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

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

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www.muslimsunrise.com

The Muslim Sunrise is published by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, USA, 15000 Good Hope Road, Silver Spring, MD 20905, Phone 301.879.0110, Fax 301.879.0115, under the auspices of Dr. Ahsanullah Zafar, Ameer and National Editor President. The views and opinions expressed by individual contributers in this Falahud Din Shams publication do not necessarily re ect the views of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, USA.

Editorial Board The Muslim Sunrise welcomes letters to the editor, questions and submis- Imam Mubasher Ahmad sions. Email us at [email protected] or go online to www.MuslimSun- Dr. Shanaz Butt rise.com Hasan Hakeem Library of Congress Call Number BP195.A5 M8

Sta Editors Mailing Address: Maham Khan Atif Mir The Muslim Sunrise, Naser Shams 15000 Good Hope Road, Silver Spring, MD 20905, Phone: 301.879.0110, Sta Writers Fax: 301.879.0115. Lubna Malik Dr. Zia H. Shah Muslims follow the name of God’s prophets with the prayer alaehis salaam or Shazia Sohail ‘may peace be upon him,’ and for the Holy Prophet Muhammad, sallallahu alaehi wasallam or ‘may peace and blessings of God be upon him.’ Compan- ions of prophets and righteous personalities who have passed away are salut- Design/Layout ed by radhi-Allaho anhu/a or ‘may Allah be pleased with him/her.” While such Naveed Ahmad Malik salutations sometimes are not set out in the text for readability, we encour- age readers to oer these prayers as if set out in full. Website Muneeb Ahmad Dr. Mufti Muhammad Sadiq (1872-1957) was the rst Ahmadiyya Muslim mission- ary to arrive in America. In 1921, he Circulation founded the Muslim Sunrise, which Mubashar A. Khan stands today as the longest running Muslim publication in America. The magazine seeks to open discussions on Islam and topics relating to religion in general. It highlights the role of Islam in an ever changing global society. It provides a platform for public opinion on contemporary issues and presenting their solutions from an Islamic perspective. e Ahmadiyya Muslim Community

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community is a religious organization, international in its scope, with branches in 195 countries in Africa, North America, South America, Asia, Australasia, and Europe. The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community was established in 1889 by Hadrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad(as) (1835-1908) in Qadian, a small and remote village in the Punjabi province of India. He claimed to be the expected reformer of the latter days, the Awaited One of the world community of religions (The Mahdi and Messiah).

The Movement he started is an embodiment of the benevolent message of Islam – peace, universal brotherhood, 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 right path” (98:6). The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community was created under divine guidance with the objec- tive to rejuvenate Islamic moral and spiritual values. It encourages interfaith dialogue, diligently defends Islam and tries to correct misunderstandings about Islam in the West. It advocates peace, tolerance, love and understanding among followers of di erent faiths. It rmly believes in and acts upon the Qur’anic teaching:

“There is no compulsion in religion” (2:257).

It strongly rejects violence and terrorism in any form and for any reason.After the passing of its founder, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community has been headed by his elected successors. The present Head of the Community, Hadrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, was elected in 2003. His ocial title is Khalifat-ul-Masih V or Fifth Successor of the Promised Messiah.

www.alislam.org Hadrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifat-ul-Masih V Fall 2013 • Volume 94 • Issue 2 Issue • 94 Volume • 2013 Fall Fall 2013 • Volume 94 • Issue 2

In is Issue is In In is Issue The Story of Adam and the Angels 8 8 Angels the and Adam of Story The Departments Departments The Story of Adam and the Angels 8 Shahina Bashir Shahina Shahina Bashir

Need of Angels 10 10 Angels of Need (6) Editorial Editorial (6) Need of Angels 10 Malaikat-ul-Lah) from chapter a of translation (English (English translation of a chapter from Malaikat-ul-Lah) Shermeen Butt Shermeen (15) Corner Poetry Poetry Corner (15) Shermeen Butt From the Archives (31) Archives the From From the Archives (31) Nature of Angels 12 Angels of Nature Nature of Angels 12 as explained by the Promised Messiah Messiah Promised the by explained as (40) Reviews and Views News, News, Views and Reviews (40) as explained by the Promised Messiah Imam Mubashar Ahmad Mubashar Imam (43) Perspective Perspective (43) Imam Mubashar Ahmad Book Review: 16 Review: Book Book Review: 16 " " Malaikat-ul-Lah " "Malaikat-ul-Lah" by Hadrat Mirza Bashir-ud-Din Mahmud Ahmad Ahmad Mahmud Bashir-ud-Din Mirza Hadrat by by Hadrat Mirza Bashir-ud-Din Mahmud Ahmad Imam Rizwan Khan Rizwan Imam Imam Rizwan Khan

Angels and the Throne of God 19 19 God of Throne the and Angels Angels and the Throne of God 19 Imam Mubashar Ahmad Mubashar Imam Imam Mubashar Ahmad

Angels and Mystical Orders 20 20 Orders Mystical and Angels Angels and Mystical Orders 20 (Su sm and Kabbalah) Kabbalah) and (Su sm (Su sm and Kabbalah) Aasim Ahmad Aasim Aasim Ahmad

The Art of Sprituality 23 Sprituality of Art The The Art of Sprituality 23 We mgr nie dlty idolatry) invites imagery (When (When imagery invites idolatry) Naser-ud-Din Shams Naser-ud-Din Naser-ud-Din Shams

Functions of the Archangels 27 27 Archangels the of Functions Functions of the Archangels 27 (Gabriel, Michael, Izrael and Isra el) Isra el) and Izrael Michael, (Gabriel, (Gabriel, Michael, Izrael and Isra el) Irtaza Khalid Khalid Irtaza Irtaza Khalid

h xsac fGada nes 29 Angels Guardian of Existance The The Existance of Guardian Angels 29 Rabia Salim Rabia Rabia Salim

Jinns and Demons 34 34 Demons and Jinns Jinns and Demons 34 Zia Shah Zia Zia Shah

Fallen Angels 36 36 Angels Fallen Fallen Angels 36 Andleeb Ahmed Andleeb Andleeb Ahmed

h oyQr’ nte 38 the on Qura’n Holy The The Holy Qura’n on the 38 Creation of Body and Soul Soul and Body of Creation Creation of Body and Soul Naeem Rathore Rathore Naeem Naeem Rathore

1.800.Why.Islam 1.800.Why.Islam

Naeem Rathore Naeem Rathore Rathore Naeem

Creation of Body and Soul Creation of Body and Soul Soul and Body of Creation

The Holy Qura’n on the 38 h oyQr’ nte 38 the on Qura’n Holy The

Andleeb Ahmed Andleeb Ahmed Andleeb

Fallen Angels 36 Fallen Angels 36 36 Angels Fallen

Zia Shah Zia Shah Zia

Jinns and Demons 34 Jinns and Demons 34 34 Demons and Jinns

Rabia Salim Rabia Salim Rabia

The Existance of Guardian Angels 29 h xsac fGada nes 29 Angels Guardian of Existance The

Irtaza Khalid Irtaza Khalid Khalid Irtaza

(Gabriel, Michael, Izrael and Isra el) (Gabriel, Michael, Izrael and Isra el) Isra el) and Izrael Michael, (Gabriel,

Functions of the Archangels 27 Functions of the Archangels 27 27 Archangels the of Functions

Naser-ud-Din Shams Naser-ud-Din Shams Naser-ud-Din

(When imagery invites idolatry) We mgr nie dlty idolatry) invites imagery (When

The Art of Sprituality 23 The Art of Sprituality 23 Sprituality of Art The

Aasim Ahmad Aasim Ahmad Aasim

(Su sm and Kabbalah) (Su sm and Kabbalah) Kabbalah) and (Su sm

Angels and Mystical Orders 20 Angels and Mystical Orders 20 20 Orders Mystical and Angels

Imam Mubashar Ahmad Imam Mubashar Ahmad Mubashar Imam

Angels and the Throne of God 19 Angels and the Throne of God 19 19 God of Throne the and Angels

Imam Rizwan Khan Imam Rizwan Khan Rizwan Imam

by Hadrat Mirza Bashir-ud-Din Mahmud Ahmad by Hadrat Mirza Bashir-ud-Din Mahmud Ahmad Ahmad Mahmud Bashir-ud-Din Mirza Hadrat by

"Malaikat-ul-Lah" " " Malaikat-ul-Lah "

Book Review: 16 Book Review: 16 Review: Book

Perspective (43) Perspective (43) Perspective

Imam Mubashar Ahmad Imam Mubashar Ahmad Mubashar Imam

News, Views and Reviews (40) News, Views and Reviews (40) Reviews and Views News, as explained by the Promised Messiah as explained by the Promised Messiah Messiah Promised the by explained as

Nature of Angels 12

Nature of Angels 12 Angels of Nature

From the Archives (31) From the Archives (31) Archives the From

Shermeen Butt Shermeen Butt Shermeen

Poetry Corner (15) Poetry Corner (15) (15) Corner Poetry

(English translation of a chapter from Malaikat-ul-Lah) Malaikat-ul-Lah) from chapter a of translation (English

Need of Angels 10 Need of Angels 10 10 Angels of Need Editorial (6) Editorial (6) (6) Editorial

Shahina Bashir Shahina Bashir Shahina Departments Departments

The Story of Adam and the Angels 8 The Story of Adam and the Angels 8 8 Angels the and Adam of Story The

In is Issue In is Issue is In

Fall 2013 • Volume 94 • Issue 2 Fall 2013 • Volume 94 • Issue 2 Issue • 94 Volume • 2013 Fall

Fall 2013 • Volume 94 • Issue 2 Issue • 94 Volume • 2013 Fall Fall 2013 • Volume 94 • Issue 2

In is Issue is In In is Issue The Story of Adam and the Angels 8 8 Angels the and Adam of Story The Departments Departments The Story of Adam and the Angels 8 Shahina Bashir Shahina Shahina Bashir

Angels and the Throne of God 19 19 God of Throne the and Angels Angels and the Throne of God 19 Imam Mubashar Ahmad Mubashar Imam Imam Mubashar Ahmad

Angels and Mystical Orders 20 20 Orders Mystical and Angels Angels and Mystical Orders 20 (Su sm and Kabbalah) Kabbalah) and (Su sm (Su sm and Kabbalah) Aasim Ahmad Aasim Aasim Ahmad

h xsac fGada nes 29 Angels Guardian of Existance The The Existance of Guardian Angels 29 Rabia Salim Rabia Rabia Salim

Jinns and Demons 34 34 Demons and Jinns Jinns and Demons 34 Zia Shah Zia Zia Shah

Fallen Angels 36 36 Angels Fallen Fallen Angels 36 Andleeb Ahmed Andleeb Andleeb Ahmed

h oyQr’ nte 38 the on Qura’n Holy The The Holy Qura’n on the 38 Creation of Body and Soul Soul and Body of Creation Creation of Body and Soul Naeem Rathore Rathore Naeem Naeem Rathore

1.800.Why.Islam 1.800.Why.Islam MUSLIM SUNRISE, FALL 2013

(Al-Fatir -2)

[35:2] All praise belongs to Allah, the Maker of the heavens and the earth, Who employs the angels as messengers, having wings, two, three, and four. He adds to His creation whatever He pleases; for Allah has power over all things.

SUNRISE { 4 } MUSLIM[2013] MUSLIM SUNRISE, FALL 2013

ANGELS DESCEND WITH THE ADVENT OF A KHALIFAH

(“Fath-e-Islam,” Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 3, pp. 12-13, Footnote.)

Someone might wonder what is the meaning of the These angels are not something separate from God’s khali- descent of angels? It is the way of Allah that when a fah. They are the light of His countenance and they are the messenger or a prophet or a muhaddath descends from bright signs of His resolve who, by their magnetic power, heaven for the reform of people, such angels descend draw to themselves everyone who is in accord with them with him who convey guidance to eager hearts and whether physically he is near or far, or whether he is incline them towards good, and they continue their known or is a stranger, and is even unaware of the name of descent until the darkness of disbelief and misguidance the khalifah. is removed and the dawn of faith and righteousness appears. As Allah the Glorious says: Whatever movement towards good takes place at the time and whatever eagerness for the acceptance of truth “Therein descend angels and the Spirit with their Lord’s is generated, whether in the people of Asia, or of Europe, decrees concerning everything. Peace---so will it be or of America, is manifested through the urging of the even at the rising of the dawn.” (97:5-6) angels that descend with God’s khalifah. This is Divine law which never changes and is easy to understand. Thus the descent of angels and of the Holy Spirit from heaven takes place when a great personality invested with the robe of khilafah and honored with the word of God descends to the earth. Such a one is specially bestowed the Holy Spirit and the angels who accompa- ny him descend on the eager hearts of the whole world. Then, wherever people possessing appropriate capacity are found, the re ection of that light falls upon them and a glow spreads over the whole universe. Through the holy in uence of the angels good ideas surge up in the hearts and the Unity of God becomes dear. A spirit of the truth-loving and truth-seeking is breathed into hearts that are straightforward, and the weak are strengthened and a wind begins to blow which helps the purpose and goal of that reformer. By the urging of a hidden hand, people begin to move towards goodness and a movement starts among nations. Then the ignorant ones imagine that the ideas of the world have of themselves taken a turn in the direction of truth, but in reality it is the doing of the angels who descend from heaven with God’s khalifah and bestow extraordinary powers for accepting and understanding the truth.

They awaken those who are asleep, and alert those who are heedless, and open the ears of the deaf, and breathe the spirit of life into the dead and pull out those who are in graves. Then suddenly, people begin to open their eyes and their hearts begin to perceive those matters which were previously hidden.

SUNRISE { 5 } MUSLIM[2013] MUSLIM SUNRISE, FALL 2013 MUSLIM SUNRISE, FALL 2013

FALLFALL 20132013 Belief in angels is one of the six articles of faith prescribed for In the modern era, Hadrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad(as), found- everyBelief Muslim. in angels The is oneHoly of Qur’an the six mentionsarticles of faithangels, prescribed some by for erIn of the the modern Ahmadiyya era, HadratMuslim Mirza Community Ghulam provided Ahmad(as), detailed found - name,every their Muslim. functions The Holy and theirQur’an being mentions in service angels, of God. some The by knowledgeer of the Ahmadiyya about the working Muslim ofCommunity the angels. provided His knowledge detailed veryname, rst their revelation functions to Holyand theirProphet being Muhammad(sa) in service of God. came The wasknowledge based on aboutpersonal the experiences working of andthe angels.bears the His conviction knowledge throughvery rst the revelation angel Gabriel. to Holy This Prophet occurred Muhammad(sa) when the Holy came ofwas certainty, based onas opposedpersonal experiencesto the fairy talesand bears and fablesthe conviction we so Prophet(sa)through the was angel unaware Gabriel. that heThis was occurred to become when a messen the Holy- oftenof certainty, hear. Not as opposedonly did tohe the personally fairy tales experience and fables wethis so gerProphet(sa) of God. He was clearly unaware saw the that angel he andwas describedto become him a messen to his - interactionoften hear. with Not angels, only his did teachings he personally and prayers experience produced this wifeger and of God. the Hewords clearly that saw were the spoken angel and by him.described Every himMuslim to his companionsinteraction andwith disciplesangels, his whose teachings spiritual and prayerscaliber allowedproduced haswife a rm and belief the words in the that existence were spoken of angels by andhim. theirEvery impor Muslim- thecompanions same. The existenceand disciples of angels whose is spiritualintimately caliber tied toallowed the tancehas ain rm being belief a connection in the existence with God. of angels and their impor- existencethe same. of TheGod existence and is therefore, of angels fundamental is intimately totied under to the- tance in being a connection with God. standingexistence the of universal God and order is therefore, of God. fundamental Through His toangels, under - So many righteous people in addition to the prophets of Godstanding sustains the theuniversal continual order operational of God. Through systems His within angels, GodSo havemany attested righteous to the people existence in addition of the angels to the throughout prophets of nature,God sustainsand provides the continual the means operational by which systems humanity within is theGod history have attestedof religion. to the All existence religions of have the angels mentioned throughout the guidednature, to andeventually provides achieve the ameans union withby which its Creator. humanity is existencethe history and theof religion.functions All of angelsreligions in onehave form mentioned or another. the guided to eventually achieve a union with its Creator. Theirexistence description and the may functions vary from of religionangels in to one religion form butor another. there The story of Adam(as) in the Holy Qur’an mentions the is Theirno doubt description that all mayreligions vary believefrom religion in their to existence. religion but Some there angelsThe storyas key of players Adam(as) in the in discussionthe Holy Qur’an about makingmentions him the religionsis no doubt have that even all gonereligions so farbelieve as to in worship their existence. the angels. Some theangels successor as key of playersGod on inearth. the discussionThis is where about the distinctionmaking him Evenreligions the faiths have thateven existed gone soin pre-historicfar as to worship times thehave angels. left betweenthe successor Iblis (Lucifer) of God andon earth. the angels This is iswhere made. the Angels distinction are impressionsEven the faiths about that the angelsexisted through in pre-historic art forms. times have left describedbetween asIblis the (Lucifer) servants and of the God, angels having is made. no choice Angels of are impressions about the angels through art forms. disobedience,described as and the Iblisservants being of the God, entity having that no de es choice the of commandsdisobedience, of God. and Human Iblis beingbeings the were entity given that the choicede es tothe followcommands the behavior of God. of Human angels, beings unquestionable were given obedience the choice to to God,follow or tothe follow behavior Iblis of and angels, defy unquestionableand ignore the obediencecommand- to mentsGod, ofor God. to follow Iblis and defy and ignore the commandments of God. Islam has presented extensive details about the function of angelsIslam throughhas presented the Holy extensive Qur’an detailsand the about ah-Hadith the function (quota- of tionsangels of the through Holy Prophetthe Holy Muhammad(sa)). Qur’an and the ah-HadithIn this issue, (quota we - havetions compiled of the Holy various Prophet articles Muhammad(sa)). to present readers In this with issue, the we Islamichave viewpointcompiled variousabout angels. articles In tothe present modern readers times, peoplewith the hesitateIslamic toviewpoint talk about about angels angels. because In the modern it may times,sound people like unscienti chesitate to gibberish. talk about The angels knowledge because of theit may unseen sound may like embarrassunscienti c those gibberish. who have The not knowledge experienced of it,the but unseen it cannot may refuteembarrass the existence those who of this have creation not experienced of Allah. it, but it cannot refute the existence of this creation of Allah. It is our hope that this material will give some guidance to interestedIt is our hopereaders that about this materialthe existence will give of angels. some guidanceIt will also to shedinterested some light readers on someabout currentthe existence beliefs of such angels. as guardian It will also angels,shed theirsome roles light and on thesome Islamic current viewpoint beliefs aboutsuch as them. guardian angels, their roles and the Islamic viewpoint about them.

SUNRISE { 6 } MUSLIM[2013] SUNRISE { 6 } MUSLIM[2013] MUSLIM SUNRISE, FALL 2013 MUSLIM SUNRISE, FALL 2013

Jumu’ahJumu’ah SermonSermon SynopsisSynopsis DeliveredDelivered byby HadratHadrat MirzaMirza MasroorMasroor AhmadAhmad onon AugustAugust 9,9, 20132013

Objections are raised about Islam today that God forbid, it is a He said it is easy to be kind and generous to the enemy but it is Objectionsharsh, extremist are raised faith. about Recently Islam someone today that wrote God in forbid,the USA it thatis a Hemost said dicult it is easy to protectto be kind the and rights generous of the enemy to the andenemy to stay but rmit is harsh,Friday extremistis a day of faith. disorder Recently in Islam someone and raised wrote many in the other USA objec that- moston justice dicult in disagreements,to protect the rights contests of the etc. enemy and onlyand tothe stay gallant rm Fridaytions against is a day Islam.of disorder in Islam and raised many other objec- oncan justice practice in disagreements,this. Most people contests can show etc. andlove only to their the gallantenemy tions against Islam. canand practicedo sweet-talking this. Most with people them can but show go on love to usurp to their their enemy rights. Our Jama’at contacted the publication which published the and do sweet-talking with them but go on to usurp their rights. Ourpiece Jama’at and one contacted of our theyoung publication men wrote which a goodpublished piece the in The promises we make in our covenant of Bai’at are, rstly that pieceresponse and explaining one of our the youngbeautiful men teaching wrote ofa Islam,good objectives piece in Thewe promisesshall abstain we makefrom inshirk our (associationcovenant of Bai’atof any are, partner rstly thatwith responseof Islamic explaining teaching theand beautiful objectives teaching of Friday of Islam, in Islam. objectives Hazrat weGod) shall right abstain up to thefrom day shirk of our (association death. That of we any shall partner keep awaywith ofKhalifat-ul-Masih Islamic teaching has and further objectives instructed of Friday them in Islam. on how Hazrat to God)from rightfalsehood, up to thefornication, day of our adultery, death. That trespasses we shall ofkeep the away eye, Khalifat-ul-Masihcompose articles hasin this further regard. instructed Bearing witness/testifyingthem on how to is fromdebauchery, falsehood, dissipation, fornication, cruelty, adultery, dishonesty, trespasses mischief of the eye,and composerequired whenarticles there in this is a problemregard. Bearing between witness/testifying two parties so that is debauchery,rebellion; and dissipation, will not be cruelty,carried awaydishonesty, by passions. mischief That and we requiredthe reality when of the there matter is a problemis clari ed between and dispensing two parties of justice so that is rebellion;shall regularly and oerwill not the be ve carried daily Prayers away andby passions. invoke Durud That andwe themade reality easy. of However, the matter if the is clari ed very testimony and dispensing is false, itof is justice possible is shallroutinely regularly ask oerfor God’sthe ve forgiveness daily Prayers and and will invoke remember Durud and His madethat the easy. decision However, of the if the decision-maker very testimony is not is false, right, it in is factpossible even routinelybounties. askWe needfor God’s to self-reect forgiveness and and see willhow remembermuch we ful lHis thatthe wrongthe decision decision of thecan decision-maker be given. In this is regard not right, the insin fact is on even the bounties.these pledges. We need We should to self-reect be clear and that seewe willhow be much held accountwe ful l- theperson wrong who decision gives false can testimony.be given. In this regard the sin is on the theseable about pledges. our We covenants. should be clear that we will be held account- person who gives false testimony. able about our covenants. Some people do give wrong testimony to bene t their near People will be answerable on every level. The last Friday Someand dear people ones. do When give marital wrong problems,testimony khula to bene t or divorce, their comenear Peoplesermon willelucidated be answerable rights of orphanson every as level.a pledge The andlast one Friday will andbefore dear the ones. Qadha When Board, marital sometimes problems, the khula statements or divorce, given come are sermonbe held elucidatedaccountable rights over ofit. orphansSimilarly, as rulers a pledge will be and answerable one will beforenot based the Qadhaon truth Board, and reality. sometimes Similarly, the statementsfor temporary given advan are- befor held not accountablegoverning correctly over it. Similarly, as will the rulers masses/public will be answerable for not nottage, based some on people truth andabandon reality. Taqwa Similarly, in business for temporary dealings advan and- forpaying not governingtheir dues. correctly Unfortunately as will thethe masses/publiccondition of forMuslim not tage,thus obtainsome peoplepiece of abandon re. The Hadith Taqwa which in business cites ‘a piecedealings of re’ and is payingleaders istheir like thisdues. and Unfortunately they appear unafraid the condition as if they of will Muslim not be thusabout obtain inheritance piece of problems re. The Hadith between which two cites brothers. ‘a piece When of re’ the is leadersheld accountable is like this and they appear unafraid as if they will not be aboutHoly Prophet(sa) inheritance informed problems them between that theytwo brothers.were as if When obtaining the held accountable Holya piece Prophet(sa) of re, informed they were them overwhelmed that they were and as if obtainingsaid they arelinquished piece of re,their theyrights. were The Promisedoverwhelmed Messiah(as) and said said theythat relinquishedalthough the their Gospels rights. teach The to Promised love one’s Messiah(as) enemy they said do that not althoughteach staying the Gospels rm on justiceteach toin lovethe face one’s of enemyinjustice they and do perse not- teachcution staying by peoples. rm on justice in the face of injustice and perse- cution by peoples.

