43 posts tagged “religion”
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What is the solution for the people dying out of hunger in ethopia? Is religion solution to the problems of the world? Question posed from audience to speaker Dr Zakir Naik.
Jermaine Jackson Found Real Happiness and Inner Peace in Islam
TV interviews after celebrity big brother show (Richard and Judy programme, This morning show, heaven and earth show)
Jermaine Jackson, is now called Muhammad Abdul Aziz. He talks About it all. Finding Peace and contentment through Islam. He talks about his feelings as being a Muslim and also expresses his desire for his younger brother Michael Jackson to also become Muslim.
In a starling Interview, Jermaine Jackson, brother of world-famous star Michael Jackson, tells how he embraced Islam.
Islam is a religion, which transcends all petty prejudices of color, race and territorial boundaries. That is why the followers of other religions, with a nearsighted vision, have a sense of overflowing pride and relief when they embrace Islam. Deserting the religion of one's forefathers is one of the most difficult decisions, but the golden principles and the virtues of broadmindedness of Islam have persuaded mankind to adopt it as a way of life.
Now, therefore, Islam has emerged as the greatest religion of the world. Jermaine Jackson, brother of world-famous Michael Jackson is one of those men who have left the religion of their forefathers and made Islam the inseparable part of their life. From Jermaine Jackson, he has re-named as Muhammad Abdul-Aziz. He lives in one of the luxurious palaces in the outskirts of Los Angeles (USA). The palace of Abdul-Aziz is surrounded by beautiful gardens. This is the place where he and his sisters compose their musical notes. This remains under surveillance of more than 15 security vans round the clock. This area which is known as ?Falis? in Los Angeles is considered one of the most expensive areas the world over London based Arabic "al-Mujallah" has recently published an interview of Jermaine Jackson for the first time since he became Muslim. In this interview, he has expressed his passionate love for Islam. Let us see how he responded to various questions: -
When and How did you start your journey towards Islam?
It was way back in 1989 when I, along with my sister, conducted a tour to some of the countries of Middle East. During our stay in Bahrain, we were accorded warm welcome. There I happened to meet some children and had a light chitchat with them. I put certain questions to them and they flung at me their innocent queries. During the course of this interaction, they inquired about my religion. I told them, "I am a Christian." I asked them, as to what was their religion? A wave of serenity took over them. They replied in one voice ? Islam. Their enthusiastic answer really shook me from within. Then they started telling me about Islam. They were giving me information, much in piece with their age. The pitch of their voice would reveal that they were highly proud of Islam. This is how I paced toward Islam.
A very short interaction with a group of children ultimately led me to have long discourses about Islam with Muslim scholars. A great ripple had taken place in my thought. I made failing attempt to console myself that nothing had happened but I could not conceal this fact any longer from myself that at heart I had converted to Islam. This I disclosed first to my family friend, Qunber Ali. The same Qunber Ali managed to take me to Riyadh, capital of Saudi Arabia. Till that time, I did not know much about Islam. From there, in the company of a Saudi family, I proceeded for Mecca for the performance of "Umrah". There I made public for the first time that I had become Muslim.
What were your feelings after you proclaimed that you were a Muslim?
Having embraced Islam, I felt as if I were born again. I found in Islam the answers to those queries which I had failed to find in Christianity. Particularly, it was only Islam that provided satisfactory answer to the question relating to the birth of Christ. For the first time I was convinced about the religion itself. I pray my family members might appreciate these facts. My family is the follower of that cult of Christianity, which is known as AVENDANCE of JEHOVA (Jehova's Witness). According to its creeds, only 144,000 men would finally qualify to enter into paradise. ?How comes, It remained always a perplexing creed for me. I was surprised to know that Bible was compiled by so many men, particularly about a volume scripted by King James. I wondered if a man compiles a directory and then ascribes it to God, but he does not fully comply with these directions. During my stay in Saudi Arabia I have had the opportunity to buy a cassette released by the erstwhile British pop-singer and the present Muslim preacher, Yusuf Islam (formerly Cat Stevens). I learnt a lot from this as well.
What happened when you got back to the US after embracing Islam?
