First Principle: For a non-Muslim or a confused Muslim

[abeer_xyz]

The intension behind my initiating this thread is to enquire into the proper method for a non-Muslim or a confused Muslim like me to get the correct form of Islam. Islam has, so far, been basically divided into two major sects: Sunnis and Shias. Their formation of Islam is essentially different from each other.

There are in fact two sources of knowledge apart from my own reasoning: 1. listening to living persons, 2. reading books written by living or dead persons.

It is interesting to know that there are two practical similarities between Ahl al-Jamaat and Imami sects:

1. They both claim that the Koran is God’s speech preserved intact.

2. They both claim there is no Infallible and God-appointed Imam whom I can contact with. (For clarity: I am not dismissing Occultation of 12th Imam).

Where should I begin from in this situation in order to surrender to my LORD?

We can proceed step by step. Please avoid unnecessarily long posts. Let me see where I get to or reach at.

[Link]

Assalamu alaikom

..but the very people who were given it differed about it after clear arguments had come to them, revolting among themselves; so Allah has guided by His will those who believe to the truth about which they differed and Allah guides whom He pleases to the right path. (2:213)

My suggestion is to read nahjul balagha and Sahifa Sajadiya, and also mefatihal jinan, they are self-evident proofs for those who believe and have knowledge

the only way you will know for sure is with your hearts experience, may Allah guide you and me, and whoever wishes to know the truth and be guided to the right path

ma'asalama

[Saleel]

:salam:

Link is shia. I wouldn't recommend listening to his words.

:jazak:

:salam:

[asma]

Where should I begin from in this situation in order to surrender to my LORD?

:salam:

Honestly don't worry about politics and lengthy theological debates until your imaan is straight yo.

1. Start recognizing that everything that happens to you in your life is from the Qadr (Plan) of Allah swt . Both good things and bad things. That is surrender.

2. Re-declare your faith, if you feel you need to do that again, and perform ghusl.

3. Start praying regularly, in the way you know how, on time, and preferably in jamaat at some masjid. Surrendering your daily schedule to Allah subhanahu wa taala is the first step towards surrendering your life to Him. =) at least that was my experience. When you pray, know what "Allahu akbar" means when you make takbeer. Know what "sami` Allahu liman hamidah" means when you stand up straight from ruku`. I think this website will have the guidelines and translations suitable for the typical sunni south asian: http://www.jamiat.co.za/library/books/bzewar/part2/method_of_offering_fard_salaat.htm

4. Make earnest duaa for guidance from Allah swt after every prayer. Start by praising His mercy and power, then pray for Him to bestow peace and blessings upon our nabi Muhammad salla Allahu alaihi wa sallam who was sent to humanity as a guide, then ask honestly to be guided to whatever is khair for you.

5. Begin reading some amount of Quran regularly (with translation), a little bit every night.. start re-learning surahs you knew from school as a kid.

...and all wisdom is from Allah azza wa jall,
:salam:

[abeer_xyz]

..but the very people who were given it differed about it after clear arguments had come to them, revolting among themselves; so Allah has guided by His will those who believe to the truth about which they differed and Allah guides whom He pleases to the right path.(2:213)Is it not wiser to look into the Holy Koran first upon which people differed, rather than going straight to one of the differing people?


My suggestion is to read nahjul balagha and Sahifa Sajadiya, and also mefatihal jinan, they are self-evident proofs for those who believe and have knowledge.Nahjul Balagha is written by Syed Razi. I do not have the capability of attaining at any decision regardingr authenticity of this Book. So is the case with other books you mentioned. For your better understanding of my situation: I am not a Muhaddith, I am not able to judge historical authenticity of pieces of Hadith found in both Kulayni etc. and Bukhari etc. It is a difficult science. Neither Syed Razi nor Kulayni nor Bukhari were Prophets of God.

Why should I begin from their works in order to submit to my Lord?


the only way you will know for sure is with your hearts experience, may Allah guide you and me, and whoever wishes to know the truth and be guided to the right path.Ameen. Thanks, Link, for such good prayer.

@ asma and ahsan: Yes I can take your pretty good advice. It is indeed pre-requisite for guidance: Caution in knowledge and Prayer to my Lord. After all, my desire is to submit to my Lord.

@ all: More specifically: Should I begin from the Koran?

