The world doesn’t give up without a fight. That is the way of the world. Imagine this: IN A LITTLE BIT UNDER TWO DECADES OR MORE PROBABLY IN A LITTLE BIT OVER TWO DECADES FROM NOW (Allah alone knows for sure); THE WHOLE WORLD WILL ACKNOWLEDGE THAT ISLAM IS THE TRUTH! – as the Great Signs shall come pouring forth.*
**Recently, their occurred a brouhaha in England between the Home Secretary Theresa May, champion of the current government, and Dr. Zakir Naik. It was a classic confrontation filled with a lot of legal razzle-dazzle and smoke and mirrors. And by all accounts it was a clever ruse thrown up to blindside Islam.
Can he who was dead, to whom WE gave life and a Light whereby he can walk amongst men, be like him who is in the depths of darkness from which he can never come out? Thus to those without faith their own deeds seem pleasing.
Thus {because of this} have WE placed leaders in every town, its wicked men, to plot (and burrow) therein; But they only plot against their own souls, and they perceive it not. Q (6: 122-123)
Imagine if you will, if you had an interview with the current Prime Minister, and in this interview you opened up subjects such as lesbianism, Nazi Germany, Adolf Hitler, prostitution, serial killers, the Holocaust and members of Parliament including the mentioning of the name of the Home Secretary Theresa May. A person taking that tape could conceivably go home and doctor it in such a way that would end up with the Prime Minister saying the most outlandish lies and going off in a tirade against the character of Theresa May and her sexuality and sensitivities.
Of course this would be highly illegal, immoral, disgraceful, extremely sinful and most definitely anti-Islamic. However, that is just about what happened against Dr. Naik – not exactly but nearly the same. What happened was that his words were taken out of context, which is easy to do when one wants to engage in criminal behavior and put together a text so as to make it appear that he was saying something that he was not meaning.
It is stated that Peace TV is the solution for humanity. In truth, it is Islam that is the solution for humanity. Perhaps it would be more appropriate if Peace TV (in remembering the Treaty of Hudaibiya) would pronounce, “Peace TV – offering a solution for humanity.” With that said, Peace TV does provide many outstanding programs of an informative nature like the well-respected Huda TV.
Why did such a thing happen concerning Dr. Zakir Naik in the first place? That is fairly easy to see but sometimes a little hard to swallow!
Many religious stations tend to introduce some ‘color’ to their programming which gets the listener attuned and interested by using certain scenery or word phrases that catch the listeners’ attention. Things about the Islamic bomb being already dropped and bringing up rape, homosexuality, brutal crime and drunkenness type of statistics also do not cause a society to feel good about itself.
The statistics may be 100% correct but people who feel that ‘their ways’ (system) are best might feel that they are getting their collective noses rubbed in the trash. Blind people can’t see beyond their noses anyway but they have feelings and don’t want to be reminded that their long established beliefs cultivated over centuries of ignorance should be in question.
One gets the feeling that one is proud of one’s country as if that country took the place of some ‘god’ who kept things materialistically going especially for the inhabitants of said country. That is one of the reasons why many remain blind! My country right or wrong sure beats the struggles it takes to explore the deeper truths held open for humanity found in the WORD of GOD.
In fact, by going back to the scriptures in a humble adoration to the ONE LORD is one way by which evil thoughts and misplaced behaviors can be defeated. For example, terrorism is clearly and absolutely forbidden in Islam and confronting the would be extremists through admitting the truth in Islam would no doubt have a great effect on opposing and showing up the self-proclaimed, self-righteous set. But how could they do that when that would open up the eyes of the ‘sleeping public’?
The real reason that this so-called enlightened democracy showed its ‘character’ against Dr. Naik is simple – Europe. Also, the climate and beliefs in America can be thrown in for good measure. And most educated Muslims understand the meaning behind that and should not be fooled by ‘slight-of-hand trickery’.
To put it simply, they fear Islam as the pagan Arabs feared Islam. It would of course lead to a change but O! That beautiful life and life-style conveniently papered over to appease their concept of ‘the gods’ who most certainly will intercede with The God feeds many men their self-delusions.
