all . 2013 Fall . 2013 all . 2013 $4.00 Fall . 2013 $4.00 - The Muslim ...

“ In the later days, the sun shall rise from the west” . Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace and blessings of Allah be on him)Fall . 2013$4.00

www.muslimsunrise.comEditorFalahud Din ShamsEditorial BoardImam Mubasher AhmadDr. Shanaz ButtHasan HakeemStaff EditorsMaham KhanAtif MirNaser ShamsStaff WritersLubna MalikDr. Zia H. ShahShazia SohailDesign/LayoutNaveed Ahmad MalikWebsiteMuneeb AhmadCirculationMubashar A. KhanThe Muslim Sunrise is published by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, USA,15000 Good Hope Road, Silver Spring, MD 20905, Phone 301.879.0110, Fax301.879.0115, under the auspices of Dr. Ahsanullah Zafar, Ameer and NationalPresident. The views and opinions expressed by individual contributers in thispublication do not necessarily reflect the views of the Ahmadiyya MuslimCommunity, USA.The Muslim Sunrise welcomes letters to the editor, questions and submissions.Email us at MuslimSunrise@Ahmadiyya.us or go online to www.MuslimSunrise.comLibrary of Congress Call Number BP195.A5 M8Mailing Address:The Muslim Sunrise,15000 Good Hope Road,Silver Spring, MD 20905,Phone: 301.879.0110,Fax: 301.879.0115.Muslims follow the name of God’s prophets with the prayer alaehis salaam or‘may peace be upon him,’ and for the Holy Prophet Muhammad, sallallahualaehi wasallam or ‘may peace and blessings of God be upon him.’ Companionsof prophets and righteous personalities who have passed away are salutedby radhi-Allaho anhu/a or ‘may Allah be pleased with him/her.” While suchsalutations sometimes are not set out in the text for readability, we encouragereaders to offer these prayers as if set out in full.Dr. Mufti Muhammad Sadiq (1872-1957)was the first Ahmadiyya Muslim missionaryto arrive in America. In 1921, hefounded the Muslim Sunrise, whichstands today as the longest runningMuslim publication in America. Themagazine seeks to open discussions onIslam and topics relating to religion ingeneral. It highlights the role of Islam inan ever changing global society. Itprovides a platform for public opinion oncontemporary issues and presenting theirsolutions from an Islamic perspective.

The Ahmadiyya Muslim CommunityThe Movement he started is an embodiment of the benevolent message of Islam – peace, universalbrotherhood, and submission to the Will of God – in its pristine purity.Hadrat Ahmad(as) proclaimed Islam as the religion of man: “The religion of the people of the rightpath” (98:6). The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community was created under divine guidance with the objectiveto rejuvenate Islamic moral and spiritual values. It encourages interfaith dialogue, diligentlydefends Islam and tries to correct misunderstandings about Islam in the West. It advocates peace,tolerance, love and understanding among followers of different faiths. It firmly believes in and actsupon the Qur’anic teaching:“There is no compulsion in religion” (2:257).The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community is a religious organization,international in its scope, with branches in 195 countries inAfrica, North America, South America, Asia, Australasia, andEurope. The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community was established in1889 by Hadrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad(as) (1835-1908) inQadian, a small and remote village in the Punjabi province ofIndia. He claimed to be the expected reformer of the latterdays, the Awaited One of the world community of religions(The Mahdi and Messiah).It strongly rejects violence and terrorism in any form and for anyreason.After the passing of its founder, the Ahmadiyya MuslimCommunity has been headed by his elected successors. Thepresent Head of the Community, Hadrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad,was elected in 2003. His official title is Khalifat-ul-Masih V or FifthSuccessor of the Promised Messiah.www.alislam.orgHadrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad,Khalifat-ul-Masih V

Fall 2013 • Volume 94 • Issue 2DepartmentsEditorial (6)Poetry Corner (15)From the Archives (31)News, Views and Reviews (40)Perspective (43)In This IssueThe Story of Adam and the Angels 8Shahina BashirNeed of Angels 10(English translation of a chapter from Malaikat-ul-Lah)Shermeen ButtNature of Angels 12as explained by the Promised MessiahImam Mubashar AhmadBook Review: 16"Malaikat-ul-Lah"by Hadrat Mirza Bashir-ud-Din Mahmud AhmadImam Rizwan KhanAngels and the Throne of God 19Imam Mubashar AhmadAngels and Mystical Orders 20(Sufism and Kabbalah)Aasim AhmadThe Art of Sprituality 23(When imagery invites idolatry)Naser-ud-Din ShamsFunctions of the Archangels 27(Gabriel, Michael, Izrael and Israfiel)Irtaza KhalidThe Existance of Guardian Angels 29Rabia SalimJinns and Demons 34Zia ShahFallen Angels 36Andleeb AhmedThe Holy Qura’n on the 38Creation of Body and SoulNaeem Rathore1.800.Why.Islam

MUSLIM SUNRISE, FALL 2013(Al-Fatir -2)[35:2] All praise belongs to Allah,the Maker of the heavens andthe earth, Who employs theangels as messengers, havingwings, two, three, and four. Headds to His creation whatever Hepleases; for Allah has power overall things.{ 4 }MUSLIM SUNRISE [2013]

MUSLIM SUNRISE, FALL 2013ANGELS DESCEND WITHTHE ADVENT OF A KHALIFAH(“Fath-e-Islam,” Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 3, pp. 12-13, Footnote.)Someone might wonder what is the meaning of thedescent of angels? It is the way of Allah that when amessenger or a prophet or a muhaddath descends fromheaven for the reform of people, such angels descendwith him who convey guidance to eager hearts andincline them towards good, and they continue theirdescent until the darkness of disbelief and misguidanceis removed and the dawn of faith and righteousnessappears. As Allah the Glorious says:“Therein descend angels and the Spirit with their Lord’sdecrees concerning everything. Peace---so will it beeven at the rising of the dawn.” (97:5-6)Thus the descent of angels and of the Holy Spirit fromheaven takes place when a great personality investedwith the robe of khilafah and honored with the word ofGod descends to the earth. Such a one is speciallybestowed the Holy Spirit and the angels who accompanyhim descend on the eager hearts of the whole world.Then, wherever people possessing appropriate capacityare found, the reflection of that light falls upon them anda glow spreads over the whole universe. Through theholy influence of the angels good ideas surge up in thehearts and the Unity of God becomes dear. A spirit of thetruth-loving and truth-seeking is breathed into heartsthat are straightforward, and the weak are strengthenedand a wind begins to blow which helps the purpose andgoal of that reformer. By the urging of a hidden hand,people begin to move towards goodness and a movementstarts among nations. Then the ignorant onesimagine that the ideas of the world have of themselvestaken a turn in the direction of truth, but in reality it isthe doing of the angels who descend from heaven withGod’s khalifah and bestow extraordinary powers foraccepting and understanding the truth.These angels are not something separate from God’s khalifah.They are the light of His countenance and they are thebright signs of His resolve who, by their magnetic power,draw to themselves everyone who is in accord with themwhether physically he is near or far, or whether he isknown or is a stranger, and is even unaware of the name ofthe khalifah.Whatever movement towards good takes place at thetime and whatever eagerness for the acceptance of truthis generated, whether in the people of Asia, or of Europe,or of America, is manifested through the urging of theangels that descend with God’s khalifah. This is Divine lawwhich never changes and is easy to understand.They awaken those who are asleep, and alert those whoare heedless, and open the ears of the deaf, and breathethe spirit of life into the dead and pull out those who arein graves. Then suddenly, people begin to open theireyes and their hearts begin to perceive those matterswhich were previously hidden.{ 5 }MUSLIM SUNRISE [2013]

MUSLIM SUNRISE, FALL 2013MUSLIM SUNRISE, FALL 2013Belief in angels is one of the six articles of faith prescribed forevery Belief Muslim. in angels The is one Holy of Qur’an the six mentions articles of faith angels, prescribed some by forname, every their Muslim. functions The Holy and their Qur’an being mentions in service angels, of God. some The byvery name, first their revelation functions to Holy and their Prophet being Muhammad(sa) in service of God. came Thethrough very first the revelation angel Gabriel. to Holy This Prophet occurred Muhammad(sa) when the Holy cameProphet(sa) through the was angel unaware Gabriel. that he This was occurred to become when a messengerProphet(sa) of God. He was clearly unaware saw the that angel he and was described to become him a messen-to histhe Holywife ger and of God. the He words clearly that saw were the spoken angel and by him. described Every him Muslim to hishas wife a firm and belief the words in the that existence were spoken of angels by and him. their Every importancehas a in firm being belief a connection in the existence with God. of angels and their impor-Muslimtance in being a connection with God.So many righteous people in addition to the prophets ofGod So have many attested righteous to the people existence in addition of the angels to the throughout prophets ofthe God history have attested of religion. to the All existence religions of have the angels mentioned throughout theexistence the history and the of religion. functions All of angels religions in one have form mentioned or another. theTheir existence description and the may functions vary from of religion angels in to one religion form but or another. thereis Their no doubt description that all may religions vary believe from religion in their to existence. religion but Some therereligions is no doubt have that even all gone religions so far believe as to in worship their existence. the angels. SomeEven religions the faiths have that even existed gone so in pre-historic far as worship times the have angels. leftimpressions Even the faiths about that the angels existed through in pre-historic art forms. times have leftimpressions about the angels through art forms.FALLFALL20132013In the modern era, Hadrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad(as), founderIn of the modern Ahmadiyya era, Hadrat Muslim Mirza Community Ghulam provided Ahmad(as), detailed founderof the Ahmadiyya about the working Muslim of Community the angels. provided His knowledge detailedknowledgewas knowledge based on about personal the experiences working of and the angels. bears the His conviction knowledgeof was certainty, based on as opposed personal experiences to the fairy tales and bears and fables the conviction we sooften certainty, hear. Not as opposed only did to he the personally fairy tales experience and fables we this sointeraction often hear. with Not angels, only his did teachings he personally and prayers experience produced thiscompanions interaction and with disciples angels, his whose teachings spiritual and prayers caliber allowed producedthe companions same. The existence and disciples of angels whose is spiritual intimately caliber tied to allowed theexistence the same. of The God existence and therefore, of angels fundamental is intimately to tied understandingexistence the of universal God and order is therefore, of God. fundamental Through His to angels, under-to theGod standing sustains the the universal continual order operational of God. Through systems His within angels,nature, God sustains and provides the continual the means operational by which systems humanity within isguided nature, to and eventually provides achieve the a means union with by which its Creator. humanity isguided to eventually achieve a union with its Creator.The story of Adam(as) in the Holy Qur’an mentions theangels The story as key of players Adam(as) in the in discussion the Holy Qur’an about making mentions him thethe angels successor as key of players God on in earth. the discussion This where about the distinctionmaking himbetween the successor Iblis (Lucifer) of God and on earth. the angels This is is where made. the Angels distinction aredescribed between as Iblis the (Lucifer) servants and of the God, angels having is made. no choice Angels of aredisobedience, described as and the Iblis servants being of the God, entity having that no defies choice the ofcommands disobedience, of God. and Human Iblis beings the were entity given that the choice defies to thefollow commands the behavior of God. of Human angels, beings unquestionable were given obedience the choice to toGod, follow or to the follow behavior Iblis of and angels, defy unquestionable and ignore the obedience command-tmentsGod, of or God. to follow Iblis and defy and ignore the commandmentsof God.Islam has presented extensive details about the function ofangels Islam through has presented the Holy extensive Qur’an details and the about ah-Hadith the function (quota-otionsangels of the through Holy Prophet the Holy Muhammad(sa)). Qur’an and the ah-Hadith In this issue, (quota-wehave tions compiled of the Holy various Prophet articles Muhammad(sa)). to present readers In this with issue, the weIslamic have viewpoint compiled various about angels. articles In to the present modern readers times, people with thehesitate Islamic to viewpoint talk about about angels. because In the modern it may times, sound people likeunscientific hesitate to gibberish. talk about The angels knowledge because of the it may unseen sound may likeembarrass unscientific those gibberish. who have The not knowledge experienced of it, the but unseen it cannot mayrefute embarrass the existence those who of this have creation not experienced of Allah. it, but it cannotrefute the existence of this creation of Allah.It is our hope that this material will give some guidance tointerested It is our hope readers that about this material the existence will give of angels. some guidance It will also toshed interested some light readers on some about current the existence beliefs of such angels. as guardian It will alsoangels, shed their some roles light and on the some Islamic current viewpoint beliefs about such as them. guardianangels, their roles and the Islamic viewpoint about them.{ 6 }{ 6 }MUSLIM SUNRISE [2013]MUSLIM SUNRISE [2013]

MUSLIM SUNRISE, FALL 2013MUSLIM SUNRISE, FALL 2013Jumu’ah Sermon SynopsisDeliveredDeliveredbybyHadratHadratMirzaMirzaMasroorMasroorAhmadAhmadononAugustAugust9,9,20132013Objections are raised about Islam today that God forbid, it is aObjections harsh, extremist are raised faith. about Recently Islam someone today that wrote God in forbid, the USA it that is aharsh, Friday extremist a day of faith. disorder Recently in Islam someone and raised wrote many in the other USA objectionsagainst is a day Islam. of disorder in Islam and raised many other objec-thatFridaytions against Islam.Our Jama’at contacted the publication which published theOur piece Jama’at and one contacted of our the young publication men wrote which a good published piece the inpiece response and explaining one of our the young beautiful men teaching wrote of a Islam, good objectives piece inresponse of Islamic explaining teaching the and beautiful objectives teaching of Friday of Islam, in Islam. objectives Hazratof Khalifat-ul-Masih Islamic teaching has and further objectives instructed of Friday them in Islam. on how Hazrat toKhalifat-ul-Masih compose articles has in this further regard. instructed Bearing witness/testifying them on how to iscompose required when articles there in this a problem regard. Bearing between witness/testifying two parties so that isrequired the reality when of the there matter is a problem is clarified between and dispensing two parties of justice so that isthe made reality easy. of However, the matter if the is clarified very testimony and dispensing false, it of is justice possible ismade that the easy. decision However, of the if the decision-maker very testimony is not is false, right, it in is fact possible eventhat the wrong the decision decision of the can decision-maker be given. In this is regard not right, the in sin fact is on even thethe person wrong who decision gives false can testimony.be given. In this regard the sin is on theperson who gives false testimony.Some people do give wrong testimony to benefit their nearSome and dear people ones. do When give marital wrong problems, testimony khula to benefit or divorce, their come nearand before dear the ones. Qadha When Board, marital sometimes problems, the khula statements or divorce, given come arebefore not based the Qadha on truth Board, and reality. sometimes Similarly, the statements for temporary given advantage,based some on people truth and abandon reality. Taqwa Similarly, in business for temporary dealings advan-andarenottage, thus obtain some people piece of abandon fire. The Hadith Taqwa which in business cites ‘a piece dealings of fire’ and isthus about obtain inheritance piece of problems fire. The Hadith between which two cites brothers. ‘a piece When of fire’ the isabout Holy Prophet(sa) inheritance informed problems them between that they two brothers. were as if When obtaining theHoly a piece Prophet(sa) of fire, informed they were them overwhelmed that they were and as if obtaining said theya relinquished piece of fire, their they rights. were The Promised overwhelmed Messiah(as) and said said they thatrelinquished although the their Gospels rights. teach The to Promised love one’s Messiah(as) enemy they said do that notalthough teach staying the Gospels firm on justice teach to in love the face one’s of enemy injustice they and do persecutionstaying by peoples. firm on justice in the face of injustice and perse-notteachcution by peoples.He said it is easy to be kind and generous to the enemy but it isHe most said difficult it is easy to protect to be kind the and rights generous of the enemy to the and enemy to stay but firm it ismost on justice difficult in disagreements, to protect the rights contests of the etc. enemy and only and to the stay gallant firmon can justice practice in disagreements, this. Most people contests can show etc. and love only to their gallant enemycan and practice do sweet-talking this. Most with people them can but show go on love to usurp to their their enemy rights.and do sweet-talking with them but go on to usurp their rights.The promises we make in our covenant of Bai’at are, firstly thatThe we promises shall abstain we make from in shirk our (association covenant of Bai’at of any are, partner firstly that withwe God) shall right abstain up to the from day shirk of our (association death. That of we any shall partner keep away withGod) from right falsehood, up to the fornication, day of our adultery, death. That trespasses we shall of keep the away eye,from debauchery, falsehood, dissipation, fornication, cruelty, adultery, dishonesty, trespasses mischief of the eye, anddebauchery, rebellion; and dissipation, will not be cruelty, carried away dishonesty, by passions. mischief That and werebellion; shall regularly and offer will not the be five carried daily Prayers away and by passions. invoke Durud That and weshall routinely regularly ask offer for God’s the five forgiveness daily Prayers and and will invoke remember Durud and Hisroutinely bounties. ask We need for God’s to self-reflect forgiveness and and see will how remember much we fulfil Hisbounties. these pledges. We need We should to self-reflect be clear and that see we will how be much held accountableabout pledges. our We covenants. should be clear that we will be held account-we fulfiltheseable about our covenants.People will be answerable on every level. The last FridayPeople sermon will elucidated be answerable rights of orphans on every as level. a pledge The and last one Friday willsermon be held elucidated accountable rights over of it. orphans Similarly, as rulers a pledge will be and answerable one willbe for held not accountable governing correctly over it. Similarly, as will the rulers masses/public will be answerable for notfor paying not governing their dues. correctly Unfortunately as will the the masses/public condition of for Muslim notpaying leaders is their like this dues. and Unfortunately they appear unafraid the condition as if they of will Muslim not beleaders held accountable is like this and they appear unafraid as if they will not beheld accountable{ 7 }{ 7 }MUSLIMMUSLIM SUNRISESUNRISE [2013][2013]

MUSLIM SUNRISE, FALL 2013MUSLIM SUNRISE, FALL 2013CREATION OF OF ADAM ADAMShahinaShahinaBashirBashir‘And‘AndwhenwhenthythyLordLordsaidsaidtotothetheangels:angels:‘I am‘I amaboutabouttotoplaceplacea vicegerenta vicegerentininthetheearth,’earth,’theytheysaid:said:‘Wilt‘WiltThouThouplaceplacethereinthereinsuchsuchasaswillwillcausecausedisorderdisorderininit,it,andandshedshedblood?blood?——andandweweglorifyglorifyTheeTheewithwithThyThypraisepraiseandandextolextolThyThyholiness.’holiness.’HeHeanswered:answered:‘I know‘I knowwhatwhatyouyouknowknownot.’not.’(Qur’an(Qur’an2:31)2:31)Although the verse quoted above does not mention Adam(as)Although the verse quoted above does not mention Adam(as)by name, it is the first time that the Qur’an introduces the topicby name, it is the first time that the Qur’an introduces the topicof creation of Adam(as) and the response by the angels. Theof creation of Adam(as) and the response by the angels. TheHoly Qur’an and the hadith of the Holy Prophet MuhammadHoly Qur’an and the hadith of the Holy Prophet Muhammad(sa) state that God had sent a prophet to every nation and(sa) state that God had sent a prophet to every nation andevery people. The chain of prophethood began with Adam(as)every people. The chain of prophethood began with Adam(as)and culminated with the advent of the Holy Prophet Muhammad(sa).Many Muslims have wrongly concluded that Adamasand culminated with the advent of the Holy Prophet Muhammad(sa).Many Muslims have wrongly concluded that Adamaswas the first human being who was created and the entirewas the first human being who was created and the entirehuman race is the descendant of Adam(as) and his wife Evehuman race is the descendant of Adam(as) and his wife Eve(Hawwa in Arabic). Such a view stands contrary to the scientific(Hawwa in Arabic). Such a view stands contrary to the scientificfindings regarding the evolution of mankind. The world hasfindings regarding the evolution of mankind. The world hasundergone several cycles of creation and civilization. Theundergone several cycles of creation and civilization. Theperson of Adam(as) as referred to in the Qur’an is the ancestorperson of Adam(as) as referred to in the Qur’an is the ancestorof the modern man.of the modern man.Over the course of time, many civilizations and races haveOver the course of time, many civilizations and races havecome and gone. During these changes many Adams(as)come and gone. During these changes many Adams(as)appeared and perished. Thus, Adam(as) was merely a link toappeared and perished. Thus, Adam(as) was merely a link tothe present cycle of creation and as such was not the firstthe present cycle of creation and as such was not the firsthuman that existed on earth. This view of the rise and fall ofhuman that existed on earth. This view of the rise and fall ofcivilizations and the existence of many Adams has beencivilizations and the existence of many Adams has beensupported by various Muslim savants. One such sage wassupported by various Muslim savants. One such sage wasMuhy-ud-Din ibn ‘Arabi(rh). Referring to a vision he mentionedMuhy-ud-Din ibn ‘Arabi(rh). Referring to a vision he mentionedthat he saw himself performing the circuit of the Ka’aba. Athat he saw himself performing the circuit of the Ka’aba. Aman appeared before him and told him that he was one of hisman appeared before him and told him that he was one of hisancestors. Ibn ‘Arabi asked, “How long is it since you died?” Theancestors. Ibn ‘Arabi asked, “How long is it since you died?” Theman answered that he has been dead for more thanman answered that he has been dead for more thanforty-thousand years. “But this period is much more than whatforty-thousand years. “But this period is much more than whatseparates us from Adam,” Ibn ‘Arabi said. The man replied, “Ofseparates us from Adam,” Ibn ‘Arabi said. The man replied, “Ofwhich Adam are you speaking? About the Adam who iswhich Adam are you speaking? About the Adam who isnearest to you or some other?”nearest to you or some other?”When Ibn ‘Arabi heard this, he remembered the saying of theWhen Ibn ‘Arabi heard this, he remembered the saying of theHoly Prophet Muhammad(sa) that God had brought intoHoly Prophet Muhammad(sa) that God had brought intobeing no less than a hundred thousand Adams, and Ibn ‘Arabibeing no less than a hundred thousand Adams, and Ibn ‘Arabiconcluded that the man he encountered was one of the previousAdams.concluded that the man he encountered was one of the previousAdams.That Adam(as) was not the first human to walk the earth is alsoThat Adam(as) was not the first human to walk the earth is alsosupported by the Qur’anic verse mentioned earlier where Godsupported by the Qur’anic verse mentioned earlier where Godtells the angels that He was about to place a vicegerent, atells the angels that He was about to place a vicegerent, akhalifah, in the earth. Since the word vicegerent means a successorthere had to be a community of people already existing forkhalifah, in the earth. Since the word vicegerent means a successorthere had to be a community of people already existing forAdam(as) to be a successor for them.Adam(as) to be a successor for them.Angels’ objection to the appointment of Adam as a khalifahAngels’ objection to the appointment of Adam as a khalifahWhen God told the angels about His intention of placing aWhen God told the angels about His intention of placing avicegerent on the earth, they retorted, ‘Wilt Thou place thereinvicegerent on the earth, they retorted, ‘Wilt Thou place thereinsuch as will cause disorder in it, and shed blood? — and wesuch as will cause disorder in it, and shed blood? — and weglorify Thee with Thy praise and extol Thy holiness.’ But howglorify Thee with Thy praise and extol Thy holiness.’ But howcould the angels even dare object to something God says whencould the angels even dare object to something God says whenthey do not even have the ability to go against the will of God asthey do not even have the ability to go against the will of God asthey are not endowed with the ability to choose? The apparentthey are not endowed with the ability to choose? The apparentobjection raised by the angels was not really so. It was rather theobjection raised by the angels was not really so. It was rather theangels wanted to be enlightened and to gain knowledge. WheneverGod raises a new prophet, a revolution or change is broughtangels wanted to be enlightened and to gain knowledge. WheneverGod raises a new prophet, a revolution or change is broughtabout in the world and a new era is ushered. When such a stateabout in the world and a new era is ushered. When such a stateappears whatever system existed is destroyed and a new worldappears whatever system existed is destroyed and a new worldorder is created. Adam(as) was the first messenger of the neworder is created. Adam(as) was the first messenger of the newworld order.world order.Before the coming of Adam(as), the existing people lived inBefore the coming of Adam(as), the existing people lived inignorance and had no morals. They were no better than animalsignorance and had no morals. They were no better than animalsand lived in a lawless society. With the introduction of the Lawand lived in a lawless society. With the introduction of the Lawbrought by Adam(as), the concept of sin came into being as sin isbrought by Adam(as), the concept of sin came into being as sin isnothing but the breaking of the Law. The angels, with theirnothing but the breaking of the Law. The angels, with theirlimited understanding, saw that the introduction of Law willlimited understanding, saw that the introduction of Law willbring about crimes and bloodshed the result of which would bebring about crimes and bloodshed the result of which would bethe creation of disorder. They saw only the darker side while Godthe creation of disorder. They saw only the darker side while Godbeing All-Knowing saw the brighter side. God was going to makebeing All-Knowing saw the brighter side. God was going to makeAdam the herald for waking up the spiritually dead. Through himAdam the herald for waking up the spiritually dead. Through himGod would be able to manifest Himself and make His attributesGod would be able to manifest Himself and make His attributesknown to men and lead them to righteousness. He would notknown to men and lead them to righteousness. He would notleave them wandering blindly but would instead guide mankindleave them wandering blindly but would instead guide mankindonto the straight path.onto the straight path.{ 8 }{ 8 }MUSLIMMUSLIM SUNRISE SUNRISE [2013][2013]

MUSLIM SUNRISE, FALL 2013MUSLIM SUNRISE, FALL 2013Adamas Endowed with KnowledgeAdamas Endowed with Knowledge“And He taught Adam all the names, then He“And put He the taught objects Adam of these all the names names, before then the Heangels put the and objects said: of ‘Tell these Me names the names before of these, ifangels and you said: are ‘Tell right.’” Me the (Qur’an names 2:32) of these, ifyou are right.’” (Qur’an 2:32)God not only taught Adam(as) how to communicate through aGod well-developed not only taught language, Adam(as) He also how gave to communicate him the knowledge through of a Hiswell-developed attributes. Knowing language, these He attributes also gave is him essential the knowledge for man to of attain Hisattributes. the spiritual Knowing level which these attributes would draw is essential him nearer for to man his Creator. attain Bythe teaching spiritual man level His which attributes, would draw God him made nearer a distinction to his Creator. between Byteaching man and man angels. His attributes, Whereas God enabled made a man distinction to imbibe between in himman these and attributes, angels. Whereas the angels God were enabled created man with to imbibe a limitation. in him Thethese angels attributes, differed the because angels they were were created endowed with with a limitation. a limited capacityof differed manifesting because the they divine were attributes. endowed The with Qur’an a limited states capac-thatTheangelsity “They of manifesting (the angels) the do divine what attributes. they are bidden The Qur’an to do” states (66:7). that This“They statement (the angels) implies do that what angels they do are not bidden have the to gift do” of (66:7). free will This andstatement unlike man implies are not that able angels to make do not a choice. have the gift of free will andunlike man are not able to make a choice.The angels were well aware of their limitations and knew that theyThe were angels not were capable well of aware reflecting of their all limitations of God’s and attributes. knew that They they werewere quick not to capable confess of that reflecting they could all of only God’s express attributes. those They attributes werequick which to God confess Himself that bestowed they could upon only them. express those attributeswhich God Himself bestowed upon them.“And remember the time when We said to the“And angels: remember ‘Submit the to time Adam,’ when and We they said all to submitted.‘Submit But Iblis to did Adam,’ not. He and refused they all and sub-wastheangels:mitted. too proud; But Iblis and did he not. was He of refused the disbelievers.”and wastoo proud; and he (Qur’an was of 2:35) the disbelievers.”(Qur’an 2:35)When God had completed His favors upon Adam(as) and appointedWhen him God as a prophet, had completed He commanded His favors the upon angels Adam(as) to submit and appointedto Adam(as).him Several as a prophet, translations He commanded of the Qur’an the have angels used to the submit word to “prostrate” Adam(as). asSeveral translation translations for “sujud”. of the This Qur’an translation have used makes the it word appear “prostrate” that God as hadtranslation instructed for the “sujud”. angels This to prostrate translation before makes Adam it appear as one that would God prostrate hadinstructed to God. Explaining the angels to the prostrate true meaning before and Adam context as one of would the verse, prostrate PromisedGod. Messiah, Explaining Hadrat the true Mirza meaning Ghulam and Ahmad(as) context said, of the “The verse, angels Prom-weretoised commanded Messiah, Hadrat to serve Mirza man Ghulam humbly Ahmad(as) and to devote said, “The themselves angels were to hiscommanded service as to if they serve were man prostrating humbly and themselves to devote themselves before him. to So his theservice angels as all if fell they into were prostration prostrating before themselves perfect before man, him. but satan So the wasangels deprived all fell of into this good prostration fortune.” before the perfect man, but satan wasdeprived of this good fortune.”A Note about IblisA Note about IblisContrary to belief held by many Muslims,Contrary Iblis to was belief not a held ‘fallen’ by many angel. Muslims, Whileangels Iblis was are not unable a ‘fallen’ to be angel. disobedient While toangels God, Iblis are unable clearly showed to be disobedient outright arroganceIblis and clearly disobedience. showed outright The Qur’an arro-tellstoGod,gance us that and Iblis disobedience. was a jinn, a The secret Qur’an creation, tellsus that who Iblis was was haughty a jinn, a and secret insolent. creation,who was haughty and insolent.ConclusionConclusionWhen God created Adam(as), He knew what would be theWhen outcome God created despite of Adam(as), the angels’ He so-called knew what objections. would be Man the hasoutcome been endowed despite of with the angels’ the ability so-called to raise objections. himself Man to a has highbeen spiritual endowed status with or abase the himself ability to the raise lowest himself level. to The a high objectspiritual of the status angels or is abase to assist himself man by to the lowest command level. of The God. object Prophets,the who angels have is to attained assist man the highest by the command spiritual rank of God. and Proph-nearnessofets, to who God, have have attained been supported the highest and spiritual helped rank by and the nearness angels toto carry God, out have their been missions supported to the and fullest. helped The help by the of the angels angels to iscarry not out limited their to missions only the to the prophets fullest. but The to help all of the mankind angels who isnot strive limited in the to way only to the righteousness.prophets but to all of mankind whostrive in the way to righteousness.The word “sujud” in the verse means “submission”The or word “obedience” “sujud” and in the therefore verse means it indicates “submission” that Godor “obedience” commanded and the therefore angels to it serve indicates Adam(as), that God thatcommanded is, to help the and angels assist to him serve in Adam(as), his mission. thatis, to help and assist him in his mission.{ 9 }{ 9 }MUSLIM SUNRISEMUSLIM SUNRISE[2013][2013]

