The most influential in history

[cabdirazzaq]

This thread is about a man who grew up as a poor orphan, born in the desert of Arabia. This man -I claim- is the most influential man in the history of mankind. By making such a claim -which is disputable- we must follow some kind of criteria. As M. Hart writes in his famous book, The 100 most influential people in history ;



"My choice of Muhammad to lead the list of the world's most influential persons may surprise some readers and may be questioned by others, but he was the only man in history who was supremely successful on both the religious and secular level." --Michael H. Hart



or as Lamartine put it: "IF GREATNESS OF PURPOSE, SMALLNESS OF MEANS AND ASTOUNDING RESULTS ARE THE THREE CRITERIA OF HUMAN GENIUS, WHO COULD DARE TO COMPARE ANY GREAT MAN IN MODERN HISTORY WITH MUHUMMED?"



Before his birth, the arabs were split into dousins of tribes and clans who were in war with each other. He was raised up without any parents and he lived in a backward area of the world where poverty and ignorance could be found everywhere. Before his death(he preached 23 years) the religion of monotheism had united the inhabitants of the Arabian land and a few years later this it stood firm against the great nations of the persians and the romans(byzantites, east rome) generating the greatest nation seen as to this day, spreading from Spain to the land of India. He proclaimed the message of monothesim and called upon people to be united. The encyclopedia of Britannica said: "Muhummed is the most successful of all Prophets and religious personalities." and it also describes him as an upright man followed by upright men. The reasons why this great mass convertion took place during the times before the opression of the muslims and after it can be found in what he teached the people. When the famous christian king, Negus of Abyssien asked the muslims who were seeking shelter with him about their religion. One of them simply answered;

"We were some ignorant idol worshipers. We used to eat carrion flesh, commit abominable acts, sever the ties of kinship and violate the rights of neighbourhood. The weak were crushed by the strong.

We remained on that case until Allah sent us a Messenger whose lineage is known to us. He is famous for his truthfulness, honesty, and honour. He calls us to worship Allah alone and give up idol worshipping. He exhorts us to be truthful in speech, deliver the trusts, maintain the ties of kinship, observe the rights of neighbourhood, abstain from abominable acts and to bury the hatchet to spare our lives.

He forbids us to do misdeeds, false testimony, devouring the property of orphans and slandering chaste women. He ordered us to worship Allah and not to associate anything with Him in worship, to establish Prayer, pay Zakah(given to the poor muslims) and fast in Ramadan. We believed in him, followed his teachings and applied them in practical life."

Its interesting how we know everything about Napoleon and Waterloo but nothing about this man who has in reality had a greater influence on this world. This is common for human thinking, in which we may forget the societies other than the ones we live in. We never get to hear anything about Tsai Lun(founded paper) for example though his influence cant be denied at all nor do we ever hear anything about the middle ages except the agonies of christian europe with the diseases and poverty during that era without even mentioning the fact that in Andolusia the muslims had basicly started all of what we today call modern science. Everything from mathmetics, chemstry, physics, medicine, pharmacies, hospitals, universities and materialistic objects such as coffee, juice, cotton, glass, soda and candy etc.. were in some way either founded by the muslims or deeply influenced by them.

Thus, Ide agree with Pr. Hart when he says that the south americans would of probably had gotten their liberty without Simon.B existance but would the arabs ever had united and science ever flourished (after the conquer of Spain the christian king started one of the greatest translation compilation done in history, from arabic to Latin(i think it was latin, not sure though) translating the enormous work done over the centuries by muslim and jewish scientists)?

I think not.

[ryupower]

interesting...

[jonny2mad]

well mohammed was a pedophile, rapist, mass murderer, thief or bandit, who enjoyed torturing people

all these things I have shown and I can back up using islamic scripture

so whatever george bernhard shaw or the queen of englands opinion is of him doesnt matter

much of the worlds oil is controlled by followers of this very immoral man, and muslims have this habit of killing people who say anything truthful about him.

so no wonder you may have this false impression .

[ismail231]

My response to the "Child Molester" lie against our beloved Prophet, Muhammad (pbuh):
http://www.al-jazeerah.net/aisha.htm

"But do you mean to tell me that the man who in the full flush of youthful vigour, a young man of four and twenty (24), married a woman much his senior, and remained faithful to her for six and twenty years (26), at fifty years of age when the passions are dying married for lust and sexual passion? Not thus are men's lives to be judged. And you look at the women whom he married, you will find that by every one of them an alliance was made for his people, or something was gained for his followers, or the woman was in sore need of protection." - Dr Annie Besant in 'The Life and Teachings of Mohammad,' Madras, 1932
Prophet Mubammad (s.a.w.) lived together with his first (and, at that time, only) wife, Khadijah, happily for 26 years with great mutual affection, despite the fact that young and beautiful girls of Arabia were easily available to him and were keen to be married to the Prophet. Not even once, during that period, did the Prophet take another wife. Undoubtedly he would have at least considered another younger wife simultaneously with Khadijah if he ever suffered from lust and fondness of young women, particularly when the country's customs wholly approved unlimited marriages.
Thomas Carlyle in his book "Heroes and Heroes Worship". He says in effect that contrary to what his enemies accuse him, Muhammad was never lusty and sexualize and that it was a slander only out of prejudice against him and this indeed is a great injustice.
John Devenport says, "and it may then be asked, is it likely that a very sensual man, of a country where polygamy was a common practice, should be contented for five-and-twenty years with one wife, she being fifteen years older than himself". I openly challenge to any unbiased person who claim that Prophet Muhammad(pbuh) was a paedophile to refute me after having studied his life objectively!!! If u have any further queries regarding Islam or Prophet Muhammad(pbuh) pls feel free to contact me at hazel231@gmail.com.

[jonny2mad]

well Ive looked through the above website and I dont see anything that proves mohammed wasnt a pedophile .
saying there are equally bad things in the bible wont get mohammed off because I think the bibles false to .
what I would like to see if mohammed was a true prophet and not the false prophet he clearly is ,would be some higher inspiration .

if you have a prophet whose a cannibal saying well this other religion over there as cannibals too doesnt change the fact ....well that your prophets a cannibal .

Is marrying 6 year olds best practice is slavery and sex slavery best practice if it isnt why did mohammed do it , surely his imaginary friend allah could have put him right if hes god surely allah would have known better .

what did and what does mohammeds actions as a pedophile and slaver do for the world, well it ment that slavery was still legal in saudi in the 1960-70s I actually saw black slaves there then , in my country britain slavery was made illegal in the 17th century hundreds of years before the country at the heart of islam .

mohammeds pedophilia still today causes children to be married to old men I can think of a number of islamic clerics who have had child brides .

we dont know how many childen mohammed may have slept with as he had a number of slave girls some who are remembered by name and you could have sex with your slaves .

you have sahih haddith where mohammed meets a man whose going to marry a adult women and he says why dont you marry a young girl so you can fondle her so clearly that was his interest in young children .

you can see in the haddith that aisha is a young child shes playing on a swing or with dolls , in fact her playing with dolls suggest she hadnt had a period or become a women as that would be against islamic law for a person who was adult to play with images of living things .

[ismail231]

The Prophet Muhammad(pbuh) marriage to all of his wives were legal, normal and widely accepted 1430years ago. NOT EVEN HIS BITTEREST ENEMIES ACCUSED HIM AS A “PAEDOPHILE” NOR AS A “THIEF” or with some other accusations that u attributed! I shall give reasons n prove all of ur accusations wrong with the help of God (Allah).

Definition of a Pedophile:
"Pedophile: also spelled PEDOPHILIA, psychosexual disorder in which an adult's arousal and sexual gratification occur primarily through sexual contact with prepubescent children. The typical pedophile is unable to find satisfaction in an adult sexual relationship and may have low self-esteem, seeing sexual activity with a child as less threatening than that with an adult." Encyclopedia Britannica, 1998
"pe.do.phil.ia n [NL](1906): sexual perversion in which children are the preferred sexual object -- pe.do.phil.i.ac or pe.do.phil.ic adj." Merriam Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary

The diagnostic criteria for pedophilia according to American Psychiatric Association:
• Over a period of at least 6 months, recurrent intense sexual urges and sexual arousing fantasies involving sexual activity with a prepubescent child or children.
• The person has acted on these urges, or is markedly distressed by them.
• The person is at least 16 years old and at least 5 years older than the child or children in A.
DSM-III-R Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, ed 3, revised, copyright American Psychiatric Association.
"In addition to their pedophilia, a significant number of pedophiles are concomitantly or have previously been involved in exhibitionism, voyeurism, or rape".(Voyeurism’s the recurrent preoccupation with fantasized or acts that involve seeking out or observing people who are naked, or are engaged in grooming or in sexual activity". Synopsis of psychiatry, Harold I.Kaplan et al., 5th ed., pg360, Publishers: Williams and Wilkens, 1988
Does the Prophet fit the above criteria of a pedophile?
With the above criteria of a pedophile in mind, lets analyze the lifestyle of the prophet and his marriages.

Motives behind Prophet Muhammad’s(pbuh) marriages
http://www.geocities.com/sunrisinginwest/marriage.html

Biography of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh):
http://muhammad.net/j/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=37&Itemid=38

Have a look at the above websites and then tell me what u think about them.
I will be waiting for u reply.

[ismail231]

It is important to not that:
Aisha's parents were the ones who married her to our Prophet, and that no Muslim or even pagan objected to the marriage because it was widely practiced. And even until today in 3rd world countries (Muslims and non-Muslims), little girls as young as 9 or 10 do get married. Anyway, the reason no one objected was to the Prophet's marriage was:
1. People used to have very short life-spans in Arabia. They used to live between 40 to 60 years maximum. So it was only normal and natural for girls to be married off at ages 9 or 10 or similar.
2. Marriage for young girls was widely practiced among Arabs back then, and even today in many third-world non-Muslim and Muslim countries.

U r talking about Islamic clerics who married young brides lawfully – i.e. with the acceptance of the bride’s parents’ permission!

When a Muslim man married a young teenager bride in India, this news came in the headline of the Indian newspaper. But, when a Swami raped a 6 years old girl, the news appeared in the newspaper brief section. Why is it so? Why r Muslims being targeted? This is just 1example of the lot.

What about those who illegally engage themselves in promiscuity & blame those who legally marry young brides??? Who do u think is right?
(1) The one who commit sexual intercourse illegally (some committed before their marriage & even continue committing after their marriage)
Or
(2)those who lawfully marry young brides.

Islam allows men and women to marry when they reach puberty – all of Prophet Mohamad’s (pbuh) marriage comply this rule.
Islam doesn’t promote raping or any other sorts of actions that violate humanity as a whole! I will try to give u reasons which will prove all of ur accusations & preconceived notions about Islam wrong.

[jonny2mad]

Well most of Mohammed’s enemies he had killed they most likely thought of him as a thief, and a rapist and a slaver

If I stole your property and made you my slave took your wife and raped her and you were unable to write about it as you were my slave or dead, Id still be a thief and a rapist and a slaver.

your thing about the definition of a paedophile doesn’t make me think Mohammed wasn’t a paedophile, what I suggest you do is read up on your average cult leader often times they flim flam to get people to let them marry their young daughters or to get men’s wives off them, they say things like I saw this dream and god told me she should be mine.

Their conmen you see and they work on the gullible.

Mohammed did this when he said he saw aisha given to him in a dream 4-5 years old: "You were shown to me twice (in my dream) before I married you...(and) I said (to myself), 'If this is from Allah, then it must happen. You can imagine how this would work on gullible parents . who normally might have rejected this old man marrying their 6 year old

he did similar when he wanted to marry his own step sons wife , I think aisha was starting to understand Mohammed when she said O Allah's Apostle! I do not see, but, that your Lord hurries in pleasing you.

You see he was a trickster these dreams were lies he used to get what he wanted

What proof do you have that marriage of old men to tiny children was normal in Arabia before Mohammed , in Iran which is next door to Saudi you had women admirals before Islam and as your link points out Mohammed’s first wife was a independent business women if she wasn’t he wouldn’t have been able to marry her for her money .


The Prophet said, "A matron should not be given in marriage except after consulting her; and a virgin should not be given in marriage except after her permission." The people asked, "O Allah's Apostle! How can we know her permission?" He said, "Her silence (indicates her permission)."

That’s pretty much how he got aisha she didn’t understand she was going to be married to this old man who fooled her parents with lies , you would class that as a legal marriage and it is under Islamic law as is the rape of captives .

I think that if someone doesn’t consent or is too young to consent to marriage then that’s rape I unlike your paedophile prophet don’t think that a baby not saying no is really saying yes


This is where mohammeds example has led

From Khomeini's book, "Tahrirolvasyleh", fourth volume, Darol Elm, Gom, Iran, 1990 :
A man can have sexual pleasure from a child as young as a baby. However he should not penetrate, sodomising the child is OK. If the man penetrates and damages the child then he should be responsible for her subsistence throughout her life. This girl, however does not count as one of his four permanent wives. The man will not be eligible to marry the girls sister.
[...]
It is better for a girl to marry in such a time when she would begin menstruation at her husband's house rather than her father's home. Any father marrying his daughter so young will have a permanent place in heaven.

[jonny2mad]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Koresh

cult leader starts off having sex with women who pretended to be a prophetess she was in her late 60s , then he too becomes a pedophile fooling followers that they should let their children marry him .

you can find so many of these people out there today , just imagine they lived a thousand or more years ago and their followers were so dumb they even till today were being fooled by them .

do a search yourself for cult leaders making up storys so they can have sex with kids or other mens wives or like mohammed hs step sons wife , there are loads of them its really normal for cult leaders to do this


http://www.rickross.com/groups/nuwaubians.html

really I should make a list of all the cult leaders who are into pedophilia that last one said they would go to heaven with the angel and never die for having sex with him .

how many female slaves did mohammed have, quite a few, and we dont know how old they were.
he may have married some adult women for their money but as he says in the haddith he liked young girls to fondle, and if you can buy sex slaves and get rid of them when you tire of them why not buy more young children if that what attracts you

[ismail231]

Percentage of his wives who were 17years and older = 91 %
Percentage of his wives who were widows = 75%


The statistics show that the prophet’s marriage to Aisha at her young age was an exception and not a norm of his other marriages. Furthermore ‘a pedophile’s main mode of sexual satisfaction is with prepubescent girls, which is contradictory to the 91% of prophet’s marriage to women 17 years and over. An unbiased examination of Prophet’s life and his marriages to his wives blatantly rejects the notion of his lifestyle fitting that of a pedophile. All his brides were aged widows except Aisha and Maymunah.
Moreover, according to the criteria in the references cited above in ‘Synopsis of Psychiatry’, a vast majority of pedophiles possess a history of exhibitionism, voyeurism, or rape. Again, there is no single reference from either religious or secular sources that the noble Prophet ever indulged in such sadistic behavior (God forbid). This truth is observed and accepted by both Muslims and unbiased non-Muslims scholars.
"It is impossible for anyone who studies the life and character of the great Prophet of Arabia, who knows how he taught and how he lived, to feel anything but reverence for that mighty Prophet, one of the great messengers of the Supreme. And although in what I put to you I shall say many things which may be familiar to many, yet I myself feel whenever I re-read them, a new way of admiration, a new sense of reverence for that mighty Arabian teacher." – Annie Besant, THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF MUHAMMAD, Madras, 1932, p. 4.


Others claim that the noble Prophet (peace be upon him) indulged in child-abuse when he married Aisha at her young age.
Let’s scrutinize this allegation…
Definition of Child Abuse:
Child Abuse, also called CRUELTY TO CHILDREN, the willful and unjustifiable infliction of pain and suffering on children. The term can denote the use of inordinate physical violence; unjustifiable verbal abuse; the failure to furnish proper shelter, nourishment, medical treatment, or emotional support; incest; other cases of sexual molestation or rape; and the making of child pornography. Frequently described by the medical profession as the "battered-child syndrome," abusive treatment of children is almost universally proscribed by criminal statutes. Child abuse can have serious future consequences for the victims involved. Delays in physical growth, impaired language and cognitive abilities, and problems in personality development, learning, and behavior are common following instances of child abuse (Encyclopedia Britannica, 1998).