In other words, do questionable actions not solely based on religious knowledge interfere with our thinking process because we have a ‘savior’ (country, statue, earthly born man, philosophy) on our side? I guess this savior doesn’t mind the questionable or applying double standards.
So, like the so-called ‘Tea Party’ phenomenon in America, slogans can make people feel a need to clean house as it were by getting back to the basics – the good old life – meaning the good life for the haves and the other life for the have-nots. That is overly simplistic but a study of cultures in advanced decay reveals a tendency to hanker back to what is called ‘the good old days’ especially when one is on the side that will land one in solid financial terms. One cannot get to that point without duping the masses while making them willing pawns.
Why fear Islam? Islam is a concept and a construct and also a religion based on logic and peace as was true in any world religion before it. As all the Holy Books claim, it isn’t an ‘ism’ that will overthrow the evils of this world but rather it will be THE ONE GOD! That is what a majority of people don’t seem to understand and the proof of that comes from three areas as history shows.
The first area is that people (European or otherwise) remain at a woeful loss concerning the remembrance of their own scriptures and the applications of such. The proof is in the pudding as they say. For example, what is the problem with the homosexual issue seen in the western world? Are not these human beings? OK, so what do the Holy and respected texts have to say about this issue?
By ignoring the Holy texts, people can depend upon those ‘wise’ legislators and honey-tongued speakers to act as guides and even prophets to reevaluate the Laws of God based on their immortal and never dying and eternal strengths and powers. Why should these policy makers submit to the Word? Are they not themselves gods? Or do they eat, sleep and eventually die? Let them figure it out. After all it doesn’t take a genius to understand the answer.
The second area occurs when they, the people, do find some spare time to read their scriptures (a rarity) but most of them seem to be at sea when it comes to understanding the ‘UNIVERSAL MESSAGE’ found within the HOLY WRIT.
Finally, they have a bizarre concept of comparative religion such that there is only One God but ‘our cultural or tribal’ god is better than the next person’s ‘cultural or tribal’ god. That is basically how society works leaving people feeling contented in being of the chosen breed. Another name for this is nationalism and it is not just a western phenomenon but a world-wide disease.
This deep rooted aspect of worldly pride will always be a darkness that will cover the light and in that case the thought of TRUTH or ACCOUNTABILITY in the HEARAFTER will be seriously retarded but not without a certain sense of smug satisfaction.
A study of the many groups of people that existed in the past, from the people of Noah (pbh) and Abraham (pbh) to the pagan Arabs shows the vast majority of the people refusing the Divine Message at least during the early stages of its beginnings with most societies featuring the majority as rejecters. These rejecters were satisfied with the status quo and felt justified in their quaint little world of society. Why? Because that society was working for the privileged few, so why should they pay attention to anything truthful?
And those people were the so-called shakers and bakers of the society and definitely not the common man. The common men, who were somewhat like cattle, could be persuaded to do all sorts of things and the common men and women belonged to the ‘weak’ division of mankind – most of them made up of followers bedazzled by the cute speech of their ‘betters’.
Of course man has his ‘betters’ and these people turn out to be extremely crafty for the most part. Some of them, of course, have the common good for the common masses in mind but many others do not and would not be able to sit still for any lessons from those who came as servants (prophets) from the ONE TRUE GOD.
Man forgot that he was NOT in control of anything and does NOT determine when, where, how, why, in what condition he would be born or die. But the foolish always like to play the ‘wise’ and it comforts them to see ‘their own splendor’ as did those who once ruled Rome. And the reasons for this are given in the Holy Books – not the mysteries but the reasons are given such that those who would try to outwit their LORD will fall prey to their own self-delusions! And this will lead to their damnation by their own hands!
For HE, THE ONE GOD, gave them that choice or option which is coupled with the TRUST in HIM and HIS WAYS, which takes work and effort to understand. Our ‘collective consciousness’ can begin from our first creation from the back of Adam (pbh) or from the time coming from birth on Earth as a son of Adam (pbh) but it ties all of us to something that is inescapable for those who reflect.
