Hello Everyone

Great forum! I am not a Muslim but if anybody has a little time to answer I would like to know a few details about this religion.

I learned that there are two main types of Islam, Shiites & Sunni. Are there any other types? Is Allawi a type of Islam, and if it is where does it fall under, Shiite or Sunni?

What are the main differences among the different types?

Does Islam believe in Angels? and if it does, does it believe in the Celestial Hierarchy? 

Does Islam believe in Hell or the Devil?

How may prophets do Muslims believe in?

What are the five pillars?

What's the story with Mecca? Why is such an important place or why is so important to go there "at least once in a lifetime?"

Do Islamic countries allow people with other religions to live there?

Do Muslims have Agnostics or Atheists?

Do Muslims believe in Spirits or Ghosts?

I am sure I can have more questions but these are probably the ones that are of most importance to me right now.

Thank you much.

Welcome Mauricio,

I'm sure there are many here who will try to answer your many questions.  In the meantime, you might like to explore some of these sites as they contain tons of information about Islam.  You may find all your questions answered and more! 

http://www.islamicity.com - http://www.islamicity.com , http://www.thetruereligion.org - http://www.thetruereligion.org , http://www.islamonline.net - http://www.islamonline.net , http://www.islamweb.net - http://www.islamweb.net , http://www.sunnipath.com - http://www.sunnipath.com , http://www.themodernreligion.com - http://www.themodernreligion.com ,  http://www.islambasics.com - http://www.islambasics.com , http://www.jannah.org - http://www.jannah.org

Happy reading!

Peace, ummziba.

Assalaamu alaikum ya muslimeen.

Greetings and good day to all.

Hello, Mauricio. And welcome to the forums here. I am not so new of a member myself, but just haven't posted that much here.

Anyways, will try my best to answer your questions, and I hope also that other members will also join in and share their own insights as well.

Basically, there is only one Islam, and that is submission to Allah (God) and His will. To do this, one must know the Quran and in addition the life-style of the prophet Mohammed(SAAW) to be able to most properly do this.

The division of the One Islam into the two sects came about as the shia formed their own different interpretations and methods of practice. And the name 'sunni' became adapted to those who adhere more basically to the 'sunnah' of the prophet(SAAW)...hence the name 'sunni'.

Anyways, you could perhaps say that there are 'two types' of Islam, as an onlooker from the outside looks to the world of Islam. But as Islam is concerned, there is only one: and that is submission to the will of Allah. That is what Islam essentially is.

As for 'allawi', I have never heard that name or term except in association with the recent Iraqi politician. Sorry I cannot help you more on that one.

As for the differences among the various 'groups' within Islam, there are differences. And some of those differences even boost the adherants literally out of the fold of Islam (because they may believe in another prophet after Mohammed(SAAW), or some other such belief or practice which takes them out of the fold of true Islam).

But if the differences are more basic, and not necessarily bothering or questioning their basic tenets of the faith, then they remain truly muslims. And Allah knows best.

As for the beliefs in Islam: we believe in the angels. And we also believe in the world of the unseen. We believe that there is a heaven and a hell. And we believe also in the devil and his associates. And we believe also that there is the world of the 'jinn'. This is the arabic name for a species of beings similar to humans, yet we humans cannot see them, whereas they are from a standpoint in creation that they can see us.

As for 'celestial hierarchy'...not sure if that exists, or there is any belief in that. The angels are different from us in their nature, and part of their nature is that they have no free will. They do simply what they were created for. For example...Jibreel (Gabriel) is the deliverer of the divine message to humans. And there is also an angel responsible for keeping the hell fire going. And there is the angel of death. And there are angels appointed for writing down our deeds...one for the good deeds, and another for the bad deeds. And so on and so forth. And there are angels simply in heaven, in their various spots, glorifying Allah and worshipping him.

As for the prophets, we are told even in the Quran, that some of them have been named for us, and some of them haven't. Hence...we do not know exactly the fine number of prophets which have been sent to mankind. Perhaps more than many ppl may realize.