“In the latter days, the sun shall rise from the west” Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace and blessings of Allah be on him)“In the latter days, the sun shall rise from the west” • Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace and blessings of Allah be on him)MUSLIM SUNRISE, FALL 2013MUSLIM SUNRISE, FALL 2013Hadrat Mirza Bashir-ud-Din Mahmud AhmadHadrat Mirza Bashir-ud-Din Mahmud AhmadKhalifat-ul-Masih II (may Allah be pleased with him)Khalifat-ul-Masih II (may Allah be pleased with him)(Translated from ‘Anwar-ul-‘Aloum, vol. 5, pp. 512 515)(Translated from ‘Anwar-ul-‘Aloum, vol. 5, pp. 512 – 515)by Mrs. Shermeen Butt, UK)by Mrs. Shermeen Butt, UK)The first need for angels is that there is similarity betweenThe first need for angels is that there is a similarity betweenphysical and spiritual systems. Spiritual affairs are assumed to bephysical and spiritual systems. Spiritual affairs are assumed to bephysical because both these orders run alike with the exceptionphysical because both these orders run alike with the exceptionof where it is essential for them not to run parallel. We observeof where it is essential for them not to run parallel. We observethat there is an extensive range of causes in physical affairs sothat there is an extensive range of causes in physical affairs somuch so that the sequence of causes continues latently and solidmuch so that the sequence of causes continues latently and solidmatter changes into extremely fine gases, and then goes on tomatter changes into extremely fine gases, and then goes on toconvert into energy. It is the final sources of these energies thatconvert into energy. It is the final sources of these energies thatwe name as angels.we name as angels.The physical order is based on system where matter becomesThe physical order is based on a system where matter becomesfiner and finer still, until it is not at all visible and there remainsfiner and finer still, until it is not at all visible and there remainsno means to experience it visually. The process is the same withno means to experience it visually. The process is the same withthe spiritual order, and angels are the final link in this order. It isthe spiritual order, and angels are the final link in this order. It ismistake to say that only the physical order has causes; in facta mistake to say that only the physical order has causes; in factthere is very long chain of causes for every single thing. Therefore,when nothing occurs in the material world without thethere is a very long chain of causes for every single thing. Therefore,when nothing occurs in the material world without thesystem of cause and effect, then why should spiritual systems besystem of cause and effect, then why should spiritual systems beany different? Why should cause and effect not apply to them?any different? Why should cause and effect not apply to them?WhenWhen aphysicalphysicalsystemsystemoperatesoperatesititisisessentialessentialthatthatititalsoalsorunsrunsparallelparallelonon aspiritualspirituallevel,level,andandangelsangelsarearethethefinalfinallinklinkininthethespiritualspiritualsystemsystemofofcausecauseandandeffect.effect.ThusThusangelsangelsareareneededneededforforspirituality.spirituality.Secondly, we find that everything goes through evolutionarySecondly, we find that everything goes through evolutionaryprocesses. From the general understanding of evolution, scientistshave concluded that the modern human species did notprocesses. From the general understanding of evolution, scientistshave concluded that the modern human species did notoriginate in its current form. It began life as an insect-like organismwhich developed and grew, eventually reaching its currentoriginate in its current form. It began life as an insect-like organismwhich developed and grew, eventually reaching its currentform. This account of the evolution of man appears incorrectform. This account of the evolution of man appears incorrectand can be invalidated in many ways. However, there is noand can be invalidated in many ways. However, there is nodoubt that reflecting on this concept definitely proves thatdoubt that reflecting on this concept definitely proves thatchange within mutually different conditions either requireschange within mutually different conditions either requiresvarious stages or is dependent on agencies. Instant mutation tovarious stages or is dependent on agencies. Instant mutation tocompletely different conditions is simply not possible. On thecompletely different conditions is simply not possible. On theone hand is man’s inherent desire to attain higher and higherone hand is man’s inherent desire to attain higher and higheradvancement and his strong aspiration for union with God theadvancement and his strong aspiration for union with God theExalted, and on the other hand his existing opacity is an impedimentin him meeting God. We conclude from both theseExalted, and on the other hand his existing opacity is an impedimentin him meeting God. We conclude from both thesematters that an agency is needed in between man and God thematters that an agency is needed in between man and God theExalted, which is created being as well as devout and purelyExalted, which is a created being as well as a devout and purelyspiritual entity. This agency is called angels!spiritual entity. This agency is called angels!It is said that man climbed high minaret but could not comeIt is said that a man climbed a high minaret but could not comedown. Someone attached reel of fine thread to an arrow anddown. Someone attached a reel of fine thread to an arrow andthrew it towards him, and he caught it. He then dangled the finethrew it towards him, and he caught it. He then dangled the finethread downwards and the person below attached thick threadthread downwards and the person below attached a thick threadto the fine thread which the man pulled upwards. Then, thickerto the fine thread which the man pulled upwards. Then, a thickerthread was attached to rope and so on until chain was formedthread was attached to a rope and so on until a chain was formedand the man could come down with its help.and the man could come down with its help.This is how man’s connection with God progresses through theThis is how man’s connection with God progresses through theangels. They are the intermediary link through which man canangels. They are the intermediary link through which man canabsorb the beneficence of the final link. Thus, the existence ofabsorb the beneficence of the final link. Thus, the existence ofangels is necessary to forge connection with God.angels is necessary to forge a connection with God.The third need for angels appears to be that as we see that in theThe third need for angels appears to be that as we see that in theapparent world the physical order has two classifications. Oneapparent world the physical order has two classifications. Oneworks for man without his knowledge and his involvement. Asworks for man without his knowledge and his involvement. AsAllah the Exalted states:Allah the Exalted states:10 { 10 }MUSLIMMUSLIM SUNRISE SUNRISE [2013][2013]

MUSLIM MUSLIM SUNRISE, SUNRISE, FALL FALL 2013 2013Observations of of the the Promised Messiah(as),Hadrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad of of QadianMubasher Mubasher Ahmad, Ahmad, M.A., M.A., LL. LL. B. B.The The Founder Founder of of the the Ahmadiyya Ahmadiyya Muslim Muslim Community, Community, Hadrat Hadrat Mirza MirzaGhulam Ghulam Ahmad Ahmad of of Qadian Qadian (1835-1908), (1835-1908), scholastically scholastically discussed discussedthe the nature nature and and functions functions of of angels angels in in his his writings writings to to convince convincereaders readers of of their their reality reality and and existence. existence. He He also also had had personal personal experienceencesof of interacting interacting with with angels, angels, and and his his articulations articulations make make it it easy easyexperi-to to have have firm firm belief belief in in one one of of the the essential essential articles articles of of faith faith of of Islam. Islam.He He wrote wrote detailed detailed academic academic passages passages about about angels angels in in several several of ofhis his books, books, such such as as “Fathe “Fathe Islam” Islam” (1890), (1890), “Taudih-e-Maram” “Taudih-e-Maram”(1891),(1891),“A’ina-e-Kamalat-e-Islam” “A’ina-e-Kamalat-e-Islam”(1893), (1893), and and “Nasim-e-Da’wat” “Nasim-e-Da’wat”(1903).(1903).At At the the same same time, time, on on numerous numerous occasions occasions he he had had personal personal contact contactwith with angels, angels, and and wrote wrote down down his his experiences. experiences. He He explained explained that that it itis is not not for for everyone everyone to to see see angels, angels, as as angels angels are are not not physical physicalentities: entities:“Those who who possess insight behold angelswith with their their spiritual eyes eyes in in their their visions whichthey they experience very very often often in in a state state of of wakefulness.They They talk talk to to the the angels and and learn learnmany things from from them them and and the the angels informthem them about past past and and futures events whichturn turn out out to to be be facts”(1). (1). His His personal personal experiences, experiences, along along with with all all the the revelations revelations that that he hereceived received from from God God through through angel angel Gabriel Gabriel are are all all documented documented in in a abook book entitled entitled “Tadhkirah.”“Tadhkirah.”Resolving Resolving many many complex complex issues issues concerning concerning the the existence existence of ofangels, angels, he he discusses discusses various various functions functions and and specific specific duties duties assigned assignedto to angels angels by by God. God. He He explains explains what what the the terms terms “ascent” “ascent” and and“descent” “descent” mean. mean. He He clarifies clarifies the the status status of of angels angels as as compared compared with withhumans. humans. He He also also elaborates elaborates the the nature nature of of related related entities entities such such as asSpirit Spirit (Ruh), (Ruh), Holy Holy Spirit Spirit (Ruh-ul-Quds), (Ruh-ul-Quds), and and the the opposing opposing forces forcescalled called Satan Satan and and Iblis. Iblis. Explaining Explaining the the nature nature of of angels, angels, he he elaborateratesthat that Allah Allah the the Exalted Exalted being being the the Cause Cause of of all all causes, causes, invisible invisibleelabo-and and imperceptible, imperceptible, Transcendent Transcendent and and Holy, Holy, above above and and beyond beyondeverything, everything, thus thus employs employs appropriate appropriate agencies agencies called called angels angels for forHis His signs, signs, revelations revelations and and manifestations manifestations to to facilitate facilitate spiritual spiritualgrowth growth of of mankind, mankind, taking taking it it to to perfection. perfection.He He says: says: “God “God has has taught taught us us in in the the Holy Holy Qur’an Qur’an that that the thenatural natural system system does does not not run run by by itself itself and and that that all all the the particleclesin in the the cosmos cosmos hear hear the the voice voice of of God God (that (that is, is, obey obey His Hisparti-laws), laws), and and angels angels are are appointed appointed by by Him Him to to carry carry out out certain certainfunctions functions and and they they do do so so according according to to His His will” will” (2). (2).“All “All angels do do not not have have the the same status and andrank rank and and all all of of them them do do not not perform the the samekind kind of of function. Every angel is is assigned adifferent task. task. Whatever changes take take placein in the the world, and and whatever emerges as as actionout out of of latent power, and and whatever success is isachieved by by souls souls and and bodies in in achievingtheir their goals are are all all affected by by heavenly influences.Sometimes the the same angel may may influ-influ-influencencedifferent types of of capacities in in differentways”He He says: says: “It “It is is obvious obvious that that the the All-Wise All-Wise One One God God Who Who has hasinstituted instituted the the external external system system and and has has chosen chosen that that through throughthe the effect effect of of the the external external means means like like the the heavenly heavenly bodies bodies and andelements, elements, etc., etc., our our physical physical bodies, bodies, our our faculties faculties and and our oursenses senses should should be be perfected; perfected; the the same same All-Wise All-Wise and and All-PowerfufulOne One would would have have chosen chosen that that system system for for our our spiritual spiritualAll-Power-perfection; perfection; for for He He is is One One without without associate associate and and there there is is unity unityand and uniformity uniformity in in all all His His wisdom wisdom and and works. works. Thus Thus the the external externalmeans means which which affect affect our our spirituality spirituality and and fulfill fulfill our our spiritual spiritualneeds, needs, as as the the sun, sun, the the moon moon and and the the elements elements help help us us with withregards regards to to our our physical physical needs, needs, are are known known by by the the name name of ofangels”(4). angels”(4). At At another another place, place, he he further further elaborates elaborates the the same samepoint: point: “Observation “Observation of of the the laws laws of of nature nature has has establishedestablishedconclusively conclusively that that certainly certainly those those (spiritual) (spiritual) helpers helpers and andassistants assistants exist exist outside outside of of us. us. We We may may not not be be aware aware of of their theirtrue true reality, reality, but but we we know know for for certain certain that that they they are are neither neither the theAlmighty Almighty Himself Himself operating operating directly, directly, nor nor are are they they our our own ownfaculties faculties and and capacities. capacities. They They are are a a species species of of creation creation which whichhave have independent independent existence”(5).existence”(5).Thus, Thus, the the angels angels are are the the cause cause of of every every change change in in the the external externalworld world or or within within our our own own minds minds and and bodies. bodies. They They are are the the forces forcesbehind behind all all physical physical actions actions and and reactions reactions as as well well as as the the causes causes of ofthe the operations operations of of matter matter and and energy. energy.“God “God Almighty has has called angels regulators(mudabbarat) and and distributors (muqassamateamr) amr) and and they they are are the the cause of of everychange and and development”(6).mate In In “Taudih-e-Maram”, “Taudih-e-Maram”, he he writes: writes:{ 12{ 12}}MUSLIM MUSLIM SUNRISE [2013] SUNRISE [2013]

MUSLIM SUNRISE, FALL 2013In response to the possible objection that if angels are the regulatorsand distributors of matters, then why human plans workaccording to their personal designs, he responds:“The answer is that our projects and plans are not independent ofthe medium of angels and their suggestions and revelation. Thefunction that the angels perform by the command of GodAlmighty, they perform through persons who are naturallyinclined towards acceptance of the suggestions of angels…Thesuggestion and revelation that the angels communicate areaccording to the nature of the person concerned. The revelationthat they communicate to God’s elect, they cannot communicateto others”(7).He also throws light on the terms “descent” and “ascent” ofangels, saying: “Their coming down as is mentioned in the HolyQur’an is not like the descending of a man from a higher level toa lower level; nor is their ascending is like the ascending from alower level to a higher level, inasmuch as the descending of aman involves a change of his position and is achieved by effortand causes fatigue. The angels do not suffer any exhaustion, northey have to make any effort, nor they are subject to any change”(9). Talking about Angel Gabriel who “descends” with revelationsfrom God, it is explained:“Though he descends uponevery person who is honored with Divinerevelation, (it should be remembered that thetrue nature of descent is by way of influence,and not in any physical sense), the circle ofthe effect of his descent assumes small orgreat proportions according to differentcapacities. The largest circle of his spiritualeffects is that which is related to the revelationthat was sent to the Holy Prophet (peaceand blessings of Allah be on him)”(10).While reading the Holy Qur’an, a difficult question may arise: IfGod Almighty alone is to be worshipped, why then all the angelswere asked by God to bow down in prostration before Adam? Inresponse, the Promised Messiah(as) gives the following explanation:“This commandment to angels to bow down in prostration didnot relate to the time when Adam was brought into being; it wasa separate command. When a man attains his full stature as ahuman being and achieves a balance, and the spirit of GodAlmighty resides in him, only then they (the angels) should bowdown in prostration before such a perfect man, that is to say, theyshould descend upon him with heavenly lights and should calldown blessings upon him.This is an indication of the eternal law which God Almighty putsinto force with regards to His elect, that when any person achievesspiritual balance in any age, and the spirit of God Almighty residesin him, that is to say, the person loses his ego and achieves therank of immortality in God, angels begin to descend upon him ina special manner…This special descent of angels is so perfect andcomplete that it can be described as prostration. Prostrationindicates that angels are not superior to a perfect man(insan-e-kamil), but like royal servants, they pay reverence to aperfect man by prostrating themselves before him”(8)Many times in his lifethe Promised Messiah(as)saw angelsin his dreamsand wakeful visions.As it is an established fact, testified by the Holy Qur’an and theBible, that angels do appear in the form of human beings tomen and women of God. As such they came to Abraham(as),Lot(as), Mary mother of Jesus(as), and Prophet Muhammad(sa).The Promised Messiah(as) once fasted for six months, and sawangels who asked him why he was enduring so much hardshipthat he might fall ill!(11). He once saw an angel in a dream in theform of a boy who was sitting on an elevated platform. He washolding a pure loaf of bread in his hand that was very bright,and said to the Promised Messiahas, “This is for you and for thedervishes who are with you” (12). Once he saw an angel in theform of a young boy of eight or ten years old, who eloquentlysaid to him, “God will bestow upon you all that you desire.”(13).{ 13 }MUSLIM SUNRISE [2013]

Angels appeared to to him him in in otherforms, sometime revealing to to himhimsome terrible events to to follow.MUSLIMMUSLIMMUSLIMSUNRISE,SUNRISE,SUNRISE,FALLFALLFALL201320132013OneOneOnenightnightnighthe heinvokedinvokedinvokedsososomuchmuchmuchblessingsblessingsblessingsonononthe theHolyHolyHolyProphet(sa)Prophet(sa)Prophet(sa)thatthatthathishishisheartheartheartandandandsoulsoulsoulbecamebecamebecamefragrantfragrantfragranttherewith.therewith.therewith.TheTheThesamesamesamenightnightnighthehehesawsawsawinininhishishisdreamdreamdreammanymanymanyangelsangelsangelsinininformformformofofofmenmenmencarryingcarryingcarryingintointointohishishishomehomehomewater-skinswater-skinswater-skinsfilledfilledfilledwithwithwithdivinedivinedivinelightlightlightinininthethetheformformformofofofwater.water.water.ExplainingExplainingExplainingthe theluminousluminousluminousspiritualspiritualspiritualwater,water,water,oneoneoneofofofthemthemthemsaidsaidsaidtototohim,him,him,“These“These“ThesearearearethethetheblessingsblessingsblessingswhichwhichwhichyouyouyouhadhadhadsentsentsenttototoMuhammad,Muhammad,Muhammad,peacepeacepeaceandandandblessingsblessingsblessingsofofofAllahAllahAllahbebebeuponuponuponhimhimhimandandandhishishisfamily.”(14).family.”(14).family.”(14).HeHeHeonceonceoncesawsawsawanananangelangelangelinininthethetheformformformofofofa terrifyingterrifyingterrifyingman.man.man.InInIn1893,1893,1893,onononAprilAprilApril2nd,2nd,2nd,hehehesawsawsawininina statestatestateofofoflightlightlightslumberslumberslumberthatthatthathe hewaswaswassittingsittingsittinginininalargelargelargehousehousehouseinininthethethecompanycompanycompanyofofofa fewfewfewfriendsfriendsfriendswhenwhenwhena manmanmanofofofastrongstrongstrongbuildbuildbuildandandandterrifyingterrifyingterrifyingappearanceappearanceappearance– asasasifififbloodbloodbloodwaswaswasdrippingdrippingdrippingfromfromfromhishishisfacefacefacecamecamecameandandandstoodstoodstoodinininfrontfrontfrontofofofhim.him.him.TheTheThePromisedPromisedPromisedMessiahasMessiahasMessiahasnarrates:narrates:narrates:“When“When“WhenI Ilookedlookedlookedup,up,up,I Ifeltfeltfeltthatthatthathehehewaswaswasa strongstrongstrongcreationcreationcreationpossessingpossessingpossessingextraordinaryextraordinaryextraordinarycharacteristicscharacteristicscharacteristicsasasasifififhehehewaswaswasnotnotnota manmanmanbutbutbutwaswaswasoneoneoneofofofthethetheterrifyingterrifyingterrifyingangels.angels.angels.AllAllAllheartsheartsheartswerewerewereoverawedoverawedoverawedbybybyhim.him.him.TheTheThemomentmomentmomentI Ilookedlookedlookedatatathimhimhimheheheaskedaskedaskedme:me:me:‘Where ‘WhereisisisLekhram?’Lekhram?’Lekhram?’AndAndAndthenthenthenhehehenamednamednamedanotheranotheranotherpersonpersonpersonandandandasked:asked:asked:‘Where‘Where‘Whereis ishe?’he?’he?’FromFromFromthisthisthisI Iunderstoodunderstoodunderstoodthatthatthat hehehadhadhadbeenbeenbeenappointedappointedappointedforforforchastisementchastisementchastisementofofofLekhramLekhramLekhramandandandofofofthethetheotherotherotherpersonpersonpersonwhosewhosewhosenamenamenamehashashasescapedescapedescapedme.me.me.But,But,But,thisthisthisI IrememberrememberrememberwellwellwellthatthatthathehehewaswaswasoneoneoneofofofthosethosethosefewfewfewpeoplepeoplepeopleconcerningconcerningconcerningwhomwhomwhomI Ihadhadhadmademademadeanananannouncement”(15).announcement”(15).announcement”(15).He He also also saw saw angels telling him him of of futureOneOneOneofofofthemthemthemwaswaswasaboutaboutaboutthethetheepidemicepidemicepidemicofofofplagueplagueplaguethatthatthatoccurredoccurredoccurredinininthethethePunjab,Punjab,Punjab,India.India.India.HeHeHenarrates:narrates:narrates:“Today,“Today,“Today,SundaySundaySundayFebruaryFebruaryFebruary6,6,6,1898,1898,1898,IIsawsawsawininina dreamdreamdreamthatthatthatGod’sGod’sGod’sangelsangelsangelswerewerewereplantingplantingplantingblackblackblacktreestreestreesininindifferentdifferentdifferentpartspartspartsofofofthethethePunjab.Punjab.Punjab.ThoseThoseThosetreestreestreeswerewerewereveryveryveryugly,ugly,ugly,blackblackblackininincolor,color,color,terrifyingterrifyingterrifyingandandandofofofsmallsmallsmallsize.size.size.I Iaskedaskedaskedsomesomesomeofofofthosethosethosewhowhowhowerewereplantingplantingplantingthem:them:them:WhatWhatWhatkindkindkindofofoftreestreestreesarearearethese?these?these?TheyTheyTheyanswered:answered:answered:TheseTheseThesearearearetreestreestreesofofofthethetheplagueplagueplaguewhichwhichwhichisisisaboutaboutabouttototospreadspreadspreadinininthethecountry.country.country.ItItItremainedremainedremainedunclearunclearuncleartototomememewhetherwhetherwhetheritititwaswaswassaidsaidsaidthatthatthatthethetheplagueplagueplaguewouldwouldwouldspreadspreadspreadduringduringduringthethethecomingcomingcomingwinterwinterwinterorororthethethewinterwinterwinterafter,after,after,butbutbutitititwaswaswasa terribleterribleterriblesightsightsightwhichwhichwhichI Isaw”(16).saw”(16).saw”(16).ThisThisThisprophecyprophecyprophecywaswaswasfulfilled,fulfilled,fulfilled,andandandwithinwithinwithina yearyearyearmoremoremorethanthanthan300,000300,000300,000personspersonspersonsdieddieddiedofofofthethetheplague.plague.plague.peere-peeraan -(The (The spiritual preceptor ofofspiritual preceptors)TowardsTowardsTowardsthethetheendendendofofofhishishislife,life,life,ininin1908,1908,1908,hehehesawsawsawa visionvisionvisionnarratednarratednarratedinininthesethesethesewords:words:words:“One“One“OnedaydaydayI Iwaswaswaslyinglyinglyingdowndowndownin inthethethecourtyardcourtyardcourtyardofofofmymymyhousehousehousewhenwhenwhenininina vision,vision,vision,I Iexperiencedexperiencedexperienceda meetingmeetingmeetingwithwithwithangels.angels.angels.I Isawsawsawmanymanymanyangelsangelsangelsinininmymymyvision,vision,vision,beautifulbeautifulbeautifulandandandrichlyrichlyrichlyclad,clad,clad,singingsingingsingingjoyously.joyously.joyously.TheyTheyTheycamecamecameroundroundroundtototomememerepeatedlyrepeatedlyrepeatedlyandandandeacheacheachtimetimetimeextendedextendedextendedtheirtheirtheirhandshandshandstowardstowardstowardsmememeandandandrecitedrecitedreciteda verseverseverseofofofa poem,poem,poem,thethetheconcludingconcludingconcludingwordwordwordwaswaswaspeere-peeraanpeere-peeraanpeere-peeraan– (The(The(Thespiritualspiritualspiritualpreceptorpreceptorpreceptorofofofspiritualspiritualspiritualpreceptors).preceptors).preceptors).PointingPointingPointingwithwithwiththeirtheirtheirhandshandshandstowardstowardstowardsmememewhenwhenwhentheytheytheywerewerewereoppositeoppositeoppositetototome,me,me,theytheytheyrepeatedrepeatedrepeatedpeere-peeraan”peere-peeraan”peere-peeraan”(17).(17).(17).RelevantRelevantRelevanttototothethethesubjectsubjectsubjectofofofangelsangelsangelsis isthethethepresencepresencepresenceofofofthethetheHolyHolyHolySpirit,Spirit,Spirit,andandanditsitsitsantithesis,antithesis,antithesis,Satan.Satan.Satan.TheTheThePromisedPromisedPromisedMessiah(as)Messiah(as)Messiah(as)explains:explains:explains:“Every“Every“Everylight,light,light,comfort,comfort,comfort,satisfaction,satisfaction,satisfaction,blessing,blessing,blessing,steadfastness,steadfastness,steadfastness,andandandeveryeveryeveryspiritualspiritualspiritualbountybountybounty isbestowedbestowedbestoweduponuponuponthethetheelectelectelectthroughthroughthroughthethetheHolyHolyHolySpirit.Spirit.Spirit.AsAsAsforforforthethethedisbelieversdisbelieversdisbelieversandandandthethethewicked,wicked,wicked,SatanSatanSatanhashashasbeenbeenbeenappointedappointedappointedtheirtheirtheircompanioncompanioncompanionforforforallallalltimetimetimesososothatthatthathehehemightmightmightspreadspreadspreaddarknessdarknessdarknessoveroveroverthemthemthemeveryeveryeverymomentmomentmomentandandandshouldshouldshouldnotnotnotleaveleaveleavethemthemthemalonealonealonewhilewhilewhiletheytheytheystandstandstandandandandsitsitsitandandandmovemovemoveandandandrestrestrestandandandsleepsleepsleepandandandawake.awake.awake.Similarly,Similarly,Similarly,forforforthosethosethosewhowhowhoareareareclosecloseclosetototoGod,God,God,thethetheHolyHolyHolySpiritSpiritSpirithashashasbeenbeenbeenappointedappointedappointedasasasa goodgoodgoodcompanioncompanioncompanionforforforallallalltimetimetimesososothatthatthatitititshouldshouldshouldconstantlyconstantlyconstantlyrainrainraindowndowndownlightlightlightuponuponuponthem,them,them,andandandshouldshouldshouldsupportsupportsupportthemthemthemeveryeveryeverymomentmomentmomentandandandshouldshouldshouldnotnotnotdepartdepartdepartfromfromfromthemthemthematatatanyanyanytime”time”time”(18).(18).(18).------------------------------------------------ *** ----------------------------------(1)------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ A’ina-e-Kamalat-e-Islam,****** Ruhani--------------------------------------------------------------------Khaza’in, vol 5, p. 183,footnote(1) A’ina-e-Kamalat-e-Islam, Ruhani Khaza’in, vol 5, p. 183,(1) A’ina-e-Kamalat-e-Islam, Ruhani Khaza’in, vol 5, p. 183,(2)footnotefootnote Nasim-e-Da’wat, Ruhani Khaza’in, vol 19, p 462(3)(2)(2) Taudih-e-Maram,Nasim-e-Da’wat, RuhaniNasim-e-Da’wat, RuhaniKhaza’in, Khaza’in,vol vol19,19, 3, p.p 85462462(4)(3)(3) A’ina-e-Kamalat-e-Islam,Taudih-e-Maram, RuhaniTaudih-e-Maram, Ruhani RuhaniKhaza’in,Khaza’in, Khaza’in,vol 3, p.vol 3, p. vol85855, p. 134(5)(4)(4) A’ina-e-Kamalat-e-Islam,A’ina-e-Kamalat-e-Islam, RuhaniRuhani Khaza’in,Khaza’in, volvolvol 5,5,5, p.p.p. 88134134(6)(5)(5) A’ina-e-Kamalat-e-Islam,A’ina-e-Kamalat-e-Islam, RuhaniRuhani Khaza’in,Khaza’in, volvolvol 5,5,5, p.p.p. 1378888(7)(6)(6) A’ina-e-Kamalat-e-Islam,A’ina-e-Kamalat-e-Islam, RuhaniRuhani Khaza’in,Khaza’in, volvolvol 5,5,5, p.p.p. 185137(7) A’ina-e-Kamalat-e-Islam, Ruhani Khaza’in, vol 5, p.137185------------------------------------------------ (7) A’ina-e-Kamalat-e-Islam, Ruhani *** ----------------------------------Khaza’in, vol 5, p. 185------------------------------------------------ *** ----------------------------------(10) ------------------------------------------------ Taudih-e-Maram, Ruhani Khaza’in, *** ----------------------------------vol 3, p. 85-86(10) Taudih-e-Maram, Ruhani Khaza’in, vol 3, p. 85-86(11) (10) Tadhkirah, Taudih-e-Maram, 2009 English Ruhani edition, Khaza’in, p 29 vol 3, p. 85-86(11) Tadhkirah, 2009 English edition, 29(12) (11) Tadhkirah, 2009 English edition, p 23 29(12) Tadhkirah, 2009 English edition, 23(13) (12) Tadhkirah, 2009 English edition, p 578 23(13) Tadhkirah, 2009 English edition, 578(14) (13) Tadhkirah, 2009 English edition, p 97 578(14) Tadhkirah, 2009 English edition, 97(15) (14) Tadhkirah, 2009 English edition, p 301-302 97(15) Tadhkirah, 2009 English edition, 301-302(16) (15) Tadhkirah, 2009 English edition, p 407-408 301-302(16) Tadhkirah, 2009 English edition, 407-408(17) (16) Tadhkirah, 2009 English edition, p 1064-1065 407-408(17) Tadhkirah, 2009 English edition, 1064-1065(17) Tadhkirah, 2009 English edition, p 1064-1065{ 14 }MUSLIMMUSLIM SUNRISE [2013]{ 14 }14 MUSLIM SUNRISE SUNRISE [2013][2013]

