| Author | Topic |
raushan
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
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 Topic initiated on Monday, January 15, 2007 - 11:54 AM 
How to INVITE THE ATHEISTS?
STARTING WITH A CLEAN SLATE…
Here are a few guidelines for our Brothers and Sisters who wish to summon (to do Daw'ah) someone that happens to be an Atheist or is a likely candidate. Literally speaking, Atheism means the repudiation or renunciation of Theism. The term itself denotes it nature, which is to deny and reject. Theism means having belief in the existence of Theo (a god). In other words, a true Atheist is he (or, she) who has investigated Theism and has established well founded reasons, for its outright denial and dismissal. Many of these Atheists also claim that they are open-minded self-seekers of “The Real Truth”. To be a self-seeker often means to push out all the so-called “Inherited Truths”, and start a fresh with the clean slate. Anyone who has experienced convincing a child who is in the habit of repeating over and again the question “Why?” knows how desperate and frustrating the situation gets when there is no end in the sight to this one word question. The act of convincing a child, less than one-third or one-fourth our age, which began with a simple fun, puts you in a tight spot. It seems that this young fellow is testing your knowledge as well as the limitations of your endurance and patience.
Before one begins the dialogue (not a debate), one has to remember that it is perfectly normal for an Atheist who is starting with a clean slate, to ask challenging questions and then keep on repeating his demands for more proofs that are “indisputable”. To you, your every response may sound “a valid incontrovertible proof” but he may be looking far ahead of you, which may be beyond your imagination. It is better to have such expectations, at the initial stages. This will give you the courage and fortitude needed to continue meaningful dialogues, in cordial atmosphere without getting frustrated. If the questions posed are sincere and serious enough to acquire knowledge and the arguments are not for the sake of arguing or to put you down, please have faith in Him who has given you the Guidance and the faculty of speaking. Holding a primary diagnostic talk to establish the ultimate objective of the other party is highly recommended. One cannot satisfy an inquisitive child whose motive is not to acquire knowledge but to try your patience.
Surah An-Nahl (16) : 125
Invite (all) to the way of thy Lord with wisdom and beautiful preaching; and argue with them in ways that are best and most gracious: for thy Lord knoweth best who have strayed from His Path and who receive guidance.
DETERMINING THE DISORDER…
The success of any medial surgery depends upon the correct diagnostic evaluation of the disease through various blood tests, x-rays, electronic scans, etc. Before a nurse drives the patient into the operating theater, the Surgeon-in-charge goes through the past history of the patient and carefully examines all the test results. To have a meaningful theological dialogue, the similar technique is a prerequisite. There is no single “cure all pill” that can be prescribed by a doctor to all his patients. There is no set formula that would convince each and every Atheist. Examine the history of the person you are trying to convince before you enter into the arena. Here are a few categories of those who claim to be Atheists:
1. REPUDIATOR OF AN INDOCTRINATED BELIEF:
A person is indoctrinated into a particular faith. He follows it diligently with total dedication without doing the independent research. He has a change of heart and doubt creeps in. Starts rejecting whatever was taught. Instead of looking around and examining other beliefs with sounder footings he shuts the door.
2. SELF EMANCIPATED BY CHOICE:
A person that has chosen for him an absolute freedom from what he calls the “Religious Fetters" or the "Sacred Crutches”. And, he believes that the preference for such a lifestyle gives him an easy access and the latitude to enjoy anything and everything, without looking ahead or backward. He is therefore detached and unresponsive to anything and everything that has to do with God or Religion.
3. JUDICIAL OUTLOOK:
A person thinks he is matured and qualified enough to analyze and judge what is happening around him that should not happen. In his personal assessment he finds the acts of "Mother Nature" or of God to be fundamentally unjust or grossly unethical. He has given out his “qualified” verdict that God is either dead or has miserably failed in his obligations to mankind.
4. HAS NO BELIEFS:
A person claims he has seen no tangible proof for the existence of God and therefore he denies the existence of a Creative Force or God. He may not be aware that such a denial also needs proof. The question is does he have the tangible proof for the non-existence of God? One does not have a tangible proof for the existence of "life" on other planet(s), but that does not prove there is none. People at one time believed, what was "observable" by man was the Universe. Today, the same old Universe is known to be far beyond the human observation.