But let me also add that we do believe essentially in the same prophets known to all those of the divinely related religions: i.e. Adam, Abraham, Moses, Isaac, Jonah, Jesus, plus many more (named and non-named for us).

The five pillars are the basic tenets of Islam put into practice. They are always listed in the same order, and this is for a purpose. for the sake of time here, I will let that go for now. Will make for u a separate post later on this topic, inshaAllah.

Mecca is the site where the message of Islam was first revealed. It is also the region where the kaaba (the first house) was originally built, and then rebuilt by Abraham, and later on by later generations. It ( the kaaba) is the focal point where muslims direct themselves in facing when in prayer. We do not pray to the kaaba, but we face all in that direction, giving the sense of unity as well in direction for the prayer. There are other points of interest about Makkah, but will need more space and time than this.

I live in Saudi Arabia. And I can vouch for you personally that there are many ppl of various nationalities as well as religions living in Saudi as well as in the neighboring arab/muslim countries. Also, Indonesia and Pakistan and India also have a high percentage of muslims-yet there are also other religions of the national there.

The basic essence of Islamic belief is the belief in the one-ness of God. Therefore, to have any atheists among muslims is a gross misnomer. The very definition of the two terms (muslim and atheist) are quite opposite of one another, and it would be utterly impossible for there to be an atheist muslim. To be atheist defies the very definition and nature of islam.

---------

I hope that this has helped to answer some of ur questions. Will try to post more later, inshaAllah.

balqees.

Salam/Peace

5 Pilars of islam:
http://www.islamicity.com/mosque/pillars.shtml - http://www.islamicity.com/mosque/pillars.shtml

6 Pilars of faith (iman):
http://www.muslimaccess.com/articles/misc/explanation_eeman.asp - http://www.muslimaccess.com/articles/misc/explanation_eeman. asp
http://www.ahya.org/amm/modules.php?name=Content&pa=listarticles&cid=3 - http://www.ahya.org/amm/modules.php?name=Content&pa=list articles&cid=3

Understanding Islam and the Muslims:
http://www.islamicity.com/education/understandingislamandmuslims/ - http://www.islamicity.com/education/understandingislamandmus lims/

Assalaamu alaikum ya muslimeen.

bharatiya: You are most certainly welcome. Actually, if you have more questions yourself, or you would like more expansion on any topic, please mention it. As for myself, I like to write and help explain things to ppl...but sometimes I just don't know where to begin. But when ppl ask questions, or raise a topic, then I know what to write and how to explain about things. At least those things of which I have knowledge.

ZamanH: we have within our easy reach, the book of guidance, for those who believe, as we are told in the first verses of S. Al-Baqarah (the second chapter of the Quran.) And there are throughout the quran many proofs (of the nature of science and/or nature itself and other things as  well)...of the utter truth of the Quran and of it's divine origin. (this last point could very well easily develop into it's own discussion).

You have asked if a muslim questions or perhaps even disbelieves in any portion or verse of the quran...does that take him/her out of Islam? Or negate his/her islam (i.e. apostate). And I say...let the Quran answer that for you.

Then is it only a part of the Book that ye believe in, and do ye reject the rest? But what is the reward for those among you who behave like this but disgrace in this life? And on the Day of Judgment they shall be consigned to the most grievous penalty. For Allah is not unmindful of what ye do.(s. 2, v. 85)

You see...those who question or disbelieve in any one portion of the Quran (even if it be one verse), while yet believing in the rest, and practicing upon it (the rest)...still their penalty shall be grievous indeed.

In other words, the essence of this verse is to instruct us that we must accept and act upon all that is contained within the Quran.

I believe that one could still be a muslim all the same, even if they question or disagree with any one portion. But it surely does not behoove him/her to do so. This verse is very clear in that respect.

I hope that this answers your question.

balqees.

Assalaamu alaikum ya muslimeen.

Greetings to all.

Bharatiya: Looking forward to ur questions, and hope to help solve your confusion a bit.