MUSLIM SUNRISE, FALL 2013ANGELS OF ALLAHby Hadrat Mirza Bashir-ud-Din Mahmud Ahmad.Reviewed by: Imam Rizwan KhanThe speech Malaikat-ul-Lah was an address delivered at theAnnual Convention of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community onDecember 28, 1920 in Qadian, India. The revered speaker,Hadrat Musleh Mau’ood, Mirza Bashir-ud-Din Mahmud Ahmad,Khalifat-ul-Masih II(ra), was the Promised Son of the Holy Founderof the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, Hadrat Mirza GhulamAhmad, the Promised Messiah(as). In 1914, at the age of 25, hewas elected as khalifah, that is, successor, to the PromisedMessiah(as). For 52 years he led the Community and served thecauses for which it it was established. He inspired and motivatedhis followers’ spiritual development; he spoke and wrote indefense of Islam; and he established institutions to propagateIslam all over the world.Hazur(ra) begins by pointing out that although belief in theangels is is an extremely important subject, being one of thearticles of faith, unfortunately, Muslims have paid little atten-Commentators on the Holy Qur’an have also failed to addressthis subject. After the Holy Qur’an and the Holy Prophet(sa), noone has shed light on this subject like the Promised Messiah(as).Hazur(ra) then describes that belief in angels is is of such fundamentalimportance that even the most barbaric nationsbelieved in their existence, and contemporary religions havedescribed them clearly. Among previous religions, Zoroastrianismhas discussed them in the greatest detail. Then Judaismhas made frequent mention of them, referring to them attimes as the sons of God. In Hinduism, it it is is believed that angelsare spirits who should be worshipped.The Reality of AngelsHazur(ra) gives 14 points describing the reality of angels andremoving common misconceptionsconcerning them.1. God created the angels; they are not a part of God.37:1512. Angels can only be seen with one’s spiritual eyes intheir true form, they are not physical beings. 6:103. Angels have no gender. 37:1514. There are three categories of angels; those who manifest the attributes of Allah, those who assist theabove mentioned angels, and those countless angelsassigned to various other tasks. 40:8, 74:325. Angels cannot disobey Allah. 66:76. Angels complete the tasks assigned to them, unlikeman, who at times can become ill and unable to complete his tasks. 66:7can. 66:78. The number of angels is is unlimited. 74:32authority of others. 32:12, 6:94, 4:9810. Angels have limited capacities and only do the taskthey are assigned; they do not progress as humansdo. 2:32-3311. Angels have a small degree of free will, but theycannot disobey. 66:7, 2:31, 3212. Angels do not have knowledge of the unseen. 34:42Tasks of AngelsAfter this, Hazur(ra) describes different tasks that angels have.1. Bring the revelation of Allah. 22:762. Cause people to die. 32:123. Bring punishment on those who oppose the proph-ets(as) of Allah. 6:1594. Help the believers. 41:31-325. Destroy the disbelievers and place awe in theirhearts of the prophetsas and their communities.3:125, 1526. Establish the unity of Allah. 3:197. Make the truth of prophetsas apparent. 4:1678. Glorify Allah. 39:769. Seek forgiveness for the believers. 40:8, 42:610. Allah is is the Cause of all causes, and after Allah,11. Pray for blessings to descend on people. 33:5712. Worship Allah.13. Keep the record of the deeds of people. 82:11-1314. Spread love for the beloved ones of Allah in theworld.15. Serve the beloved ones of Allah and are made subordinate to them. 15:29-3016. Teach people and enlighten their hearts with knowledge.17. Motivate people with good thoughts to do gooddeeds.{ 16 16 }MUSLIM SUNRISE [2013][2013]

MUSLIMMUSLIM MUSLIM SUNRISE,SUNRISE, SUNRISE, FALLFALL FALL 201320132013Hazur(ra)Hazur(ra) Hazur(ra) thenthen then explainsexplains explains thatthat that althoughalthough although humanshumans humans cannotcannot cannot bebe be be ofof of direct ofdirectdirecttoto to Objections toObjections Objections AgainstAgainst Against thethe the the ExistenceExistence Existence ofof of Angels. ofAngels. Angels. AfterAfter After this,this, this, Hazur(ra)Hazur(ra)Hazur(ra)answersanswers answers variousvarious various objectionsobjections objections mademade made againstagainst against thethe the the existenceexistence existence ofof of angels. ofangels.angels.IfIfIf angels Ifangels If angels exist,exist, exist, whywhy why cancan can theythey they notnot not bebe be be seen?seen?seen?Answer:Answer: Answer: ThereThere There areare are are manymany many thingsthings things inin in the inthe the the worldworld world thatthat that cannotcannot cannot bebebe beseenseen seen butbut but wewe we we stillstill still knowknow know thatthat that theythey they exist,exist, exist, likelike like taste,taste, taste, sound,sound, sound, andandandscent.scent. scent. AnAn An An awarenessawareness awareness ofof of things ofthings things isisis not is isnot not alwaysalways always gainedgained gained throughthroughthroughsight.sight. sight. Similarly,Similarly, Similarly, therethere there areare are are otherother other thingsthings things wewe we we believebelieve believe inin because in because because ofofof ofwithwith with ourour our sensessenses senses butbut but wewe we we stillstill still believebelieve believe exists.exists.exists.IsIsIs God Is IsGod God dependentdependent dependent onon on on angels?angels?angels?Answer:Answer: Answer: Firstly,Firstly, Firstly, GodGod God createdcreated created thethe the the angelsangels angels fromfrom from nothing,nothing, nothing, andand and thethethe thecreatorcreator creator isisis is never isnever never dependentdependent dependent on on on hishis his his creation,creation, creation, HeHe He He existedexisted existed evenevenevenbeforebefore before itsits its its creation.creation. creation. Secondly,Secondly, Secondly, GodGod God hashas has mademade made meansmeans means forfor for for everythingeverythingineverythingin in the inthe the the physicalphysical physical andand and spiritualspiritual spiritual world.world. world. ForFor For For example,example, example, HeHe He He hashashas-- -es,es, es, es, butbut but cancan can wewe we we saysay say say thatthat that HeHe He He isisis dependent isdependent is dependent onon on on foodfood food andand and medicinemedicinemedicineforfor for for ourour our existence?existence? existence? JustJust Just asas as God asGod God isisis not isnot is not dependentdependent dependent onon on on thethe the the meansmeansmeansHeHe He He HimselfHimself Himself hashas has createdcreated created inin in the inthe the the physicalphysical physical world,world, world, HeHe He He isisis also is isalso also notnotnotdependentdependent dependent onon on on thethe the the meansmeans means HeHe He He hashas has createdcreated created inin in the inthe the the spiritualspiritual spiritual world.world.world.We We WeWeobserve observeobservecauses causescausesfor for forforeverything everythingeverythingthat that thattakes takes takesplace place placeand and andexistsexistsexistsin ininthe in the theworld, world,world,how how howcan can canwe we wewebelieve believebelievethat that thattheir their theircause cause causeis isisangels? is is angels?angels?Answer: Answer:Answer:Angels AngelsAngelsare are arearethe the thethelast last lastcause cause causeof ofofall of allallcauses all causescausesbefore beforebeforeAllah. Allah. Allah.TheTheThecauses causescausesfor for forforthe the thetheexistence existenceexistenceof ofofthings of thingsthings in ininthis in this thisworld world worldthat that thatwe we weweobserveobserveobserveare are arearemiddle middlemiddlecauses causescausesthat that thatare are arearein in inthe the thethemillions, millions,millions,but but butangels angelsangelsare are arearethe the thethecause cause causeof ofofall of allallof all ofofthose of those thosecauses. causes.causes.For For ForForexample, example,example,we we weweobserve observeobservethat that thatmedicincineis cinemedi-medi-isisthe is is the thethecause cause causeof ofofan of an ananillness illnessillnessbeing being beingcured, cured,cured,but but butangels angelsangelsare are arearethe the thetheresponsibleresponsible responsible forfor for for thethe the the lawlaw law ofof of nature ofnature nature behindbehind behind thethe the the phenomenon.phenomenon.phenomenon.Hazur(ra)Hazur(ra) Hazur(ra) describesdescribes describes threethree three stagesstages stages inin in our inour our relationshiprelationship relationship withwith with angels.angels.angels.1.Man’s1.Man’s 1.Man’s relationshiprelationship relationship withwith with angelsangels angels beginsbegins begins withwith with receivingreceiving receiving motivationsmotivationstomotivationsto to do todo do do goodgood good deeds.deeds. deeds. TheirTheir Their exampleexample example isisis like islikeis likethatthat that ofof of of a stranger astranger stranger whowho who givesgives gives usus us us directionsdirections directions whenwhen when wewe we we getget get get lostlostlosttravelingtraveling traveling onon on on a path.path.a path.2.Then2.Then 2.Then thisthis this relationshiprelationship relationship growsgrows grows stronger.stronger. stronger. TheirTheir Their exampleexample example isisis is like islikelikethatthat that ofof of a of friendfriend a friend travelingtraveling traveling withwith with usus us who uswho who wewe we we consultconsult consult whenwhen when wewe we we forgetforgetforgetthethe the the way.way. way. Here,Here, Here, ourour our connectionconnection connection withwith with angelsangels angels isisis no isno is no no longerlonger longer temporarytemporarybuttemporarybut but permanent,permanent, permanent, howeverhowever however wewe we we onlyonly only consultconsult consult themthem them whenwhen when wewewe weneedneed need help.help.help.3.Finally,3.Finally, 3.Finally, thethe the the relationshiprelationship relationship becomesbecomes becomes soso so strong sostrong strong thatthat that manman man becomesbecomesbecomesthethe the the mastermaster master andand and GodGod God commandscommands commands thethe the the angelangel angel toto to obey toobey obey andand and serveserve serve thethethe theperson.person. person. ThisThis This is the isthe is the the statusstatus status ofof of prophets. ofprophets.prophets.Then, Then, Hazur(ra) describes three three stages stages ininour our relationship with with satan.satan.1.A1.A 1.A personperson person walkingwalking walking onon on on a straight astraight straight pathpath path isisis incited isincited is incited byby by by satansatan satan toto to take totaketakeanotheranother another path.path. path. IfIfIf the If Ifthe the the personperson person acceptsaccepts accepts hishis his his command,command, command, hehe he he goesgoesgoesastray.astray.astray.2.When2.When 2.When a person a person person acceptsaccepts accepts thesethese these incitementsincitements incitements repeatedly,repeatedly, repeatedly, thisthisthisrelationshiprelationship relationship growsgrows grows strongerstronger stronger andand and satansatan satan becomesbecomes becomes hishis his his friend.friend. friend. 4:394:394:393.Finally,3.Finally, 3.Finally, thethe the the relationshiprelationship relationship becomesbecomes becomes soso so so strongstrong strong thatthat that satansatansatanbecomesbecomes becomes thethe the the mastermaster master andand and thethe the the personperson person becomesbecomes becomes thethe the the slave.slave.slave.Here,Here, Here, thethe the questionquestion question arises;arises; arises; doesdoes does everyevery every personperson person havehave have separateseparateseparateangelsangels angels assignedassigned assigned toto to him tohim him oror or her? orher?her?Answer:Answer: Answer: Yes,Yes, Yes, therethere there areare are are twotwo two typestypes types ofof of angels, ofangels, angels, oneone one typetype type ofof of angels ofangels angels isisis is isindividuallyindividually individually withwith with people,people, people, andand and thethe the the otherother other consistsconsists consists ofof of of thosethosethoselikelike like Gabriel.Gabriel.Gabriel.FromFrom From this,this, this, thethe the questionquestion question arises;arises; arises; ififif there if ifthere there areare are certaincertain certain angelsangelsangelstheythey they descend?descend?descend?Answer:Answer: Answer: TheThe The wordword word nazoolnazool nazool (descent)(descent) (descent) doesdoes does notnot not meanmean mean physicalphysicalphysicaldescent,descent, descent, forfor for for thisthis this wordword word isisis used isused is used forfor for for AllahAllah Allah asas as well. aswell. well. TheThe The descentdescent descent ofof of an ofanan an-- -ly,ly, ly, ly, heartshearts hearts havehave have varyingvarying varying levelslevels levels ofof of of purity,purity, purity, andand and theythey they acceptaccept accept thethethe the{{ 17 {{ 17 } 17 } }}17 MUSLIMMUSLIM MUSLIM SUNRISE SUNRISESUNRISE[2013][2013] [2013][2013]

MUSLIM MUSLIM SUNRISE, SUNRISE, FALL FALL FALL 20132013 2013on on on man, man, man, it it seems it seems seems that that that angels angels angels are are are superior superior to to to man, man, man, whichwhich whichmeans means means that that that Gabriel Gabriel is is is greater greater than than than the the the Holy Holy Holy Prophet(sa).Answer: Answer:who who who sends sends sends a a a message message through through his his his servant servant or or or mailman. mailman. TheThe Themailman mailman may may may not not not know know know or or or understand what what what the the the message message is; is; the is; the thegovernor governor who who who is is is receiving receiving the the the letter letter letter from from from the the the king king king is is is greater greater thanthan thanthe the the mailman. mailman. However, However, it it should it should should be be be noted noted noted that that that not not not every every every humanhuman humanis is is greater greater than than than every every every angel. angel. angel. .. .How How Can Can Can we we we Become like like like Angels?Hazur(ra) Hazur(ra) then then then explains explains how how how we we we can can can become become like like like angels.angels. angels.Special persons are are are greater than than specialangels, andand andordinary people are are are greater thanthanordinary angels.The The The reason for for for the the the superiority of of of humans isis isthat that that we we we have have free free free will will will and and and can can can bebe bepunished for for for doing evil, evil, evil, and and and so so so our our our reward forfor forchoosing to to to do do do good is is is greater.StrongerHazur(ra) Hazur(ra) then then then gives gives gives a a basic a basic basic principle principle by by by which which which to to tell to tell tell whether whetheran an an evil evil evil one, one, one, then then then know know know that that that our our our connection to to angels to angels angels isis ismore more more than than than satan.satan. satan.1. 1. 1. By By By conveying the the the message message of of the of the the prophets(as) ofof ofGod God God to to the to the the world.world. world.2. 2. 2. By By By spreading spreading the the the oneness oneness of of God. of God. God.3. 3. 3. By By By having having having forgiveness in in our in our our heart heart heart and and and abandoningthinking thinking ill ill of ill of others. of others. others.4. 4. 4. By By By glorifying glorifying and and and praising praising Allah.Allah. Allah.5. 5. 5. By By By recitation recitation of of the of the the Holy Holy Holy Qur’an. Qur’an.6. 6. 6. By By By reading reading the the the books books books of of such of such such a a person a person person on onwhom whom whom angels angels angels descended, namely namely the the the Promised PromisedMessiah(as).7. 7. 7. By By By going going going to to that to that that place place place where where where angels angels angels havehave havespecially specially descended. That That That is is why is why why going going going forfor for8. 8. 8. By By By having having having a a a connection with with with the the the khalifah khalifah of of the of the thetime.time. time.expound expound on on on the the the subject subject of of the of the the angels angels angels of of Allah of Allah Allah in in such in such such depth; depth; depth; nono noother other other book book book goes goes goes into into into such such such detail detail detail and and and clarity clarity clarity on on on the the the topic. topic. topic. AfterAfter Aftermost most most fundamental articles articles articles of of faith of faith faith that that that Islam Islam Islam has has has made made made incumbentthe the the Islamic Islamic Islamic world world world on on on this this this subject. subject. It It also It also also enriches enriches the the the individual individualwith with with an an an awareness of of not of not not only only only the the the existence, existence, but but but also also also the the the presence presencebeings beings beings and and and gain gain gain nearness nearness to to Allah to Allah Allah Almighty Almightyfollowed followed immediately by by by a a good a good good one, one, one, then then then know know know thatthat thatour our our connection with with with angels angels angels is is weak is weak weak but but but they they they have have have notnot notabandoned us.us. us.urge urge urge with with with it, it, then it, then then we we we should should should know know know that that that angels angels angels havehave haveabandoned us us and us and and we we we are are are completely under under under thethe the{ 18 { 18 { } 18 } }MUSLIM MUSLIM [2013]SUNRISESUNRISE[2013] [2013]

MUSLIM SUNRISE, FALL 2013(Mubasher Ahmad, M.A., LL.B)It is important to understand the connection of angels with Allah’sThrone. Allah’s Throne is a symbolic expression that indicates HisSovereignty of the universe belongs to Him Alone. His Laws arefully enforced under His domain. He encompasses all of Hiscreation and yet He remains completely distinct from His creations.He is the Originator and Provider of life in all its forms – physical aswell as spiritual, but still invisible to all.In Surah Al-Haaqqah (), along with some details about theDay of Judgment, we read:“On that day shall the great Event come to pass. And the heaven willcleave asunder, and it will be very frail that day. And the angels willbe standing on its borders, and above them, on that day eight angelswill bear the Throne of thy Lord” (69:16-19). (1)shall be carried by eight angels on the Day of Resurrection, and allother angels shall be standing around it?To understand this subtle point, we have to know that the angels ofattributes, working behind the scenes, and they execute Allah’s Willon His command. Hadrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, the Promised Messiahas,in his book A’ina-e-Kamalat-e-Islam, writes: “God Almighty, Whoin His Transcendence and Holiness is above everything, employsappropriate agencies for His signs and manifestations… (Theseagencies are) a form of creation which on one side are related to GodAlmighty, and on the other to His creation so that they may obtaingrace from one side and communicate it to the others.” (2)In the Holy Qur’an, two types of attributes of Allah are mentioned:First, tashbihi () or “attributes of similitude” that have someapparent resemblance with human faculties and qualities. And thesecond, tanzihi () or “transcendent attributes” that are uniqueto Allah alone and no one shares them to any degree at all, and noone else has any resemblance with Him in having these uniqueattributes.In Surah Al-Fatiha, which is the essence of the entire Qur’anicteaching, the four fundamental tashbihi or attributes of similitudeare mentioned, namely, He is(i) the Creator,(ii) the Gracious,(iii) the Merciful, and(iv) Master of the Day of Judgment.Around these four attributes all other Divine tashbihi attributesrevolve.In Surah Al-Ikhlas , Allah’s four fundamental tanzihi attributes arementioned; that He is(i) One and Alone in His person, (ii) He is Independent andBesought of all, (iii) He begets not, nor is He begotten, and (iv)there is none like unto Him. (3)Allah’s Throne being carried by eight angels and other angels standingaround it, therefore, means that it shall be through these eightfundamental attributes of Allah that all of His other attributes shallcome into full light. And thus God’s Glory shall be manifestedcompletely on the Day of Resurrection when the present order ofcreation shall be totally consummated.On that Day, God’s Unity and all of His beautiful and superb Divineattributes shall be seen in their complete splendor and brilliance.Eight angels carrying His Throne means that four of His sacredtashbihi attributes and four of His awesome tanzihi – similitude ortranscendent -- attributes shall be fully manifested. All other angelsstanding on its borders means that all His attributes of Jamal andJalal – of Beauty and of Majesty -- shall be manifested in their fullglory to us in the Hereafter.bring the Day of Judgment the agency of angels shall play a tremen-(4)“The day when the trumpet will be blown; and you will come hordeafter horde; and the heaven shall be opened and shall become allportals; and the mountains shall be moved and shall become as ifthey were a mirage. Surely, Hell lies in ambush, a home for the rebellious;they will tarry therein for ages”(78:19-24).At other places in the Qur’an it is further elaborated that the blowingof the trumpet on the Day of Judgment shall be done by the angelagencies of various angels. The records of good and evil are kept bythe angels.Describing further the incredible events of tremendous import, theLord of the Throne says:“When the earth is shaken with her violent shaking, and the earththrows up her burdens, and man says, ‘What is the matter with her?’On that day will she tell her news; it will be because your Lord wouldhave revealed to her. On that Day will men issue forth in scatteredgroups that they may be shown the results of their works. Thenwhoso does an atom’s weight of good will see it, and whoso does anatom’s weight of evil will also see it” (99: 2-9).(5)Again, all these events are carried out through the actions of theangels who work under direct command of the Lord. Thus, theirstanding around the Throne of the Lord on the Day of Judgmentand angels would have played a momentous role under Divineauthority; and once the Judgment is completed, the angels carryingthe Throne and standing around it shall continue to perform variousduties in Paradise and in Hell – and all shall remain under completeattributes.{19}MUSLIM SUNRISE[2013]

MUSLIM SUNRISE, FALL 2013MUSLIM SUNRISE, FALL 2013By: Aasim AhmadBy: Aasim Ahmad“He sends down the angels with revelation by His command on whomsoever of His servants He pleases saying, ‘Warn people that there“He is no sends God but down I, so the take angels Me alone with for revelation your Protector.’” by His command on whomsoever of His servants He pleases saying, ‘Warn people that thereis no God but I, so take Me alone for your Protector.’”Chapter 16, Al-Nahl, Verse 3 of the Holy Qur’an encapsulates one of the key attributes of angels. Angels bring revelation or the word ofChapter God from 16, the Al-Nahl, heavens Verse down 3 of to the Holy earth Qur’an and admonish encapsulates men one to believe of the in key the attributes one God. of Islam angels. certainly Angels acknowledges bring revelation angels or the as belief word of inGod them from is one the of heavens the primary down articles to the of earth faith. and The admonish Qur’an consistently men to believe refers in to the angels one God. not only Islam as certainly those beings acknowledges who bring angels down as revelation belief inthem from on is one high, of but the primary as agents articles in the of world faith. protecting The Qur’an and consistently defending refers Allah’s to messengers angels not only and as their those followers beings who (13:12), bring maintaining down revelation all thefrom workings on high, of the but universe as agents (66:7, in 37:165, the world 51:5), protecting and causing and defending death (16:29-33). Allah’s messengers The Qur’an contains and their a followers plethora of (13:12), references maintaining to angels all and thetheir workings many of functions, the universe but (66:7, understanding 37:165, 51:5), beliefs and in causing angels requires death (16:29-33). a review of The mystic Qur’an literature contains as a the plethora mysticism of references of all religions to angels focus and ontheir metaphysical many functions, phenomena. but understanding beliefs in angels requires a review of mystic literature as the mysticism of all religions focus onmetaphysical phenomena.Mysticism generally can be understood as the relations ofMysticism personal experiences generally can with be the understood Divine. Concerning as the angels, relations such ofpersonal experiences experiences would include with the the Divine. Prophet Concerning Muhammad’s(sa) angels, such manyexperiences conversations would with include the archangel the Prophet Gabriel Muhammad’s(sa) wherein the Qur’an manyconversations was revealed. with Two mystical the archangel traditions Gabriel have wherein been widely the Qur’an recogtraditionsshare a strong philosophical and artistic component towas revealed. Two mystical traditions have been widely recogtraditionstheir spiritual share understanding. a strong philosophical The Kabbalah and artistic rooted component in the text totheir spiritual understanding. The Kabbalah is rooted in the textthrough unique interpretations of the Qur’an.through unique interpretations of the Qur’an.The Kabbalah PerspectiveThe Kabbalah Perspectivesomething that is received. Kabbalah is not something that cansomething be known through that is received. education Kabbalah alone, but is not something understood that canbe and known felt. It through is an experience education – alone, a special but something wisdom. In understood Freeman’sand words, felt. it is It an is “inner an experience knowledge – a that special has been wisdom. passed In down Freeman’s fromwords, sage to it student is an “inner from knowledge the earliest that of has times.” been passed The Kabbalah down from issage described to student as the teachings from the related earliest from of times.” Adam(as) The down Kabbalah to Abraham(as).The as the sage teachings and student related relationship from Adam(as) is foundational, down to with Abra-aisdescribedham(as). spiritual twist The sage to it. and The student sage shares relationship his understanding is foundational, of spiritual with aspiritual enlightenment, twist to or it. received The sage knowledge, shares his understanding with the student. of spiritual Jewishenlightenment, mysticism looks or mainly received to the knowledge, Zohar, which with is the the student. central Jewish text ofmysticism the Kabbalah looks (received mainly to traditions/commentaries the Zohar, which is the central of the Torah), text ofthe for inspiration. Kabbalah (received There are traditions/commentaries many discussions of angels of the within Torah), thistext for inspiration. and some commentaries There are many provide discussions considerable of angels detail. within thistext and some commentaries provide considerable detail.chaotic and imbalanced. In order to reach some form of clarity,chaotic one needs and to imbalanced. begin with In a order basic understanding to reach some form and gradually of clarity,one needs to begin with a basic understanding and graduallyangel is “malach.” This word also means messenger. Thus, theangel core understanding is “malach.” This of angels word in also Judaism means is messenger. as messengers Thus, of God. thecore understanding of angels in Judaism is as messengers of God.{ 20 }{ 20 }Angels not only bring down the message of God, but they bringAngels man’s prayers not only back bring up as down well. the Therefore, message angels of God, serve but as they messengersfor prayers God as back well up as as man. well. It is Therefore, believed angels that angels serve take as messen-a man’sbringman’sgers for God as well as man. It is believed that angels take a man’sthem from any other tongue to the Hebrew tongue and subsequentlyfrom present any other prayer tongue before to the God. Hebrew Angels tongue are not and believed subse-tothemquently have any present physical the or prayer material before aspect God. of Angels existence. are not In fact, believed angelic tohave descriptions any physical such as or material wings or aspect arms of of some existence. kind are In fact, understood angelicdescriptions as symbolic representations such as wings or of arms an angel’s of some purpose kind are or task. understoodas symbolic representations of an angel’s purpose or task.According to Rabbi Baruch S. Davidson, angels are tasked withAccording to Rabbi Baruch S. Davidson, angels are tasked with-bilities. Rafael, for example, is believed to be a healer.-bilities. Rafael, for example, is believed to be a healer.Rabbi Davidson goes on to explain how it is believed that someRabbi Davidson goes on to explain how it is believed that sometask, they are disbanded and no longer exist. In other words, upontask, completion they are of disbanded their purpose, and no angels longer cease exist. to In exist. other Maimonides,words, uponcompletion of their purpose, angels cease to exist. Maimonides, -ent ranks of angels where each rank is determined by an angel’s -ent understanding ranks of angels of God; where the higher each rank the rank, is determined the better by understand-angel’sunderstanding of God angel of God; has. the It higher would the appear rank, the that better the lower understandingangels of God are tasked an angel with has. simpler It would purposes. appear that the lower rankedrankedangels are tasked with simpler purposes.Some angelic duties described by Rabbi Davidson include healing,Some conveying angelic prayers duties to described God, delivering by Rabbi Davidson punishment/judgement,include healing,conveying and delivering prayers blessings to God, (God’s delivering kindness). punishment/judgement,In addition to theseand types delivering of angels, blessings there are (God’s also angels kindness). created In addition as a result to of thesetypes deeds of men. angels, For there example, are also Rabbi angels Davidson created explains as a result how a of single thedeeds act of goodness of men. For creates example, one Rabbi “angel-advocate” Davidson explains and a single how a single act ofact sin creates of goodness one “angel-accuser.” creates one “angel-advocate” Such angels will and either a single advocate act ofsin for or creates oppose one a “angel-accuser.” person in heaven. Such The angels nature will of either these advocate angels,for according oppose to Rabbi a person Lazer in Gurkow, heaven. is The determined nature of by these level angels, ofprayer. according Thus, to the Rabbi more Lazer devoted Gurkow, and is sincere determined a prayer by is, the the level strongerand Thus, more the vibrant more the devoted angel that and is sincere created a prayer becomes. is, the stron-ofprayer.ger and more vibrant the angel that is created becomes.MUSLIM SUNRISEMUSLIM SUNRISE [2013][2013]

