The foundation of the Islamic faith is belief in the Oneness of Almighty God - the God of Abraham, Noah, Moses and Jesus. Islam teaches that a pure belief in One God is intuitive in human beings and thus fulfills the natural inclination of the soul. As such, Islam's concept of God is straightforward, unambiguous and easy to understand. Islam teaches that the hearts, minds and souls of human beings are fitting receptacles for clear divine revelation, and that God's revelations to man are not clouded by self-contradictory mysteries or irrational ideas. As such, Islam teaches that even though God cannot be fully comprehended and grasped by our finite human minds, He also does not expect us to accept absurd or demonstrably false beliefs about Him. According to the teachings of Islam, Almighty God is absolutely One and His Oneness should never be compromised by associating partners with Him - neither in worship nor in belief. Due to this, Muslims are required to maintain a direct relationship with God, and therefore all intermediaries are absolutely forbidden. From the Islamic standpoint, believing in the Oneness of God means to realize that all prayer and worship should be exclusively for God, and that He alone deserves such titles as "Lord" and "Savior". Some religions, even though they believe on "One God", do not make all of their worship and prayers for Him alone. Also, they also give the title of "Lord" to beings that are not All-Knowing, All-Powerful and Un-Changing - even according to their own scriptures. Suffice it to say that according to Islam, it is not enough that people believe that "God is One", but they must actualize this belief by proper conduct. In short, in the Islamic concept of God, which is completely based on Divine Revelation, there is no ambiguity in divinity - God is God and man is man. Since God is the only Creator and continual Sustainer of the Universe, He is transcendent above His creation - the Creator and the creature never mix. Islam teaches that God has a unique nature and that He is free from gender, human weaknesses and beyond anything which human beings can imagine. The Qur'an teaches that the signs and proofs of God's wisdom, power and existence are evident in the world around us. As such, God calls on man to ponder over the creation in order to build a better understanding of his Creator. Muslims believe that God is Loving, Compassionate and Merciful, and that He is concerned with the daily affairs of human beings. In this, Islam strikes a unique balance between false religious and philosophical extremes. Some religions and philosophies portray God as just an impersonal "Higher Power" who is uninterested, or unaware, of the life of each individual human. Other religions tend to give God human qualities and teach that He is present in His creation, by being incarnate in someone, something - or even everything. In Islam, however, Almighty God has clarified the truth by letting mankind know that He is "Compassionate", "Merciful", "Loving" and the "Answerer of Prayers". But He as also emphasized strongly that "there is nothing like unto Him", and that He is high above time, space and His creation. Finally, it should be mentioned that the God that Muslims worship is the same God that Jews and Christians worship - because there is only one God. It is unfortunate that some people mistakenly believe that Muslims worship a different God than Jews and Christians, and that "Allah" is just the "god of the Arabs". This myth, which has been propagated by the enemies of Islam, is completely false since the word "Allah" is simply the Arabic name for Almighty God. It is the same word for God which is used by Arabic-speaking Jews and Christians. However, it should be clarified that even though Muslims worship the same God as Jews and Christian, their concept of Him differs somewhat from the beliefs of other religions - mainly because it is based completely on Divine Revelation from God. For example, Muslims reject the Christian belief that God is a Trinity, not only becaue the Qur'an rejects it, but also because if this was God's true nature, He would have clearly revealed it to Abraham, Noah, Jesus and all of the other prophets.