Just needed to inform u, tho...I am going out of town tomorrow. Taking my laptop with me to hopefully stay in touch. But will be away from even that (the laptop) for a while as well (maybe around one week-ten days). So, if you make a post and it takes me long time to respond, please don't get upset.

I will eventually come back to the forums and answer, inshaAllah.

balqees.

Thank you to those who answer since your responses are very helpful.

Balqees

Can you expand a little on the world of the Jinn. I went into the Internet and got an impression of it, but would like to hear your opinion.

thank you again.

balqees wrote: Then is it only a part of the Book that ye believe in, and do ye reject the rest? But what is the reward for those among you who behave like this but disgrace in this life? And on the Day of Judgment they shall be consigned to the most grievous penalty. For Allah is not unmindful of what ye do.(s. 2, v. 85) You see...those who question or disbelieve in any one portion of the Quran (even if it be one verse), while yet believing in the rest, and practicing upon it (the rest)...still their penalty shall be grievous indeed. In other words, the essence of this verse is to instruct us that we must accept and act upon all that is contained within the Quran. I believe that one could still be a muslim all the same, even if they question or disagree with any one portion. But it surely does not behoove him/her to do so. This verse is very clear in that respect. I hope that this answers your question. balqees.

Hi Balqees,

In light of the verse you posted (from Quran?)

Some questions that come to mind are,

What "disgrace" is this referring to?

What is the "grieveous punishment"?

You said

we must accept and act upon all that is contained within the Quran

[5:51] "O you who believe, do not take the Jews and Christians for friends; they are friends to each other; and whoever amongst you takes them for a friend, then surely he is one of them; surely Allah does not guide the unjust people"

Does this mean to say that a "believer" who takes a Jew or Christian as a friend is a Jew or a Christian?

Does this mean that you really must act upon this?

Who are the "unjust people"?

Jazz wrote: What "disgrace" is this referring to? What is the "grieveous punishment"?

To begin with, this verse is referring to some of the Jews at the time of the Prophet who had been of different tribes and fighting each other. The act of a Jew killing another Jew is forbidden in the Torah. This explains the "it is only a part of the Book that ye believe in, and do you reject the rest?" I think the remainder of the verse should be clear now from the context. The disgrace is referring to the losses in this life. The grievous penalty is referring to the penalty in the afterlife.

Jazz wrote: [5:51] "O you who believe, do not take the Jews and Christians for friends; they are friends to each other; and whoever amongst you takes them for a friend, then surely he is one of them; surely Allah does not guide the unjust people" Does this mean to say that a "believer" who takes a Jew or Christian as a friend is a Jew or a Christian? Does this mean that you really must act upon this?

To understand this verse, one must, again, look at the context. It was revealed at a time of war between the Muslims and some of the Christian/Jewish tribes at that time. I personally prefer M. Asad's translation here because it brings out the political context of the verse, where "friends" is more correctly understood as "allies."

005.051 Oh you who have attained to faith! Do not take the Jews and the Christians for your allies: they are but allies of one another � and whoever of you allies himself with them becomes, verily, one of them; behold, God does not guide such evildoers. [M. Asad Translation]

Some scholars will further tell you that the said verse is addressed to specific Muslims hypocrites who had taken Jews and Christians as protectors and allies in the time of war in order to keep themselves safe. Also, "allies" can be understood in the moral sense, as in taking them (Jews and Christians) as role models, etc.

(Reference: Tafsir of Ibn Kathir)

Deus wrote: Jazz wrote: What "disgrace" is this referring to? What is the "grieveous punishment"?   002.085 And yet, it is you who slay one another and drive some of your own people from their homelands, aiding one another against them in sin and hatred; but if they come to you as captives, you ransom them - although the very [act of] driving them away has been made unlawful to you! Do you, then, believe in some parts of the divine writ and deny the truth pf other parts? What, then, could be the reward of those among you who do such things but ignominy in the life of this world and, on the Day of Resurrection, commitment to most grievous suffering? For God is not unmindful of what you do. [M. Asad Translation] To begin with, this verse is referring to some of the Jews at the time of the Prophet who had been of different tribes and fighting each other.