CREATING AN AFFIRMATIVE MOOD…
To have a “positive” dialogue with any individual it is highly suggested to pose questions that are so worded that they would for sure or most likely, generate responses in the affirmative mode. Since, “Are you going to live for ever?” is going to get the answer “No”, please rephrase it; “Are we all going to die?” or “Do you believe, the death is a certainty?” Similarly, instead of “Do you believe in God?” please try asking; “Do you really think there is no God?” “Well, you must have reasons for that…. Would you like to share them with me?” If he opens up… try to be a good listener and keep on making notes. When he has finished pouring out of his logical rationale or vented his locked-in steam, you have a variety of his “pet topics” in your pocket. If he enjoys talking, the best thing is to be a good listener. It is not easy to find an attentive listener, especially if the subject is “your pet topic”. Once you have gained his confidence as a good listener and a cool friend worth continuing the dialogue your mission has started with the positive footing. If you tell a very good story to a child who is always asking “Why?”, and if he really enjoys it, you will notice that his next “Why?” is not to upset you but to learn from you.
A PENSIVE & LOGICALLY CONVINCING SCENARIO...
There are two neighbors. One is a Believer another is an Atheist. The hundred percent certainty is that they both will eventually die. The uncertainty is as to what could happen after the death. Neither the Believer nor the Atheist has the tangible and perceptible evidence to claim with hundred percent certainty that he knows for sure what is going to happen, after the death. So, the next best thing to do for this uncertain couple is to examine all the possible and plausible options and then evaluate the probable results.
Scenario Number One:
The possibility; There is nothing after the death.
Our life upon this world is the beginning and the ultimate end.
Result:
Under this Scenario both have nothing to gain or loose,
after the death.
Scenario Number Two:
The possibility; There is some one called the Divine Supreme Entity.
In that case there is a possibility for accountability, after the death.
Result:
Under this Scenario the Believer has a better advantage
while the Atheist has much to regret, after his death.
The Bottom Line:
The Atheist has a possibility of being at a disadvantage at the hereafter, if there is One. The Believer has no such disadvantage and as such no apprehension. He is thus more relaxed and at ease in life.
http://www.mostmerciful.com/atheist.htm |
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hkhan
UNITED KINGDOM
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 Posted - Wednesday, January 17, 2007 - 12:48 AM 
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raushan
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
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Posted - Monday, January 22, 2007 - 2:32 PM
Belief in God seems to many to be a very strange thing. But disbelief is even stranger
Sometimes it is argued that belief must rest on proof. But, from the purely scientific standpoint, nothing in this world can be proved or disproved. So far as believing in anything is concerned, the option is not between the proved and the unproved, but between the workable and the non-workable.
For instance, scientists in general believe in the concept of gravity. They do so, not because of proof of its existence, but because of the demonstrable predictability of effects. They do not know why gravity has the effect it has, or how it came into existence. They simply accept its existence as a useful theory.
This is the case with all scientific concepts, and belief in them does not mean uncritical acceptance of established as opposed to unestablished ideas. It simply means believing in a working hypothesis as opposed to an unworkable theory. Exactly the same principle is applicable to the concept of God.
In the matter of gravity, the choice for us is not between matter with gravity and matter without gravity, but between matter with gravity and non-existent matter. Since the concept of non-existent matter is untenable, because unworkable, we have opted for matter with gravity. From the purely academic angle, the same is true of the -.concept of God.
The universe itself does not have the ability to create. It can neither increase nor decrease itself by so much as a particle. As with all other scientific concepts, we must choose not between the universe with God and the universe without God, but between God and a non-existent universe. Since a non-existent universe is unconceivable, we must perforce opt for the concept of the universe with God. |
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raushan
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
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Posted - Wednesday, January 24, 2007 - 12:43 PM
'Freethinkers' vs. Islam and the Burden of Proof
The common trait amongst these so-called ‘freethinkers’ is their obsession with demonising Islam simultaneously lacking the ability to elaborate on their alternative that is as comprehensive and convincing as Islam with its more than 1.5 billion followers, 1500 years of survival and its constant rising popularity."