The Qur'an
The Arabic world "Al-Qur'an" literally means "the recitation". When used in regards to Islam, the word Qur'an means God's final message to mankind that was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad. The Qu'ran, sometimes spelled Koran, is the literal the word of God - as it clearly says time and time again. Unlike other sacred scriptures, the Qur'an has been perfectly preserved in both its words and meaning in a living language. The Qu'ran is a living miracle in the Arabic language; and is know to be inimitable in its style, form and spiritual impact. God's final revelation to mankind, the Qur'an, was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad over a period of 23 years. The Qur'an, in contrast to many other religious books, was always thought to be the Word of God by those who believed in it, i.e. it wasn't something decreed by a religious council many years after being written. Also, the Qu'ran was recited publicly in front of both the Muslim and non-Muslim communities during the life of the Prophet Muhammad. The entire Qur'an was also completely written down in lifetime of the Prophet, and numerous companions of the Prophet memorized the entire Qur'an word-for-word as it was revealed. So unlike other scriptures, the Qur'an was always in the hands of the common believers, it was always thought to be God's word and, due to wide-spread memorization, it was perfectly preserved. In regards to the teachings of the Qur'an - it is a universal scripture, and it is addressed to all of mankind, and not to a particular tribe or "chosen people". The message that it brings is nothing new, but the same message of all of the prophets - submit to Almighty God and worship Him alone. As such, God's revelation in the Qur'an focuses on teaching human beings the importance of believing in the Unity of God and framing their lives around the guidance which He has sent. Additionally, the Qur'an contains the stories of the previous prophets, such as Abraham, Noah, Moses and Jesus; as well as many commands and prohibitions from God. In modern times in which so many people are caught up in doubt, spiritual despair and "political correctness", the Qur'anic teachings offer solutions to the emptiness of our lives and the turmoil that is gripping the world today. In short, the Qur'an is the book of guidance par excellence.

In the Biblical record of Abraham, Hargar and Ishmal are treated as a mistake on the part of Abraham and were sent away at God's request. I understand that God kept his promise to both of Abraham's sons but the Biblical record indicates that Ishmal was not the son that God promised. Doesn't this indicate that your "great nation" is not the one promised to Abraham?

I'm going to intentionally go off-topic here. Compare the following two quotes, both from Abdullah...

I was sort of wondering about the changes in language skills too.

So what's the story, Abdullah??

Think about what "Oneness with God" means to your heart.

It says in the bible, Galatians 3:27-28 "And all who have been united with Christ in baptism (baptism of the spirit, not of the flesh) have been made like him. 28 ) There is no longer Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male or female. For you are all Christians-you are one in Christ Jesus"

When we are born on this world, we are born "in the likeness of God" That doesn't mean in flesh and blood with arms and legs and hair, likeness of God is in the spririt, a part of the SPIRIT of God lives in each one of us, like body parts. Once we have completed our life on earth, we are joined with the rest of the body to make a whole. We are all intricately designed for a specific purpose with God and once we are made one with God, we will be a perfect being. We will move as one.

But keep in mind, this is all spiritual. Do not confuse spirituality with human understanding, and human thinking. God is not human, He is an ultimate perfect being, He is far beyond us... So everything is spiritual between Him and us. Hense the Holy Spirit. Without the Holy Spirit, we are dead, and within the Holy Spirit that God gives to us as a perfect gift to further our relationship with Him, He has given us a part of Himself that makes us unique, sets us apart from everyone else both physically and spiritually.

And PRAISE God because writing this post just gave me a revelation. Look at how God works, and look at how life on this planet works. Remember when Jesus came to earth for a short time and He always spoke in parables? Well look at US. Everything we do every day, every part of our life are just little hidden parables, or explinations of the Word of God. Not that these little parables could ever come close to their true meaning in the spiritual aspect, but God does try to show us the way. We just don't look past the two inches of dirt.

Try digging into life a little more than everyone else and you will find an infinite amount of layers underneath, just waiting for you.

CptKirkJT wrote:

I can sooo relate...this happens to me all the time...that is why we Christians get accused all the time of not having an "original" thought of our own...and why we use the Scripture to give answers to their comments...
I frequently have these "revealations" when I am standing at the kitchen sink, doing the dishes...my hands are occupied, and my heart and mind are in communion with Father...I will ask Him questions about some particular issue that I or a loved one is dealing with...And in the most delicate and tender voice, I receive an answer, which always brings to mind a scripture, and the thought that-- "this is what is meant by this verse!" ...that is when I have those "ah-huh" moments...sometimes I have the momentary shame for a part I may have in the issue, I am asking about...but it is so shadowed by the gratitude, and love I feel toward our Father...and that shame that i speak of is welcomed, for it is a gift, that leads to repentance...I am no better, nor worse than any one else...but I pray never to try to justify my error...no "ya-buts" he, or she did this, and that's WHY I did that...that don't cut it! One on One....there is no "them, or they" when we are dealing with our Father, or really, when He is dealing with us.