Deus,
Where can this be found in Quran?

Deus wrote: Jazz wrote: [5:51] "O you who believe, do not take the Jews and Christians for friends; they are friends to each other; and whoever amongst you takes them for a friend, then surely he is one of them; surely Allah does not guide the unjust people" Does this mean to say that a "believer" who takes a Jew or Christian as a friend is a Jew or a Christian? Does this mean that you really must act upon this? To understand this verse, one must, again, look at the context. It was revealed at a time of war between the Muslims and some of the Christian/Jewish tribes at that time.

Where does it say this in Quran?

Deus wrote: Some scholars will further tell you that the said verse is addressed to specific Muslims hypocrites who had taken Jews and Christians as protectors and allies in the time of war in order to keep themselves safe. Also, "allies" can be understood in the moral sense, as in taking them (Jews and Christians) as role models, etc.   (Reference: Tafsir of Ibn Kathir)

Jazz. I'll answer all three of your questions with one answer: It doesn't. You have to understand that the Quran was revealed in stages (there is a verse stating this too). Many verses were revealed to Muhammad to address very specific issues at a specific time. At the time of the prophet, the Muslims knew and understood the contexts of the verses and surahs because they knew when they were revealed (i.e. in a time of war, or as a consequence of some action, etc.) Take for example verses 24:11-18. If anyone reads this for the first time, they probably wouldn't understand what it's addressing. It's speaking of a lie/scandal. But what scandal is this? To understand it, we'll have to know when this verse was revealed and why. It turns out that this verse was revealed when a scandalous rumor about Aisha's (the prophet's wife) was being spread. I won't go into the details of the story, but I'm giving you an example of why we need to know the time and place (and cause) of a revelation.
Now your next question is probably "how do we know the context of all these verses if they're not mentioned in the Quran itself?" Well, this is a scholarship that has been taught and passed down ever since the time of the Prophet's life. This area of study is known as "Asbab al-Nuzul" (meaning: Reasons/causes of Revelation).

Jazz wrote: Is it such that only "scholars" are to understand the guidances in Quran, then give THEIR meanings to others as to the guidances?

Oh definitely not. I don't know if you're familiar with how hadiths are studied and verified for authenticity, but the study of Asbab al-Nuzul follows a similar procedure. We have several sources that we use to understand some parts of the Quran, and they are known as Tafsirs (exegies). There are 4 which are considered very reliable, as they were written some 100-200 years after the time of the prophet and by people of great scholarships (we know this because even their biographies are intensly studied). The exegies are not opinionated. It's not like the scholar says, "I think this verse means so-and-so." No, the scholar provides narations (hadiths) by people who lived at the time of the prophet and witnessed the revelation of the Quran in stages. It is also important to know that even though the scholars who wrote the tafsir lived in different places and times, they come to a common conclusion most of the time (just like in science, when scientists arrive to the same conclusion using different methods and so on.)

I hope I've answered your questions, and I hope that other Muslims can contribute more to this thread. You have to keep in mind that the Quran is not a history book (like the Old Testament). The Quran and its exegies are kept in seperate books, unlike the Chrisitian Bible which includes both the teachings and the interpretation of those annonymous people who wrote it.

"And peace is upon those who follow the guidance." (20:47)

Deus wrote: Now your next question is probably "how do we know the context of all these verses if they're not mentioned in the Quran itself?" Well, this is a scholarship that has been taught and passed down ever since the time of the Prophet's life. This area of study is known as "Asbab al-Nuzul" (meaning: Reasons/causes of Revelation).

This is basically what I have already proposed with this question.........................

Jazz wrote: Is it such that only "scholars" are to understand the guidances in Quran, then give THEIR meanings to others as to the guidances?

Just read this thread briefly today, not sure what direction Jazz is taking anyway thought I'd give a short reply. Jazz wrote:

Even this?

Quran:

[8.12] When your Lord revealed to the angels: I am with you, therefore make firm those who believe. I will cast terror into the hearts of those who disbelieve. Therefore strike off their heads and strike off every fingertip of them.