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How often we hear the familiar questions; - “Prove that God exists?”, “Prove that Muhammad (SAW) is a Prophet of God?”, “Prove that the Quran is the word of God?”. These fundamental questions are not unreasonable; the Muslims should and have provided answers on these subjects. However, the problem arises when the so-called ‘freethinkers’ pose such questions to launch a subjective interrogation with preconceived ideas of right and wrong. As if they have no burden of proof to justify their own dogmas and criteria.
They construct a framework of dialogue where they assume the position of judge, jury and executioner by demanding not just answers but ‘proof’ of innocence, from the Muslims, as if they have been put on trial in a court of law! The framework of ‘dialogue’ constructed in essence is a one-way traffic lane: the Muslims are required to produce proof and the ‘freethinkers’ will fire away with their allegations and issue judgements while slyly avoiding the need to prove their own premise. Consequently, the burden of proof is conveniently shifted entirely upon the Muslims turning the debate into an inquisition! Eventually the ‘freethinkers’ take on the liberty to use their ‘free’ mind to express the so-called allegations against Islam using the most vulgar language like the depraved criminal hoodlums!
click here to read the complete article |
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hkhan
UNITED KINGDOM
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 Posted - Sunday, January 28, 2007 - 9:04 PM
it's true that Islam is the only religion which invites to logic and thinking; reasoning--and not following it just because one's parents/ancestors belong to it.
the last revelation is full of such invitations to understanding and pondering
"why not you then ponder?"
"Do you not think?"
"Do you not take heed?"
"The people of knowledge fear Lord the most." |
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raushan
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
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Posted - Monday, January 29, 2007 - 7:53 AM
"Is there such a thing as darkness, professor?"
"That's a dumb question, son. What is night if it isn't darkness? What are you getting at...?"
"So you say there is such a thing as darkness?"
"Yes..."
"You're wrong again, sir. Darkness is not something, it is the absence of something. You can have low light, normal light, bright light, flashing light but if you have no light constantly you have nothing and it's called darkness, isn't it?
That's the meaning we use to define the word. In reality, Darkness isn't. If it were, you would be able to make darkness darker and give me a jar of it. Can you...give me a jar of darker darkness, professor?"
Despite himself, the professor smiles at the young effrontery before him.
This will indeed be a good semester. "Would you mind telling us what your point is, young man?"
"Yes, professor. My point is, your philosophical premise is flawed to start with and so your conclusion must be in error...."
The professor goes toxic. "Flawed...? How dare you...!""
"Sir, may I explain what I mean?"
read complete dialogue here |
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llina
GERMANY
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Posted - Monday, April 9, 2007 - 6:23 AM
Salaam,
can anyone who did not believe in God at a certain time then believed and became muslim, alhamdullilah, tell how this came about? Some few hints of the personal experience that might help others to understand.
Thank you |
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hkhan
UNITED KINGDOM
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 Posted - Monday, April 16, 2007 - 9:32 PM
walaykum assalam llina
welcome 
it's a very good idea i think. many a times we find the faith from such tremendously inspiring and a blow to go forwards. |
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Abrar75
PAKISTAN
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Posted - Tuesday, April 17, 2007 - 5:09 AM
| I have some experience with my ATHEISTS colleagues. I told them about miracles of Prophet Muhammad PBUH and Quran. It proved very effective to convince them. |
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raushan
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
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Posted - Tuesday, April 17, 2007 - 10:26 AM
abrar,
will you plz brief us about the said conversation with your colleagues. |
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Abrar75
PAKISTAN
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Posted - Wednesday, April 18, 2007 - 9:01 AM
It is a lengthy topic and it is my experience that people usually rarely read lengthy topics. Anyway I will try to summarize this. I will take only one thing i.e. prophecies (Future news) mentioned in Quran. Atheists are usually modern, educated and progressive peoples who do not believe in God. We can prove the existence of God by telling them about the prophecies mentioned in Quran. One thing all Muslim and non Muslim believe that Quran which we have now is same as it was 1400 year before. So God told us, through His Prophet PBUH, some thing 1400 year before and which is all proved to be true now.
One basic thing is that God know all secrets and He tells these to only His prophets.
He is the Knower of the unseen; and He reveals not His secrets to anyone, Except to a Messenger of His whom He chooses. And then He causes an escort of guarding angels to go before him and behind him, (Al Jinn 26 – 27)
There are many prophecies in Quran, which I know from my limited knowledge and I believe there must be many more. I am not a religious scholar and just a common person. Hare I will try to mention some prophecies among those, which I know.
