Those who uphold the theory of Original Sin give an analogy which goes like this: If a cake pan has a dent in it, all the cake baked in that pan will show the dent; in the same way, since Adam and Eve committed the sin all from his progeny are born sinners. What is the Islamic position on this matter?

According to the Qur'anic teachings, Adam and Eve did commit a sin out of forgetfulness, but when they realised what they did the repented, and Allah forgave them their sin. Allah says:

So by deceit he brought about their fall; when they tasted of the tree their shame became manifest to them, and they began to sew together the leaves of the Garden over their bodies. And their Lord called unto them; Did I not forbid you that tree, and tell you that Satan was an avowed enemy unto you? They said; Our Lord, we have wronged our own selves; if You do not forgive us, and bestow on us Your Mercy, we shall certainly be the losers. (7:22-23)

So Adam begged his Lord for forgiveness; and Allah says:

His Lord turned towards him; for He is Most Forgiving, Most Merciful. (2:37)

The point is; if you have a cake pan that is dent and you want to bake good beautiful cake, you can fix the dent and then bake, so that there will no longer be any dent. So when Adam begged for forgiveness and his Lord forgave him, there was no longer any sin to be blamed for.

According to Islamic teachings; every child is born free from sin, and is born with the belief that there is only one God called Allah. Prophet Muhammad (pboh) if reported to have said that: Every child is born a believer; it is the parent who makes him a Jew or a Christian.

If we look at the implications of the theory of the Original Sin; which means that the sin which Adam and Eve committed could not have been forgiven by God so He had to come down on earth as a human being in the form of the Son; allowed Himself to be crucified; so the His blood can wash away the sin committed by Adam and Eve [as per Christian theology -editor]; we shall see so much of difficulties in understanding it. Take for example:

·    If all human beings are born in sin, when God came down as a Son—a human being [as per Christian Theology - Ed], He was also born in sin. Is it right to say that God came to earth with sin.
·    The next thing is that this theory does not allow God to express His Divine Attribute of being Most Forgiving.
·    Allah informs us in His Holy Words that: No burden soul can bear the burden of another. (6:164)  Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) is reported to have said: Allah the Exalted states to the posterity of Adam; that if you happen to meet Me with the sinful acts of the entire world; I shall meet you with an equal amount of Mercy, provided you have not joined partners with Me.
·    Islam teaches that: Good wipes out evil (11:114). So if a person knows that he committed a sin; he should turn to Allah in repentance and do some good in order to wipe out the evil.
·    Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) taught his companions to pray to Allah to cover their faults with a beautiful covering.
Muslims do not believe that we have to bear the burden of the sins committed by Adam and Eve.

There are no rituals or baptism to become a Muslim. It is a simple declaration, preferably in the presence of two witnesses. This must not be done through force, as it is a declaration out of a person's conviction that there is only one Creator of the universe, i.e. the God of Abraham.

Any one who wants to accept Islam, and become a Muslim will be required to say the following:

I testify to the fact that there is no god but Allah, and I testify to the fact that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah.

Some people believe that when one makes this declaration he/she must immediately become an ideal Muslim. It is necessary to know that it takes time to learn all that is necessary for a Muslim to know and practice, so that, after the declaration of Faith, the new comer to Islam will learn how to pray and fast, etc.

Upon declaring the shahadah, as it is called, a person becomes a brother or sister in faith; and will be treated as such by every Muslim.

To change ones faith and belief is a very courageous thing, but if a person is convinced that there is only one Creator of the universe, i.e. the God of Abraham, then he/she should not hesitate but declare his/her belief in that God.

Because it requires courage and will to do so, the Prophet (pbuh) reports that anyone who accepts Islam, will have all his/her past sins forgiven.

As Ramadan approaches, some things to consider is how we use the time in the best way possible. Too often, we end up wasting our time doing shopping, cleaning and at iftars that cause us to forget the purpose of Ramadan- in order to gain closeness to Allah.