That is that there is but ONE GOD to whom our loyalty has been pledged and that all accredited actions are done to please HIM and that is due to HIS honoring the human race with ‘excellence’ in giving us dominion on this planet. Therefore, we will be held to strict guidelines of Accountability ending up in what is widely known as Paradise or the Hell-fire.
But water runs down hill and people want their pleasures as well as being pampered and comforted in the thought that their religious heroes would be charmed by their actions, race, creed, color or philosophy. Quite frankly speaking, these people are dead and who can make the dead to hear but only THE ONE GOD!
*Of course Allah Knows Best and it is TOTTALLY UP TO HIM AND NO OTHER! People might find that a little bit amusing but this is no jest. If people would care to read the other articles found on this site, they might get a little inkling that the world is getting prepared for something quite dynamic in the near future.
We are told from many sources that Islam is the fastest growing religion of this era and the numbers of Muslim converts (reverts) are making their way into the fold of Islam at a rate that is alarming some societies.
And of course some people are nervous that within several decades, several western nations will find Islam as the majority religion in their valued country if things remain stable and normal due to birth rates and conversions. After all, Islam is the most logical choice with people who use logic and think deeply about their inner consciousness.
Well, that is just not going to happen in this era (the Fourth Age of man) anyway.
Why not? Varied reasons have been given by this writer in his books but when push comes to shove, the best of reasons is given by Prophet Muhammad (pbh).
Mustaurid al-Qurashi reported: I heard Allah’s Messenger (may peace be upon him) as saying: The Last Hour would come (when) the Romans {Christians} would form a majority amongst people. ‘Amr b. al-‘As said to him (Mustaurid Qurashi): “See what you are saying?” He said: I say what I have heard from Allah’s Messenger (may peace be upon him). Thereupon he said: “If you say that, it is a fact for they have four qualities. They have the patience to undergo a trial and immediately restore themselves to sanity after trouble and attack again after flight. They have the quality of being good to the destitute and the orphans, to the weak and, finally, the good quality in them is that they put resistance against the oppression of kings.” (Sahih Muslim)
The reader can take what he/she wants from the above hadith and note it well that the topic of the Last Hour is not just a fairy tale. This is not talking about the Last Day but rather the Last Hour before the Day of Judgment.
Billions of people dying in less than a decade along with the built up of society’s institutions may sound dramatic but it is definitely dynamic. This, of course, has little to nothing to do with mankind’s power because in reality man is NOT so hot an item as he makes himself out to be.
Assuredly the creation of the heavens and the earth is indeed a greater (matter) than the creation of mankind; yet most of mankind knows not. Q (40: 57)
In other words, mankind is not the power or the chief mover of this universe. In truth, man is but one of the many ‘fragile’ creations hovering around and he enters the world by HIS (ALLAH’S) COMMAND and leaves it by HIS COMMAND. That is the Real Reality but most men refuse to believe it – except in a kind of offhanded way as in ‘out of sight out of mind’ way.
If people are presented with the statement made in the first paragraph of this article, most would definitely think that this would be a total impossibility. Such is the POWER and DOMINANCE of the ONE LORD that man has little comprehension of HIS GREATNESS! However, about man’s greatness most men have little doubt.
Does this mean that all the people will become Muslims? The answer is definitely not. Knowing the truth and being able to want it or love it can be two different things. But rest assured, man is not going to be calling the shots. And when the proverbial dam breaks, all proverbial ‘hell’ will break loose.
There is even a hadith declaring that the Gog and Magog won’t be ready to pour forth to do their hideous thing until they say, As Allah Wills (Insha Allah) before they can break that barrier holding them back. However, no Holy Book has ever declared that these twisted individuals will cease their murderous intent and be grateful to their Creator Lord. Those wretches are going to do what they lust for in any case but their end will come at the APPOINTED TIME AND PLACE THAT ALLAH HAS DECREED AND THEY CAN’T DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT OR EVEN CHANGE THE FACT.