Do you know what the next verse is? Well, it seems like you are picking and choosing verses from the Qura'n that stir emotions, very much like some in the media. If your intention is to truly understand the Qur'an without any prejudice or bias then you must read the verses that precede it and those that follow it. Also the commentary provided by the scholars may be helpful. Well, here's the verse that follows it:

008.013:This because they contended against Allah and His Messenger: If any contend against Allah and His Messenger, Allah is strict in punishment.

009.012
YUSUFALI: But if they violate their oaths after their covenant, and taunt you for your Faith,- fight ye the chiefs of Unfaith: for their oaths are nothing to them: that thus they may be restrained.
009.013
YUSUFALI: Will ye not fight people who violated their oaths, plotted to expel the Messenger, and took the aggressive by being the first (to assault) you? Do ye fear them? Nay, it is Allah Whom ye should more justly fear, if ye believe!

Tasneem wrote: Just read this thread briefly today, not sure what direction Jazz is taking anyway thought I'd give a short reply. Jazz wrote: Even this? Quran: [8.12] When your Lord revealed to the angels: I am with you, therefore make firm those who believe. I will cast terror into the hearts of those who disbelieve. Therefore strike off their heads and strike off every fingertip of them. Do you know what the next verse is? Well, it seems like you are picking and choosing verses from the Qura'n that stir emotions, very much like some in the media. If your intention is to truly understand the Qur'an without any prejudice or bias then you must read the verses that precede it and those that follow it. Also the commentary provided by the scholars may be helpful. Well, here's the verse that follows it: 008.013:This because they contended against Allah and His Messenger: If any contend against Allah and His Messenger, Allah is strict in punishment. A proper understanding of the Qur'an will show you that "pre-emption" is not the way of Islam. Muslims are permitted to fight back only when they are attacked or oppressed again only with the attackers or oppressors.

Thanks Tasneem.

What do you make of "contend"?

What are the possibilities of it's meaning...............do you think this is clear?

Do you think that by challenging Mohammed's claims, honesty and credibility is "contending"?

Why would there be a need to commit cruel, vicious atrocities to anyone who "contends"..........so, I wonder what punishment does Shayten get?.............it should be heaps, yes?......but I don't see any punishments for Shayten to be found in Quran, that come anywhere near the level that is commanded against "unbelievers".

Could it be that it was belief in Mohammed that was really the issue, not so much belief in the existence of one God?

Jaz,Qur'an is an whole process...you can't understand the other steps before not passing the first steps....your comments on the issue is empty...worthless...how can we explain the issue to your current thinking mode?....

Tasneem wrote: Thanks Br Suleyman. Jazz your question has been answered.

What are the possibilities of it's meaning...............do you think this is clear?

Do you think that by challenging Mohammed's claims, honesty and credibility is "contending"?

Why would there be a need to commit cruel, vicious atrocities to anyone who "contends"..........so, I wonder what punishment does Shayten get?.............it should be heaps, yes?......but I don't see any punishments for Shayten to be found in Quran, that come anywhere near the level that is commanded against "unbelievers".

Tasneem wrote: Your purpose does not seem to be to understand Islam, only to nitpick.

Tasneem wrote: When a person reads the Qur'an with the sincere intention of understanding Islam he will come out with a lighter and illuminated heart and some verses may cause confusion which he will seek to clarify.

Tasneem wrote: But to me it seems you are simply looking only where you can find fault and it would be futile to reason with you when you have such an attitude.

Jazz wrote:

Do you think that by challenging Mohammed's claims, honesty and credibility is "contending"?

Why would there be a need to commit cruel, vicious atrocities to anyone who "contends"..........so, I wonder what punishment does Shayten get?.............it should be heaps, yes?......but I don't see any punishments for Shayten to be found in Quran, that come anywhere near the level that is commanded against "unbelievers".

Could it be that it was belief in Mohammed that was really the issue, not so much belief in the existence of one God?

Salaam,

Whle I am not as well read as the other people who have answered your questions, I will offer as much as I have.