John 14:26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.
John 14:27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

_________________
cg
"You must be the change you wish to see in the world."
-Mahatma Gandhi

It is quite amazing, I completely understand what you mean. Any time I stop for even a second from whatever distraction I am currently envolved in, I immediately jump into conversation with the Lord. I have a tendancy to ask all KINDS of questions. Mostly about why I do the things I do, I usually ask for guidance for those things that I know not about myself, and I ask for knowlege and wisdom, and I ask that He put a hunger for the word into my spirit.

It is quite amazing when I stand around sometimes with this fantastic grin on my face because all of a sudden out of nowhere I see someone do or say something that sparks a revelation God wishes to give me, and I'm in a 'OHHHHH that's it!' kind of drunkeness with an incredible feeling of love and comfort from the Lord. It's quite amazing! and very inspiring!

Thank you for your other post, it is a pleasure to meet you as well! I feel very at home in this forum, it's quite nice. I hope to talk to you again soon! Take care!

CaptKirkJT wrote:

I believe this is called "humility"...I also used to ask a lot of questions early on in my walk...but it was a lot of: "why are THEY so blah blah blah, and would you look at what they just did to MEEEE! Will You Pa-lease change them!" I had to ah, er, ahem...learn that God wanted me to come to Him, just me, myself, and I...there are no "theys"...Once I caught on to this concept, it has been a delight to ask Him to "show me my part, what is it I am doing wrong, or need to change...how can I help?...etc"...I've come a long way baby...not to pat myself on the back, cause I've yet a long way to go...heehee...but it's ok, cause going I am...one of my favorite things to remember is that "we are all 'pieces of work'...I am no worse, or better than anyone else." That pretty much levels the playing field in my heart...and it also helps me to be more forgiving, and also be able to accept forgiveness for my own flaws...I don't want to be better than anyone else either...but I do want to be the best me I can...I don't look for changes in anybody anymore...but I am ready to be changed.
I know what you mean about loving Him so much, it is such a mixture of joy, and tenderness...I just want to hug Him, and bring Him His pipe and slippers, and do some errands for Him or SOMETHING!!! And you know we can in a round-about-way...by loving each other, forgiving each other, giving each other a break, and looking on the good qualities in each other.
Oh dear, I just got that PollyAnna-ish feeling... but remember, I really am a piece of work...just ask my husband and kids...
Here is one of the sweetest scriptures...it really sums up, the how-to of loving God...
Jesus says:
Matthew 25:35 For I hungered, and you gave Me food to eat; I thirsted, and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger, and you took Me in;
25:36 naked, and you clothed Me; I was sick, and you visited Me; I was in prison, and you came to Me."
25:37 Then the righteous (the equitable, and fair, those with love in their hearts) will answer, saying, "Lord, when did we see You hungry, and fed You; or thirsting, and gave You drink?
25:38 And when did we see You a stranger, and took You in; or naked, and clothed You?
25:39 And when did we see You sick, or in prison, and came to You?"
25:40 And answering, the King will say to them, "Truly I say to you, In so far as you did it to one of these, the least of My brothers, you did it to Me."
What is not to adore?

_________________
cg
"You must be the change you wish to see in the world."
-Mahatma Gandhi

Perfectly put! What a wonderful scripture to share!

It is such a wonderful thing to hear how you have come to see and know these things. It's a wonderful step up from that first walking question, "why everyone else this that and the other" It DOES take great humility to walk in the footsteps of the Lord, and humility is one of the things God would be only too glad to provide, if we ask for it. (If being a key word)

We are all servents of the Lord our Father, He commands, we obey. He directs and we listen to His majestic voice and guidance. He loves, and we return His love the only way we as humans know how. THANKFULLY, God provides us with HIS love to give to others, even when we do not understand why we should love another. Not all suffer from that, but I seem to have some difficulty at times.

A lot of people need guidance, and most do not want to hear what the Lord has to say. It is a shame, and I pray for these people, but that should not stop us from our walk by any means, and it CERTAINLY gives us NO right to judge others for this either.

Your testimony is quite pleasant and enlightening. I thank you for sharing with us! May God always bless you and your family!