Here are some ideas that may help us ahead of time:

1) Food- do your Ramadan and Eid groceries before Ramadan begins. Make a list of all the things that you need and purchase them early.
2) Choose clothes for Eid ahead of time so you don't waste valuable time in the last 10 days searching for Eid clothing. If you can't consider purchasing them earlier rather than later.
3) Sadaqatul Fitr- we give it each year. This is the charity that must be given by the head of a household on behalf of each individual in the home. Set it aside so you can pay it, if possible in the first week of Ramadan.
4) Cleaning schedule. We always clean before Eid. This year consider cleaning in the last five days of the middle ten days of Ramadan- (all the big cleaning). Ideally, choose one area for each day and do it well. This way, it is manageable, you don't waste your entire day cleaning and more importantly you dont waste valuable time in the last 10 days cleaning and tiring yourself out.
5) Create a meal plan, so that you can know what you are cooking ahead of time. Consider cooking a couple different meals and keep them in the fridge and take out and heat as needed. This saves whomever cooks, spending hours each day cooking and tiring themselves in such a way that they aren't able to fully benefit. Eat enough and not too much.
6) Make a Qur'an plan- choose a couple verses or surahs to memorize. Stick to your memorization plan.
7) Plan to read a certain amount of the Qur'an each day (with the translation) so that you can reflect.
8) Play one juz of Qur'an in audio or on the computer each day
9) Make a list of personal goals for yourself to help you become better than you are right now. What bad habit/s do you want to break? What good practices do you want to build on/start/continue?
10) Plan to cut down on the things that pre-occupies your thoughts/time each day- phones, internet, computers, games etc.
11) Find ways to do good, start in your own home by helping out and expand from there. Remember in Ramadan we should be more active not less active.
12) Find something you can read each day to help you expand your knowledge, it can be simply one new verse or hadith or something else.

This is not an exhaustive list; you don't have to do everything on it either; choose what works for you. Feel free to add to it. However, it has some ideas for you to consider as we move to this month of light that we pray will illuminate our hearts and the path that will lead us to Him ~ Ameen.

The word Islam means peace, so that the message projected by this word is peace to all. Allah says in His Holy Words:

The Word from a Merciful Lord, is Peace. (36:58)

So that Muslims are supposed to live in peace with each other and to practice spreading peace to mankind at large.

Before Islam was introduced to the Arabs they used to pass each other with drawn swords; but when they accepted the teachings of the Prophet (pbuh) they used to pass each other with their right hand extended to shake the brother's hand and they both greeted each other with peace.

Allah sent Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) as a mercy to the worlds. He says:

And We have not sent thee (O Muhammad) but as a mercy to the worlds. (21:108)

From the very beginning of his life, he propagated love, the spirit of caring and sharing and compassion. When he was persecuted he never retaliated; he forgave his enemies and prayed for those who caused difficulty to him personally.

It is therefore incorrect to say that he preached with the Book in one hand and the sword in the other. His personality was so magnetic that he was able to win over the people with his refinement and love and goodness of his heart.

Is it right for a Muslim to behave violently against a non-Muslim who says bad things about Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him-pbuh); or tries to humiliate him in the form of a cartoon, etc.?

Answer:

During the time of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), especially when he had just started to preach Islam to the people, a lot of people were against him. As a matter of fact they wanted to kill him.

Like this we will find in many places some of the non-believers in Islam will be hostile to Muslims. Allah informs us about this in the following verse of the Holy Qur'an:

They, (the non-believers) would behave as enemies to you, and stretch forth their hands and their tongues against you for evil. They desire that you should reject the truth. (60:2)

On many occasions the Quraish tried to physically destroy the Prophet (pbuh) and all the Muslims, but the Prophet (pbuh) did not retaliate; he did not seek revenge, nor was he inclined to punish those who behave unkindly towards him and his companions.

He was teaching the believers how to behave whenever any negative matters about Islam and the Prophet (pbuh) should surface. He was teaching them what the Qur'anic guidance in such a situation is. Allah says:

Be thou be patient; for thy patience is but from Allah; nor grieve over them; and distress not thyself because of their plots; for your Lord is with those who restrain themselves; and those who do good. (16:127-128)

Allah also says:

Patiently persevere; as did the messengers of inflexible purpose; and be not in haste about them. (46:35)

A Muslim has to always keep in mind the following:

·    Allah says: Be steadfast in patience; for verily; Allah will not suffer the reward of the righteous to perish. (11:115)
·    Show tolerance: Allah says that a believer should always keep in mind the following verse: For you your religion, and for me mine. (109:6)

A Muslim must always keep in mind that many non-Muslims do not know Islam, and they are fed negative headlines all the time; so that when they show some kind of aversion or anger to Muslims they are to be pitied and not hated; attempts should also be made to educate them about the truth of Islam.

