hello everybody
how are you
for the sekers of truth.
All Praise is due to Allah; we praise Him, seek His Help, and seek His forgiveness. We seek refuge in Allah, the Most High, from the evils of our own selves and from our wicked deeds. Whomsoever Allah guides, none can misguide him, and whomsoever Allah leads astray, none can guide him. I bear witness that there is no true deity worthy of being worshipped except Allah, Alone, without any partner or associate. I further bear witness that Muhammad is His true slave and Messenger. May Allah, the Exalted, bestow His Peace and Blessings upon the final prophet, Muhammad, his good and pure family, and upon all of his noble companions.
Today, many people are curious about Islam, but their knowledge about this faith may vary. Their knowledge may have been gained from an article, a book, or part of a religious text book at high school they may have read. They may have known some Muslims, passed by a Mosque, watched a documentary or the evening news, or they might have traveled to a Muslim country. To some, Islam is just another religion, but for many others, it has become something interesting to look at. I have written this book for those who are searching within themselves for answers to the many questions they have. "Who am I? Who is the True God? What is the true road to salvation? Is it Islam? If I become a Muslim, what does it mean to me, my family, and the society at large?"
Today, many people realize thatall of the materialistic and secular progress which has taken place in society has produced a spiritual vacuum, which in turn has led to social, economic, political and psychological problems. For this reason, those who previously said, "Let us live this life and enjoy it," or "Hey! We dont want to know about God," are now again searching for the truth. They are raising questions similar to those raised above. This is because the innate nature of man recognizes what is good and bad, and what is true and false. It does not feel at ease when Allahs attributes are degraded, and also when humanlike qualities are associated with Him. It recognizes that there can be no more than One and Only True God, and thus One and Only true religion accepted by Him. Allah does not request some of the creation to worship Him alone, while ordering to worship Jesus u, Buddha, fire, light, Krishna, Joseph Smith, the Sun, the Moon, Khomeini, Rama, temples, Prophets, Eliajah, Farakhan, a cross, a tree, a triangle, saints, priests, monks, or anything else.
Everything besides Allah is a creation! They are imperfect. They are in need of others, but Allah is Self-Sufficient. He is The First, having nothing before Him, and The Last, having nothing after Him. To Him is the Final Return. He does not beget nor is He begotten. No human gave Him the name Allah; rather, He named Himself with this name. It means the True and Only Deity Who Deserves to Be Worshipped. He is not a nationalistic or a tribal god. He is the Creator of everything. He, therefore, deserves that we submit to Him Alone, and He called this type of submission Islam.
Confusion, though, came on the part of man when people started to worship creation, whether animate or inanimate, besides Allah! In the final Revealed Message to mankind, the Qur'aan, Allah clearly explains the purpose for mans presence in this world. Outwardly and inwardly, man is called to live in accordance with Allahs way. This is the meaning of worship in Islam, and it is the purpose for which we all have been created. There are those, though, who accept Allah as the Only True God who deserves to be worshipped, but do not live in accordance with Allahs commandments. Their practices are deviated from Islam. They are not the criteria upon which Islam should be judged. Islam is perfect but people are not. We are called to search into Islam.
The objective of this book is to call people to search for their salvation by examining the story of a long search by a man called Salman Al-Farisee, or the Persian. Why not?Do we know everything? When we know that we do not even posses the air we breath, and that we were not created by nothing, nor did we create ourselves, it becomes natural that one desires to learn more about God (Allah), Who created us, gave us life, and Who, one Day, will call us back to Him. On that Day, there will either be endless bliss or endless torment.
Salman said, "I was a Persian man from the people of Isfahaan from a town known as Jayi. My father was the town chief. To him, I was the most beloved creature of Allah. His love for me reached the point to which he trusted me to supervise the fire he lit. He would not let it die down."
This is an indication of good behavior of a son towards his father. Here Salman used the correct name of the true God, Allah. The name Allah is the same name used by all of the Prophets and Messengers u. Allah is the same name of God in the Aramaic language of our beloved Prophet Jesus u.
"My father owned a large area of fertile land. One day, while busy with his construction, he told me to go to his land and fulfill some chores he desired. On my way to his land, I came across a Christian church. I heard the sound of people praying inside. I did not know how people lived outside, for my father kept me confined to his house! So when I came across those people [of the church] and I heard their voices, I went inside to watch what they were doing."