Man can laugh and laugh at the thought that their LORD is THE ONE, AND ONLY ONE IN CONTROL, IN TOTAL CONTROL. In fact, a lot of people will probably be upset to find that their houses (lives) were built of straw with very little foundation to it. This is definitely not something a self-righteous, self-sufficient, overly self-magnified person would like to hear.
We are told in Islam NOT to go too deeply into subjects that are beyond our control. However, mentioning the obvious is not going beyond the bounds of Islam.
**Mankind is composed of a variety as a species but all of mankind is connected to a universal oneness called the ‘collective consciousness’. So when the souls of men were created, they were not created in a haphazard fashion but at One and the same time from our father Adam (pbh) from that ONE mold. And man was given a warning and instruction when he was collected altogether at ONE time and placed on ONE level plain Q (7: 172-173).
When your LORD drew forth from the Children of Adam, from their loins their descendents and made them testify concerning themselves saying, “Am I not your LORD (WHO cherishes and sustains you)?” They said, “Yes! We do testify {to this}!” {This is being said to all of you} lest you should say on the Day of Judgment, “Of this we were never mindful {instructed}”
Or lest you should say, “Our fathers before us took false gods {so it was easy for one who was not instructed to fall into the trap of following their false ways} but we are (their) descendents after them {so} will YOU then destroy us because of the deeds of men who followed falsehood.” Q (7: 172-173)
It is clear from these two verses that mankind does have a collective consciousness that goes back millions of years but the form, shape and purpose of this collective consciousness is a mystery. Otherwise it would make no sense in being reminded about something (a call for reflection and deep thinking) about an important ‘item’ that would have little relevance to man’s current existence. That is, why punish us for forgetting what we could not remember or were not a part of, and for the mischief of our forefathers and for being bereft of a prophet being sent to us?
So man tries to justify himself based on his own warped logic and thinking. However, in the deep recesses of the soul, there is the feeling of something going on, some small voice trying to give a warning if the ‘patient’ would but take the time and the effort to listen.
That being the case, all human beings have a pre-birth familiarity with THE WAY (a part of FITRA) and perhaps have the knowledge that Prophet Muhammad (pbh) is indeed the Messenger from their LORD to them. It is not due to man’s righteousness that he would return to that harmonious unity in the beginning when he or she enters the fold of Islam but as one who has by the GRACE and MERCY of ALLAH been allowed to reverted back to the remembrance of truth.
Life on Earth was planned for the human race and it was in no way an accident that we arrived here on this little blue marble. In knowing that man would have a great adversary waiting for him in Satan and his cohorts in crime, Allah sent to all of mankind 124,000 prophets to renew and refresh mankind to HIS REALITY.
Just like mankind not coming to Earth in one bunch but in groups so also the prophets were sent periodically. So, in knowing the frailty of man and his ways and the ways of the Satans, Allah sent to all the groups these prophets to refresh their commitment that they had sworn to earlier as a holy oath or pledge in the beginning of their creation.
For whatever reason, mankind seems to be made up of three types of people within whatever group they are attached to. The first kind is that rare breed that recognizes the truth right-off the bat and for them it is natural as natural can be to follow this truth without lengthy debates or favorable conditions being meted out. Examples of such people are Abu Bakr, Ali and Bilal. They do not need long debates or lectures to recognize with clarity the universal truth.
The second group is composed of those who are classified as the patrons of Satan. These are the rabble-rousers who wouldn’t be able to recognize truth if it landed in their laps but who would rather fight tooth and nail to destroy it. They are the diseased of heart and have staked their souls in a marriage to Satan. An example of this group is Abu Lahab and his wife. Even if they could mount to the heavens, they would refuse the Reality and still be antagonistic to truth because they hate it and everything it stands for.
The third group, which contains the huge and vast majority of mankind, is the weak group. This flexible group can drop either way on the scale of excellence, good or bad or downright evil. This group can somewhat be generalized as to those looking right and left to see which way the shoe will drop as to following the truth. Of course this is just a general description and not to be taken as absolute.