When we say Allahu Akbar what is it that we really mean?  Can we fully understand this expression? 

We know, as creatures, we have limitations.  We cannot engage in many activities at one at the same time.  Allah  has Divine Attributes.  We know them as the Asma ul Husna – the 99 Beautiful Names of Allah .  One example of His Greatness is that He functions through all these Divine Attributes at one at the same time.  For example His Justice is tempered with His Mercy at time same, and to all creatures, not only human beings.  He says in Surah An'am;

‘and He knows whatever there is in (or on) the earth and in the sea; not a leaf falls, but He knows it. there is not a grain in the darkness of the earth nor anything fresh or dry, but is written in a clear Record’  (6:59)

This ayat just draws reference to one of Allah’s  Divine Attribute; Al Alim – The All Knowing.  And His Essence is manifested through all His Divine Attributes at one at the same time. 

The other point that exemplifies Allah’s  Greatness is that He responds to all His creatures also at one at the same time.  For example He sustains some of His creatures and provides protection for others at the very same time.  All creatures depend on Him and this is a connotation of As-Samad.  Even those misguided creatures who claim to be a god, they too are dependent on Allah .  Allah  is in no need of sustenance.  He is Al-Malik – The Absolute Possessor. 

So when we say the simple expression Allahu Akbar we are incorporating everything about the Divine Character of our Lord.  We cannot fathom how truly Great Allah  is.  He says in Surah Luqman;

‘and if all the trees on earth were pens and the ocean (were ink), with seven oceans behind it to add to its (supply), yet would not the words of Allah be exhausted (in the writing): for Allah is Exalted in power, full of wisdom’  (31:27)

By saying this simple expression of Allahu Akbar we immediately recognised that we have limitations and Allah  is limitless; we occupy a tiny space and time and Allah  is confined to nothing.  Even His throne is difficult for us to conceptualize;

‘His Throne doth extend over the heavens and the earth,’  (2:255)

He cannot be compared and if you have your faith and trust in Him, He will take care of you and will never let you down.  Yes, we will experience hardships but if you look back at life you’ll see that you experienced many trials before and you came out of them.

Our Lord is truly Great, so much so, that it is impossible for us to fully comprehend His Greatness.  Realise this and worship and serve Him as He ought to.

After visiting Antigua and Barbuda, Mexico and Cuba on a 3-week tour of Latin America and the Caribbean,  Kuwaiti Prime Minister, Sheikh Nasser al Mohammed al Ahmad al Jaber al Sabah will  arrived in Guyana on July 19, 2010 for a one-day visit.  The Prime Minister was accompanied by a delegation of more than 50 people including the Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Finance, Commerce and Industry, Senior advisers, the Managing Director of the Kuwaiti Investment Authority, Managing Director of the Kuwaiti Fund for Arab Economic Development among others.

During the brief visit official talks were held between Kuwait and Guyana in which the Prime Minister of Kuwait Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah and Guyana's President Bharrat Jagdeo headed the two sides.

 The two sides discussed relations between the two countries in the fields of politics, economic, trade, and culture and ways to develop them.    After the talks, agreements were signed between the governments of Kuwait and Guyana on economic and technical cooperation, prevention of double taxation, avoidance of double taxation and tax evasion on income and capital.     The agreements were signed by the Kuwaiti Finance Minister Mustafa Al-Shimali and his Guyanese counterpart Dr. Ashni Singh.

A trade agreement was also signed by Kuwait's Commerce and Industry Minister Ahmad Al-Haroun and Guyana's Foreign Affairs Minister Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett.  In addition, the two countries signed an agreement on the establishment of a joint committee for cooperation. It was signed by Kuwait's Foreign Undersecretary Khalid Al-Jarallah and Rodrigues-Birkett.

Moreover, the two countries signed an agreement on aviation services which was signed by Kuwait's General Director of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation Bader Butaiban and Guyana's Transport, Communication, and Hydraulics Minister Robenson Benn. Guyana's President held a banquet in the honor of His Highness the Prime Minister and his accompanying delegation. The banquet was attended by senior officials from Guyana

As well, the Kuwaiti private sector met their Guyanese counter part at the Princess Hotel in Georgetown.   The Kuwaiti private sector is keen on benefiting from suitable investment opportunities in Guyana, a Kuwaiti official has stressed, noting that the aim of the visit to Guyana is to discuss boosting economic ties between the two countries.