To challenge Mohammed's (pbuh) claim is questioning the faith all together, isn't it?  Since the Koran was revealed to him?  There wasn't a situation (from the hadiths or ayats that you presented) that claims they belive in Allah (swt) and not in Mohammed(phub).  And I wouldn't consider lying about the prophets wife as being an honest challenge, more of a slandering campaign.

The difference between Shaitan and the unbelievers is that Shaitan is not an unbeliever.  Shaitan knows about the existance of Allah(swt) but choose to defy him.  Please read below.

Lehua wrote: Jazz wrote: Do you think that by challenging Mohammed's claims, honesty and credibility is "contending"? Why would there be a need to commit cruel, vicious atrocities to anyone who "contends"..........so, I wonder what punishment does Shayten get?.............it should be heaps, yes?......but I don't see any punishments for Shayten to be found in Quran, that come anywhere near the level that is commanded against "unbelievers". Could it be that it was belief in Mohammed that was really the issue, not so much belief in the existence of one God? Salaam, Whle I am not as well read as the other people who have answered your questions, I will offer as much as I have. To challenge Mohammed's (pbuh) claim is questioning the faith all together, isn't it?

What faith do you mean Lehua?

Do you mean faith in God or faith in what Mohammed claimed about God?
What is the difference between one who has faith in God alone and one who has faith in God AND what Mohammed claimed?
There are millions of people all over the planet who have faith in God but don't believe in Mohammed's claims........so what is wrong with their faith?

Lehua wrote: Since the Koran was revealed to him?  There wasn't a situation (from the hadiths or ayats that you presented) that claims they belive in Allah (swt) and not in Mohammed(phub).  And I wouldn't consider lying about the prophets wife as being an honest challenge, more of a slandering campaign.

I don't know what Mohammed's wife has to do with all this, would you please clarify?

What has believing in what Mohammed claimed got to do with believing in God?

Lehua wrote: The difference between Shaitan and the unbelievers is that Shaitan is not an unbeliever.  Shaitan knows about the existance of Allah(swt) but choose to defy him.

This doesn't make much sense Lehua, it's illogical.

There are billions of people who also know about the existence of God and might be considered as ones who "choose to defy Him" and they are categorized as "unbelievers", not "Shaytens".

The real difference is that the so-called "unbelievers" are real people who do exist, whereas "Shayten" is a mythelogical entity that we don't really know exists, both can know about the existence of God and still defy Him.........there is no difference in the "knowing" and the "defying" of either.

There are billions of people who also know about the existence of God and might be considered as ones who choose to defy Him and they are categorized as "unbelievers", not "Shaytens".

Lehua wrote: This should answer your questions. Jazz wrote: I don't believe a lot that has been claimed about Mohammed and Quran because the weight of evidence, according to preserved, authenticated and approved narrations and historical records indicate that much of what has been claimed is not true. So they were right in the assumption that you are here to nitpick.  Instead of questioning ayats out of contex why don't you present your whole case and possibly, God willing we can answer the true questions that you have. Lehua

Dear Lehua,

What has examining, questioning and discussing got to do with "nit-picking"?

Take a good look at the whole context surrounding the Quran's development............count how many times there is a call to "fight", "war", "punish", "capture", "kill", take 'booty", "smite", "attack", ........it is a context of anger, barbarism, aggression, violence, looting, war, paranoia, enslavement of people...........do you really think this was an improvement on the guidances of Jesus where the basic and simple message was to love one's neighbour, to love and be kind to fellow man, to do to others as one would have them do to you?

Have you not noticed that Jesus never promoted any religions, wars, looting, enslaving, physical punishments, killing, mutilating, stoning to death, flogging.........what exactly are the improvements and benefits to mankind that were introduced by Mohammed's religion?