The overwhelming, vast majority of mankind including this writer falls into this category of weakness. However, the term weakness is not easily understood and should not be used to defame or downgrade a person or have one put one’s own self in a downgraded or defamed position in false piety. Basically, it is a philosophical concept which would contain many numerous different qualities of weaknesses.
This group contains the ones who are called to remember or called back to a remembrance which is the more precise term. A major division inside this group contains those who will end up ‘acknowledging’ the truth to varying degrees and those who will end up fighting against it in varying degrees.
It is true that there are levels and qualities within both of these major divisions which will align themselves with various qualities of good and evil but that knowledge is certainly not with man but ONLY with THE ONE GOD. Hence, one should not be too swift in making any judgments but rather one should as much as possible rely on the WISDOM AND STRENGTH OF ALLAH in calling on HIM for GUIDANCE.
Abu Huraira reported Allah’s Messenger (pbh) as saying Jesus the son of Mary saw a man stealing and said, “Have you stolen?” He replied, “Certainly not, I swear by HIM than whom there is no god.” So Jesus said, “I believe in God and declare that what I said was false” {had a mistaken notion}. (Muslim)
In truth, it is very dangerous to make absolutes because we as frail creatures cannot see the various gradations or rankings amongst these groups. That is not our business nor is it within our power to do this (to be readers and judges of the heart).
This third group contains people who ‘take awhile’ to come to their senses in a religious-type of awakening. It also contains people who ‘wait and see’ how things are turning out before ‘dipping their toes’ in the water. Depending upon their weaknesses, they can rise up to excellence as a steadfast believer or sink down to a level of ugliness and get ready to ‘bolt’ at the slightest opportunity.
The ‘bolters’ are the opportunists who have no strong foundation whatsoever in adhering to or following the truth but if called upon to show their true intentions are of those who always ‘lag behind’. In other words, they are of those are who are aligned with those who are of the worst of creatures – the hypocrites.
This lagging behind is the ‘Yeah, I know it is the truth bit but I do miss my former lifestyle and would like nothing better than enjoy the comforting trash that I used to enjoy before.’ Those are the most dangerous of people because they tend to ‘sellout’ to the highest bidder while leaving the truth in the dust for a miserable gain after pledging their so-called ‘loyalty’.
Some have wished that the two verses I have used from the Old Testament claiming to be a reference concerning the Quran found in Zephaniah chapter 3 verses 9 and 10 would be discussed in more detail. These verses are clear and unambiguous and do show when all is said and done that Islam is the WAY and the TRUTH – by implication.
Here are these verses again with a fuller explanation being attached to them.
Zephaniah 3: 9-10 (New International Version)
Then I will purify the lips of the peoples, that all of them may call on the name of the LORD and serve him shoulder to shoulder.
From beyond the rivers of Cush my worshipers, my scattered people, will bring me offerings.
Zephaniah 3: 9-10 (21st Century King James Version)
For then will I return to the people a pure language that they may all call upon the name of the LORD, to serve Him with one accord.
From beyond the rivers of Ethiopia My suppliants–even the daughter of My dispersed–shall bring Mine offering.
The Book of Zephaniah was originally written sometime in the 6th century BC although some scholars prefer a second century BC offering possibly borrowing on the originality of a manuscript from the 6th century BC. Practically that amounts to about the same thing.
It is clear and unambiguous that the GIVER of the ‘gift’ being spoken about comes directly from THE ONE LORD and not something that drops into a man’s head by his own doing. In other words, the gift that will be given is from GOD and directly from HIM and no other. This gift is mentioned as purified lips or a pure language.
Verse number 9 talks of purified lips of the peoples or a pure language. When a person talks about using the lips of peoples, one is talking about a manner of speech and when one talks about a manner of speech; one is talking about a certain language that will be used.
Among humanity there is no known pure language that has ever been invented by the hands of man. There has NEVER been a common language that has ever remained pure because like man, language that is developed from a creature (man) is like that creature – changing.