Migration (Hijrat) and Conquer of Macaa (Fa’the Macca) was told to Prophet PBUH beforehand :
He who has made the teaching of the Qur'an binding on thee will most surely bring thee back to thy ordained place of return. Say, 'My Lord knows best him who has brought the guidance, and him who is in manifest error.' (Al Qasas 86)
God told about the Battle of Ehzab beforehand to His Prophet PBUH:
And when the believers saw the Confederates, they said, 'This is what Allah and His Messenger promised us; and Allah and His Messenger spoke the truth.' And it only added to their faith and submission. (Al Ehzab 23)
Defeat of Romans by Iranians (Kusra) and again victory of Romans:
The Romans have been defeated. In the land nearby, and they, after their defeat, will be victorious. (Al Rom 3 – 4)
Quran told 1400 year before that body of Pharaoh (Fi’ron) is saved and will be discovered in future:
So this day We will save thee in thy body alone that thou mayest be a Sign to those who come after thee. And surely many of mankind are heedless of Our Signs. (Yunus 93)
Quran told 1400 year before about State of Israel:
And after him We said to the Children of Israel, Dwell ye in the promised land; and when the time of the promise of the Latter Days comes, We shall bring you together out of various peoples.' (Bani Isra’il 105)
Prophecy of occupying other land of Arab by Caliphs:
And He made you inherit their land and their houses and their wealth, and also a land on which you have not yet set foot. And Allah has power over all things. (Ahzab 28)
Scientist now told that earth is moving and Quran told it 1400 year before:
And thou seest the mountains, which thou thinkest to be firmly fixed, pass away as the clouds pass away - the handiwork of Allah Who has made everything perfect. Verily, He is full Aware of what you do. (Al Naml 89)
Quran first to present concept of orbit:
It is not for the sun to overtake the moon, nor can the night outstrip the day. All of them float smoothly in an orbit. (Ya’sin 41)
Scientist now told that Sun is moving and Quran told 1400 year before:
And the sun is moving on to its determined goal. That is the decree of the Almighty, the All-Knowing God. (Ya’sin 39)
Quran first to describe about Big bang theory:
Do not the disbelievers see that the heavens and the earth were a closed up-mass, then We opened them out? And We made of water every living thing. Will they not then believe? (Al Anbya 31)
Scientist now said that Universe is expanding:
“It is We who have raised the Heaven high with force, and verily, it is We who are steadily expanding it”. (Al Dhariyat 48)
Quran 1400 year before told about the discovery of new transports:
And He has created horses and mules and asses that you may ride them, and as a source of beauty. And He will create what you do not yet know. (Al Nahl 9)
And of His signs are the sailing ships on the sea, tall like mountains. (Al shura 33)
And His are the lofty ships reared aloft on the sea like mountains. (Al Rahman 25)
Now every medical book told about Hazards of wine:
They ask thee concerning wine and games of chance. Say, 'In both there is great sin and harm and also some advantages for men; but their sin and harm are greater than their advantage,' And they ask thee what they should spend. Say, 'Spend what you can spare.' Thus does Allah makes His commandments clear to you that you may reflect (Al Baqarah 220)
Now everybody now that swine eating is bad:
Forbidden to you is the flesh of an animal which dies of itself, and blood and the flesh of swine; (Al Ma’idah 4)
O ye who believe! wine and the game of chance and idols and divining arrows are only the abomination of Satan's handiwork. So shun each one of them that you may prosper. (Al Ma’idah 91) |
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Abrar75
PAKISTAN
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Posted - Wednesday, April 18, 2007 - 9:07 AM
I important thing I forgot to mention that the Englist text I took from a Holy Quran, which inculde "B ism Allah" as a part of Surah. So if you look in Urdu Quran may eb vesr will be 1 number less.
Actually thisnis an other debate that some people belive"B ism Allah" as a Ayat and include in surat. Like in Suran Al Naml it is mentioned as a verse. Anyway this a another debate and please do nto consider this at this movement. e.g. if Ayat number 45 is mentioned somewhere, plese take it 44. |
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llina
GERMANY
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Posted - Sunday, April 22, 2007 - 6:21 PM
salam
jazakAllah thank you for your post.
and I hope still posts will follow.
ma assalama |
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