@ Link: Do you agree? I expect my other Shia brothers to help me in this regard.

[Link]

Assalamu alaicom

I agree, and just keep striving till your sure

ma'asalama

[abeer_xyz]

Assalam Alaikum.

Thanks, Link, and others here.

I have told you earlier that I am not a Muhaddith. Now I am telling you that I do not know Arabic, neither am I a Mufassir. I read English translations of the Quran. I generally read translations of Yusuf Ali from Sunni side and Shakir from Shia side.

I have found many verses there which I think I am able to understand the meaning of. I also find many verses that I can not understand. I also find many verses which I find myself unable to extract there from every detail orders of Allah.

But I have got the Idea by now that Allah wants me to believe in Allah, Risalah, Qiyamah etc. And he asked me to perform some rituals like Salat, Siaam etc. Allah asked me not to take wine, pork etc. You know similar other things.

Now tell me, is it possible for me to understand the articles of faith and Ahkam from reading the translations of the Koran so that I can be a good muslim?

In short, Is it possible for me, through reading the translations of the Koran, to understand the basic structure of Islam so that conforming to it I may find the way to satisfaction of my Lord?

[muslim786]

Assalam Alaikum.

Thanks, Link, and others here.

I have told you earlier that I am not a Muhaddith. Now I am telling you that I do not know Arabic, neither am I a Mufassir. I read English translations of the Quran. I generally read translations of Yusuf Ali from Sunni side and Shakir from Shia side.

I have found many verses there which I think I am able to understand the meaning of. I also find many verses that I can not understand. I also find many verses which I find myself unable to extract there from every detail orders of Allah.

But I have got the Idea by now that Allah wants me to believe in Allah, Risalah, Qiyamah etc. And he asked me to perform some rituals like Salat, Siaam etc. Allah asked me not to take wine, pork etc. You know similar other things.

Now tell me, is it possible for me to understand the articles of faith and Ahkam from reading the translations of the Koran so that I can be a good muslim?

In short, Is it possible for me through reading the translations of the Koran, the basic structure of Islam so that conforming to it I may find the way to satisfaction of my Lord?

Shakir is also SUNNI translator.

[Muawiyah]

Yusuf Ali is not very Sunni either, i've heard `Ulama recommend Abdul Majid Daryabadi's English translation {though they aren't happy with some of his other "ideas"}

[Muawiyah]

Maryam Jameelah - Comparison between different English translations (http://www.salaam.co.uk/knowledge/HOW.php)

[shunni]

I thing there is too much exageration with it to that shia ans and sunni thing. " he is shia dont listen" " he is sunni therefore he is good", or vise a verse. I thing this line of argument is very shallow, specially with Abeer.

Abeer, my brother, you start with Qura'n and you read various explanations from Shia and Sunni alike. Pick what your heart tells you. I am sure he will not mislead you. The best Tafsir I came cross too is that of Tabatabai, for he lists all the opinion out there then he offers his own.

Ps you, since you dont read Arabic, it may be wise to read more then one translation. Sometime a word can change the meaning.

pps I would like to PM you flor a reference that i am sure will help you. I hope you wont mind

salam

[suhayl]

Go in tabligh .. lots of tabligh jamaat effort in Dhaka (I know because I have been)... It will give you a starting point and focus too.

[someone]

Maariful Quran (http://www.albalagh.net/bookstore/?action=view&item=0815) by Maulana Mufti Muhammad Shafi

[abeer_xyz]

I should begin from the beginning of the Koran. I have found the following verses in Sura al-Baqara.

2.2. This is the Book; in it is guidance sure, without doubt, to those who fear Allah.
2.3. Who believe in the Unseen, are steadfast in prayer, and spend out of what We have provided for them;
2.4. And who believe in the Revelation sent to thee, and sent before thy time, and (in their hearts) have the assurance of the Hereafter.
2.5. They are on (true) guidance, from their Lord, and it is these who will prosper.

And

2.177. It is not righteousness that ye turn your faces Towards east or West; but it is righteousness- to believe in Allah and the Last Day, and the Angels, and the Book, and the Messengers; to spend of your substance, out of love for Him, for your kin, for orphans, for the needy, for the wayfarer, for those who ask, and for the ransom of slaves; to be steadfast in prayer, and practice regular charity; to fulfil the contracts which ye have made; and to be firm and patient, in pain (or suffering) and adversity, and throughout all periods of panic. Such are the people of truth, the Allah-fearing.