MUSLIMSUNRISE { 7 } SUNRISE[2013] { 7 } MUSLIM[2013] MUSLIM SUNRISE, FALL 2013 MUSLIM SUNRISE, FALL 2013

CREATIONCREATION OF OF ADAM ADAM ShahinaShahina Bashir Bashir

That Adam(as) was not the rst human to walk the earth is also That Adam(as) was not the rst human to walk the earth is also supported by the Qur’anic verse mentioned earlier where God ‘And when thy Lord said to the angels: ‘I am supported by the Qur’anic verse mentioned earlier where God ‘And when thy Lord said to the angels: ‘I am tells the angels that He was about to place a vicegerent, a tells the angels that He was about to place a vicegerent, a about to place a vicegerent in the earth,’ they khalifah, in the earth. Since the word vicegerent means a succes- about to place a vicegerent in the earth,’ they khalifah, in the earth. Since the word vicegerent means a successor there had to be a community of people already existing for said: ‘Wilt Thou place therein such as will cause sor there had to be a community of people already existing for said: ‘Wilt Thou place therein such as will cause Adam(as) to be a successor for them. disorderdisorder in in it, it, and and shed shed blood? blood? — — and and we we glori- glori- Adam(as) to be a successor for them. fy Thee with Thy praise and extol Thy holiness.’ Angels’ objection to the appointment of Adam as a khalifah fy Thee with Thy praise and extol Thy holiness.’ Angels’ objection to the appointment of Adam as a khalifah He answered: ‘I know what you know not.’ He answered: ‘I know what you know not.’ When God told the angels about His intention of placing a When God told the angels about His intention of placing a (Qur’an 2:31) vicegerent on the earth, they retorted, ‘Wilt Thou place therein (Qur’an 2:31) vicegerent on the earth, they retorted, ‘Wilt Thou place therein such as will cause disorder in it, and shed blood? — and we such as will cause disorder in it, and shed blood? — and we glorify Thee with Thy praise and extol Thy holiness.’ But how Although the verse quoted above does not mention Adam(as) glorify Thee with Thy praise and extol Thy holiness.’ But how Although the verse quoted above does not mention Adam(as) could the angels even dare object to something God says when by name, it is the rst time that the Qur’an introduces the topic could the angels even dare object to something God says when by name, it is the rst time that the Qur’an introduces the topic they do not even have the ability to go against the will of God as of creation of Adam(as) and the response by the angels. The they do not even have the ability to go against the will of God as of creation of Adam(as) and the response by the angels. The they are not endowed with the ability to choose? The apparent Holy Qur’an and the hadith of the Holy Prophet Muhammad they are not endowed with the ability to choose? The apparent Holy Qur’an and the hadith of the Holy Prophet Muhammad objection raised by the angels was not really so. It was rather the (sa) state that God had sent a prophet to every nation and objection raised by the angels was not really so. It was rather the (sa) state that God had sent a prophet to every nation and angels wanted to be enlightened and to gain knowledge. When- every people. The chain of prophethood began with Adam(as) angels wanted to be enlightened and to gain knowledge. When- every people. The chain of prophethood began with Adam(as) ever God raises a new prophet, a revolution or change is brought and culminated with the advent of the Holy Prophet Muham- ever God raises a new prophet, a revolution or change is brought and culminated with the advent of the Holy Prophet Muham- about in the world and a new era is ushered. When such a state mad(sa). Many Muslims have wrongly concluded that Adamas about in the world and a new era is ushered. When such a state mad(sa). Many Muslims have wrongly concluded that Adamas appears whatever system existed is destroyed and a new world was the rst human being who was created and the entire appears whatever system existed is destroyed and a new world was the rst human being who was created and the entire order is created. Adam(as) was the rst messenger of the new human race is the descendant of Adam(as) and his wife Eve order is created. Adam(as) was the rst messenger of the new human race is the descendant of Adam(as) and his wife Eve world order. (Hawwa in Arabic). Such a view stands contrary to the scienti c world order. (Hawwa in Arabic). Such a view stands contrary to the scienti c ndings regarding the evolution of mankind. The world has Before the coming of Adam(as), the existing people lived in ndings regarding the evolution of mankind. The world has Before the coming of Adam(as), the existing people lived in undergone several cycles of creation and civilization. The ignorance and had no morals. They were no better than animals undergone several cycles of creation and civilization. The ignorance and had no morals. They were no better than animals person of Adam(as) as referred to in the Qur’an is the ancestor and lived in a lawless society. With the introduction of the Law person of Adam(as) as referred to in the Qur’an is the ancestor and lived in a lawless society. With the introduction of the Law of the modern man. brought by Adam(as), the concept of sin came into being as sin is of the modern man. brought by Adam(as), the concept of sin came into being as sin is nothing but the breaking of the Law. The angels, with their Over the course of time, many civilizations and races have nothing but the breaking of the Law. The angels, with their Over the course of time, many civilizations and races have limited understanding, saw that the introduction of Law will come and gone. During these changes many Adams(as) limited understanding, saw that the introduction of Law will come and gone. During these changes many Adams(as) bring about crimes and bloodshed the result of which would be appeared and perished. Thus, Adam(as) was merely a link to bring about crimes and bloodshed the result of which would be appeared and perished. Thus, Adam(as) was merely a link to the creation of disorder. They saw only the darker side while God the present cycle of creation and as such was not the rst the creation of disorder. They saw only the darker side while God the present cycle of creation and as such was not the rst being All-Knowing saw the brighter side. God was going to make human that existed on earth. This view of the rise and fall of being All-Knowing saw the brighter side. God was going to make human that existed on earth. This view of the rise and fall of Adam the herald for waking up the spiritually dead. Through him civilizations and the existence of many Adams has been Adam the herald for waking up the spiritually dead. Through him civilizations and the existence of many Adams has been God would be able to manifest Himself and make His attributes supported by various Muslim savants. One such sage was God would be able to manifest Himself and make His attributes supported by various Muslim savants. One such sage was known to men and lead them to righteousness. He would not Muhy-ud-Din ibn ‘Arabi(rh). Referring to a vision he mentioned known to men and lead them to righteousness. He would not Muhy-ud-Din ibn ‘Arabi(rh). Referring to a vision he mentioned leave them wandering blindly but would instead guide mankind that he saw himself performing the circuit of the Ka’aba. A leave them wandering blindly but would instead guide mankind that he saw himself performing the circuit of the Ka’aba. A onto the straight path. man appeared before him and told him that he was one of his onto the straight path. man appeared before him and told him that he was one of his ancestors. Ibn ‘Arabi asked, “How long is it since you died?” The ancestors. Ibn ‘Arabi asked, “How long is it since you died?” The man answered that he has been dead for more than man answered that he has been dead for more than forty-thousand years. “But this period is much more than what forty-thousand years. “But this period is much more than what separates us from Adam,” Ibn ‘Arabi said. The man replied, “Of separates us from Adam,” Ibn ‘Arabi said. The man replied, “Of which Adam are you speaking? About the Adam who is which Adam are you speaking? About the Adam who is nearest to you or some other?” nearest to you or some other?” When Ibn ‘Arabi heard this, he remembered the saying of the When Ibn ‘Arabi heard this, he remembered the saying of the Holy Prophet Muhammad(sa) that God had brought into Holy Prophet Muhammad(sa) that God had brought into being no less than a hundred thousand Adams, and Ibn ‘Arabi being no less than a hundred thousand Adams, and Ibn ‘Arabi concluded that the man he encountered was one of the previ- concluded that the man he encountered was one of the previous Adams. ous Adams.

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Adamas Endowed with Knowledge Adamas Endowed with Knowledge “And He taught Adam all the names, then He “Andput He the taught objects Adam of these all the names names, before then the He angelsput the and objects said: of ‘Tell these Me namesthe names before of these,the if angels andyou said: are ‘Tell right.’” Me the (Qur’an names 2:32) of these, if you are right.’” (Qur’an 2:32) God not only taught Adam(as) how to communicate through a Godwell-developed not only taught language, Adam(as) He alsohow gaveto communicate him the knowledge through of aHis well-developedattributes. Knowing language, these He attributes also gave ishim essential the knowledge for man toof attainHis attributes.the spiritual Knowing level whichthese attributeswould draw is essentialhim nearer for to man his toCreator. attain By theteaching spiritual manlevel Hiswhich attributes, would draw God him made nearer a distinction to his Creator. between By teachingman and man angels. His attributes, Whereas GodGod enabledmade a mandistinction to imbibe between in him manthese and attributes, angels. Whereas the angels God were enabled created man with to imbibea limitation. in him The A Note about Iblis theseangels attributes, di ered thebecause angels they were were created endowed with with a limitation. a limited capacThe - A Note about Iblis angelsity of di ered manifesting because the they divine were attributes. endowed Thewith Qur’an a limited states capac that- Contrary to belief held by many Muslims, ity“They of manifesting (the angels) the do divine what attributes. they are biddenThe Qur’an to do” states (66:7). that This “Theystatement (the angels) implies do that what angels they do are not bidden have the to gift do” of (66:7). free will This and ContraryIblis towas belief not aheld ‘fallen’ by many angel. Muslims, While statementunlike man implies are not that able angels to make do not a choice.have the gift of free will and angelsIblis was are not unable a ‘fallen’ to be angel. disobedient While to unlike man are not able to make a choice. angels are unable to be disobedient to The angels were well aware of their limitations and knew that they God, Iblis clearly showed outright arro- Thewere angels not were capable well ofaware reecting of their all limitations of God’s andattributes. knew that They they were God,gance Iblis and clearly disobedience. showed outright The Qur’an arro- tells werequick not to capable confess of that reecting they could all of onlyGod’s express attributes. those They attributes were ganceus that and Iblis disobedience. was a jinn, aThe secret Qur’an creation, tells quickwhich to Godconfess Himself that bestowed they could upon only them. express those attributes which God Himself bestowed upon them. us thatwho Iblis was was haughty a jinn, a andsecret insolent. creation, who was haughty and insolent. “And remember the time when We said to the Conclusion “Andangels: remember ‘Submit the to time Adam,’ when and We they said all to sub- the Conclusion angels: ‘Submit to Adam,’ and they all sub- When God created Adam(as), He knew what would be the mitted. But Iblis did not. He refused and was Whenoutcome God createddespite ofAdam(as), the angels’ He so-calledknew what objections. would be Man the has mitted.too proud; But Iblis and did he not. was He of refusedthe disbelievers.” and was outcomebeen endowed despite of with the angels’the ability so-called to raise objections. himself Manto a has high too proud; and he was of the disbelievers.” beenspiritual endowed status with or abase the himselfability to theraise lowest himself level. to The a high object (Qur’an 2:35) spiritualof the statusangels or is abaseto assist himself man byto the lowestcommand level. of The God. object Proph - (Qur’an 2:35) of ets,the whoangels have is to attained assist man the highestby the command spiritual rank of God. and Prophnearness- When God had completed His favors upon Adam(as) and appointed ets,to who God, have have attained been supportedthe highest and spiritual helped rank by and the nearness angels to Whenhim Godas a prophet,had completed He commanded His favors theupon angels Adam(as) to submit and appointedto Adam(as). to carryGod, outhave their been missions supported to the and fullest. helped The helpby the of theangels angels to is himSeveral as a prophet, translations He commanded of the Qur’an the have angels used to thesubmit word to “prostrate” Adam(as). as carrynot out limited their tomissions only the to theprophets fullest. but The to help all ofof themankind angels whois Severaltranslation translations for “sujud”. of the This Qur’an translation have usedmakes the it wordappear “prostrate” that God ashad notstrive limited in the to wayonly to the righteousness. prophets but to all of mankind who translationinstructed for the “sujud”. angels This to prostrate translation before makes Adam it appear as one thatwould God prostrate had strive in the way to righteousness. instructedto God. Explainingthe angels tothe prostrate true meaning before andAdam context as one of would the verse, prostrate Prom - to isedGod. Messiah, Explaining Hadrat the trueMirza meaning Ghulam and Ahmad(as) context said, of the “The verse, angels Prom were- isedcommanded Messiah, Hadrat to serve Mirza man Ghulam humbly Ahmad(as) and to devote said, “The themselves angels were to his commandedservice as toif theyserve were man prostratinghumbly and themselves to devote themselvesbefore him. to So his the serviceangels as all if fellthey into were prostration prostrating before themselves the perfect before man, him.but satanSo the was angelsdeprived all fell of intothis goodprostration fortune.” before the perfect man, but satan was deprived of this good fortune.”

The word “sujud” in the verse means “submission” Theor word“obedience” “sujud” and in the therefore verse means it indicates “submission” that God or “obedience”commanded and the thereforeangels to itserve indicates Adam(as), that God that commandedis, to help the and angels assist to himserve in Adam(as), his mission. that is, to help and assist him in his mission.

SUNRISE { 9 } MUSLIM[2013] SUNRISE { 9 } MUSLIM[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 2013 MUSLIM SUNRISE, FALL 2013

Hadrat Mirza Bashir-ud-Din Mahmud Ahmad Hadrat Mirza Bashir-ud-Din Mahmud Ahmad Khalifat-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 a similarity between The first need for angels is that there is a similarity between physical and spiritual systems. Spiritual affairs are assumed to be physical and spiritual systems. Spiritual affairs are assumed to be physical because both these orders run alike with the exception physical because both these orders run alike with the exception of where it is essential for them not to run parallel. We observe of where it is essential for them not to run parallel. We observe that there is an extensive range of causes in physical affairs so that there is an extensive range of causes in physical affairs so much so that the sequence of causes continues latently and solid much so that the sequence of causes continues latently and solid matter changes into extremely fine gases, and then goes on to matter changes into extremely fine gases, and then goes on to convert into energy. It is the final sources of these energies that convert into energy. It is the final sources of these energies that we name as angels. we name as angels. The physical order is based on a system where matter becomes The physical order is based on a system where matter becomes finer and finer still, until it is not at all visible and there remains finer and finer still, until it is not at all visible and there remains no means to experience it visually. The process is the same with no means to experience it visually. The process is the same with the spiritual order, and angels are the final link in this order. It is the spiritual order, and angels are the final link in this order. It is a mistake to say that only the physical order has causes; in fact a mistake to say that only the physical order has causes; in fact there is a very long chain of causes for every single thing. There- there is a very long chain of causes for every single thing. There- fore, when nothing occurs in the material world without the fore, when nothing occurs in the material world without the system of cause and effect, then why should spiritual systems be system of cause and effect, then why should spiritual systems be any different? Why should cause and effect not apply to them? It is said that a man climbed a high minaret but could not come any different? Why should cause and effect not apply to them? It is said that a man climbed a high minaret but could not come down. Someone attached a reel of fine thread to an arrow and down. Someone attached a reel of fine thread to an arrow and threw it towards him, and he caught it. He then dangled the fine threw it towards him, and he caught it. He then dangled the fine thread downwards and the person below attached a thick thread When a physical system operates it is essential thread downwards and the person below attached a thick thread When a physical system operates it is essential to the fine thread which the man pulled upwards. Then, a thicker that it also runs parallel on a spiritual level, to the fine thread which the man pulled upwards. Then, a thicker that it also runs parallel on a spiritual level, thread was attached to a rope and so on until a chain was formed thread was attached to a rope and so on until a chain was formed and angels are the nal link in the spiritual and the man could come down with its help. and angels are the nal link in the spiritual and the man could come down with its help. system of cause and eect. Thus angels are system of cause and eect. Thus angels are This is how man’s connection with God progresses through the This is how man’s connection with God progresses through the needed for spirituality. angels. They are the intermediary link through which man can needed for spirituality. angels. They are the intermediary link through which man can absorb the beneficence of the final link. Thus, the existence of absorb the beneficence of the final link. Thus, the existence of angels is necessary to forge a connection with God. angels is necessary to forge a connection with God. Secondly, we find that everything goes through evolutionary Secondly, we find that everything goes through evolutionary The third need for angels appears to be that as we see that in the processes. From the general understanding of evolution, scien- The third need for angels appears to be that as we see that in the processes. From the general understanding of evolution, scien- apparent world the physical order has two classifications. One tists have concluded that the modern human species did not apparent world the physical order has two classifications. One tists have concluded that the modern human species did not works for man without his knowledge and his involvement. As originate in its current form. It began life as an insect-like organ- works for man without his knowledge and his involvement. As originate in its current form. It began life as an insect-like organ- Allah the Exalted states: ism which developed and grew, eventually reaching its current Allah the Exalted states: ism which developed and grew, eventually reaching its current form. This account of the evolution of man appears incorrect form. This account of the evolution of man appears incorrect and can be invalidated in many ways. However, there is no and can be invalidated in many ways. However, there is no doubt that reflecting on this concept definitely proves that doubt that reflecting on this concept definitely proves that change within mutually different conditions either requires change within mutually different conditions either requires various stages or is dependent on agencies. Instant mutation to various stages or is dependent on agencies. Instant mutation to completely different conditions is simply not possible. On the completely different conditions is simply not possible. On the one hand is man’s inherent desire to attain higher and higher one hand is man’s inherent desire to attain higher and higher advancement and his strong aspiration for union with God the advancement and his strong aspiration for union with God the Exalted, and on the other hand his existing opacity is an impedi- Exalted, and on the other hand his existing opacity is an impedi- ment in him meeting God. We conclude from both these ment in him meeting God. We conclude from both these matters that an agency is needed in between man and God the matters that an agency is needed in between man and God the Exalted, which is a created being as well as a devout and purely Exalted, which is a created being as well as a devout and purely spiritual entity. This agency is called angels! spiritual entity. This agency is called angels!

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‘And‘And He He has has pressed pressed into into service service for for you you the the night night and and the the day, day, andand the the sun sun and and the the moon; moon; and and the the stars stars too too have have been been pressed pressed intointo service service by by His His command…’ command…’ (16:13) (16:13)

TheThe Arabic Arabic word word connotes connotes something something on on which which no no workwork is is done done and and yet yet it it gives gives service. service. Allah Allah the the Exalted Exalted states states that that HeHe has has pressed pressed into into service service night night and and day, day, the the sun sun and and the the moon moon andand the the stars stars and and you you do do not not have have to to work work for for it. it. Night Night falls falls and and dayday dawns dawns but but you you do do not not have have to to endeavour endeavour for for it it and and it it is is at at no no costcost to to you. you. Similarly, Similarly, the the sun sun gives gives o o sunshine sunshine and and the the moon moon givesgives light light and and the the stars stars cast cast varied varied e ects e ects but but you you do do not not have have toto do do anything anything for for it. it. SimilarlySimilarly manymany vegetablesvegetables growgrow andand ripenripen inin moonlight.moonlight. I I havehave personalpersonal experienceexperience regardingregarding ArmenianArmenian cucumbercucumber growinggrowing so so swiftly swiftly in in moonlight moonlight that that the the rustling rustling of of its its growth growth cancan be be heard. heard. There There is is other other vegetation vegetation which which is is also also greatly greatly a ecteda ected by by the the moonlight. moonlight. These These were were just just a a couple couple of of exam exam-- ples.ples. TheseThese thingsthings a ecta ect inin thousandsthousands ofof waysways whichwhich areare knownknown to to us, us, and and who who knows knows how how many many are are the the ones ones which which areare unknown unknown to to us? us?

Here,Here, the the correspondence correspondence between between the the physical physical and and spiritual spiritual systemssystems raisesraises thethe questionquestion thatthat justjust asas thethe sun,sun, moonmoon andand starsstars are are spontaneously spontaneously e ecting e ecting and and benetting benetting the the physical physical arrangementsarrangements ofof mankind,mankind, therethere shouldshould alsoalso bebe aa similarsimilar spiritualspiritual systemsystem toto benetbenet man’sman’s spirituality.spirituality. GodGod AlmightyAlmighty TheThe arrangementarrangement thatthat AllahAllah thethe ExaltedExalted hashas indicatedindicated toto inin thethe hashas appointedappointed angelsangels forfor thisthis purposepurpose andand theythey generategenerate verseverse is is proof proof that that He He has has ordained ordained a a system system for for our our benet benet which which spiritualityspirituality in in man man and and go go on on to to safeguard safeguard it. it. Of Of course, course, in in case case worksworks onon itsits ownown accordaccord andand wewe havehave nono involvementinvolvement inin it.it. ForFor ofof worsening worsening illness, illness, just just as as sunlight sunlight on on its its own own would would not not be be example,example, the the rays rays of of the the sun sun have have the the potency potency that that if if water water is is put put sucientsucient to to kill kill o o Tuberculosis Tuberculosis bacteria bacteria and and medicine medicine would would inin di erent di erent colored colored bottles bottles and and placed placed in in sunshine, sunshine, it it will will acquire acquire bebe required,required, similarlysimilarly whenwhen spiritualspiritual ailmentailment worsens,worsens, itit tootoo propertiesproperties which which can can heal heal many many ailments. ailments. needsneeds further further means. means. Thus,Thus, the the sun sun and and the the moon moon and and the the stars stars all all have have their their inuence. inuence. ItIt has has now now been been found found out out that that sunlight sunlight kills kills o o the the mycobacteria mycobacteria ofof Tuberculosis, Tuberculosis, therefore therefore sunlight sunlight is is used used in in its its healing healing process. process. KeepingKeeping thisthis inin view,view, ponderponder howhow thethe sunsun isis servingserving humanityhumanity here.here. ImagineImagine aa personperson comescomes inin contactcontact withwith aa TuberculosisTuberculosis patient,patient, and and it it is is possible possible that that he he gets gets infected infected with with the the bacteria bacteria whichwhich would would of of course course prove prove fatal fatal for for him. him. However, However, when when he he is is in in intenseintense sunlight, sunlight, the the bacteria bacteria die die o . o . Of Of course course all all the the while while the the personperson would would be be unaware unaware of of being being saved saved in in this this way. way. This This indeed indeed isis an an illustration illustration of of the the system system which which is is working working for for man’s man’s benet benet withoutwithout any any e ort e ort on on his his part. part.

TheThe other other system system is is whereby whereby man man makes makes an an attempt attempt and and puts puts in in e orte ort toto availavail ofof somethingsomething andand makesmakes itit advantageousadvantageous forfor himself;himself; for for example, example, making making bread bread from from grain, grain, building building houses houses withwith mud,mud, usingusing ironiron andand woodwood toto makemake cars,cars, carriagescarriages andand railways,railways, and and seeking seeking knowledge. knowledge. It It is is worth worth reecting reecting that that while while therethere shouldshould bebe thesethese twotwo classicationsclassications forfor thethe physicalphysical orderorder andand arrangement,arrangement, wouldwould GodGod notnot havehave facilitatedfacilitated anythinganything forfor spirituality?!spirituality?!

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ObservationsObservations of of the the Promised Promised Messiah(as), Messiah(as), HadratHadrat Mirza Mirza Ghulam Ghulam Ahmad Ahmad of of Qadian Qadian

MubasherMubasher Ahmad, Ahmad, M.A., M.A., LL. LL. B. B.

TheThe Founder Founder of of the the Ahmadiyya Ahmadiyya Muslim Muslim Community, Community, Hadrat Hadrat Mirza Mirza “All“All angels angels do do not not have have the the same same status status and and GhulamGhulam Ahmad Ahmad of of Qadian Qadian (1835-1908), (1835-1908), scholastically scholastically discussed discussed rank and all of them do not perform the same thethe nature nature and and functions functions of of angels angels in in his his writings writings to to convince convince rank and all of them do not perform the same readersreaders of of their their reality reality and and existence. existence. He He also also had had personal personal experi- experi- kindkind of of function. function. Every Every angel angel is is assigned assigned a a ences of interacting with angels, and his articulations make it easy ences of interacting with angels, and his articulations make it easy di erentdi erent task. task. Whatever Whatever changes changes take take place place toto have have rm rm belief belief in in one one of of the the essential essential articles articles of of faith faith of of Islam. Islam. HeHe wrote wrote detailed detailed academic academic passages passages about about angels angels in in several several of of inin the the world, world, and and whatever whatever emerges emerges as as action action hishis books, books, such such as as “ Fathe“Fathe Islam” Islam” (1890), (1890), “ Taudih-e-Maram”“Taudih-e-Maram” (1891), (1891), out of latent power, and whatever success is “A’ina-e-Kamalat-e-Islam” (1893), and “Nasim-e-Da’wat” (1903). out of latent power, and whatever success is “A’ina-e-Kamalat-e-Islam” (1893), and “Nasim-e-Da’wat” (1903). achievedachieved by by souls souls and and bodies bodies in in achieving achieving AtAt the the same same time, time, on on numerous numerous occasions occasions he he had had personal personal contact contact their goals are all a ected by heavenly inu- withwith angels, angels, and and wrote wrote down down his his experiences. experiences. He He explained explained that that it it their goals are all a ected by heavenly inu- isis not not for for everyone everyone to to see see angels, angels, as as angels angels are are not not physical physical ences.ences. Sometimes Sometimes the the same same angel angel may may inu- inu- entities: entities: enceence di erent di erent types types of of capacities capacities in in di erent di erent ways” “Those“Those who who possess possess insight insight behold behold angels angels ways” with their spiritual eyes in their visions which with their spiritual eyes in their visions which HeHe says: says: “It “It is is obvious obvious that that the the All-Wise All-Wise One One God God Who Who has has theythey experience experience very very often often in in a a state state of of wake- wake- institutedinstituted the the external external system system and and has has chosen chosen that that through through fulness. They talk to the angels and learn thethe eect eect of of the the external external means means like like the the heavenly heavenly bodies bodies and and fulness. They talk to the angels and learn elements, etc., our physical bodies, our faculties and our many things from them and the angels inform elements, etc., our physical bodies, our faculties and our many things from them and the angels inform sensessenses should should be be perfected; perfected; the the same same All-Wise All-Wise and and All-Power All-Power- - themthem about about past past and and futures futures events events which which fulful OneOne wouldwould havehave chosenchosen thatthat systemsystem forfor ourour spiritualspiritual turn out to be facts” perfection;perfection; for for He He is is One One without without associate associate and and there there is is unity unity turn out to be facts” andand uniformity uniformity in in all all His His wisdom wisdom and and works. works. Thus Thus the the external external meansmeans which which aect aect our our spirituality spirituality and and ful ll ful ll our our spiritual spiritual (1).(1). His His personal personal experiences, experiences, along along with with all all the the revelations revelations that that he he needs,needs, as as the the sun, sun, the the moon moon and and the the elements elements help help us us with with receivedreceived from from God God through through angel angel Gabriel Gabriel are are all all documented documented in in a a regardsregards to to our our physical physical needs, needs, are are known known by by the the name name of of bookbook entitled entitled “Tadhkirah “Tadhkirah.” .” angels”(4).angels”(4). At At another another place, place, he he further further elaborates elaborates the the same same point:point: “Observation “Observation of of the the laws laws of of nature nature has has established established ResolvingResolving manymany complexcomplex issuesissues concerningconcerning thethe existenceexistence ofof conclusivelyconclusively thatthat certainlycertainly thosethose (spiritual)(spiritual) helpershelpers andand angels,angels, he he discusses discusses various various functions functions and and speci c speci c duties duties assigned assigned assistantsassistants exist exist outside outside of of us. us. We We may may not not be be aware aware of of their their toto angelsangels byby God.God. HeHe explainsexplains whatwhat thethe termsterms “ascent” “ascent” andand truetrue reality, reality, but but we we know know for for certain certain that that they they are are neither neither the the “descent”“descent” mean. mean. He He clari es clari es the the status status of of angels angels as as compared compared with with AlmightyAlmighty Himself Himself operating operating directly, directly, nor nor are are they they our our own own humans.humans. He He also also elaborates elaborates the the nature nature of of related related entities entities such such as as facultiesfaculties and and capacities. capacities. They They are are a aspecies species of of creation creation which which SpiritSpirit ( Ruh(Ruh), ),Holy Holy Spirit Spirit ( Ruh-ul-Quds(Ruh-ul-Quds), ),and and the the opposing opposing forces forces havehave independent independent existence”(5). existence”(5). calledcalled Satan Satan and and Iblis. Iblis. Explaining Explaining the the nature nature of of angels, angels, he he elabo elabo- - ratesrates that that Allah Allah the the Exalted Exalted being being the the Cause Cause of of all all causes, causes, invisible invisible Thus,Thus, the the angels angels are are the the cause cause of of every every change change in in the the external external andand imperceptible, imperceptible, Transcendent Transcendent and and Holy, Holy, above above and and beyond beyond worldworld or or within within our our own own minds minds and and bodies. bodies. They They are are the the forces forces everything,everything, thus thus employs employs appropriate appropriate agencies agencies called called angels angels for for behindbehind all all physical physical actions actions and and reactions reactions as as well well as as the the causes causes of of HisHis signs, signs, revelations revelations and and manifestations manifestations to to facilitate facilitate spiritual spiritual thethe operations operations of of matter matter and and energy. energy. growthgrowth of of mankind, mankind, taking taking it it to to perfection. perfection. HeHe says: says: “God “God has has taught taught us us in in the the Holy Holy Qur’an Qur’an that that the the “God“God Almighty Almighty has has called called angels angels regulators regulators naturalnatural system system does does not not run run by by itself itself and and that that all all the the parti parti- - (mudabbarat)(mudabbarat) and and distributors distributors (muqassa- (muqassa- clescles in in the the cosmos cosmos hear hear the the voice voice of of God God (that (that is, is, obey obey His His mate amr) and they are the cause of every laws), and angels are appointed by Him to carry out certain mate amr) and they are the cause of every laws), and angels are appointed by Him to carry out certain change and development”(6). functionsfunctions and and they they do do so so according according to to His His will” will” (2). (2). change and development”(6).

InIn “ Taudih-e-Maram”“Taudih-e-Maram”, he, he writes: writes:

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In response to the possible objection that if angels are the regula- He also throws light on the terms “descent” and “ascent” of tors and distributors of matters, then why human plans work angels, saying: “Their coming down as is mentioned in the Holy according to their personal designs, he responds: Qur’an is not like the descending of a man from a higher level to a lower level; nor is their ascending is like the ascending from a “The answer is that our projects and plans are not independent of lower level to a higher level, inasmuch as the descending of a the medium of angels and their suggestions and revelation. The man involves a change of his position and is achieved by eort function that the angels perform by the command of God and causes fatigue. The angels do not suer any exhaustion, nor Almighty, they perform through persons who are naturally they have to make any eort, nor they are subject to any change” inclined towards acceptance of the suggestions of angels…The (9). Talking about Angel Gabriel who “descends” with revelations suggestion and revelation that the angels communicate are from God, it is explained: according to the nature of the person concerned. The revelation that they communicate to God’s elect, they cannot communicate “Though he descends upon to others”(7). every person who is honored with Divine revelation, (it should be remembered that the true nature of descent is by way of in uence, and not in any physical sense), the circle of the eect of his descent assumes small or great proportions according to dierent capacities. The largest circle of his spiritual eects is that which is related to the revelation that was sent to the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him)”(10).