None of the criteria of child-abuse applies to the noble life of the Prophet (pbuh). There is no single incident of any infliction of pain and suffering by the prophet on Aisha or any of his wives for this matter. Neither any instance of verbal or sexual abuse can be concluded from the relationship of the prophet with Aisha or any of his wives.
An abused child can have serious future consequence such as delayed physical growth, impaired language, learning and behavior…etc (above definition). As one examines the chaste life of Aisha, her personality, physical, mental and spiritual development are all contrary to that of an abused child. In fact through the Prophet’s marriage and his guidance to Aisha, history testifies that she should be labeled not as an abused child but as a ‘blessed child’.

[ismail231]

Many enemies of Islâm center their biased criticisms on the Prophet Muhammad's plural marriages, which exceeded more than four as allowed in the Qur’ân. They brand the Prophet (PBUH) as “sexually obsessed man” for marrying more than four. In Islam, men are allowed to marry maximum four as long as they can show fair treatment to the women (whom they marry) as stated in Chapter 4 Verse 3 of the Holy Qur'an.

Non-Muslims need to correct their distorted notion of the Prophet (PBUH) as “sexually obsessed man” for marrying more than four. They need to know that Allâh the All-Knowing, Most High commands all of us to follow His Messenger (PBUH) as the Prophet (PBUH) is the best example to the whole mankind. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) possesses an exalted standard of character (i.e., sublime morals) (Qur’ân 68:4). He is therefore, the best excellent example for us to follow in order to attain prosperous life in the Hereafter. Allah the Almighty says:

“Indeed in Allah’s Messenger (Muhammad) you have an excellent example to follow for him who hopes in (meeting with) Allah and the Last Day, and remembers Allah much.” (Qur’ân 33:21)

“Those who follow the Messenger, the unlettered Prophet, whom they find mentioned in their own (Scriptures); -- in the Torah and the Gospel; for he commands them what is just and forbids them what is evil. He allows them as lawful what is good (and pure) and prohibits them from what is bad (and impure). He releases them from their heavy burdens and from the yokes that are upon them. So it is those who believe in him, honor him, help him, and follow the Light which is sent down with him -- it is they who will prosper.” (Qur’ân 7: 157)

In an authentic Hadîth we read that theProphet (PBUH) himself said:

Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that Allah’s Messenger (PBUH) said, “I have been sent (as a Messenger) in the best of all generations of Adam’s offspring since the Creation.” (Bukhari 4/757)

Islâm as the perfect religion is both rational and practical. The Prophet’s plural marriages, which exceeded the maximum number allowed for men is an exception to the Qur’ânic injunction (i.e., 4:3) to show all possible types of marriages in Islâm. If he was “sexually obsessed man” HE WOULD HAVE MARRIED MORE IN HIS EARLY MANHOOD, NOT AFTER HE HAD PASSED THE AGE OF FIFTY.

Note: Today, science tells us that as men grow old his sexual desire diminishes.

The fact that he married Khadijah bint Khuwailid (may Allah be pleased with her) and lived a monogamous life for twenty-seven years till Khadijah died, showed that he (PBUH) was not “sexually obsessed man”. But his marriage to Khadijah shows only limited types of marriage that are allowed in Islâm. That is, it is permissible for a man to marry a woman who is older than him, for a poor and orphan man to marry a wealthy woman, for an employee to marry his employer, and for a bachelor man to marry a widow.

Note: Khadijah requested her cousin to ask Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) to marry with her because she was very much impressed with Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) character .


He didn't marry her for money as u stated without knowing to assault Him (pbuh).


He was known as ‘the truthful & the trustworthy’. People would leave their properties & wives under his care when they go out of Mecca for long period of time. By the way, Khadijah was 40years old & widowed twice - not a virgin & He (pbuh) was 25 at that time!

If Allâh the Most Merciful did not allow the Prophet (PBUH) to marry other women, how could marriage in Islâm be open to all other types of marriages? Had the Prophet (PBUH) not married other women, Muslims who follow the [i]Sunnah (Prophet's Traditions, Practices and Teachings) would find it difficult to enter into marriage with the limited examples from the Prophet’s marriage to Khadijah. The Prophet’s plural marriages after his monogamous marriage with Khadijah for so many years show that in Islâm it is allowed for a man to marry virgin woman, who is very much younger than him, as in the case of ‘Aishah bint Abi Bakr (may Allah be pleased with her). Glory be to Allah, the All-Knowing, the All Wise, through ‘Aishah Muslims and non-Muslims worldwide have learned authentic ahadeeth from the Prophet (PBUH) as she was not only young but also very intelligent. She has memorized and (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated many of the Prophet’s authentic ahadeeth which renowned Muslim scholars like Imam Bukhari, Muslim, Nasai, Tirmidhi and Abu Dawud compiled in their collections of Ahadeeth. This is the very wisdom of the Prophet’s marriage to ‘Aishah. Non-Muslims who blatantly criticized the Prophet (PBUH) for marrying a very young girl and accused him of “sexually obsessed” must repent to Allah the Most Merciful, Most Forgiving for their evil thoughts.

A man in Islam can choose to marry a young and intelligent woman like ‘Aishah. He can marry his friends’ daughters, in the same way as the Prophet (PBUH) married ‘Aishah and Hafsah, the daughters of his closest friends: Abu Bakar and Umar (may Allah be pleased with them) in order to foster ties of relationships. Or he can marry his enemies’ daughters as the Prophet (PBUH) married: Juwairiyah bint Al-Harith, the daughter of Al Harith, the head of Bani Al-Mustaliq of Khuza’ah and Umm Habibah or Ramlah, the daughter of Abu Sufyan. Note that both Al-Harith and Abu Sufyan were bitter enemies of Islâm. The Prophet’s marriages to their daughters show how Islâm goes for peace and reconciliation.

Knowing that Juwairiah and Ramlah are both from ruling families, man’s marriage to women of high social status is therefore, allowed. Likewise, it is allowed for a man to marry a woman of low social class as in the case of Maria, who was given to the Prophet (PBUH) as a present by the ruler of Egypt. The Prophet (PBUH) elevated her status by marrying her, instead of making her his slave. His marriages to his captives: Juwairiyah Bint Al-Haritha and Saffiyah Bint Huyay bin Akhtab, not only show how Islâm tolerates mix marriages based on social status; but also shows kindness to the captives and the high regard given to women. Instead of making them slaves, being his captives, he married them and gave them the highest status of women being among the “Mothers of the Believers”. It further shows how the Prophet (PBUH) freed or liberated women from the bondage of slavery.

Aside from inter-social and cultural marriages, the Prophet (PBUH)’s plural marriages also demonstrate that Islâm permits inter-religious marriages with the People of the Book (the Jews and the Christians) by marrying Safiyyah bint Huyay bin Akhtab, a Jew and Maria, a Christian from Egypt. Both of them embraced Islâm and became among the “Mothers of the Believers”.

With his marriage to Sawda Bint Zam’a (may Allah be pleased with her), a widower can opt to marry middle-aged, widow, jolly, and kind woman like Sawda who can take care of his children. The Prophet's marriage to Sawda, whose race was black, also proved that in Islam it is allowed for a man to marry a woman belonging to a different race as there is no racism in Islam. Furthermore, the Prophet’s marriages to Hafsah Bint Umar bin Al-Khattab, Zainab bint Khuzaimah and Umm Salamah Hind bint Abi Omaiyah (may Allah be pleased with them), all widows, show that Islam encourages men to show sympathy and care for widows. One way to do this is by marrying them. Had he not married Umm Salamah, a widow with many children, he would not have demonstrated his virtuous teachings on the care of the orphans. He showed kindness to them, treated them just like his real children.

The Prophet’s marriage to his cousin, Zainab bint Jahsh (may Allah be pleased with her), who was divorced by his adopted son, Zaid (may Allah be pleased with him), shows that in Islâm, it is lawful for a man to marry his first degree cousin. It is also lawful for a man to marry a woman, divorced by his adopted son, since the adopted son is not related to him by blood.

Note: People criticise that Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) married Zainab bint Jahsh (may Allah be pleased with her) because of her beauty. I would like to ask them was not Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) the one who convinced her to marry his adopted son who used to be a slave? Had He (pbuh) not seen her before He (pbuh) got her married with his adopted son? They say He (pbuh) was attracted to her but they don’t know or pretend not to know that He (pbuh) was the one who persuaded her to marry with his adopted son. Do they assume that He (pbuh) was blind (may Allah forbid) the time He (pbuh) personally convinced her to marry with Zaid? If He (pbuh) was interested in her (may Allah forbid) at that time then, why didn’t He (pbuh) marry her at first instance. Because there were some problems between Zainab bint Jahsh & Zaid, they divorced each other. Later on, Allah commanded Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) to marry Her (pbuh) due to the reason given in the above paragraph.

In addition, Islâm allows the practice of betrothal before entering into marriage as what the Prophet (PBUH) did prior to his marriage to ‘Aishah (may Allah be pleased with her). It also permits marriage in absentia as in the case of his marriage to Umm Habibah or Ramlah (may Allah be pleased with her), the daughter of Abu Sufyan, who was in Abysinnia. The Prophet (PBUH) asked the King of Negus for Umm Habibah’s hand for marriage, which the King granted. This marriage in absentia demonstrates how practical and easy Islam is both as a religion and as a way of life.

Islâm also allows a case where a man marries a woman who presents herself for marriage as in the case of Maymunah (may Allah be pleased with her). Maymunah voluntarily presented herself to the Prophet (PBUH) and became one of his wives.

It is interesting to note that although the Prophet’s wives (may Allah be pleased with them) came from different socio-cultural backgrounds, they shared something in common. They were all virtuous believing women. No wonder they are called the “Mothers of the Believers”. The Prophet’s sunnah (tradition) for choosing virtuous believing women in marriage serves as guidance for believing men. Allah the All-Knowing guides Muslim men to marry virtuous believing women:

“Marry those among you who are single, and the virtuous ones among your slaves, male or female. If they are in poverty, Allah will give them means out of His grace: for Allah is Ample-Giving and He Knows all things.” (Qur’an, 24:32)

“Do not marry Unbelieving woman until they believe: A slave woman who believes is better than an unbelieving woman even though she allures you. Nor marry (your girls) to unbelievers until they believe. A man slave who believes is better than an unbeliever even though he allures you. Unbelievers do (but) beckon you to the Fire. But Allah beckons by His Grace to the Garden (of Bliss) and forgiveness. And makes His Signs Clear to mankind: that they may receive admonition.” (Qur’an, 2:221)

In line with the above commandments, the Prophet (PBUH) guides every Muslim to give priority to religiosity and piety in choosing a marital partner. Every believing Muslim man and woman who wants successful marriage needs to take guidance from the following teachings of Allah’s Messenger (PBUH):

Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with her) narrated that Allah’s Messenger (PBUH) said, “When someone with whose religion and character you are satisfied asks your daughter in marriage, accede to his request. If you do not do so, there will be temptation on Earth and extensive corruption.” (Tirmidhi, 3090; Nasa'i and Ibn Majah)

The very wisdom behind giving priority to religiosity and piety in choosing a marital partner is that Islam is a divine religion from Allah the Holy One. It is a religion that teaches modesty, piety and righteousness. Women in Islam are expected to be modest. Allah the Exalted commands believing women not to display their beauty (faces) to men who are not related to them in order to guard their modesty by observing Hijab (proper covering of women’s bodies):

And say to the believing women that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty; that they should not display their beauty and ornaments except what (must ordinarily) appear thereof; that they should draw their veils over their bosoms and not display their beauty except to their husbands their fathers their husbands' fathers their sons their husbands' sons their brothers or their brothers' sons or their sisters' sons or their women or the slaves whom their right hands possess or male servants free of physical needs or small children who have no sense of the shame of sex; and that they should not strike their feet in order to draw attention to their hidden ornaments. And O ye Believers! turn ye all together towards Allah that ye may attain Bliss (Success). (Qur’ân 24:31)

It must be noted that Muslim women during the time of the Prophet (PBUH) implemented the above Ayah. The proofs are the following authentic ahadeeth:

Safiya bint Shaiba (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that 'Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) used to say: "When (the Verse): 'They should draw their veils over their necks and bosoms,' was revealed, (the ladies) cut their waist sheets at the edges and covered their faces with the cut pieces." (Bukhari 6/282)

“Nor come nigh to adultery: for it is a shameful (deed) and an evil, opening the road (to other evils).” (Qur’an, 17:32)



‘Aishah (may Allah be pleased with her) narrated that Allah’s Messenger (PBUH) said, “O followers of Muhammad! There is none, who has a greater sense of Ghira (self-respect) than Allah, so He has forbidden that His slave commits illegal sexual intercourse or His slave girl commits illegal sexual intercourse. O followers of Muhammad! If you but knew what I know, you would laugh less and weep more!” (Bukhari, 7/148)

Non-Muslims should know that Allâh the Exalted permitted all Prophet’s plural marriages (i.e., more than four wives at the same time). Allâh the All Knowing, Most Merciful only allowed plural marriages (more than four wives at the same time) to His Messenger (PBUH) and not for the Believers at large. The plural marriages of the Prophet (which exceeded the maximum four allowed for men) are for the guidance of the Believers. They serve as guides on the dos and don’ts of marriages in Islâm. All the types of marriages that we derive from the Prophet’s plural marriages are based on the following Qur’ânic injunctions:

“This day are (all) things good and pure made lawful unto you. The food of the people of the Book (the Jews and the Christians) is lawful unto you and yours is lawful unto them. (Lawful unto you in marriage) are (not only) chaste women who are believers, but chaste women among the People of the Book, revealed before your time, when you give them their due dowers, and desire chastity, not lewdness. Taking them as lovers. If any one rejects faith, fruitless is his work, and in the Hereafter he will be in the ranks of those who have lost (all spiritual good).” (Qur'an 5:5)


CONTINUED...

[ismail231]

this is a continuation of my previous post. so, pls read my previous post first.


And (remember) when you (O Muhammad) did say to him (Zaid bin Haritha --the freed slave of the Prophet, PBUH) on whom by guiding him to Islâm, and you (too) have done favor (by manumitting him) “Retain (in wedlock) your wife and fear Allâh.” But you did hide in your heart that which Allâh was about to make manifest (that He will give her to you in marriage). You did fear the people but it is more fitting that you should fear Allâh. Then, when Zaid had dissolved (his marriage) with her, with the necessary (formality) (he divorced her). We joined her in marriage to you; in order that (in future) there may be no difficulty to the Believers in (the matter of) marriage with the wives of their adopted sons, when the latter have dissolved with the necessary (formality) (their marriage) with them (they have divorced them). And Allâh’s command must be fulfilled. (Qur'an 33:37)

O Prophet (Muhammad)! Verily, We have made lawful to you: your wives to whom you have paid their dowers; and those whom your right hand possesses out of the prisoners of war whom Allâh has assigned to you; and daughters of your paternal uncles and aunts and daughters of your maternal uncles and aunts who migrated (from Makkah) with you; and any believing woman who dedicates her soul to the Prophet if the Prophet wishes to wed her. This is only for you and not for the Believers (at large). We know what We have appointed for them as to their wives and the captives whom their right hands possess in order that there should be no difficulty for you. And Allâh is Most Forgiving, Most Merciful. (Qur'an 33:50)

Note: We have made lawful to you your wives whom your right hand possess out of the prisoners of war – means that Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) can marry slaves which is also stated in the above paragraphs. People have misinterpreted this statement of the Qur’an & interpreted as they want it to be – obviously to vilify Islam & Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

Allah's statement: “…This is only for you and not for the Believers (at large).” (Qur'an 33:50) means that Allah the Almighty has allowed His Messenger (PBUH) more than the maximum number of wives that He has allowed for men in Islam, which is four (at the same time) as clearly stated in Qur’anic Ayâh (Verse) 3 of Chapter 4 (Surah An-Nisa). The reasons are stated in the above paragraphs.