When I returned to USA, American media orchestrated heinous propaganda against Islam and the Muslims. The gossips were let loose on me which really disturbed my peace of mind. The Hollywood was hell-bent upon maligning the Muslims. They were being projected as terrorists. There are many things where there is consensus between Christianity and Islam, and Quran presents Holy Christ as a virtuous Prophet. Then, I wondered, why Christian America levels baseless allegations against Muslims?
This made me gloomy. I made up my mind that I would do my best to dispel the wrong image of Muslims, portrayed by the American media. I had not the slightest idea that American media would not digest the news of my accepting Islam and raise such a great hue and cry. It was virtually acting against all its tall and much-publicized claims about the freedom of expression and the freedom of conscience. So the hypocrisy of American society came to surface and lay uncovered before me. Islam unknotted many complications for me. As a matter of fact, I came to think of myself as a complete human being, in the literal sense of the word. After becoming Muslim, I felt a tremendous change in me. I discarded all thing prohibited in Islam. This made things difficult for my family too. In short, the Jackson family tumbled altogether. Threatening letters poured in, which further intensified the worries of my family.
What sort of threats?
Well, they would tell me that I had nurtured the animosity of American society and culture, by entering into the laps of Islam, you have deprived yourself of the right to live with others. WE would make life unbearable for you in America so on, so forth. But I confess that my family is broadminded. We have held all religions in esteem. Our parents have trained and groomed us in that way. Therefore, I may say that the Jackson family enjoys friendly relation with people belonging to almost all religions. This is the result of that training that I am being tolerated by them so far.
What was the reaction of your brother Michael Jackson?
On my way back to America, I brought a number of books from Saudi Arabia. Michael Jackson asked me himself for some of these books for study. Before this, his opinion was influenced by the propaganda of American media against Islam and the Muslims. He was not inimical towards Islam, but he was not favorably disposed towards Muslims either. But after reading these books, he would keep mum and not say anything against Muslims. I think perhaps this is the impact of the study of Islam that he diverted his business interests towards Muslim traders. Now, he has equal shares with the Saudi billionaire prince Waleed bin Talal, in his multi-national company.
It was said earlier that Michael Jackson was against Muslims, then there are rumors that he had become Muslim. What is the real story?
I testify this fact, at least there is nothing in my knowledge that Michael Jackson ever said anything derogatory against Muslims. His songs, too, give message of love for others. We have learnt from our parents to love others. Only those who have their own ax to grind hurl allegations on him. When there can be a nasty uproar against me when I became Muslim, why can it not be so against Michael Jackson. But, so far, media has not subjected him to scathing criticism, although he is threatened for his getting somewhat closer to Islam. But who knows what would it look like when Michael Jackson embraces Islam.
What are the views of the rest of the members of your family about you?
When I returned to America, my mother had already heard the news of my conversion to Islam. My mother is a religious and civilized woman. When I reached home, she put forth only one question, "you have taken this decision all of a sudden, or is it the outcome of some deep and long thinking behind it?" "I have decided after a lot of thinking about it," I replied, let me say we are known as a religious family. Whatever we possess, is due to the blessing of God. Then why we should not be grateful to Him? This is why we actively participate in the charity institutions. We dispatched medicines to the poor African countries through special aircraft. During Bosnian war, our aircraft were engaged in supplying aids to the affectees. We are sensitive to such things because we have witnessed abject poverty. We used to live in a house which was hardly a few square meters capacious.
Did you ever discuss about Islam with your sister pop star Janet Jackson?
Like other members of my family, my sudden conversion to Islam was a great surprise for her. In the beginning, she was worried. She has stashed into her head only one thing that Muslims are polygamous, they do have as much as four wives. When I explained this permission granted by Islam with reference to the state of the present American society, she was satisfied. This is fact that promiscuity and infidelity is very common in the western society. In spite of the fact that they are married, western men enjoy extramarital relations with a number of women. This has caused devastating moral decay in that society. Islam safeguards the social fabric from this destruction.