While reading the Holy Qur’an, a di cult question may arise: If God Almighty alone is to be worshipped, why then all the angels were asked by God to bow down in prostration before Adam? In Many times in his life response, the Promised Messiah(as) gives the following explana- the Promised Messiah(as) tion: saw angels “This commandment to angels to bow down in prostration did in his dreams not relate to the time when Adam was brought into being; it was and wakeful visions. a separate command. When a man attains his full stature as a human being and achieves a balance, and the spirit of God Almighty resides in him, only then they (the angels) should bow down in prostration before such a perfect man, that is to say, they As it is an established fact, testied by the Holy Qur’an and the should descend upon him with heavenly lights and should call Bible, that angels do appear in the form of human beings to down blessings upon him. men and women of God. As such they came to Abraham(as), Lot(as), Mary mother of Jesus(as), and Prophet Muhammad(sa). This is an indication of the eternal law which God Almighty puts The Promised Messiah(as) once fasted for six months, and saw into force with regards to His elect, that when any person achieves angels who asked him why he was enduring so much hardship spiritual balance in any age, and the spirit of God Almighty resides that he might fall ill!(11). He once saw an angel in a dream in the in him, that is to say, the person loses his ego and achieves the form of a boy who was sitting on an elevated platform. He was rank of immortality in God, angels begin to descend upon him in holding a pure loaf of bread in his hand that was very bright, a special manner…This special descent of angels is so perfect and and said to the Promised Messiahas, “This is for you and for the complete that it can be described as prostration. Prostration dervishes who are with you” (12). Once he saw an angel in the indicates that angels are not superior to a perfect man form of a young boy of eight or ten years old, who eloquently (insan-e-kamil), but like royal servants, they pay reverence to a said to him, “God will bestow upon you all that you desire.”(13). perfect man by prostrating themselves before him”(8)

SUNRISE { 13 } MUSLIM[2013] MUSLIM SUNRISE, FALL 2013 MUSLIM SUNRISE, FALL 2013 Relevant to the subject of angels is the presence of the Holy Spirit, OneOne night night he he invoked invoked so so much much blessings blessings on on the the Holy Holy Prophet(sa) Prophet(sa) Relevant to the subject of angels is the presence of the Holy Spirit, One night he invoked so much blessings on the Holy Prophet(sa) andRelevant its antithesis, to the subject Satan. of The angels Promised is the presence Messiah(as) of the explains: Holy Spirit, thatthat hishis heartheart andand soulsoul becamebecame fragrantfragrant therewith.therewith. TheThe samesame and its antithesis, Satan. The Promised Messiah(as) explains: nightthat hishe sawheart in andhis dreamsoul became many angels fragrant in formtherewith. of men The carrying same and its antithesis, Satan. The Promised Messiah(as) explains: night he saw in his dream many angels in form of men carrying into his home water-skins lled with divine light in the form of “Every“Every light,light, comfort,comfort, satisfaction,satisfaction, blessing,blessing, steadfastness,steadfastness, andand into his home water-skins lled with divine light in the form of “Every light, comfort, satisfaction, blessing, steadfastness, and water. Explaining the luminous spiritual water, one of them said everyevery spiritualspiritual bountybounty isis bestowedbestowed uponupon thethe electelect throughthrough thethe water. Explaining the luminous spiritual water, one of them said every spiritual bounty is bestowed upon the elect through the to him, “These are the blessings which you had sent to Muham- HolyHoly Spirit. Spirit. As As for for the the disbelievers disbelievers and and the the wicked, wicked, Satan Satan has has been been to him, “These are the blessings which you had sent to Muham- Holy Spirit. As for the disbelievers and the wicked, Satan has been mad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him and his appointedappointed theirtheir companioncompanion forfor allall timetime soso thatthat hehe mightmight spreadspread mad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him and his appointed their companion for all time so that he might spread family.”(14). darknessdarkness overover themthem everyevery momentmoment andand shouldshould notnot leaveleave themthem family.”(14). darkness over them every moment and should not leave them alonealone whilewhile theythey standstand andand sitsit andand movemove andand restrest andand sleepsleep andand awake.alone while Similarly, they forstand those and who sit and are moveclose toand God, rest the and Holy sleep Spirit and Angels appeared to him in other awake. Similarly, for those who are close to God, the Holy Spirit Angels appeared to him in other hashas beenbeen appointedappointed asas aa goodgood companioncompanion forfor allall timetime soso thatthat itit forms, sometime revealing to him has been appointed as a good companion for all time so that it forms, sometime revealing to him shouldshould constantlyconstantly rainrain downdown lightlight uponupon them,them, andand shouldshould forms,some sometime terrible events revealing to follow. to him supportshould themconstantly every momentrain down and light should upon not departthem, fromand themshould at some terrible events to follow. support them every moment and should not depart from them at some terrible events to follow. anyany time”time” (18).(18). He once saw an angel in the form of a terrifying man. In 1893, on any time” (18). He once saw an angel in the form of a terrifying man. In 1893, on AprilApril 2nd,2nd, hehe sawsaw inin aa statestate ofof lightlight slumberslumber thatthat hehe waswas sittingsitting inin aa largeApril 2nd,house he in saw the in companya state of lightof a slumberfew friends that when he was a sittingman of in aa ------*** ------large house in the company of a few friends when a man of a ------*** ------stronglarge house build andin the terrifying company appearance of a few –friends as if blood when was a mandripping of a (1)------A’ina-e-Kamalat-e-Islam, *** Ruhani ------Khaza’in, vol 5, p. 183, strong build and terrifying appearance – as if blood was dripping footnote(1) A’ina-e-Kamalat-e-Islam, Ruhani Khaza’in, vol 5, p. 183, strong build and terrifying appearance – as if blood was dripping footnote(1) A’ina-e-Kamalat-e-Islam, Ruhani Khaza’in, vol 5, p. 183, fromfrom his his face face came came and and stood stood in in front front of of him. him. The The Promised Promised Messia Messia-- (2)footnote Nasim-e-Da’wat, Ruhani Khaza’in, vol 19, p 462 from his face came and stood in front of him. The Promised Messia- (3)(2) Taudih-e-Maram, Nasim-e-Da’wat, Ruhani Khaza’in, vol 19,3, p. p 85 462 has narrates: “When I looked up, I felt that he was a strong creation (3)(2) Taudih-e-Maram,Nasim-e-Da’wat, Ruhani Ruhani Khaza’in, Khaza’in, vol vol 19, 3, p. p 85462 has narrates: “When I looked up, I felt that he was a strong creation (4)(3) A’ina-e-Kamalat-e-Islam, Taudih-e-Maram, Ruhani Ruhani Khaza’in, Khaza’in, vol 3, p. vol 85 5, p. 134 possessinghas narrates: extraordinary “When I looked characteristics up, I felt that as he if he was was a strong not a man creation but (5)(4) A’ina-e-Kamalat-e-Islam, A’ina-e-Kamalat-e-Islam, Ruhani Ruhani Khaza’in, Khaza’in, vol vol 5, 5, p. p. 88 134 possessing extraordinary characteristics as if he was not a man but (5)(4) A’ina-e-Kamalat-e-Islam, Ruhani Khaza’in, vol 5, p. 88134 waspossessing one of the extraordinary terrifying angels. characteristics All hearts as were if he wasoverawed not a manby him. but (6)(5) A’ina-e-Kamalat-e-Islam, A’ina-e-Kamalat-e-Islam, Ruhani Ruhani Khaza’in, Khaza’in, vol vol 5, 5, p. p. 137 88 was one of the terrifying angels. All hearts were overawed by him. (7)(6) A’ina-e-Kamalat-e-Islam, A’ina-e-Kamalat-e-Islam, Ruhani Ruhani Khaza’in, Khaza’in, vol vol 5, 5, p. p. 185 137 Thewas moment one of the I looked terrifying at him angels. he asked All hearts me: ‘Where were overawed is Lekhram?’ by Andhim. (7)(6) A’ina-e-Kamalat-e-Islam, Ruhani Khaza’in, vol 5, p. 185137 The moment I looked at him he asked me: ‘Where is Lekhram?’ And ------(7) A’ina-e-Kamalat-e-Islam, Ruhani *** ------Khaza’in, vol 5, p. 185 The moment I looked at him he asked me: ‘Where is Lekhram?’ And ------*** ------then he named another person and asked: ‘Where is he?’ From this (10)------Taudih-e-Maram, Ruhani Khaza’in, *** ------vol 3, p. 85-86 then he named another person and asked: ‘Where is he?’ From this (10) Taudih-e-Maram, Ruhani Khaza’in, vol 3, p. 85-86 Ithen understood he named that another he had person been and appointed asked: ‘Where for chastisement is he?’ From this of (11)(10) Tadhkirah, Taudih-e-Maram, 2009 English Ruhani edition, Khaza’in, p 29vol 3, p. 85-86 I understood that he had been appointed for chastisement of (11) Tadhkirah, 2009 English edition, p 29 I understood that he had been appointed for chastisement of (12)(11) Tadhkirah, Tadhkirah, 2009 2009 English English edition, edition, p p 23 29 Lekhram and of the other person whose name has escaped me. (12) Tadhkirah, 2009 English edition, p 23 Lekhram and of the other person whose name has escaped me. (13)(12) Tadhkirah, Tadhkirah, 2009 2009 English English edition, edition, p p 578 23 But,Lekhram this I andremember of the otherwell thatperson he waswhose one name of those has escapedfew people me. (13) Tadhkirah, 2009 English edition, p 578 But, this I remember well that he was one of those few people (14)(13) Tadhkirah, Tadhkirah, 20092009 EnglishEnglish edition,edition, pp 97578 But, this I remember well that he was one of those few people (14) Tadhkirah, 2009 English edition, p 97 concerning whom I had made an announcement”(15). (15)(14) Tadhkirah, Tadhkirah, 2009 2009 English English edition, edition, p p 301-302 97 concerning whom I had made an announcement”(15). (15) Tadhkirah, 2009 English edition, p 301-302 concerning whom I had made an announcement”(15). (16)(15) Tadhkirah, Tadhkirah, 2009 2009 English English edition, edition, p p 407-408 301-302 (16) Tadhkirah, 2009 English edition, p 407-408 (17)(16) Tadhkirah, Tadhkirah, 2009 2009 English English edition, edition, p p 1064-1065 407-408 (17) Tadhkirah, 2009 English edition, p 1064-1065 He also saw angels telling him of future (17) Tadhkirah, 2009 English edition, p 1064-1065 He also saw angels telling him of future One of them was about the epidemic of plague that occurred in One of them was about the epidemic of plague that occurred in thethe Punjab,Punjab, India.India. HeHe narrates:narrates: “Today, “Today, SundaySunday FebruaryFebruary 6,6, 1898,1898, II sawthe Punjab,in a dream India. that He narrates:God’s angels “Today, were Sunday planting February black 6,trees 1898, in I saw in a dream that God’s angels were planting black trees in di erentdi erent partsparts ofof thethe Punjab.Punjab. Those Those treestrees werewere veryvery ugly,ugly, blackblack inin color,di erent terrifying parts ofand the of Punjab. small size. Those I asked trees some were of very those ugly, who black were in color, terrifying and of small size. I asked some of those who were plantingplanting them:them: WhatWhat kindkind ofof treestrees areare these?these? TheyThey answered:answered: Theseplanting are them:trees ofWhat the kindplague of treeswhich are is aboutthese? to They spread answered: in the These are trees of the plague which is about to spread in the country.country. ItIt remainedremained unclearunclear toto meme whetherwhether itit waswas saidsaid thatthat thethe plaguecountry. would It remained spread unclear during tothe me coming whether winter it was or said the that winter the plague would spread during the coming winter or the winter after,after, butbut itit waswas aa terribleterrible sightsight whichwhich II saw”(16).saw”(16). ThisThis prophecyprophecy wasafter, fullled, but it wasand withina terrible a year sight more which than I 300,000saw”(16). persons This prophecy died of was fullled, and within a year more than 300,000 persons died of thethe plague.plague. the plague. peere-peeraan - peere-peeraan - (The(The spiritualspiritual preceptorpreceptor ofof (Thespiritual spiritual preceptors) preceptor of spiritual preceptors) TowardsTowards thethe endend ofof hishis life,life, inin 1908,1908, hehe sawsaw aa visionvision narratednarrated inin theseTowards words: the “Oneend of day his I life,was inlying 1908, down he sawin the a vision courtyard narrated of my in these words: “One day I was lying down in the courtyard of my househouse when when in in a a vision, vision, I I experienced experienced a a meeting meeting with with angels. angels. I I saw saw manyhouse angelswhen in in a vision,my vision, I experienced beautiful a meetingand richly with clad, angels. singing I saw many angels in my vision, beautiful and richly clad, singing joyously.joyously. TheyThey camecame roundround toto meme repeatedlyrepeatedly andand eacheach timetime extendedjoyously. Theytheir handscame towardsround to me me and repeatedly recited a verse and ofeach a poem, time extended their hands towards me and recited a verse of a poem, thethe concluding concluding word word was was peere-peeraan peere-peeraan – – (The (The spiritual spiritual preceptor preceptor ofthe spiritual concluding preceptors). word was Pointing peere-peeraan with their – (The hands spiritual towards preceptor me of spiritual preceptors). Pointing with their hands towards me whenwhen theythey werewere oppositeopposite toto me,me, theythey repeatedrepeated peere-peeraanpeere-peeraan”” (17).when they were opposite to me, they repeated peere-peeraan” (17). 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ANGELS OF ALLAH by Hadrat Mirza Bashir-ud-Din Mahmud Ahmad. Reviewed by: Imam Rizwan Khan

TheThe speech speech Malaikat-ul-Lah Malaikat-ul-Lah was was an an address address delivered delivered at at the the Annual Convention of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community on can. can. 66:766:7 December 28, 1920 in Qadian, India. The revered speaker, 8. The number of angels is unlimited. 74:32 Hadrat Musleh Mau’ood, Mirza Bashir-ud-Din Mahmud AAhmad, Khalifat-ul-Masih II(I(ra),ra), waswas thethe PromisedPromised SonSon ofof thethe HolyHoly Found-Found- authority authority ofof others.others. 32:12,32:12, 6:94,6:94, 4:984:98 er of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, Hadrat Mirza Ghulam 10. Angels have limited capacities and only do the task Ahmad, the Promised Messiah(as)s).. InIn 1914,1914, atat thethe ageage ofof 25,25, hehe they they areare assigned;assigned; theythey dodo notnot progressprogress asas humanshumans was elected as khalifahkhalifah,, that that is, is, successorsuccessor,, to to the the Promised Promised do. do. 2:32-332:32-33 Messiah(as). ForFor 5252 yearsyears hehe ledled thethe CommunityCommunity andand servedserved thethe 11. Angels have a small degree of free will, but they causescauses forfor whichwhich itit waswas established.established. He inspired and motivated cannot cannot disobey.disobey. 66:7,66:7, 2:31,2:31, 3232 his followers’ spiritual development; he spoke and wrote in 12. Angels do not have knowledge of the unseen. 34:42 defense of Islam; and he established institutions to propagate IslamIslam allall overover thethe world.world. Hazur(ra) begins by pointing out that although belief in the angelsangels is is an an extremely extremely important important subject, subject, being being one one of of the the articlesarticles ofof faith,faith, unfortunately,unfortunately, MuslimsMuslims havehave paidpaid littlelittle atten-atten-

Commentators on the Holy Qur’an have also failed to address thisthis subject.subject. AfterAfter thethe HolyHoly Qur’anQur’an andand thethe HolyHoly Prophet(sa),Prophet(sa), nono Tasks of Angels one has shed light on this subject like the Promised Messiah(as)s).. After this, Hazur(ra) describes di erent tasks that angels have. Hazur(ra) then describes that belief in angels is of such fundamental importance that even the most barbaric nations 1. Bring the revelation of Allah. 22:76 believed in their existence, and contemporary religions have 2. Cause people to die. 32:12 described them clearly. Among previous religions, Zoroastri- 3. Bring punishment on those who oppose the proph- anismanism hashas discusseddiscussed themthem inin thethe greatestgreatest detail.detail. ThenThen JudaismJudaism ets(as) ets(as) ofof Allah.Allah. 6:1596:159 has made frequent mention of them, referring to them at 4. Help the believers. 41:31-32 timestimes asas thethe sonssons ofof God.God. InIn Hinduism,Hinduism, itit isis believedbelieved thatthat angelsangels 5. Destroy the disbelievers and place awe in their areare spiritsspirits whowho shouldshould bebe worshipped.worshipped. hearts hearts ofof thethe prophetsasprophetsas andand theirtheir communities.communities. 3:125, 3:125, 152152 The Reality of Angels 6. Establish the unity of Allah. 3:19 7. Make the truth of prophetsas apparent.. 4:1674:167 Hazur(ra) gives 14 points describing the reality of angels and 8. Glorify Allah. 39:76 removingremoving commoncommon misconceptionsmisconceptions 9. Seek forgiveness for the believers. 40:8, 42:6 concerningconcerning them.them. 10. Allah is the Cause of all causes, and after Allah,

1. God created the angels; they are not a part of God. 11. Pray for blessings to descend on people. 33:57 37:151 37:151 12. Worship Allah. 2. Angels can only be seen with one’s spiritual eyes in 13. Keep the record of the deeds of people. 82:11-13 their their truetrue form,form, theythey areare notnot physicalphysical beings.beings. 6:106:10 14. Spread love for the beloved ones of Allah in the 3. Angels have no gender. 37:151 world. world. 4. There are three categories of angels; those who mani 15. Serve the beloved ones of Allah and are made subor fest fest thethe attributesattributes ofof Allah,Allah, thosethose whowho assistassist thethe dinate dinate toto them.them. 15:29-3015:29-30 above above mentionedmentioned angels,angels, andand thosethose countlesscountless angelsangels 16. Teach people and enlighten their hearts with knowl assigned assigned toto variousvarious otherother tasks.tasks. 40:8,40:8, 74:3274:32 edge. edge. 5. Angels cannot disobey Allah. 66:7 17. Motivate people with good thoughts to do good 6. Angels complete the tasks assigned to them, unlike deeds. deeds. man, man, whowho atat timestimes cancan becomebecome illill andand unableunable toto comcom plete plete hishis tasks.tasks. 66:766:7

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Hazur(ra)Hazur(ra)Hazur(ra)Hazur(ra) then then then then explains explains explains explains that that that that although although although although humans humans humans humans cannot cannot cannot cannot be be be beof of of direct ofdirect direct direct WeWeWe observe observeobserve causes causescauses for forfor everything everythingeverything that thatthat takes takestakes place placeplace and andand exists existsexists Hazur(ra) then explains that although humans cannot be of direct WeWe observe observe causes causes for for everything everything that that takes takes place place and and exists exists inin inthe thethe world, world,world, how howhow can cancan we wewe believe believebelieve that thatthat their theirtheir cause causecause is isangels?is angels?angels? inin the the world, world, how how can can we we believe believe that that their their cause cause is is angels? angels? toto toObjections toObjections ObjectionsObjections Against Against AgainstAgainst the the thethe Existence Existence ExistenceExistence of of ofAngels. ofAngels. Angels.Angels. After After AfterAfter this, this, this,this, Hazu Hazu HazuHazur(r(ra)ra)r(r(ra) ra) Answer:Answer:Answer: Angels AngelsAngels are areare the thethe last lastlast cause causecause of of ofall allall causes causescauses before beforebefore Allah. Allah.Allah. The The The to Objections Against the Existence of Angels. After this, Hazur(ra) Answer:Answer: Angels Angels are are the the last last cause cause of of all all causes causes before before Allah. Allah. The The answersanswersanswersanswers various various variousvarious objections objections objectionsobjections made made mademade against against againstagainst the the thethe existence existence existenceexistence of of ofangels. ofangels. angels.angels. causescausescauses for forfor the thethe existence existenceexistence of of ofthings thingsthings in in inthis thisthis world worldworld that thatthat we wewe observe observeobserve answers various objections made against the existence of angels. causescauses for for the the existence existence of of things things in in this this world world that that we we observe observe areareare middle middle middle causes causes causes that that that are are are in in in the the the millions, millions, millions, but but but angels angels angels are are are the the the areare middle middle causes causes that that are are in in the the millions, millions, but but angels angels are are the the causecausecause of of ofall all all of of ofthose those those causes. causes. causes. For For For example, example, example, we we we observe observe observe that that that medi- medi- medi- causecause of of all all of of those those causes. causes. For For example, example, we we observe observe that that medi- medi- cinecinecine is isisthe thethe cause causecause of of ofan anan illness illnessillness being beingbeing cured, cured,cured, but butbut angels angelsangels are areare the thethe cinecine isis thethe causecause ofof anan illnessillness beingbeing cured,cured, butbut angelsangels areare thethe responsible for the law of nature behind the phenomenon. responsibleresponsibleresponsible for for for the the the law law law of of ofnature nature nature behind behind behind the the the phenomenon. phenomenon. phenomenon.

Hazur(ra) describes three stages in our relationship with angels. Hazur(ra)Hazur(ra)Hazur(ra) describes describes describes three three three stages stages stages in in inour our our relationship relationship relationship with with with angels. angels. angels. 1.1.Man’s1.Man’s1.Man’sMan’s relationship relationship relationshiprelationship with with withwith angels angels angelsangels begins begins beginsbegins with with withwith receiving receiving receivingreceiving motiva- motiva- motiva-motiva- 1.Man’stions torelationship do good deeds. with angels Their example begins with is like receiving motiva- tionstionstions to to todo do do good good good deeds. deeds. deeds. Their Their Their example example example is is like islike like thatthatthatthat of of of of a a stranger a strangera stranger stranger who who who who gives gives gives gives us us us us directions directions directions directions when when when when we we we we get get get get lost lost lost lost thattraveling of a stranger on a path. who gives us directions when we get lost travelingtravelingtraveling on on on a a path. path.a path. 2.Then this relationship grows stronger. Their example is like 2.2.Then2.ThenThen this this this relationship relationship relationship grows grows grows stronger. stronger. stronger. TheirTheir Their example example example is is islike like like thatthatthatthat of of of a ofa friend frienda a friend friend traveling traveling traveling traveling with with with with us us us whous who who who we we we we consult consult consult consult when when when when we we we we forget forget forget forget thatthe of way. a friend Here, traveling our connection with us who with we angels consult is nowhen longer we forget tempo- thethethe way. way. way. Here, Here, Here, our our our connection connection connection with with with angels angels angels is is no isno no longer longer longer tempo- tempo- tempo- raryraryraryrary butbut butbut permanent,permanent, permanent,permanent, howeverhowever howeverhowever wewe wewe onlyonly onlyonly consultconsult consultconsult themthem themthem whenwhen whenwhen wewe wewe If angels exist, why can they not be seen? rary but permanent, however we only consult them when we IfIf angels Ifangels angels exist, exist, exist, why why why can can can they they they not not not be be be seen? seen? seen? needneedneedneed help. help. help.help. Answer:Answer:Answer:Answer: There There ThereThere are are are are many many many many things things things things in in in thein the the the world world world world that that that that cannot cannot cannot cannot be be be be need help. Answer:seen but There we stillare manyknow thingsthat they in the exist, world like taste,that cannot sound, be and seenseenseen but but but we we we still still still know know know that that that they they they exist, exist, exist, like like like taste, taste, taste, sound, sound, sound, and and and 3.3.Finally,3.Finally,3.Finally,Finally, the the thethe relationship relationship relationshiprelationship becomes becomes becomesbecomes so so sostrongso strong strongstrong that that thatthat man man manman becomes becomes becomesbecomes seenscent. but An we awareness still know thatof things they is exist, not likealways taste, gained sound, through and 3.Finally, the relationship becomes so strong that man becomes scent.scent.scent. AnAn An awarenessawareness awareness ofof of thingsthings things isis notisnot not alwaysalways always gainedgained gained throughthrough through thethethethe master master mastermaster and and andand God God GodGod commands commands commandscommands the the thethe angel angel angelangel to to toobey toobey obeyobey and and andand serve serve serveserve the the thethe sight.sight.sight.sight. Similarly, Similarly, Similarly,Similarly, there there therethere are are areare other other otherother things things thingsthings we we wewe believe believe believebelieve in in becauseininbecause becausebecause of of of of theperson. master This and isGod the commands status of prophets. the angel to obey and serve the sight. Similarly, there are other things we believe in because of person.person.person. This This This is is the isthe the status status status of of ofprophets. prophets. prophets. with our senses but we still believe exists. withwithwith our our our senses senses senses but but but we we we still still still believe believe believe exists. exists. exists. Then, Hazur(ra) describes three stages in Then,Then,Then, Hazur(ra) Hazur(ra) Hazur(ra) describes describes describes three three three stages stages stages in in in ourourourour relationship relationship relationshiprelationship with with withwith satan. satan. satan.satan. Is God dependent on angels? our relationship with satan. IsIs GodIs God God dependent dependent dependent on on on angels? angels? angels? Answer:Answer:Answer:Answer: Firstly, Firstly, Firstly,Firstly, God God GodGod created created createdcreated the the thethe angels angels angelsangels from from fromfrom nothing, nothing, nothing,nothing, and and andand the the thethe 1.A person walking on a straight path is incited by satan to take Answer: Firstly, God created the angels from nothing, and the 1.1.A1.A person Aperson person walking walking walking on on on a a straight astraight straight path path path is is incited isincited incited by by by satan satan satan to to totake take take creatorcreatorcreatorcreator is is isnever is never never never dependent dependent dependent dependent on on on on his his his his creation, creation, creation, creation, He He He He existed existed existed existed even even even even another path. If the person accepts his command, he goes goes goes goes creator is never dependent on his creation, He existed even anotheranotheranother path. path. path. If If theIf the the person person person accepts accepts accepts his his his command, command, command, he he he goes beforebeforebeforebefore its its itsitscreation. creation. creation.creation. Secondly, Secondly, Secondly,Secondly, God God GodGod has has hashas made made mademade means means meansmeans for for for forevery- every- every-every- astray.astray.astray.astray. beforething its in creation.the physical Secondly, and spiritual God has world. made For means example, for every- He has astray. thingthingthing in in inthe the the physical physical physical and and and spiritual spiritual spiritual world. world. world. For For For example, example, example, He He He has has has -- -- 2.When a person accepts these incitements repeatedly, this - 2.2.When2.WhenWhen a a persona person person a acc cc aeptscceptsepts these these these incitements incitements incitements repeatedly, repeatedly, repeatedly, this this this es,es,es, es,but but butbut can can cancan we we wewe say say saysay that that thatthat He He He Heis is dependent isdependentis dependentdependent on on on onfood food foodfood and and andand medicine medicine medicinemedicine relationshiprelationshiprelationshiprelationship grows grows growsgrows stronger stronger strongerstronger and and andand satan satan satansatan becomes becomes becomesbecomes his his his hisfriend. friend. friend.friend. 4:39 4:39 4:394:39 es,for but our can existence? we say that Just He as is Goddependent is not dependent on food and on medicine the means relationship grows stronger and satan becomes his friend. 4:39 forforfor our our our existence? existence? existence? Just Just Just as as asGod God God is is not isnot not dependent dependent dependent on on on the the the means means means HeHeHe He Himself Himself Himself Himself has has has has created created created created in in in thein the the the physical physical physical physical world, world, world, world, He He He He is is alsois isalso also also not not not not 3.Finally, the relationship becomes so strong that satan He Himself has created in the physical world, He is also not 3.3.Finally,3.Finally,Finally, the the the relationship relationship relationship becomes becomes becomes so so so strong strong strong that that that satan satan satan dependentdependentdependentdependent on on on onthe the thethe means means meansmeans He He He Hehas has hashas created created createdcreated in in inthe inthe thethe spiritual spiritual spiritualspiritual world. world. world.world. becomes the master and the person becomes the slave. dependent on the means He has created in the spiritual world. becomesbecomesbecomes the the the master master master and and and the the the person person person becomes becomes becomes the the the slave. slave. slave. Here,Here,Here,Here, the the thethe question question questionquestion arises; arises; arises;arises; does does doesdoes every every everyevery person person personperson have have havehave separate separate separateseparate Here,angels the assigned question to arises; him or does her? every person have separate angelsangelsangels assigned assigned assigned to to tohim him him or or orher? her? her? Answer:Answer:Answer:Answer: Yes, Yes, Yes, Yes, there there therethere are are areare two two twotwo types types typestypes of of ofangels, ofangels, angels,angels, one one oneone type type typetype of of ofangels ofangels angelsangels is is isis Answer:individually Yes, there with are people, two types and of theangels, other one consiststype of angels of those is individuallyindividuallyindividually with with with people, people, people, and and and the the the other other other consists consists consists of of of those those those likelikelikelike Gabriel. Gabriel. Gabriel.Gabriel. likeFrom Gabriel. this, the question arises; if there are certain angels FromFromFrom this, this, this, the the the question question question arises; arises; arises; if if thereif there there are are are certain certain certain angels angels angels they descend? theytheythey descend? descend? descend? Answer:Answer:Answer:Answer: The The TheThe word word word word nazoolnazool nazoolnazool (descent)(descent) (descent)(descent) does does does does not not not not mean mean mean mean physical physical physical physical Answer:descent, The for this word word nazool is used (descent) for Allah does as well. not The mean descent physical of an descent,descent,descent, for for for this this this word word word is is used isused used for for for Allah Allah Allah as as aswell. well. well. The The The descent descent descent of of ofan an an

-- -- ly, hearts have varying levels of purity, and they accept the- ly,ly, ly, hearts hearts hearts have have have varying varying varying levels levels levels of of of purity, purity, purity, and and and they they they a acc cc aeptcceptept the the the

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onon on man, man, man, it it seems it seems seems that that that angels angels angels are are are superior superior superior to to to man, man, man, which which which meansmeansmeans that that that Gabriel Gabriel Gabriel is is greater is greater greater than than than the the the Holy Holy Holy Prophet(sa). Prophet(sa). Prophet(sa). Answer:Answer:Answer:

whowhowho sends sends sends a a message a message message through through through his his his servant servant servant or or or mailman. mailman. mailman. The The The mailmanmailmanmailman may may may not not not k nowk nowknow or or understandor understand understand what what what the the the message message message is; is; theis; the the governorgovernorgovernor who who who is is receiving is receiving receiving the the the letter letter letter from from from the the the king king king is is greater is greater greater than than than thethethe mailman. mailman. mailman. However, However, However, it itshould itshould should be be benoted noted noted that that that not not not every every every human human human isis greateris greater greater than than than every every every angel. angel. angel. . . .