The statement of the President of Kuwait's Union of Investment Companies (UIC) came during his meeting with the president of Guyana chamber of commerce Ramesh Dookhoo Tuesday evening, as part of the visit of His Highness the Prime Minister of Kuwait Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Sabah to Guyana.  
   
Al-Banwan said that the meeting with the Guyanese was the second, adding that the first meeting was held last January and witnessed the signing of an agreement on protecting and encouraging investment.

The visit comes as part of the efforts of Kuwait Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) to strengthen trade relations and search for suitable investment opportunities for the private sector, he pointed out.     Challenges require more talks and visits to increase trade exchange and to coordinate holding exhibitions and other activities to present Guyanese products to Kuwaiti traders and consumers, he said.     On his part, Dookhoo said he was looking forward to increasing trade exchange with Kuwait.

Guyana had several special natural resources and agricultural industries and products, he noted.     The country has vast farming area, rich mines, and a good location, he said.  The meeting was attended by head of Kuwait Travel and Tourism Agencies Association Khalid Al-Hamad, deputy chairman of the Kuwaiti Banks Association Majid Al-Ajeel, representative of the Kuwaiti Industries Union Nasser Al-Sharhan, and assistant director of KCCI's public relations and media department Hamid Al-Ansari.

By the end of 2010 the government of Guyana, the private sector and the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce will visit Kuwait. They are currently working on putting together a team to travel to Kuwait, to pursue investments and build relations.

The Kuwaiti Prime Minister’s visit to Guyana is of historic proportion. Sheikh Nasser al Mohammed al Ahmad al Jaber al Sabah became the first Arab head of government to visit Guyana, and from a very important oil producing country in the Arab Gulf.  Kuwait is one of the richest countries in the world that has funded development projects in Guyana, Jamaica, and Antigua and across the world.  Recently, Kuwait announced the opening of embassies in Cuba, Chile and Mexico in an effort to expand economic and social ties with the Latin America and the Caribbean.  Guyana itself is exploring the feasibility of an embassy in Kuwait.  Jamaica, a Caricom member will soon open an embassy in Kuwait.

Guyana/Kuwait ties have grown increasingly since the visit of former Guyanese President, Cheddi Jagan to Kuwait in 1996.  This was followed by several lower level visits from Kuwait.  In January 2010, Guyana’s President Bharrat Jagdeo’s 3rd visit to the Middle East took him to Kuwait. Jagdeo and his delegation were guests of the Kuwaiti Emir and stayed at the Bayan Palace.  Two Memoranda of Understanding (MOU) were signed during the visit to bolster cultural ties and bilateral investments.  Kuwait also appointed an ambassador to Guyana and agreed in principle to loan Guyana 10 million dollars to develop Georgetown’s housing sector.  

Jagdeo had extensive discussions with the Emir about the outstanding debt issue. Under its Paris Club agreement, Guyana must seek comparable write-offs from other creditors or jeopardize the existing arrangement.  According to President Jagdeo, Kuwait will fund a four-lane highway from Guyana’s capital city, Georgetown to the airport.  

Guyana with sizeable Muslim community has historic ties to the Arab-Islamic world since the 1700s when West African slaves brought Islam to its shore. This relationship grew stronger with the arrival of a second wave of Muslims between 1838-1917 from South Asia.  More recently, Guyana joined the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) drawing the two countries even closer. Kuwait has been a major financial backer of various charitable programs in Guyana.  

The interior abodes of peace in the hearts of the faithful are the essential seeds from which worldly peaceful environments grow, and through which the eternal abode is prepared for. Such interior abodes can live and grow within a multiplicity of worldly situations, and need not be, and cannot really be, limited to geographically delimitated zones of the world, ‘dar islam’. The ‘Muslim World’ is the entire cosmos, and is no mere worldly empire! Every human heart, and even every creaturely sign (aya), that adores, remembers, and glorifies the One True God, is already an abode of peace , and is already a ‘Muslim world’!

The historical fact that Muslims did establish and grow empires must not blind us to the fact that Islam is beyond empire, and as a matter of fact, is originally and fundamentally a ‘dispersed divine light’, and not a mere worldly political force. It is said in several hadiths that, originally, God dispersed of His own light sparks of compassion and guidance. Wherever those sparks of light are, that is an abode of peace!

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