As per Islamic teachings, if a man is emotionally attracted towards a woman, he should honorably give this relation a legal shape otherwise he must be contented with only one wife. On the other hand, Islam has laid down so much conditions for second marriage that I do not think that an ordinary Muslim can afford to meet these conditions financially. There is hardly one percent Muslims in the Islamic world who have more than one wife. To my view, the women in an Islamic society is just like a well-protected flower which is safe from the stray penetrating looks of the viewers. Whereas western society is devoid of the vision to appreciate this wisdom and philosophy.
What are your spontaneous feelings when you look at the Muslim society?
For the larger interest of humanity, Islamic society presents the safest place on this planet. For instance, take the example of women. American women are clad in their out-fit in such a manner that gives temptation to the male for harassment. But this is unthinkable in an Islamic society. Besides, the prevalent sins and vices have disfigured the moral fabric of western society. I believe if there is any place left where the humanity is still visible, it can not be anywhere else than in an Islamic society. Time would come when the world would be obliged to accept this reality.
What is your candid opinion about the American media?
American media is suffering from self-contradictions. Take the example of Hollywood. The status of an artist is measured here keeping in view the model of his car, the standard of this restaurant that he visits, etc. This is the media that raises someone from the dust to the skies. They do not consider the artist as a human being. But I have met so many artists in the Middle East. They have no misplaced arrogance in them.
Just look at the CNN, they do that much exaggeration about some news that it appears that nothing else has happened except that event in the world. The news of fire in the forests of Florida was given such a wide coverage as it gave the impression that the whole globe has caught fire. In fact, it was a small area, which was affected by that fire.
I was in Africa, when the bomb-blast took place in Oklahoma City. The Media, without any proof, started hinting at the involvement of Muslims in that blast. Later on the Saboteur turned out to be a CHRISTIAN!!! We may term this attitude of American media as its willful ignorance.
Can you maintain a Linkage between your Islamic personality and the culture of your family?
Why not? This linkage can be kept up for the achievement of good things.
After becoming Muslim, did you ever happen to see Muhammad Ali?
Muhammad Ali is our family friend. I have met him a number of times, after embracing Islam. He has provided useful guidance about Islam.
Have you visited Shah Faisal mosque in Los Angeles city?
Yes, of course! This is a beautiful mosque. I am myself interested to construct a similar mosque in ?Falise? area because there is no mosques in this area and the Muslim community is not resourceful enough purchase a piece of land for a mosque in such a posh area. God willing, I would do it.
Who is ignorant of the services of Saudi Arabia for the glorious cause of Islam? No doubt it has leisurely financed the projects for mosques. But this American media even does not spare Saudi Arabia; it spreads quite strange news about this country. When I first visited Saudi Arabia, I had the impression that there would be muddy housed and a very poor communication network. But when I reached there, to my great surprise, I found it culturally the most beautiful country of the world.
Who has influenced you, so far as Islam is concerned?
Many persons have impressed me. But the fact is that first I turn to the Holy Quran, therefore I do not run a risk of getting strayed on the way. However, there are many Islamic scholars that one can be duly proud of. God willing, I plan to go to Saudi Arabia with my family to perform, Umrah.
Your wife and children are Muslims too?
I have seven sons and two daughter who, like me, are fully Islamic-oriented. My wife is still studying Islam. She insists on going over to Saudi Arabia. I trust InshaAllah, she would sooner join Islam. May God Almighty give us the courage and perseverance to remain on this true religion, Islam. (Ameen)
Univision Visits IEC
The Islamic Educational Center of North Hudson (IECNH) hosted nationally syndicated Hispanic television station Univision [channel 41 in the NYC metro area] on Thursday February 23rd 2006 at its center in Union City, NJ.
Many of the latinos converted into islam after 9/11, because they wanted to meet the people who did this they went to where they pray (mosques, and that when they go there thay found them selves drawn to islam...
and the muslim lady said that she always felt that a part of her was missing, until she converted to islam...
Hispanics leaving the Catholic Church and converting to Islam. They call it an "exodus." They also mention that the number of hispanics Muslims from a Catholic background is growing rapidly. Some of the reasons for their coversion, the people who are interview say, are the respect towards women, the oneness of God, and the similarity between the Hispanic and the Muslim societies (
TV Report:
They were talking about many Latinos are leaving the catholic religion and are turning to Islam. They talked about the reasons why they turned to Islam such as corruption in Church or unanswerd questions..but they found true answers in islam.