The Eskimo living in his environment has perhaps over a hundred words for snow but people living in the desert may only have one or two words for this phenomenon. So language reflects the utility of man’s ‘changing world’ and hence the language changes – meaning that it does not remain pure but becomes adulterated according to need. Hence, the expression ‘I am bad’ can actually mean that I am good in the same language.
So at least we know that there will be a language involved instead of tap dancing. This language has to be a special language and not anything that man could think of because it will have the property of being pure and remaining pure and that will be quite a feat due to man’s proclivity in messing things up! Moreover, we cannot forget that it will be directly from the ONE GOD and who would ever attribute to HIM imperfection but one who is deformed in the soul.
Also, the language cannot be common everyday speech because that would also get messed up. Rather the language must be very special and even ceremonial for it to be ‘locked up’ and kept pure and unsullied by the hands of men. The type of ceremonial expressions used must not be looked upon as a run of the mill experience like joining a club but rather put into an exalted position to merit such a stance as being pure and kept pure.
There is only one logical form of highest thought taken by most men from the past to the present and that is the form of RELIGION or the continuation of life rather than just living and dying for no reason. Hence, this protected language which is PURE and going to remain PURE is a religious language.
Being a religious language that remains PURE cannot be for one person or for one country and as the verses claim, which is fairly easy to figure out, this language will be for various peoples who practice this form of worship or belief.
A pure language like rituals will change over a period of time UNLESS of course it is in a form that a person can say and remember that it becomes the proverbial ‘written in stone’ language or a language unaltered through time.
In other words, this language may be spoken but it has to be PRESERVED AND REVERED such that it is in a written form that can be used as a standard for checking the veracity of the spoken form or written forms coming from it and so highly thought of that any attempt to fool around with it will bring ‘dire consequences’. Hence, this written form must be duplicated in great quantities for the peoples and can be easily checked out as to its maintaining its ‘perfection’.
So a record of the formation, development, delivery of this language has to be kept as from the beginning of its origins so as to be able to show that it has a track record and not just some kind of fairy tale story as an invisible book kept by and controlled by high priests. Therefore, the best form of preservation is not a book of rules but an actual book by which a standard can be formed to test any copies that would be made of this book or recitations given from this book.
The conclusion is simple. A book must exist that is GOD GIVEN and it is and fully remains available in its original language (not just a translated form as the verses from the two of the above Old Testament translated sources are). Well if it is a GOD GIVEN BOOK it will be about the guidance given to man rather than instructions on how to perform tap dancing and this makes it a religious book which in turn makes it a TESTAMENT and that, in turn, makes it a separate phase or form of religion.
Where there is a NEW TESTAMENT GIVEN there is a paradigm change. This means that in the common language of man there will come a NEW RELIGION. This does not mean that the religion is brand spanking new but it is NOT going to be a carbon copy of the preceding religion even though it may harmonize with the old.
For where a testament is {paradigm change}, there must also of necessity be the {some form of} death {transformation – thus causing him to physically leave the world} of the testator. Heb. (9: 16)
Worshiping with ‘one accord’ can have many different meanings. When one comes across a puzzler like this, one has to fit something in that will be in agreement with those two verses thus making the whole of the verses to harmonize without any contradiction. In other words, one takes that meaning that will not throw off the other meanings given in those two verses.
One can worship with one accord even though we are different as a people if that religion has a basis for belief (a basic doctrine) that all members harmoniously believe in. In other words, the basis of belief must be such that the upholders of that belief system understand that system no matter to what various cultures they are found in. That would be the FIVE PILLARS OF ISLAM forming the basis of that belief system or the bedrock as its foundation amongst those who believe.
By all of its worshipers would mean from pole to pole and ocean to ocean such that Islam would be a ‘worldwide’ religion and not just for one city or country and that the true followers of that ONE RELIGION would follow the same HOLY BOOK without additional words or chapters thrown in or taken out – unlike the Catholic Bible versus the Protestant Bible – and practice the same FIVE PILLARS.
The part about standing ‘shoulder to shoulder’ can mean many things but it is the practice of Muslims to stand harmoniously and joyfully in one accord during one of the essential pillars of faith and that is prayer – for the prayer to be accepted. This does not apply to any ‘false sect’ but only to mainstream Islam.