It must be noted that other Prophets and Messengers of Allah have more than four wives. Another interesting guidance that mankind can get from the Prophet’s plural marriages is that he (PBUH) never divorced any of his wives although divorce is allowed in Islam. Islâm as a rational religion allows divorce only after the husband and wife have observed the prescribed conditions, which include the waiting period where they should stay in their house together. This is to give them ample time to reconsider their decision. If they find out that they can not really stay together for some incompatibilities, then they can finalize their decision for divorce. Allâh the All Knowing, All Wise says:


For those who take an oath for abstention from their wives, a waiting for four months is ordained. If then they return, Allâh is Oft forgiving, Most Merciful. But if their intention is firm for divorce, Allâh hears and knows all things. Divorced women shall wait concerning themselves for three monthly periods. And it is not lawful for them to hide what Allâh has created in their wombs, if they have faith in Allâh and the Last Day. And their husbands have the better right to take them back in that period, if they wish for reconciliation. And women shall have rights similar to the rights against them, according to what is equitable. But men have a degree over them and Allâh is Exalted in Power, All Wise. (Qur’ân 2:226-228)

Note:

ISLAM is the only religion that commands man to work to support his family but doesn’t command women to work? But, if she wants to she can work with her husband's permission. If she works, her money is hers only. She isn’t obliged to pay or share with her husband for anything.

In which civilization or Religion (except in ISLAM), there is a command demand to give a bridal gift to women n she has a right to do whatever she please with it. And the husband hasn’t got the right over it. It is a debt upon him no matter what happens. If she dies n he doesn’t pay it, he must pay it to her heirs (i.e. parents, brothers n sisters).

Which religion except ISLAM commands that if a man divorces his wife, for the next three menstrual periods he must provide her with shelter n wealth? And the rest of his lifetime he has to support the children financially not her, even if they live with her!

Which Religion or System on earth gives these rights to WOMEN except ISLAM??? I have just stated a few rights of women in ISLAM. People have been misguided by media & some Muslims (the black sheep of Islam) who mingle their culture with their religion (ISLAM) about the rights of women in ISLAM. In fact, one of the reasons that women in western world revert to ISLAM is the right/status they enjoy/gain/benefit in ISLAM.

Divorce is better for the couples than staying together in an atmosphere where love, understanding and harmony do not exist. Most cases of adultery happen among couples, most especially if they are non-Muslims or not god-fearing, because they are unhappy in their marriage lives. Subsequently, many juvenile delinquencies occur as the result of frequent quarrels of their parents who no longer love and understand one another.

All the conditions of types of marriages as demonstrated by the Prophet (PBUH) reflect the wisdom behind his marriages. He has shown to us that any righteous Muslim man can live a happy and peaceful life with his wife or wives (whether young or old, poor or rich or any physical, social or racial status, etc.). A righteous Muslim can live with his believing or righteous wife or wives till death (without resorting to family break-ups) no matter how economically poor he is. He has proven that spiritual richness (i.e., fear and love of Allah and hope for His rewards) makes marriages successful. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) serves as the perfect model for the whole mankind. Verily he is Allah's Mercy to all mankind. Alhamdulillah (Praise be to Allah)! Allah has perfected Islam through His Final Messenger, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Before the Prophet's death, Allah has perfected and completed Islam. During his pilgrimage to Makkah on the Day of Arafat he received the following very inspiring revelation:

“...This day I have perfected your religion for you, completed My favor upon you, and have chosen for you Islam as your religion.” (Qur'an, 5:3)

[ismail231]

May Peace Be Upon U!

When a female has had her menses, it indicates the natural sign of womanhood. In today’s society where a 9 years old considered as women might seem very strange. We have girls who reach the age of 18 and they are still girls. They don’t know how to do the household works because they are pampered. So, in such as society, a 9 years old getting married considered as strange or even evil. But, the case is different here as we are talking about 1400 years ago. This was not something strange back then. If you go back & look at the rulers in Europe, in Asia, or wherever you go in the world you will find that 1400 years ago people married “CHILDREN” – yes u read it right – “CHILDREN”.

What is pedophilia? Is it marriage? Those people who are involved in the crime – what do they do? Today, they are going to third war countries where people are desperate & they buy these children & abuse them sexually. These people do not talk about marriage. They go there not to marry but only to abuse these children. This is pedophilia. Marriage is a whole another thing. Marriage is an institution & honor – a person’s honor is protected in it.



Who determines age of marriage for women - u & i? Britain? America? Holland? Germany? France? Italy?




If one were to ask the west – so at what age should people be married? Well, they have different numbers!!! In fact, if we look at the statistics concerning Europe – for what they call consensual sex, meaning a female may have sexual relationship at this age & her consent is sufficient. It is not considered as rape or pedophilia or anything else. They do not talk at all about marriage – they are saying that she can have sexual relations freely at this age.

In England it is 18.

In France it is 17.

In Germany it is 16.

In Italy it is 14.

In Holland it is 12.

So, then what is the age? What number are we going to use? These are just arbitrary numbers that they have thrown around. What is considered a crime in one country is considered legal in another country. And this is within the European Union itself. What ISLAM has prescribed here is puberty! This is the real dividing line. When a girl becomes a woman (a little woman but still a woman). This is GOD’s sign in what we call nature indicating that she is capable of bearing child! There is nothing wrong with it & nothing we should be ashamed about.

God (the Creator) made it legitimate for women to marry when they reach puberty.



“ISLAM GIVES THE SOLUTION TO MANKIND”.

[xexon]

The pedophile issue has been done to death. Let it go. It just antogonizes, and those who cannot see beyond the issue should be regarded as a troll.

Nobody here was there. Nobody here knows Jack about then.


x

[jonny2mad]

xexon if nobody knows anything about it well your dismissing the entire religion of islam .

you cant be a muslim unless your koran only and not believe in pedophilia , you cant be a muslim and not believe in slavery all the people who claim to be muslim and say their against sex with children or slavery Id like to see how they explain that with scripture .

nowhere in islamic scripture is there a cutoff point where it says slavery or sex with children should end , muslims take mohammeds example in the haddith for the sunnah so they grow beards like him they pray like him they consider him a example .

thats why many clerics today justify their child marriages , thats why it took hundreds of years longer to get rid of slavery in the islamic world than the non islamic world .....and that happened because of outside military pressure not from internal reform because muslims thought slavery was a bad idea .

ismail

do you have a list of the ages of his slavegirls that he had sex with and their ages or dont they matter ?

we can see that he had slaves and sold them or in some cases gave them away he did that with sirin Maria al-Qibtiyya sister

clearly in mohammeds own words he prefered young girls so you would expect his slave girls to have been young virgins so he could as he says fondle them so aisha is unlikely to have been the only small child he had sex with

Volume 7, Book 62, Number 17:

Narrated Jabir bin 'Abdullah:

When I got married, Allah's Apostle said to me, "What type of lady have you married?" I replied, "I have married a matron' He said, "Why, don't you have a liking for the young virgins and for fondling them?" Jabir also said: Allah's Apostle said, "Why didn't you marry a young girl so that you might play with her and she with you?'

you said
"A man in Islam can choose to marry a young and intelligent woman like ‘Aishah"

shes 6 years old what the fucks wrong with your mind shes a small child shes not a intelligent women , from her own account she didnt know what was happening and she used to play with dolls when she was with mohammed .

your on a level with khomeni saying you can fuck a baby thats what this religion has done to you .

step back and think is this best practice is it normal for people to consider under six year old children as marriage partners .

one thing about the playing with dolls in islam you have rulings against images of living things but there are exceptions that is dolls for pre-puberty children so you can see that aisha was a pre-puberty child when she was "married" to mohammed .

[ismail231]

U said-

“clearly in mohammeds own words he prefered young girls so you would EXPECT his slave girls to have been young virgins so he could as he says fondle them so aisha is unlikely to have been the only small child he had sex with” – WHERE IS UR PROOF? DON’T ASSUME ANYTHING HERE!

"nowhere in islamic scripture is there a cutoff point where it says slavery or sex with children should end" - lol...this statement is false & absurd for any learned man about Islam to say. do u know what Islam says regarding slavery? u have NO idea of what Prophet Muhammad's (pbuh) said & did to raise slaves' status by giving them equal human rights. u dont know anything about ISLAM!!! u dont know history either! Islam is a religion that honors humans. If it wasn't for the Judeo-Christian and Pagan slavery that was brutally practiced in the Middle East, then Islam would not have dealt at all with slavery. Islam is a religion that did not come to enslave people, but to free slaves! Study the information in the following sections & u will be convinced of what i m saying unless u r prejudiced.

“sirin Maria al-Qibtiyya sister” – WHAT HE(PBUH) DID WITH HER? WHAT R U TRYING TO IMPLY? EXPRESS IN CLEAR WORDS! GIVE ME THE REFERENCE FROM AUNTHENTIC ISLAMIC RESOURCES! PLS DON’T SPEAK FROM UR WHIMS & DESIRES!

Did u know that Jabir bin Abdullah was a young man??? The Prophet (pbuh) recommended him to marry a young woman. no sane person will perceive this as something absurd & peculiar.

In islam we have nothing like dolls r only for pre-puberty children. the use of human images & dolls r outlined in Islam. we arent permitted to hang human beings pics on the wall of our houses. muslims can play with dolls but they r asked to keep their dolls in their cupboard after playing with it.
people regardless of age r fond of pictures. today people use pictures almost everywhere. some use it to decorate their bedroom & some use it as key chains. marketers use it to communicate their brand message to their target market. so, using pictures/dolls doesnt make a person immature. it would be foolish to state that only immature people use dolls/pictures.

Because God(Allah) is not bound by space & time, God(Allah) knows what is going to happen in the future. God(Allah) sent His Angel Gabriel (pbuh) to Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) & showed the picture of Aisha (pbuh) that She is going to be one of the Prophet's(pbuh) wives. God(Allah) bestowed knowledge & wisdom upon Aisha (pbuh). Aisha (pbuh) was chosen amongst the ladies by God(Allah) to assist the Muslim generation with Islam after Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) expired. Aisha (pbuh) was still a young woman after the demise of Prophet (pbuh) but she (pbuh) assisted in the matter of religion to those who were far more senior than her (pbuh). Below r some of the incidents in which Aisha (pbuh) helped many senior Muslims about Islamic faith, ruling, etc… Ur argument of age vs knowledge & wisdom becomes invalid here!



Arwa Bin Zubair says, "I did not find anyone more proficient than Aisha (pbuh) in the knowledge of the Holy Quran, the Commandments of Halal (lawful) and Haram (prohibited), Ilmul-Ansab and Arabic poetry. That is why, even senior companions of the Prophet (pbuh) used to consult Aisha (pbuh) in resolving intricate issues (cited in.Jala-ul-Afham by Ibn Qaiyem and Ibn Sa’ad, Vol.2, p.26)

Abu Musa al-Ashari says: "Never had we (the companions) had any difficulty for the solution of which we approached Aisha (pbuh) and did not get some useful information from her" (cited in Sirat-I-Aisha, on the authority of Trimidhi, pg. 163).
As a teacher, she had a clear and persuasive manner of speech and her power of oratory has been described in superlative terms by al-Ahnaf who said: "I have heard speeches of Abu Bakr and Umar, Uthman and Ali and the Khulafa up to this day, but I have not heard speech more persuasive and more beautiful from the mouth of any person than from the mouth of Aisha (pbuh)."


The Prophet (pbuh) said, "The superiority of 'Aisha (pbuh) to other ladies is like the superiority of Tharid (i.e. meat and bread dish) to other meals. Many men reached the level of perfection, but no woman reached such a level except Mary, the daughter of Imran and Aasia, the wife of Pharaoh" (cited in Sahih Al-Bukhari Hadith, Narrated by Abu Musa Al Ashari Hadith 4.643).
Musa Ibn Talha says, "I did not see anyone more eloquent than Aisha (pbuh)" (cited in Mustadrak of Hakim, Vol.4,p.11).
Men and women came from far and wide to benefit from her knowledge.
Aisha’s (pbuh) great interest in the study of the Qur’an is very applaudable. She was an eye-witness to a number of revelations and had therefore a clear idea of the circumstances in which they were revealed. It was on her bed alone (and no other consort’s) that the Prophet received Wahi (Divine Revelations) several times. This helped her in interpreting the verses.


At the time of the Prophet’s (pbuh) death, the Prophet’s (pbuh) head was on her lap. It was in her quarters that the Prophet was buried.- this indicates the love between the Prophet (pbuh) & Aisha (pbuh).
The life of Aisha (pbuh) is a proof that a woman can be far more learned than men and that she can be the teacher of scholars and experts. Her (pbuh) life is also a proof that a woman can exert influence over men and women and provide them with inspiration and leadership. Aisha (pbuh) is a continuing inspiration and role model to today’s youth who are diligently searching for an example amongst the pop stars, movie actresses and sports stars. May the memory of her’s (pbuh) live forever in the heart of the Muslims and may God(Allah) grant her (pbuh) the highest abode in Paradise…Aameen.



It was the aforementioned qualities of Aisha (pbuh) and the Prophet’s (pbuh) guidance in molding these capabilities for the service of Islam, were some of the main reasons, why the Prophet married young Aisha (pbuh), and not the perverted reasons brought forth by misguided orientalists.




What is important here is not some random age, but physical and mental maturity, it is well known that humans in hot countries mature much faster than those in colder climates. During some research in this very issue, I discovered that the earliest recorded pregnancy was eight (8) years old girl in south America
This means the girls in hot countries become adult/young women when they reach the age of 9, 10, 11 and 12 years old.


Aisha was in fact already promised in marriage even before she was married to Prophet Mohammed (pbuh) , she was promised to Jobuer ben Mota’am ben Adey , he betrothed Aisha , this shows that arrange marriages at young ages was quite normal and that means the girls in these so called young ages were woman - not child.

By the way Aisha (pbuh) was admitted to the Prophet (pbuh) house when she was nine (9) not when she was six (6)!

Surely any objection to such a young marriage can only be made if it can be shown that some harm was caused because of it. In fact all evidence points to the opposite in the case of this marriage which was so full of love and happiness.


If this marriage was considered “Pedophile”, Quraysh and entire Arabia would have attacked prophet Mohammed and accused him of "pedophilia". Or at least Abu Jahl or Abu Lahab, who hated Prophet Mohammed (pbuh) so much that they waited one wrong to attack him but they didn’t find any mistake, because marrying little woman aged (9,10 or 11) at that time was pretty normal/common/widely accepted. These 2 fellows & others at that time hated & conspired against Prophet Mohammad (pbuh) because He (pbuh) called them to worship God(Allah) alone & not to associate any partners with Him. The Prophet (pbuh) called them to surrender & submit one’s will to the will of God(Allah). Because Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said that all human beings r brothers & r equal – they didn’t follow him. Because they knew that if they follow him, they will have to forsake their power, riches, etc & that they will be standing shoulder to shoulder with their slaves in prayers. ISLAM doesn’t degrade or discriminate people depending on color, race, wealth, power or even religion.

People used to marry women when of aged from 9, 10, 11 and onwards. It was normal to marry to person in her father’s age.Marrying young woman was also a common practice amongst the Jews. A Jewish woman, Safia bint Hayi bin Akhtab , 1 of the Prophet’s (pbuh) wives, the daughter of Hayi bin Akhtab who was the leader of Jewish tribe, was first married when she (pbuh) was 10 years old. She (pbuh) later on reverted & married Him (pbuh) when she (pbuh) reached 17. If u read history, u will come to know that people & rulers of the past has married young woman – what u may assume as children.