HowHowHow Can Can Can we we we Become Become Become like like like Angels? Angels? Angels?

Hazur(ra)Hazur(ra)Hazur(ra) then then then explains explains explains how how how we we we can can can become become become like like like angels. angels. angels.

1.1. 1. By By Byconveying conveying conveying the the the message message message of of theof the the prophets(as) prophets(as) prophets(as) of of of God God God to to theto the the world. world. world. 2.2. 2. By By Byspreading spreading spreading the the the oneness oneness oneness of of God.of God. God. 3.3. 3. By By Byhaving having having forgiveness forgiveness forgiveness in in ourin our our heart heart heart and and and abandoning abandoning abandoning thinking thinking thinking ill ill of ill of others.of others. others. 4.4. 4. By By Byglorifying glorifying glorifying and and and praising praising praising Allah. Allah. Allah. 5.5. 5. By By Byrecitation recitation recitation of of theof the the Holy Holy Holy Qur’an. Qur’an. Qur’an. SSpeSpepecialcialcial persons persons persons are are are greater greater greater than than than s pes pespecialcialcial 5. By recitation of the Holy Qur’an. 6.6. 6. By By Byreading reading reading the the the books books books of of suchof such such a aperson aperson person on on on angels,angels,angels, and and and whom whom whom angels angels angels descended, descended, descended, namely namely namely the the the Promised Promised Promised ordinaryordinaryordinary pe pe peopleopleople are are are greater greater greater than than than Messiah(as). Messiah(as). Messiah(as). ordinaryordinaryordinary angels. angels. angels. 7.7. 7. By By Bygoing going going to to thatto that that place place place where where where angels angels angels have have have ordinary angels. specially specially specially descended. descended. descended. That That That is is why is why why going going going for for for TheTheThe reason reason reason for for for the the the superiority superiority superiority of of ofhumans humans humans is is is 8.8. 8. By By Byhaving having having a aconnection aconnection connection with with with the the the khalifah khalifah khalifah of of theof the the thatthatthat we we we have have have free free free will will will and and and can can can be be be 8. By having a connection with the khalifah of the time. time. time. punishedpunishedpunished for for for doing doing doing evil, evil, evil, and and and so so so our our our reward reward reward for for for choosingchoosingchoosing to to to do do do good good good is is greater.is greater. greater. expoundexpoundexpound on on onthe the the subject subject subject of of theof the the angels angels angels of of Allahof Allah Allah in in suchin such such depth; depth; depth; no no no otherotherother book book book goes goes goes into into into such such such detail detail detail and and and clarity clarity clarity on on onthe the the topic. topic. topic. After After After

StrongerStrongerStronger mostmostmost fundamental fundamental fundamental articles articles articles of of faithof faith faith that that that Islam Islam Islam has has has made made made incumbent incumbent incumbent

Hazur(ra)Hazur(ra)Hazur(ra) then then then gives gives gives a abasic abasic basic principle principle principle by by bywhich which which to to tellto tell tell whether whether whether thethethe Islamic Islamic Islamic world world world on on onthis this this subject. subject. subject. It Italso Italso also enriches enriches enriches the the the individual individual individual withwithwith an an anawareness awareness awareness of of notof not not only only only the the the existence, existence, existence, but but but also also also the the the presence presence presence

beingsbeingsbeings and and and gain gain gain nearness nearness nearness to to Allahto Allah Allah Almighty Almighty Almighty an an anevil evil evil one, one, one, then then then know know know that that that our our our connection connection connection to to angelsto angels angels is is is more more more than than than satan. satan. satan.

followed followed followed immediately immediately immediately by by bya agood agood good one, one, one, then then then know know know that that that our our our connection connection connection with with with angels angels angels is is weak is weak weak but but but they they they have have have not not not abandoned abandoned abandoned 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 have have have abandoned abandoned abandoned us us andus and and we we we are are are completely completely completely under under under the the the

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(Mubasher Ahmad, M.A., LL.B)

It is important to understand the connection of angels with Allah’s Allah’s Throne being carried by eight angels and other angels stand- Throne. Allah’s Throne is a symbolic expression that indicates His ing around it, therefore, means that it shall be through these eight fundamental attributes of Allah that all of His other attribu tes shall Sovereignty of the universe belongs to Him Alone. His Laws are come into full light. And thus God’s Glory shall be manifested fully enforced under His domain. He encompasses all of His completely on the Day of Resurrection when the present order of creation and yet He remains completely distinct from His creations. creation shall be totally consummated. He is the Originator and Provider of life in all its forms – physical as On that Day, God’s Unity and all of His beautiful and superb Divine well as spiritual, but still invisible to all. On that Day, God’s Unity and all of His beautiful and superb Divine attributes shall be seen in their complete splendor and brilliance. In Surah Al-Haaqqah ( ), along with some details about the In Surah Al-Haaqqah ( ), along with some details about the Eight angels carrying His Throne means that four of His sacred Day of Judgment, we read: Day of Judgment, we read: tashbihi attributes and four of His awesome tanzihi – similitude or transcendent -- attributes shall be fully manifested. All other angels “On that day shall the great Event come to pass. And the heaven will “On that day shall the great Event come to pass. And the heaven will standing on its borders means that all His attributes of Jamal and cleave asunder, and it will be very frail that day. And the angels will cleave asunder, and it will be very frail that day. And the angels will Jalal – of Beauty and of Majesty -- shall be manifested in their full be standing on its borders, and above them, on that day eight angels be standing on its borders, and above them, on that day eight angels glory to us in the Hereafter. will bear the Throne of thy Lord” (69:16-19). (1) shall be carried by eight angels on the Day of Resurrection, and all bring the Day of Judgment the agency of angels shall play a tremen- other angels shall be standing around it? (4)

To understand this subtle point, we have to know that the angels of “The day when the trumpet will be blown; and you will come horde after horde; and the heaven shall be opened and shall become all attributes, working behind the scenes, and they execute Allah’s Will portals; and the mountains shall be moved and shall become as if on His command. Hadrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, the Promised Messia- they were a mirage. Surely, Hell lies in ambush, a home for the rebel- has, in his book A’ina-e-Kamalat-e-Islam, writes: “God Almighty, Who lious; they will tarry therein for ages” in His Transcendence and Holiness is above everything, employs (78:19-24). appropriate agencies for His signs and manifestations… (These At other places in the Qur’an it is further elaborated that the blowing agencies are) a form of creation which on one side are related to God At other places in the Qur’an it is further elaborated that the blowing agencies are) a form of creation which on one side are related to God of the trumpet on the Day of Judgment shall be done by the angel Almighty, and on the other to His creation so that they may obtain grace from one side and communicate it to the others.” (2) grace from one side and communicate it to the others.” (2) agencies of various angels. The records of good and evil are kept by In the Holy Qur’an, two types of attributes of Allah are mentioned: the angels. First, tashbihi ( ) or “attributes of similitude” that have some apparent resemblance with human faculties and qualities. And the Describing further the incredible events of tremendous import, the second, tanzihi ( ) or “transcendent attributes” that are unique Lord of the Throne says: to Allah alone and no one shares them to any degree at all, and no one else has any resemblance with Him in having these unique “When the earth is shaken with her violent shaking, and the earth attributes. throws 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 would have revealed to her. On that Day will men issue forth in scattered In Surah Al-Fatiha, which is the essence of the entire Qur’anic groups that they may be shown the results of their works. Then teaching, the four fundamental tashbihi or attributes of similitude whoso does an atom’s weight of good will see it, and whoso does an are mentioned, namely, He is atom’s weight of evil will also see it” (99: 2-9).(5) (i) the Creator, (ii) the Gracious, (iii) the Merciful, and (iv) Master of the Day of Judgment. Again, all these events are carried out through the actions of the angels who work under direct command of the Lord. Thus, their Around these four attributes all other Divine tashbihi attributes standing around the Throne of the Lord on the Day of Judgment revolve. and angels would have played a momentous role under Divine In Surah Al-Ikhlas , Allah’s four fundamental tanzihi attributes are authority; and once the Judgment is completed, the angels carrying mentioned; that He is the Throne and standing around it shall continue to perform various (i) One and Alone in His person, (ii) He is Independent and duties in Paradise and in Hell – and all shall remain under complete Besought of all, (iii) He begets not, nor is He begotten, and (iv) there is none like unto Him. (3) attributes.

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By: Aasim Ahmad By: Aasim Ahmad

“He sends down the angels with revelation by His command on whomsoever of His servants He pleases saying, ‘Warn people that there “Heis no sends God but down I, so the take angels Me alone with forrevelation your Protector.’” by His command on whomsoever of His servants He pleases saying, ‘Warn people that there is 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 of ChapterGod from 16, the Al-Nahl, heavens Verse down 3 of to the the Holy earth Qur’an and admonish encapsulates men oneto believe of the inkey the attributes one God. of Islam angels. certainly Angels acknowledges bring revelation angels or the as beliefword ofin Godthem 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 tothe angels one God. not only Islam as certainly those beings acknowledges who bring angels down as revelation belief in themfrom onis one high, of butthe primaryas agents articles in the of world faith. protecting The Qur’an and consistently defending refers Allah’s to messengersangels not only and as their those followers beings who(13:12), bring maintaining down revelation all the fromworkings on high, of the but universe as agents (66:7, in 37:165,the world 51:5), protecting and causing and defendingdeath (16:29-33). Allah’s messengersThe Qur’an containsand their a followersplethora of(13:12), references maintaining to angels all andthe theirworkings many of functions, the universe but (66:7,understanding 37:165, 51:5), beliefs and in causing angels requiresdeath (16:29-33). a review ofThe mystic Qur’an literature contains as a the plethora mysticism of references of all religions to angels focus and on theirmetaphysical many functions, phenomena. but understanding beliefs in angels requires a review of mystic literature as the mysticism of all religions focus on metaphysical phenomena.

Mysticism generally can be understood as the relations of Angels not only bring down the message of God, but they bring personalMysticism experiences generally canwith bethe understoodDivine. Concerning as the angels, relations such of man’sAngels prayers not only back bring up asdown well. the Therefore, message angels of God, serve but asthey messen- bring personalexperiences experiences would include with the the Divine. Prophet Concerning Muhammad’s(sa) angels, such many gersman’s for prayers God as back well up as asman. well. It isTherefore, believed angelsthat angels serve take as messen- a man’s experiencesconversations would with includethe archangel the Prophet Gabriel Muhammad’s(sa) wherein the Qur’an many gers for God as well as man. It is believed that angels take a man’s conversationswas revealed. withTwo mystical the archangel traditions Gabriel have whereinbeen widely the Qur’anrecog- them from any other tongue to the Hebrew tongue and subse- was revealed. Two mystical traditions have been widely recog- quentlythem from present any otherthe prayer tongue before to the God. Hebrew Angels tongue are not andbelieved subse- to traditions share a strong philosophical and artistic component to quentlyhave any present physical the or prayer material before aspect God. of Angelsexistence. are notIn fact, believed angelic to traditionstheir spiritual share understanding. a strong philosophical The Kabbalah and artistic is rooted component in the text to descriptionshave any physical such asor materialwings or aspectarms of of some existence. kind are In fact,understood angelic their spiritual understanding. The Kabbalah is rooted in the text descriptionsas symbolic representations such as wings or of armsan angel’s of some purpose kind areor task. understood through unique interpretations of the Qur’an. as symbolic representations of an angel’s purpose or task. through unique interpretations of the Qur’an. According to Rabbi Baruch S. Davidson, angels are tasked with The Kabbalah Perspective According to Rabbi Baruch S. Davidson, angels are tasked with The Kabbalah Perspective - something that is received. Kabbalah is not something that can bilities. Rafael, for example, is believed to be a healer. - besomething known through that is received. education Kabbalah alone, but is notsomething something understood that can bilities. Rafael, for example, is believed to be a healer. beand known felt. It through is an experience education –alone, a special but somethingwisdom. In understood Freeman’s Rabbi Davidson goes on to explain how it is believed that some words,and felt. it is It an is “inner an experience knowledge – athat special has been wisdom. passed In down Freeman’s from Rabbi Davidson goes on to explain how it is believed that some sagewords, to it studentis an “inner from knowledge the earliest that ofhas times.” been passed The Kabbalah down from is task, they are disbanded and no longer exist. In other words, upon describedsage to student as the teachings from the related earliest from of times.” Adam(as) The down Kabbalah to Abra- is completiontask, they are of disbanded their purpose, and no angels longer cease exist. to In exist. other Maimonides, words, upon ham(adescribeds). The as thesage teachings and student related relationship from Adam(as) is foundational, down to withAbra- a completion of their purpose, angels cease to exist. Maimonides,- ham(aspirituals). twist The sageto it. and The studentsage shares relationship his understanding is foundational, of spiritual with a ent ranks of angels where each rank is determined by an angel’s- enlightenment,spiritual twist to or it. received The sage knowledge, shares his understanding with the student. of spiritual Jewish understandingent ranks of angels of God; where the highereach rank the rank,is determined the better by understand- an angel’s mysticismenlightenment, looks ormainly received to the knowledge, Zohar, which with is the the student. central Jewishtext of ingunderstanding of God an angel of God; has. the Ithigher would the appear rank, thethat better the lower understand- ranked themysticism Kabbalah looks (received mainly to traditions/commentaries the Zohar, which is the central of the Torah),text of angelsing of Godare tasked an angel with has. simpler It would purposes. appear that the lower ranked thefor inspiration. Kabbalah (receivedThere are traditions/commentariesmany discussions of angels of thewithin Torah), this angels are tasked with simpler purposes. textfor inspiration. and some commentariesThere are many provide discussions considerable of angels detail. within this Some angelic duties described by Rabbi Davidson include healing, text and some commentaries provide considerable detail. Someconveying angelic prayers duties todescribed God, delivering by Rabbi Davidson punishment/judgeme include healing,nt, conveyingand delivering prayers blessings to God, (God’s delivering kindness). punishment/judgeme In addition to thesent, typesand delivering of angels, blessings there are (God’s also angels kindness). created In addition as a result to of these the deedstypes of men. angels, For there example, are also Rabbi angels Davidson created explains as a resulthow a ofsingle the actdeeds of goodnessof men. For creates example, one Rabbi “angel-advocate” Davidson explains and a singlehow a singleact of sinact createsof goodness one “angel-accuser.” creates one “angel-advocate” Such angels will and either a single advocate act of forsin orcreates oppose one a “angel-accuser.” person in heaven. Such Theangels nature will ofeither these advocate angels, chaotic and imbalanced. In order to reach some form of clarity, aforcc ordingor oppose to Rabbi a person Lazer in Gurkow,heaven. is Thedetermined nature of by these the levelangels, of onechaotic needs and toimbalanced. begin with In a order basic understandingto reach some form and graduallyof clarity, prayer.according Thus, to theRabbi more Lazer devoted Gurkow, and is sincere determined a prayer by is,the the level stron- of one needs to begin with a basic understanding and gradually gerprayer. and Thus,more thevibrant more the devoted angel that and issincere created a prayerbecomes. is, the stron- angel is “malach.” This word also means messenger. Thus, the ger and more vibrant the angel that is created becomes. angelcore understanding is “malach.” This of angels word in also Judaism means is messenger.as messengers Thus, of God. the core understanding of angels in Judaism is as messengers of God.

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Angels, in Jewish Kabbalah are not thought of as highly as might be expected. Angels are clearly considered second to man and are - a lesser creation of God. Rabbi Davidson explains that man’s soul - a lesser creation of God. Rabbi Davidson explains that man’s soul tion of Islam. It is meant to “elevate” one to the realization of the is considered a “piece” of the creator whereas angels are creations. This distinction manifests itself in the simple fact that angels are This distinction manifests itself in the simple fact that angels are the heart” or the “way of the pure.” There is an importance of considered one-dimensional. This means that angels can only in a number of ways. Furthermore, the fact that man has the generally understood as the most perfect and closest to God. choice to serve God makes him superior to the angel who has no generally understood as the most perfect and closest to God. choice to serve God makes him superior to the angel who has no Angels are a perfect model that man must follow in order to choice but to serve. This distinction goes one step further as man’s reach closer to God and the Divine. However, man’s ability to freedom allows him to reach higher degrees of spirituality, where- reach closer to God and the Divine. However, man’s ability to freedom allows him to reach higher degrees of spirituality, where- have a choice surpasses the status of angels.

There is a strong connection in Jewish belief between prayer and

This connection is rooted in the story of Jacob’sas ladder. This story (noted in Genesis 28:12) refers to a dream Prophet Jacobas had wherein he saw a ladder between earth and heaven with angels ascending and descending from it. The Zohar explains, prayer and man can elevate himself by means of the ladder. It has also been noted that there are 4 “rungs” to this ladder or 4 stages of prayer:

1) P'sukei D'zimra ("Verses of Praise"); 2) The blessings that precede the Shema (the Jewish prayer exclaiming God’s Oneness); 3) The Shema; and 4) The Amidah -- the "standing" prayer, also known as Shemonah Esrei("eighteen") because of its original eighteen blessings. and third stage relate the excitement of angels about God and or being in complete unison with God. The blessings before the Shema discuss the angels and their excitement in relation to God. This excitement exhibited by the angels serves as encouragement for man to also be excited about God. This excitement leads to the actual recitation of the Shema prayer. The angels, in this process actual recitation of the Shema prayer. The angels, in this process understands angels to be created out of light to serve God’s will play an exemplary role. As the human makes a choice, he learns understands angels to be created out of light to serve God’s will from the totally submissive nature of the angels and endeavors to without question. Angels are able to move about the universe from the totally submissive nature of the angels and endeavors to willfully and can take on the form of any creation they require to be as “excited” about God as the angels. Ultimately, through this willfully and can take on the form of any creation they require to complete their duties. Sheikh Kabbani explains that angels can take the form of not only animals and humans, but also of the Amidah, which is a stage of complete unison with God. take the form of not only animals and humans, but also of rainbows and any other material creation of God. Angels in Jewish mysticism are understood essentially as subservi- - cases, angels are created out of man’s prayers and deliver those tive has great reverence and respect for angels. Sheikh Kabbani cases, angels are created out of man’s prayers and deliver those discusses how angels have been placed as guardians over man prayers to God and there are also angels like Gabriel and Rafael discusses how angels have been placed as guardians over man and, since guardians are “more perfect” than the one who is clear distinction between men and angels and it is not the usual guarded, angels are more perfect creations than humans. This clear distinction between men and angels and it is not the usual superiority extends into a number of characteristics. For exam- - superiority extends into a number of characteristics. For exam- stood, like all other things, as creations of God, whereas man is ple, angels worship God more perfectly, are more pious, and are stood, like all other things, as creations of God, whereas man is smarter/more intelligent than man. As explained by Sheikh understood to be a piece of the creator itself. Kabbalah mysticism smarter/more intelligent than man. As explained by Sheikh Kabbani, angels live in paradise/the seven heavens and have been worshipping God long before man as the angels were order. been worshipping God long before man as the angels were created before man.

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As a result of having been created before man, angels have been bestowed with “greater and more powerful faculties.” closer to the angelic presence. Angels cannot fall into error and are continuously praising and worshipping God, which makes them more pure than man. After describing what angels are, Sheikh Kabbani pursues a

Concerning intelligence, Sheikh Kabbani details how angels Islamic tradition and the Holy Qur’an. Sheikh Kabbani lists out have two kinds of intelligences: intellectual and traditional knowledge. Intellectual knowledge is knowledge of the who is in charge of revelation and is the leader of soldier-angels. earth, God and His attributes, other angels, and creation/in- Soldier-angels are angels sent to protect believers as was done habitants of the earth. Traditional knowledge is described as during the Battle of Badr. Gabriel is also in charge of victory and knowledge of the unseen or knowledge that cannot be the extinction of any physical creation God wills including known by man without revelation. As angels bring revelation nations of men, animals, and vegetation. Michael is the second down from God, Sheikh Kabbani believes angels to have this archangel in charge of maintaining, nurturing, and sustaining knowledge in greater abundance than man. Angels, in fact, mankind through such things as rain and vegetation. Azra’il is in are understood to be far more intelligent than man.

to be the mark of the last day. One of the interesting stories related by Sheikh Kabbani is the story of the Prophet’s journey to Paradise. In this story, the angel Gabriel accompanies the Prophetsa to a number of spiritual locations including the place where Prophet Jesus(as) was born, where Prophet Moses(as) spoke to God (Mt. Sinai), and the Temple of Solomon(as). At the Temple of Solomon(as), the Prophet(sa) encountered all past prophets(as) where he led a prayer. Through- out this story, there is another mystical creature called Buraq, upon which Gabriel and the Prophet(sa) ride to each destination. It is said in this story that all righteous persons will ride these spiritual beasts into Paradise on the last day. The Buraq travels as Due to their closeness to God, the knowledge of angels is fast as it can see and has a crown on its head with the kalimah considered perfect, active, and continuous. In fact, Sheikh Kabbani goes as far as describing angels as the only created types, appearances, and abilities appear before the Prophet(sa). beings with the attribute of perfection. Some angels are described as having eyes like moons, speaking

Sheikh Kabbani goes on to list six attributes of angels. Angels worship. This story is not cited by Sheikh Kabbani in any way, but it is a fascinating story illustrating in exquisite detail the journey established in divine presence, obeyed by the physical/earthly of the Prophet(sa) through heaven. world, and are the guardians of revelation. These perfect angels in order to establish a close relationship with God. In of man over angels with angels described as servants more so “enter the throng of angels” before entering paradise. In order expresses a strong reverence for angels as a model or goal for angelic presence. man due to the natural closeness between God and angels. Due to their closeness to God, the knowledge of angels is considered perfect, active, and continuous. In fact, Sheikh God, the Kabbalah describes man as a literal piece or part of the Kabbani goes as far as describing angels as the only created Creator and angels as a creation. The angel overall, is an idea that beings with the attribute of perfection. has always been a part of the history of religion in some form or another. As the messengers of Allah who deliver revelation from Sheikh Kabbani goes on to list six attributesibutes of angelangels.s. AngelsAngels on high, angels must have always been in contact with prophets sincesince time immemorial.immemorial. TheThe historyhistory of religionreligion is,is, in fa fact,ct, this established in divine presence, obeyed byby the physical/earthlyphysical/earthly historyhistory of the iinteractionnteraction bebetweentween man and angelangels.s. world, and are the guardians of revelation.elation. T Thesehese perfectperfect angels in order to establish a close relationshiptionship with GGod.od. InIn

“enter the throng of angels” before enteringring paparadise.radise.

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When Imagery Invites Idolatry

By, Naser-ud-Din Shams

The consummate religion is as much a science as it is an art. Its The consummate religion is as much a science as it is an art. Its The clear verses of the Holy Qur’an are foundational and provide science frames a system of legal, social and political gover- science frames a system of legal, social and political gover- an anchor that tethers the allegorical verses from drifting too far. - - Qur’anic exegesis demands that both verses harmonize with one es into a world of rich imagery that nourishes spiritual life and es into a world of rich imagery that nourishes spiritual life and another and forbids the allegorical verses from contradicting the poetic expression. The human mind requires both paths to poetic expression. The human mind requires both paths to muhkamaat. Most importantly, the Qur’an cautions Muslims satisfy its search for truth. This truth forms the foundation of satisfy its search for truth. This truth forms the foundation of against ignorance lest it be a source of discord and error. Only human expression: paintings, poems and sculptures, as well human expression: paintings, poems and sculptures, as well men and women gifted with knowledge and righteousness can unearth the deeply buried treasures of the Qur’an.