Salman kept an open mind, free from blind imitation.
"By Allah, I did not leave them until sunset. I did not go to my fathers Land."
Salman gave himself the time to contemplate this religion which he, at that point, thought was the correct belief. A perceptive and kind heart charged with patience are virtues which are necessary to free oneself from being confined to a thought such as, "O well! I will try to find out, but Im too busy now," etc. Death may knock at the door sooner than one may hope.
"I asked [i.e., the people of the church]. From where did this religion originate? "
Seeking the origin is a guide for those in search of the true religion. The origin and essence are essential terms that help in the search process. What is the origin of Islam and what is its essence? Islam came from Allah, the Creator, the True God, and its essence is submission to Him I.
"They said, In ash-Shaam. I returned to my father who had become worried and sent [someone] after me. Upon my arrival, he said, O son! Where have you been? Didnt I entrust you with an assignment? I said, O my father, I came across some people praying in their church and I liked their religion. By Allah I stayed with them until sunset. "
This is amazing honesty shown by a person who knows well his fathers commitment to his religion. This is the kind of openness which one who is in search for the truth must have.
This is the theme of all those who blindly follow others in matters of faith. It reminds us of the saying of Allah,
"And those who disbelieve say, Do not listen to this Qur'aan, rather speak noisily during [the recitation of] it, that perhaps you will overcome. "
"I said, No, by Allah, it is better than our religion. "
He loved his father, but he did not flatter him. He didnt compromise about what he felt at that time as the truth. What was his fathers response?
Salman said, "He threatened me, chained me by my feet and kept me confined to his home."
A father torturing his beloved son to sway him away from exploring the truth! Many prophets were opposed, accused, and ill-treated by members of their own families because of their opposition to known tradition! Did Salman stop there?
He did not surrender to the unjust orders of his father. He was striving in the cause of the truth, which ultimately led him to realize the truth about the Creator, Allah.
"As for those who strive hard in Our Cause, We will surely guide them to Our Paths (i.e., Allahs religion, Islamic Monotheism)."
Salman was in search of the clear truth, and so he sought the best in faith amongst the people of ash-Shaam. Why not? People like to choose the best food, the best spouse, and the best clothes. Salman was searching for the best in faith.
"They said, The bishop. [He is] in the church. I went to him and said, I like this religion, and I would love to be with you and serve you in your church, in order that I may learn from you and pray with you. "
Salman realized from the start that knowledge can only be gained by associating with its people. In return, he was ready to offer himself as a servant to the bishop. The humbleness of those searching for the truth draws them nearer and nearer to it. In the absence of humbleness, arrogance prevails; people see the signs of the truth, but their arrogance drives them away to their destruction.
"And they belied them (Our Signs: proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, revelations, etc.) wrongfully and arrogantly, though their own selves were convinced thereof (that those Signs are from Allah)."
"The Day whereon neither wealth nor sons will avail, * except him who brings to Allah a clean heart (clean from disbelief, polytheism and hypocrisy)."
how are you
for the sekers of truth.
The Search for the Truth
by
a Man Known as
Salman the Persianby
a Man Known as
Introduction
All Praise is due to Allah; we praise Him, seek His Help, and seek His forgiveness. We seek refuge in Allah, the Most High, from the evils of our own selves and from our wicked deeds. Whomsoever Allah guides, none can misguide him, and whomsoever Allah leads astray, none can guide him. I bear witness that there is no true deity worthy of being worshipped except Allah, Alone, without any partner or associate. I further bear witness that Muhammad is His true slave and Messenger. May Allah, the Exalted, bestow His Peace and Blessings upon the final prophet, Muhammad, his good and pure family, and upon all of his noble companions.
Today, many people are curious about Islam, but their knowledge about this faith may vary. Their knowledge may have been gained from an article, a book, or part of a religious text book at high school they may have read. They may have known some Muslims, passed by a Mosque, watched a documentary or the evening news, or they might have traveled to a Muslim country. To some, Islam is just another religion, but for many others, it has become something interesting to look at. I have written this book for those who are searching within themselves for answers to the many questions they have. "Who am I? Who is the True God? What is the true road to salvation? Is it Islam? If I become a Muslim, what does it mean to me, my family, and the society at large?"