Today, we judge people of the past 1400 years according to modern perspective which is unjust, illogical & biased. The accusation to Prophet Mohammed (pbuh) as a pedophile appeared since 60 years only!!! We hear it newly. Well, why we didn’t hear before 100years ago or perhaps 1400years ago when He(pbuh) was still alive – if the accusation was true!. Western orientalists attempted to vilify Prophet (pbuh) by doing this but failed miserably. They didn’t consider that the tradition of marrying young woman still exist in east Europe, and it was very normal in Spain and Portugal since olden time. This is very acceptable in far American mountain region, and in Asia.

"I have studied him - the wonderful man and in my opinion far from being an anti-Christ, he must be called the Savior of Humanity. I believe that if a man like him were to assume the dictatorship of the modern world, he would succeed in solving its problems in a way that would bring it the much needed peace and happiness: I have prophesied about the faith of Muhammad that it would be acceptable to the Europe of tomorrow as it is beginning to be acceptable to the Europe of today." George Bernard Shaw, THE GENUINE ISLAM, Vol. 1, No. 81936.

[ismail231]

Human equality and the liberation of slaves in Islam:

The sections of this article are:

1- How does Islam view slaves?
2- The liberation of Slaves in Islam.
3- Can a Slave request his freedom from his Muslim owner?
4- Conclusion.

The religion of Islam is a very beautiful religion when it comes to human equality and to liberation of slaves. When Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him brought Islam to his people from Allah Almighty, they used to practice the Judeo-Christian and Pagan slavery. They used to buy and sell slaves, abuse them, and flog them to death if slaves disobey. The Muslims had fought long and bloody battles against the Pagan Arabs to liberate slaves and women.

1- How does Islam view slaves?

Islam commands the Muslims to love and respect slaves and to treat them with kindness.

Let us look at Noble Verse 2:177 "It is not righteousness that ye turn your faces Towards east or West; but it is righteousness to believe in God 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 God-fearing." In this Noble Verse, we see that Allah Almighty orders Muslims to spend from their money and wealth and to give with love and respect the kin, orphans, the needy, the wayfarer, for those who ask, and for slaves. Muslims have to help those who need it in their community.

Let us look at Noble Verse 2:221"Do not marry unbelieving women (idolaters), until they believe: A slave woman who believes is better than an unbelieving woman, even though she allures you. Nor marry (your girls) to unbelievers until they believe: A man slave who believes is better than an unbeliever, even though he allures you. Unbelievers do (but) beckon you to the Fire. But God beckons by His Grace to the Garden (of bliss) and forgiveness, and makes His Signs clear to mankind: That they may celebrate His praise." In this Noble Verse, we see that Allah Almighty in some cases considers a slave to be better than a free human being. Allah Almighty orders Muslims not to marry from the Pagans, and He tells us that a slave Muslim (who is owned by a non Muslim) is better than a non believer, even if that non believer was beautiful.

Let us look at Noble Verse 24:31 "And say to the believing women that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty; that they should not display their beauty and ornaments except what (must ordinarily) appear thereof; that they should draw their veils over their bosoms and not display their beauty except to their husbands, their fathers, their husband's fathers, their sons, their husbands' sons, their brothers or their brothers' sons, or their sisters' sons, or their women, or the slaves whom their right hands possess, or male servants free of physical needs, or small children who have no sense of the shame of sex; and that they should not strike their feet in order to draw attention to their hidden ornaments. And O ye Believers! turn ye all together towards God, that ye may attain Bliss." In this Noble Verse, we see that Allah Almighty orders the Muslim women to guard their modesty and not to display their beauty to strangers. However, the Muslim women are allowed to display their beauty to their husbands, relatives, other women, and their slaves. This Noble Verse clearly shows a full respect to the slaves by allowing the Muslim women to display their beauty to them.



Some teachings from Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him:

Abu Huraira reported Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) as saying: "When the slave of anyone amongst you prepares food for him and he serves him after having sat close to (and undergoing the hardship of) heat and smoke, he should make him (the slave) sit along with him and make him eat (along with him), and if the food seems to run short, then he should spare some portion for him (from his own share) - (another narrator) Dawud said:" i. e. a morsel or two". 4097. (Translation of Sahih Muslim, The Book of Oaths (Kitab Al-Aiman), Book 015, Number 4096)"

Narrated Al-Ma'rur: "At Ar-Rabadha I met Abu Dhar who was wearing a cloak, and his slave, too, was wearing a similar one. I asked about the reason for it. He replied, "I abused a person by calling his mother with bad names." The Prophet said to me, 'O Abu Dhar! Did you abuse him by calling his mother with bad names You still have some characteristics of ignorance. Your slaves are your brothers and Allah has put them under your command. So whoever has a brother under his command should feed him of what he eats and dress him of what he wears. Do not ask them (slaves) to do things beyond their capacity (power) and if you do so, then help them.' (Translation of Sahih Bukhari, Belief, Volume 1, Book 2, Number 29)"

Narrated Anas: "The Prophet said, 'None of you will have faith till he wishes for his (Muslim) brother [this includes slaves, since a slave is considered a brother as shown above] what he likes for himself.' (Translation of Sahih Bukhari, Belief, Volume 1, Book 2, Number 12)"

Narrated Abu Musa: "Some people asked Allah's Apostle, 'Whose Islam is the best? i.e. (Who is a very good Muslim)?' He replied, 'One who avoids harming the Muslims with his tongue and hands.' (Translation of Sahih Bukhari, Belief, Volume 1, Book 2, Number 10)"

Narrated 'Abdullah bin 'Amr: "A man asked the Prophet, 'What sort of deeds or (what qualities of) Islam are good?' The Prophet replied, 'To feed (the poor) and greet those whom you know and those whom you do not Know.' (Translation of Sahih Bukhari, Belief, Volume 1, Book 2, Number 11)"

2- The Liberation of Slaves in Islam:

The reason why Muslims had slaves is because when Islam was still weak and growing, the Arab Pagans' tribes used to launch continuous attacks on the Muslims to destroy Islam once and for all. Muslims had entered many bloody and vicious battles against the non believers which had cost both sides many lives from the men. When the Muslims used to enter a city after defeating its army, they would face a new dilemma. They often meet hundreds of non believing women and young children and elderly left without any support because their men had died in the battle field.

For this reason, Allah Almighty allowed for the Muslims to take those people as slaves to help them survive. Keep in mind that during that time, the Muslims didn't have an Islamic government and welfare system to take care of the orphans and widows from the non believers. The Muslims had to take care of them from their own means.

Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him ordered the Muslims to be very sensitive to their slaves. He ordered the Muslims to buy the slave young boys and girls the same quality of clothes and gifts that they would buy for their children. He also ordered Muslims not to hit or be violent to adult slaves. He ordered Muslims to be loving and caring for them.

Prophet Muhammad also urged wealthy Muslims to buy slaves from the Pagan Arabs and to let them free after that. One of Prophet Muhammad's best friends was a slave from Africa called Bilal Al-Habashi. Bilal was bought from his Pagan master by Abu Baker Al-Siddeek, one of Muhammad's best friends. After Abu Baker bought Bilal, he set him free.

Islam as I mentioned in the introduction came to fight slavery. Allah Almighty ordered the Muslims to gradually liberate slaves and to give them their freedom in many cases.

Let us look at Noble Verse 4:92 "Never should a believer kill a believer; but (If it so happens) by mistake, (Compensation is due): If one (so) kills a believer, it is ordained that he should free a believing slave, and pay compensation to the deceased's family, unless they remit it freely. If the deceased belonged to a people at war with you, and he was a believer, the freeing of a believing slave (Is enough). If he belonged to a people with whom ye have treaty of Mutual alliance, compensation should be paid to his family, and a believing slave be freed. For those who find this beyond their means, (is prescribed) a fast for two months running: by way of repentance to God: for God hath all knowledge and all wisdom." In this Noble Verse, we see that Allah Almighty ordered to free a believing slave if a Muslim accidentally kills another Muslim. This Noble Verse came to encourage Muslims to liberate slaves.

Let us look at Noble Verse 5:89 "God will not call you to account for what is futile in your oaths, but He will call you to account for your deliberate oaths: for expiation, feed ten indigent persons, on a scale of the average for the food of your families; or clothe them; or give a slave his freedom. If that is beyond your means, fast for three days. That is the expiation for the oaths ye have sworn. But keep to your oaths. Thus doth God make clear to you His signs, that ye may be grateful." This Noble Verse is also another proof that Allah Almighty did encourage Muslims to liberate slaves.

Let us look at Noble Verse 58:3 "But those who divorce their wives by Zihar, then wish to go back on the words they uttered, (It is ordained that such a one) should free a slave before they touch each other: Thus are ye admonished to perform: and God is well-acquainted with (all) that ye do." This Noble Verse is another proof that Allah Almighty did encourage Muslims to liberate slaves.

Narrated Abu Musa Al-Ash'ari: "The Prophet said, "Give food to the hungry, pay a visit to the sick and release (set free) the one in captivity (by paying his ransom)." (Translation of Sahih Bukhari, Food, Meals, Volume 7, Book 65, Number 286)"

Narrated Asma: "No doubt the Prophet ordered people to manumit slaves during the solar eclipse. (Translation of Sahih Bukhari, Eclipses, Volume 2, Book 18, Number 163)"

"'Abdullah b. 'Umar reported that 'Umar b. Khattab asked the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) as he was at ji'rana (a town near Mecca) on his way back from Ta'if: Messenger of Allah, I had taken a vow during the days of Ignorance that I would observe I'tikaf for one day in the Sacred Mosque. So what is your opinion? He said: Go and observe I'tikaf for a day. And Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) gave him a slave girl out of the one-fifth (of the spoils of war meant for the Holy Prophet). And when Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) set the war prisoners free. 'Umar b. Khattab heard their voice as they were saying: Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) has set us free. He (Hadrat 'Umar) said: What is this? They said: Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) has set free the prisoners of war (which had fallen to the lot of people). Thereupon he (Hadrat 'Umar) said: Abdullah, go to that slave-girl and set her free. (Translation of Sahih Muslim, The Book of Oaths (Kitab Al-Aiman), Book 015, Number 4074)"



If a Muslim beats his slave or slaps him on the face, then he must set him free:

"Zadhan reported that Ibn Umar called his slave and he found the marks (of beating) upon his back. He said to him: I have caused you pain. He said: No. But he (Ibn Umar) said: You are free. He then took hold of something from the earth and said: There is no reward for me even to the weight equal to it. I heard Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) as saying: He who beats a slave without cognizable offence of his or slaps him, then expiation for it is that he should set him free. (Translation of Sahih Muslim, The Book of Oaths (Kitab Al-Aiman), Book 015, Number 4079)"

"Abu Mas'ud reported that he had been beating his slave and he had been saying: "I seek refuge with Allah, but he continued beating him, whereupon he said: I seek refuge with Allah's Messenger, and he spared him. Thereupon Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) said: By Allah, God has more dominance over you than you have over him (the slave). He said that he set him free. This hadith has been narrated on the authority of Shu'ba with the same chain of transmitters, but made no mention of (these words) of his: I seek refuge with Allah, I seek refuge with Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him). (Translation of Sahih Muslim, The Book of Oaths (Kitab Al-Aiman), Book 015, Number 4089)"



More on freeing slaves:

Narrated Salamah ibn Sakhr al-Bayadi: "I was a man who was more given than others to sexual intercourse with women. When the month of Ramadan came, I feared lest I should have intercourse with my wife, and this evil should remain with me till the morning. So I made my wife like my mother's back to me till the end of Ramadan. But one night when she was waiting upon me, something of her was revealed. Suddenly I jumped upon her. When the morning came I went to my people and informed them about this matter. I said: Go along with me to the Apostle of Allah (peace_be_upon_him). They said: No, by Allah. So I went to the Prophet (peace be upon him and informed him of the matter. He said: Have you really committed it, Salamah? I said: I committed it twice, Apostle of Allah. I am content with the Commandment of Allah, the Exalted; so take a decision about me according to what Allah has shown you. He said: Free a slave. I said: By Him Who sent you with truth, I do not possess a neck other than this: and I struck the surface of my neck. He said: Then fast two consecutive months. I said: Whatever I suffered is due to fasting. He said: Feed sixty poor people with a wasq of dates. I said: By Him Who sent you with truth, we passed the night hungry; there was no food in our house. He said: Then go to the collector of sadaqah of Banu Zurayq; he must give it to you. Then feed sixty poor people with a wasq of dates; and you and your family eat the remaining dates. Then I came back to my people, and said (to them): I found with you poverty and bad opinion; and I found with the Prophet (peace_be_upon_him) prosperity and good opinion. He has commanded me to give alms to you. Ibn al-Ala' added: Ibn Idris said: Bayadah is a sub-clan of Banu Zurayq. (Translation of Sunan Abu-Dawud, Divorce (Kitab Al-Talaq), Book 12, Number 2207)"

Narrated Khuwaylah, daughter of Malik ibn Tha'labah: "My husband, Aws ibn as-Samit, pronounced the words: You are like my mother. So I came to the Apostle of Allah (peace_be_upon_him), complaining to him about my husband. The Apostle of Allah (peace_be_upon_him) disputed with me and said: Remain dutiful to Allah; he is your cousin. I continued (complaining) until the Qur'anic verse came down: "Allah hath heard the words of her who disputeth with thee concerning her husband...." till the prescription of expiation. He then said: He should set free a slave. She said: He cannot afford it. He said: He should fast for two consecutive months. She said: Apostle of Allah, he is an old man; he cannot keep fasts. He said: He should feed sixty poor people. She said: He has nothing which he may give in alms. At that moment an araq (i.e. date-basket holding fifteen or sixteen sa's) was brought to him. I said: I shall help him with another date-basked ('araq). He said: You have done well. Go and feed sixty poor people on his behalf, and return to your cousin. The narrator said: An araq holds sixty sa's of dates. (Translation of Sunan Abu-Dawud, Divorce (Kitab Al-Talaq), Book 12, Number 2208)"

There are a lot more Noble Verses from the Noble Quran and Sayings from our beloved Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him that push for freeing of slaves. The Islamic attitude toward slaves is very clear and straight forward: All slaves are eventually to be freed! And they were all freed during the times of Islam from the Judeo-Christian and Pagan slavery.



CONTINUED....

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3- Can a slave request his freedom from his Muslim owner?

First, it is important to know that thousands of years ago life was different than today. Today, people wouldn't accept slavery for any reason. The reason for this is because people are a lot more independent both financially, education wise, mentally, etc... But people back then were different. When a tribe or a group of people lose a major battle and their money is mostly, if not all, is taken as war booty by the other side, then people could and would accept being slaves for the following reasons:

1- Both financial and social security. When their country or tribe lost the war, they also lost most or all of their money as war booty. Being out of money and food, it becomes necessary for an individual to find the means for basic survival in life. Living as a slave would provide this.

2- Protection from hostile individuals. Even under the Islamic rule, you can still find hostile individuals who violate the Law and take matters into their own hands. An enemy family can be sometime in danger if they don't have a "protector".

3- Widows, Orphans, and the extremely poor of the enemy side need the financial and social protection from a Master. Back then, there were no governments with good social system that protects everyone. Slavery back then was that social system in special cases.

There are probably more points I can add, but I think these are sufficient enough. Let us now see the Islamic System toward Slaves:



Slaves can request and get their freedom from their Muslim Masters:

Yes slaves were taken from the blood-thirsty and hostile enemies, but they were also given the right to get their freedom when ever they want. The Noble Quran not only allows slaves to request their freedom from their Muslim masters, but also orders the Muslim masters to pay the slaves money to help them stand on their feet and to be able to face life with a good jump start.