MUSLIMMUSLIMSUNRISE,SUNRISE,FALLFALL20132013Angels,Angels,ininJewishJewishKabbalahKabbalaharearenotnotthoughtthoughtofofasashighlyhighlyasasmightmightbebeexpected.expected.AngelsAngelsareareclearlyclearlyconsideredconsideredsecondsecondtotomanmanandandarearealesserlessercreationcreationofofGod.God.RabbiRabbiDavidsonDavidsonexplainsexplainsthatthatman’sman’ssoulsoulisisconsideredconsidered a“piece”“piece”ofofthethecreatorcreatorwhereaswhereasangelsangelsarearecreations.creations.ThisThisdistinctiondistinctionmanifestsmanifestsitselfitselfininthethesimplesimplefactfactthatthatangelsangelsareareconsideredconsideredone-dimensional.one-dimensional.ThisThismeansmeansthatthatangelsangelscancanonlyonlyinin anumbernumberofofways.ways.Furthermore,Furthermore,thethefactfactthatthatmanmanhashasthethechoicechoicetotoserveserveGodGodmakesmakeshimhimsuperiorsuperiortotothetheangelangelwhowhohashasnonochoicechoicebutbuttotoserve.serve.ThisThisdistinctiondistinctiongoesgoesoneonestepstepfurtherfurtherasasman’sman’sfreedomfreedomallowsallowshimhimtotoreachreachhigherhigherdegreesdegreesofofspirituality,spirituality,wherewhere--tiontionofofIslam.Islam.ItItisismeantmeanttoto“elevate”“elevate”oneonetotothetherealizationrealizationofofthethethetheheart”heart”ororthethe“way“wayofofthethepure.”pure.”ThereThereisisananimportanceimportanceofofgenerallygenerallyunderstoodunderstoodasasthethemostmostperfectperfectandandclosestclosesttotoGod.God.AngelsAngelsareare aperfectperfectmodelmodelthatthatmanmanmustmustfollowfollowininorderordertotoreachreachcloserclosertotoGodGodandandthetheDivine.Divine.However,However,man’sman’sabilityabilitytotohavehave achoicechoicesurpassessurpassesthethestatusstatusofofangels.angels.ThereThereisis astrongstrongconnectionconnectionininJewishJewishbeliefbeliefbetweenbetweenprayerprayerandandThisThisconnectionconnectionisisrootedrootedininthethestorystoryofofJacob’sasJacob’sasladder.ladder.ThisThisstorystory(noted(notedininGenesisGenesis28:12)28:12)refersreferstoto adreamdreamProphetProphetJacobasJacobashadhadwhereinwhereinhehesawsaw aladderladderbetweenbetweenearthearthandandheavenheavenwithwithangelsangelsascendingascendingandanddescendingdescendingfromfromit.it.TheTheZoharZoharexplains,explains,prayerprayerandandmanmancancanelevateelevatehimselfhimselfbybymeansmeansofofthetheladder.ladder.ItIthashasalsoalsobeenbeennotednotedthatthattherethereareare 4“rungs”“rungs”totothisthisladderladderoror 4stagesstagesofofprayer:prayer:1)1)P'sukeiP'sukeiD'zimraD'zimra("Verses("VersesofofPraise");Praise");2)2)TheTheblessingsblessingsthatthatprecedeprecedethetheShemaShema(the(theJewishJewishprayerprayerexclaimingexclaimingGod’sGod’sOneness);Oneness);3)3)TheTheShema;Shema;andand4)4)TheTheAmidahAmidah----thethe"standing""standing"prayer,prayer,alsoalsoknownknownasasShemonahShemonahEsrei("eighteen")Esrei("eighteen")becausebecauseofofitsitsoriginaloriginaleighteeneighteenblessings.blessings.andandthirdthirdstagestagerelaterelatethetheexcitementexcitementofofangelsangelsaboutaboutGodGodandandororbeingbeinginincompletecompleteunisonunisonwithwithGod.God.TheTheblessingsblessingsbeforebeforethetheShemaShemadiscussdiscussthetheangelsangelsandandtheirtheirexcitementexcitementininrelationrelationtotoGod.God.ThisThisexcitementexcitementexhibitedexhibitedbybythetheangelsangelsservesservesasasencouragementencouragementforformanmantotoalsoalsobebeexcitedexcitedaboutaboutGod.God.ThisThisexcitementexcitementleadsleadstotothetheactualactualrecitationrecitationofofthetheShemaShemaprayer.prayer.TheTheangels,angels,ininthisthisprocessprocessplayplayananexemplaryexemplaryrole.role.AsAsthethehumanhumanmakesmakes achoice,choice,hehelearnslearnsfromfromthethetotallytotallysubmissivesubmissivenaturenatureofofthetheangelsangelsandandendeavorsendeavorstotobebeasas“excited”“excited”aboutaboutGodGodasasthetheangels.angels.Ultimately,Ultimately,throughthroughthisthisthetheAmidah,Amidah,whichwhichisis astagestageofofcompletecompleteunisonunisonwithwithGod.God.AngelsAngelsininJewishJewishmysticismmysticismareareunderstoodunderstoodessentiallyessentiallyasassubservicases,subservicases,angelsangelsarearecreatedcreatedoutoutofofman’sman’sprayersprayersandanddeliverdeliverthosethoseprayersprayerstotoGodGodandandtheretherearearealsoalsoangelsangelslikelikeGabrielGabrielandandRafaelRafaelclearcleardistinctiondistinctionbetweenbetweenmenmenandandangelsangelsandandititisisnotnotthetheusualusual-stood,stood,likelikeallallotherotherthings,things,asascreationscreationsofofGod,God,whereaswhereasmanmanisisunderstoodunderstoodtotobebe apiecepieceofofthethecreatorcreatoritself.itself.KabbalahKabbalahmysticismmysticismorder.order.{21}{21}understandsunderstandsangelsangelstotobebecreatedcreatedoutoutofoflightlighttotoserveserveGod’sGod’swillwillwithoutwithoutquestion.question.AngelsAngelsareareableabletotomovemoveaboutaboutthetheuniverseuniversewillfullywillfullyandandcancantaketakeononthetheformformofofanyanycreationcreationtheytheyrequirerequiretotocompletecompletetheirtheirduties.duties.SheikhSheikhKabbaniKabbaniexplainsexplainsthatthatangelsangelscancantaketakethetheformformofofnotnotonlyonlyanimalsanimalsandandhumans,humans,butbutalsoalsoofofrainbowsrainbowsandandanyanyotherothermaterialmaterialcreationcreationofofGod.God.-tivetivehashasgreatgreatreverencereverenceandandrespectrespectforforangels.angels.SheikhSheikhKabbaniKabbanidiscussesdiscusseshowhowangelsangelshavehavebeenbeenplacedplacedasasguardiansguardiansoverovermanmanand,and,sincesinceguardiansguardiansareare“more“moreperfect”perfect”thanthanthetheoneonewhowhoisisguarded,guarded,angelsangelsarearemoremoreperfectperfectcreationscreationsthanthanhumans.humans.ThisThissuperioritysuperiorityextendsextendsintointo anumbernumberofofcharacteristics.characteristics.ForForexample,example,angelsangelsworshipworshipGodGodmoremoreperfectly,perfectly,arearemoremorepious,pious,andandarearesmarter/moresmarter/moreintelligentintelligentthanthanman.man.AsAsexplainedexplainedbybySheikhSheikhKabbani,Kabbani,angelsangelsliveliveininparadise/theparadise/thesevensevenheavensheavensandandhavehavebeenbeenworshippingworshippingGodGodlonglongbeforebeforemanmanasasthetheangelsangelswerewerecreatedcreatedbeforebeforeman.man.MUSLIMMUSLIM SUNRISE SUNRISE [2013][2013]

MUSLIM SUNRISE, FALL 2013As a result of having been created before man, angels havebeen bestowed with “greater and more powerful faculties.”Angels cannot fall into error and are continuously praising andworshipping God, which makes them more pure than man.Concerning intelligence, Sheikh Kabbani details how angelshave two kinds of intelligences: intellectual and traditionalknowledge. Intellectual knowledge is knowledge of theearth, God and His attributes, other angels, and creation/inhabitantsof the earth. Traditional knowledge is described asknowledge of the unseen or knowledge that cannot beknown by man without revelation. As angels bring revelationdown from God, Sheikh Kabbani believes angels to have thisknowledge in greater abundance than man. Angels, in fact,are understood to be far more intelligent than man.closer to the angelic presence.After describing what angels are, Sheikh Kabbani pursues aIslamic tradition and the Holy Qur’an. Sheikh Kabbani lists outwho is in charge of revelation and is the leader of soldier-angels.Soldier-angels are angels sent to protect believers as was doneduring the Battle of Badr. Gabriel is also in charge of victory andthe extinction of any physical creation God wills includingnations of men, animals, and vegetation. Michael is the secondarchangel in charge of maintaining, nurturing, and sustainingmankind through such things as rain and vegetation. Azra’il is inDue to their closeness to God, the knowledge of angels isconsidered perfect, active, and continuous. In fact, SheikhKabbani goes as far as describing angels as the only createdbeings with the attribute of perfection.Sheikh Kabbani goes on to list six attributes of angels. Angelsestablished in divine presence, obeyed by the physical/earthlyworld, and are the guardians of revelation. These perfectangels in order to establish a close relationship with God. In“enter the throng of angels” before entering paradise. In orderangelic presence.Due to their closeness to God, the knowledge of angels isconsidered perfect, active, and continuous. In fact, SheikhKabbani goes as far as describing angels as the only createdbeings with the attribute of perfection.Sheikh Kabbani goes on to list six attributes of angels. Angelsestablished in divine presence, obeyed by the physical/earthlyworld, and are the guardians of revelation. elation. These perfectto be the mark of the last day.One of the interesting stories related by Sheikh Kabbani is thestory of the Prophet’s journey to Paradise. In this story, the angelGabriel accompanies the Prophetsa to a number of spirituallocations including the place where Prophet Jesus(as) was born,where Prophet Moses(as) spoke to God (Mt. Sinai), and the Templeof Solomon(as). At the Temple of Solomon(as), the Prophet(sa)encountered all past prophets(as) where he led a prayer. Throughoutthis story, there is another mystical creature called Buraq,upon which Gabriel and the Prophet(sa) ride to each destination. Itis said in this story that all righteous persons will ride thesespiritual beasts into Paradise on the last day. The Buraq travels asfast as it can see and has a crown on its head with the kalimahtypes, appearances, and abilities appear before the Prophet(sa).Some angels are described as having eyes like moons, speakingworship. This story is not cited by Sheikh Kabbani in any way, butit is a fascinating story illustrating in exquisite detail the journeyof the Prophet(sa) through heaven.of man over angels with angels described as servants more soexpresses a strong reverence for angels as a model or goal forman due to the natural closeness between God and angels.God, the Kabbalah describes man as a literal piece or part of theCreator and angels as a creation. The angel overall, is an idea thathas always been a part of the history of religion in some form oranother. As the messengers of Allah who deliver revelation fromon high, angels must have always been in contact with prophetssince time immemorial.The history of religion is, in fact, thishistory of the interaction between man and angels.angels in order to establish a close relationship with God. In“enter the throng of angels” before entering paradise.{22}MUSLIM SUNRISE[2013]

MUSLIMMUSLIMSUNRISE,SUNRISE,FALLFALL20132013When Imagery Invites IdolatryBy,By,Naser-ud-DinNaser-ud-DinShamsShamsTheTheconsummateconsummatereligionreligionisisasasmuchmuch asciencescienceasasititisisananart.art.ItsItssciencescienceframesframes asystemsystemofoflegal,legal,socialsocialandandpoliticalpoliticalgovergover--esesintointo aworldworldofofrichrichimageryimagerythatthatnourishesnourishesspiritualspirituallifelifeandandpoeticpoeticexpression.expression.TheThehumanhumanmindmindrequiresrequiresbothbothpathspathstotosatisfysatisfyitsitssearchsearchforfortruth.truth.ThisThistruthtruthformsformsthethefoundationfoundationofofhumanhumanexpression:expression:paintings,paintings,poemspoemsandandsculptures,sculptures,asaswellwellOnlyOnlythetheArchitectArchitectofofhumanhumanintellectintellectcouldcouldauthorauthor abookbookthatthatcouldcouldfullyfullysatisfysatisfybothbothrequirementsrequirementsofofthethehumanhumanmind.mind.TheThetwotwocomplementarycomplementarypursuitspursuitsbalancebalanceoneoneanother,another,andandprovideprovide aholisticholisticunderstandingunderstandingofoftruth.truth.However,However,ifif abeliev-believ-runsrunsthetheriskriskofoflosinglosingthethespiritspiritbehindbehindthethelaw.law.OnOnthetheotherotherhand,hand,ifif abelieverbelieveroveremphasizesoveremphasizesthetheartisticartisticimagery,imagery,s/hes/herunsrunsthetheriskriskofofgoinggoingastrayastrayfromfromthethetruetruepathpathandandeveneventrespassingtrespassingintointothetheforbiddenforbiddenterritoryterritoryofofidolatry.idolatry.IfIfthetheHolyHolyQur’anQur’anwereweretrulytruly aperfectperfectbook,book,ititwouldwouldneedneedtotooptimizeoptimizespiritualspiritualgrowthgrowththroughthroughpowerfulpowerfulimagery,imagery,whilewhileprotectingprotectingagainstagainstthethepitfallspitfallsofofidolatryidolatrythroughthrough asolidsolidsystemsystemofofscience.science.TheseThesefundamentalfundamentalconceptsconceptsareareimportantimportanttotounderstandingunderstandinghowhowangelsangelshavehavebeenbeendepicteddepictedininart,art,asaswellwellasasotherotherfundamentalfundamentalreligiousreligiousthemes.themes.DistinguishingDistinguishingLiteralLiteralfromfromMetaphorMetaphorTheTheHolyHolyQur’anQur’anstatesstatesthatthatititcontainscontainstwotwotypestypesofofverses:verses:[muhkamaat][muhkamaat] –theytheyarearethethebasisbasisofofthetheBookBook[umm-ul-Kitaab][umm-ul-Kitaab]-interpretationsinterpretations[mutashaabihaat]…And[mutashaabihaat]…Andnonenoneknowsknowsitsitsrightright-ededininknowledge;knowledge;theytheysay,say,‘We‘Webelievebelieveininit;it;thethewholewholeisisfromfromourourLord.’Lord.’ –AndAndnonenonetaketakeheedheedexceptexceptthosethosegiftedgiftedininknowledge”knowledge”[3:8].[3:8].HereHerethetheHolyHolyQur’anQur’anpointspointsoutoutthatthatsomesomeofofitsitsversesversesareareliteralliteralininmeaning,meaning,thethemuhkamaat,muhkamaat,andandtheytheyarearethethebasisbasisforforthetheIslamicIslamiclegallegalandandmoralmoralcode,code,ororthetheshari’ah.shari’ah.ThereThereisisnonoambiguityambiguityininthesetheseversesversesandandtheytheyarearenotnotsubjectsubjecttotointerpretation.interpretation.TheyTheyarearealsoalsocalledcalledumm-ul-Kitaabumm-ul-Kitaabwhichwhichliterallyliterallymeansmeansthethe“mother“motherofofthetheBook”Book”becausebecausetheytheygivegivebirthbirthtotounderstandingunderstandingthethesecondsecondtypetypeofofversesverseswhichwhicharearetermedtermedmutashaabihaat,mutashaabihaat,ororthosethosesubjectsubjecttotointerpretation.interpretation.OneOnemustmustunderstandunderstandthetheclearclearversesversesbeforebeforedelvingdelvingintointothetheallegorical.allegorical.UnderstandingUnderstandingthetheQur’anQur’anisisasasmuchmuch asciencescienceasasititisisananart.art.TheTheclearclearversesversesofofthetheHolyHolyQur’anQur’anarearefoundationalfoundationalandandprovideprovideanananchoranchorthatthattetherstethersthetheallegoricalallegoricalversesversesfromfromdriftingdriftingtootoofar.far.Qur’anicQur’anicexegesisexegesisdemandsdemandsthatthatbothbothversesversesharmonizeharmonizewithwithoneoneanotheranotherandandforbidsforbidsthetheallegoricalallegoricalversesversesfromfromcontradictingcontradictingthethemuhkamaat.muhkamaat.MostMostimportantly,importantly,thetheQur’anQur’ancautionscautionsMuslimsMuslimsagainstagainstignoranceignorancelestlestititbebe asourcesourceofofdiscorddiscordandanderror.error.OnlyOnlymenmenandandwomenwomengiftedgiftedwithwithknowledgeknowledgeandandrighteousnessrighteousnesscancanunearthunearththethedeeplydeeplyburiedburiedtreasurestreasuresofofthetheQur’an.Qur’an.LinguisticLinguisticWordWordAnalysis:Analysis:SimilarSimilartotothethetwotwotypestypesofofQur’anicQur’anicverses,verses,everyeverywordwordhashastwotwotypestypesofofmeanings:meanings:1)1)LiteralLiteral[Arabic:[Arabic:Haqīqī]Haqīqī]andand2)2)FigurativeFigurative[Arabic:[Arabic:Majāzī].Majāzī].SimplySimplyput,put,literalliteralmeaningsmeaningsarearephysicalphysicalininHolyHolyQur’anQur’anstatesstatesthat,that,similarsimilartotoangels,angels,thetheHolyHolyProphet(sa)Prophet(sa)andandthethebelieversbelievershavehave“wings”“wings”(15:89,(15:89,17:25,17:25,andand26:216).26:216).ObviouslyObviouslypeoplepeopledodonotnothavehaveliteralliteralwings,wings,sosotheretheremustmustbebe ametaphoricmetaphoricinterpretationinterpretationbehindbehindthisthisword.word.AllahAllahusesusesimageryimageryhereheretotoexpressexpressthatthatififMuslimsMuslimsserveserveothersothersoutoutofofsinceresincerelove,love,humilityhumilityandandmercy,mercy,theirtheirhandshandsmetaphoricallymetaphoricallybecomebecomewingswingsthatthatelevateelevatethemthemintointothetheheightsheightsofofspirituality.spirituality.meaningmeaningisisbasedbaseduponupon aconnotationconnotationofofthethewordwordunderstoodunderstoodininitsitsproperpropercontext.context.FigurativeFigurativeexpressionsexpressionsmanifestmanifestininmetameta--sionssionsarearerequiredrequiredtotohelphelpususcomprehendcomprehendspiritualspiritualconceptsconcepts(such(suchasasDeity,Deity,ParadiseParadiseandandangels)angels)thatthatcannotcannotbebecompletelycompletelyunderstoodunderstoodphysically.physically.Judeo-ChristianJudeo-ChristianDepictionsDepictionsofofAngelsAngelsTheThetermtermusedusedininthetheOldOldTestamentTestamentforforangelangelisischerubcherub(Hebrew:(Hebrew:ke-roov,ke-roov,pl.pl.ke-roov-im).ke-roov-im).TheseThesearearespiritualspiritualbeingsbeingswhichwhicharearedescribeddescribedininvariousvariouswayswaysininthethevisionsvisionsofofthetheIsraeliteIsraeliteprophets(as).prophets(as).AsynagoguesynagoguediscovereddiscoveredininDuraDuraEuropos,Europos,ananarcheologicalarcheologicalsitesiteJewishJewishartisticartisticdepictions.depictions.TheThefollowingfollowingpaintingpaintingincludesincludescherubimcherubimandandmostmostlikelylikelydepictsdepictsthethevisionsvisionsininEzekielEzekiel(37:1-10)(37:1-10)wherewherethethe“Hand“HandofofGod”God”waswasuponuponEzekiel(as)Ezekiel(as)andand aprophecyprophecyisismademadeofofraisingraisingthethedeaddeadtotolifelifeandandtransformingtransformingthemthemintointo amightymightyarmyarmy(metaphorically(metaphoricallyrepresentingrepresentingIsrael):Israel):{23}{23}MUSLIMMUSLIM SUNRISE SUNRISE [2013][2013]

MUSLIM SUNRISE, FALL 2013Emotional Emotional appeals appeals aside, aside, the the facts facts are are even even stronger. stronger. Who Who has hasever ever seen seen God God to to describe describe Him Him as as such? such? Does Does He He really really have have 2eyes? eyes? If If so, so, can can they they see see what’s what’s going going on on behind behind Him? Him? If If not, not,then then how how can can He He be be All-Seeing? All-Seeing? On On the the other other hand, hand, if if those thosetwo two eyes eyes can can see see what’s what’s happening happening behind behind Him, Him, doesn’t doesn’t that thatmake make them them redundant?In Ezekiel 10:14, the cherubim take peculiar forms that includeparts of men, oxen, lions and eagles. These animates symbolizedpower and wisdom in Jewish tradition, and in later Christianmysticism, came to represent the four Evangelists of theNew Testament.This imagery is depicted in folio 27v of the “Book of Kells,” abeautifully decorated Latin manuscript of the four Gospelscompiled circa 800AD by Celtic monks. Starting from the topright and going counter-clockwise, the winged lion representsMark, the winged man represents Matthew, the winged oxsymbolizes John, and the eagle represents Luke:ChristiansChristianscontinuedcontinuedtotodepictdepictangelsangelswithwithwings,wings,butbutoverovertime,time,paintedpaintedthemthemasaschildrenchildrenandandfemales,females,mostmostlikelylikelyasassymbolssymbolsofofinnocenceinnocenceandandpurity.purity.TheThefollowingfollowingpaintingpaintingbybyArtistArtistBartoloméBartoloméEstebanEsteban Perez Murillo is aChristian depiction (circa1680AD) of the baptism ofJesus(as):The Holy Qur’an strictly condemns such fallacies as they giveillegitimate birth to idolatry, error and vice. When addressingthe pagan Arab depictions of angels, which equally apply toChristians, God states in the Qur’an: “Did we create the angelsfemales while they were witnesses? Now, surely it is one oftheir fabrications that they say, ‘Allah has begotten children;and they are certainly liars’” (37:151-153).Here the Holy Qur’an points out that those who lie aboutangels, eventually lie about God. The two are connected andare characteristic slanders of idolaters.Hindu EvolutionA similar evolution appears to have taken shape in Hinduism.centuries came to be accepted as literal reality by the illiteratemasses. One example of this evolution can be seen in theDeity Itself, where an artist portrayed God’s role of Vighnarajaor the Lord of Obstacles as Ganesh, who has an elephant head,a round belly and typically four to 16 arms.These images may have been the artist’s depiction of God’swhose stomach never hungers, and hands endowed withmulti-dimensional capabilities. Obviously, once Hindus bowto the artistic image as a literal reality, rather than the InvisibleGod behind the image, they enter the realm of idolatry.This painting illustrateswhere art trespasses intothe realm of idolatry. Godthe Father is painted as aspace, albeit suspended inthe Heavens surrounded byangels. Although Christiansdo not see this as a seriousand Holy God into theshape of an old man is anexponentially far greaterslurping around in a sewer.And even that is an understatement!{24}{24}MUSLIM MUSLIM SUNRISE SUNRISE[2013][2013]