Today, many people realize thatall of the materialistic and secular progress which has taken place in society has produced a spiritual vacuum, which in turn has led to social, economic, political and psychological problems. For this reason, those who previously said, "Let us live this life and enjoy it," or "Hey! We dont want to know about God," are now again searching for the truth. They are raising questions similar to those raised above. This is because the innate nature of man recognizes what is good and bad, and what is true and false. It does not feel at ease when Allahs attributes are degraded, and also when humanlike qualities are associated with Him. It recognizes that there can be no more than One and Only True God, and thus One and Only true religion accepted by Him. Allah does not request some of the creation to worship Him alone, while ordering to worship Jesus u, Buddha, fire, light, Krishna, Joseph Smith, the Sun, the Moon, Khomeini, Rama, temples, Prophets, Eliajah, Farakhan, a cross, a tree, a triangle, saints, priests, monks, or anything else.
Everything besides Allah is a creation! They are imperfect. They are in need of others, but Allah is Self-Sufficient. He is The First, having nothing before Him, and The Last, having nothing after Him. To Him is the Final Return. He does not beget nor is He begotten. No human gave Him the name Allah; rather, He named Himself with this name. It means the True and Only Deity Who Deserves to Be Worshipped. He is not a nationalistic or a tribal god. He is the Creator of everything. He, therefore, deserves that we submit to Him Alone, and He called this type of submission Islam.
Confusion, though, came on the part of man when people started to worship creation, whether animate or inanimate, besides Allah! In the final Revealed Message to mankind, the Qur'aan, Allah clearly explains the purpose for mans presence in this world. Outwardly and inwardly, man is called to live in accordance with Allahs way. This is the meaning of worship in Islam, and it is the purpose for which we all have been created. There are those, though, who accept Allah as the Only True God who deserves to be worshipped, but do not live in accordance with Allahs commandments. Their practices are deviated from Islam. They are not the criteria upon which Islam should be judged. Islam is perfect but people are not. We are called to search into Islam.
The objective of this book is to call people to search for their salvation by examining the story of a long search by a man called Salman Al-Farisee, or the Persian. Why not?Do we know everything? When we know that we do not even posses the air we breath, and that we were not created by nothing, nor did we create ourselves, it becomes natural that one desires to learn more about God (Allah), Who created us, gave us life, and Who, one Day, will call us back to Him. On that Day, there will either be endless bliss or endless torment.
Salman and His Story
The Beginning
No one can tell the story of Salman better than he himself. Salman t narrated his story to one of the companions and a close relative of the Prophet Muhammad e by the name of Abdullah bin 'Abbaas, who in turn narrated it to others. Ibn 'Abbaas said, Salman said, "I was a Persian man from the people of Isfahaan from a town known as Jayi. My father was the town chief. To him, I was the most beloved creature of Allah. His love for me reached the point to which he trusted me to supervise the fire he lit. He would not let it die down."
This is an indication of good behavior of a son towards his father. Here Salman used the correct name of the true God, Allah. The name Allah is the same name used by all of the Prophets and Messengers u. Allah is the same name of God in the Aramaic language of our beloved Prophet Jesus u.
A Different Religion?
"My father owned a large area of fertile land. One day, while busy with his construction, he told me to go to his land and fulfill some chores he desired. On my way to his land, I came across a Christian church. I heard the sound of people praying inside. I did not know how people lived outside, for my father kept me confined to his house! So when I came across those people [of the church] and I heard their voices, I went inside to watch what they were doing."
Interest Arises
"When I saw them, I liked their prayers and became interested in their matter [i.e., religion]. I said [to myself], By Allah, this religion is better than that of ours. "Salman kept an open mind, free from blind imitation.
"By Allah, I did not leave them until sunset. I did not go to my fathers Land."
Salman gave himself the time to contemplate this religion which he, at that point, thought was the correct belief. A perceptive and kind heart charged with patience are virtues which are necessary to free oneself from being confined to a thought such as, "O well! I will try to find out, but Im too busy now," etc. Death may knock at the door sooner than one may hope.
"I asked [i.e., the people of the church]. From where did this religion originate? "
Seeking the origin is a guide for those in search of the true religion. The origin and essence are essential terms that help in the search process. What is the origin of Islam and what is its essence? Islam came from Allah, the Creator, the True God, and its essence is submission to Him I.