Mauricio:  Below are brief of answers for yr questions in sequence:

Shiites & Sunni: Two sects in Islam, each has many groups. Shia means 'partisan' or 'sectarian'. Complete term is 'Shian-e-Ali' means partisan of Ali. It came into being on the question of succession on the death of the Prophet of Islam. Abu Bakr, Omar, Othman and Ali were the first four successors of the State and the community chosen by the Muslim community. Ali (cousin and son-in-law of the Prophet) and the members of his family considered the first three successessors illegitimate for the headship and Ali was considered the first spiritual and temporal head of the community. Although the headship after Ali passed to Mua'wiah, the followers of Ali followed the sons and successors of Ali as their spiritual heads and were called Shian-e-Ali or Shia. Alawi, Zaidi, Fatimi, Ismaili, and many other are split from this group of Shia. They are largely populated in Iran, Iraq, India, Bengladesh, some middle eastern and African countries. They are only 20% of the whole Muslim population.

2) Does Islam believe in Angels?  Yes. as explained by others.

3) Does Islam believe in Hell or the Devil?    Yes, as explained by others.

4) What are the Five Pillars: Belief in the Lordship of God; Prayers; Zakat (charity); Fasting in the month of Ramadhan; and Pilgrimage of the House of Kaba in Makkah.

5) Story of Makkah: Will explain later.

6) People of other religion living in Islamic countries:  Yes; will explain later.

7) Muslims as Agnostics or Atheists: Yes, will explain later

8) Spirits or Ghosts:  Yes, will explain later.

Hope the above will somehow give answers to yr questions. Let me have, if you have any more questions.

Thanks.

Why would there be a need to commit cruel, vicious atrocities to anyone who "contends"..........so, I wonder what punishment does Shayten get?.............it should be heaps, yes?......but I don't see any punishments for Shayten to be found in Quran, that come anywhere near the level that is commanded against "unbelievers".

We know the Shaytan is doomed in eternal hellfire. But he is not human, and is something completely different. We should worry about ourselves and our lives not wondering what kind of punishment he gets.

One reason being is that we HAVE SIGNS.... and have had them since the time of the first Prophets... God only knows it's been thousands and thousands of years. And yet we had the Torah, the Bible, and the holy Qu'ran. How, after all these signs and Proof all around us of God's existence and the wonders he created, do we dare deny his Existence.

I can go into ALOT more detail on that but i will be back because i'm about to leave work.

In terms of:

Do you mean faith in God or faith in what Mohammed claimed about God?
What is the difference between one who has faith in God alone and one who has faith in God AND what Mohammed claimed?
There are millions of people all over the planet who have faith in God but don't believe in Mohammed's claims........so what is wrong with their faith?

In the Bible itself, Jesus (pbuh) preaches of a Prophet that will come after him named ahmed. He asked the people to follow him once he comes.

And they do not...

but think about what you say in reverse. And replace it with ANY Prophet

"There are millions of people all over the planet who have faith in God but don't believe in Jesus........so what is wrong with their faith?"

God said in the Qu'ran that we should believe in ALL of the Prophets and the Angels.

So if we, as muslims, believed in Prophet Muhammed (pbuh) and did not believe in Jesus, then we would be umong the unbelivers too.

I'M LEAVING NOW.... i'll be back later on today if not tomorrow...

salam. file:///C:%5CDOCUME%7E1%5CDANIA%7E1.IBR%5CLOCALS%7E1%5CTemp%5Cmsohtml1%5C03%5Cclip_filelist.xml -

 Is this thread still alive? I was surprised about the accuracy with which Deus  (post of 17 July 2005) replied to questioner. And also others friends have advised Jazz in good manner, I need not mention those points. In fact everything is mentioned for Jazz, e.g. to read the few verses before and few verses after to get to the point please.

 I learnt something special from the post of Deus (I may mention it later). Well things have been explained to Jazz but the arguments (Questions) do not seem to be solved. I know the reason. It is due to being over simple (and friendly)  in translating the word Kafir.

 Kafir is not a simple disbeliever. he/she is a hostile enemy type disbeliever. He niether believes nor lets any one believe and he gets ready to stop the spread of the message of Peace i.e Islam. He goes to fight Islam. Please bear that meaning of the word Kafir in mind and then translate any verse of the Quran. Things will be very clear at once.