MUSLIMMUSLIMSUNRISE,SUNRISE,FALLFALL20132013AngelsAngelsarearespiritualspiritualbeingsbeingsbutbutthetheLatterLatterDayDayspiritualspiritualmanifestationmanifestationofofHisHisHolinessHolinessKrishna(as).Krishna(as).manifestmanifestininvariousvariouswayswaysphysicallyphysicallywhenwhenperceivedperceivedbybyhumans.humans.InIncontrastcontrasttotoJesus’Jesus’perceptionperceptionofofthetheHinduHindunationnationbackbacktotothetheUnityUnityofofGodGodandandthethetruetrueteachingsteachingsofofHolyHolySpiritSpiritasasa dove,a dove,GabrielGabrielmanifestedmanifestedSanatamSanatamDharma,Dharma,thetheEternalEternalororTrueTruePath,Path,whichwhichMuslimsMuslimsrecognizerecognizeitselfitselftotoMuhammadMuhammadininsuchsuchasasSiraatum-MustaqeemSiraatum-Mustaqeem– the– theStraightStraightPathPath[that[thatleadsleadstotothetheaagloriousgloriousmannermannerthatthatitsitswingwingEternalEternalGod].God].coveredcoveredthetheentireentireexpanseexpanseofofthethesky.sky.OnOnanotheranotheroccasionoccasionGabrielGabrieltooktookthetheformformofofaamanmanwhowhoaskedaskedaaliteralliteralbeliefbeliefinvolvesinvolvesreincarnation.reincarnation.TheTheJudeo-ChristianJudeo-ChristianandandseveralseveralquestionsquestionsininthethepresencepresenceMuslimMuslimscripturesscripturesdescribedescribethosethosewhowhoareareanimalanimallike,like,ororunderdevelopedunderdevelopedofofthetheMuslimMuslimcongregationcongregationandandinintheirtheirspirituality,spirituality,asassnakessnakes(deceptive),(deceptive),monkeysmonkeyswaswasphysicallyphysicallyseenseenbybyallallpresent.present.Afterwards,Afterwards,whenwhentoldtoldthethemanmancyclescyclestotospirituallyspirituallygrowgrowoutoutofofthisthisanimalanimalstatestate(An-Nafs-ul-Am(An-Nafs-ul-Am--waswasGabriel,Gabriel,somesomeMuslimsMuslimswentwentininmaarah)maarah)andandintointothethestatestateofofmanman(An-Nafs-ul-Lawwaamah),(An-Nafs-ul-Lawwaamah),untiluntilsearchsearchofofthetheman,man,butbutcouldcouldnotnotloftyloftyrealmrealmofofangelsangels(An-Nafs-ul-Mutma’innah).(An-Nafs-ul-Mutma’innah).SuchSuchmanifestationsmanifestationsgalvanizedgalvanizedthethefaithfaithofofbelieversbelieverstotothetheextentextentThisThislastlaststatestateisismentionedmentionedininthetheHolyHolyQur’anQur’an(89:28),(89:28),wherewheremanmanachievesachievesaa“nirvana”“nirvana”likelikeenlightenmentenlightenmentandandhishissoulsoulachievesachieves havehavedonedonethisthishadhadtheytheyentertainedentertainedanyanydoubts.doubts.Islam,Islam,aapeacefulpeacefulstatestateofofcompletecompletesurrendersurrendertotothetheWillWillofofAllah.Allah.TheTheprophetsprophetsattainattainthisthisrankrankasasdodothosethoseinincompletecompleteobedienceobedience OtherOtherreferencesreferencesininthetheah-hadithah-hadithpointpointoutoutvisionsvisionsofofferociousferocioustotothem.them.AllahAllahdescribesdescribesthetheprophetsprophetsasas“honored“honoredservants”servants”whowho beingsbeingsthatthatintimidatedintimidatedeveneventhetheworstworstofofthetheHolyHolyProphet’sProphet’s“speak“speaknotnotbeforebeforeHeHespeaks,speaks,andandtheytheyactactonlyonlybybyHisHiscommand”command” enemiesenemiesincludingincludingAmrAmrbinbinHishaamHishaam(i.e.,(i.e.,AbuAbuJahl).Jahl).Once,Once,AbuAbuJahlJahl(21:27-28)(21:27-28)similarsimilartotoangelsangelswhowhocompletelycompletelyobeyobeythetheWillWillofofAllah.Allah. waswasononhishiswaywaytototrampletrampleuponuponthetheneckneckofofthetheHolyHolyProphet(sa)Prophet(sa)whilewhileItItisisatatthisthispointpointthatthatAllahAllahchooseschoosesmen,men,whowhoarearelikelikeangels,angels,totobebe he(sa)he(sa)waswasprostratingprostratingininprayer.prayer.Suddenly,Suddenly,AbuAbuJahlJahlfranticallyfranticallybeganbeganHisHismessengers:messengers:shieldingshieldinghimselfhimselfwithwithhishisarmsarmsandandstartedstartedfallingfallingbackbackininretreat.retreat.TheThepeoplepeoplewhowhowerewereexpectingexpectingtotoseeseeAbuAbuJahlJahlhumiliatehumiliatethetheHolyHoly“Allah“AllahchooseschoosesHisHismessengersmessengersfromfromamongamongangels,angels,andandfromfrom Prophetsa,Prophetsa,askedaskedhimhimwhatwhathehewaswasdoing.doing.HeHereplied,replied,“There“Thereisisamongamongmen.men.SurelySurelyAllahAllahisisAll-Hearing,All-Hearing,All-Seeing”All-Seeing”(22:76).(22:76).ThisThisspiritualspiritualimagery,imagery,overoverseveralseveralcenturies,centuries,couldcouldhavehavebeenbeen Afterwards,Afterwards,thetheHolyHolyProphet(sa)Prophet(sa)said,said,misconstruedmisconstruedbybythetheilliterateilliteratemassesmassesasasaaphysicalphysicalreincarnation.reincarnation.WhereasWhereasanimalsanimalswerewereusedusedtotodescribedescribeunderdevelopedunderdevelopedsoulssoulsinin “If“Ifhehehadhadcomecomenearnearme,me,thetheangelsangelswouldwouldhavehavetorntornhimhimintointopieces”pieces”aastrictlystrictlyspiritualspiritualsense,sense,thethebeliefbeliefmaymayhavehaveevolvedevolvedthatthatthosethose [Sahih[SahihMuslim,Muslim,BookBookofofthetheDayDayofofJudgment,Judgment,HellHellandandParadise].Paradise].sinnerssinnerswouldwouldliterallyliterallyreappearreappearininthisthisworldworldasasanimals,animals,incessantlyincessantlylockedlockedintointothesethesecyclescyclesuntiluntilenlightenmentenlightenmentcouldcouldsetsetthemthemfree.free.AngelsAngelsininthetheQur’anQur’an&&Ah-HadithAh-HadithConclusionConclusionInInthetheHolyHolyQur’an,Qur’an,wewearearetoldtoldthatthatangelsangelshavehavewingswingsininnumbersnumbers AlthoughAlthoughIslamIslamusesusesrichrichspiritualspiritualimagery,imagery,itittakestakesseriousseriousprecautionprecautionofoftwo,two,threethreeandandfourfour(35:2).(35:2).TheseThese“wings”“wings”representrepresentthethevaryingvaryingdegreesdegreesofofpowerspowersandandcapabilitiescapabilitiesvestedvestedwithinwithinthetheangelsangelstoto interpretationsinterpretationstotothetheclearclearversesversesofofthetheHolyHolyQur’an.Qur’an.AnyAnyinterpretationsinterpretationsaccomplishaccomplishtheirtheirtasks.tasks.InInfact,fact,somesomehadithhadithreportsreportsstatestatethatthat thatthatcontradictcontradicta fundamentala fundamentalteachingteachingofofIslamIslamareareimmediatelyimmediatelyGabrielGabrielwaswasmanifestedmanifestedwithwith600600wingswings[Sahih[SahihBukhari,Bukhari,BookBookofof discardeddiscardedandanddismissed.dismissed.WhileWhileweweseeseeotherotherreligionsreligionsthatthatshareshareCommentaryCommentaryandandSahihSahihMuslim,Muslim,BookBookofofFaith].Faith].Islam’sIslam’sbeliefbeliefininthetheUnityUnityofofGodGodandandHisHisangels,angels,theirtheirartworkartworkeventuallyeventuallybecamebecameaasourcesourceofofidolatryidolatryandanderror.error.SinceSincethetheinceptioninceptionofofTheThefollowingfollowingillustrationillustrationfromfromthethe15951595editioneditionofofthetheTurkishTurkish Islam,Islam,thetheHolyHolyQur’anQur’anhashasstoodstoodguardguardoveroveritsitsownownversesversesbybyensuringensuring“Life“LifeofofMuhammad”Muhammad”(Siyer-e-Nabi),(Siyer-e-Nabi),depictsdepictsthethefourfourangels,angels,GabriGabri-- thatthatitsitsartisticartisticimageryimageryisisbalancedbalancedbybyaastrongstrongfoundationfoundationofofel,el,Michael,Michael,RaphaelRaphaelandand‘Azraeel‘AzraeelaccompanyingaccompanyingthetheProphet(as)Prophet(as)asas science,science,integrityintegrityandandcommoncommonsense.sense.hehetravelstravelswithwithhishiscompanions(ra).companions(ra).AndAndininthetheend,end,allallpraisepraisebelongsbelongstotoAllah.Allah.{25}{25}MUSLIMMUSLIM SUNRISE SUNRISE [2013][2013]

MUSLIM SUNRISE, FALL 2013“'When the deceased is buried (or he said: when one of you isburied), there come to him two blue-black angels, one of whom iscalled Munkar and the other Nakeer...'""The Messenger of Allah said, describing Jibreel: 'I saw Jibreel descendingfrom heaven, and his great size filled the space betweenheaven and earth.'""The angels were created from light, the jinn were created fromsmokeless fire, and Adam was created from that which has beendescribed to you."{ 29}MUSLIM SUNRISE [2013]

MUSLIMMUSLIMSUNRISE,SUNRISE,FALLFALL20132013(Gabriel, Michael, Raphael, and and Izrael)By:By:IrtazaIrtazaKhalidKhalidAngelsAngelshavehaveWings,Wings,Two,Two,Three,Three,andandFourFour“All “All praise praise belongs belongs to to Allah, Allah, the the Maker Maker of of the theheavens heavens and and the the earth, earth, Who Who employs employs the theangels angels as as messengers, messengers, having having wings, wings, two, two,three, three, and and four. four. He He adds adds to to His His creation creationwhatever whatever He He pleases; pleases;for for Allah Allah has has power power over over all all things.” things.”sentsentOurOurangelangeltotoherherandandheheappearedappearedtotoherherininthetheformformofofaawell-proportionedwell-proportionedman.”man.”InInIslamicIslamichistory,history,GabrielGabrielhashasbeenbeenaaconstantconstanthelperhelperandandcompanioncompaniontotothetheProphetProphetMuhammad(sa).Muhammad(sa).PerhapsPerhapsthethemostmostwidelywidelyknownknowninteractioninteractionbetweenbetweenthetheProphetsaProphetsaandandthisthisangelangeloccurredoccurredininthethethetheMuhammadsa.Muhammadsa.OnOnaaMondayMondayduringduringthethemonthmonthofofRamadan,Ramadan,MuhammadsaMuhammadsawaswasprayingprayingininthethecave,cave,whenwhenGabrielGabrielappearedappearedTheseTheseversesversesfromfromthetheHolyHolyQur’anQur’anoutlineoutlinethetheattributesattributesofofthetheangels.angels.AngelsAngelsareareentrustedentrustedwithwiththethecontrol,control,management,management,andand“Proclaim “Proclaim thou thou in in the the name name of of thy thy Lord Lord Who Whotheirtheirseveralseveralduties.duties.AnotherAnothermoremorecrucialcrucialresponsibilityresponsibilityofofthesethese created. created. Created Created man man from from a clot clot of of blood. blood.beingsbeingsisistotocarrycarryAllah’sAllah’smessagesmessagestotoHisHischosenchosenmessengers.messengers.Proclaim! Proclaim! And And thy thy Lord Lord is is the the Most Most Bounteous;Bounteous;angelsangelshavehavevaryingvaryingdegreesdegreesofofpowerpowerandandattributesattributesininaccordanceaccordanceWho Who taught taught by by the the pen, pen, Taught Taught man man what what he hetotothetheworkworkassignedassignedtotothemthemandandsomesomeangelsangelsarearethereforethereforeknew knew not.” not.”endowedendowedwithwithpowerspowersgreatergreaterthanthanothers.others.ArchangelsArchangelsGabrielGabrielandandMichaelMichaelalsoalsohelpedhelpedpurifypurifyMuhammad’sMuhammad’s(sa)(sa)heartheartininpreparationpreparationforforhishisspiritualspiritualascensionascensiontotoheavenheavenofofthethehighesthighestrank.”rank.”TheThewordwordarchangelarchangelisisderivedderivedfromfromthetheduringduringthethejourneyjourneyofofMi’raj.Mi’raj.GabrielGabrielwaswasthetheangelangelwhowhoguidedguidedMuhammadsaMuhammadsathroughthroughthethenumerousnumerouslevelslevelsofofthethejourneyjourneyuntiluntiltheytheyreachedreachedthethethronethroneofofAllah.Allah.andandananarchangelarchangelarearerankrankandandrole.role.AsAsPhillipsPhillipsexplains,explains,whenwhenDuringDuringMuhammad’sMuhammad’svisitvisittotothethetowntownofofTa’if,Ta’if,thetheleadersleadersofofthethemostmostpeoplepeopletalktalkaboutaboutangels,angels,thethemostmostcommoncommonimageimageinintheirtheirtowntownleftlefthimhimtotobebedealtdealtwithwithstreetstreetgoons.goons.PeoplePeoplehurledhurledstonesstonesmindmindisisoneoneofofaarosy-cheeked,rosy-cheeked,wingedwingedcherub.cherub.However,However,angelsangelsatatMuhammad(sa)Muhammad(sa)andandhishiscompanion,companion,Zaidra)Zaidra)andandtheytheybothbothwerewerebleedingbleedingasastheytheyleftleftTa’if.Ta’if.AtAtthisthispoint,point,whilewhileMuhammad(sa)Muhammad(sa)andandreligions.religions.TheTheBuddhistBuddhistDevas,Devas,MuslimMuslimMalaikah,Malaikah,ororHinduHinduApsarasApsarasZaid(ra)Zaid(ra)werewererecuperatingrecuperatingforfortheirtheirjourneyjourneybackbacktotoMecca,Mecca,GabriofGabriof--religiousreligioustraditions.traditions.InInIslam,Islam,thethefourfourarchangelsarchangelsareareGabrielGabriel(or(orAllah.Allah.However,However,Muhammad(sa)Muhammad(sa)prayedprayedforforforgivenessforgivenessforforthethepeoplepeopleofofTa’if.Ta’if.withwiththeirtheirrespectiverespectiveduties.duties.MichaelMichaelGabrielGabrielGabriel,Gabriel,thethechiefchiefofofallallangels,angels,isisthetheangelangelofofrevelation.revelation.GabrielGabrielMichaelMichael(Mika’il)(Mika’il)isisananarchangelarchangelininJewish,Jewish,Christian,Christian,andandIslamicIslamicisiswidelywidelyknownknownasasthetheangelangelwhowhohashascommunicatedcommunicatedwithwithallallteachings.teachings.HisHisnamenameisisconsideredconsideredasasbeingbeingaacombinationcombinationofofMikaMikaprophets(as)prophets(as)ofofAllahAllahsincesincethethedawndawnofoftime.time.HeHeisisthethearchangelarchangelandandIl,Il,whowhoisislikelikeGodGod(Jew.(Jew.Enc.Enc.&&Bukhari)Bukhari)i.e.i.e.therethereisisnonenonelikelikewhowhorevealedrevealedthetheQur’anQur’antotothetheProphetProphetofofIslam,Islam,Muhammad(sa).Muhammad(sa).God.God.TheTheJewsJewslookedlookeduponuponMichaelMichaelasastheirtheirfavoritefavoriteangelangelandandasasGabrielGabrielisisalsoalsobelievedbelievedtotobebethethebearerbearerofofAllah’sAllah’sblessingsblessingsthetheangelangelofofpeacepeaceandandplenty,plenty,rainrainandandherbageherbage(Kath’ir)(Kath’ir)andandduringduringthethenightnightofofLaylat-ul-QadrLaylat-ul-Qadr(The(TheNightNightofofPower)Power)duringduringthetheIslamicIslamicmonthmonthofofRamadan.Ramadan.AllAllangelsangelshavehavebeenbeenendowedendowedworld.world.HeHeprovidesprovidesnourishmentnourishmentforforthethebodybodyandandsoul.soul.AccordingAccording--totosomesometraditions,traditions,heheisisalsoalsoresponsibleresponsibleforforrewardsrewardsdoleddoledoutouttototiontionininthatthathehehashaspresentedpresentedhimselfhimselftotovariousvariousprophetsprophetsiningoodgoodpeoplepeopleininthisthislife.life.InInsomesomeIslamicIslamictraditions,traditions,archangelsarchangelswhen he appeared in front of Maryam (Virgin Mary) in humanwhen he appeared in front of Maryam (Virgin Mary) in human worshipworshipAdam.Adam.MichaelMichaelisisgivengiventhethehighesthighestregardregardininallallangels,angels,formformtotogivegiveherherthethegladgladtidingstidingsofofthethebirthbirthofofherherson(as).son(as).afterafterGabriel.Gabriel.{27}MUSLIM{27}MUSLIM SUNRISE SUNRISE [2013][2013]

MUSLIM SUNRISE, FALL 2013MUSLIM SUNRISE, FALL 2013“Whoever is an enemy to Allah, and His angels, and His sound of the second trumpet will bring all human beings back to“Whoever is an enemy to Allah, and His angels, and His sound of the second trumpet will bring all human beings back tomessengers, and Gabriel, and Michael, then, surely, Allah is an life again:messengers, and Gabriel, and Michael, then, surely, Allah is an life again:enemy to such believers.”enemy to such believers.”“And the trumpet shall be blown and lo! from the graves they will“And the trumpet shall be blown and lo! from the graves they willAccording to Hannah, Michael is the “protector of the people of hasten on to their Lord.”According to Hannah, Michael is the “protector of the people of hasten on to their Lord.”God and opponents of Satan.” Hannah explains that Michael isGod and opponents of Satan.” Hannah explains that Michael isthe guardian angel of the people of God, the Church.the guardian angel of the people of God, the Church.-es, the breath of which is used to inject life into hosts of angels whoes, the breath of which is used to inject life into hosts of angels whoabout Michael in the Sunni, Shi’ite, and the Ahmadiyya sects. add to the songs themselves,” thus, implying that the angels of Godabout Michael in the Sunni, Shi’ite, and the Ahmadiyya sects. add to the songs themselves,” thus, implying that the angels of GodAccording to the beliefs of some Sunni Muslims, Michael was can have multiple attributes.According to the beliefs of some Sunni Muslims, Michael was can have multiple attributes.sent down in the physical world to bring a handful of earth sosent down in the physical world to bring handful of earth sothat Allah could create His beings from that dirt, some of whom Izraelthat Allah could create His beings from that dirt, some of whom Izraelwill obey Him and others who will not. In the Shi’ite faith, Izrael is the archangel often referred to as the angel of death who iswill obey Him and others who will not. In the Shi’ite faith, Izrael is the archangel often referred to as the angel of death who isMichael is thought to possess messiah-like properties and will responsible for separating the soul from the body. The Holy Qur’anMichael is thought to possess messiah-like properties and will responsible for separating the soul from the body. The Holy Qur’anwork in collaboration with the Mahdi. Ahmadiyya Muslims never uses the word “Izrael” but refers to malak-ul-maut which canwork in collaboration with the Mahdi. Ahmadiyya Muslims never uses the word “Izrael” but refers to malak-ul-maut which canbelieve in Michael as an angel of God created with the sole literally be translated into “angel of death.” According to certainbelieve in Michael as an angel of God created with the sole literally be translated into “angel of death.” According to certainpurpose of carrying out Allah’s commands, which include traditions, the process of separation of the soul from the bodypurpose of carrying out Allah’s commands, which include traditions, the process of separation of the soul from the bodyproviding rain and food to the beings on earth. They (angels) carried out Izrael can be one of two forms, depending on theproviding rain and food to the beings on earth. They (angels) carried out Izrael can be one of two forms, depending on theare spiritual beings with no permanent physical form associatedwith them.non-righteous person, the soul is ripped out very painfully. Howev-spiritual state of the person involved. If the person was a sinful,are spiritual beings with no permanent physical form associatedwith them.non-righteous person, the soul is ripped out very painfully. Howev-spiritual state of the person involved. If the person was sinful,er, if the person was a pious person of faith, the act of separation ofRaphaeler, if the person was pious person of faith, the act of separation ofRaphaelhis soul from his body is very smooth, like a “drop of water drippinghis soul from his body is very smooth, like “drop of water drippingfrom glass.”signaling the advent of the Judgment Day by blowing the from glass.”signaling the advent of the Judgment Day by blowing thetrumpet and sending out a blast of truth from the Holy Rock in The Qur’an states:trumpet and sending out blast of truth from the Holy Rock in The Qur’an states:Jerusalem. The trumpet is constantly poised at his lips, ready toJerusalem. The trumpet is constantly poised at his lips, ready tobe blown when Allah so orders. In Judeo-Christian biblical “Say, ‘The angel of death that has been put in charge of you willbe blown when Allah so orders. In Judeo-Christian biblical “Say, ‘The angel of death that has been put in charge of you willliterature, Raphael is his counterpart.cause you to die; then to your Lord will you be brought back.’”literature, Raphael is his counterpart.cause you to die; then to your Lord will you be brought back.’”It should be noted here that only Allah has the knowledge aboutIt should be noted here that only Allah has the knowledge aboutan unnamed angel responsible with the task of blowing the when and where will each person be taken by death, hence, clarifyingit without any doubt that the angel of death has no will of hisan unnamed angel responsible with the task of blowing the when and where will each person be taken by death, hence, clarifyingit without any doubt that the angel of death has no will of histrumpet has been cited several times.trumpet has been cited several times.own. This is portrayed by the following verse:own. This is portrayed by the following verse:“And the trumpet will be blown, and all who are in the heavens“And the trumpet will be blown, and all who are in the heavensand all who are in the earth will fall down in a swoon, except “Verily, with Allah alone is the knowledge of the Hour. And He sendsand all who are in the earth will fall down in swoon, except “Verily, with Allah alone is the knowledge of the Hour. And He sendsthose whom Allah will be pleased to spare. Then will it be down the rain, and He knows what is in the wombs. And no soulthose whom Allah will be pleased to spare. Then will it be down the rain, and He knows what is in the wombs. And no soulblown a second time, and lo! they will be standing, awaiting knows what it will earn tomorrow, and no soul knows in what land itblown second time, and lo! they will be standing, awaiting knows what it will earn tomorrow, and no soul knows in what land itjudgment.”will die. Surely, Allah is All-Knowing, All-Aware.”judgment.”will die. Surely, Allah is All-Knowing, All-Aware.”According to one interpretation by Farid, this verse seems to According to Farid, all angels, despite their rank, constitute anAccording to one interpretation by Farid, this verse seems to According to Farid, all angels, despite their rank, constitute anapply to the Resurrection in the next life (according to Islamic important link in the spiritual chain, and he, who breaks even oneapply to the Resurrection in the next life (according to Islamic important link in the spiritual chain, and he, who breaks even onelink of the spiritual chain or manifests ill-will against any spirituallink of the spiritual chain or manifests ill-will against any spiritualalso be applied to the spiritual conditions of the people immediatelybefore the appearance of a divine teacher in the world person thus deprives himself of the favors and blessings of Allahsystem, in fact, severs his connection with the whole system. Such aalso be applied to the spiritual conditions of the people immediatelybefore the appearance of divine teacher in the world person thus deprives himself of the favors and blessings of Allahsystem, in fact, severs his connection with the whole system. Such whose advent is here likened to the blowing of the trumpet. which are showered upon His true servants. Such a person, on thewhose advent is here likened to the blowing of the trumpet. which are showered upon His true servants. Such person, on thecontrary, renders himself deserving of the punishment decreed forcontrary, renders himself deserving of the punishment decreed forthe advent of a new divine teacher.transgressors.The term “angel” is expanded to various notions ofthe advent of new divine teacher.transgressors.The term “angel” is expanded to various notions ofspirits found in many other religious traditions. According to beliefsspirits found in many other religious traditions. According to beliefsof the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, angels are spiritual beingsof the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, angels are spiritual beingstrumpet blow will destroy everything:that carry out God’s commands and protect and guide humantrumpet blow will destroy everything:that carry out God’s commands and protect and guide humanbeings. Angels are responsible for controlling and maintaining thebeings. Angels are responsible for controlling and maintaining the“So that when a single blast is sounded on the trumpet. And laws of nature. Something as basic as a virus and bacteria are“So that when single blast is sounded on the trumpet. And laws of nature. Something as basic as virus and bacteria arethe earth and the mountains are heaved up and then arethe earth and the mountains are heaved up and then arecrushed in a single crash.”in unison with each other to maintain a perfect balance.crushed in single crash.”in unison with each other to maintain perfect balance.As Murata explains, Islamic spirituality can only be envisaged inAs Murata explains, Islamic spirituality can only be envisaged inblow the trumpet and both the righteous and the guilty will connection with the angels, who are intertwined with all dimensionsof human life as seen by Islam. Therefore, belief in the angels isblow the trumpet and both the righteous and the guilty will connection with the angels, who are intertwined with all dimensionsof human life as seen by Islam. Therefore, belief in the angels isstand before God’s Great Judgment Seat to render an accountstand before God’s Great Judgment Seat to render an accountfor their deeds. Also at another place, it is explained that the one of the core principles of Islam.for their deeds. Also at another place, it is explained that the one of the core principles of Islam.{28}MUSLIM{28}MUSLIM SUNRISE SUNRISE [2013][2013]

THE THEEXISTENCEOFGUARDIANANGELSMUSLIMMUSLIMSUNRISE,SUNRISE,FALLFALL20132013By-By-RabiaRabiaSalimSalimInInorderordertotounderstandunderstandthethenaturenatureofofangelsangelsandandtheirtheirrelationshiprelationshiptoto aDivineDivineplan,plan, IaskedaskedHadratHadratMirzaMirzaTahirTahirAhmad(rh)Ahmad(rh)thetheCaliphCaliphofofthethetime,time,asas aseventeenseventeenyearyearoldoldininoneoneofofhishisQuestionQuestionandandAnswerAnswersessions,sessions,thatthatififAllahAllahisisAllAllPowerful,Powerful,whywhydoesdoesHeHeneedneedangels,angels,totowhichwhichhishis answeranswertotomemewaswasRabbiRabbikulokuloshain,shain,khaakhaadidimomoka,ka,rabirabifafafaznaa,faznaa,wansurnaa,wansurnaa,warhamnaawarhamnaa- O Lord,Lord,everythingeverythingisisThyThyservant,servant,helphelpme,me,protectprotectme,me,havehavemercymercyononme.me.HeHeexplainedexplainedtotomemethatthatthetheangelsangelswerewerecreatedcreatedbybyHimHimtotoserveserveangelsangelsforforvariousvarioustasks.(1)tasks.(1)AlsoAlsoininIslam,Islam,therethereareareknownknowntotobebetypestypesofofguardianguardianangels,angels,whichwhichkeepkeeptracktrackofofyouryoursoul,soul,“There“Thereisisnotnot asoulsoulbutbuthashas aguardianguardianoveroverit”.(2)it”.(2)InInIslam,Islam,therethereareareconsequencesconsequencesforforyouryouractions,actions,“And“AndififAllahAllahwereweretotohastenhastenforformenmenthetheillillconsequencesconsequencesofoftheirtheiractionsactionsasastheytheywouldwouldseekseektotohastenhastenononthethegood,good,thetheendendofoftheirtheirtermtermofoflifelifewouldwouldalreadyalreadybebebroughtbroughtuponuponthem.”(3)them.”(3)archangelsarchangelsforforexampleexampleGabriel,Gabriel,sosothethetermtermusedusedherehereisisjustjustforforthethereader’sreader’sunderstandingunderstandingofofthethecommoncommontermtermofofananangelangelthatthatwatcheswatchesoveroveryou.you.InInactualactualfact,fact,theretherearearemoremorethanthanoneoneorortwotwoexplainedexplainedclearly,clearly,thatthatallallthetheparticlesparticlesAllahAllahhashascreatedcreatedhehehashaspressedpressedintointoserviceserviceforforhumans,humans,andandjustjustlikelikethethebloodbloodtravelstravelstotothethebabybabyininthethemother’smother’swombwombtotoaidaiditsitsdevelopment,development,allallspiritual state.spiritual state.AhumanhumanneedsneedstotoactactininaccordanceaccordancewithwithAllah’sAllah’ssublimesublimeWillWillininorderorderforforthetheangelsangelstotoserveservehim/her,him/her,andandwhenwhenheheactsactscontrary,contrary,ThisThisisisthethebasicbasicIslamicIslamicconceptconceptofof aguardianguardianangel.(4)angel.(4)SoSoforforexample,example,ififduringduringpregnancy,pregnancy,thethemothermotherwereweretotoactactcontrarycontrarytotoherherroleroleasasnurturer,nurturer,andandsmokesmokeandanddrinkdrinkalcohol,alcohol,thethebabybabywouldwouldbebeharmed,harmed,howeverhoweverififthethemothermotherdiddidpositivepositivethings,things,thethebabybabywouldwouldblossom.blossom.ThisThisisisthethebasicbasicIslamicIslamicconceptconceptofofeveryeveryactionactionhashas areaction,reaction,ororconsequence,consequence,andandoneonefunctionfunctionofofangelsangelsisistotoregulateregulatehuman’shuman’sgoodgoodandandbadbaddeeds.deeds.aguardianguardianangel.angel.ForForexample,example,ininChristianity,Christianity,GabrielGabrielandandMichaelMichaelhavehavebeenbeenmentionedmentionedasasguardianguardianangelsangelsforforhumans.(5)humans.(5)InInIslamIslamweweknowknowthesethesearearethethenamesnamesofofthethechiefchiefangels,angels,andandthesethesechiefschiefsareareconsideredconsideredlikelikeguardiansguardiansininChristianity.Christianity.FurtherFurthertherethereisismentionmentionofofoneoneangelangelbyby ahuman’shuman’sside,side,“Yet“Yetififtherethereisisananangelangelatattheirtheirside,side, amessenger,messenger,oneoneoutoutofof athousand,thousand,sentsenttototelltellthemthemhowhowtotobebeupright.”(6)upright.”(6)ThisThisverseverseshowsshowsthethenotionnotionofof agoodgoodangelangelononyouryoursidesidegivinggivingyouyourighteousrighteoussuggestionssuggestionswhichwhichisis amoremoreconcreteconcreteconceptconceptofof aguardianguardianangel.angel.TheyTheyarearealsoalsomentionedmentionedmoremoregenerally;generally;“Are“Arenotnotallallangelsangelsministeringministeringspiritsspiritssentsenttotoserveservethosethosewhowhowillwillinheritinheritsalvation?”(7)salvation?”(7)AnotherAnotherexampleexampleisisJudaismJudaismwhichwhichalsoalsodemonstratesdemonstrates abeliefbeliefininguardianguardianangelsangelsthatthatoperateoperatecloseclosetotohumanshumansandandreactreacttotoourour-ianianangels,angels,however,however,thisthistermtermisisforforthetheeaseeaseofofthethereader,reader,theytheyarearemoremorelikelikeGod’sGod’smessengers.messengers.TheTheconnectionconnection apersonpersonisismeantmeanttotohavehavewithwithangelsangelsisisexplainedexplainedbyby arabbirabbicommentingcommentingononDaniel:Daniel:“Daniel,“Daniel,waswasthetheonlyonlyoneonewhowhosawsawthethevision;vision;thosethosewhowhowerewerewithwithandandhidhidthemselves.”(8)themselves.”(8)"Our"OurSagesSagesofofblessedblessedmemorymemorysaidsaidthatthatalthoughalthough apersonpersondoesdoesThisThisverseverseandandcommentarycommentaryhighlighthighlightthatthatthetheangelsangelshavehaveananeveneventhoughthoughtheytheyhavehavenotnotseenseenit.it.WeWeexperienceexperiencethisthisininnormalnormalcircumstancescircumstanceswhenwhen ahumanhumangetsgets a“bad“badvibe”vibe”aboutabout apersonpersonororusesusesthethewordwordguardianguardianangelangelherehereperhapsperhapstotodepictdepictthetheideaideaofof“Our“Oursagessagestelltellususthatthateacheachmitzvahmitzvahthatthatwewedodocreatescreatesananangelangelthatthatservesservesasas ashieldshieldandandprotectionprotectionforforus.us.AfterAfterourourpassing,passing,thesetheseangelsangelstestifytestifyononourourbehalfbehalfbeforebeforethetheHeavenlyHeavenlyCourts.Courts.SoSoininthatthatsense,sense,wewecreatecreateourourownownguardianguardianangels.”angels.”(10)(10)ThisThistestimonytestimonyclearlyclearlydoesdoesnotnotgivegivethetheguardianguardianangelangel apersona,persona,ininfactfactthisthisisis amoremoregeneralgeneralconceptconceptandandititalsoalsoassertsassertsthatthatguardianguardianangelsangelsreactreactaccordingaccordingtotoourouractionsactionswhetherwhethergoodgoodororbad.bad.{29}{29}MUSLIMMUSLIM SUNRISE SUNRISE [2013][2013]