Let us look at Noble Verse 24:33 "Let those who find not the wherewithal for marriage keep themselves chaste, until God gives them means out of His grace. And if any of your slaves ask for a deed in writing (to enable them to earn their freedom for a certain sum), give them such a deed if ye know any good in them: yea, give them something yourselves out of the means which God has given to you. But force not your maids to prostitution when they desire chastity, in order that ye may make a gain in the goods of this life. But if anyone compels them, yet, after such compulsion, is God, Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful (to them)," In this Noble Verse, we see that if a slave requests his freedom from his Muslim master, then his master not only must help him earn his freedom if there is good in the Slave, but also pay him money so the slave can have a good start in his free life.

"The law of slavery in the legal sense of the term is now obsolete. While it had any meaning, Islam made the slave's lot as easy as possible. A slave, male or female, could ask for conditional manumission by a written deed fixing the amount required for manumission and allowing the slave meanwhile to earn money by lawful means and perhaps marry and bring up a family. Such a deed was not to be refused if the request was genuine and the slave had character. Not only that, but the master is directed to help with money out of his own resources in order to enable the slave to earn his or her own liberty." [2]

Again, the Prophet peace be upon him said:

Narrated Abu Musa Al-Ash'ari: "The Prophet said, "Give food to the hungry, pay a visit to the sick and release (set free) the one in captivity (by paying his ransom)." (Translation of Sahih Bukhari, Food, Meals, Volume 7, Book 65, Number 286)"




4- Conclusion:

Islam is a very merciful religion on slaves. Islam came and fought many bloody battles against the Arabs who believed in slavery and who brutally enslaved many people. Islam also sees the importance of liberating slaves, and had helped to gradually liberate slaves until all of them were ultimately freed. Islam allows for any slave to request from his Muslim owner his freedom, and orders the Muslim owner to grant that slave his freedom and to pay him money on top of it to help him get a good start in his new free life.

WHY DID SLAVERY EXIST IN ISLAM

http://www.answering-christianity.com/why_slavery.htm

SLAVERY: ISLAMIC PERSPECTIVES

http://www.al-islam.org/slavery/1.htm

TREATMENT OF SLAVES IN ISLAM

http://www.answering-christianity.com/slaves_treatment.htm

IN ISLAM YOUR SLAVE ARE YOUR BROTHERS

http://www.answering-christianity.com/slaves_brothers.htm

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"Islam is the fastest-growing religion in America, a guide and pillar of stability for many of our people..." [HILLARY RODMAN CLINTON, Los Angeles Times, May 31, 1996, p.3]

Already more than a billion-people strong, Islam is the world’s fastest-growing religion. [ABCNEWS, Abcnews.com]

"Islam is the fastest-growing religion in the country." [NEWSDAY, March 7, 1989, p.4]

"Islam is the fastest-growing religion in the United States..." [NEW YORK TIMES, Feb 21, 1989, p.1]

Moslems are the world's fastest-growing group..." [USA TODAY, The Population Reference bureau, Feb. 17,
1989, p.4A ]


"There are more Muslims in North America then Jews Now." [Dan Rathers, CBSNEWS] "Islam is the fastest growing religion in North America." [TIMES MAGAZINE]

"Islam continues to grow in America, and no one can doubt that!" [CNN, December 15, 1995]

"The Religion of Islam is growing faster than any other religion in the world." [MIKE WALLACE, 60 MINUTES]

"Five to 6 million strong, Muslims in America already outnumber Presbyterians, Episcopalians, and Mormons, and they are more numerous than Quakers, Unitarians, Seventh-day Adventists, Mennonites, Jehovah's Witnesses, and Christian Scientists, combined. Many demographers say Islam has overtaken Judaism as the country's second-most commonly practiced religion; others say it is in the passing lane." [JOHAN BLANK, US NEWS(7/20/98)]

"In fact, Religion experts say Islam is the second-largest religion in the United States... Islam has 5 million to 6 million members, followed by Judaism, with approximately 4.5 million..... And Islam is believed to be fastest-growing religion in the country, with half its expansion coming from new immigrants and the other half from conversions." [By ELSA C. ARNETT Knight-Ridder News Service]

It has been a great pleasure for me to help clarify statements in the Qur'ân about human development. It is clear to me that these statements must have come to Muhammad from Allah, or Allah, because almost all of this knowledge was not discovered until many centuries later. This proves to me that Muhammad must have been a messenger of Allah. [Professor Keith Moore, one of the world’s prominent scientists of anatomy and embryology. University of Toronto, Canada]

"But Islam has a still further service to render to the cause of humanity. It stands after all nearer to the real East than Europe does, and it possesses a magnificent tradition of inter-racial understanding and cooperation. No other society has such a record of success uniting in an equality of status, of opportunity, and of endeavours so many and so various races of mankind . . . Islam has still the power to reconcile apparently irreconcilable elements of race and tradition. If ever the opposition of the great societies of East and West is to be replaced by cooperation, the mediation of Islam is an indispensable condition. In its hands lies very largely the solution of the problem with which Europe is faced in its relation with East. If they unite, the hope of a peaceful issue is immeasurably enhanced. But if Europe, by rejecting the cooperation of Islam, throws it into the arms of its rivals, the issue can only be disastrous for both." [H.A.R. Gibb, WHITHER ISLAM, London, 1932, P. 379.]

"It (Islam) replaced monkishness by manliness. It gives hope to the slave, brotherhood to mankind, and recognition of the fundamental facts of human nature." [Canon Taylor, Paper read before the Church Congress at Walverhamton, Oct. 7, 1887; Quoted by Arnoud in THE PREACHING OF ISLAM, pp. 71-72.]



The founder of twenty terrestrial empires and of one spiritual empire, that is Muhammed. As regards all standards by which
human greatness may be measured, we may well ask, is there any man greater than he? " [Lamartine, Historie de la Turquie, Paris 1854, Vol. 11 pp. 276-2727]


"If a man like Muhammed were to assume the dictatorship of the modern world, he would succeed in solving its problems that would bring it the much needed peace and happiness." [George Bernard Shaw] "How, for instance, can any other appeal stand against that of the Moslem who, in approaching the pagan, says to him, however obscure or degraded he may be 'Embrace the faith, and you are at once equal and a brother.' Islam knows no color line." [S. S. Leeder, VEILED MYSTERIES OF EGYPT]

I think it seems to me very, very mysterious, almost unbelievable. I really think if what you have said is true, [Professor Siaveda , He is also one of the most famous scientists in the world.]

Professor William W. Hay is one of the best known marine scientists in the United States. satellite photography and emote-sensing techniques. Professor Hay replied: I find it very interesting that this sort of information is in the ancient scripture of the Holy Qur'ân, and I have no way of knowing where they would come from, but I think it is extremely interesting that they are there and that this work is going on to discover it, the meaning of some of the passages. Professor Hay: Well, I would think it must be the divine being!

[Professor Yushudi Kusan: Director of the Tokyo Observatory] I can say, I am very much impressed by finding true astronomical facts in the Qur'ân.

[Professor Alfred Kroner who is one of the world’s most famous geologists] "Thinking about many of these questions and thinking where Muhammad came from, he was after all a bedouin. I think it is almost impossible that he could have known about things like the common origin of the universe, because scientists have only found out within the last few years with very complicated and advanced technological methods that this is the case.

[Dr. T.V.N. Persaud is a Professor of Anatomy and Head of the Department of Anatomy, and a professor of Pediatrics and Child Health, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. He is the author or editor of 25 books, and has published over 181 scientific papers. In 1991, he received the most distinguished award presented in the field of anatomy in Canada.] "It seems to me that Muhammad was a very ordinary man. He could not read or write. In fact, he was illiterate. We are talking about 1400 years ago. You have someone who was illiterate making profound pronouncement
and statements and are amazingly accurate about scientific nature. I personally cannot see how this could be mere chance. There are too many accuracy’s and, like Dr. Moore, I have no difficulty in my mind in concerning that this is a divine inspiration or revelation which led him to these statements."

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Joe Leigh Simpson, Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the North Western University in Chicago in the United States of America. Professor Simpson said: It follows, I think, that not only is there no conflict between genetics and religion, but in fact religion can guide science by adding revelation to some traditional scientific approaches. That there exists statements in the Qur'ân shown by science to be valid, which supports knowledge in the Qur'ân having been derived from Allah.

[Professor Palmer a scientist from the U.S.] We need research into the history of early Middle Eastern oral traditions to know whether in fact such historical events have been reported. If there is no such record, it strengthens the belief that Allah transmitted through Muhammad bits of his knowledge that we have only discovered for ourselves in recent times. We look forward to a continuing dialogue on the topic of science in the Qur'ân in the context of geology. Thank you very much.

[Professor Tagata Tagasone, formerly Head of the Department of Anatomy and Embryology at the University of Shiang Mai in Thailand. He is now the Dean of the College of the Medicine at the University.] From my studies and from what I have learned throughout this conference, I believe that everything that has been recorded in the Qur'ân 1400 years ago must be the truth, that can be proved by the scientific means. Since the Prophet Muhammad could neither read nor write, Muhammad must be a messenger who relayed this truth which was revealed to him as an enlightenment by the One Who is an Eligible Creator. This Creator must
be Allah, or Allah. Therefore, I think this is the time to say ‘Laa ilaaha illallah’, that there is no Allah to worship except Allah, ‘Muhammad Rasool Allah’, Muhammad is messenger of Allah.

[Professor Armstrong, Scientist works at NASA] I am impressed that how remarkably some of the ancient writings seem to correspond to modern and recent Astronomy. There may well have to be something beyond what we understand as ordinary human experience to account for the writings that we have seen.

[Professor Durga Rao] It is difficult to imagine that this type of knowledge was existing at that time, around 1400 years back. May be some of the things they have simple idea about, but do describe those things in great detail is very difficult. So, this is definitely not a simple human knowledge.

"My choice of Muhammad to lead the list of the world's most influential persons may surprise some readers and may be questioned by others, but he was the only man in history who was supremely successful on both the religious and secular level." [Michael H. Hart, THE 100: A RANKING OF THE MOST INFLUENTIAL PERSONS IN HISTORY, New York: Hart Publishing Company, Inc., 1978, p. 33.]

"No other society has such a record of success in uniting in an equality of status, of opportunity and endeavor so many and so varied races of mankind. The great Muslim communities of Africa, India and Indonesia, perhaps also the small community in Japan, show that Islam has still the power to reconcile apparently irreconcilable elements of race and tradition. If ever the opposition of the great societies of the East and West is to be replaced by cooperation, the meditation of Islam is an indispensable condition.” [H.A.R. Gibb, WHITHER ISLAM, p. 379]

The nation's claim to be a Christian country is about to meet its first challenge: the number of practising Muslims is set to overtake Anglican Christians.... There has also been a number of high-profile conversions to Islam from Christianity. These include Mike Tyson, the former world champion boxer; Chris Eubank, the British middleweight boxing champion, who has changed his name to Hamdan; and Cat Stevens, the pop musician, who calls himself Yusuf Islam.... Prince Charles courted controversy earlier this year when he reaffirmed his
claim that when he succeeds the throne, he does not wish to be the defender of only the Christian faith. [Rajeev Syal and Christopher Morgan Sunday Times (London, U.K.)]

"I have studied him - the wonderful man - and in my opinion far from being an anti-Christ he must be called the saviour of
humanity. " [George Bernard Shaw in "The Genuine Islam"]

"Muhammad, the inspired man who founded Islam, was born about A.D. 570 into an Arabian tribe that worshipped idols. Orphaned at birth, he was always particularly solicitous of the poor and needy, the widow and the orphan, the slave and the downtrodden. At twenty, he was already a successful businessman, and soon became director of camel caravans for a wealthy widow. When he reached twenty-five, his employer, recognizing his merit, proposed marriage. Even though she was fifteen years older, he married her, and as long as she lived, remained a devoted husband. "Like almost every major prophet before him, Muhammad fought shy of serving as the transmitter of God's word, sensing his own inadequacy. But the angel commanded 'Read.' So far as we know, Muhammad was unable to read or write, but he began to dictate those inspired words which would soon revolutionize a large segment of the earth: 'There is one God.' "In all things Muhammad was profoundly practical. When his beloved son Ibrahim died, an eclipse occurred, and rumours of God's personal condolence quickly arose. Whereupon Muhammad is said to have announced, 'An eclipse is a phenomenon of nature. It is foolish to attribute such things to the death or birth of a human being. "At Muhammad's own death an attempt was made to deify him, but the man who was to become his administrative successor killed the hysteria with one of the noblest speeches in religious history: 'If there are any among you who worshipped Muhammad, he is dead. But if it is God you worshipped, He lives forever." [James A. Michener, "Islam: The Misunderstood Religion," in READER'S DIGEST (American edition), May 1955, pp. 68-70.]

"In little more than a year he was actually the spiritual, nominal and temporal rule of Medina, with his hands on the lever
that was to shake the world." [John Austin, "Muhammad the Prophet of Allah," in T.P. 's and Cassel's Weekly for 24th September 1927.]

"Everything made so much sense. This is the beauty of the Qur'an; it asks you to reflect and reason....When I read the Qur'an further, it talked about prayer, kindness and charity. I was not a Muslim yet, but I felt the only answer for me was the Qur'an and God had sent it to me." [Cat Stevens (Now Yusuf Islam), former British pop star.]

[Ahmed Versi, editor of the weekly Muslim News,] said the growth of Islam has been constant: "The younger generation of Muslims that I have encountered is becoming more aware of its Muslim identity and is therefore practicing its faith with vigour."

"The extinction of race consciousness as between Muslims is one of the outstanding achievements of Islam and in the contemporary world there is, as it happens, a crying need for the propagation of this Islamic virtue..." [A.J. Toynbee,
CIVILIZATION ON TRIAL, New York, p. 205]

"Sense of justice is one of the most wonderful ideals of Islam, because as I read in the Qur'an I find those dynamic principles of life, not mystic but practical ethics for the daily conduct of life suited to the whole world." [Lectures on "The Ideals of Islam;" see SPEECHES AND WRITINGS OF SAROJINI NAIDU, Madras, 1918, p. 167.]

"History makes it clear however, that the legend of fanatical Muslims sweeping through the world and forcing Islam at the point of the sword upon conquered races is one of the most fantastically absurd myths that historians have ever repeated." [De Lacy O'Leary, ISLAM AT THE CROSSROADS, London, 1923, p. 8.]

"The Muslim community is much more aware of its religion and the use that religion plays within its community." [Dr Peter Brierley, Executive Director of the Christian Research Association, a London-based charity]

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"A growing number of Muslims in America, more than 40 percent are African-American," [Charles Bierbauer, from the Senior Washington Correspondent]


"The extinction of race consciousness as between Muslims is one of the outstanding achievements of Islam, and in the contemporary world there is, as it happens, a crying need for the propagation of this Islamic virtue." [A.J. Toynbee, CIVILIZATION ON TRIAL, New York, 1948, p. 205.]
"The rise of Islam is perhaps the most amazing event in human history. Springing from a land and a people like previously negligible, Islam spread within a century over half the earth, shattering great empires, overthrowing long established religions, remoulding the souls of races, and building up a whole new world - world of Islam.

"The closer we examine this development the more extraordinary does it appear. The other great religions won their way slowly, by painful struggle and finally triumphed with the aid of powerful monarchs converted to the new faith. Christianity had its Constantine, Buddhism its Asoka, and Zoroastrianism its Cyrus, each lending to his chosen cult the mighty force of secular authority. Not so Islam. Arising in a desert land sparsely inhabited by a nomad race previously undistinguished in human annals, Islam sallied forth on its great adventure with the slenderest human backing and against the heaviest material odds. Yet Islam triumphed with seemingly miraculous ease, and a couple of generations saw the Fiery
Crescent borne victorious from the Pyrenees to the Himalayas and from the desert of Central Asia to the deserts of Central Africa." [A.M.L. Stoddard, quoted in ISLAM - THE RELIGION OF ALL PROPHETS, Begum Bawani Waqf, Karachi, Pakistan, p. 56.]