Besides the above explanation, how can we know that Islam is being discussed in these two verses from Zephaniah? That is easy for we have the geographical location given. A religion starts descending from ‘above’ to those below. In other words, it has to have a physical presence and start from some place upon someone.
So, in this case we need to have a geographical area to deal with at the very start of this revelation. So it is easy to see that a prophet will be involved and he will be speaking to some people in the beginning and these people will have a home base or be domiciled in some geographical area.
The geographical area will be defined according to these verses based on the nature of the rivers found in the country mentioned. The country mentioned is that area of Cush or what is known as Ethiopia.
The rivers in Ethiopia run in a north-south or south-north direction. Therefore, one must go across from these rivers in an east-west direction to find the location of any religion that emerged from the time of the writing of this book called Zephaniah.
If one was to use willy-nilly logic and jump up or down going in a north or south direction in a random way by leapfrogging so many countries, then one could look for a religious movement with a preserved HOLY LANGUAGE coming from the north of south poles. However, when one restricts the search for this religion by going directly east or west from ‘across the rivers of Ethiopia’ then one must look for that religion in those areas.
By going west from the rivers of Ethiopia one can keep going through the continent of Africa until one hits the Atlantic Ocean and not find any religion that can lay a claim for the fulfillment of the prophecy found in Zephaniah.
However, when one goes to the east from the rivers of Ethiopia one does find an ESTABLISHED WORLD RELIGION THAT FULLFILLS ALL OF THAT PROPHECY FOUND IN THE BOOK OF ZEPHANIAH and this country turns out to be Arabia specifically starting in the area called Makkah.
What about the ‘dispersed or scattered people’? The original children of Israel tended to be tribal and not such a propagating religious movement. Their original language varies with the times and their original records are somewhat suspect due to the various inabilities to keep alive their documents throughout history – translations, yes but originals, NO!
The other branch of this ‘tribe’ commonly called Christians do tend to be propagating as to their faith but do not present either a pure language kept in book form or form of worship. That is, some Testament is used in a foreign-based language (Greek) or many kinds of translations making it easier for people to read and some form of creed is generally believed in but variations as to prayer, times of prayer, rituals and doctrine are quite varied.
These thoughts may be taken as a form of nitpicking but what does the word PURE mean? Does it mean almost or nearly pure or does it imply 100% retrievable and provable pure? The verses in Zephaniah refer to the 100% form of purity not in custom but in the Language Guaranteed and Protected by the CREATOR LORD HIMSELF!
So the dispersed and scattered people would be people covering a wide area that would have been left out of the equation for salvation or those reduced to following some form of tribal paganism or even a tarnished philosophy. There is another thought to this, however.
Considering the New Testament and its warnings of the ‘deterioration of the truth’ brought by Jesus (pbh) (see the article Islam and the Rise and Fall of the Teachings of Jesus) and what also is found in the Quran (Q 5: 14), one can gather that the floundering ship of truth must be resurrected with a PURE form of truth. Otherwise, bringing one’s corrupted ‘offerings’ needs no PURE LANGUAGE or TRUTH to be sent down from the heavens when corruption will suffice or trump REALITY and that the ONE LORD will accept any old trash or falsehoods created by man to be thrown up to honor HIM!
It must be admitted that even a slow minded worshiper of any religion would be completely foolish as to confront the ONE GOD by proclaiming that HIS GIFT of a PURE LANGUAGE is foolish, misplaced or erroneous IF THAT PERSON HAS ANY HOPE OF A SUCCESSFUL FUTURE AFTERLIFE.