And

2.285. The Messenger believeth in what hath been revealed to him from his Lord, as do the men of faith. Each one (of them) believeth in Allah, His angels, His books, and His apostles. "We make no distinction (they say) between one and another of His apostles." And they say: "We hear, and we obey: (We seek) Thy forgiveness, our Lord, and to Thee is the end of all journeys."
------------
From these verses and other such verses I have come to know that the following are the articles of faith (Iman):
1. Oneness of God (Tawhid),
2. The After World ( Akhirat)
3. The Messengers (Risalat)
4. The Books of revelations (Kitabs)
5. The Angels

And there are many other verses where Allah asks us to believe. My question to both Shia and Sunni brothers is that whether it is sufficient for me to have faith in these articles to be a good Mumin or not. Do I need any other article of faith? If so what are those? Do I need to believe in Imamah or Khilafah in order to be a Mumin?

[shunni]

I should begin from the beginning of the Koran. I have found the following verses in Sura al-Baqara.

2.2. This is the Book; in it is guidance sure, without doubt, to those who fear Allah.
2.3. Who believe in the Unseen, are steadfast in prayer, and spend out of what We have provided for them;
2.4. And who believe in the Revelation sent to thee, and sent before thy time, and (in their hearts) have the assurance of the Hereafter.
2.5. They are on (true) guidance, from their Lord, and it is these who will prosper.

And

2.177. It is not righteousness that ye turn your faces Towards east or West; but it is righteousness- to believe in Allah and the Last Day, and the Angels, and the Book, and the Messengers; to spend of your substance, out of love for Him, for your kin, for orphans, for the needy, for the wayfarer, for those who ask, and for the ransom of slaves; to be steadfast in prayer, and practice regular charity; to fulfil the contracts which ye have made; and to be firm and patient, in pain (or suffering) and adversity, and throughout all periods of panic. Such are the people of truth, the Allah-fearing.

And

2.285. The Messenger believeth in what hath been revealed to him from his Lord, as do the men of faith. Each one (of them) believeth in Allah, His angels, His books, and His apostles. "We make no distinction (they say) between one and another of His apostles." And they say: "We hear, and we obey: (We seek) Thy forgiveness, our Lord, and to Thee is the end of all journeys."
------------
From these verses and other such verses I have come to know that the following are the articles of faith (Iman):
1. Oneness of God (Tawhid),
2. The After World ( Akhirat)
3. The Messengers (Risalat)
4. The Books of revelations (Kitabs)
5. The Angels

And there are many other verses where Allah asks us to believe. My question to both Shia and Sunni brothers is that whether it is sufficient for me to have faith in these articles to be a good Mumin or not. Do I need any other article of faith? If so what are those? Do I need to believe in Imamah or Khilafah in order to be a Mumin?

to me, Imama, and as well a Nubuwa, are matter of acceptance, more so then belief. You belief in the "unseen" and you accept the seen. One could be a good believer without ever hearing of the prophet or the Imams. But then why do we need them. Well, our relationship with the Lord is a two part equation. On one side the Belief, that inner feeling that there is a superior maker behind all this. On the other side we have the worshipping part. These various physical acts and rituals we need to perfom in order to sustain a crodial relatioship with our maker. How do we perform these acts in order to maitain that perfect disciplin? how do we know the rules and regulation? what about new things? Well, that is where the Imam comes in.

[abeer_xyz]

to me, Imama, and as well a Nubuwa, are matter of acceptance, more so then belief. You belief in the "unseen" and you accept the seen. One could be a good believer without ever hearing of the prophet or the Imams. But then why do we need them. Well, our relationship with the Lord is a two part equation. On one side the Belief, that inner feeling that there is a superior maker behind all this. On the other side we have the worshipping part. These various physical acts and rituals we need to perfom in order to sustain a crodial relatioship with our maker. How do we perform these acts in order to maitain that perfect disciplin? how do we know the rules and regulation? what about new things? Well, that is where the Imam comes in.Regarding "UNSEEN"

What is the meaning of "UNSEEN"? Allah asked me to believe in "UNSEEN". Allah also detailed in the Koran what I am to believe in. Has "UNSEEN" been sufficiently detailed through the other verses that ask me to believe? Or does the term "UNSEEN" include other articles for Faith, knowledge of which require other documents other than the Koran?