"I am not a Muslim in the usual sense, though I hope I am a "Muslim" as "one surrendered to God," but I believe that embedded in the Qur'ân and other expressions of the Islamic vision are vast stores of divine truth from which I and other occidentals have still much to learn, and 'Islam is certainly a strong contender for the supplying of the basic framework of the one religion of the future.'" [W. Montgomery Watt, ISLAM AND CHRISTIANITY TODAY, London, 1983, p. ix.]

'I believe in One God and Mahomet the Apostle of God,' is the simple and invariable profession of Islam. The intellectual image of the Deity has never been degraded by any visible idol; the honours of the prophet have never transgressed the measure of human virtue, and his living precepts have restrained the gratitude of his disciples within the bounds of reason and religion." [Edward Gibbon and Simon Ocklay, HISTORY OF THE SARACEN EMPIRE, London, 1870, p.54.]

"He was Caesar and Pope in one; but he was Pope without Pope's pretensions, Caesar without the legions of Caesar without a standing army, without a bodyguard, without a palace, without a fixed revenue; if ever any man had the right to say that he ruled by the right divine, it was Mohammed, for he had all the power without its instruments and without its supports." [Bosworth Smith, MOHAMMAD AND MOHAMMADANISM, London, 1874, p. 92.]


"His readiness to undergo persecutions for his beliefs, the high moral character of the men who believed in him and looked up to him as leader, and the greatness of his ultimate achievement - all argue his fundamental integrity. To suppose Muhammad an impostor raises more problems than it solves. Moreover, none of the great figures of history is so poorly appreciated in the West as Muhammad." [W. Montgomery Watt, MOHAMMAD AT MECCA, Oxford, 1953, p. 52.]
"The doctrine of brotherhood of Islam extends to all human beings, no matter what color, race or creed. Islam is the only religion which has been able to realize this doctrine in practice. Muslims wherever on the world they are will recognize each other as brothers." [Mr. R. L. Mellema, Holland, Anthropologist, Writer and Scholar.]

"The essential and definite element of my conversion to Islam was the Qur'an. I began to study it before my conversion with the critical spirit of a Western intellectual .... There are certain verses of this book, the Qur'an, revealed more than thirteen centuries ago, which teach exactly the same notions as the most modern scientific researches do. This definitely converted me." [Ali Selman Benoist, France, Doctor of Medicine.]
"I have read the Sacred Scriptures of every religion; nowhere have I found what I encountered in Islam: perfection. The Holy Qur'an, compared to any other scripture I have read, is like the Sun compared to that of a match. I firmly believe that anybody who reads the Word of Allah with a mind that is not completely closed to Truth, will become a Muslim." [Saifuddin Dirk Walter Mosig, U.S.A. – A Non Muslim]

"The universal brotherhood of Islam, regardless of race, politics, color or country, has been brought home to me most keenly many times in my life -- and this is another feature which drew me towards the Faith." [Col. Donald S. Rockwell, U.S.A. Poet, Critic and Author.]

"Medieval Islam was technologically advanced and open to innovation. It achieved far higher literacy rates than in contemporary Europe; it assimilated the legacy of classical Greek civilization to such a degree that many classical books are now known to us only through Arabic copies. It invented windmills, trigonometry, lateen sails and made major advances in metallurgy, mechanical and chemical engineering and irrigation methods. In the middle-ages the flow of technology was overwhelmingly from Islam to Europe rather from Europe to Islam. Only after the 1500's did the net direction of flow begin to reverse." [(pg 253) Jared Diamond a world renowned UCLA sociologist, and physiologist won the Pulitzer Prize for his book: "Guns, Germs, and Steel."]

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In the quotations below, Western writers have used the word Muhammadanism for Islam. The word Muhammadanism connotes worship of Muhammad, an absolutely unworthy statement for any man to use. Prophet Muhammad's mission was to propagate the worship of the One and Only God (in Arabic Allah (http://www.cyberistan.org/islamic/islam1.html#Allah)), the Creator and Sustainer of the Universe. His mission was essentially the same as that of earlier Prophets of God (http://www.cyberistan.org/islamic/nabi.html). In the historical context, many such terminologies about Muhammad, Islam, and Muslims were borrowed from earlier European writings of the Eleventh to the Nineteenth century, a time when ignorance and prejudice prevailed. The quotations below attest to the facts.

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Thomas Carlyle in 'Heroes and Hero Worship and the Heroic in History,' 1840

"The lies (Western slander) which well-meaning zeal has heaped round this man (Muhammad) are disgraceful to ourselves only."

"A silent great soul, one of that who cannot but be earnest. He was to kindle the world, the world’s Maker had ordered so."

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A. S. Tritton in 'Islam,' 1951

The picture of the Muslim soldier advancing with a sword in one hand and the Qur'an in the other is quite false.

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De Lacy O'Leary in 'Islam at the Crossroads,' London, 1923.

History makes it clear, however, that the legend of fanatical Muslims sweeping through the world and forcing Islam at the point of sword upon conquered races is one of the most fantastically absurd myths that historians have ever repeated.

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Gibbon in 'The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire' 1823

The good sense of Muhammad despised the pomp of royalty. The Apostle of God submitted to the menial offices of the family; he kindled the fire; swept the floor; milked the ewes; and mended with his own hands his shoes and garments. Disdaining the penance and merit of a hermit, he observed without effort of vanity the abstemious diet of an Arab.

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Edward Gibbon and Simon Oakley in ‘History of the Saracen Empire,’ London, 1870

"The greatest success of Mohammad’s life was effected by sheer moral force."

“It is not the propagation but the permanency of his religion that deserves our wonder, the same pure and perfect impression which he engraved at Mecca and Medina is preserved after the revolutions of twelve centuries by the Indian, the African and the Turkish proselytes of the Koran....The Mahometans have uniformly withstood the temptation of reducing the object of their faith and devotion to a level with the senses and imagination of man. ‘I believe in One God and Mahomet the Apostle of God’ is the simple and invariable profession of Islam. The intellectual image of the Deity has never been degraded by any visible idol; the honors of the prophet have never transgressed the measure of human virtue, and his living precepts have restrained the gratitude of his disciples within the bounds of reason and religion.”

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Reverend Bosworth Smith in 'Muhammad and Muhammadanism,' London, 1874.

"Head of the State as well as the Church, he was Caesar and Pope in one; but he was Pope without the Pope's pretensions, and Caesar without the legions of Caesar, without a standing army, without a bodyguard, without a police force, without a fixed revenue. If ever a man ruled by a right divine, it was Muhammad, for he had all the powers without their supports. He cared not for the dressings of power. The simplicity of his private life was in keeping with his public life."

"In Mohammadanism every thing is different here. Instead of the shadowy and the mysterious, we have history....We know of the external history of Muhammad....while for his internal history after his mission had been proclaimed, we have a book absolutely unique in its origin, in its preservation....on the Substantial authority of which no one has ever been able to cast a serious doubt."

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Edward Montet, 'La Propagande Chretienne et ses Adversaries Musulmans,' Paris 1890. (Also in T.W. Arnold in 'The Preaching of Islam,' London 1913.)

"Islam is a religion that is essentially rationalistic in the widest sense of this term considered etymologically and historically....the teachings of the Prophet, the Qur'an has invariably kept its place as the fundamental starting point, and the dogma of unity of God has always been proclaimed therein with a grandeur a majesty, an invariable purity and with a note of sure conviction, which it is hard to find surpassed outside the pale of Islam....A creed so precise, so stripped of all theological complexities and consequently so accessible to the ordinary understanding might be expected to possess and does indeed possess a marvelous power of winning its way into the consciences of men."

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Alphonse de LaMartaine in 'Historie de la Turquie,' Paris, 1854.

"Never has a man set for himself, voluntarily or involuntarily, a more sublime aim, since this aim was superhuman; to subvert superstitions which had been imposed between man and his Creator, to render God unto man and man unto God; to restore the rational and sacred idea of divinity amidst the chaos of the material and disfigured gods of idolatry, then existing. Never has a man undertaken a work so far beyond human power with so feeble means, for he (Muhammad) had in the conception as well as in the execution of such a great design, no other instrument than himself and no other aid except a handful of men living in a corner of the desert. Finally, never has a man accomplished such a huge and lasting revolution in the world, because in less than two centuries after its appearance, Islam, in faith and in arms, reigned over the whole of Arabia, and conquered, in God's name, Persia Khorasan, Transoxania, Western India, Syria, Egypt, Abyssinia, all the known continent of Northern Africa, numerous islands of the Mediterranean Sea, Spain, and part of Gaul.

"If greatness of purpose, smallness of means, and astonishing results are the three criteria of a human genius, who could dare compare any great man in history with Muhammad? The most famous men created arms, laws, and empires only. They founded, if anything at all, no more than material powers which often crumbled away before their eyes. This man moved not only armies, legislations, empires, peoples, dynasties, but millions of men in one-third of the then inhabited world; and more than that, he moved the altars, the gods, the religions, the ideas, the beliefs and the souls.

"On the basis of a Book, every letter which has become law, he created a spiritual nationality which blend together peoples of every tongue and race. He has left the indelible characteristic of this Muslim nationality the hatred of false gods and the passion for the One and Immaterial God. This avenging patriotism against the profanation of Heaven formed the virtue of the followers of Muhammad; the conquest of one-third the earth to the dogma was his miracle; or rather it was not the miracle of man but that of reason.

"The idea of the unity of God, proclaimed amidst the exhaustion of the fabulous theogonies, was in itself such a miracle that upon it's utterance from his lips it destroyed all the ancient temples of idols and set on fire one-third of the world. His life, his meditations, his heroic revelings against the superstitions of his country, and his boldness in defying the furies of idolatry, his firmness in enduring them for fifteen years in Mecca, his acceptance of the role of public scorn and almost of being a victim of his fellow countrymen... This dogma was twofold the unity of God and the immateriality of God: the former telling what God is, the latter telling what God is not; the one overthrowing false gods with the sword, the other starting an idea with words.

"Philosopher, Orator, Apostle, Legislator, Conqueror of Ideas, Restorer of Rational beliefs.... The founder of twenty terrestrial empires and of one spiritual empire that is Muhammad. As regards all standards by which human greatness may be measured, we may well ask, is there any man greater than he?"

Mahatma Gandhi, statement published in 'Young India,'1924.

I wanted to know the best of the life of one who holds today an undisputed sway over the hearts of millions of mankind.... I became more than ever convinced that it was not the sword that won a place for Islam in those days in the scheme of life. It was the rigid simplicity, the utter self-effacement of the Prophet the scrupulous regard for pledges, his intense devotion to his friends and followers, his intrepidity, his fearlessness, his absolute trust in God and in his own mission. These and not the sword carried everything before them and surmounted every obstacle. When I closed the second volume (of the Prophet's biography), I was sorry there was not more for me to read of that great life.

Sir George Bernard Shaw in 'The Genuine Islam,' Vol. 1, No. 8, 1936.

"If any religion had the chance of ruling over England, nay Europe within the next hundred years, it could be Islam."

“I have always held the religion of Muhammad in high estimation because of its wonderful vitality. It is the only religion which appears to me to possess that assimilating capacity to the changing phase of existence which can make itself appeal to every age. I have studied him - the wonderful man and in my opinion for from being an anti-Christ, he must be called the Savior of Humanity."

"I believe that if a man like him were to assume the dictatorship of the modern world he would succeed in solving its problems in a way that would bring it the much needed peace and happiness: I have prophesied about the faith of Muhammad that it would be acceptable to the Europe of tomorrow as it is beginning to be acceptable to the Europe of today.”

Michael Hart in 'The 100, A Ranking of the Most Influential Persons In History,' New York, 1978.

My choice of Muhammad to lead the list of the world’s most influential persons may surprise some readers and may be questioned by others, but he was the only man in history who was supremely successful on both the secular and religious level. ...It is probable that the relative influence of Muhammad on Islam has been larger than the combined influence of Jesus Christ and St. Paul on Christianity. ...It is this unparalleled combination of secular and religious influence which I feel entitles Muhammad to be considered the most influential single figure in human history.

[ismail231]

Dr. William Draper in 'History of Intellectual Development of Europe'

Four years after the death of Justinian, A.D. 569, was born in Mecca, in Arabia, the man who, of all men, has exercised the greatest influence upon the human race... To be the religious head of many empires, to guide the daily life of one-third of the human race, may perhaps justify the title of a Messenger of God.

Arthur Glyn Leonard in 'Islam, Her Moral and Spiritual Values'

It was the genius of Muhammad, the spirit that he breathed into the Arabs through the soul of Islam that exalted them. That raised them out of the lethargy and low level of tribal stagnation up to the high watermark of national unity and empire. It was in the sublimity of Muhammad's deism, the simplicity, the sobriety and purity it inculcated the fidelity of its founder to his own tenets, which acted on their moral and intellectual fiber with all the magnetism of true inspiration.

Philip K. Hitti in 'History of the Arabs'

Within a brief span of mortal life, Muhammad called forth of unpromising material, a nation, never welded before; in a country that was hitherto but a geographical expression he established a religion which in vast areas suppressed Christianity and Judaism, and laid the basis of an empire that was soon to embrace within its far flung boundaries the fairest provinces the then civilized world.

Rodwell in the Preface to his translation of the Holy Qur'an

Mohammad's career is a wonderful instance of the force and life that resides in him who possesses an intense faith in God and in the unseen world. He will always be regarded as one of those who have had that influence over the faith, morals and whole earthly life of their fellow men, which none but a really great man ever did, or can exercise; and whose efforts to propagate a great verity will prosper.


W. Montgomery Watt in 'Muhammad at Mecca,' Oxford, 1953.

His readiness to undergo persecution for his beliefs, the high moral character of the men who believed in him and looked up to him as a leader, and the greatness of his ultimate achievement - all argue his fundamental integrity. To suppose Muhammad an impostor raises more problems that it solves. Moreover, none of the great figures of history is so poorly appreciated in the West as Muhammad.... Thus, not merely must we credit Muhammad with essential honesty and integrity of purpose, if we are to understand him at all; if we are to correct the errors we have inherited from the past, we must not forget the conclusive proof is a much stricter requirement than a show of plausibility, and in a matter such as this only to be attained with difficulty.

D. G. Hogarth in 'Arabia'

Serious or trivial, his daily behavior has instituted a canon which millions observe this day with conscious memory. No one regarded by any section of the human race as Perfect Man has ever been imitated so minutely. The conduct of the founder of Christianity has not governed the ordinary life of his followers. Moreover, no founder of a religion has left on so solitary an eminence as the Muslim apostle.

Washington Irving 'Mahomet and His Successors'

He was sober and abstemious in his diet and a rigorous observer of fasts. He indulged in no magnificence of apparel, the ostentation of a petty mind; neither was his simplicity in dress affected but a result of real disregard for distinction from so trivial a source.

In his private dealings he was just. He treated friends and strangers, the rich and poor, the powerful and weak, with equity, and was beloved by the common people for the affability with which he received them, and listened to their complaints.

His military triumphs awakened no pride nor vain glory, as they would have done had they been effected for selfish purposes. In the time of his greatest power he maintained the same simplicity of manners and appearance as in the days of his adversity. So far from affecting a regal state, he was displeased if, on entering a room, any unusual testimonials of respect were shown to him. If he aimed at a universal dominion, it was the dominion of faith; as to the temporal rule which grew up in his hands, as he used it without ostentation, so he took no step to perpetuate it in his family.

James Michener in ‘Islam: The Misunderstood Religion,’ Reader’s Digest, May 1955, pp. 68-70.

