iMuslim.tv

A Story for All Seekers of Truth

// November 29th, 2006 // No Comments » // Blog

I have to admit to having a soft-spot for stories related by Muslim converts describing their journey to Islam. I find them to be inspiring and life-affirming. When i listen to their accounts, which can sometimes span years, i imagine their lives to be a jigsaw, with each life experience providing a piece of the puzzle. Upon accepting Islam, the last piece is put in place and the whole picture finally revealed, much to their delight and satisfaction.

I have read many contemporary tales of reversion to the religion of man’s fitrah, but the most awe-inspiring conversion story i have ever heard dates back fourteen hundred years. It is that of a companion of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), named Salman al-Farsi (may Allah be pleased with him). This was a man who readily sacrificed wealth, position, freedom and family in order to discover the true meaning of his existence. His was the life of a genuine truth-seeker.

I first heard about Salman’s journey on a CD by Shaykh Anwar al-Awlaki. For the purpose of my blog however, i had to scour several Muslim websites for the written account. Although the story is still inspiring when read, it lacks the “oomph” factor of Al-Awlaki’s lecture as the shaykh has a wonderful way of bringing alive such tales from the past, mashallah. Anyhow, i have pasted the narrative below as related by al-Farsi himself. I pray you find it as amazing as i did, inshallah.

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Shhh…

// November 28th, 2006 // No Comments » // Blog

Peace,
So rushed and fragile.

Unlikely to hold,
But welcome all the same.

A moment pause from bloodshed and tears,
Is worth the world and everything in it.

Don’t ask: will it last?
Just enjoy the quiet…

What is ISLAM and Who are the MUSLIMS?

// November 27th, 2006 // 8 Comments » // Blog

IMHO an excellent article explaining the root philosophy of Islam in a clear, coherent manner, mashallah. Please read carefully, with thought.

http://linuses.blogspot.com/.

Reasons for Reason

// November 27th, 2006 // 2 Comments » // Blog

I’ve been wanting to write this entry for a long while now. The point i have to make has been the basis of most of my discussions with non-muslims, but i never seem to explain myself very well, as i’ve usually been responding to arguments rather constructing my own – so let’s see if the message gets across any clearer this way.

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I’m baaaaack…

// November 26th, 2006 // 2 Comments » // Blog

…and feeling much better after my little break. I know i said a few days, but i can’t stay away that long!

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Ouch – Brain hurts

// November 24th, 2006 // 2 Comments » // Blog

I’m mentally drained and i have a pounding headache.

This blog is a lot more work than i anticipated. It seems the moment you stick your neck out, someone is all too ready to take a swipe at it.

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Un-Farepak

// November 18th, 2006 // 5 Comments » // Blog

Yes, i know i said my next post would be on something completely different, but i wanted to quickly discuss the collapse of a company called Farepak.

The idea behind Farepak and other such saving schemes is that a client hands over a certain amount of their spare cash during the year to the company, who then keep hold of it until Christmas. This way families on low-to-moderate incomes can ensure they have some savings ready for the typical Xmas-splurge.

The BBC interviewed a few of the families whose savings were sadly lost during the infuriating process of fat cats passing-the-buck. Now they are proposing to refund 4p for every pound lost – what a blinking slap in the face! It’s the fat cats who deserve a good slap. Just do what the school-yard bullies do – grab the schemers by the ankles, turn them over, give them a good shake, and i’m sure you’ll collect enough money clips to reimburse everyone, with enough left over for a decent Xmas dinner.

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Islam – Some Basics

// November 17th, 2006 // 24 Comments » // Blog

Apologies to my regular readers – all [insert pitiful number here] of them – for the lack of entries this week. I have been kept busy in the comments section of my last entry titled “A Letter to a Christian”.

I doubt many of you have been following the rather lengthy discussion between Concerned Engineer and myself. However some important issues have been raised which i think might be useful for others to consider. The following paragraphs in italics are excerpts from CE’s latest comments:

According to Muslims, are they saved by the mercy of Allah or by being righteous? How does Allah fulfill His justice while extending mercy?
…

Islam presents a story that says, “You might be saved. Just work real hard and pray real hard and do what is right.” The problem is we have failed. So, then, logically, God is just to punish us – to send us to hell.
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The horrible thing about Islam is that in rejecting the doctrine of atonement, it opens up wide door to pride and arrogance. A Muslim will either recognize that he does not measure up, and therefore, will live under the tyranny of the law and will die without any confidence. (Unless of course he dies a martyr’s death – in which case his confidence is severely misplaced). Or a Muslim will think that he is a pretty righteous dude and will become smug and arrogant.

These comments suggest to me that i have completely failed to communicate the basic concepts of Islam, astagfirullah. I shall now try to rectify this in this entry and pray i get it right, inshallah. I am going to be quite simplistic, not because i am trying to patronize anyone, but the use of eloquent language will most likely detract from the message i am trying to convey.

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A Letter to a Christian

// November 13th, 2006 // 14 Comments » // Blog

In the Name of God, the Most Merciful, the Most Kind

Peace be upon those who follow true guidance.

Hello again CE,

Thanks for your comment on my blog. No offence taken. I also thank you for all your advice on DT’s blog. I thought it would only be fair if i return the favour.

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Remember

// November 12th, 2006 // 6 Comments » // Blog

Today was Remembrance Sunday. A time to reflect on past sacrifices and present realities.

Unlike the natives of this land, my grandparents didn’t fight in the two Great Wars but every nation has its own glorious dead to remember. Great – what was so great about them? Millions died. Young men on all fronts. Many younger than me. Yet the pain of these tragic losses subsided and lessons have been forgotten, a new generation of young men forced to repeat the mistakes of their forefathers.

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