Only the Architect of human intellect could author a book that could fully satisfy both requirements of the human mind. The could fully satisfy both requirements of the human mind. The Linguistic Word Analysis: two complementary pursuits balance one another, and provide a holistic understanding of truth. However, if a believ- provide a holistic understanding of truth. However, if a believ- Similar to the two types of Qur’anic verses, every word has two types of meanings: 1) Literal [Arabic: Haqīqī] and 2) Figurative runs the risk of losing the spirit behind the law. On the other runs the risk of losing the spirit behind the law. On the other [Arabic: Majāzī]. Simply put, literal meanings are physical in hand, if a believer overemphasizes the artistic imagery, s/he runs the risk of going astray from the true path and even runs the risk of going astray from the true path and even Holy Qur’an states that, similar to angels, the Holy Prophet(sa) and trespassing into the forbidden territory of idolatry. trespassing into the forbidden territory of idolatry. the believers have “wings” (15:89, 17:25, and 26:216). Obviously people do not have literal wings, so there must be a metaphoric If the Holy Qur’an were truly a perfect book, it would need to If the Holy Qur’an were truly a perfect book, it would need to interpretation behind this word. Allah uses imagery here to optimize spiritual growth through powerful imagery, while optimize spiritual growth through powerful imagery, while express that if Muslims serve others out of sincere love, humility protecting against the pitfalls of idolatry through a solid protecting against the pitfalls of idolatry through a solid and mercy, their hands metaphorically become wings that system of science. These fundamental concepts are important system of science. These fundamental concepts are important elevate them into the heights of spirituality. to understanding how angels have been depicted in art, as well as other fundamental religious themes. meaning is based upon a connotation of the word understood in Distinguishing Literal from Metaphor Distinguishing Literal from Metaphor its proper context. Figurative expressions manifest in meta- - The Holy Qur’an states that it contains two types of verses: The Holy Qur’an states that it contains two types of verses: sions are required to help us comprehend spiritual concepts (such as Deity, Paradise and angels) that cannot be completely [muhkamaat] – they are the basis of the Book [umm-ul-Kitaab]- [muhkamaat] – they are the basis of the Book [umm-ul-Kitaab]- understood physically. interpretations [mutashaabihaat]…And none knows its right - - Judeo-Christian Depictions of Angels ed in knowledge; they say, ‘We believe in it; the whole is from our Lord.’ – And none take heed except those gifted in our Lord.’ – And none take heed except those gifted in The term used in the Old Testament for angel is cherub (Hebrew: knowledge” [3:8]. knowledge” [3:8]. ke-roov, pl. ke-roov-im). These are spiritual beings which are described in various ways in the visions of the Israelite prophet- Here the Holy Qur’an points out that some of its verses are Here the Holy Qur’an points out that some of its verses are s(as). literal in meaning, the muhkamaat, and they are the basis for literal in meaning, the muhkamaat, and they are the basis for the Islamic legal and moral code, or the shari’ah. There is no the Islamic legal and moral code, or the shari’ah. There is no A synagogue discovered in Dura Europos, an archeological site ambiguity in these verses and they are not subject to interpretation. They are also called umm-ul-Kitaab which literally tation. They are also called umm-ul-Kitaab which literally Jewish artistic depictions. The following painting includes means the “mother of the Book” because they give birth to means the “mother of the Book” because they give birth to cherubim and most likely depicts the visions in Ezekiel (37:1-10) understanding the second type of verses which are termed understanding the second type of verses which are termed where the “Hand of God” was upon Ezekiel(as) and a prophecy is mutashaabihaat, or those subject to interpretation. One must mutashaabihaat, or those subject to interpretation. One must made of raising the dead to life and transforming them into a understand the clear verses before delving into the allegorical. understand the clear verses before delving into the allegorical. mighty army (metaphorically representing Israel): Understanding the Qur’an is as much a science as it is an art.

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Emotional appeals aside, the facts are even stronger. Who has ever seen God to describe Him as such? Does He really have 2 eyes? If so, can they see what’s going on behind Him? If not, then how can He be All-Seeing? On the other hand, if those two eyes can see what’s happening behind Him, doesn’t that make them redundant?

The Holy Qur’an strictly condemns such fallacies as they give illegitimate birth to idolatry, error and vice. When addressing the pagan Arab depictions of angels, which equally apply to Christians, God states in the Qur’an: “Did we create the angels In Ezekiel 10:14, the cherubim take peculiar forms that include Christians, God states in the Qur’an: “Did we create the angels females while they were witnesses? Now, surely it is one of parts of men, oxen, lions and eagles. These animates symbol- females while they were witnesses? Now, surely it is one of their fabrications that they say, ‘Allah has begotten children; ized power and wisdom in Jewish tradition, and in later Chris- their fabrications that they say, ‘Allah has begotten children; and they are certainly liars’” (37:151-153). tian mysticism, came to represent the four Evangelists of the and they are certainly liars’” (37:151-153). New Testament. Here the Holy Qur’an points out that those who lie about angels, eventually lie about God. The two are connected and This imagery is depicted in folio 27v of the “Book of Kells,” a angels, eventually lie about God. The two are connected and are characteristic slanders of idolaters. beautifully decorated Latin manuscript of the four Gospels are characteristic slanders of idolaters. compiled circa 800AD by Celtic monks. Starting from the top Hindu Evolution right and going counter-clockwise, the winged lion represents Hindu Evolution Mark, the winged man represents Matthew, the winged ox A similar evolution appears to have taken shape in Hinduism. symbolizes John, and the eagle represents Luke: A similar evolution appears to have taken shape in Hinduism. Christians continued to depict Christians continued to depict centuries came to be accepted as literal reality by the illiterate angels with wings, but over masses. One example of this evolution can be seen in the time, painted them as masses. One example of this evolution can be seen in the time, painted them as Deity Itself, where an artist portrayed God’s role of Vighnaraja children and females, most or the Lord of Obstacles as Ganesh, who has an elephant head, likely as symbols of innocence or the Lord of Obstacles as Ganesh, who has an elephant head, likely as symbols of innocence a round belly and typically four to 16 arms. and purity. The following painting by Artist Bartolomé painting by Artist Bartolomé These images may have been the artist’s depiction of God’s Esteban Perez Murillo is a Christian depiction (circa 1680AD) of the baptism of whose stomach never hungers, and hands endowed with Jesus(as): whose stomach never hungers, and hands endowed with Jesus(as): multi-dimensional capabilities. Obviously, once Hindus bow to the artistic image as a literal reality, rather than the Invisible God behind the image, they enter the realm of idolatry.

This painting illustrates where art trespasses into the realm of idolatry. God the Father is painted as a

space, albeit suspended in the Heavens surrounded by angels. Although Christians do not see this as a serious

and Holy God into the shape of an old man is an exponentially far greater

slurping around in a sewer. And even that is an under- statement!

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AngelsAngels are are spiritual spiritual beings beings but but manifest in various ways physically thethe Latter Latter Day Day spiritual spiritual manifestation manifestation of of His His Holiness Holiness Krishna(a Krishna(as).s) . manifest in various ways physically whenwhen perceived perceived by by humans. humans. In In contrastcontrast to to Jesus’ Jesus’ perception perception of of the the Holy Spirit as a dove, Gabriel mani- HinduHindu nation nation back back to to the the Unity Unity of of God God and and the the true true teachings teachings of of Holy Spirit as a dove, Gabriel mani- Sanatam Dharma, the Eternal or True Path, which Muslims recog- festedfested itself itself to to Muhammad Muhammad in in such such Sanatam Dharma, the Eternal or True Path, which Muslims recog- a glorious manner that its wing nizenize as as Siraatum-Mustaqeem Siraatum-Mustaqeem – the– the Straight Straight Path Path [that [that leads leads to to the the a glorious manner that its wing Eternal God]. coveredcovered the the entire entire expanse expanse of of the the Eternal God]. sky. On another occasion Gabriel sky. On another occasion Gabriel tooktook the the form form of of a aman man who who asked asked several questions in the presence a a literal literal belief belief involves involves reincarnation. reincarnation. The The Judeo-Christian Judeo-Christian and and several questions in the presence Muslim scriptures describe those who are animal like, or underde- ofof the the Muslim Muslim congregation congregation and and Muslim scriptures describe those who are animal like, or underde- was physically seen by all present. velopedveloped in in their their spirituality, spirituality, as as snakes snakes (deceptive), (deceptive), monkeys monkeys was physically seen by all present. Afterwards,Afterwards, when when told told the the man man cycles to spiritually grow out of this animal state (An-Nafs-ul-Am - waswas Gabriel, Gabriel, some some Muslims Muslims went went in in cycles to spiritually grow out of this animal state (An-Nafs-ul-Am - search of the man, but could not maarahmaarah) and) and into into the the state state of of man man (An-Nafs-ul-Lawwaamah (An-Nafs-ul-Lawwaamah), until), until search of the man, but could not loftylofty realm realm of of angels angels (An-Nafs-ul-Mutma’innah (An-Nafs-ul-Mutma’innah). ). SuchSuch manifestations manifestations galvanized galvanized the the faith faith of of believers believers to to the the extent extent This last state is mentioned in the Holy Qur’an (89:28), where man This last state is mentioned in the Holy Qur’an (89:28), where man have done this had they entertained any doubts. achievesachieves a a“nirvana” “nirvana” like like enlightenment enlightenment and and his his soul soul achieves achieves have done this had they entertained any doubts. Islam,Islam, a apeaceful peaceful state state of of complete complete surrender surrender to to the the Will Will of of Allah. Allah. The prophets attain this rank as do those in complete obedience OtherOther references references in in the the ah-hadith ah-hadith point point out out visions visions of of ferocious ferocious The prophets attain this rank as do those in complete obedience beings that intimidated even the worst of the Holy Prophet’s toto them. them. Allah Allah describes describes the the prophets prophets as as “honored “honored servants” servants” who who beings that intimidated even the worst of the Holy Prophet’s “speak not before He speaks, and they act only by His command” enemiesenemies including including Amr Amr bin bin Hishaam Hishaam (i.e., (i.e., Abu Abu Jahl). Jahl). Once, Once, Abu Abu Jahl Jahl “speak not before He speaks, and they act only by His command” was on his way to trample upon the neck of the Holy Prophet(sa) while (21:27-28)(21:27-28) similar similar to to angels angels who who completely completely obey obey the the Will Will of of Allah. Allah. was on his way to trample upon the neck of the Holy Prophet(sa) while It is at this point that Allah chooses men, who are like angels, to be he(sa)he(sa) was was prostrating prostrating in in prayer. prayer. Suddenly, Suddenly, Abu Abu Jahl Jahl frantically frantically began began It is at this point that Allah chooses men, who are like angels, to be shielding himself with his arms and started falling back in retreat. HisHis messengers: messengers: shielding himself with his arms and started falling back in retreat. TheThe people people who who were were expecting expecting to to see see Abu Abu Jahl Jahl humiliate humiliate the the Holy Holy Prophetsa, asked him what he was doing. He replied, “There is “Allah “Allah chooses chooses His His messengers messengers from from among among angels, angels, and and from from Prophetsa, asked him what he was doing. He replied, “There is amongamong men. men. Surely Surely Allah Allah is isAll-Hearing, All-Hearing, All-Seeing” All-Seeing” (22:76). (22:76). Afterwards, the Holy Prophet(sa) said, ThisThis spiritual spiritual imagery, imagery, over over several several centuries, centuries, could could have have been been Afterwards, the Holy Prophet(sa) said, misconstrued by the illiterate masses as a p misconstrued by the illiterate masses as a physicalhysical reincarnation. reincarnation. Whereas animals were used to describe underdeveloped souls in “If“If he he had had come come near near me, me, the the angels angels would would have have torn torn him him into into pieces” pieces” Whereas animals were used to describe underdeveloped souls in [Sahih Muslim, Book of the Day of Judgment, Hell and Paradise]. a astrictly strictly spiritual spiritual sense, sense, the the belief belief may may have have evolved evolved that that those those [Sahih Muslim, Book of the Day of Judgment, Hell and Paradise]. sinnerssinners would would literally literally reappear reappear in in this this world world as as animals, animals, inces- inces- santlysantly locked locked into into these these cycles cycles until until enlightenment enlightenment could could set set themthem free. free. Conclusion AngelsAngels in in the the Qur’an Qur’an & &Ah-Hadith Ah-Hadith Conclusion Although Islam uses rich spiritual imagery, it takes serious precaution InIn the the Holy Holy Qur’an, Qur’an, we we are are told told that that angels angels have have wings wings in in numbers numbers Although Islam uses rich spiritual imagery, it takes serious precaution ofof two, two, three three and and four four (35:2). (35:2). These These “wings” “wings” represent represent the the varying varying degrees of powers and capabilities vested within the angels to interpretationsinterpretations to to the the clear clear verses verses of of the the Holy Holy Qur’an. Qur’an. Any Any interpreta- interpreta- degrees of powers and capabilities vested within the angels to tions that contradict a fundamental teaching of Islam are immediate- accaccomplishomplish their their tasks. tasks. In In fact, fact, some some hadith hadith reports reports state state that that tions that contradict a fundamental teaching of Islam are immediate- Gabriel was manifested with 600 wings [Sahih Bukhari, Book of lyly discarded discarded and and dismissed. dismissed. While While we we see see other other religions religions that that share share Gabriel was manifested with 600 wings [Sahih Bukhari, Book of Islam’s belief in the Unity of God and His angels, their artwork eventu- CommentaryCommentary and and Sahih Sahih Muslim, Muslim, Book Book of of Faith]. Faith]. Islam’s belief in the Unity of God and His angels, their artwork eventu- allyally became became a asource source of of idolatry idolatry and and error. error. Since Since the the inception inception of of Islam, the Holy Qur’an has stood guard over its own verses by ensur- TheThe following following illustration illustration from from the the 1595 1595 edition edition of of the the Turkish Turkish Islam, the Holy Qur’an has stood guard over its own verses by ensur- “Life of Muhammad” (Siyer-e-Nabi), depicts the four angels, Gabri - inging that that its its artistic artistic imagery imagery is is balanced balanced by by a a strong strong foundation foundation of of “Life of Muhammad” (Siyer-e-Nabi), depicts the four angels, Gabri - science, integrity and common sense. el,el, Michael, Michael, Raphael Raphael and and ‘Azraeel ‘Azraeel accompanying accompanying the the Prophet(as) Prophet(as) as as science, integrity and common sense. And in the end, all praise belongs to Allah. hehe travels travels with with his his companions(ra) companions(ra). . And in the end, all praise belongs to Allah.

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“'When the deceased is buried (or he said: when one of you is is you of one when said: he (or buried is deceased the “'When buried), there come to him two blue-black angels, one of whom is is whom of one angels, blue-black two him to come there buried), called Munkar and the other Nakeer...'" Nakeer...'" other the and Munkar called

"The Messenger of Allah said, describing Jibreel: 'I saw Jibreel de- - de Jibreel saw 'I Jibreel: describing said, Allah of Messenger "The scending from heaven, and his great size lled the space between between space the lled size great his and heaven, from scending heaven and earth.'" earth.'" and heaven

"The angels were created from light, the jinn were created from from created were jinn the light, from created were angels "The smokeless re, and Adam was created from that which has been been has which that from created was Adam and re, smokeless described to you." you." to described

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(Gabriel,(Gabriel, Michael, Michael, Raphael, Raphael, and and Izrael) Izrael)

By:By: Irtaza Irtaza Khalid Khalid

AngelsAngels have have Wings, Wings, Two, Two, Three, Three, and and Four Four “All praise belongs to Allah, the Maker of the sentsent Our Our angel angel to to her her and and he he appeared appeared to to her her in in the the form form of of a a “All praise belongs to Allah, the Maker of the well-proportionedwell-proportioned man.” man.” heavensheavens and and the the earth, earth, Who Who employs employs the the angels as messengers, having wings, two, InIn Islamic Islamic history, history, Gabriel Gabriel has has been been a aconstant constant helper helper and and compan- compan- angels as messengers, having wings, two, ion to the Prophet Muhammad(sa). Perhaps the most widely known three, and four. He adds to His creation ion to the Prophet Muhammad(sa). Perhaps the most widely known three, and four. He adds to His creation interactioninteraction between between the the Prophetsa Prophetsa and and this this angel angel occurred occurred in in the the whateverwhatever He He pleases; pleases; for Allah has power over all things.” thethe Muhammadsa. Muhammadsa. On On a aMonday Monday during during the the month month of of Ramadan, Ramadan, for Allah has power over all things.” MuhammadsaMuhammadsa was was praying praying in in the the cave, cave, when when Gabriel Gabriel appeared appeared

TheseThese verses verses from from the the Holy Holy Qur’an Qur’an outline outline the the attributes attributes of of the the angels. Angels are entrusted with the control, management, and angels. Angels are entrusted with the control, management, and “Proclaim“Proclaim thou thou in in the the name name of of thy thy Lord Lord Who Who created. Created man from a clot of blood. theirtheir several several duties. duties. Another Another more more crucial crucial responsibility responsibility of of these these created. Created man from a clot of blood. beingsbeings is is to to carry carry Allah’s Allah’s messages messages to to His His chosen chosen messengers. messengers. Proclaim!Proclaim! And And thy thy Lord Lord is is the the Most Most Bounteous; Bounteous; Who taught by the pen, Taught man what he angelsangels have have varying varying degrees degrees of of power power and and attributes attributes in in accor- accor- Who taught by the pen, Taught man what he dancedance to to the the work work assigned assigned to to them them and and some some angels angels are are therethere- knewknew not.” not.” forefore endowed endowed with with powers powers greater greater than than others. others. ArchangelsArchangels Gabriel Gabriel and and Michael Michael also also helped helped purify purify Muhammad’s Muhammad’s (sa)(sa) heart heart in in prepa prepararationtion for for his his spiritual spiritual ascension ascension to to heaven heaven during the journey of Mi’raj. Gabriel was the angel who guided ofof the the highest highest rank.” rank.” The The word word archangel archangel is is derived derived from from the the during the journey of Mi’raj. Gabriel was the angel who guided MuhammadsaMuhammadsa through through the the numerous numerous levels levels of of the the journey journey until until theythey reached reached the the throne throne of of Allah. Allah. During Muhammad’s visit to the town of Ta’if, the leaders of the andand an an archangel archangel are are rank rank and and role. role. As As Phillips Phillips explains, explains, when when During Muhammad’s visit to the town of Ta’if, the leaders of the town left him to be dealt with street goons. People hurled stones mostmost people people talk talk about about angels, angels, the the most most common common image image in in their their town left him to be dealt with street goons. People hurled stones at Muhammad(sa) and his companion, Zaidra) and they both were mindmind is is one one of of a arosy-cheeked, rosy-cheeked, winged winged cherub. cherub. However, However, angels angels at Muhammad(sa) and his companion, Zaidra) and they both were bleedingbleeding as as they they left left Ta’if. Ta’if. At At this this point, point, while while Muhammad(sa) Muhammad(sa) and and religions. The Buddhist Devas, Muslim Malaikah, or Hindu Apsaras religions. The Buddhist Devas, Muslim Malaikah, or Hindu Apsaras Zaid(ra)Zaid(ra) were were recupe recuperaratingting for for their their journey journey back back to to Mecca, Mecca, Gabri- Gabri- - - of Allah. However, Muhammad(sa) prayed for forgiveness for the religiousreligious traditions. traditions. In In Islam, Islam, the the four four archangels archangels are are Gabriel Gabriel (or (or of Allah. However, Muhammad(sa) prayed for forgiveness for the peoplepeople of of Ta’if. Ta’if. withwith their their respective respective duties. duties. MichaelMichael GabrielGabriel Michael (Mika’il) is an archangel in Jewish, Christian, and Islamic Gabriel,Gabriel, the the chief chief of of all all angels, angels, is is the the angel angel of of revelation. revelation. Gabriel Gabriel Michael (Mika’il) is an archangel in Jewish, Christian, and Islamic teachings. His name is considered as being a combination of Mika isis widely widely known known as as the the angel angel who who has has communicated communicated with with all all teachings. His name is considered as being a combination of Mika and Il, who is like God (Jew. Enc. & Bukhari) i.e. there is none like prophets(as)prophets(as) of of Allah Allah since since the the dawn dawn of of time. time. He He is is the the archangel archangel and Il, who is like God (Jew. Enc. & Bukhari) i.e. there is none like God. The Jews looked upon Michael as their favorite angel and as whowho revealed revealed the the Qur’an Qur’an to to the the Prophet Prophet of of Islam, Islam, Muhammad(sa). Muhammad(sa). God. The Jews looked upon Michael as their favorite angel and as the angel of peace and plenty, rain and herbage (Kath’ir) and GabrielGabriel is is also also believed believed to to be be the the bearer bearer of of Allah’s Allah’s blessings blessings the angel of peace and plenty, rain and herbage (Kath’ir) and duringduring the the night night of of Layl Laylatat-ul-Qadr-ul-Qadr (The (The Night Night of of Power) Power) during during world. He provides nourishment for the body and soul. According thethe Islamic Islamic month month of of Ramadan. Ramadan. All All angels angels have have been been endowed endowed world. He provides nourishment for the body and soul. According to some traditions, he is also responsible for rewards doled out to - - to some traditions, he is also responsible for rewards doled out to good people in this life. In some Islamic traditions, archangels tiontion in in that that he he has has presented presented himself himself to to various various prophets prophets in in good people in this life. In some Islamic traditions, archangels worship Adam. Michael is given the highest regard in all angels, whenwhen he he appeared appeared in in front front of of Maryam Maryam (Virgin (Virgin Mary) Mary) in in human human worship Adam. Michael is given the highest regard in all angels, after Gabriel. formform to to give give her her the the glad glad tidings tidings of of the the birth birth of of her her son(as). son(as). after Gabriel. SUNRISE {27} MUSLIMSUNRISE[2013] {27} MUSLIM[2013] MUSLIM SUNRISE, FALL 2013 MUSLIM 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 to messengers, 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 will According 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 is God and opponents of Satan.” Hannah explains that Michael is the 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 who es, the breath of which is used to inject life into hosts of angels who about Michael in the Sunni, Shi’ite, and the Ahmadiyya sects. add to the songs themselves,” thus, implying that the angels of God about Michael in the Sunni, Shi’ite, and the Ahmadiyya sects. add to the songs themselves,” thus, implying that the angels of God According 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 so sent down in the physical world to bring a handful of earth so that Allah could create His beings from that dirt, some of whom Izrael that Allah could create His beings from that dirt, some of whom Izrael will 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 is will 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 is Michael is thought to possess messiah-like properties and will responsible for separating the soul from the body. The Holy Qur’an Michael is thought to possess messiah-like properties and will responsible for separating the soul from the body. The Holy Qur’an work in collaboration with the Mahdi. Ahmadiyya Muslims never uses the word “Izrael” but refers to malak-ul-maut which can work in collaboration with the Mahdi. Ahmadiyya Muslims never uses the word “Izrael” but refers to malak-ul-maut which can believe in Michael as an angel of God created with the sole literally be translated into “angel of death.” According to certain believe in Michael as an angel of God created with the sole literally be translated into “angel of death.” According to certain purpose of carrying out Allah’s commands, which include traditions, the process of separation of the soul from the body purpose of carrying out Allah’s commands, which include traditions, the process of separation of the soul from the body providing rain and food to the beings on earth. They (angels) carried out Izrael can be one of two forms, depending on the providing rain and food to the beings on earth. They (angels) carried out Izrael can be one of two forms, depending on the are spiritual beings with no permanent physical form associat- spiritual state of the person involved. If the person was a sinful, are spiritual beings with no permanent physical form associat- spiritual state of the person involved. If the person was a sinful, ed with them. non-righteous person, the soul is ripped out very painfully. Howev- ed with them. non-righteous person, the soul is ripped out very painfully. Howev- er, if the person was a pious person of faith, the act of separation of Raphael er, if the person was a pious person of faith, the act of separation of Raphael his soul from his body is very smooth, like a “drop of water dripping his soul from his body is very smooth, like a “drop of water dripping from glass.” signaling the advent of the Judgment Day by blowing the from glass.” signaling the advent of the Judgment Day by blowing the trumpet and sending out a blast of truth from the Holy Rock in The Qur’an states: trumpet and sending out a blast of truth from the Holy Rock in The Qur’an states: Jerusalem. The trumpet is constantly poised at his lips, ready to Jerusalem. The trumpet is constantly poised at his lips, ready to be blown when Allah so orders. In Judeo-Christian biblical “Say, ‘The angel of death that has been put in charge of you will be blown when Allah so orders. In Judeo-Christian biblical “Say, ‘The angel of death that has been put in charge of you will literature, 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 about It should be noted here that only Allah has the knowledge about when and where will each person be taken by death, hence, clarify- an unnamed angel responsible with the task of blowing the when and where will each person be taken by death, hence, clarify- an unnamed angel responsible with the task of blowing the ing it without any doubt that the angel of death has no will of his trumpet has been cited several times. ing it without any doubt that the angel of death has no will of his 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 heavens and 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 sends and 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 sends those whom Allah will be pleased to spare. Then will it be down the rain, and He knows what is in the wombs. And no soul those whom Allah will be pleased to spare. Then will it be down the rain, and He knows what is in the wombs. And no soul blown a second time, and lo! they will be standing, awaiting knows what it will earn tomorrow, and no soul knows in what land it blown a second time, and lo! they will be standing, awaiting knows what it will earn tomorrow, and no soul knows in what land it judgment.” 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 an According to one interpretation by Farid, this verse seems to According to Farid, all angels, despite their rank, constitute an apply to the Resurrection in the next life (according to Islamic important link in the spiritual chain, and he, who breaks even one apply to the Resurrection in the next life (according to Islamic important link in the spiritual chain, and he, who breaks even one link of the spiritual chain or manifests ill-will against any spiritual link of the spiritual chain or manifests ill-will against any spiritual also be applied to the spiritual conditions of the people imme- system, in fact, severs his connection with the whole system. Such a also be applied to the spiritual conditions of the people imme- system, in fact, severs his connection with the whole system. Such a diately before the appearance of a divine teacher in the world person thus deprives himself of the favors and blessings of Allah diately before the appearance of a divine teacher in the world person thus deprives himself of the favors and blessings of Allah whose advent is here likened to the blowing of the trumpet. which are showered upon His true servants. Such a person, on the whose advent is here likened to the blowing of the trumpet. which are showered upon His true servants. Such a person, on the contrary, renders himself deserving of the punishment decreed for contrary, renders himself deserving of the punishment decreed for the advent of a new divine teacher. transgressors.The term “angel” is expanded to various notions of the advent of a new divine teacher. transgressors.The term “angel” is expanded to various notions of spirits found in many other religious traditions. According to beliefs spirits found in many other religious traditions. According to beliefs of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, angels are spiritual beings of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, angels are spiritual beings trumpet blow will destroy everything: that carry out God’s commands and prote ct and guide human trumpet blow will destroy everything: that carry out God’s commands and prote ct and guide human beings. Angels are responsible for controlling and maintaining the beings. 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 a single blast is sounded on the trumpet. And laws of nature. Something as basic as a virus and bacteria are the earth and the mountains are heaved up and then are the earth and the mountains are heaved up and then are crushed in a single crash.” in unison with each other to maintain a perfect balance. crushed in a single crash.” in unison with each other to maintain a perfect balance. As Murata explains, Islamic spirituality can only be envisaged in As Murata explains, Islamic spirituality can only be envisaged in blow the trumpet and both the righteous and the guilty will connection with the angels, who are intertwined with all dimen- blow the trumpet and both the righteous and the guilty will connection with the angels, who are intertwined with all dimen- stand before God’s Great Judgment Seat to render an account sions of human life as seen by Islam. Therefore, belief in the angels is stand before God’s Great Judgment Seat to render an account sions of human life as seen by Islam. Therefore, belief in the angels is for 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. SUNRISE {28} MUSLIMSUNRISE[2013] {28} MUSLIM[2013] MUSLIM SUNRISE, FALL 2013