"No other religion in history spread so rapidly as Islam. The West has widely believed that this surge of religion was made possible by the sword. But no modern scholar accepts this idea, and the Qur’an is explicit in the support of the freedom of conscience."

“Like almost every major prophet before him, Muhammad fought shy of serving as the transmitter of God’s word sensing his own inadequacy. But the Angel commanded ‘Read’. So far as we know, Muhammad was unable to read or write, but he began to dictate those inspired words which would soon revolutionize a large segment of the earth: "There is one God"."

“In all things Muhammad was profoundly practical. When his beloved son Ibrahim died, an eclipse occurred and rumors of God 's personal condolence quickly arose. Whereupon Muhammad is said to have announced, ‘An eclipse is a phenomenon of nature. It is foolish to attribute such things to the death or birth of a human being'."

“At Muhammad's own death an attempt was made to deify him, but the man who was to become his administrative successor killed the hysteria with one of the noblest speeches in religious history: ‘If there are any among you who worshiped Muhammad, he is dead. But if it is God you Worshiped, He lives for ever'.”

[ismail231]

Lawrence E. Browne in ‘The Prospects of Islam,’ 1944

Incidentally these well-established facts dispose of the idea so widely fostered in Christian writings that the Muslims, wherever they went, forced people to accept Islam at the point of the sword.

K. S. Ramakrishna Rao in 'Mohammed: The Prophet of Islam,' 1989

My problem to write this monograph is easier, because we are not generally fed now on that (distorted) kind of history and much time need not be spent on pointing out our misrepresentations of Islam. The theory of Islam and sword, for instance, is not heard now in any quarter worth the name. The principle of Islam that “there is no compulsion in religion” is well known.

“People like Pasteur and Salk are leaders in the first sense. People like Gandhi and Confucius, on one hand, and Alexander, Caesar and Hitler on the other, are leaders in the second and perhaps the third sense. Jesus and Buddha belong in the third category alone. Perhaps the greatest leader of all times was Mohammed, who combined all three functions. To a lesser degree, Moses did the same.” Professor Jules Masserman

“Muhammad was the soul of kindness, and his influence was felt and never forgotten by those around him.“ Diwan Chand Sharma, The Prophets of the East, Calcutta 1935, p. l 22.

“Four years after the death of Justinian, A.D. 569, was born at Mecca, in Arabia the man who, of all men exercised the greatest influence upon the human race . . . Mohammed . . . “ John William Draper, M.D., L.L.D., A History of the Intellectual Development of Europe, London 1875, Vol. 1, pp. 329-330

“In little more than a year he was actually the spiritual, nominal and temporal rule of Medina, with his hands on the lever that was to shake the world. “ John Austin, "Muhammad the Prophet of Allah," in T.P. 's and Cassel's Weekly for 24th September 1927.

“Muhummed is the most successful of all Prophets and religious personalities.” “… he was an upright & honest man & was respected by those who were likewise upright & honest…” Encyclopedia Britannica, Vol.12.

“It is impossible for anyone who studies the life and character of the great prophet of Arabia, who knows how he taught and how he lived, to feel anything but reverence for that mighty Prophet, one of the great messengers of the Supreme. And although in what I put to you I shall say many things which may be familiar to many, yet I myself feel whenever I re-read them, a new way of admiration, a new of reverence for that mighty Arabian teacher.“ Annie Besant, The Life and Teachings of Muhammad, Madras 1932, p. 4

UNBIASED HUMAN BEINGS FROM ALL WALKS OF LIFE HAS PAYED GREAT TRUBTUTES TO PROPHET MUHAMMAD (PBUH). NO MAN ON EARTH HAS EVER ACHIEVED THIS STATUS.

[ismail231]

1. Astronomy

A. Creation Of The Universe: ‘The Big Bang’

According to the ‘Big Bang’, the whole universe was initially one big mass (Primary Nebula). Then there was a ‘Big Bang’ (Secondary Separation) which resulted in the formation of Galaxies. These then divided to form stars, planets, the sun, the moon, etc. The origin of the universe was unique and the probability of it occurring by ‘chance’ is zero. The Qur’aan contains the following verse, regarding the origin of the universe: “Do not the Unbelievers see That the heavens and the earth Were joined together (as one Unit of Creation), before We clove them asunder?” [Al-Qur’aan 21:30]

The striking congruence between the Qur’aanic verse and the ‘Big Bang’ is inescapable! How could a book, which first appeared in the deserts of Arabia 1400 years ago, contain this profound scientific truth?

THERE WAS AN INITIAL GASEOUS MASS BEFORE THE CREATION OF GALAXIES Scientists say that before the galaxies in the universe were formed, celestial matter was initially in the form of gaseous matter. In short, huge gaseous matter or clouds were present before the formation of the galaxies. To describe initial celestial matter, the word ‘smoke’ is more appropriate than gas. The following Qur’aanic verse refers to this state of the universe by the word dhukhan which means smoke. “Moreover, He Comprehended In His design the sky, And it had been (as) smoke: He said to it And to the earth: ‘Come ye together, Willingly or unwillingly.’ They said: ‘We do come (Together), in willing obedience.’” [Al-Qur’aan 41:11]

Again, this fact is a corollary to the ‘Big Bang’ and was not known to the Arabs during the time of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). What then, could have been the source of this knowledge?

B. THE SPHERICAL SHAPE OF THE EARTH


“Seest thou not that Allah merges Night into Day And He merges Day into Night?” [Al-Qur’aan 31:29].

Merging here means that the night slowly and gradually changes to day and vice versa. This phenomenon can only take place if the earth is spherical. If the earth was flat, there would have been a sudden change from night to day and from day to night.

The following verse also alludes to the spherical shape of the earth: “He created the heavens And the earth In true (proportions): He makes the Night Overlap the Day, and the Day Overlap the Night.” [Al-Qur’aan 39:5]

“And the earth, moreover, Hath He made egg shaped.” [Al-Qur’aan 79:30] The Arabic word for egg here is dahaha, which means an ostrich-egg. The shape of an ostrich-egg resembles the geo-spherical shape of the earth. Thus the Qur’aan correctly describes the shape of the earth, though the prevalent notion when the Qur’aan was revealed was that the earth is flat.

C.MOONLIGHT IS REFLECTED LIGHT

It was believed by earlier civilizations that the moon emanates its own light. Science now tells us that the light of the moon is reflected light. However this fact was mentioned in the Qur’an 1,400 years ago in the following verse:

“Blessed is He Who made Constellations in the skies, and placed therein a Lamp and a Moon giving light.” [Al-Qur’an 25:61]

The Arabic word for the sun in the Qur’an, is shams.

It is also referred to as siraaj which means a ‘torch’ or as wahhaaj meaning ‘a blazing lamp’ or as diya which means ‘shining glory’. All three descriptions are appropriate to the sun, since it generates intense heat and light by its internal combustion. The Arabic word for the moon is qamar and it is described in the Qur’an as muneer which is a body that gives noor i.e. reflected light. Again, the Qur’anic description matches perfectly with the true nature of the moon which does not give off light by itself and is an inactive body that reflects the light

of the sun. Not once in the Qur’an, is the moon mentioned as siraaj, wahhaaj or diya nor the sun as noor or muneer. This implies that the Qur’an recognizes the difference between the nature of sunlight and moonlight. The following verses relate to the nature of light from the sun and the moon:

“It is He who made the sun to be a shining glory and the moon to be a light
(of beauty).”[Al-Qur’an 10:5]

“See ye not how Allah has created the seven heavens one above another,
“And made the moon a light in their midst, and made the sun as a (Glorious) Lamp?”[Al-Qur’an 71:15-16]


The Glorious Qur'an and modern science are thus in perfect agreement about the differences in the nature of sunlight and moonlight.


2. Embryology

A.EMBRYONIC STAGES “Man We did create From a quintessence (of clay); Then We placed him As (a drop of) sperm In a place of rest, firmly fixed; Then We made the sperm Into a clot of congealed blood; Then of that clot We made A (foetus) lump; then We Made out of that lump Bones and clothed the bones With flesh; then We developed Out of it another creature. So blessed be Allah, The Best to create!” [Al-Qur’aan 23:12-14]

Prof. Marshall Johnson is one of the leading scientists in US, and is the head of the Department of Anatomy and Director of the Daniel Institute at the Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia in US. He was asked to comment on the verses of the Qur’aan dealing with embryology. He said that the verses of the Qur’aan describing the embryological stages cannot be a coincidence. He said it was probable that Muhammad (pbuh) had a powerful microscope.

On being reminded that the Qur’aan was revealed 1400 years ago, and microscopes were invented centuries after the time of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), Prof. Johnson laughed and admitted that the first microscope invented could not magnify more than 10 times and could not show a clear picture. Later he said: “I see nothing here in conflict with the concept that Divine intervention was involved when Muhammad (pbuh) recited the Qur’aan.”

According to Dr. Keith Moore, the modern classification of embryonic development stages which is adopted throughout the world, is not easily comprehensible, since it identifies stages on a numerical basis i.e. stage I, stage II, etc. The divisions revealed in the Qur’aan are based on distinct and easily identifiable forms or shapes, which the embryo passes through. These are based on different phases of prenatal development and provide elegant scientific descriptions that are comprehensible and practical.

3. Oceanology
BARRIER BETWEEN SWEET AND SALT WATERS Consider the following Qur’aanic verses: “He (Allah) has let free the two bodies Of flowing water, Meeting together: Between them is a Barrier Which they do not transgress.” [Al-Qur’aan 55:19-20]

Modern Science has discovered that in the places where two different seas meet, there is a barrier between them. This barrier divides the two seas so that each sea has its own temperature, salinity and density. Oceanologists are now in a better position to explain this verse. There is a slanted unseen water barrier between the two seas through which water from one sea passes to the other.

But when the water from one sea enters the other sea, it loses its distinctive characteristic and becomes homogenized with the other water. In a way this barrier serves as a transitional homogenizing area for the two waters. This scientific phenomenon mentioned in the Qur’aan was also confirmed by Dr.William Hay who is a well-known marine scientist and Professor of Geological Sciences at the University of Colorado, U.S.A. The Qur’aan mentions this phenomenon also in the following verse: “And made a separating bar between the two bodies Of flowing water?” [Al-Qur’aan 27:61]

This phenomenon occurs in several places, including the divider between the Mediterranean and the Atlantic Ocean at Gibralter. But when the Qur’aan speaks about the divider between fresh and salt water, it mentions the existence of “a forbidding partition” with the barrier. “It is He Who has Let free the two bodies Of flowing water: One palatable and sweet, And the other salty and bitter; Yet has He Made a barrier between them, And a partition that is forbidden To be passed.” [Al-Qur’aan 25:53]

I have just stated a few scientific miracles in The Qur'an. I can continue to state the scientific miracles in The Qur'aan in areas such as Physics, Geology, Geography, Biology, & Botany, Zoology, Medicine, Physiology & General Science. But i think this is enough for me to convey my message to u. In a nutshell, all i want to say is that some people may require ten signs while some may require hundred signs to be convinced about the Divine Origin of The Qur’an. Some would be unwilling to accept the Truth even after being shown a thousand signs. The Qur’an condemns such a closed mentality in the following verses: “Deaf, dumb, blind, they will not return to the path.” (2:18)

May Peace Be Upon U.

[jonny2mad]

well I get nearly two pages of cut and paste

Im not going to go through all of it , mohammed was a slaver , islamic slavery was extreamly cruel , he said he liked to fondle young virgins he had sex with one child we have proof of and if your attracted to have sex with 6 year old children why wouldnt you buy child sex slaves .

The islamic world never got rid of slavery on its own , the heart of islam saudi had slaves till the 1960s-70s thats because islam is the religion of slavery was set up by a slaver

[ismail231]

i have well reasoned & provided detailed answers to all of ur false allegations about Prophet Muhammad(pbuh) & Islam. Y r u not reading them if u want answers??? U r funny mate!

i have asked u to provide me references for ur quotations but u havent provided them!!!

lol...then u continue to state whatever u want out of ur whims. If u refuse to read my answers then u dont have the right to accuse Prophet Muhammad(pbuh) & Islam.

u r a BIGOT!!!

Prophet Mubammad (pbuh) lived together with his first (and, at that time, only) wife, Khadijah, happily for 26 years with great mutual affection, despite the fact that young and beautiful girls of Arabia were easily available to him and were keen to be married to the Prophet. Not even once, during that period, did the Prophet take another wife. Undoubtedly he would have at least considered another younger wife simultaneously with Khadijah if he ever suffered from lust and fondness of young women, particularly when the country's customs wholly approved unlimited marriages.

"But do you mean to tell me that the man who in the full flush of youthful vigour, a young man of four and twenty (24), married a woman much his senior, and remained faithful to her for six and twenty years (26), at fifty years of age when the passions are dying married for lust and sexual passion? Not thus are men's lives to be judged. And you look at the women whom he married, you will find that by every one of them an alliance was made for his people, or something was gained for his followers, or the woman was in sore need of protection." - Dr Annie Besant in 'The Life and Teachings of Mohammad,' Madras, 1932

Thomas Carlyle in his book "Heroes and Heroes Worship". He says in effect that contrary to what his enemies accuse him, Muhammad was never lusty and sexualize and that it was a slander only out of prejudice against him and this indeed is a great injustice.

John Devenport says, "and it may then be asked, is it likely that a very sensual man, of a country where polygamy was a common practice, should be contented for five-and-twenty years with one wife, she being fifteen years older than himself".

“It is impossible for anyone who studies the life and character of the great prophet of Arabia, who knows how he taught and how he lived, to feel anything but reverence for that mighty Prophet, one of the great messengers of the Supreme. And although in what I put to you I shall say many things which may be familiar to many, yet I myself feel whenever I re-read them, a new way of admiration, a new of reverence for that mighty Arabian teacher.“ Annie Besant, The Life and Teachings of Muhammad, Madras 1932, p. 4

Thomas Carlyle in 'Heroes and Hero Worship and the Heroic in History,' 1840

"The lies (Western slander) which well-meaning zeal has heaped round this man (Muhammad) are disgraceful to ourselves only."
"A silent great soul, one of that who cannot but be earnest. He was to kindle the world, the world’s Maker had ordered so."

[jonny2mad]

pages of cut and paste

look up right hand possession thats the practice of having sex with your slaves , look at the number of recorded slaves male and female mohammed had we know some of their names but he traded in people so there would have been far more .

are you faithful to your wife if your have lots of sex slave women well you are according to islam.

why dont you drop thomas Carlyle and actually look at islamic scripture , whats up with muslims that they always qoute george bernhard bloody shaw or some other idiot who knew little about islam .

hell Ive posted links to a film islam what the west needs to know and that has tony blair and george bush and clinton saying what a great religion islam is ,what the hell do they know , could it be their saying that for political reasons .

could it be that bernhard shaw didnt know what he was talking about , but saying nice things about old mo might sell books I suppose

[ismail231]

I asked u to give me authentic Islamic reference regarding ur accusation of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) – yet u have not given me 1! Where the bloody hell is it mentioned in any authentic Islamic reference that he ever had illegal sex with any women during his lifetime??? Having sex with slave women is prohibited in Islam. Don’t assume anything mate! I have already provided the motives & background of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) marriages which were LEGAL.

“Right hand possession" are the human-captives of war who lived as slaves among Muslims.