MUSLIM SUNRISE, FALL 2013MUSLIM SUNRISE, FALL 2013So some of the major religions have the idea of angels involved inSo some of the major religions have the idea of angels involved inhuman life. Some Christians give the angel that watches overhuman life. Some Christians give the angel that watches overhumans a persona, as their guardian angel, perhaps Gabriel orhumans persona, as their guardian angel, perhaps Gabriel orMichael, and some Christians pray to it.(11)Michael, and some Christians pray to it.(11)Notably in Catholicism a similar concept is found with patronNotably in Catholicism similar concept is found with patronsaints. They are not angelic beings however the dead person’ssaints. They are not angelic beings however the dead person’sspirit is prayed to for example St. Jude, and through his intercession,a prayer can be accepted.(12)spirit is prayed to for example St. Jude, and through his intercession,prayer can be accepted.(12)Jews believe any prayer is directed to God and the angels provideJews believe any prayer is directed to God and the angels providechannels and are part of the workings to create a response.(13)channels and are part of the workings to create response.(13)the protection of the human found in Christianity, we can look inthe protection of the human found in Christianity, we can look inthe Qur’an again, “When the two Recording angels record everything,sitting on his right and on his left, he utters not a word butthe Qur’an again, “When the two Recording angels record everything,sitting on his right and on his left, he utters not word butthere is by him a guardian angel ready to record it”.(14)there is by him guardian angel ready to record it”.(14)Going back to the earlier point of every soul has a guardian over it,Going back to the earlier point of every soul has guardian over it,we can still deduce that there is more than one angel involved inwe can still deduce that there is more than one angel involved inhuman protection and guidance starting with a guardian for thehuman protection and guidance starting with guardian for thesoul, two recording angels for good and bad deeds, and any othersoul, two recording angels for good and bad deeds, and any otherangels God requires to carry out his tasks and they all can beangels God requires to carry out his tasks and they all can bethought of as guardian angels. Ultimately the human bodythought of as guardian angels. Ultimately the human bodyhouses the soul which carries on after death and any angel that ishouses the soul which carries on after death and any angel that ispreparing the soul for when it leaves the body could be thought ofpreparing the soul for when it leaves the body could be thought ofas a guardian angel. The recording angels are guarding the wordsas guardian angel. The recording angels are guarding the wordssoul and they are also guardian angels. The Islamic belief expandssoul and they are also guardian angels. The Islamic belief expandsto our body bearing witness on our soul on the Day of Judgment,to our body bearing witness on our soul on the Day of Judgment,similar to the Jewish idea of angels testifying for us in the Heavenlysimilar to the Jewish idea of angels testifying for us in the Heavenlytold “On the day when their tongues and their hands and their feettold “On the day when their tongues and their hands and their feetwill bear witness against them as to what they used to do”.(15)will bear witness against them as to what they used to do”.(15)Rather than angels literally giving a testimony, our bodies will doRather than angels literally giving testimony, our bodies will dothe talking in our case, and in this verse, it is describing a wrongdoeras it is “against them”. However a righteous person’sthe talking in our case, and in this verse, it is describing wrongdoeras it is “against them”. However righteous person’stestimony will be done in the same way, just in the positive lighttestimony will be done in the same way, just in the positive lightof their deeds producing good reactions. We see how positiveof their deeds producing good reactions. We see how positiveactions react on our body with positive feelings and bad actionsactions react on our body with positive feelings and bad actionsproduce bad feelings. The way angels are related to thisproduce bad feelings. The way angels are related to thisphenomenon is just how the baby and blood cells werephenomenon is just how the baby and blood cells weredescribed earlier, and angels regulate all of this at the commanddescribed earlier, and angels regulate all of this at the commandof God. They are all guardian angels in Islam, guarding andof God. They are all guardian angels in Islam, guarding andprotecting each and every human. However another point isprotecting each and every human. However another point isclear in Islam. If you do a negative action this will be recorded orclear in Islam. If you do negative action this will be recorded orThis brings us back to the prayer in the beginning, “help me,This brings us back to the prayer in the beginning, “help me,protect me and have mercy on me.” There are dangers toprotect me and have mercy on me.” There are dangers tohumans, some physical like a rock falling from above and somehumans, some physical like rock falling from above and somespiritual like Satan. When bad deeds are recorded by the recordingangel after a human follows a satanic suggestion this canspiritual like Satan. When bad deeds are recorded by the recordingangel after human follows satanic suggestion this cantake us further away from God, but when we turn to God withtake us further away from God, but when we turn to God withprayers he provides protection with angels that mingle in ourprayers he provides protection with angels that mingle in ourworld.(16) We should keep hope that in God’s wisdom in designingHis system we always stay protected. Amen.world.(16) We should keep hope that in God’s wisdom in designingHis system we always stay protected. Amen.1. Ahmad, Hazrat Mirza Ghulam(as). The Essence of Islam II.1.2.Ahmad, Ed. Hazrat Hazrat Mirza Mirza Masroor Ghulam(as). Ahmad. 2004. The Essence July 24th of Islam 2013 II.Ed. (The Hazrat Holy Quran Mirza Masroor 86.5) Ahmad. 2004. July 24th 20132. 3. (The Holy Quran. 86.5) 10.12.)3. 4. (The Ahmad,Hazrat Holy Quran. Mirza 10.12.) Ghulam(as).4.5.Ahmad,Hazrat The Essence of Mirza Islam Ghulam(as).II. Ed. Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad. 2004. July 24th2013The “Guardian Essence Angel”. of Islam ¬Wikipedia. II. Ed. Hazrat July Mirza 29th Masroor 2013 Ahmad. 2004. July 24th20135. 6. “Guardian (The Bible. Angel”. Job 33:23). ¬Wikipedia. July 29th 20136. 7. (The Bible. Job Hebrews 33:23). 1:14).7. 8. (The Bible. Hebrews Daniel 10:7). 1:14).8. 9. (The “Rashi’s Bible. Commentary” Daniel 10:7). Chabad.org. July 30th 2012.9. 10. “Rashi’s “Do we believe Commentary” in guardian Chabad.org. angels” Chabad.org. July 30th 2012. July 30th 2013.10.11.“Do Chaya we Sarah believe Silberberg in guardian angels” Chabad.org. July 30th 2013.“Guardian Chaya Sarah Angel”. Silberberg11. 12. “Guardian “Patron Saint”. Angel”. Wikipedia. July 30, 201312. 13. “Patron “Guardian Saint”. Angel”. Wikipedia. ¬Wikipedia. July 30, July 2013 29th 201313. 14. “Guardian (The Holy Quran. Angel”. 50:18-19) ¬Wikipedia. July 29th 201314. 15. (The Holy Quran. 24:25). 50:18-19)15. 16. (The Ahmad, Holy Hazrat Quran. Mirza 24:25). Ghulam(as).16. Ahmad, The Essence Hazrat of Islam Mirza II. Ghulam(as). Ed. Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad. 2004. July 24th 2013The Essence of Islam II. Ed. Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad. 2004. July 24th 2013{30}{30}MUSLIMMUSLIM SUNRISE SUNRISE [2013][2013]

MUSLIMMUSLIMSUNRISE,SUNRISE,FALLFALL20132013FROMTHEARCHIVESMuslim Sunrise July July 1922 1922QaziQaziA.A.Latif,Latif,M.A.,M.A.,Ph.Ph.D.,D.,JournalistJournalistAAMessageMessageRegardingRegardingIslamIslamToToWhomWhomIt MayIt MayConcern.Concern.SalaamsSalaams(or(orSalutationSalutationtotoAll)All)Dr.Dr.MuftiMuftiMuhammadMuhammadSadiq,Sadiq,aawellwellknownknowntheologiantheologianandandmissionarymissionaryofofIslamIslamconnectedconnectedwithwiththetheAhmadiaAhmadiaMovement,Movement,isisnownowamongstamongstyou.you.If youIf youhavehavenotnotseenseenororheardheardhimhimjustjustdropdropaaletterlettertotohimhimaskingaskingforforsomesomeliteratureliteratureororinformationinformationaboutabouthishismissionmissionandandyouyouarearesuresuretotogetgeta replya replyfromfromhim.him.HisHisveryveryprintedprintedletterheadingletterheadingwillwillgivegiveyouyouananimpressionimpressionofofwhatwhatheheisisandandforfor--ededatatthethecornercornerwhichwhichwillwilltelltellitsitsownowntale.tale.FaceFaceisisthetheindexindexofofcharactercharacterandandsosoforfora physiognomista physiognomistit willit willspeakspeakvolumesvolumesofofthethelatentlatentlightlightwhichwhichhehecarriescarriesininhishisperson.person.--kum”kum”i.e.,i.e.,peacepeacebebeuponuponyou,you,oneoneandandall.all.ThisThisisisoneoneofofthethecommandmentscommandmentsofofIslam.Islam.PeacePeaceincludesincludesallallsortssortsofofpeace,peace,peacepeaceofofmind,mind,peacepeaceofofbody,body,peacepeaceofofindividualsindividualsandandofofnations.nations.Peace,Peace,asasyouyouknow,know,isissuchsuchananimportantimportantthingthingthatthatit mayit maybebecalledcalledthetheveryverydesideratumdesideratumofofhumanhumanlife.life.PeacePeaceisisself-protecpeaceself-protecpeaceananabsoluteabsoluteororthethebiologicalbiologicalnecessitynecessityforforthethedevelopmentdevelopmentofofthethewholewholeworld.world.YouYouhavehavemademadePeacePeaceSocietiesSocietiesininAmericaAmericatotoespouseespousethethecause,cause,butbutthetheMuftiMuftiwillwilltelltellyouyouthatthatthisthispeacepeaceisisthethebestbestwatchwordwatchwordandandthetheonlyonlyformformofofsalutationsalutationisisIslamIslamandandfarfarsuperiorsuperiortotoallallknownknownformsformsofofsalutessalutesincludingincludingthethetime-indicatingtime-indicating“Good“GoodMorning”,Morning”,“Good“GoodEvening”,Evening”,“Good“GoodNight”,Night”,andandsosoon.on.TheTheMuftiMuftiwillwilltelltellyouyouthatthathehepreachespreachesnononewnewreligionreligionbutbutthetheoneoneandandthethesamesamewhichwhichallallprophetsprophetsprofessedprofessedfromfromAdamAdamtotoourourLordLordMuhammadMuhammad(Peace(Peacebebewithwithhishissoul).soul).missionmissionofofallallthetheprophets,prophets,forforinstance—Mosesinstance—MosesthetheLawgiver,Lawgiver,AbrahamAbrahamthethePatriarch,Patriarch,JesusJesusChrist,Christ,etc.etc.AccordingAccordingtotoIslamIslamallallofofthemthemwerewereMoslemsMoslemsandandallallproclaimedproclaimedthroughoutthroughoutthetheUnityUnityofofGodGodwhichwhichis sineis sinequaquanonnonis Islam.is Islam.AsAstherethereis aisprocessa processofofslowslowbutbutconstantconstantconstructionconstructionandanddestructiondestructionininallallearthlyearthlythings;things;andandoldoldorderorderchangeschangesgivinggivingplaceplacetotonew,new,it isitbutis butnaturalnaturalthatthatlawslawspertainingpertainingtotoreligionreligionmaymayalsoalsobeberevised,revised,consolidated,consolidated,amendedamendedandandrepealedrepealedfromfromtimetimetototimetimejustjustasasourourmanmanmademadelawslawsarearesubjectsubjecttotoperiodicalperiodicalchangeschangestotomeetmeetthetherequirementsrequirementsofofthethetime.time.AsAsininthetheearthlyearthlylaws,laws,thethebasicbasicprincipleprincipleremainsremainsintact;intact;saysayforforinstance,instance,thetheconstitutionconstitutionororthetheformformofofgovernment;government;sosothethefundamentalfundamentalprincipleprincipleofofreligionreligionsuchsuchasasininIslamIslamisisaimaimis alwaysis alwaysoneoneandandthethesamesameIslamIslamis notis nota self-madea self-madereligionreligionbutbutit claimsit claimstotobebeasasoldoldasasthetheworldworlditself.itself.EvenEventhetheAngelsAngelsaboveaboveproclaimproclaimandandprofessprofessIslamIslamandandnothingnothingelse.else.IslamIslamhashasstoodstoodthethetesttestofofallallcenturiescenturiesandandititspreadspreadintointoIndia,India,ChinaChinaandandelsewhereelsewherebybymeekmeekandandhumblehumbleofofwealthywealthyMissionaries.Missionaries.IslamIslamdoesdoesitsitsworkworkautomaticallyautomaticallyonceonceititisisintroducedintroducedproperly.properly.TheThediamond,diamond,whilewhileburiedburiedininearth,earth,waswasapparentlyapparentlyofofnonomoremorevaluevaluethanthana commona commonstone.stone.It wasIt waswhenwhenit wasit wasbroughtbroughtoutoutfromfromthetheminesminesandandpolishedpolishedandandcutcutandandputputinina positiona positiontotocatchcatchthetheraysraysofoflightlightsosothatthatit couldit couldbebesosowithwithIslam.Islam.TheTheMuftiMuftirepresentsrepresentsIslamIslamandandthetheraysraysofoflightlightareareAve,Ave,Chicago,Chicago,IL,IL,USA).USA).{31}{31}MUSLIMMUSLIM SUNRISE SUNRISE [2013][2013]

MUSLIM SUNRISE, FALL 2013MUSLIM SUNRISE, FALL 2013Islam is the only religion on earth that can stand the strictest testIslam is the only religion on earth that can stand the strictest testof Science. It has nothing to recast or reshape like other religions toof Science. It has nothing to recast or reshape like other religions tomake it science-proof. Islam is the only cure for Materialism whichmake it science-proof. Islam is the only cure for Materialism whichman and if anybody who knows the modern Science reads itman and if anybody who knows the modern Science reads itplace to give or quote verses now. I quote here however, a few ofplace to give or quote verses now. I quote here however, a few ofmany virtues of Islam just to convince those who have not knownmany virtues of Islam just to convince those who have not knownIslam through original sources. Just look at the prohibition ofIslam through original sources. Just look at the prohibition ofdrinking in the United States by law. Islam has had this law since 13drinking in the United States by law. Islam has had this law since 13centuries and a little more. Gambling is equally prohibited bycenturies and a little more. Gambling is equally prohibited byIslam and the day is not distant when the characteristic features ofIslam and the day is not distant when the characteristic features ofIslam will be adopted by all civilized governments. The AhmadiaIslam will be adopted by all civilized governments. The Ahmadiaprohibition of drinking and I believe through Mufti Saheb who wasprohibition of drinking and I believe through Mufti Saheb who wasthen in England.then in England.Islam is an ideal religion and is such as no human mind can inventIslam is an ideal religion and is such as no human mind can inventa better. It has every virtue of Socialism. Islam preaches equalitya better. It has every virtue of Socialism. Islam preaches equalityand brotherhood. It does not favor in the least color, race or creedand brotherhood. It does not favor in the least color, race or creeddistinctions. Islam is a cosmopolitic religion and can make itsdistinctions. Islam is a cosmopolitic religion and can make itshome everywhere. It is as pleasing to the Princes as it is to thehome everywhere. It is as pleasing to the Princes as it is to thehewers of the wood and carriers of water. Verily Islam is the sourcehewers of the wood and carriers of water. Verily Islam is the sourceof happiness in this world and after. All its religious observancesof happiness in this world and after. All its religious observancesaim toward the health and happiness of its followers. Islam neveraim toward the health and happiness of its followers. Islam neverexpects you to look on the world with disdain and do penances orexpects you to look on the world with disdain and do penances orany mysterious thing. It is a plain, simple and naked truth.any mysterious thing. It is a plain, simple and naked truth.It is true that our Mufti is not backed by huge funds or magnatesIt is true that our Mufti is not backed by huge funds or magnatesand plutocrats and must be living plainly therefore, not in theand plutocrats and must be living plainly therefore, not in thepalatial or sky scraper buildings and hence would not be in apalatial or sky scraper buildings and hence would not be in aposition to spend lavishly in his propaganda. But you must realizeposition to spend lavishly in his propaganda. But you must realizethis fact that all great achievements in the domain of science orthis fact that all great achievements in the domain of science orreligion were only made by plain livers and high thinkers. The dayreligion were only made by plain livers and high thinkers. The dayis not distant when Islam will count in America in its fold manyis not distant when Islam will count in America in its fold manyworthy sons of America. Islam never tells you to reject theworthy sons of America. Islam never tells you to reject theprophethood of Jesus Christ. Islam is Monotheism and says he wasprophethood of Jesus Christ. Islam is Monotheism and says he wasnot the son of God but the son of Mary. Islam rejects Trinity whichnot the son of God but the son of Mary. Islam rejects Trinity whichis undoubtedly a man-made theory and is not to be found in theis undoubtedly a man-made theory and is not to be found in thewords of Christ or of Moses in his Old Testament.words of Christ or of Moses in his Old Testament.May God give light to all those who wish to follow the right pathMay God give light to all those who wish to follow the right pathand as Koran says, “There is no compulsion in religion”, and thereandas Koran says, “There is no compulsion in religion”, and there---ing and good speeches.ing and good speeches.Peace be unto you.Peace be unto you.{32}{32}MUSLIMMUSLIM SUNRISE SUNRISE [2013][2013]

SAYINGOF THEHOLY PROPHETMUHAMMAD(sa)H A D I T H"Angels come to you in succession by night and day,and all of them assemble together at the time of theFajr (dawn) and 'Asr (afternoon) prayers. Those (angels)who have spent the night with you ascend (to Heaven).Allah asks them, although He knows everything aboutyou, "In what state did you leave my slaves?" the angelsreply, "When we left them they were praying and whenwe reached them they were praying."

ANDJINNSDEMONSMUSLIMMUSLIMSUNRISE,SUNRISE,FALLFALL20132013ByByZiaZia HShah,Shah,MDMDIrememberrememberwakingwakingupupininbed,bed,oneonestrangestrangemorning,morning,withwithmymyeyeseyesandandbrainbrainfunctioning,functioning,butbutmymybodybodyfrozen.frozen. Icouldn’tcouldn’tmove…notmove…notbutbutcouldcouldnotnotmovemoveatatall.all.ThisThislastedlastedonlyonly aminuteminutebutbutfeltfeltlikelikeeternity.eternity.ThisThisisisnotnotmymystorystorybutbut atypicaltypicalaccountaccountofofsleepsleepparalysisparalysisthatthatManyManyreligionsreligionsandandculturesculturesbelieve,believe,ororonceoncebelieved,believed,thatthatwhatwhatisisnownowknownknownasassleepsleepparalysisparalysiswaswas aformformofofphysicalphysicalcontactcontactwithwithdemonsdemonsororjinns.jinns.AccordingAccordingtotoEncyclopediaEncyclopediaBritannica:Britannica:jinni,jinni,pluralpluraljinn,jinn,alsoalsocalledcalledgenie,genie,ArabicArabicjinni,jinni,ininArabicArabicmytholmythol-ogy,ogy,a supernaturalsupernaturalspiritspiritbelowbelowthethelevellevelofofangelsangelsandanddevils.devils.ghulghul(treacherous(treacherousspiritsspiritsofofchangingchangingshape),shape),ifritifrit(diabolic,(diabolic,evilevilspirits),spirits),andandsilasila(treacherous(treacherousspiritsspiritsofofinvariableinvariableform)form)constituteconstitutejinnjinnJinnJinnassumingassuminghumanhumanororanimalanimalformformandandarearesaidsaidtotodwelldwellininallallconceivableconceivableinanimateinanimateobjects—stones,objects—stones,trees,trees,ruins—under-ruins—under-HistoricallyHistoricallyspeaking,speaking,ininthethemedievalmedievalsocieties,societies,beliefbeliefininjinns,jinns,demonsdemonsandandwitcheswitcheswaswasalmostalmostuniversaluniversalandandwaswasthetheexplanationexplanationforformanymany aneurologicneurologicororpsychiatricpsychiatricmalady.malady.GenerallyGenerallywhatwhatarearecalledcalledjinnsjinnsininthetheMuslimMuslimsocietiessocietiesarearecalledcalleddemonsdemons“One“OneThousandThousandandandOneOneNights”Nights”isis acollectioncollectionofofAsianAsianstoriesstoriesandandfolkfolktalestalescompiledcompiledininArabicArabicduringduringthetheIslamicIslamicGoldenGoldenAge.Age.ItItisisoftenoftenknownknownininEnglishEnglishasasthethe“Arabian“ArabianNights,”Nights,”fromfrom(1706),(1706),whichwhichrenderedrenderedthethetitletitleasas“The“TheArabianArabianNights'Nights'Entertainment.”Entertainment.”TheTheworkworkwaswascollectedcollectedoverovermanymanycenturiescenturiesbybyvariousvariousauthors,authors,translators,translators,andandscholarsscholarsacrossacrossWest,West,Central,Central,SouthSouthAsiaAsiaandandNorthNorthAfrica.Africa.TheyTheypossesspossessthethebodilybodilyneedsneedsofofhumanhumanbeingsbeingsandandcancanevenevenbebekilled,killed,butbuttheytheyarearefreefreefromfromallallphysicalphysicalrestraints.restraints.JinnJinndelightdelightininpunishingpunishinghumanshumansforforanyanyharmharmdonedonethem,them,intentionallyintentionallyororunintentionally,unintentionally,andandarearesaidsaidtotobeberesponsibleresponsibleforformanymanydiseasesdiseasesandandallallkindskindsofofaccidents;accidents;however,however,thosethosehumanhumanbeingsbeingsknowingknowingthetheproperpropermagicalmagicalprocedureprocedurecancanexploitexploitthethejinnjinntototheirtheiradvantage.advantage.SuchSuchbeliefsbeliefsarearecommonplacecommonplaceeveneventoday.today. Aself-reportself-reportquestionnairequestionnairewaswasgivengiventoto aconvenienceconveniencesamplesampleofofMuslimsMuslimsagedaged1818yearsyearsandandoverover(n=111).(n=111).TheThemajoritymajorityofofthethesamplesamplebelievedbelievedininthetheexistenceexistenceofofjinn,jinn,blackblackmagicmagicandandthetheevilevileye,eye,andandapproximatelyapproximatelyhalfhalfofofthemthemstatedstatedthatthatthesethesecouldcouldcausecausephysicalphysicalandandmentalmentalhealthhealthproblemsproblemsandandthatthatthesetheseproblemsproblemsshouldshouldbebe treatedtreatedbybyMostMostbelievingbelievingChristiansChristiansdodobelievebelieveinindemonsdemonsasasthethebeliefbeliefininGodGodandandangelsangelsisistiedtiedwithwithdemons,demons,asasthetheBibleBiblefrequentlyfrequentlymentionsmentionsdemonsdemonsandandexorcisms,exorcisms,andandpresentpresentdaydaycommentariescommentariesororexegesisexegesistaketakethethestoriesstoriesliterally.literally.ThereTherearearescoresscoresofofmentionmentionofofdemonsdemonsininthetheBible.Bible.ForForexampleexampleweweread:read:"On"Onanotheranotheroccasion,occasion, amanmankneltkneltbeforebeforeJesus,Jesus,saying,saying,‘Lord,‘Lord,havehavedisciples,disciples,butbuttheytheycouldcouldnotnothealhealhim.'him.''O'Ounbelievingunbelievingandandperverseperversegeneration,'generation,'JesusJesusreplied,replied,'how'howlonglongshallshall Istaystaywithwithyou?you?HowHowlonglongshallshall Iputputupupwithwithyou?you?BringBringthetheboyboyhereheretotome.'me.'JesusJesusrebukedrebukedthethedemon,demon,andandititcamecameoutoutofofthetheboy,boy,andandhehewaswashealedhealedfromfromthatthatmoment."moment."(Matt(Matt17:15-18)17:15-18)AndAndagain:again:"That"ThateveningeveningafteraftersunsetsunsetthethepeoplepeoplebroughtbroughttotoJesusJesusallallthethesicksickandanddemon-possessed.demon-possessed.TheThewholewholetowntowngatheredgatheredatatthethedoor,door,andandJesusJesushealedhealedmanymanywhowhohadhadvariousvariousdiseases.diseases.HeHealsoalsodrovedroveoutoutmanymanydemons,demons,butbuthehewouldwouldnotnotletletthethedemonsdemonsspeakspeakbecausebecausetheytheyknewknewwhowhohehewas."was."(Mark(Mark1:32-34)1:32-34)SoSothethewriterwriterofofGospelGospelofofMarkMarknotnotonlyonlybelievesbelievesinindemonsdemonsbutbutalsoalsothatthatdemonsdemonsknewknewthetheidentityidentityofofJesus,Jesus,whichwhichhehediddidnotnotwantwantrelativelyrelativelycommoncommonininCatholicCatholicsocieties.societies.TheTheexorcismexorcismofofpersonspersonspossessedpossessedbybydemonsdemonsisiscarefullycarefullyregulatedregulatedbybycanoncanonlawlawininthetheRomanRomanCatholicCatholicchurch,church,andandthetheelaborateelaborateriteriteisiscontainedcontainedininthetheRomanRomanritual.ritual.{34}{34}MUSLIMMUSLIM SUNRISE SUNRISE [2013][2013]

MUSLIM SUNRISE, FALL 2013In a recent study in Switzerland, the author conducted ajinnssystematic investigation of the prevalence of demons, in 343Prophet Muhammad(sa), but when we try to understand thesemainly Protestant out-patients of a psychiatric clinic inhadith in the light of the Qur’an, we have no choice but to under-Switzerland, who described themselves as religious. Of these,stand jinns to be some hidden groups of men, who did not reveal129 (37.6 per cent) believed in the possible causation of theirHoly Qur’an we read, "Say, ‘O mankind! truly I am a Messenger to'occult bondage' or 'possession.' One hundred and four ofyou all from Allah." (Al Qur’an 7:159 ) Khalifat-ul-Masih II arguesthese these patients (30.3 per cent) sought help through ritualjinns'prayers for deliverance' and exorcism.the Holy Qur’an should have said, "Say, ‘O mankind and jinns!truly I am a Messenger to you all from Allah." So, the term Jinn inthe Qur’an is used for humans of one description or the other.Jinn according to the Islamic tradition may also mean bacteria,which may cause disease or even archaebacteria, which emergedat least 3.5 billion years ago and live in environments that resembleconditions existing when the earth was young, which mayhave role in evolution of life on our planet, but, that is a subject foranother day.In this context, both in the East and the West it is a great service ofthe Ahmadiyya Muslim Community to humanity that they havefreed religion from such Jinns, demons and exorcisms.There There are several mentions of jinns in the Holy Qur’an and actual -ly a chapter is titled jinns. But, the devil is in the detail. Who arethe jinns? jinns?Khalifat-ul-Masih II, Hadrat Mirza Bashir-ud-Din Mahmud Ahmad,who led the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community from 1914-1965,gave several reasons why jinns are not the demons or the ghostsof popular imagination, in his commentary of Surah al-Hijr, theexamples here.He He says that jinns in the Holy Qur’an mean foreigners or aliens.For example, we read in the Holy Qur’an, "And of the jinn weresome some who worked under him (Solomon), by the command of hisLord. ... They made for him what he desired; palaces and statues,these jinns that built palaces for the Prophet Solomon(as), weengineers for this purpose. In the same chapter we read, "Solomontook a census of all the foreigners residing in Israel, after thecensus his father David had taken; and they were found to be153,600. He assigned 70,000 of them to be carriers and 80,000 tobe stonecutters in the hills, with 3,600 foremen over them tokeep the people working."According to a 2009 Harris Poll of 2,303 American adults, whenpeople are asked to “Please indicate for each one if you believe init, or not,” the following results were revealing:182% believe in God72% believe in angels71% believe in survival of the soul after death60% believe in the devil42% believe in ghosts23% believe in witchesAs the Christian children grow up in the Western cultures, theylearn that Santa Claus is only make belief and of only some histori--ing in our global village, we are increasingly realizing that Jinnsare only relics of the past and a result of lack of precise understanding.No one needs exorcism today.psychiatrists and better theologians.senses and are beyond time, space and matter, God of the Abrahamicfaiths, angels and jinns and demons in the popular imagi -nation, have to be based on sound reasons and proofs and suchbeliefs need to demonstrate utilitarian value.Belief in a Personal God, Who grants us our earnest prayersthrough the agencies of angels, brings peace and serenity to ourhearts and souls. However, belief in malevolent jinns, for whichWe can choose what we believe in and we have the choice to baseit on reason and rationality.{35}{35}MUSLIM MUSLIM SUNRISE SUNRISE[2013][2013]