EHT EHT EXISTENCE OF GUARDIAN ANGELS By- Rabia Salim

In order to understand the nature of angels and their relationship to a Divine plan, I asked Hadrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad(rh) the a guardian angel. For example, in Christianity, Gabriel and Michael Caliph of the time, as a seventeen year old in one of his Question a guardian angel. For example, in Christianity, Gabriel and Michael Caliph of the time, as a seventeen year old in one of his Question have been mentioned as guardian angels for humans.(5) and Answer sessions, that if Allah is All Powerful, why does He answer to me was Rabbi kulo shain, need angels, to which his answer to me was Rabbi kulo shain, In Islam we know these are the names of the chief angels, and khaa di mo ka, rabi fa faznaa, wansurnaa, warhamnaa - O Lord, In Islam we know these are the names of the chief angels, and khaa di mo ka, rabi fa faznaa, wansurnaa, warhamnaa - O Lord, these chiefs are considered like guardians in Christianity. Further everything is Thy servant, help me, protect me, have mercy on these chiefs are considered like guardians in Christianity. Further everything is Thy servant, help me, protect me, have mercy on there is mention of one angel by a human’s side, “Yet if there is an me. there is mention of one angel by a human’s side, “Yet if there is an me. angel at their side, a messenger, one out of a thousand, sent to tell them how to be upright.”(6) He explained to me that the angels were created by Him to serve them how to be upright.”(6) He explained to me that the angels were created by Him to serve This verse shows the notion of a good angel on your side giving you righteous suggestions which is a more concrete concept of a angels for various tasks.(1) Also in Islam, there are known to be guardian angel. They are also mentioned more generally; “Are not types of guardian angels, which keep track of your soul, guardian angel. They are also mentioned more generally; “Are not types of guardian angels, which keep track of your soul, all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?”(7) “There is not a soul but has a guardian over it”.(2) salvation?”(7) “There is not a soul but has a guardian over it”.(2) Another example is Judaism which also demonstrates a belief in In Islam, there are consequences for your actions, “And if Allah guardian angels that operate close to humans and react to our were to hasten for men the ill consequences of their actions as guardian angels that operate close to humans and react to our were to hasten for men the ill consequences of their actions as - they would seek to hasten on the good, the end of their term of ian angels, however, this term is for the ease of the reader, they are life would already be brought upon them.”(3) ian angels, however, this term is for the ease of the reader, they are life would already be brought upon them.”(3) more like God’s messengers. The connection a person is meant to have with angels is explained by a rabbi commenting on Daniel: “Daniel, was the only one who saw the vision; those who were with archangels for example Gabriel, so the term used here is just for the reader’s understanding of the common term of an angel that the reader’s understanding of the common term of an angel that and hid themselves.”(8) watches over you. In actual fact, there are more than one or two "Our Sages of blessed memory said that although a person does explained clearly, that all the particles Allah has created he has pressed into service for humans, and just like the blood travels to the baby in the mother’s womb to aid its development, all This verse and commentary highlight that the angels have an spiritual state. even though they have not seen it. We experience this in normal A human needs to act in accordance with Allah’s sublime Will in even though they have not seen it. We experience this in normal A human needs to act in accordance with Allah’s sublime Will in circumstances when a human gets a “bad vibe” about a person or order for the angels to serve him/her, and when he acts contrary, uses the word guardian angel here perhaps to depict the idea of This is the basic Islamic concept of a guardian angel.(4) “Our sages tell us that each mitzvah that we do creates an angel So for example, if during pregnancy, the mother were to act “Our sages tell us that each mitzvah that we do creates an angel So for example, if during pregnancy, the mother were to act that serves as a shield and protection for us. After our passing, contrary to her role as nurturer, and smoke and drink alcohol, these angels testify on our behalf before the Heavenly Courts. So the baby would be harmed, however if the mother did positive these angels testify on our behalf before the Heavenly Courts. So the baby would be harmed, however if the mother did positive in that sense, we create our own guardian angels.” (10) things, the baby would blossom. This testimony clearly does not give the guardian angel a persona, This is the basic Islamic concept of every action has a reaction, or in fact this is a more general concept and it also asserts that guard- consequence, and one function of angels is to regulate human’s in fact this is a more general concept and it also asserts that guard- consequence, and one function of angels is to regulate human’s ian angels react according to our actions whether good or bad. good and bad deeds.

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So some of the major religions have the idea of angels involved in So some of the major religions have the idea of angels involved in human life. Some Christians give the angel that watches over human life. Some Christians give the angel that watches over humans a persona, as their guardian angel, perhaps Gabriel or humans a persona, as their guardian angel, perhaps Gabriel or Michael, and some Christians pray to it.(11) Michael, and some Christians pray to it.(11) Notably in Catholicism a similar concept is found with patron Notably in Catholicism a similar concept is found with patron saints. They are not angelic beings however the dead person’s saints. They are not angelic beings however the dead person’s spirit is prayed to for example St. Jude, and through his interces- spirit is prayed to for example St. Jude, and through his interces- sion, a prayer can be accepted.(12) sion, a prayer can be accepted.(12) Jews believe any prayer is directed to God and the angels provide Jews believe any prayer is directed to God and the angels provide channels and are part of the workings to create a response.(13) Rather than angels literally giving a testimony, our bodies will do channels and are part of the workings to create a response.(13) Rather than angels literally giving a testimony, our bodies will do the talking in our case, and in this verse, it is describing a wrong- the talking in our case, and in this verse, it is describing a wrong- doer as it is “against them”. However a righteous person’s doer as it is “against them”. However a righteous person’s the protection of the human found in Christianity, we can look in testimony will be done in the same way, just in the positive light the protection of the human found in Christianity, we can look in testimony will be done in the same way, just in the positive light the Qur’an again, “When the two Recording angels record every- of their deeds producing good reactions. We see how positive the Qur’an again, “When the two Recording angels record every- of their deeds producing good reactions. We see how positive thing, sitting on his right and on his left, he utters not a word but actions react on our body with positive feelings and bad actions thing, sitting on his right and on his left, he utters not a word but actions react on our body with positive feelings and bad actions there is by him a guardian angel ready to record it”.(14) produce bad feelings. The way angels are related to this there is by him a guardian angel ready to record it”.(14) produce bad feelings. The way angels are related to this phenomenon is just how the baby and blood cells were phenomenon is just how the baby and blood cells were Going back to the earlier point of every soul has a guardian over it, described earlier, and angels regulate all of this at the command Going back to the earlier point of every soul has a guardian over it, described earlier, and angels regulate all of this at the command we can still deduce that there is more than one angel involved in of God. They are all guardian angels in Islam, guarding and we can still deduce that there is more than one angel involved in of God. They are all guardian angels in Islam, guarding and human protection and guidance starting with a guardian for the protecting each and every human. However another point is human protection and guidance starting with a guardian for the protecting each and every human. However another point is soul, two recording angels for good and bad deeds, and any other clear in Islam. If you do a negative action this will be recorded or soul, two recording angels for good and bad deeds, and any other clear in Islam. If you do a negative action this will be recorded or angels God requires to carry out his tasks and they all can be angels God requires to carry out his tasks and they all can be thought of as guardian angels. Ultimately the human body thought of as guardian angels. Ultimately the human body houses the soul which carries on after death and any angel that is This brings us back to the prayer in the beginning, “help me, houses the soul which carries on after death and any angel that is This brings us back to the prayer in the beginning, “help me, preparing the soul for when it leaves the body could be thought of protect me and have mercy on me.” There are dangers to preparing the soul for when it leaves the body could be thought of protect me and have mercy on me.” There are dangers to as a guardian angel. The recording angels are guarding the words humans, some physical like a rock falling from above and some as a guardian angel. The recording angels are guarding the words humans, some physical like a rock falling from above and some spiritual like Satan. When bad deeds are recorded by the record- spiritual like Satan. When bad deeds are recorded by the record- soul and they are also guardian angels. The Islamic belief expands ing angel after a human follows a satanic suggestion this can soul and they are also guardian angels. The Islamic belief expands ing angel after a human follows a satanic suggestion this can to our body bearing witness on our soul on the Day of Judgment, take us further away from God, but when we turn to God with to our body bearing witness on our soul on the Day of Judgment, take us further away from God, but when we turn to God with similar to the Jewish idea of angels testifying for us in the Heavenly prayers he provides protection with angels that mingle in our similar to the Jewish idea of angels testifying for us in the Heavenly prayers he provides protection with angels that mingle in our world.(16) We should keep hope that in God’s wisdom in design- world.(16) We should keep hope that in God’s wisdom in design- told “On the day when their tongues and their hands and their feet ing His system we always stay protected. Amen. told “On the day when their tongues and their hands and their feet ing His system we always stay protected. Amen. will 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)

1. Ahmad, Hazrat Mirza Ghulam(as). The Essence of Islam II. 1. Ed.Ahmad, Hazrat Hazrat Mirza Mirza Masroor Ghulam(as). Ahmad. 2004. The Essence July 24th of Islam2013 II. 2. (TheEd. Hazrat Holy QuranMirza Masroor86.5) Ahmad. 2004. July 24th 2013 3.2. (The Holy Quran.Quran 86.5)10.12.) 4.3. Ahmad,Hazrat(The Holy Quran. Mirza 10.12.) Ghulam(as). 4. TheAhmad,Hazrat Essence of MirzaIslam Ghulam(as).II. Ed. Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad. 2004. July 24th2013 5. “GuardianThe Essence Angel”. of Islam ¬Wikipedia. II. Ed. Hazrat July Mirza 29th Masroor 2013 Ahmad. 2004. July 24th2013 5.6. “Guardian(The Bible. Angel”. Job 33:23). ¬Wikipedia. July 29th 2013 6.7. (The Bible. JobHebrews 33:23). 1:14). 7.8. (The Bible. HebrewsDaniel 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 believeCommentary” in guardian Chabad.org. angels” Chabad.org.July 30th 2012. July 30th 2013. 10. “DoChaya we Sarah believe Silberberg in guardian angels” Chabad.org. July 30th 2013. 11. “GuardianChaya Sarah Angel”. Silberberg 11.12. “Guardian“Patron Saint”. Angel”. Wikipedia. July 30, 2013 12.13. “Patron“Guardian Saint”. Angel”. Wikipedia. ¬Wikipedia. July 30, July 2013 29th 2013 13.14. “Guardian(The Holy Quran.Angel”. 50:18-19) ¬Wikipedia. July 29th 2013 14.15. (The Holy Quran. 24:25).50:18-19) 15.16. (TheAhmad, Holy Hazrat Quran. Mirza 24:25). Ghulam(as). 16. Ahmad,The Essence Hazrat of IslamMirza II.Ghulam(as). Ed. Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad. 2004. July 24th 2013 The Essence of Islam II. Ed. Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad. 2004. July 24th 2013

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FROMFROMTHETHE ARCHIVESARCHIVES MuslimMuslim Sunrise Sunrise July July 1922 1922 QaziQazi A. A. Latif, Latif, M.A., M.A., Ph. Ph. D., D., Journalist Journalist

A AMessage Message Regarding Regarding Islam Islam

ToTo Whom Whom It MayIt May Concern. Concern. Salaams Salaams (or (or Salutation Salutation to toAll) All) Dr.Dr. Mufti Mufti Muhammad Muhammad Sadiq, Sadiq, a a well well known known theologian theologian and and missionarymissionary of ofIslam Islam connected connected with with the the Ahmadia Ahmadia Moveme Movement,nt is, is nownow amongst amongst you. you. If youIf you have have not not seen seen or orheard heard him him just just drop drop a a letterletter to tohim him asking asking for for some some literature literature or orinformation information about about his his missionmission and and you you are are sure sure to toget get a reply a reply from from him. him. His His very very printed printed letterheadingletterheading will will give give you you an an impression impression of ofwhat what he he is isand and for for - - eded at atthe the corner corner which which will will tell tell its its own own tale. tale. Face Face is isthe the index index of of charactercharacter and and so so for f ora physiognomist a physiognomist it willit will speak speak volumes volumes of ofthe the latentlatent light light which which he he ca carriesrries in inhis his person. person. missionmission of ofall all the the prophets, prophets, for for instance—Moses instance—Moses the the Lawgiver, Lawgiver, AbrahamAbraham the the Patriarch, Patriarch, Jesus Jesus Christ, Christ, etc. etc. Acc Aordingccording to toIslam Islam all all of of themthem were were Moslems Moslems and and all all proclaimed proclaimed throughout throughout the the Unity Unity of of GodGod which which is sineis sine qua qua non non is Islam.is Islam. As As there there is ais processa process of ofslow slow butbut constant constant construction construction and and destruction destruction in inall all earthly earthly things; things; andand old old order order changes changes giving giving place place to tonew, new, it isit butis but natural natural that that lawslaws pertaining pertaining to to religion religion may may also also be be revised, revised, consolidated, consolidated, amendedamended and and repealed repealed from from time time to totime time just just as asour our man man made made lawslaws are are subject subject to toperiodical periodical changes changes to tomeet meet the the requirements requirements of ofthe the time. time. As As in inthe the earthly earthly laws, laws, the the basic basic principle principle remains remains intact;intact; say say for for instance, instance, the the constitution constitution or orthe the form form of ofgovern- govern- ment;ment; so so the the fundamental fundamental principle principle of ofreligion religion such such as asin inIslam Islam is is - - aimaim is alwaysis always one one and and the the same same kum”kum” i.e., i.e., peace peace be be upon upon you, you, one one and and all. all. This This is is one one of of the the commandments of Islam. Peace includes all sorts of peace, peace commandments of Islam. Peace includes all sorts of peace, peace IslamIslam is notis not a self-madea self-made religion religion but but it claimsit claims to tobe be as asold old as asthe the of mind, peace of body, peace of individuals and of nations. of mind, peace of body, peace of individuals and of nations. worldworld itself. itself. Even Even the the Angels Angels above above proclaim proclaim and and profess profess Islam Islam Peace, as you know, is such an important thing that it may be Peace, as you know, is such an important thing that it may be andand nothing nothing else. else. Islam Islam has has stood stood the the test test of ofall all centuries centuries and and it it called the very desideratum of human life. Peace is self-protec- called the very desideratum of human life. Peace is self-protec- spreadspread into into India, India, China China and and elsewhere elsewhere by by meek meek and and humble humble peace an absolute or the biological necessity for the develop- peace an absolute or the biological necessity for the develop- of ofwealthy wealthy Missionaries. Missionaries. Islam Islam does does its its work work automatically automatically once once ment of the whole world. You have made Peace Societies in ment of the whole world. You have made Peace Societies in it it is is introduced introduced properly. properly. The The diamond, diamond, while while buried buried in in earth, earth, America to espouse the cause, but the Mufti will tell you that this America to espouse the cause, but the Mufti will tell you that this waswas apparently apparently of ofno no more more value value than than a commona common stone. stone. It wasIt was peace is the best watchword and the only form of salutation is peace is the best watchword and the only form of salutation is whenwhen it wasit was brought brought out out from from the the mines mines and and polished polished and and cut cut Islam and far superior to all known forms of salutes including the Islam and far superior to all known forms of salutes including the andand put put in ina position a position to tocatch catch the the rays rays of oflight light so so that that it couldit could be be time-indicatingtime-indicating “Good “Good Morning”, Morning”, “Good “Good Evening”, Evening”, “Good “Good Night”, Night”, and so on. The Mufti will tell you that he preaches no new and so on. The Mufti will tell you that he preaches no new soso with with Islam. Islam. The The Mufti Mufti represents represents Islam Islam and and the the rays rays of oflight light are are religionreligion but but the the one one and and the the same same which which all all prophets prophets professed professed from Adam to our Lord Muhammad (Peace be with his soul). from Adam to our Lord Muhammad (Peace be with his soul). Ave,Ave, Chicago, Chicago, IL, IL, USA). USA).

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Islam is the only religion on earth that can stand the strictest test Islam is the only religion on earth that can stand the strictest test of Science. It has nothing to recast or reshape like other religions to of Science. It has nothing to recast or reshape like other religions to make it science-proof. Islam is the only cure for Materialism which make it science-proof. Islam is the only cure for Materialism which

man and if anybody who knows the modern Science reads it man and if anybody who knows the modern Science reads it

place to give or quote verses now. I quote here however, a few of place to give or quote verses now. I quote here however, a few of many virtues of Islam just to convince those who have not known many virtues of Islam just to convince those who have not known Islam through original sources. Just look at the prohibition of Islam through original sources. Just look at the prohibition of drinking in the United States by law. Islam has had this law since 13 drinking in the United States by law. Islam has had this law since 13 centuries and a little more. Gambling is equally prohibited by centuries and a little more. Gambling is equally prohibited by Islam and the day is not distant when the characteristic features of Islam and the day is not distant when the characteristic features of Islam will be adopted by all civilized governments. The Ahmadia Islam will be adopted by all civilized governments. The Ahmadia prohibition of drinking and I believe through Mufti Saheb who was prohibition of drinking and I believe through Mufti Saheb who was then in England. then in England. Islam is an ideal religion and is such as no human mind can invent Islam is an ideal religion and is such as no human mind can invent a better. It has every virtue of Socialism. Islam preaches equality a better. It has every virtue of Socialism. Islam preaches equality and brotherhood. It does not favor in the least color, race or creed and brotherhood. It does not favor in the least color, race or creed distinctions. Islam is a cosmopolitic religion and can make its distinctions. Islam is a cosmopolitic religion and can make its home everywhere. It is as pleasing to the Princes as it is to the home everywhere. It is as pleasing to the Princes as it is to the hewers of the wood and carriers of water. Verily Islam is the source hewers of the wood and carriers of water. Verily Islam is the source of happiness in this world and after. All its religious observances of happiness in this world and after. All its religious observances aim toward the health and happiness of its followers. Islam never aim toward the health and happiness of its followers. Islam never expects you to look on the world with disdain and do penances or expects you to look on the world with disdain and do penances or any 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 magnates It is true that our Mufti is not backed by huge funds or magnates and plutocrats and must be living plainly therefore, not in the and plutocrats and must be living plainly therefore, not in the palatial or sky scraper buildings and hence would not be in a palatial or sky scraper buildings and hence would not be in a position to spend lavishly in his propaganda. But you must realize position to spend lavishly in his propaganda. But you must realize this fact that all great achievements in the domain of science or this fact that all great achievements in the domain of science or religion were only made by plain livers and high thinkers. The day religion were only made by plain livers and high thinkers. The day is not distant when Islam will count in America in its fold many is not distant when Islam will count in America in its fold many worthy sons of America. Islam never tells you to reject the worthy sons of America. Islam never tells you to reject the prophethood of Jesus Christ. Islam is Monotheism and says he was prophethood of Jesus Christ. Islam is Monotheism and says he was not the son of God but the son of Mary. Islam rejects Trinity which not the son of God but the son of Mary. Islam rejects Trinity which is undoubtedly a man-made theory and is not to be found in the is undoubtedly a man-made theory and is not to be found in the words 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 path May God give light to all those who wish to follow the right path and as Koran says, “There is no compulsion in religion”, and there- and as 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.

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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 the Fajr (dawn) and 'Asr (afternoon) prayers. Those (angels) who have spent the night with you ascend (to Heaven). Allah asks them, although He knows everything about you, "In what state did you leave my slaves?" the angels reply, "When we left them they were praying and when we reached them they were praying." MUSLIM SUNRISE, FALL 2013 JINNSAND DEMONS By Zia H Shah, MD

I remember waking up in bed, one strange morning, with my eyes I remember waking up in bed, one strange morning, with my eyes They possess the bodily needs of human beings and can even be and brain functioning, but my body frozen. I couldn’t move…not and brain functioning, but my body frozen. I couldn’t move…not killed, but they are free from all physical restraints. Jinn delight in punishing humans for any harm done them, intentionally or unintentionally, and are said to be responsible for many diseases and all kinds of accidents; however, those human beings knowing but could not move at all. This lasted only a minute but felt like but could not move at all. This lasted only a minute but felt like the proper magical procedure can exploit the jinn to their advan- eternity. eternity. tage. This is not my story but a typical account of sleep paralysis that This is not my story but a typical account of sleep paralysis that Such beliefs are commonplace even today. A self-report question- naire was given to a convenience sample of Muslims aged 18 years and over (n=111). The majority of the sample believed in the existence of jinn, black magic and the evil eye, and approximately Many religions and cultures believe, or once believed, that what is Many religions and cultures believe, or once believed, that what is half of them stated that these could cause physical and mental now known as sleep paralysis was a form of physical contact with treated by now known as sleep paralysis was a form of physical contact with health problems and that these problems should be treated by demons or jinns. Most believing Christians do believe in demons as the belief in God Historically speaking, in the medieval societies, belief in jinns, Most believing Christians do believe in demons as the belief in God and angels is tied with demons, as the Bible frequently mentions demons and witches was almost universal and was the explana- and angels is tied with demons, as the Bible frequently mentions demons and exorcisms, and present day commentaries or exegesis tion for many a neurologic or psychiatric malady. demons and exorcisms, and present day commentaries or exegesis take the stories literally. There are scores of mention of demons in Generally what are called jinns in the Muslim societies are called take the stories literally. There are scores of mention of demons in demons the Bible. For example we read:

"On another occasion, a man knelt before Jesus, saying, ‘Lord, have “One Thousand and One Nights” is a collection of Asian stories and folk disciples, but they could not heal him.' 'O unbelieving and perverse tales compiled in Arabic during the generation,' Jesus replied, 'how long shall I stay with you? How long Islamic Golden Age. It is often known shall I put up with you? Bring the boy here to me.' Jesus rebuked the in English as the “Arabian Nights,” from demon, and it came out of the boy, and he was healed from that moment." (1706), which rendered the title as (Matt 17:15-18) “The Arabian Nights' Entertainment.” The work was collected over many And again: centuries by various authors, transla- "That evening after sunset the people brought to Jesus all the sick tors, and scholars across West, Central, and demon-possessed. The whole town gathered at the door, and South Asia and North Africa. Jesus healed many who had various diseases. He also drove out many demons, but he would not let the demons speak because According to Encyclopedia Britannica: they knew who he was." jinni, plural jinn, also called genie, Arabic jinni, in Arabic mythol - they knew who he was." jinni, plural jinn, also called genie, Arabic jinni, in Arabic mythol - (Mark 1:32-34) ogy, a supernatural spirit below the level of angels and devils. ghul (treacherous spirits of changing shape), ifrit (diabolic, evil So the writer of Gospel of Mark not only believes in demons but spirits), and sila (treacherous spirits of invariable form) constitute So the writer of Gospel of Mark not only believes in demons but spirits), and sila (treacherous spirits of invariable form) constitute also that demons knew the identity of Jesus, which he did not want jinn Jinn assuming human or animal form and are said to dwell in all relatively common in Catholic societies. The exorcism of persons conceivable inanimate objects—stones, trees, ruins—under- relatively common in Catholic societies. The exorcism of persons conceivable inanimate objects—stones, trees, ruins—under- possessed by demons is carefully regulated by canon law in the Roman Catholic church, and the elaborate rite is contained in the Roman ritual.

SUNRISE {34} MUSLIMSUNRISE[2013] {34} MUSLIM[2013] MUSLIM SUNRISE, FALL 2013 In a recent study in Switzerland, the author conducted a In a recent study in Switzerland, the author conducted a jinns systematic investigation of the prevalence of demons, in 343 systematic investigation of the prevalence of demons, in 343 Prophet Muhammad(sa), but when we try to understand these mainly Protestant out-patients of a psychiatric clinic in mainly Protestant out-patients of a psychiatric clinic in hadith in the light of the Qur’an, we have no choice but to under- Switzerland, who described themselves as religious. Of these, Switzerland, who described themselves as religious. Of these, stand jinns to be some hidden groups of men, who did not reveal 129 (37.6 per cent) believed in the possible causation of their Holy Qur’an we read, "Say, ‘O mankind! truly I am a Messenger to 'occult bondage' or 'possession.' One hundred and four of 'occult bondage' or 'possession.' One hundred and four of you all from Allah." (Al Qur’an 7:159 ) Khalifat-ul-Masih II argues these patients (30.3 per cent) sought help through ritual these patients (30.3 per cent) sought help through ritual jinns 'prayers for deliverance' and exorcism. '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 in the 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 emerged at least 3.5 billion years ago and live in environments that resem- ble conditions existing when the earth was young, which may have role in evolution of life on our planet, but, that is a subject for another day.

According to a 2009 Harris Poll of 2,303 American adults, when people are asked to “Please indicate for each one if you believe in it, or not,” the following results were revealing:1 82% believe in God 72% believe in angels 71% believe in survival of the soul after death In this context, both in the East and the West it is a great service of 60% believe in the devil the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community to humanity that they have 42% believe in ghosts freed religion from such Jinns, demons and exorcisms. 23% believe in witches There are several mentions of jinns in the Holy Qur’an and actual - As the Christian children grow up in the Western cultures, they ly a chapter is titled jinns. But, the devil is in the detail. Who are learn that Santa Claus is only make belief and of only some histori- the jinns? -

ing in our global village, we are increasingly realizing that Jinns Khalifat-ul-Masih II, Hadrat Mirza Bashir-ud-Din Mahmud Ahmad, who led the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community from 1914-1965, are only relics of the past and a result of lack of precise under- gave several reasons why jinns are not the demons or the ghosts standing. No one needs exorcism today. of popular imagination, in his commentary of Surah al-Hijr, the examples here. psychiatrists and better theologians. He says that jinns in the Holy Qur’an mean foreigners or aliens. He says that jinns in the Holy Qur’an mean foreigners or aliens. senses and are beyond time, space and matter, God of the Abra- For example, we read in the Holy Qur’an, "And of the jinn were senses and are beyond time, space and matter, God of the Abra- some who worked under him (Solomon), by the command of his hamic faiths, angels and jinns and demons in the popular imagi - some who worked under him (Solomon), by the command of his nation, have to be based on sound reasons and proofs and such Lord. ... They made for him what he desired; palaces and statues, nation, have to be based on sound reasons and proofs and such beliefs need to demonstrate utilitarian value.

Belief in a Personal God, Who grants us our earnest prayers these jinns that built palaces for the Prophet Solomon(as), we Belief in a Personal God, Who grants us our earnest prayers through the agencies of angels, brings peace and serenity to our hearts and souls. However, belief in malevolent jinns, for which engineers for this purpose. In the same chapter we read, "Solo- hearts and souls. However, belief in malevolent jinns, for which mon took a census of all the foreigners residing in Israel, after the census his father David had taken; and they were found to be 153,600. He assigned 70,000 of them to be carriers and 80,000 to be stonecutters in the hills, with 3,600 foremen over them to We can choose what we believe in and we have the choice to base be stonecutters in the hills, with 3,600 foremen over them to it on reason and rationality. keep the people working." it on reason and rationality.