"Serve God, and join not any partners with Him; and do good- to parents, kinsfolk, orphans, those in need, neighbours who are near, neighbours who are strangers, the companion by your side, the wayfarer (ye meet), and what your right hands possess: For God loveth not the arrogant, the vainglorious;- (The Noble Quran, 4:36)"

"If ye fear that ye shall not be able to deal justly with the orphans, Marry women of your choice, Two or three or four; but if ye fear that ye shall not be able to deal justly (with them), then only one, or (a captive) that your right hands possess, that will be more suitable, to prevent you from doing injustice. (The Noble Quran, 4:3)"

"Also (prohibited are) women already married, except those whom your right hands possess: Thus hath God ordained (Prohibitions) against you: Except for these, all others are lawful, provided ye seek (them in marriage) with gifts from your property,- desiring chastity, not lust, seeing that ye derive benefit from them, give them their dowers (at least) as prescribed; but if, after a dower is prescribed, agree Mutually (to vary it), there is no blame on you, and God is All-knowing, All-wise. (The Noble Quran, 4:24)"

"If any of you have not the means wherewith to wed free believing women, they may wed believing girls from among those whom your right hands possess: And God hath full knowledge about your faith. Ye are one from another: Wed them with the leave of their owners, and give them their dowers, according to what is reasonable: They should be chaste, not lustful, nor taking paramours: when they are taken in wedlock, if they fall into shame, their punishment is half that for free women. This (permission) is for those among you who fear sin; but it is better for you that ye practice self-restraint. And God is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful. (The Noble Quran, 4:25)"

Freeing of slaves is Commanded by Allah Almighty
"It is not righteousness that ye turn your faces Towards east or West; but it is righteousness to believe in God 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 God-fearing. (The Noble Quran, 2:177)"

"God will not call you to account for what is futile in your oaths, but He will call you to account for your deliberate oaths: for expiation, feed ten indigent persons, on a scale of the average for the food of your families; or clothe them; or give a slave his freedom. If that is beyond your means, fast for three days. That is the expiation for the oaths ye have sworn. But keep to your oaths. Thus doth God make clear to you His signs, that ye may be grateful. (The Noble Quran, 5:89)"

"But those who divorce their wives by Zihar, then wish to go back on the words they uttered, (It is ordained that such a one) should free a slave before they touch each other: Thus are ye admonished to perform: and God is well-acquainted with (all) that ye do. (The Noble Quran, 58:3)"
Narrated Abu Musa Al-Ash'ari: "The Prophet said, "Give food to the hungry, pay a visit to the sick and release (set free) the one in captivity (by paying his ransom)." (Translation of Sahih Bukhari, Food, Meals, Volume 7, Book 65, Number 286)"

Narrated Asma: "No doubt the Prophet ordered people to manumit slaves during the solar eclipse. (Translation of Sahih Bukhari, Eclipses, Volume 2, Book 18, Number 163)"

"'Abdullah b. 'Umar reported that 'Umar b. Khattab asked the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) as he was at ji'rana (a town near Mecca) on his way back from Ta'if: Messenger of Allah, I had taken a vow during the days of Ignorance that I would observe I'tikaf for one day in the Sacred Mosque. So what is your opinion? He said: Go and observe I'tikaf for a day. And Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) gave him a slave girl out of the one-fifth (of the spoils of war meant for the Holy Prophet). And when Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) set the war prisoners free. 'Umar b. Khattab heard their voice as they were saying: Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) has set us free. He (Hadrat 'Umar) said: What is this? They said: Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) has set free the prisoners of war (which had fallen to the lot of people). Thereupon he (Hadrat 'Umar) said: Abdullah, go to that slave-girl and set her free. (Translation of Sahih Muslim, The Book of Oaths (Kitab Al-Aiman), Book 015, Number 4074)"

The bottom line is that in order for the Muslims to remain as a purified and GOD Almighty-fearing and obeying society, one of the requirements that they had to accomplish was to gradually and completely eliminate slavery - the same slavery that was at its peak during the Jews', Christians' and Pagans' times.

[ismail231]

It is not ONLY Thomas Carlyle & George Bernard Shaw who have given great tributes to Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) & Islam!!! They made this claim during the period when speaking something good about Islam & Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) was considered to be heinous in their society – because people of their time were brainwashed & programmed (like the dogs r programmed by the army men) to hate Islam & Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). This is exactly what is happening in some of the societies today.

A Christian surveyor, Professor Edward reported in the Time Magazine of April 16, 1979 that in a span of 150 years, from 1800 CE to 1950 CE “over 60,000 books have been written against Islam by the Christian West.”


For ur kind information – Carlyle & Bernard Shaw did not just make a few positive statements about Islam & Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) but they had studied Islam & written books to support their statements – not like Tony Blair, Clinton & George Bush who asserted a few positive statements about Islam for obvious political reasons!


Even if I accept for the sake of argument that Carlyle & Bernard Shaw made their statements for political reasons – what about other scholars from different walks of life & different religious backgrounds who have paid great tribute to Islam & Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) which was never ever attributed to any Men & Religion in the history of mankind???

Michael Hart, a Christian, has ranked Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) as the GREATEST & MOST INFLUENTIAL MEN on earth. What would make a Westerner to go out of his way to rank the Prophet of Islam as FIRST in his list of the hundred greatest people & put Jesus Christ (pbuh), the man accepted as “Lord” & “Saviour” by nearly him & all his fellow Americans, number THREE???

Why would Mahatma Gandhi, the advocator of PEACE, said that he felt sorry that there was no more for him to read of that great life (referring to Prophet Muhammad: pbuh)???

The Weekly Newsmagazine “TIME” dated July 15, 1974, carried a selection of opinions by various historians, writers, military men, businessmen & others on the subject: “Who Were History’s Great Leaders?” Some said that it was Hitler; others said – Gandhi, Buddha, Lincoln & the like But Jules Masserman, a United States psychoanalyst put the standards straight by giving the correct criteria wherewith to judge. He said: “LEADERS MUST FULFIL THREE FUNCTIONS: -


Provide for the well being of the led,
Provide a social organization in which people feel relatively secure, &
Provide them with one set of beliefs.”

Ultimatley, they concluded that the above criteria best fit none other than Prophet Muhammad (pbuh).

Many other intellectuals have paid great tribute to Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) as stated in my previous post!

Do u think that all of these scholars r dumb, foolish & lack reasoning??? Nay, they r not! I m asking u which Arab, Pakistani, Indian, Turkish or perhaps Lebanese Muslims have bribed these scholars???

Indeed it is u who is prejudiced! I m asking u – WHAT IS WRONG WITH U???

[jonny2mad]

<B>“It is not lawful for you (to marry other) women after this, nor to change them for other wives even though their beauty attracts you, except those (captives or slaves) whom your right hand possesses. And Allah is Ever a Watcher over all things.” Surah 33:52

[ismail231]

“Other women (than those just mentioned and those already married to you) will not be lawful for you to take; nor (seeing that they – your wives – have preferred God and His Messenger over the charms of the world) are you allowed to change them for other wives, even though their fineness should please you, except those whom your right hand possess. God is ever watchful over everything.” (Surah 33:52)

This prohibition is related to other women than those mentioned in verse 50. However, since the verse was revealed when the Messenger already had nine wives, it also forbids him to marry again. This implies that the purposes for his marriages have already been fulfilled.

“O most illustrious Prophet! Verily, We have made lawful to you your wives to whom you have already paid their dowers; as well as those whom your right hand possesses out of the prisoners of war whom Allah has assigned to you; and the daughters of your paternal uncles and aunts and the daughters of your maternal uncles and aunts,[/URL](1) who have migrated (to Madinah) for God’s cause as you did; and any believing woman who offers herself to the Prophet (freely, without demanding any bridal-due) if the Prophet wants to marry her – a rule (of privilege) for you exclusively, not for the believers (in general) – We have (already decreed and) made known what We have enjoined on them with regard to their wives and those whom their right hand posses (http://www.hipforums.com/newforums/#_ftn1) (2). (This exceptional privilege (http://www.hipforums.com/newforums/#_ftn3)(3) is) in order that there may not be any hindrance to you in fulfilling your mission because of marriage relationships) (4). (http://www.hipforums.com/newforums/#_ftn4) God is All-Forgiving, All-Compassionate.” (Surah 33:50)
1. In Judaism, a man marry his nieces, while in Christianity, he cannot marry any relatives within seven degrees, but Islam allows marriage with one’s cousins, but forbids marriage with one’s nephews or nieces.

2 “Do not marry women who associate partners with God until they believe. A believing slave girl is better than a (free) woman who associates partners with God, even though she pleases and attracts you (with her beauty, wealth, status or family). Nor marry (your believing women to the men who associate partners with God until they believe. A believing slave is better than a (free) man who associates partners with God, even though he pleases and attracts you. Those call to the Fire, while God calls to Paradise and forgiveness (of your sins) by His leave. He makes clear His Revelations for people that they may reflect and be mindful (of their duty to God).” (Surah 2:221)

“If you fear that you will not be able to observe their rights with exact fairness when you marry the orphan girls (in your custody), you can marry, from among other (who are permitted to you marriage and) who seem good to you, two or three, or four. However, if you fear that (in your marital obligations) you will not be able to observe justice among them, then content yourselves with only one, or the captives that your right hands possess. Doing so is more likely that you will not act rebelliously.” (Surah 4:3)

3. Because of his mission, there are some exceptional rules for the Prophet (pbuh). Unlike other believing men, he was allowed to marry a believing woman who would come to him without demanding any bridal-due. While all other Muslim men could marry the daughters of their uncles and aunts, whether they had emigrated or not, the Prophet(pbuh) was allowed to marry any among them provided the had emigrated. There were other exceptions that were just pertinent to the Messenger, for example: The Tahajjud Prayer (in the last third or later part of the night) was prescribed for the Prophet until his death; this is only supererogatory for other Muslims. Like other Prophets, his inheritance could not be shared by his “heirs” but was used as alms for the Muslim Community. Eating of the Zakat (alms) was forbidden to him and his family, while all other needy Muslims could partake of it. The permission for him to marry as many as nine women was also exceptional for him, while other Muslims can only have four women together in marriage. While all other Muslim men can marry until their death, God’s Messenger (pbuh) was prohibited to marry after some point in his life, as stipulated in verse 52 of this Surah.

4. These special conditions were not introduced due to a need for women, but rather merely because of the role women played in the fulfillment of the Messenger’s mission. Islam has rules for women and many of those rules can only be learned from women teachers and could be put to the Messenger (pbuh) only by women (wives) who had close relationships with him. So, the reason behind the Messenger’s (pbuh) several marriages, while differing from case to case, all have to do with his role as the leader of the new Muslim community, and his responsibility to guide his followers toward the norms and values of Islam.

The Messsenger (pbuh), married his first wife, fifteen years older than him, when he was 25 years old, fifteen years before his Prophethood began. He lived with her for almost 25 years, and after her death, he lived for nearly six years without a wife. Given the cultural & moral climate in which he lived, not to mention his youth and other factors, he nevertheless enjoyed a sound reputation for chastity, integrity, and trustworthiness. As soon as he was called to the Prophethood, he acquired enemies who made all sorts of charges. However, not even his fiercest enemies attacked his reputation, for doing so would have caused them to be ridiculed and discredited immediately. It is important to realize that his life was founded upon chastity and self-discipline from the outset, and remained thus. All his other marriages began when he was 53 years old, an age when very little real interest and desire for marriage remains, especially in Arabia where people grow old relatively earlier, and when especially in those days people’s average life-expectancy was much lower.

Some marriages were contracted for specific reasons, such as:



The Prophet’s wives were young, middle-aged, and elderly. The accurate requirements and norms of Islamic family life for every age could be learnt within the Prophet’s household better and then conveyed to other Muslims through his wives.
Each wife was from a different clan or tribe, which allowed the Prophet to establish bonds of kinship and affinity throughout Arabia. This caused a profound attachment to him to spread Islam among the diverse peoples of the new Ummah (Muslim Community), and also brought about and secured equality and brother/sisterhood among both in practical matters and in terms of the Religion.
Both before and after the Prophet’s death, each wife proved to be of great benefit and service. They conveyed and interpreted Islam to their people in all its inner and outer experiences, as well as the qualities, manners, and faith of the man who was the living embodiment of the Qur’an in every aspect of his life. In this way, all of their people learned the Qur’an, the Traditions, tafsir (Qur’anic interpretation and commentary), and fiqh (understanding of the Qur’an and Sunnah as law). Thus, through his wives these people became fully aware of Islam’s essence and spirit.
These marriages allowed the Prophet (pbuh) to establish kinship ties throughout Arabia, and thus to move freely wherever he wished and to be accepted as a member in each family. In addition, everyone so connected to him felt that they could approach him personally for guidance on any issue. The entire tribe also benefited from this connection; they considered themselves fortunate and took pride in their new relationship. For example, such relationships were established for the Ummayads (through Umm Habibah), the Hashimites (through Zaynab bint Jahsh), and the Banu Makhzm (through Umm Salamah).
It is also a highly notable fact that all the Prophet’s (pbuh) wives except Aisha & Mariyah were divorcees or widows, thus underlying the importance and care that needs to be given to lone women in Islamic society, as against the then prevalent norm of casting them off.


[U]
(http://www.hipforums.com/newforums/#_ftnref4)

[ismail231]

Remember that Prophet Muhammad(pbuh) appeared among a wild and primitive people. They drank alcohol,gambled, and indulged in adultery without shame. Prostitution was legal, and brothels were indicated by a special flag. Indecency was so extreme that a man would be embarassed to be called human. People were constantly fighting among themselves over trivial incidents, and no one had ever been able to unify them into a strong nation. Everything evil could be found in Arabia.

However, the Prophet eradicated these evils and replcaed them with such deep-rooted values and virtues that his people became the leaders and teachers of the civilized world. Even today we can't reach their ranks. This has been acknowledged by such Western intellectuals as Issac Taylor, Robert Briffault, John Davenport, M.Pickthall, P.Bayle, and Lamartine. Almighty GOD creates living things from lifeless things. He grants life to soil and rock. The Prophet (pbuh) transformed "rocks, soil, coal and copper" into "gold & diamonds". Just consider the cases of Abu Bakr, Umar, Uthman, Ali & hundreds of thousands of others, all of whom were educated & trained by the Prophet(pbuh). Prophet Muhamad(pbuh) developed them & replaced weakness with marvelous competency. As a great thinker recalled:
"Umar had the potential to be a great man even before he embraced Islam. After his conversion, he became a powerful yet very gentle man who would not step on an ant or kill even a grasshopper."


Issac Taylor, who spoke at the Church Congress of England, relates how Islam changes the people who accept it:
"The virtues which Islam inculates are temperance, cleanliness, chastity, justice, fortitude, courage, benevolence, hospitality, veracity, & resignation...Islam preaches a practical brotherhood, the social equality of all Muslims. Slavery is not part of the creed of Islam. Polygamy is a more difficult question. Moses did not prohibit it. It was practiced by David, & is not directly forbidden in the New Testament. Muhammad limited the unbounded license of polygamy. It is the exception rather than the rule..."(Abu'l-Fazl Ezzati, An Introduction to the History of the Spread of Islam, London)

To give just one example, Lamartine asks:
"Philosopher, orator, apostle, legislator, warrior, conqueror of ideas, restorer of rational dogmas, of a cult without images; the founder of twenty terrestrial states and of one spiritual state, that is Muhammad. As regards all standards by which human greatness may be measured, we may well ask: Is there any man greater than he?" (Historie de la Turquie, 2:276-77)

[ismail231]

We can not eradicate such a small habit as smoking, despite all our modern facilities and practically daily symposia and conferences to combat it. Medical science says smoking causes cancer of the larynx, mouth, etc; however, people insist on smoking. On the other hand, Prophet Muhammad(pbuh) eradicated countless ingrained bad habbits and replaced them with laudable virtues and habbits. Islam & the Prophet (pbuh) transformed the tribes of Arabia into their exact opposite within the space of just 23years. To those who deny or question his Prophethood, we (Muslims) challenge them to go anywhere in the world & accomplish, within 100years, even one-hundreth of what he accomplished in the deserts of Arabia 1,400 years ago. Let them take all of the experts they can gather, and then we will wait to see their results.