"They said, In ash-Shaam. I returned to my father who had become worried and sent [someone] after me. Upon my arrival, he said, O son! Where have you been? Didnt I entrust you with an assignment? I said, O my father, I came across some people praying in their church and I liked their religion. By Allah I stayed with them until sunset. "
This is amazing honesty shown by a person who knows well his fathers commitment to his religion. This is the kind of openness which one who is in search for the truth must have.
The Opposition
"My father said, O Son! There is no good in that religion, the religion of you and your forefathers is better. "This is the theme of all those who blindly follow others in matters of faith. It reminds us of the saying of Allah,
"And those who disbelieve say, Do not listen to this Qur'aan, rather speak noisily during [the recitation of] it, that perhaps you will overcome. "
[Surah al-Fussilat (41):26]
"We found our fathers following a certain way and religion, and we guide ourselves by their footsteps." [Surah al-Zukhruf (43):22]
"Nay, we shall follow that which we found our fathers (following)
"[Surah Luqman
31):21]
"Never did we hear of this among our fathers of the old." 31):21][Surah al-Mu'minoon (23):24]
Many times, when you talk to people who have converted to Islam from other religions, they say that they heard the same arguments which Allah mentioned of the disbelievers. The issue is the same. It comes in the form of, "Do you want to leave the religion of your fathers and forefathers?" Not only that, but the parents and the family at large may take a stand against the convert. The magnitude of this opposition may range from actual life threatening situations to strong boycotting. This is the general trend, but there are, however, cases of minor opposition and neutrality."I said, No, by Allah, it is better than our religion. "
He loved his father, but he did not flatter him. He didnt compromise about what he felt at that time as the truth. What was his fathers response?
Salman said, "He threatened me, chained me by my feet and kept me confined to his home."
A father torturing his beloved son to sway him away from exploring the truth! Many prophets were opposed, accused, and ill-treated by members of their own families because of their opposition to known tradition! Did Salman stop there?
The Way Out
He said, "I sent a message to the Christians requesting them to inform me of the arrival of any Christian trade caravan coming from ash-Shaam. A trade caravan arrived and they informed me, so I then told [the Christians] to let me know once the people of the caravan finish their business and set off to return to their country. I [indeed] was informed [by them] when the people of ash-Shaam finished their business and were about to set off to their country, so I then let loose the chains from my feet and accompanied [the caravan] until we reached ash-Shaam."He did not surrender to the unjust orders of his father. He was striving in the cause of the truth, which ultimately led him to realize the truth about the Creator, Allah.
"As for those who strive hard in Our Cause, We will surely guide them to Our Paths (i.e., Allahs religion, Islamic Monotheism)."
[Surah al-'Ankaboot (29):69]
Salman made up his mind and set out in search of the truth, regardless of the fact that it was a distant and strange land to him. Allah, Most Glorified and Exalted, knowing his honesty, assisted him by making it easy for him to find a means to travel to the land of ash-Shaam.This is it, But..!
"Upon my arrival I asked, Who is the best amongst the people of this religion [of yours]? "Salman was in search of the clear truth, and so he sought the best in faith amongst the people of ash-Shaam. Why not? People like to choose the best food, the best spouse, and the best clothes. Salman was searching for the best in faith.
"They said, The bishop. [He is] in the church. I went to him and said, I like this religion, and I would love to be with you and serve you in your church, in order that I may learn from you and pray with you. "
Salman realized from the start that knowledge can only be gained by associating with its people. In return, he was ready to offer himself as a servant to the bishop. The humbleness of those searching for the truth draws them nearer and nearer to it. In the absence of humbleness, arrogance prevails; people see the signs of the truth, but their arrogance drives them away to their destruction.
"And they belied them (Our Signs: proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, revelations, etc.) wrongfully and arrogantly, though their own selves were convinced thereof (that those Signs are from Allah)."
[Surah an-Naml (27):14]
Wealth, social status, and other material factors must not prohibit a person from seeking the truth, which will ultimately affect his future. All of these things will vanish, and the person will proceed to his grave with nothing except his deeds. These deeds are those of the heart (belief), and those of the tongue and limbs which are the manifestations of the deeds of the heart. Did I submit to my Creator? Did I live according to His Commands as explained in the Qur'aan and by the teachings of the Last Messenger, Muhammad e? This is the only thing which will be of use on the Day of Recompense."The Day whereon neither wealth nor sons will avail, * except him who brings to Allah a clean heart (clean from disbelief, polytheism and hypocrisy)."
[Surah ash-Shu'araa'(26):88-89]
