIONS I believe in Islam because I find that its teachings provide the only beneficial remedy to heal the spiritual ailments which prevail through out the world. I proclaim this good news so that you may study and experience the beneficience of Islam and so bear witness to the truth of my testimony. BOOK OF DEEDS “So whoever does good works and is a believer, his endeavour will not be rejected and We shall surely record it.” (21:95) “And the Book of their deeds will be placed before them, and thou wilt see the guilty ones fearful at what is therein; and they will say, ‘0 woe to us! What kind of a Book is this! It leaves out nothing small or great but has recorded it.’ And they will find all that they did confronting them, and the Lord does not wrong anyone.” (18:50) “He utters not a word but there is by him a guardian angel ready to record it.” (50:19) “Surely there are guardians over you, Noble recorders, Who know all that you do.” (82:11-13) “This is our Book; it speaks against you with truth. We caused all that you did to be fully recorded.” (45:30) “And every man’s works have We fastened to his neck, and on the Day of Resurrection We shall bring out for him a book which he will find wide open. And it will be said to him, ‘Read thy book. Sufficient is thy own soul as reckoner against thee this day’.” (17:14,15)