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[quote]Post from Haroon

Dear All,

AOA

I have based my reply in two parts,

Part A

is to answer with some quotations to the Muslim brother who felt the compulsion to respond to my e-mail and demanded that one should “Speak no evil” unless it is backed in the light of Quran and sunnah

Here are my views again:

The Christian World is allowing Muslim priests to freely propagate Islam in their countries. It is thus only natural and logical that Muslim countries, as quid-pro-quo, should allow similar facility to the Christian missionaries in their countries.

Muslims who are against this reciprocal arrangement base their plea on a flawed argument. They say that since Allah has declared Islam as the best religion (Qur

’an -3:110) and that Muslims who change their religion would go to Hell Qur’an- 3:85), we cannot allow Muslims to change their religion. The problem with such argument is that while in the case of Muslim, the Qur’anic verdicts are binding’ it is not so with the non-Muslims. We cannot expect members of other faith to treat them as the final truth. Hence in any inter-faith discussion, only secular pleas would be acceptable by all parties.

We should remember that while Muslims think that theirs is the best community, as endorsed by Allah, members of other religions have similar views about their faith and community. For example, the Jews believe that they are the chosen people of God? Jehovah reportedly told them, “The lord God has chosen you to be people for His Own possession out of all people that are on earth.” Christians also believe in the sacredness of their religion in the light the following sayings of the Jesus

’

“I am the Way, the Truth and Life. He that is not with me is against me.” (Mathew 12:30)

“No one comes to Father except through me.” (John 14:6)

It was in the light of this background that Allah sent the following verse.

‘

And they say: “None shall enter paradise unless he is Jew or Christians.” These are vain desires. Say: Produce your proof if you are truthful.” Whoever submits his whole self to Allah and is a good doer- he will get his award with the Lord: On such shall be no fear, nor shall they grief.” (Qur’an 2:111 and 2:112)With regard to Allah’s desire to tolerate other religions also see verses 109:1-6,2:62 and5:72,and also 3:113and 3:114

(Incidentally, it may be noted that numerous modern Muslim scholars thinks that apostates that do not create any mischief should be left alone and not be executed. Allah would punish them as indicated in Qur

’an, verses: 3:88 and several others.)

Regarding the mode of conversion, although Allah says that there is no compulsion in religion but we have to keep in mind the following verses:

“For those who believe not in Allah, nor the Last Day, nor hold that forbidden which hath been forbidden by Allah and His Apostle, nor acknowledge the Religion of Truth, (even if they are) of the People of the Book,

fight until they pay Jizyah with willing submission, and feel themselves subdued.” (Qur’an 9:29)

“But when the forbidden months are past, slay the Pagans wherever you find them and seize them, beleaguer them and lie in wait for them in every stratagem (of war); but if they repent, and establish regular prayers and practice regular charity, then the way for them For Allah is Oft Forgiving, Most Merciful.” (Qur’

an 9:5)

It may however be noted that modern scholars are of the view that these verses were valid only during the time of the Prophet and that too for certain areas. We cannot read Qur’an selectively and come to a definite conclusion. We must consider all the verses on a given subject and seek fresh interpretations of their import that are in line with the requirements of the contemporary world.

Finally, it may be stated that if a Muslim changes his religion under coercion or for worldly gains, he is not a good Muslim anyway. Let him face the condemnation of Allah who has ignored such people. See the following verse;

“O Believers! If any of you become apostate, then (it makes no difference to Allah) Allah will create many such others, the beloved of Allah, who will love Him who will be soft and kind to Momins and heavy handed towards the Kafirs, who will strive in the way of God and who will not be deterred by derision.” (5:54)

contd:[/quote]

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