For there is no respect of persons with God. Romans (2: 11)
Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. Galatians (6: 7)
For Allah is Exalted in Power – The Lord of Retribution. Q (14: 47)
To Allah belongs the Dominion of the Heavens and the Earth; and Allah has power Over All Things. Q (3: 189)
And remember Allah took a Covenant from the People of the Book to make it known and clear to mankind and not to hide it; but they threw it away behind their backs and purchased with it some miserable gain! And vile was the bargain they made! Q (3: 187)
For those, too, who call themselves Christians, WE did take a Covenant, but they forgot a good part of the Message that was sent to them: So WE stirred up enmity and hatred between one and the other, to the Day of Judgment. And soon will Allah show them what it is they have done. Q (5: 14)
Yes, these two verses found in the Book of Zephaniah are clear but the tragedy of the thing is that most people will take the attitude of ‘SO WHAT’!
That is the tragedy because like in the time of Noah (pbh) and friend Abraham (pbh) down through the ages, the majority of the people had their own agendas to nourish and REVELED in them such that truth became for them a stumbling block and they could care less about it or find more about it.
And this is the condemnation, that {when} light is come into the world, and {many} men loved {the} darkness rather than the light because their deeds were {attracted to} evil.
For every one that does evil hates the light neither comes to the light, lest {by Justice} his deeds {that he has done} should be reproved {accepted}.
But he that does truth comes to the light that his deeds may be made manifest {in a blessed record kept by God – Q (18: 47-49)} that they are wrought in {are the true sons of light} God. John (3: 19-21)
Those who desire the life of the present and its glitter, to them WE shall pay (the price of) their deeds therein without diminution.
They are those for whom there is nothing in the HEAREAFTER but the FIRE: vain are the designs they frame therein and of no effect are their deeds that they do! Q (11: 15-16)
Those who reject Allah {THE ONE AND ETERNAL GOD} and hinder (men) from the PATH of Allah, their deeds will Allah bring to naught. Q (47: 1)
However, there is no need to overly fret about things because Allah has everything measured out in proportion down to the least particle of the atom. So what is there to be worried about? Concerned, yes, because that is only human but nail- biting worried, no.
So the Muslims have an arsenal likened unto a treasure that can be built up and Allah is THE JUDGE and not the world. The Muslims have the knowledge that the ONE GOD always keeps HIS promises and as a bonus addition, they have three things of great worth.
First, the Prophet (pbh) taught his nation various invocations, which if said in sincerity, are like keys that unlock the various treasures hidden from man. If one has the key, one is entitled to the treasure but if the ‘thief’ tries to unlock these treasures without the knowledge AND sincerity, he will fail.
Secondly, the Muslims have the knowledge of doing good deeds ONLY FOR THE SAKE OF ALLAH and this adds to the great treasure to be used as ‘a ransom for one’s soul’ on THE LAST DAY OF JUDGMENT.
Finally, the well-intentioned and sincere Muslim has at his/her fingertips the means to get those treasures multiplied by a rather vast amount – treasure upon treasure!!! And that action (gift) will be greatly appreciated by those who are tarnished when it comes time to measure one’s worth at the SCALE that will measure goodness versus evil.
Narrated Abu Huraira: Allah’s Messenger said, “If anyone of you improves his Islamic religion, then his good deeds will be rewarded ten times to seven hundred times for each good deed and a bad deed will be recorded {only} as it is.” (Bukhari)
The above hadith certainly shows a most Gracious and Merciful Gift from our CREATOR LORD and does not cover those who do not strictly believe in Allah, Muhammad (pbh) and the Last Day. Therefore, the loss is theirs and no amount of riches, position or power can obtain these things.
So, everything being equal in the race, what do real Muslims have to be envious about when it comes time to remember that this worldly life is nothing but elusions but the real life comes upon the JUDGMENT that all men must go through.
Allah’s Prophet (pbh) said, “Those who are singled out have won the race; they have beat the rest.” They, his Companions said, “Who are those who are singled out, O Prophet of Allah?” He, the Prophet (pbh) said, “Those who remember Allah, both the men and women.”
Comparative religion can only be considered valuable if it praises the ONE GOD, brings people to HIS remembrance and DIVINE UNITY, shows the correct pathway for HIS worship in following HIS COMMANDS and declares the truth. If it does not do this, comparative religion can be considered just a form of communication rated on the level of useless parlor chatter – Ahmed Ismail.