SUNRISE {35} MUSLIMSUNRISE {35} MUSLIM[2013] MUSLIMMUSLIM SUNRISE, SUNRISE, FALL FALL 2013 2013 FALLENFALLEN ANGELSANGELS byby 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.” TheyThey are are not not like like humans, humans, where where we we are are given given freewill freewill by by God. God. WeWe 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 are MostMost worldlyworldly religions’religions’ talestales areare incompleteincomplete withoutwithout thethe notnot allowed allowed to to have have freewill; freewill; thereby, thereby, only only being being able able to to do do presencepresence of of angels. angels. Known Known to to be be divine divine creatures, creatures, possessing possessing all all good,good, which which is is God’s God’s will. will. Angels Angels are are faithful faithful servants servants of of God God and and thatthat 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 heaven havehave no no free free choice choice to to disobey. disobey. If Ifa aMuslim Muslim were were to to truly truly believe believe andand salvation salvation to to most most believers. believers. Although Although these these benevolent benevolent this,this, then then it itis is impossible impossible for for an an angel angel to to have have fallen fallen or or to to have have creaturescreatures have have always always been been celebrated celebrated in in today’s today’s culture culture and and committedcommitted a asin sin against against God God Himself. Himself. There There have have always always been been religions,religions, their their counterparts, counterparts, the the fallen fallen angels, angels, have have also also piqued piqued misunderstoodmisunderstood notions notions in in Islam Islam that that Iblis Iblis himself himself was was actually actually people’speople’s curiosities curiosities and and wonderment. wonderment. What What is is a afallen fallen angel? angel? A A rst rst an an angel, angel, yet yet chose chose to to go go against against God’s God’s will will and and therefore, therefore, fallenfallen angel angel is is described described as as a a“wicked “wicked or or rebellious rebellious angel angel that that has has fellfell into into Hell Hell as as a afallen fallen angel. angel. This This is is utterly utterly false. false. In In fact, fact, Islam Islam beenbeen cast cast out out of of Heaven.” Heaven.” Neither Neither the the Holy Holy Qur’an Qur’an nor nor the the Holy Holy statesstates that that Iblis Iblis possessed possessed a a ery ery nature nature which which would would make make him him BibleBible actually actually uses uses this this term term at at all. all. What What do do some some of of the the major major comecome from from a aform form of of life life that that was was created created from from re re (not (not light light like like religionsreligions say say about about fallen fallen angels? angels? Do Do they they exist? exist? If Ifso, so, what what angel angel angels),angels), which which is is called called a ajinn jinn, or, or a agenie. genie. Ultimately, Ultimately, jinn jinn can can be be waswas considered considered a afallen fallen angel? angel? What What is is their their purpose? purpose? Even Even goodgood even even though though they they are are created created from from re re because because they they do do thoughthough the the term term “fallen “fallen angel” angel” has has never never been been written written in in any any of of possesspossess freewill freewill like like human human beings beings and and unlike unlike angels. angels. In In Islam, Islam, God’sGod’s books, books, the the term term is is actually actually used used in in today’s today’s language, language, when when IblisIblis is is considered considered to to be be a adisobedient disobedient jinn jinn who who refused refused to to bow bow eveneven talking talking about about human human beings. beings. But But to to fully fully understand understand this, this, downdown before before Adam. Adam. Iblis Iblis considered considered himself himself superior superior to to Adam, Adam, wewe must must nd nd the the answers answers to to these these questions questions by by delving delving into into God’sGod’s rst rst human, human, due due to to his his arrogance arrogance and and pride. pride. He He felt felt since since whatwhat certain certain major major religions religions say say about about fallen fallen angels. angels. AdamAdam was was made made from from clay clay and and he he was was from from smokeless smokeless re, re, then then AdamAdam could could never never be be superior superior to to him. him. Therefore, Therefore, in in Islam, Islam, there there couldcould not not and and is is not not anything anything to to be be considered considered as as a afallen fallen angel. angel. InIn order order to to believe believe in in Islam, Islam, one one must must believe believe in in God God and and His His BecauseBecause of of his his evil evil ways, ways, God God cursed cursed Iblis Iblis to to Hell, Hell, and and he he vowed vowed angels.angels. Although Although angels angels are are part part of of the the unseen unseen that that we we as as toto lead lead all all human human beings beings astray. astray. Those Those who who come come under under the the humanshumans cannot cannot comprehend, comprehend, it itis is prescribed prescribed in in Islam Islam as as one one of of inuenceinuence of of Iblis Iblis are are included included among among satans, satans, or or satan satan as as a asingu singu- - thethe six six articles articles of of faith faith to to wholeheartedly wholeheartedly believe believe in in the the existence existence larlar body. body. ofof angels angels and and in in their their purpose purpose from from God. God. “And “And whosoever whosoever disbe disbe- - lieveslieves in in Allah, Allah, His His Angels, Angels, His His Books, Books, His His Messengers, Messengers, and and the the LikeLike Islam, Islam, Christianity Christianity never never speci cally speci cally discusses discusses a afallen fallen angel, angel, LastLast Day, Day, and and then then indeed indeed he he has has strayed strayed far far away.” away.” Furthermore, Furthermore, yetyet since since the the Holy Holy Bible Bible itself itself has has several several dierent dierent versions versions and and is is angelsangels are are considered considered to to be be honored honored creatures creatures created created by by light light notnot directly directly the the word word of of God, God, there there are are several several interpretations interpretations of of fromfrom 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 see manymany verses verses of of the the Bible Bible which which allude allude to to fallen fallen angels. angels. In In fact, fact, God,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 in oneone of of the the most most talked talked about about fallen fallen angels angels is is Lucifer, Lucifer, who who thethe existence existence of of angels, angels, without without ever ever being being able able to to physically physically see see ultimatelyultimately is is paralleled paralleled to to be be being being Satan Satan himself. himself. In In Luke Luke 10:18, 10:18, them.them. “They “They are are honored honored servants servants who who precede precede Him Him not not in in JesusJesus is is quoted quoted saying: saying: “I “Isaw saw Satan Satan fall fall like like lightening lightening from from speechspeech and and act act as as He He commands.” commands.” So So now now the the question question remains: remains: heaven.”heaven.” But But before before we we discuss discuss the the most most famous famous story story of of a afallen fallen areare there there fallen fallen angels angels in in Islam? Islam? The The answer answer is is simple: simple: no. no. Islam Islam angel,angel, we we rst rst need need to to know know that that according according to to Christianity Christianity what what teachesteaches that that angels angels are are divine divine creatures. creatures. They They bring bring messages messages of of thethe purpose purpose of of a afallen fallen angel angel is! is! GodGod and and execute execute His His will will in in the the universe. universe.

SUNRISE {38} MUSLIM SUNRISE {38} MUSLIM[2013][2013] MUSLIMMUSLIM SUNRISE, SUNRISE, FALL FALL 2013 2013 Obviously God (in any religion) would never want any of his Obviously God (in any religion) would never want any of his ConsideringConsidering that that Lucifer Lucifer would would rebel rebel even even more, more, God God removed removed him him from from creatures to go astray, but since He has given humans creatures to go astray, but since He has given humans HisHis presence presence and and casted casted him him out out of of heaven. heaven. HeHe was was removed removed of of his his freewill, this is highly improbable. Christians who believe in freewill, this is highly improbable. Christians who believe in beauty,beauty, wisdom, wisdom, position position and and even even rights rights to to heaven. heaven. It It is is because because of of this this fallen angels think that those angels tempt human beings to fallen angels think that those angels tempt human beings to thatthat many many Christians Christians believe believe that that Lucifer Lucifer was was ultimately ultimately Satan. Satan. Accord- Accord- sin in order to try to entice them away from God. In the Bible, sin in order to try to entice them away from God. In the Bible, inging to to this, this, Satan Satan (Lucifer) (Lucifer) was was a a fallen fallen angel, angel, who who disobeyed disobeyed God God and and the story of Adam and Eve, who ultimately disobeyed God the story of Adam and Eve, who ultimately disobeyed God hadhad to to be be removed removed from from all all that that was was good good in in heaven heaven and and from from His His though they were created as good, illustrates the power of a though they were created as good, illustrates the power of a presencepresence and and was, was, therefore, therefore, sentenced sentenced to to hell. hell. fallenfallen angel. angel. Satan, Satan, who who is is considered considered to to be be the the leader leader of of the the twotwo human human beings beings that that they they could could be be “like “like God” God” if if they they ate ate fruitfruit from from a a tree tree that that God God had had told told them them to to stay stay away away from from for for theirtheir own own protection. protection. After After Satan Satan tempts tempts them them and and ultimate- ultimate- lyly causes causes them them to to disobey disobey God, God, sin sin itself itself enters enters the the world world and and beginsbegins its its destruction destruction on on earth. earth. Fallen Fallen angels angels can can sometimes sometimes disguisedisguise themselves themselves as as true true and and holy holy angels angels in in order order to to convinceconvince human human beings beings to to commit commit sin. sin. “Satan “Satan himself himself masqueradesmasquerades as as an an angel angel of of light. light. It It is is not not surprising surprising then, then, if if hishis servantsservants alsoalso masquerademasquerade asas servantsservants ofof righteousness.”righteousness.” TheThe Bible Bible cautions cautions this this and and shows shows how how people people who who fall fall prey prey to fallen angels’ deception “will abandon the faith and follow to fallen angels’ deception “will abandon the faith and follow JudaismJudaism also also believes believes in in the the divine divine beings. beings. Jews, Jews, like like Christians, Christians, believe believe deceivingdeceiving spirits spirits and and things things taught taught by by demons.” demons.” But But how how or or that God created angels to be pure and holy and without freewill. fer can better that God created angels to be pure and holy and without freewill. whywhy do do angels angels go go astray? astray? The The story story of of Luci Lucifer can better However, they also agree with the story of Lucifer, and thus there answer this question. However, they also agree with the story of Lucifer, and thus there answer this question. seemsseems to to be be a a contradiction contradiction in in their their belief belief that that an an angel angel does does not not have have freewill. In fact, Jews and Christians alike believe there were more This story involves the mightiest of angels who, out of pride, freewill. In fact, Jews and Christians alike believe there were more This story involves the mightiest of angels who, out of pride, fallen angels than just Lucifer; however, there aren’t as many fallen rebelled against God during the time of creation. Lucifer was fallen angels than just Lucifer; however, there aren’t as many fallen rebelled against God during the time of creation. Lucifer was angels as there are faithful angels. They believe about one-third of this mighty angel. Lucifer means “son of the morning.” In angels as there are faithful angels. They believe about one-third of this mighty angel. Lucifer means “son of the morning.” In angels disobeyed God as did Lucifer and committed sin while rebelling Hebrew the name Luci fer literally means “Day Star,” or the angels disobeyed God as did Lucifer and committed sin while rebelling Hebrew the name Luci fer literally means “Day Star,” or the against Him. Saint Thomas Aquinas, a notable Catholic theologian, planet Venus. Many biblical scholars recognize it as an against Him. Saint Thomas Aquinas, a notable Catholic theologian, planet Venus. Many biblical scholars recognize it as an wrote in his book “Summa Theologica”: “The faithful angels are a great- alternate name for Satan. Prior to his downfall, Lucifer was wrote in his book “Summa Theologica”: “The faithful angels are a great- alternate name for Satan. Prior to his downfall, Lucifer was er multitude than the fallen angels. For sin is cont er multitude than the fallen angels. For sin is cont raryrary to to the the natural natural consideredconsidered to to be be a a highly highly ele elevavatedted angel, angel, created created by by God. God. He He order.order. Now, Now, what what is is opposed opposed to to the the natural natural order order occurs occurs less less frequent- frequent- -- ly,ly, or or in in fewer fewer instances, instances, than than what what accords accords with with the the natural natural order.” order.” eded as as an an angel angel by by God, God, as as all all other other angels angels were; were; however, however, his his AngelsAngels areare alsoalso quitequite prevalentprevalent inin Zoroastrianism,Zoroastrianism, withwith angelsangels beingbeing able to possess “good” characteristics. also known as the “covering angel.” God created Lucifer to be able to possess “good” characteristics. also known as the “covering angel.” God created Lucifer to be In Zoroastrianism the the angel of worship, whose ministry surrounded the heart of In Zoroastrianism therere isis nono conceptconcept ofof fallenfallen angelsangels asas itit doesdoes notnot the angel of worship, whose ministry surrounded the heart of teach that Iblis or Satan rebelled against God. It teaches that there is heaven. He was to dwell eternally in the throne room of teach that Iblis or Satan rebelled against God. It teaches that there is heaven. He was to dwell eternally in the throne room of one good and wise Lord named Ahura Mazda, and one Evil Spirit called heaven, in the very presence of God. God placed him on such one good and wise Lord named Ahura Mazda, and one Evil Spirit called heaven, in the very presence of God. God placed him on such Ahriman who is the creator of viciousness and devastation. The world a high pedestal over all other angels and kept him in His Ahriman who is the creator of viciousness and devastation. The world a high pedestal over all other angels and kept him in His is a combat zone in which the good and evil forces strive to have the presence. In order to dwell in the awesome presence of God, is a combat zone in which the good and evil forces strive to have the presence. In order to dwell in the awesome presence of God, upper hand. Ahura Mazda is the commander of his warrior-angels Lucifer had to be perfect. His wisdom far exceeded that of upper hand. Ahura Mazda is the commander of his warrior-angels Lucifer had to be perfect. His wisdom far exceeded that of called 'ahuras', and Ahriman leads his legends of demons called other angelic beings as he understood the ways of God the called 'ahuras', and Ahriman leads his legends of demons called other angelic beings as he understood the ways of God the 'daevas'. best.best. 'daevas'. Islam seems to be the only religion that does not believe in evil angels However, pride overtook his heart, and his sin cost him every- Islam seems to be the only religion that does not believe in evil angels However, pride overtook his heart, and his sin cost him every- or fallen angels. However, New Age spirituality (which is a religion or thing. He soon began to consider his own position of promi- or fallen angels. However, New Age spirituality (which is a religion or thing. He soon began to consider his own position of promi- belief of systems that has drawn inspiration from several major nence. He became so prideful and truly believed that he belief of systems that has drawn inspiration from several major nence. He became so prideful and truly believed that he religions) also tends to view all angels as good and only possessing and wanted to religions) also tends to view all angels as good and only possessing deserveddeserved more more than than what what he he already already had had and wanted to holyholy traits.traits. TheyThey believebelieve thatthat angelsangels cannotcannot disobeydisobey God.God. InIn fact,fact, becomebecome as as elevated elevated as as God God Himself. Himself. This This is is when when his his descent descent followersfollowers of of New New Age Age seek seek out out angels angels to to beseech beseech other other angels angels for for help help fromfrom angelhood angelhood happened. happened. “How “How you you are are fallen fallen from from heaven, heaven, obtainingobtaining whatwhat theythey wantwant inin life,life, nevernever havinghaving anyany concernconcern thatthat thethe OO Lucifer, Lucifer, son son of of the the morning…For morning…For you you have have said said in in your your heart: heart: angelsangels they they summon summon could could lead lead them them astray. astray. ‘I‘I will will ascent ascent into into heaven, heaven, I Iwill will exalt exalt my my throne throne above above the the stars stars of God; I will also sit on the mount of the congregation on the of God; I will also sit on the mount of the congregation on the Most worldly religions could not be truthfully or fruitfully followed farthest sides of the north; I will ascent above the heights of Most worldly religions could not be truthfully or fruitfully followed farthest sides of the north; I will ascent above the heights of without believing in angels. However, the idea of fallen angels is still the clouds, I will be like the Most High.’” Although God had without believing in angels. However, the idea of fallen angels is still the clouds, I will be like the Most High.’” Although God had questionable for a few. Although the prevalence of fallen angels is granted him much relevance, Lucifer wanted more. He questionable for a few. Although the prevalence of fallen angels is granted him much relevance, Lucifer wanted more. He more vital in other religions, the purpose of either fallen angels or Jinn, wanted to be worshipped as if he was God. But even in Christi- more vital in other religions, the purpose of either fallen angels or Jinn, wanted to be worshipped as if he was God. But even in Christi- is to cause man to disobey God and, ultimately, to sin. They work for anity, God does not share His glory nor does He permit anyone is to cause man to disobey God and, ultimately, to sin. They work for anity, God does not share His glory nor does He permit anyone evil purposes, leading to worldly destruction, in contrast to the good elseelse to to be be worshipped. worshipped. evil purposes, leading to worldly destruction, in contrast to the good

SUNRISE {37} MUSLIMSUNRISE[2013] {37} MUSLIM[2013] MUSLIMMUSLIMMUSLIM SUNRISE, SUNRISE,SUNRISE, FALL FALLFALL 2013 20132013

OnOnOn the thethe Process ProcessProcess of ofof CreationCreationCreation of ofof Body BodyBody and andand Soul. Soul.Soul. By,By,By, Naeem NaeemNaeem Ahmad AhmadAhmad Rathore RathoreRathore

Verily,Verily,Verily, We WeWe created createdcreated man manman from fromfrom an anan extract extractextract of of of clay.clay.clay. Then ThenThen We WeWe placed placedplaced him himhim as asas a drop aa dropdrop of of ofsperm spermsperm inin ina safe aa safesafe depository. depository.depository. Then ThenThen We WeWe fashioned fashionedfashioned the thethe spermspermsperm into intointo a sh aa shshapapapelesselesseless lump; lump;lump; then thenthen we wewe fash- fash-fash- ionedionedioned bones bonesbones out outout of of ofthis thisthis sh shshapapapelesselesseless lump; lump;lump;

WeWeWe developed developeddeveloped it intoitit intointo another anotheranother creation. creation.creation. (23:13-15)(23:13-15)(23:13-15)

wherewherewhere after afterafter interacting interactinginteracting with withwith its itsreceptors,its receptors,receptors, it transforms itit transformstransforms into intointo a aa bloodbloodblood clot, clot,clot, the thethe alaqah alaqahalaqah, which,, whichwhich in turninin turnturn becomes becomesbecomes an ananembryonic embryonicembryonic lump, muzghah embryo grows to have azamaa or bones and TheTheThe earth, earth,earth, or ordust,or dust,dust, is the isis thethe basic basicbasic material materialmaterial of oftheof thethe human humanhuman body, body,body, lump,lump, muzghah muzghah embryo embryo gr owgrows tos tohave have azamaa azamaa or orbones bones and and according to the Holy Qur’an. It cites the many forms that it lahmalahmalahma accordingaccording to tothe the Holy Holy Qur’an. Qur’an. It citesIt cites the the many many forms forms that that it it (23:14). maymaymay take: take:take: "turab" "turab""turab" or orearth,or earth,earth, dirt dirtdirt or ordustor dustdust (22:6), (22:6),(22:6), "teen", "teen","teen", clay clayclay or oror (23:14).(23:14). earthearthearth mixed mixedmixed with withwith wa water,water,ter, mud mudmud (6:3) (6:3)(6:3) "teen "teen"teen lazib" lazib"lazib" clinging clingingclinging mud mudmud (37:12). The many processes or stages that the earth goes TheTheThe Promised Promised Promised Messiah(as) Messiah(as)Messiah(as) explained explained explained in in invarious various various books, books, books, as as as (37:12).(37:12). The The many many processes processes or or stages stages that that the the earth earth goes goes collected in the Tafseer Vol.III that these six stages from dust to throughthroughthrough are areare also alsoalso mentioned mentionedmentioned as as"hamaeas "hamae"hamae masnoon" masnoon"masnoon" or orpotter’sor potter’spotter’s collectedcollected in thein the Tafseer Tafseer Vol.III Vol.III that that these these six sixstages stages from from dust dust to to clay that has been turned (15:17), salsal or dry ringing clay clayclay that that has has been been turned turned (15:17), (15:17), salsal salsal or or dry dry ringing ringing clay clay creation. These and subsequent stages of man’s physical devel- (15:26)(15:26)(15:26) and and and "al-fa "al-fa "al-fakkhar"kkkkhar"har" like like like pottery pottery pottery shards shards shards (55:15). (55:15). (55:15). We WeWe also also also creation.creation. These These and and subsequent subsequent stages stages of man’sof man’s physical physical devel- devel- learn that human beings are created from sulalah or an opmentopmentopment in theinin thethe womb wombwomb are areare necessary necessarynecessary for for forensuring ensuringensuring the thethe propor- propor-propor- learnlearn that that human human beings beings are are created created from from sulalah sulalah or or an an tion and viability of the fetus. We note that the heavens and extractextractextract of ofclayof clayclay (23:13). (23:13).(23:13). In allInIn allcases,all cases,cases, an ananessence essenceessence of oftheof thethe earth earthearth is isis tiontion and and viability viability of ofthe the fetus. fetus. We We note note that that the the heavens heavens and and mixed with life-giving water to make the building blocks of thethethe earth earthearth were werewere created createdcreated in sixinin sixsixperiods. periods.periods. (7:55 (7:55(7:55 et seq)etet seq)seq) Also, Also,Also, these thesethese mixedmixed with with life-giving life-giving water water to tomake make the the building building blocks blocks of of stages correspond to the six stages of spiritual progress as manmanman (25:55). (25:55).(25:55). stagesstages correspond correspond to to the the six six stages stages of of spiritual spiritual progress progress as as revealedrevealedrevealed in inearlier in earlier earlier verses verses verses (23: (23: (23: 3-9) 3-9) 3-9) The TheThe origin origin origin of of the of the the physical physical physical from the lowly earth corresponds to khushuh or humility in TheseTheseThese references references references sh ow sh show ow that that that the the the various various various elements elements elements and and and fromfrom the the lowly lowly earth earth corresponds corresponds to tokhushuh khushuh or or humility humility in in substances: minerals, vegetable or animal, organic and prayer:prayer:prayer: just just just as as onlyas 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 be substances:substances: minerals, minerals, vegetable vegetable or or animal, animal, organic organic and and received by the womb, just as the most submissive and atten- inorganic,inorganic,inorganic, that that that are are are on on on or or orin in the in the the earth, earth, earth, make make make up up up our our our body, body, body, receivedreceived by bythe the womb, womb, just just as asthe the most most submissive submissive and and atten- atten- ‘i’razz‘i’razz‘i’razz staying aloof and away from all vain and idle things corre- growngrowngrown on ononthe thethe earth. earth.earth. Indeed, Indeed,Indeed, the thethe clear clearclear message messagemessage is the isis thethe humble humblehumble stayingstaying aloof aloof and and away away from from all all vain vain and and idle idle things things corre- corre- - spondsspondssponds to to to the the the second second second stage, stage, stage, a blooda a blood blood clot, clot, clot, which which which is is the is the the - - sperm-cell that is made stronger and is now safe from other cance,cance,cance, and andand that thatthat is only isis onlyonly owing owingowing to toGod’sto God’sGod’s grace gracegrace and andand mercy mercymercy that thatthat sperm-cellsperm-cell that that is madeis made stronger stronger and and is nowis now safe safe from from other other has made man a rational being capable of greatness in knowl- impurities.impurities.impurities. At Atthe At the the third third third stage stage stage of spiritualof of spiritual spiritual development development development we we wehave have have hashas made made man man a rational a rational being being capable capable of greatnessof greatness in knowl-in knowl- working with zakat or by giving generously in charity. On edge,edge,edge, morality morality morality and and and spirituality. spirituality. spirituality. Being Being Being made made made from from from clay clay clay also also also workingworking with with zakat zakat or or by bygiving giving generously generously in charity.in charity. On On thethethe physical physicalphysical side sideside this thisthis is development isis developmentdevelopment of theofof thethe blood bloodblood clot clotclot into intointo an anan embryonic lump by increasing its connection with the womb be bebe molded molded molded in in diversein diverse diverse ways ways ways to to tosuit suit suit our our our environme environme environment, ntnt the,, the the embryonicembryonic lump lump by byincreasing increasing its itsconnection connection with with the the womb womb demandsdemandsdemands of of ofa new a a new new age age age and and and myriad myriad myriad other other other challenges challenges challenges and and and circumstances.circumstances.circumstances.