FALLENANGELSMUSLIM MUSLIM SUNRISE, SUNRISE, FALL FALL 2013 2013by by Andleeb Andleeb Shams Shams Ahmed Ahmed“The “The desire desire of of power power in in excess excess caused caused the the angels angels to to fall.” fall.”Most Most worldly worldly religions’ religions’ tales tales are are incomplete incomplete without without the thepresence presence of of angels. angels. Known Known to to be be divine divine creatures, creatures, possessing possessing all allthat that is is pure pure and and holy holy by by God God Himself, Himself, they they are are the the key key to to heaven heavenand and salvation salvation to to most most believers. believers. Although Although these these benevolent benevolentcreatures creatures have have always always been been celebrated celebrated in in today’s today’s culture culture and andreligions, religions, their their counterparts, counterparts, the the fallen fallen angels, angels, have have also also piqued piquedpeople’s people’s curiosities curiosities and and wonderment. wonderment. What What is is a a fallen fallen angel? angel? A Afallen fallen angel angel is is described described as as a a “wicked “wicked or or rebellious rebellious angel angel that that has hasbeen been cast cast out out of of Heaven.” Heaven.” Neither Neither the the Holy Holy Qur’an Qur’an nor nor the the Holy HolyBible Bible actually actually uses uses this this term term at at all. all. What What do do some some of of the the major majorreligions religions say say about about fallen fallen angels? angels? Do Do they they exist? exist? If If so, so, what what angel angelwas was considered considered a a fallen fallen angel? angel? What What is is their their purpose? purpose? Even Eventhough though the the term term “fallen “fallen angel” angel” has has never never been been written written in in any any of ofGod’s God’s books, books, the the term term is is actually actually used used in in today’s today’s language, language, when wheneven even talking talking about about human human beings. beings. But But to to fully fully understand understand this, this,we we must must find find the the answers answers to to these these questions questions by by delving delving into intowhat what certain certain major major religions religions say say about about fallen fallen angels. angels.In In order order to to believe believe in in Islam, Islam, one one must must believe believe in in God God and and His Hisangels. angels. Although Although angels angels are are part part of of the the unseen unseen that that we we as ashumans humans cannot cannot comprehend, comprehend, it it is is prescribed prescribed in in Islam Islam as as one one of ofthe the six six articles articles of of faith faith to to wholeheartedly wholeheartedly believe believe in in the the existence existenceof of angels angels and and in in their their purpose purpose from from God. God. “And “And whosoever whosoever disbelievelievesin in Allah, Allah, His His Angels, Angels, His His Books, Books, His His Messengers, Messengers, and and the thedisbe-Last Last Day, Day, and and then then indeed indeed he he has has strayed strayed far far away.” away.” Furthermore,Furthermore,angels angels are are considered considered to to be be honored honored creatures creatures created created by by light lightfrom from God, God, who who are are to to be be respected respected by by all. all. Just Just as as we we cannot cannot see seeGod, God, yet yet truly truly believe believe in in Him, Him, we we must must also also adhere adhere to to the the belief belief in inthe the existence existence of of angels, angels, without without ever ever being being able able to to physically physically see seethem. them. “They “They are are honored honored servants servants who who precede precede Him Him not not in inspeech speech and and act act as as He He commands.” commands.” So So now now the the question question remains: remains:are are there there fallen fallen angels angels in in Islam? Islam? The The answer answer is is simple: simple: no. no. Islam Islamteaches teaches that that angels angels are are divine divine creatures. creatures. They They bring bring messages messages of ofGod God and and execute execute His His will will in in the the universe. universe.They They are are not not like like humans, humans, where where we we are are given given freewill freewill by by God. God.We We can can choose choose to to do do good good or or bad. bad. Angels, Angels, on on the the other other hand, hand, are arenot not allowed allowed to to have have freewill; freewill; thereby, thereby, only only being being able able to to do dogood, good, which which is is God’s God’s will. will. Angels Angels are are faithful faithful servants servants of of God God and andhave have no no free free choice choice to to disobey. disobey. If If a a Muslim Muslim were were to to truly truly believe believethis, this, then then it it is is impossible impossible for for an an angel angel to to have have fallen fallen or or to to have havecommitted committed a a sin sin against against God God Himself. Himself. There There have have always always been beenmisunderstood misunderstood notions notions in in Islam Islam that that Iblis Iblis himself himself was was actually actuallyfirst first an an angel, angel, yet yet chose chose to to go go against against God’s God’s will will and and therefore, therefore,fell fell into into Hell Hell as as a a fallen fallen angel. angel. This This is is utterly utterly false. false. In In fact, fact, Islam Islamstates states that that Iblis Iblis possessed possessed a a fiery fiery nature nature which which would would make make him himcome come from from a a form form of of life life that that was was created created from from fire fire (not (not light light like likeangels), angels), which which is is called called a a jinn, jinn, or or a a genie. genie. Ultimately, Ultimately, jinn jinn can can be begood good even even though though they they are are created created from from fire fire because because they they do dopossess possess freewill freewill like like human human beings beings and and unlike unlike angels. angels. In In Islam, Islam,Iblis Iblis is is considered considered to to be be a a disobedient disobedient jinn jinn who who refused refused to to bow bowdown down before before Adam. Adam. Iblis Iblis considered considered himself himself superior superior to to Adam, Adam,God’s God’s first first human, human, due due to to his his arrogance arrogance and and pride. pride. He He felt felt since sinceAdam Adam was was made made from from clay clay and and he he was was from from smokeless smokeless fire, fire, then thenAdam Adam could could never never be be superior superior to to him. him. Therefore, Therefore, in in Islam, Islam, there therecould could not not and and is is not not anything anything to to be be considered considered as as a a fallen fallen angel. angel.Because Because of of his his evil evil ways, ways, God God cursed cursed Iblis Iblis to to Hell, Hell, and and he he vowed vowedto to lead lead all all human human beings beings astray. astray. Those Those who who come come under under the theinfluence influence of of Iblis Iblis are are included included among among satans, satans, or or satan satan as as a a singulalarbody. body.singu-Like Like Islam, Islam, Christianity Christianity never never specifically specifically discusses discusses a a fallen fallen angel, angel,yet yet since since the the Holy Holy Bible Bible itself itself has has several several different different versions versions and and is isnot not directly directly the the word word of of God, God, there there are are several several interpretations interpretations of ofmany many verses verses of of the the Bible Bible which which allude allude to to fallen fallen angels. angels. In In fact, fact,one one of of the the most most talked talked about about fallen fallen angels angels is is Lucifer, Lucifer, who whoultimately ultimately is is paralleled paralleled to to be be being being Satan Satan himself. himself. In In Luke Luke 10:18, 10:18,Jesus Jesus is is quoted quoted saying: saying: “I “I saw saw Satan Satan fall fall like like lightening lightening from fromheaven.” heaven.” But But before before we we discuss discuss the the most most famous famous story story of of a a fallen fallenangel, angel, we we first first need need to to know know that that according according to to Christianity Christianity what whatthe the purpose purpose of of a a fallen fallen angel angel is! is!{38}{38}MUSLIM MUSLIM SUNRISE [2013] SUNRISE [2013]

MUSLIMMUSLIMSUNRISE,SUNRISE,FALLFALL20132013ObviouslyObviouslyGodGod(in(inanyanyreligion)religion)wouldwouldneverneverwantwantanyanyofofhishisConsideringConsideringthatthatLuciferLuciferwouldwouldrebelrebelevenevenmore,more,GodGodremovedremovedhimhimfromfromcreaturescreaturestotogogoastray,astray,butbutsincesinceHeHehashasgivengivenhumanshumansHisHispresencepresenceandandcastedcastedhimhimoutoutofofheaven.heaven.HeHewaswasremovedremovedofofhishisfreewill,freewill,thisthisisishighlyhighlyimprobable.improbable.ChristiansChristianswhowhobelievebelieveininbeauty,beauty,wisdom,wisdom,positionpositionandandevenevenrightsrightstotoheaven.heaven.ItItisisbecausebecauseofofthisthisfallenfallenangelsangelsthinkthinkthatthatthosethoseangelsangelstempttempthumanhumanbeingsbeingstotothatthatmanymanyChristiansChristiansbelievebelievethatthatLuciferLuciferwaswasultimatelyultimatelySatan.Satan.AccordingAccordingsinsinininorderordertototrytrytotoenticeenticethemthemawayawayfromfromGod.God.InInthetheBible,Bible,totothis,this,SatanSatan(Lucifer)(Lucifer)waswasaafallenfallenangel,angel,whowhodisobeyeddisobeyedGodGodandandthethestorystoryofofAdamAdamandandEve,Eve,whowhoultimatelyultimatelydisobeyeddisobeyedGodGodhadhadtotobeberemovedremovedfromfromallallthatthatwaswasgoodgoodininheavenheavenandandfromfromHisHisthoughthoughtheytheywerewerecreatedcreatedasasgood,good,illustratesillustratesthethepowerpowerofofaapresencepresenceandandwas,was,therefore,therefore,sentencedsentencedtotohell.hell.fallenfallenangel.angel.Satan,Satan,whowhoisisconsideredconsideredtotobebethetheleaderleaderofofthethetwotwohumanhumanbeingsbeingsthatthattheytheycouldcouldbebe“like“likeGod”God”ififtheytheyateatefruitfruitfromfromaatreetreethatthatGodGodhadhadtoldtoldthemthemtotostaystayawayawayfromfromforfortheirtheirownownprotection.protection.AfterAfterSatanSatantemptstemptsthemthemandandultimatelyultimatelycausescausesthemthemtotodisobeydisobeyGod,God,sinsinitselfitselfentersentersthetheworldworldandandbeginsbeginsitsitsdestructiondestructionononearth.earth.FallenFallenangelsangelscancansometimessometimesdisguisedisguisethemselvesthemselvesasastruetrueandandholyholyangelsangelsininorderordertotoconvinceconvincehumanhumanbeingsbeingstotocommitcommitsin.sin.“Satan“Satanhimselfhimselfmasqueradesmasqueradesasasananangelangelofoflight.light.ItItisisnotnotsurprisingsurprisingthen,then,ififhishisservantsservantsalsoalsomasquerademasqueradeasasservantsservantsofofrighteousness.”righteousness.”TheTheBibleBiblecautionscautionsthisthisandandshowsshowshowhowpeoplepeoplewhowhofallfallpreypreytotofallenfallenangels’angels’deceptiondeception“will“willabandonabandonthethefaithfaithandandfollowfollowJudaismJudaismalsoalsobelievesbelievesininthethedivinedivinebeings.beings.Jews,Jews,likelikeChristians,Christians,believebelievedeceivingdeceivingspiritsspiritsandandthingsthingstaughttaughtbybydemons.”demons.”ButButhowhowororthatthatGodGodcreatedcreatedangelsangelstotobebepurepureandandholyholyandandwithoutwithoutfreewill.freewill.whywhydodoangelsangelsgogoastray?astray?TheThestorystoryofofLuciferLucifercancanbetterbetterHowever,However,theytheyalsoalsoagreeagreewithwiththethestorystoryofofLucifer,Lucifer,andandthusthustherethereansweranswerthisthisquestion.question.seemsseemstotobebeaacontradictioncontradictioninintheirtheirbeliefbeliefthatthatananangelangeldoesdoesnotnothavehavefreewill.freewill.InInfact,fact,JewsJewsandandChristiansChristiansalikealikebelievebelievetheretherewereweremoremoreThisThisstorystoryinvolvesinvolvesthethemightiestmightiestofofangelsangelswho,who,outoutofofpride,pride,fallenfallenangelsangelsthanthanjustjustLucifer;Lucifer;however,however,theretherearen’taren’tasasmanymanyfallenfallenrebelledrebelledagainstagainstGodGodduringduringthethetimetimeofofcreation.creation.LuciferLuciferwaswasangelsangelsasastheretherearearefaithfulfaithfulangels.angels.TheyTheybelievebelieveaboutaboutone-thirdone-thirdofofthisthismightymightyangel.angel.LuciferLucifermeansmeans“son“sonofofthethemorning.”morning.”InInangelsangelsdisobeyeddisobeyedGodGodasasdiddidLuciferLuciferandandcommittedcommittedsinsinwhilewhilerebellingrebellingHebrewHebrewthethenamenameLuciferLuciferliterallyliterallymeansmeans“Day“DayStar,”Star,”ororthetheagainstagainstHim.Him.SaintSaintThomasThomasAquinas,Aquinas,aanotablenotableCatholicCatholictheologian,theologian,planetplanetVenus.Venus.ManyManybiblicalbiblicalscholarsscholarsrecognizerecognizeititasasananwrotewroteininhishisbookbook“Summa“SummaTheologica”:Theologica”:“The“ThefaithfulfaithfulangelsangelsareareaagreatergreateralternatealternatenamenameforforSatan.Satan.PriorPriortotohishisdownfall,downfall,LuciferLuciferwaswasmultitudemultitudethanthanthethefallenfallenangels.angels.ForForsinsinisiscontrarycontrarytotothethenaturalnaturalconsideredconsideredtotobebeaahighlyhighlyelevatedelevatedangel,angel,createdcreatedbybyGod.God.HeHeorder.order.Now,Now,whatwhatisisopposedopposedtotothethenaturalnaturalorderorderoccursoccurslesslessfrequently,frequently,--ororininfewerfewerinstances,instances,thanthanwhatwhataccordsaccordswithwiththethenaturalnaturalorder.”order.”ededasasananangelangelbybyGod,God,asasallallotherotherangelsangelswere;were;however,however,hishisAngelsAngelsarearealsoalsoquitequiteprevalentprevalentininZoroastrianism,Zoroastrianism,withwithangelsangelsbeingbeingableabletotopossesspossess“good”“good”characteristics.characteristics.alsoalsoknownknownasasthethe“covering“coveringangel.”angel.”GodGodcreatedcreatedLuciferLucifertotobebethetheangelangelofofworship,worship,whosewhoseministryministrysurroundedsurroundedthetheheartheartofof In ZoroastrianismIn Zoroastrianism therethereisisnonoconceptconceptofoffallenfallenangelsangelsasasititdoesdoesnotnotheaven.heaven.HeHewaswastotodwelldwelleternallyeternallyininthethethronethroneroomroomofof teachteachthatthatIblisIblisororSatanSatanrebelledrebelledagainstagainstGod.God.ItItteachesteachesthatthattherethereisisheaven,heaven,ininthetheveryverypresencepresenceofofGod.God.GodGodplacedplacedhimhimononsuchsuch oneonegoodgoodandandwisewiseLordLordnamednamedAhuraAhuraMazda,Mazda,andandoneoneEvilEvilSpiritSpiritcalledcalledaahighhighpedestalpedestaloveroverallallotherotherangelsangelsandandkeptkepthimhimininHisHis AhrimanAhrimanwhowhoisisthethecreatorcreatorofofviciousnessviciousnessandanddevastation.devastation.TheTheworldworldpresence.presence.InInorderordertotodwelldwellininthetheawesomeawesomepresencepresenceofofGod,God, isisaacombatcombatzonezoneininwhichwhichthethegoodgoodandandevilevilforcesforcesstrivestrivetotohavehavethetheLuciferLuciferhadhadtotobebeperfect.perfect.HisHiswisdomwisdomfarfarexceededexceededthatthatofof upperupperhand.hand.AhuraAhuraMazdaMazdaisisthethecommandercommanderofofhishiswarrior-angelswarrior-angelsotherotherangelicangelicbeingsbeingsasasheheunderstoodunderstoodthethewayswaysofofGodGodthethe calledcalled'ahuras','ahuras',andandAhrimanAhrimanleadsleadshishislegendslegendsofofdemonsdemonscalledcalledbest.best.'daevas'.'daevas'.IslamIslamseemsseemstotobebethetheonlyonlyreligionreligionthatthatdoesdoesnotnotbelievebelieveininevilevilangelsangelsHowever,However,prideprideovertookovertookhishisheart,heart,andandhishissinsincostcosthimhimeverything.everything.ororfallenfallenangels.angels.However,However,NewNewAgeAgespiritualityspirituality(which(whichisisaareligionreligionororHeHesoonsoonbeganbegantotoconsiderconsiderhishisownownpositionpositionofofprominence.prominence.beliefbeliefofofsystemssystemsthatthathashasdrawndrawninspirationinspirationfromfromseveralseveralmajormajorHeHebecamebecamesosopridefulpridefulandandtrulytrulybelievedbelievedthatthathehereligions)religions)alsoalsotendstendstotoviewviewallallangelsangelsasasgoodgoodandandonlyonlypossessingpossessingdeserveddeservedmoremorethanthanwhatwhathehealreadyalreadyhadhadandandwantedwantedtotoholyholytraits.traits.TheyTheybelievebelievethatthatangelsangelscannotcannotdisobeydisobeyGod.God.InInfact,fact,becomebecomeasaselevatedelevatedasasGodGodHimself.Himself.ThisThisisiswhenwhenhishisdescentdescentfollowersfollowersofofNewNewAgeAgeseekseekoutoutangelsangelstotobeseechbeseechotherotherangelsangelsforforhelphelpfromfromangelhoodangelhoodhappened.happened.“How“Howyouyouarearefallenfallenfromfromheaven,heaven,obtainingobtainingwhatwhattheytheywantwantininlife,life,neverneverhavinghavinganyanyconcernconcernthatthatthetheOLucifer,Lucifer,sonsonofofthethemorning…Formorning…Foryouyouhavehavesaidsaidininyouryourheart:heart:angelsangelstheytheysummonsummoncouldcouldleadleadthemthemastray.astray.‘I‘Iwillwillascentascentintointoheaven,heaven,IIwillwillexaltexaltmymythronethroneaboveabovethethestarsstarsofofGod;God;IIwillwillalsoalsositsitononthethemountmountofofthethecongregationcongregationononthethefarthestfarthestsidessidesofofthethenorth;north;IIwillwillascentascentaboveabovethetheheightsheightsofof MostMostworldlyworldlyreligionsreligionscouldcouldnotnotbebetruthfullytruthfullyororfruitfullyfruitfullyfollowedfollowedthetheclouds,clouds,IIwillwillbebelikelikethetheMostMostHigh.’”High.’”AlthoughAlthoughGodGodhadhad withoutwithoutbelievingbelievingininangels.angels.However,However,thetheideaideaofoffallenfallenangelsangelsisisstillstillgrantedgrantedhimhimmuchmuchrelevance,relevance,LuciferLuciferwantedwantedmore.more.HeHe questionablequestionableforforaafew.few.AlthoughAlthoughthetheprevalenceprevalenceofoffallenfallenangelsangelsisiswantedwantedtotobebeworshippedworshippedasasififhehewaswasGod.God.ButButevenevenininChristianity,Christianity,moremorevitalvitalininotherotherreligions,religions,thethepurposepurposeofofeithereitherfallenfallenangelsangelsororJinn,Jinn,GodGoddoesdoesnotnotshareshareHisHisgloryglorynornordoesdoesHeHepermitpermitanyoneanyone isistotocausecausemanmantoto disobey God and,disobey God and, ultimately,ultimately,totosin.sin.TheyTheyworkworkforforelseelsetotobebeworshipped.worshipped.evilevilpurposes,purposes,leadingleadingtotoworldlyworldlydestruction,destruction,inincontrastcontrasttotothethegoodgood{37}{37}MUSLIMMUSLIM SUNRISE SUNRISE [2013][2013]

MUSLIM MUSLIM SUNRISE, SUNRISE, FALL FALL FALL 2013 2013 2013On On the the Process Process ofofCreation of of Body Body and and Soul.Soul.By, By, By, Naeem Naeem Ahmad Ahmad RathoreRathoreVerily, Verily, We We created created man man from from an an extract extract of of ofclay. clay. Then Then We We placed placed him him as as a drop a drop of of of spermspermin in in a safe a safe depository. depository. Then Then We We fashioned fashioned thethesperm sperm into into a shapeless a shapeless lump; lump; then then we we fash-fashionedbones bones out out of of of this this shapeless shapeless lump;lump;ioned We We developed developed it into it it into another another creation.creation.(23:13-15)(23:13-15)The The The earth, earth, earth, or or dust, or dust, dust, is the is is the the basic basic basic material material of of the of the the human human body, body, body,according according to to the to the the Holy Holy Holy Qur’an. Qur’an. It cites It It cites cites the the the many many many forms forms forms that that that it it itmay may may take: take: take: "turab" "turab" or or earth, or earth, earth, dirt dirt dirt or or dust or dust dust (22:6), (22:6), (22:6), "teen", "teen", "teen", clay clay clay or or orearth earth earth mixed mixed mixed with with with water, water, water, mud mud mud (6:3) (6:3) (6:3) "teen "teen "teen lazib" lazib" lazib" clinging clinging mud mud mud(37:12). (37:12). The The The many many many processes processes or or stages or stages stages that that that the the the earth earth earth goes goes goesthrough through are are are also also also mentioned mentioned as as "hamae as "hamae masnoon" masnoon" or or potter’s or potter’sclay clay clay that that that has has has been been been turned turned (15:17), (15:17), salsal salsal salsal or or dry or dry dry ringing ringing clay clay clay(15:26) (15:26) and and and "al-fakkhar" "al-fakkhar" like like like pottery pottery shards shards shards (55:15). (55:15). We We We also also alsolearn learn learn that that that human human beings beings are are are created created from from from sulalah sulalah or or or an an anextract extract of of clay of clay clay (23:13). (23:13). In all In In all cases, all cases, cases, an an an essence essence of of the of the the earth earth earth is is ismixed mixed mixed with with with life-giving life-giving water water water to to make to make make the the the building building blocks blocks blocks of of ofman man man (25:55).(25:55).These These These references references show show show that that that the the the various various elements elements and and andsubstances: substances: minerals, minerals, vegetable vegetable or or or animal, animal, organic organic and and andinorganic, inorganic, that that that are are are on on on or or or in in the in the the earth, earth, earth, make make make up up up our our our body, body, body,grown grown grown on on on the the the earth. earth. earth. Indeed, Indeed, the the the clear clear clear message message is the is is the the humblehumble--cance, cance, cance, and and and that that that is only is is only only owing owing owing to to God’s to God’s God’s grace grace grace and and and mercy mercy mercy that that thathas has has made made made man man man a rational a rational being being being capable capable of greatness of of greatness in knowledgeedgeedge,morality morality and and and spirituality. spirituality. Being Being Being made made made from from from clay clay clay also also alsoin in knowl-be be be molded molded in in diverse in diverse ways ways ways to to to suit suit suit our our our environment, environment, the the thedemands demands of of of a new a new new age age age and and and myriad myriad other other other challenges challenges and and andcircumstances.circumstances.where where where after after after interacting interacting with with with its its receptors, its receptors, it transforms it it transforms into into into aablood blood blood clot, clot, clot, the the the alaqah, alaqah, which which which in turn in in turn turn becomes becomes an an an embryonicembryoniclump, lump, lump, muzghah muzghah embryo embryo grows grows grows to to have to have have azamaa azamaa or or bones or bones bones and and andlahma lahmalahma(23:14).(23:14).The The The Promised Promised Messiah(as) Messiah(as) explained explained in in in various various books, books, books, as as ascollected collected in the in in the the Tafseer Tafseer Vol.III Vol.III Vol.III that that that these these these six six stages six stages stages from from from dust dust dust to to tocreation. creation. These These These and and and subsequent subsequent stages stages stages of man’s of of man’s man’s physical physical developmenopmentin the in in the the womb womb womb are are are necessary necessary for for for ensuring ensuring the the the propor-propor-devel-develtiotiotionand and and viability viability of of the of the the fetus. fetus. fetus. We We We note note note that that that the the the heavens heavens and and andthe the the earth earth earth were were were created created in six in in six six periods. periods. (7:55 (7:55 (7:55 et seq) et et seq) seq) Also, Also, Also, these these thesestages stages stages correspond correspond to to the to the the six six six stages stages stages of of spiritual of spiritual progress progress as as asrevealed revealed in in earlier in earlier earlier verses verses verses (23: (23: (23: 3-9) 3-9) 3-9) The The The origin origin origin of of the of the the physicalphysicalfrom from from the the the lowly lowly lowly earth earth earth corresponds corresponds to to khushuh to khushuh or or humility or humility in in inprayer: prayer: just just just as as only as only only the the the most most most agile agile agile and and and viable viable viable sperm sperm sperm will will will be be bereceived received by by the by the the womb, womb, just just just as as the as the the most most most submissive submissive and and and attenstayinstayingaloof aloof aloof and and and away away away from from from all all all vain vain vain and and and idle idle idle things things things corre-corre-corre-atten-atten-‘i’razz ‘i’razz ‘i’razzsponds sponds to to to the the the second second stage, stage, stage, a blood a blood blood clot, clot, clot, which which which is is the is the thesperm-cell sperm-cell that that that is made is is made made stronger stronger and and and is now is is now now safe safe safe from from from other other otherimpurities. impurities. At At the At the the third third third stage stage stage of spiritual of of spiritual development development we we we have have haveworking working with with with zakat zakat zakat or or or by by by giving giving giving generously generously in charity. in in charity. On On Onthe the the physical physical side side side this this this development is is development of the of of the the blood blood blood clot clot clot into into into an an anembryonic embryonic lump lump lump by by by increasing increasing its its connection its connection with with with the the the womb womb wombSURA SURA SURA HAJJ HAJJ HAJJ and and and AL AL AL MOMINOON MOMINOON describe describe in in detail in detail detail the the the steps steps stepsand and and development development stages stages stages of of the of the the human human body. body. body. The The The product product of of ofearthly earthly materials materials nufta nufta nufta or or the or the the mingling mingling of of male of male male sperm sperm sperm and and and aafemale female ovum ovum ovum (76:2) (76:2) (76:2) is then is is then then placed placed in a in in safe a safe safe depository depository (23:14),(23:14),{38} {38}{38}MUSLIM MUSLIM SUNRISESUNRISE[2013] [2013][2013]