Regarding Faith and Acceptance

Koran:2.186. When My servants ask thee concerning Me, I am indeed close (to them): I listen to the prayer of every suppliant when he calleth on Me: Let them also, with a will, Listen to My call, and believe in Me: That they may walk in the right way.

What I have known from the Koran is exactly in line with your idea regarding Faith and Acceptance. Faith in Koran means accepting the Koran, Faith in the Prophet means accepting the Prophet, Faith in After World means accepting it, in deed, as a reality to come etc. and etc. The verse from the Koran mentioned above gives me the Idea.

Islam consists of Faith and Actions as you said. I am now inquiring into the articles of Faith, or as per your connotation, the basic and fundamental articles that I need to accept in order to be a Mumin and Muslim.

Suppose, on principle, one knows the Koran and the full and detailed history of the Prophet and all related sciences in order to know meaning of the Koran and to attain at authentic history of the Prophet, but do not care about whether Abu Bakr was a rightly guided Caliph or Ali was an Imam appointed by God. He then follows scrupulously the Koran and Sunnah. Can he be regarded as a good Muslim? Will he be deprived of God's mercy?

according to sunni islam.. ure missing one Fate - Divine Will... (Qadar?)I have come to know that the Sunnis give a special emphasis on Decree. On the other hand, Shias give emphasis on Justice. It is the first scholastic difference between Sunni and Shia Faith. But God of Islam is All-Powerful, Just, Wise and Merciful. In the Koran I have not found any verse where it says like "believe in Allah, in His decree, in his justice etc". Instead He elaborated both Decree and Justice, as well as Mercy, in the Koran.

Why do Sunnis give emphasis on Decree? Why do Shias give emphasis on Justice?

[shunni]

Regarding "UNSEEN"

What is the meaning of "UNSEEN"? Allah asked me to believe in "UNSEEN". Allah also detailed in the Koran what I am to believe in. Has "UNSEEN" been sufficiently detailed through the other verses that ask me to believe? Or does the term "UNSEEN" include other articles for Faith, knowledge of which require other documents other than the Koran?

Regarding Faith and Acceptance

Koran:2.186. When My servants ask thee concerning Me, I am indeed close (to them): I listen to the prayer of every suppliant when he calleth on Me: Let them also, with a will, Listen to My call, and believe in Me: That they may walk in the right way.

What I have known from the Koran is exactly in line with your idea regarding Faith and Acceptance. Faith in Koran means accepting the Koran, Faith in the Prophet means accepting the Prophet, Faith in After World means accepting it, in deed, as a reality to come etc. and etc. The verse from the Koran mentioned above gives me the Idea.

Islam consists of Faith and Actions as you said. I am now inquiring into the articles of Faith, or as per your connotation, the basic and fundamental articles that I need to accept in order to be a Mumin and Muslim.

Suppose, on principle, one knows the Koran and the full and detailed history of the Prophet and all related sciences in order to know meaning of the Koran and to attain at authentic history of the Prophet, but do not care about whether Abu Bakr was a rightly guided Caliph or Ali was an Imam appointed by God. He then follows scrupulously the Koran and Sunnah. Can he be regarded as a good Muslim? Will he be deprived of God's mercy?
I have come to know that the Sunnis give a special emphasis on Decree. On the other hand, Shias give emphasis on Justice. It is the first scholastic difference between Sunni and Shia Faith. But God of Islam is All-Powerful, Just, Wise and Merciful. In the Koran I have not found any verse where it says like "believe in Allah, in His decree, in his justice etc". Instead He elaborated both Decree and Justice, as well as Mercy, in the Koran.

Why do Sunnis give emphasis on Decree? Why do Shias give emphasis on Justice?

In 3aquida., the unseen reffers to Allah and the day of Judgment. Prophet is not Unseen, meaning he is of physical shape and collor. Knowledge is not unssen either. Knwoledge can be felt and observed.

IN principlal if you have full knowledge of Quran, you do not need Imam or even the prophet. but I doubt that this can happen. The only man who claimed to have full knowledge of Quran , after prophet of course., is imam Ali.

as for decree and justice, this is beyond my juristiction. I pass