SURASURASURA HAJJ HAJJHAJJ and andand AL ALALMOMINOON MOMINOONMOMINOON describe describedescribe in indetailin detaildetail the thethe steps stepssteps andandand development developmentdevelopment stages stagesstages of oftheof thethe human humanhuman body. body.body. The TheThe product productproduct of ofof earthlyearthlyearthly materials materialsmaterials nufta nuftanufta or ortheor thethe mingling minglingmingling of ofmaleof malemale sperm spermsperm and andand a aa femalefemalefemale ovum ovumovum (76:2) (76:2)(76:2) is then isis thenthen placed placedplaced in a inin safe aa safesafe depository depositorydepository (23:14), (23:14),(23:14),

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At the fourth stage, the embryo develops a bone structure that At the fourth stage, the embryo develops a bone structure that AtAt several several places places the the Holy Holy Qur’an Qur’an mentions mentions "tasswiah" "tasswiah" or or the the act act of of gives it strength, enabling it to independent life, and this corre- gives it strength, enabling it to independent life, and this corre- completing,completing, perfecting, perfecting, making making uniform uniform and and consistent consistent in in parts, parts, sponds to those who protect their chastity except in permitted sponds to those who protect their chastity except in permitted toto put put a a thing thing in in right right or or good good state. state. “Who “Who created created you, you, then then perfectedperfected you you and and endowed endowed you you with with great great natural natural powers powers and and the spiritual realm is to be mindful of one’s trusts and obligations. the spiritual realm is to be mindful of one’s trusts and obligations. facultiesfaculties (82:9). (82:9). Who Who creates creates and and gives gives it it suitable suitable and and perfect perfect According to the Promised Messiah(as), this is like taking up the According to the Promised Messiah(as), this is like taking up the shape.shape. (88:3). (88:3). We We are are at at this this stage stage where where Allah Allah has has created created body body in in garments of Taqwa or righteousness and taking of God as a garments of Taqwa or righteousness and taking of God as a miniature;miniature; it it is is now now a a perfect perfect receptacle receptacle for for all all the the attributes, attributes, quali- quali- Protector, corresponding directly to the clothing of the bones with Protector, corresponding directly to the clothing of the bones with ties,ties, capacities capacities and and characteristics characteristics of of a a human human being. being. It It is is relatively relatively inert,inert, though though as as it it does does not not have have the the life life force force that that will will enervate enervate essential requirement for an independent existence. ce the fetus has essential requirement for an independent existence. andand activate activate it. it. In In this this verse verse we we are are told told that that on once the fetus has obtainedobtained this this state state of of equilibrium equilibrium and and perfection, perfection, Allah Allah through through HisHis benevolence benevolence and and blessings blessings infuses infuses in in it it His His rooh rooh or or his his breath breath passions and are clothed in raiment’s of piety is to advance with a passions and are clothed in raiment’s of piety is to advance with a ofof life. life. being always on guard and protecting their salaat exercise of their being always on guard and protecting their salaat exercise of their TheThe Promised Promised Messiah(as) Messiah(as) in in the the Chasma Chasma Maarifat Maarifat, ,has has written written in in devotion and worship. The counterpart on the physical creation of devotion and worship. The counterpart on the physical creation of greatgreat detail detail about about the the rooh rooh or or the the soul. soul. Its Its origin origin is is "kalimatullah" "kalimatullah" body is the transformation into another creation or having a body is the transformation into another creation or having a oror the the blessed blessed Word Word of of God. God. It It is is by by His His command command and and we we have have distinct and separate existence from the enveloping and nurtur- distinct and separate existence from the enveloping and nurtur- littlelittle knowledge knowledge of of it it (17:86) (17:86) The The rooh rooh or or the the soul soul is is created created and and ing mother’s womb. ing mother’s womb. infusedinfused when when the the structure structure is is complete. complete. To To answer answer the the question question He creates you in the wombs of your mothers, creation after He creates you in the wombs of your mothers, creation after whetherwhether this this spirit spirit is is the the same same rooh rooh or or the the divine divine soul soul or or does does it it creation in threefold darkness (39:7) creation in threefold darkness (39:7) havehave a a sepa separaratete existence, existence, it it is is noted noted that that in in the the verse verse “..follow “..follow the the

naturenature made made by by Allah, Allah, the the nature nature in in which which He He has has created created refore, it may Mankind”Mankind” (30:31) (30:31) a a similar similar construction construction is is used. used. The Therefore, it may stages, not only the physical, but also on a moral and spiritual stages, not only the physical, but also on a moral and spiritual bebe surmised surmised that that the the rooh rooh or or the the soul soul of of human human beings beings is is designed designed plane. The process has several test and quality control stages. The plane. The process has several test and quality control stages. The -- many instances of miscarriages may result from body’s determina- many instances of miscarriages may result from body’s determina- entent qualities qualities and and capabilities. capabilities. Indeed, Indeed, the the rooh rooh or or the the soul soul lies lies and and tiontion to to abort abort an an unhealthy unhealthy or or unviable unviable fetus. fetus. TheThe ‘threefold ‘threefold darkness’ darkness’ may may mean, mean, successively, successively, the the darkness darkness of of thethe womb, womb, of of the the enveloping enveloping embryonic embryonic membrane membrane and and the the pre-natalpre-natal blindness. blindness. The The threefold threefold darkness darkness may may also also mean mean the the andand to to keep keep it it secure secure from from physical physical danger danger and and from from harmful harmful

SoSo when when I Ihave have fashioned fashioned him him in in perfection perfection and and have have breathed breathed intointo him him My My spirit spirit (15:30) (15:30) The The Holy Holy Qur’an Qur’an guides guides us us to to approxi- approxi- matemate the the time time when when the the fetus fetus takes takes on on an an independent independent existence: existence:

WeWe read read “The “The mothers mothers shall shall give give suck suck to to their their children children for for two two whole years” (2:234), and “…The bearing of him and his weaning While the human body has been created by Allah in the most whole years” (2:234), and “…The bearing of him and his weaning While the human body has been created by Allah in the most takes thirty months…” (46:16). perfect form to suit all its needs and capable of meeting the takes thirty months…” (46:16). perfect form to suit all its needs and capable of meeting the demands and challenges that it must face during the course of its demands and challenges that it must face during the course of its It follows that the fetus has a separate existence in the mother’s appointed life, He has also endowed upon it the soul, fashioned it in It follows that the fetus has a separate existence in the mother’s appointed life, He has also endowed upon it the soul, fashioned it in

everever Merciful, Merciful, is is forever forever unchanging unchanging without without any any possibility possibility of of ThisThis stage stage of of giving giving of of ‘life’ ‘life’ when when a a force, force, not not unlike unlike electricity, electricity, is is humanhuman rooh rooh or or soul soul has has been been given given the the option option of of deviating deviating from from mammals.mammals. The The actual actual instance instance may may vary vary according according to to the the terms terms that natural path that has been designed for him and he may hurt peculiar to each species. that natural path that has been designed for him and he may hurt peculiar to each species. andand harm harm himself. himself. On On the the other other hand hand by by following following the the guidance guidance of of thethe Holy Holy Qur’an Qur’an and and the the practice practice of of Prophet Prophet Muhammad(s Muhammad(sa)a), ,may may However,However, this this is is not not the the case case for for human human beings, beings, as as there there yet yet rise to lofty spiritual heights. remains the imparting of many other functions: intelligence, rise to lofty spiritual heights. remains the imparting of many other functions: intelligence, emotions,emotions, speech speech and and spirituality. spirituality. Indeed, Indeed, a accccordingording to to many many Our last word is: commentators the process of ”develop into another creation” Our last word is: commentators the process of ”develop into another creation” impliesimplies the the completion completion of of pregnancy, pregnancy, birth, birth, infancy, infancy, childhood, childhood, So blessed be Allah, the Best of Creators (23:15). adulthood and old age; with its counterparts in spirituality. So blessed be Allah, the Best of Creators (23:15). adulthood and old age; with its counterparts in spirituality. AllAll praise praise is is due due to to Allah, Allah, the the Lord Lord of of all all the the Worlds Worlds

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Muslims are extremely sensitive to criticism of their Prophet. A popular adage in Persian is: ba khuda diwaana basho, ba Mohammed hoshiar! — “say what you like about God, but beware of what you say about Mohammed.” They regard him as the most perfect man who ever trod upon the earth, a successor of Adam, Moses, Noah, Abraham and Christ. He was the last of the prophets. If you honestly want to know how Muslims see him, you ought to take a good look at his life and A Messiah for Our Time, By Khushwant Singh teachings, which he claimed had been revealed to him by God. It would be as wrong to judge him by the doings of al-Qaida Source: The Telegraph Calcutta: A messiah of our time: Khush- and taliban or by the fatwas periodically pronounced by want Singh Ayatollahs and half-baked mullahs. You do not judge Hinduism of the Vedas and Upanishads by the doings of Hindus who, in Prejudice is like poison. Unless purged out of one’s mind in the name of Hindutva, destroy mosques, murder missionaries early stages, it can spread like cancer and make one incapable and nuns, vandalize libraries and works of art. You do not judge the teachings of the Sikh gurus by the utterances of Jarnail kinds of prejudice, the worst is to believe that one’s own Singh Bhindranwale and by the murder of innocents by his religion is superior to all others, which may be tolerated but hooligans. Likewise, judge Mohammed by what he taught and never taken seriously or accepted as equally valid as one’s stood for and not by what his so-called followers do in his own. name.

The most misunderstood of the major religions today is Islam, which, after Christianity, is the second most widely practiced religion in the world. It also gains more converts than any of the other religions. Prejudice against Islam was spread in Christendom from the time Muslims gained dominance in the Middle East, North Africa and Spain. Christian crusaders failed in their missions to crush Islam in its homeland but continued to vilify its founder, Mohammed.

The emergence of militant Islamic groups like al-Qaida and Mohammed was born in Mecca in 570 AD. He lost both his taliban gave them reasons to do so. The attack on the World parents while still a child and was brought up by his grandfa- Trade Centre in New York and the Pentagon in Washington on ther and uncle. He managed the business of a widow, whom he later married. She bore him six children. He took no other Islam. Since then Islamophobia has been deliberately spread wife until she died. He was 40 years old when he started having throughout the non-Muslim world. The two principle conten- revelations while in trance. They proclaimed Mohammed as tions of the anti-Islamists are that Islam was spread by the the new messiah. Such revelation kept coming at random, sword and that its founder-prophet was not the paragon of sometimes dealing with problems at hand, at other times with virtue that Muslims make him out to be. It can be proved by matters spiritual. They were memorized or written down by his historical evidence that Islam was not forced upon the admirers and became the Quran, which means recitation. It should be kept in mind that Mohammed was not preaching them new values, principally equality of mankind and rights ideas of his own but only reiterating most of what was already to women that were unheard of in those times. In countries in the Judaic creed. Allah was the Arabic name for God before like Indonesia and Malaysia, Islam was not forced on the him. Similarly, Islam was ‘surrender’ and salman was ‘peace’. population by Muslim invaders but by Muslim missionaries. Mecca was the main market city of the Bedouin tribes.

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Pat Robertson on How To Handle Demons in Your Home: TheyThey gathered gathered at at the the Kaaba, Kaaba, the the huge huge courtyard courtyard with with the the black black PatPat Robertson Robertson on on How How To To Handle Handle Demons Demons in in Your Your Home: Home: ‘If It Was Me, I’d Burn The House Down’ meteoritemeteorite embedded embedded in in it itduring during two two pilgrimages pilgrimages — — the the bigger bigger ‘If‘If It It Was Was Me, Me, I’d I’d Burn Burn The The House House Down’ Down’ HajHaj and and the the lesser lesser Umrah. Umrah. Mohammed Mohammed acc acceptedepted Judaic Judaic traditionstraditions regarding regarding food food which which is is halaal halaal (lawful) (lawful) or or haraam haraam ByBy Cavan Cavan Sieczkowski Sieczkowski circumcisioncircumcision of of male male children. children. Mohammed Mohammed only only asserted asserted the the Televangelist Pat Robertson is not a fan of demons, so much onenessoneness of of God God that that did did not not a cc acceptept of of any any equal equal such such as as the the TelevangelistTelevangelist Pat Pat Robertson Robertson is is not not a afan fan of of demons, demons, so so much much soso that that he he says says if ifone one of of those those ungodly ungodly creatures creatures was was haunting haunting his house he’d burn it down. nevernever forced forced people people to to a ccacceptept his his faith faith and and indeed indeed quoted quoted Allah’s Allah’s hishis house house he’d he’d burn burn it itdown. down. messagemessage of of freedom freedom of of faith. faith. “There “There must must be be no no coercion coercion in in On Tuesday’s episode of the Christian Broadcasting Network’s mattersmatters of of faith faith — — la la ikra ikra f’il f’il deen.” deen.” Further: Further: “And “And if ifGod God had had so so OnOn Tuesday’s Tuesday’s episode episode of of the the Christian Christian Broadcasting Broadcasting Network’s Network’s “700 Club,” the 83-year-old took a question from a viewer willed,willed, He He would would have have made made you you all all one one single single command; command; but but He He “700“700 Club,” Club,” the the 83-year-old 83-year-old took took a a question question from from a a viewer viewer looking for advice on what to do about a haunted house. willedwilled otherwise otherwise in in order order to to test test you you by by means means of of what what He He has has lookinglooking for for advice advice on on what what to to do do about about a a haunted haunted house. house. Apparently the homeowner has noticed some strange vouchsafedvouchsafed unto unto you. you. Vie, Vie, then then with with one one another another in in doing doing good good ApparentlyApparently the the homeowner homeowner has has noticed noticed some some strange strange happenings. works!”works!” happenings.happenings.

AsAs might might have have been been expected, expected, Mohammed’s Mohammed’s mission mission roused roused hehe had had miraculously miraculously escaped. escaped. Ultimately, Ultimately, in in 622 622 AD AD he he was was

Hijra(emigration)Hijra(emigration) and and recognized recognized as as the the beginning beginning of of the the Muslim Muslim calendar.calendar. Meccans Meccans made made a afew few attempts attempts to to capture capture Medina Medina but but werewere ousted. ousted. Muslim Muslim armies armies led led by by Mohammed Mohammed triumphed triumphed and and returnedreturned to to Mecca Mecca as as conquerors. conquerors. By By the the time time Mohammed Mohammed died died inin Medina Medina in in 632 632 AD, AD, the the Arabian Arabian peninsula peninsula was was united united as as a a

MostMost of of the the ill-founded ill-founded criticism criticism against against Mohammed Mohammed is is directed directed The viewer wrote: totowardswards the the number number of of women women he he married married after after the the death death of of his his TheThe viewer viewer wrote: wrote: MyMy house house is is haunted. haunted. There There is is moaning moaning coming coming from from the the ArabianArabian society society of of the the time. time. Tribes Tribes lived lived by by warring warring against against each each otherother and and looting looting caravans. caravans. There There were were heavy heavy casualties casualties of of men, men, there is sometimes a creepy fog. The ghosts look like people, creatingcreating serious serious gender gender imbalance. imbalance. Widows Widows and and orphans orphans of of men men therethere is is sometimes sometimes a acreepy creepy fog. fog. The The ghosts ghosts look look like like people, people, but have dark blue light around their feet and hands. What do killedkilled had had to to be be provided provided with with homes homes and and sustenance. sustenance. Other- Other- butbut have have dark dark blue blue light light around around their their feet feet and and hands. hands. What What do do I do? wisewise they they took took to to prostitution prostitution or or begging. begging. So So they they were were given given I do?I do? protectionprotection by by being being taken taken in in marriages. marriages. Also, Also, matrimonial matrimonial Robertson’sRobertson’s short short answer answer to to this this demon demon problem? problem? Light it up. tribes.tribes. Mohammed Mohammed did did nothing nothing not not acceptable acceptable to to his his people. people. He He LightLight it itup. up.

“I “Ithink think if ifit itwas was me, me, I’d I’d burn burn the the house house down down and and move move on,” on,” he he limitlimit to to four, four, provided provided a aman man could could keep keep all all of of his his wives wives equally equally believe in ghosts. I don’t think the Bible supports the concept happyhappy — — which which was was most most unlikely. unlikely. The The pertinent pertinent verse verse in in the the believebelieve in in ghosts. ghosts. I don’tI don’t think think the the Bible Bible supports supports the the concept concept of people coming back to haunt houses. … But I do believe in QuranQuran reads: reads: “And “And if ifyou you have have reason reason to to fear fear you you might might not not act act ofof people people coming coming back back to to haunt haunt houses. houses. … … But But I doI do believe believe in in demons. The Bible clearly says there’s fallen angels and these equitablyequitably towards towards orphans, orphans, then then marry marry from from among among other other demons.demons. The The Bible Bible clearly clearly says says there’s there’s fallen fallen angels angels and and these these demonic forces.” womenwomen who who are are lawful lawful to to you, you, even even two two or or three three or or four; four; but but if if demonicdemonic forces.” forces.” “You need to get people to come and do an exorcism over youyou have have reason reason to to fear fear you you might might not not be be able able to to treat treat them them with with “You“You need need to to get get people people to to come come and and do do an an exorcism exorcism over over that property,” he advised, “and command those demons to equalequal fairness, fairness, then then only only one.” one.” Bear Bear in in mind mind that that at at that that time time thatthat property,” property,” he he advised, advised, “and “and command command those those demons demons to to leave. polygamypolygamy was was the the norm norm in in patriarchal patriarchal societies societies all all over over the the leave.leave. world.world. To make a beginning in clearing your mind of anti-Muslim preju- That’sThat’s what what you you do. do. You You take take authority authority in in the the name name of of Jesus. Jesus. ToTo make make a abeginning beginning in in clearing clearing y ouryour mind mind of of anti-Muslim anti-Muslim preju- preju- And if you can’t do that, move.” dices,dices, I I suggest suggest you you read read Karen Karen Armstrong’s Armstrong’s Muhammad: Muhammad: A A AndAnd if ifyou you can’t can’t do do th thatat, move.”, move.” ProphetProphet for for Our Our Time. Time. Armstrong Armstrong is is the the leading leading writ writerer on on compa demonic forces in everyday things. compacomparativerative religions religions today. today. She She is is not not Muslim. Muslim. demonicdemonic forces forces in in everyday everyday things. things.

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ChangingChanging faiths: faiths: Hispanic Hispanic Americans Americans leaving leaving Catholicism Catholicism for for Islam Islam

WithWith more more than than 50 50 million million Hispanics Hispanics living living in in the the US,US, the the Latino Latino community community is is now now the the country's country's biggestbiggest minority. minority.

WhileWhile most most are are brought brought up up within within the the Catholic Catholic Church,Church, a anumber number of of them them are are turning turning to to Islam. Islam.

CensusCensus does does not not collect collect religious religious data, data, but but estimatesestimates for for the the number number of of Latino Latino Muslims Muslims vary vary betweenbetween 100,000 100,000 and and 200,000. 200,000.

TheThe BBC's BBC's Katy Katy Watson Watson went went to to Union Union City City in in New New JerseyJersey - - where where the the population population is is more more than than 80% 80% HispanicHispanic - -to to meet meet some some converts. converts.

Altered States is a series of video features published every Wednesday on the Altered States is a series of video features published every Wednesday on the BBC News website which examines how shifting demographics and economic BBC News website which examines how shifting demographics and economic

SUNRISE {42} MUSLIMSUNRISE[2013] {42} MUSLIM[2013] MUSLIM SUNRISE, FALL 2013 FALL SUNRISE, MUSLIM MUSLIM SUNRISE, FALL 2013 PERSP PERSP ECTIVE ess cc Su of Pride Pride of Success ECTIVE Fall 2013 Issue 2013 Fall Fall 2013 Issue Falahud Din Shams Din Falahud Falahud Din Shams

I hate golf. I tried it a few times, but I’d be lyin’ if I said it wasn’t wasn’t it said I if lyin’ be I’d but times, few a it tried I golf. hate I I hate golf. I tried it a few times, but I’d be lyin’ if I said it wasn’t painful. But the bu et at the club…now we’re talking. I have to to have I talking. we’re club…now the at bu et the But painful. painful. But the bu et at the club…now we’re talking. I have to confess…I simply don’t have the patience for the game, and the the and game, the for patience the have don’t simply confess…I confess…I simply don’t have the patience for the game, and the accountant in me keeps telling me that the benet-to-e ort benet-to-e ort the that me telling keeps me in accountant accountant in me keeps telling me that the benet-to-e ort ratio just ain’t worth it. So after contemplating over what what over contemplating after So it. worth ain’t just ratio ratio just ain’t worth it. So after contemplating over what appeared to be countless hours of wasted time on the course, I I course, the on time wasted of hours countless be to appeared appeared to be countless hours of wasted time on the course, I came to the conclusion that men play golf just to get away from from away get to just golf play men that conclusion the to came came to the conclusion that men play golf just to get away from The priest replied, “Because you’re not as good a putter as I am.” I as putter a good as not you’re “Because replied, priest The their on eyes their keep can they so it play Women wives. their their wives. Women play it so they can keep their eyes on their The priest replied, “Because you’re not as good a putter as I am.” husbands or just to get even get to just or husbands husbands or just to get even It is ironic when people pray for something and their prayer is is prayer their and something for pray people when ironic is It It is ironic when people pray for something and their prayer is answered, they turn around and credit it to themselves. They They themselves. to it credit and around turn they answered, answered, they turn around and credit it to themselves. They ess they achieved was because of of because was achieved they ess cc su the that believe to start start to believe that the success they achieved was because of excitement. The joy of hitting a tiny ball into a hole, and the the and hole, a into ball tiny a hitting of joy The excitement. excitement. The joy of hitting a tiny ball into a hole, and the exercise of getting in and out of the bump-cart doesn’t justify justify doesn’t bump-cart the of out and in getting of exercise exercise of getting in and out of the bump-cart doesn’t justify the next time they need to pray. On the other hand, believe me; me; believe hand, other the On pray. to need they time next the the next time they need to pray. On the other hand, believe me; the time and expense associated with this game. Even when I I when Even game. this with associated expense and time the the time and expense associated with this game. Even when I ess stories by by stories ess cc su business extraordinary some seen have I I have seen some extraordinary business success stories by play golf, I don’t keep score. I tell my fellow golfers that I play for for play I that golfers fellow my tell I score. keep don’t I golf, play play golf, I don’t keep score. I tell my fellow golfers that I play for sharpest knives in the dra- dra- the in knives sharpest the exactly weren't who people some some people who weren't exactly the sharpest knives in the dra- fun and not for winning or losing, but then again, who am I I am who again, then but losing, or winning for not and fun fun and not for winning or losing, but then again, who am I ess. cc su their beyond something was There . wer wer. There was something beyond their success. kidding? They know and I know why I don’t. Besides, why why Besides, don’t. I why know I and know They kidding? kidding? They know and I know why I don’t. Besides, why increase blood pressure by keeping score? It kind of goes goes of kind It score? keeping by pressure blood increase increase blood pressure by keeping score? It kind of goes There was this man who went to his high school reunion. He was was He reunion. school high his to went who man this was There There was this man who went to his high school reunion. He was against the idea of healthier living through playing a sport. I hit hit I sport. a playing through living healthier of idea the against against the idea of healthier living through playing a sport. I hit appalled to learn that the guy who graduated at the bottom of of bottom the at graduated who guy the that learn to appalled appalled to learn that the guy who graduated at the bottom of a birdie once. I was more surprised than anyone else on the the on else anyone than surprised more was I once. birdie a a birdie once. I was more surprised than anyone else on the essful. So he asked him how he he how him asked he So essful. cc su exceptionally was class the the class was exceptionally successful. So he asked him how he green. green. did it. The guy told him that he has a very simple business business simple very a has he that him told guy The it. did did it. The guy told him that he has a very simple business model. He sells only one item which is a small metal ring that is is that ring metal small a is which item one only sells He model. model. He sells only one item which is a small metal ring that is used in all the cars. He buys it for one cent each and sells it for for it sells and each cent one for it buys He cars. the all in used used in all the cars. He buys it for one cent each and sells it for four cents. He further explained,” You just can’t beat the 25% 25% the beat can’t just You explained,” further He cents. four four cents. He further explained,” You just can’t beat the 25%

The Holy Qur’an comments upon people’s behavior in the the in behavior people’s upon comments Qur’an Holy The The Holy Qur’an comments upon people’s behavior in the following verse: following following verse:

“And when trouble touches man, he cries unto Us. But when We We when But Us. unto cries he man, touches trouble when “And “And when trouble touches man, he cries unto Us. But when We bestow on him a favor from Us, he says, ‘This has been given to to given been has ‘This says, he Us, from favor a him on bestow bestow on him a favor from Us, he says, ‘This has been given to me on account of my own knowledge.’ Nay, it is only a trial; but but trial; a only is it Nay, knowledge.’ own my of account on me me on account of my own knowledge.’ Nay, it is only a trial; but most of them know not” [39:50]. not” know them of most most of them know not” [39:50]. The story goes that a man was playing golf with his priest. They They priest. his with golf playing was man a that goes story The The story goes that a man was playing golf with his priest. They I have seen many business people pray for their success. God God success. their for pray people business many seen have I green, the to got they When thoroughfare. the on okay did both both did okay on the thoroughfare. When they got to the green, I have seen many business people pray for their success. God bestows on them exceptional results. It does not take any time time any take not does It results. exceptional them on bestows you where is green The prayed. and down kneeled priest the the priest kneeled down and prayed. The green is where you bestows on them exceptional results. It does not take any time for them to boast to their associates how they achieved the the achieved they how associates their to boast to them for a took putter his with and up got He points. the of most lose lose most of the points. He got up and with his putter took a for them to boast to their associates how they achieved the good results. How hard they worked and that “luck” had some- had “luck” that and worked they hard How results. good with exulted priest The eyes. had it if as hole the in went It shot. shot. It went in the hole as if it had eyes. The priest exulted with good results. How hard they worked and that “luck” had something to do with it but not that much. Amazingly, they try to to try they Amazingly, much. that not but it with do to thing me?” for work that Would “Father! him, asked friend His pride. pride. His friend asked him, “Father! Would that work for me?” thing to do with it but not that much. Amazingly, they try to avoid the word “God.” That is precisely what God has talked talked has God what precisely is That “God.” word the avoid “No.” said, priest The The priest said, “No.” avoid the word “God.” That is precisely what God has talked about in the above verse. verse. above the in about not?’ “Why asked, friend His His friend asked, “Why not?’ about in the above verse.

SUNRISE SUNRISE [2013] MUSLIM {43} {43} MUSLIM[2013] MUSLIMMUSLIM SUNRISE, SUNRISE, FALL FALL 2013 2013

ThroughoutThroughout the the Holy Holy Qur’an, Qur’an, God God has has told told us us that that the the award award of of Just the notion that one’s success did not result from prayers is an wealth to human beings is a trial and a test. It is one way to judge Just the notion that one’s success did not result from prayers is an wealth to human beings is a trial and a test. It is one way to judge indicationindication of of arrogance arrogance and and pride. pride. In In business, business, there there are are numer- numer- tough trial. As a matter of fact, the Holy Prophet Muhammad(sa) tough trial. As a matter of fact, the Holy Prophet Muhammad(sa) employees,employees, technology, technology, governmental governmental regulations, regulations, seasonal seasonal hashas explained explained that that the the trial trial of of wealth wealth is is much much tougher tougher than than the the trial of poverty. trial of poverty. resultsresults in in either either direction. direction. A A person’s person’s ego ego has has to to be be huge, huge, not not to to mentionmention delusional, delusional, to to really really believe believe that that he he had had all all those those factors factors inin control control and and became became su succccessfulessful all all on on his his own. own. theirtheir character character and and their their spiritual spiritual status. status.

God has guided us how to handle our money. The IRS does not God has guided us how to handle our money. The IRS does not care how and what we spend our money on as long as we pay our care how and what we spend our money on as long as we pay our taxes, but God cares. He explains to us what we should spend our taxes, but God cares. He explains to us what we should spend our money on and what we should not spend on. money on and what we should not spend on.

ToTo be be fair fair to to the the priest, priest, however, however, I Imust must say say that that he he had had a apoint point

andand hard hard work work is is a a requirement requirement and and goes goes hand hand in in hand hand with with prayers.prayers. You You just just can’t can’t pray pray to to God God and and hop hop into into the the cockpit cockpit of of a a BoeingBoeing 777 777 plane. plane. You You need need to to take take lessons, lessons, practice practice and and book book a a

MaybeMaybe his his friend friend didn’t didn’t care care to to invest invest enough enough in in himself, himself, and and truly truly We are to share our wealth with the poor, the needy, the widows, was a lousy putter. On the brighter side, he’s always welcome to We are to share our wealth with the poor, the needy, the widows, was a lousy putter. On the brighter side, he’s always welcome to orphans, travelers and our family and relatives. They orphans, travelers and our family and relatives. They may may not not be be asas needy needy of of receiving receiving our our money, money, as as we we are are in in need need of of giving giving it it to to them in exchange for the blessings of God. We are not to waste ThankingThanking God God for for whatever whatever we we achieve achieve is is the the sure sure way way to to further further them in exchange for the blessings of God. We are not to waste our success. Passing our tests and trials is the key. Success is a ourour money money on on gambling, gambling, alcohol alcohol and and other other prohibited prohibited foods foods and and our success. Passing our tests and trials is the key. Success is a activities. The poor may not have all these options. Most of their toughtough road. road. So So many many follow follow the the footsteps footsteps of of Pharoah, Pharoah, and and activities. The poor may not have all these options. Most of their overlook the path Moses(as) trod. That is why the Bible and the Holy moneymoney is is exhausted exhausted on on basic basic necessities, necessities, and and their their obligations obligations to to overlook the path Moses(as) trod. That is why the Bible and the Holy God are limited. The rich have so many opportunities to slip and Qur’anQur’an caution caution that that it it is is easier easier for for a acamel camel to to go go through through the the eye eye of of God are limited. The rich have so many opportunities to slip and a needle, than a rich man to enter into the Kingdom of Heaven. incurincur the the displeasure displeasure of of God. God. a needle, than a rich man to enter into the Kingdom of Heaven.

SUNRISE {44} MUSLIMSUNRISE[2013] {44} MUSLIM[2013] "When the Prophet got up to pray at night he used to start his prayer with the words: 'O Allah, Lord of Jibreel, Mikaa'eel and Israafeel, Creator of heaven and earth, Knower of the unseen and the seen, You are the Judge of the matters in which Your slaves di er; guide me with regard to disputed matters of Truth by Your permission, for You guide whomever You will to the Straight Path.'"

"'The way that each of you is created is that he is gathered in his mother's womb for forty days as a sperm drop, and then for a similar length of time as a blood-clot, and then for a similar length of time as a lump of esh. Then an angel is sent and he breathes the spirit into (the foetus), and is charged with four commands: to write down his provision, his life-span, his actions, and whether he will be wretched or happy.'"