MUSLIMMUSLIMSUNRISE,SUNRISE,FALLFALL20132013AtAtthethefourthfourthstage,stage,thetheembryoembryodevelopsdevelopsaabonebonestructurestructurethatthatgivesgivesititstrength,strength,enablingenablingitittotoindependentindependentlife,life,andandthisthiscorrespondscorrespondstotothosethosewhowhoprotectprotecttheirtheirchastitychastityexceptexceptininpermittedpermittedthethespiritualspiritualrealmrealmisistotobebemindfulmindfulofofone’sone’struststrustsandandobligations.obligations.AccordingAccordingtotothethePromisedPromisedMessiah(Messiah(as),as),thisthisisislikeliketakingtakingupupthethegarmentsgarmentsofofTaqwaTaqwaororrighteousnessrighteousnessandandtakingtakingofofGodGodasasaaProtector,Protector,correspondingcorrespondingdirectlydirectlytotothetheclothingclothingofofthethebonesboneswithwithessentialessentialrequirementrequirementforforananindependentindependentexistence.existence.passionspassionsandandareareclothedclothedininraiment’sraiment’sofofpietypietyisistotoadvanceadvancewithwithaabeingbeingalwaysalwaysononguardguardandandprotectingprotectingtheirtheirsalaatsalaatexerciseexerciseofoftheirtheirdevotiondevotionandandworship.worship.TheThecounterpartcounterpartononthethephysicalphysicalcreationcreationofofbodybodyisisthethetransformationtransformationintointoanotheranothercreationcreationororhavinghavingaadistinctdistinctandandseparateseparateexistenceexistencefromfromthetheenvelopingenvelopingandandnurturingnurturingmother’smother’swomb.womb.HeHecreatescreatesyouyouininthethewombswombsofofyouryourmothers,mothers,creationcreationafteraftercreationcreationininthreefoldthreefolddarknessdarkness(39:7)(39:7)stages,stages,notnotonlyonlythethephysical,physical,butbutalsoalsoononaamoralmoralandandspiritualspiritualplane.plane.TheTheprocessprocesshashasseveralseveraltesttestandandqualityqualitycontrolcontrolstages.stages.TheThemanymanyinstancesinstancesofofmiscarriagesmiscarriagesmaymayresultresultfromfrombody’sbody’sdeterminationdeterminationtotoabortabortananunhealthyunhealthyororunviableunviablefetus.fetus.TheThe‘threefold‘threefolddarkness’darkness’maymaymean,mean,successively,successively,thethedarknessdarknessofofthethewomb,womb,ofofthetheenvelopingenvelopingembryonicembryonicmembranemembraneandandthethepre-natalpre-natalblindness.blindness.TheThethreefoldthreefolddarknessdarknessmaymayalsoalsomeanmeanthetheandandtotokeepkeepititsecuresecurefromfromphysicalphysicaldangerdangerandandfromfromharmfulharmfulAtAtseveralseveralplacesplacesthetheHolyHolyQur’anQur’anmentionsmentions"tasswiah""tasswiah"ororthetheactactofofcompleting,completing,perfecting,perfecting,makingmakinguniformuniformandandconsistentconsistentininparts,parts,totoputputaathingthingininrightrightororgoodgoodstate.state.“Who“Whocreatedcreatedyou,you,thenthenperfectedperfectedyouyouandandendowedendowedyouyouwithwithgreatgreatnaturalnaturalpowerspowersandandfacultiesfaculties(82:9).(82:9).WhoWhocreatescreatesandandgivesgivesititsuitablesuitableandandperfectperfectshape.shape.(88:3).(88:3).WeWeareareatatthisthisstagestagewherewhereAllahAllahhashascreatedcreatedbodybodyininminiature;miniature;ititisisnownowaaperfectperfectreceptaclereceptacleforforallallthetheattributes,attributes,qualities,qualities,capacitiescapacitiesandandcharacteristicscharacteristicsofofaahumanhumanbeing.being.ItItisisrelativelyrelativelyinert,inert,thoughthoughasasititdoesdoesnotnothavehavethethelifelifeforceforcethatthatwillwillenervateenervateandandactivateactivateit.it.InInthisthisverseversewewearearetoldtoldthatthatonceoncethethefetusfetushashasobtainedobtainedthisthisstatestateofofequilibriumequilibriumandandperfection,perfection,AllahAllahthroughthroughHisHisbenevolencebenevolenceandandblessingsblessingsinfusesinfusesininititHisHisroohroohororhishisbreathbreathofoflife.life.TheThePromisedPromisedMessiah(as)Messiah(as)ininthetheChasmaChasmaMaarifat,Maarifat,hashaswrittenwritteniningreatgreatdetaildetailaboutaboutthetheroohroohororthethesoul.soul.ItsItsoriginoriginisis"kalimatullah""kalimatullah"ororthetheblessedblessedWordWordofofGod.God.ItItisisbybyHisHiscommandcommandandandwewehavehavelittlelittleknowledgeknowledgeofofitit(17:86)(17:86)TheTheroohroohororthethesoulsoulisiscreatedcreatedandandinfusedinfusedwhenwhenthethestructurestructureisiscomplete.complete.ToToansweranswerthethequestionquestionwhetherwhetherthisthisspiritspiritisisthethesamesameroohroohororthethedivinedivinesoulsoulorordoesdoesitithavehaveaaseparateseparateexistence,existence,ititisisnotednotedthatthatininthetheverseverse“..follow“..followthethenaturenaturemademadebybyAllah,Allah,thethenaturenatureininwhichwhichHeHehashascreatedcreatedMankind”Mankind”(30:31)(30:31)aasimilarsimilarconstructionconstructionisisused.used.Therefore,Therefore,ititmaymaybebesurmisedsurmisedthatthatthetheroohroohororthethesoulsoulofofhumanhumanbeingsbeingsisisdesigneddesigned--ententqualitiesqualitiesandandcapabilities.capabilities.Indeed,Indeed,thetheroohroohororthethesoulsoulliesliesandandSoSowhenwhenIIhavehavefashionedfashionedhimhimininperfectionperfectionandandhavehavebreathedbreathedintointohimhimMyMyspiritspirit(15:30)(15:30)TheTheHolyHolyQur’anQur’anguidesguidesusustotoapproximateapproximatethethetimetimewhenwhenthethefetusfetustakestakesononananindependentindependentexistence:existence:WeWereadread“The“Themothersmothersshallshallgivegivesucksucktototheirtheirchildrenchildrenforfortwotwowholewholeyears”years”(2:234),(2:234),andand“…The“…Thebearingbearingofofhimhimandandhishisweaningweaningtakestakesthirtythirtymonths…”months…”(46:16).(46:16).ItItfollowsfollowsthatthatthethefetusfetushashasaaseparateseparateexistenceexistenceininthethemother’smother’sThisThisstagestageofofgivinggivingofof‘life’‘life’whenwhenaaforce,force,notnotunlikeunlikeelectricity,electricity,isismammals.mammals.TheTheactualactualinstanceinstancemaymayvaryvaryaccordingaccordingtotothethetermstermspeculiarpeculiartotoeacheachspecies.species.However,However,thisthisisisnotnotthethecasecaseforforhumanhumanbeings,beings,asastherethereyetyetremainsremainsthetheimpartingimpartingofofmanymanyotherotherfunctions:functions:intelligence,intelligence,emotions,emotions,speechspeechandandspirituality.spirituality.Indeed,Indeed,accordingaccordingtotomanymanycommentatorscommentatorsthetheprocessprocessofof”develop”developintointoanotheranothercreation”creation”impliesimpliesthethecompletioncompletionofofpregnancy,pregnancy,birth,birth,infancy,infancy,childhood,childhood,adulthoodadulthoodandandoldoldage;age;withwithitsitscounterpartscounterpartsininspirituality.spirituality.While the human body has been created by Allah in the mostWhile the human body has been created by Allah in the mostperfect form to suit all its needs and capable of meeting theperfect form to suit all its needs and capable of meeting thedemands and challenges that it must face during the course of itsdemands and challenges that it must face during the course of itsappointed life, He has also endowed upon it the soul, fashioned it inappointed life, He has also endowed upon it the soul, fashioned it inevereverMerciful,Merciful,isisforeverforeverunchangingunchangingwithoutwithoutanyanypossibilitypossibilityofofhumanhumanroohroohororsoulsoulhashasbeenbeengivengiventhetheoptionoptionofofdeviatingdeviatingfromfromthatthatnaturalnaturalpathpaththatthathashasbeenbeendesigneddesignedforforhimhimandandhehemaymayhurthurtandandharmharmhimself.himself.OnOnthetheotherotherhandhandbybyfollowingfollowingthetheguidanceguidanceofofthetheHolyHolyQur’anQur’anandandthethepracticepracticeofofProphetProphetMuhammad(sa),Muhammad(sa),maymayriserisetotoloftyloftyspiritualspiritualheights.heights.OurOurlastlastwordwordis:is:SoSoblessedblessedbebeAllah,Allah,thetheBestBestofofCreatorsCreators(23:15).(23:15).AllAllpraisepraiseisisdueduetotoAllah,Allah,thetheLordLordofofallallthetheWorldsWorlds{39}{39}MUSLIMMUSLIM SUNRISE SUNRISE [2013][2013]

MUSLIM SUNRISE, FALL 2013A Messiah for Our Time, By Khushwant SinghSource: The Telegraph Calcutta: A messiah of our time: KhushwantSinghPrejudice is like poison. Unless purged out of one’s mind inearly stages, it can spread like cancer and make one incapablekinds of prejudice, the worst is to believe that one’s ownreligion is superior to all others, which may be tolerated butnever taken seriously or accepted as equally valid as one’sown.Muslims are extremely sensitive to criticism of their Prophet. Apopular adage in Persian is: ba khuda diwaana basho, baMohammed hoshiar! — “say what you like about God, butbeware of what you say about Mohammed.” They regard himas the most perfect man who ever trod upon the earth, asuccessor of Adam, Moses, Noah, Abraham and Christ. He wasthe last of the prophets. If you honestly want to know howMuslims see him, you ought to take a good look at his life andteachings, which he claimed had been revealed to him by God.It would be as wrong to judge him by the doings of al-Qaidaand taliban or by the fatwas periodically pronounced byAyatollahs and half-baked mullahs. You do not judge Hinduismof the Vedas and Upanishads by the doings of Hindus who, inthe name of Hindutva, destroy mosques, murder missionariesand nuns, vandalize libraries and works of art. You do not judgethe teachings of the Sikh gurus by the utterances of JarnailSingh Bhindranwale and by the murder of innocents by hishooligans. Likewise, judge Mohammed by what he taught andstood for and not by what his so-called followers do in hisname.The most misunderstood of the major religions today is Islam,which, after Christianity, is the second most widely practicedreligion in the world. It also gains more converts than any ofthe other religions. Prejudice against Islam was spread inChristendom from the time Muslims gained dominance in theMiddle East, North Africa and Spain. Christian crusaders failedin their missions to crush Islam in its homeland but continuedto vilify its founder, Mohammed.The emergence of militant Islamic groups like al-Qaida andtaliban gave them reasons to do so. The attack on the WorldTrade Centre in New York and the Pentagon in Washington onIslam. Since then Islamophobia has been deliberately spreadthroughout the non-Muslim world. The two principle contentionsof the anti-Islamists are that Islam was spread by thesword and that its founder-prophet was not the paragon ofvirtue that Muslims make him out to be. It can be proved byhistorical evidence that Islam was not forced upon thethem new values, principally equality of mankind and rightsto women that were unheard of in those times. In countrieslike Indonesia and Malaysia, Islam was not forced on thepopulation by Muslim invaders but by Muslim missionaries.Mohammed was born in Mecca in 570 AD. He lost both hisparents while still a child and was brought up by his grandfatherand uncle. He managed the business of a widow, whomhe later married. She bore him six children. He took no otherwife until she died. He was 40 years old when he started havingrevelations while in trance. They proclaimed Mohammed asthe new messiah. Such revelation kept coming at random,sometimes dealing with problems at hand, at other times withmatters spiritual. They were memorized or written down by hisadmirers and became the Quran, which means recitation. Itshould be kept in mind that Mohammed was not preachingideas of his own but only reiterating most of what was alreadyin the Judaic creed. Allah was the Arabic name for God beforehim. Similarly, Islam was ‘surrender’ and salman was ‘peace’.Mecca was the main market city of the Bedouin tribes.{40}MUSLIM SUNRISE [2013]

MUSLIMMUSLIM SUNRISE,SUNRISE, FALLFALL 20132013TheyThey gatheredgatheredat atatthe thethe Kaaba,Kaaba,the thethe hugehuge courtyardcourtyard withwiththe thethe blackblackmeteoritemeteorite embeddedembeddedin ininit itit duringduring twotwo pilgrimagespilgrimages —the thethe biggerbiggerHaj HajHaj andandthe thethe lesserlesser Umrah.Umrah. MohammedMohammed acceptedaccepted JudaicJudaictraditionstraditions regardingregarding foodfood whichwhichis isis halaalhalaal (lawful)(lawful)or oror haraamharaamcircumcisioncircumcisionof ofof malemale children.children. MohammedMohammed onlyonly assertedassertedthe thetheonenessonenessof ofof GodGod thatthatdid diddidnot notnot acceptacceptof ofofany anyany equalequal suchsuchas asasthe thethenevernever forcedforced peoplepeopleto toto acceptaccepthis hishis faithfaith andand indeedindeed quotedquoted Allah’sAllah’smessagemessageof ofof freedomfreedomof ofof faith.faith. “There“There mustmustbe bebeno nono coercioncoercionin ininmattersmattersof ofof faithfaith —la lala ikraikraf’il f’ilf’il deen.”deen.” Further:Further: “And“Andif ifif GodGod hadhadso sosowilled,willed,He HeHe wouldwould havehave mademade youyouall allall oneone singlesingle command;command;but butbutHe HeHewilledwilled otherwiseotherwisein inin orderorderto toto testtest youyouby byby meansmeansof ofof whatwhatHe HeHehas hashasvouchsafedvouchsafed untounto you.you.Vie, Vie,Vie, thenthen withwith oneone anotheranotherin inin doingdoing goodgoodworks!”works!”As AsAs mightmight havehave beenbeen expected,expected, Mohammed’sMohammed’s missionmission rousedrousedhe hehe hadhad miraculouslymiraculously escaped.escaped. Ultimately,Ultimately,in inin 622622AD ADADhe hehe waswasHijra(emigration)Hijra(emigration) andand recognizedrecognizedas asasthe thethe beginningbeginningof ofofthe thethe MuslimMuslimcalendar.calendar. MeccansMeccans mademadea a fewfew attemptsattemptsto toto capturecapture MedinaMedinabut butbutwerewere ousted.ousted. MuslimMuslim armiesarmiesled ledledby byby MohammedMohammed triumphedtriumphed andandreturnedreturnedto toto MeccaMeccaas asas conquerors.conquerors.By ByBythe thethe timetime MohammedMohammed dieddiedin inin MedinaMedinain inin 632632AD, AD,AD,the thethe ArabianArabian peninsulapeninsula waswas unitedunitedas asasaaPat PatPat RobertsonRobertsonon onon HowHowTo ToTo HandleHandle DemonsDemonsin inin YourYour Home:Home:‘If ‘If‘IfIt ItIt WasWas Me,Me,I’d I’dI’d BurnBurn TheThe HouseHouse Down’Down’By ByBy CavanCavan SieczkowskiSieczkowskiTelevangelistTelevangelistPat PatPat RobertsonRobertsonis isisnot notnota afan fanfanof ofof demons,demons,so soso muchmuchso soso thatthathe hehe sayssaysif ifif oneoneof ofof thosethose ungodlyungodly creaturescreatures waswas hauntinghauntinghis hishis househouse he’dhe’d burnburnit itit down.down.On OnOn Tuesday’sTuesday’s episodeepisodeof ofofthe thethe ChristianChristian BroadcastingBroadcasting Network’sNetwork’s“700“700 Club,”Club,”the thethe 83-year-old83-year-old tooktooka a questionquestion fromfroma a viewerviewerlookinglookingfor forfor adviceadviceon onon whatwhatto totodo dodo aboutabouta a hauntedhaunted house.house.ApparentlyApparentlythe thethe homeownerhomeownerhas hashas noticednoticed somesome strangestrangehappenings.happenings.MostMostof ofofthe thethe ill-foundedill-founded criticismcriticism againstagainst MohammedMohammedis isis directeddirectedtowardstowardsthe thethe numbernumberof ofof womenwomenhe hehe marriedmarried afterafterthe thethe deathdeathof ofofhis hishisArabianArabian societysocietyof ofofthe thethe time.time. TribesTribes livedlivedby byby warringwarring againstagainst eacheachotherother andand lootinglooting caravans.caravans. ThereThere werewere heavyheavy casualtiescasualtiesof ofof men,men,creatingcreating seriousserious gendergender imbalance.imbalance. WidowsWidows andand orphansorphansof ofof menmenkilledkilled hadhadto totobe bebe providedprovided withwith homeshomes andand sustenance.sustenance. OtherwiseOtherwisetheythey tooktookto toto prostitutionprostitutionor oror begging.begging.So SoSo theythey werewere givengivenprotectionprotectionby byby beingbeing takentakenin inin marriages.marriages. Also,Also, matrimonialmatrimonialtribes.tribes. MohammedMohammeddid diddid nothingnothingnot notnot acceptableacceptableto totohis hishis people.people.He HeHelimitlimitto toto four,four, providedprovideda a manman couldcould keepkeepall allallof ofofhis hishis wiveswives equallyequallyhappyhappy — whichwhich waswas mostmost unlikely.unlikely. TheThe pertinentpertinent verseversein ininthe thetheQuranQuran reads:reads: “And“Andif ifif youyou havehave reasonreasonto toto fearfear youyou mightmightnot notnotact actactequitablyequitably towardstowards orphans,orphans, thenthen marrymarry fromfrom amongamong otherotherwomenwomen whowhoare areare lawfullawfulto toto you,you, eveneven twotwoor oror threethreeor oror four;four;but butbutif ififyouyou havehave reasonreasonto toto fearfear youyou mightmightnot notnotbe bebe ableableto toto treattreat themthem withwithequalequal fairness,fairness, thenthen onlyonly one.”one.” BearBearin inin mindmind thatthatat atat thatthat timetimepolygamypolygamy waswasthe thethe normnormin inin patriarchalpatriarchal societiessocietiesall allall overoverthe thetheworld.world.To make a beginning in clearing your mind of anti-Muslim prejudices,To To make a beginning in in clearing your mind of of anti-Muslim prejudices,I I suggestsuggest youyou readread KarenKaren Armstrong’sArmstrong’s Muhammad:Muhammad:AAProphetProphetfor forfor OurOur Time.Time. ArmstrongArmstrongis isisthe thethe leadingleading writerwriteron ononcomparativecomparative religionsreligions today.today. SheSheis isisnot notnot Muslim.Muslim.TheThe viewerviewer wrote:wrote:My MyMy househouseis isis haunted.haunted. ThereThereis isis moaningmoaning comingcoming fromfromthe thethetherethereis isis sometimessometimesa a creepycreepy fog.fog. TheThe ghostsghosts looklooklike likelike people,people,but butbut havehave darkdark blueblue lightlight aroundaround theirtheir feetfeet andand hands.hands. WhatWhatdo dodoI Ido?do?Robertson’sRobertson’s shortshort answeranswerto toto thisthis demondemon problem?problem?LightLightit ititup. up.up.“I “I“I thinkthinkif ififit itit waswas me,me,I’d I’dI’d burnburnthe thethe househouse downdown andand movemove on,”on,”he hehebelievebelievein inin ghosts.ghosts.I Idon’tdon’t thinkthinkthe thethe BibleBible supportssupportsthe thethe conceptconceptof ofof peoplepeople comingcoming backbackto toto haunthaunt houses.houses. …But ButButI do Idodo believebelievein inindemons.demons. TheThe BibleBible clearlyclearly sayssays there’sthere’s fallenfallen angelsangels andand thesethesedemonicdemonic forces.”forces.”“You“You needneedto totoget getget peoplepeopleto toto comecome andanddo dodoan anan exorcismexorcism overoverthatthat property,”property,”he hehe advised,advised, “and“and commandcommand thosethose demonsdemonsto totoleave.leave.That’sThat’s whatwhat youyoudo. do.do. YouYou taketake authorityauthorityin ininthe thethe namenameof ofof Jesus.Jesus.AndAndif ifif youyou can’tcan’tdo dodo that,that, move.”move.”demonicdemonic forcesforcesin inin everydayeveryday things.things.{41}{41} {41}MUSLIMMUSLIM SUNRISE SUNRISE [2013][2013]

MUSLIMMUSLIMSUNRISE,SUNRISE,FALLFALL20132013ChangingChangingfaiths:faiths:HispanicHispanicAmericansAmericansleavingleavingCatholicismCatholicismforforIslamIslamWithWithmoremorethanthan5050millionmillionHispanicsHispanicslivinglivingininthetheUS,US,thetheLatinoLatinocommunitycommunityisisnownowthethecountry'scountry'sbiggestbiggestminority.minority.WhileWhilemostmostarearebroughtbroughtupupwithinwithinthetheCatholicCatholicChurch,Church,aanumbernumberofofthemthemareareturningturningtotoIslam.Islam.CensusCensusdoesdoesnotnotcollectcollectreligiousreligiousdata,data,butbutestimatesestimatesforforthethenumbernumberofofLatinoLatinoMuslimsMuslimsvaryvarybetweenbetween100,000100,000andand200,000.200,000.TheTheBBC'sBBC'sKatyKatyWatsonWatsonwentwenttotoUnionUnionCityCityininNewNewJerseyJersey--wherewherethethepopulationpopulationisismoremorethanthan80%80%HispanicHispanic--totomeetmeetsomesomeconverts.converts.Altered States is a series of video features published every Wednesday on theAltered States is a series of video features published every Wednesday on theBBC News website which examines how shifting demographics and economicBBC News website which examines how shifting demographics and economic{42}{42}MUSLIMMUSLIM SUNRISE SUNRISE [2013][2013]

MUSLIM SUNRISE, FALL 2013PERSPPride of SuccessFall 2013 IssueFalahud Din ShamsECTIVEI hate golf. I tried it a few times, but I’d be lyin’ if I said it wasn’tpainful. But the buffet at the club…now we’re talking. I have toconfess…I simply don’t have the patience for the game, and theaccountant in me keeps telling me that the benefit-to-effortratio just ain’t worth it. So after contemplating over whatappeared to be countless hours of wasted time on the course, Icame to the conclusion that men play golf just to get away fromtheir wives. Women play it so they can keep their eyes on theirhusbands or just to get evenexcitement. The joy of hitting a tiny ball into a hole, and theexercise of getting in and out of the bump-cart doesn’t justifythe time and expense associated with this game. Even when Iplay golf, I don’t keep score. I tell my fellow golfers that I play forfun and not for winning or losing, but then again, who am Ikidding? They know and I know why I don’t. Besides, whyincrease blood pressure by keeping score? It kind of goesagainst the idea of healthier living through playing a sport. I hita birdie once. I was more surprised than anyone else on thegreen.The priest replied, “Because you’re not as good a putter as I am.”It is ironic when people pray for something and their prayer isanswered, they turn around and credit it to themselves. Theystart to believe that the success they achieved was because ofthe next time they need to pray. On the other hand, believe me;I have seen some extraordinary business success stories bysome people who weren't exactly the sharpest knives in the drawer.There was something beyond their success.There was this man who went to his high school reunion. He wasappalled to learn that the guy who graduated at the bottom ofthe class was exceptionally successful. So he asked him how hedid it. The guy told him that he has a very simple businessmodel. He sells only one item which is a small metal ring that isused in all the cars. He buys it for one cent each and sells it forfour cents. He further explained,” You just can’t beat the 25%The Holy Qur’an comments upon people’s behavior in thefollowing verse:The story goes that a man was playing golf with his priest. Theyboth did okay on the thoroughfare. When they got to the green,the priest kneeled down and prayed. The green is where youlose most of the points. He got up and with his putter took ashot. It went in the hole as if it had eyes. The priest exulted withpride. His friend asked him, “Father! Would that work for me?”The priest said, “No.”His friend asked, “Why not?’“And when trouble touches man, he cries unto Us. But when Webestow on him a favor from Us, he says, ‘This has been given tome on account of my own knowledge.’ Nay, it is only a trial; butmost of them know not” [39:50].I have seen many business people pray for their success. Godbestows on them exceptional results. It does not take any timefor them to boast to their associates how they achieved thegood results. How hard they worked and that “luck” had somethingto do with it but not that much. Amazingly, they try toavoid the word “God.” That is precisely what God has talkedabout in the above verse.{43}MUSLIM SUNRISE [2013]

MUSLIMMUSLIMSUNRISE,SUNRISE,FALLFALL20132013ThroughoutThroughoutthetheHolyHolyQur’an,Qur’an,GodGodhashastoldtoldususthatthatthetheawardawardofofwealthwealthtotohumanhumanbeingsbeingsisisaatrialtrialandandaatest.test.ItItisisoneonewaywaytotojudgejudgetoughtoughtrial.trial.AsAsaamattermatterofoffact,fact,thetheHolyHolyProphetProphetMuhammad(sa)Muhammad(sa)hashasexplainedexplainedthatthatthethetrialtrialofofwealthwealthisismuchmuchtoughertougherthanthanthethetrialtrialofofpoverty.poverty.theirtheircharactercharacterandandtheirtheirspiritualspiritualstatus.status.JustJustthethenotionnotionthatthatone’sone’ssuccesssuccessdiddidnotnotresultresultfromfromprayersprayersisisananindicationindicationofofarrogancearroganceandandpride.pride.InInbusiness,business,theretherearearenumer-numer-employees,employees,technology,technology,governmentalgovernmentalregulations,regulations,seasonalseasonalresultsresultsinineithereitherdirection.direction.AAperson’sperson’segoegohashastotobebehuge,huge,notnottotomentionmentiondelusional,delusional,totoreallyreallybelievebelievethatthathehehadhadallallthosethosefactorsfactorsinincontrolcontrolandandbecamebecamesuccessfulsuccessfulallallononhishisown.own.God has guided us how to handle our money. The IRS does notGod has guided us how to handle our money. The IRS does notcare how and what we spend our money on as long as we pay ourcare how and what we spend our money on as long as we pay ourtaxes, but God cares. He explains to us what we should spend ourtaxes, but God cares. He explains to us what we should spend ourmoney on and what we should not spend on.money on and what we should not spend on.ToTobebefairfairtotothethepriest,priest,however,however,IImustmustsaysaythatthathehehadhadaapointpointWe are to share our wealth with the poor, the needy, the widows,We are to share our wealth with the poor, the needy, the widows,orphans, travelers and our family and relatives. They may not beorphans, travelers and our family and relatives. They may not beas needy of receiving our money, as we are in need of giving it toas needy of receiving our money, as we are in need of giving it tothem in exchange for the blessings of God. We are not to wastethem in exchange for the blessings of God. We are not to wasteour money on gambling, alcohol and other prohibited foods andour money on gambling, alcohol and other prohibited foods andactivities. The poor may not have all these options. Most of theiractivities. The poor may not have all these options. Most of theirmoney is exhausted on basic necessities, and their obligations tomoney is exhausted on basic necessities, and their obligations toGod are limited. The rich have so many opportunities to slipGod are limited. The rich have so many opportunities to slip andandincurincurthethedispleasuredispleasureofofGod.God.andandhardhardworkworkisisaarequirementrequirementandandgoesgoeshandhandininhandhandwithwithprayers.prayers.YouYoujustjustcan’tcan’tpraypraytotoGodGodandandhophopintointothethecockpitcockpitofofaaBoeingBoeing777777plane.plane.YouYouneedneedtototaketakelessons,lessons,practicepracticeandandbookbookaaMaybeMaybehishisfriendfrienddidn’tdidn’tcarecaretotoinvestinvestenoughenoughininhimself,himself,andandtrulytrulywaswasaalousylousyputter.putter.OnOnthethebrighterbrighterside,side,he’she’salwaysalwayswelcomewelcometotoThankingThankingGodGodforforwhateverwhateverweweachieveachieveisisthethesuresurewaywaytotofurtherfurtherouroursuccess.success.PassingPassingourourteststestsandandtrialstrialsisisthethekey.key.SuccessSuccessisisaatoughtoughroad.road.SoSomanymanyfollowfollowthethefootstepsfootstepsofofPharoah,Pharoah,andandoverlookoverlookthethepathpath Moses(as)Moses(as) trod.trod.ThatThatisiswhywhythetheBibleBibleandandthetheHolyHolyQur’anQur’ancautioncautionthatthatititisiseasiereasierforforaacamelcameltotogogothroughthroughthetheeyeeyeofofaaneedle,needle,thanthanaarichrichmanmantotoenterenterintointothetheKingdomKingdomofofHeaven.Heaven.{44}{44}MUSLIMMUSLIM SUNRISE SUNRISE [2013][2013]

"When the Prophet got up to pray at night he used to start hisprayer with the words: 'O Allah, Lord of Jibreel, Mikaa'eel andIsraafeel, Creator of heaven and earth, Knower of the unseenand the seen, You are the Judge of the matters in which Yourslaves differ; guide me with regard to disputed matters ofTruth by Your permission, for You guide whomever You will tothe Straight Path.'""'The way that each of you is created is that he is gathered inhis mother's womb for forty days as a sperm drop, and thenfor a similar length of time as a blood-clot, and then for a similarlength of time as a lump of flesh. Then an angel is sent andhe breathes the spirit into (the foetus), and is charged withfour commands: to write down his provision, his life-span, hisactions, and whether he will be wretched or happy.'"