Priest also talked about the building bridge between them which he support and he also said they have respected who convert from catholic to islamic faith ..
Islam spreads very fast between Latinos in north and south America..
The number of Hispanic Americans converting to Islam is growing rapidly -- particularly in New York, California, Texas and Florida, which have the greatest concentration of Hispanic residents. Muslim leaders say interest in Islam has increased in the past few years, and they also note that Muslims and Hispanics, many of whom are immigrants, share a number of common concerns. Steve Mort reports from a mosque in Florida that has seen a steady increase in Latino worshippers.
Jesus, a Puerto Rican living in Florida, converted to Islam only a year ago. He is one of tens of thousands of Hispanic Muslims in the United States: estimates range from around 70,000 to 200,000.
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When I became a Muslim in the year 2000, at the age of 16, I was thinking of how lucky I am that I became part of a community which consists of brothers and sisters who fear God. Their hearts are made of gold and are respectful. But quickly I realized that this had nothing to do with luck, but it was rather the will of Allah, Who pulled me closer and closer to Islam. Our new acquaintances did not really tell us anything about Islam; in the course of time we found out that they were different than we were. We noticed this when they mentioned that they don't eat pork or that they don't buy Christmas presents, but they used to talk about Bayram (`Eid in Turkish), and other interesting things. Despite the fact that these small differences made my sister and me rather curious, we did not talk much about religion, even though I was always certain of God's existence and I believed in this.About a year later, my sister met a Turkish man, who became her husband. And he told her more about Islam, brought her Islamic books in German, and tried to answer her questions about the religion. I kept my interest about Islam to myself; it remained merely a big curiosity for me. This curiosity led me to read the books that originally were my sister's, and I really liked what I read. However, I realized that what I read did not correspond with what our Muslim friends and acquaintances told us and how they lived and practiced. For example, I didn't even know a Muslim girl who was wearing a hijab, but I read that Muslim women should wear hijab. When I was 16, I met a friend who is now my husband. Only after I got acquainted with him I could say that I met more Muslims who really are practicing Muslims and don't just act as such. Bit by bit I started to memorize prayers such as Al-Fatihah (the introduction of the Qur'an) but without yet being a Muslim. I think I was sure at this time that I would convert someday — I just didn't know when and where.This moment came about after I met several sisters who tried, and still try, with all their love and strength to practice Islam, to learn more, and to pass it on to others. I used to have regular meetings with them until one of them questioned my hesitance to convert, even though I already believed in Islam. That very day I spoke the Shahadah — al-hamdu lillah (all praise to God). My circle of friends and acquaintances changed considerably since then. Many of my old school friends wouldn't greet me anymore; others didn't want much to do with me. But al-hamdu lillah, after becoming a Muslim, I have found so many new friends who are my sisters in Islam. Allah Almighty knows what is best for us humans. My parents, especially my mother, tried for several months to distance me from Islam. However, she had to quit that fight rather fast. With time, she finally understood that it wasn't my boyfriend or my new circle of friends who were responsible for the changes in my way of life, but that it was me who sought those changes. Our relationship has gradually changed for the better and so much that she no longer cares if I wear a veil or an overcoat or a miniskirt. I am still her daughter and she sees how content I am. And she knows very well that my life is fulfilled, that I am truly satisfied, and that I feel secure in my heart and with my Muslim community. May Allah guide us always on the right path. Ameen. |
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"For me, hajj is a spiritual experience," Istan Liliana, who embraced Islam 18 months ago, told IslamOnline.net on Monday, December 25. "I'm already feeling the breeze of the holy city of Makkah," she added. "I'm sure I'll find solace in such a journey to compensate me for some of the hardships I suffered after my reversion," said Liliana, whose life took a dramatic turnabout when accepting Islam. The resident of the southeastern city of Constanta, home to 85 percent of Muslims in Romania, lost her job after donning the hijab and was abandoned by family and friends because of the new faith. "I'm looking forward to visiting the holy lands to find the peace of heart and mind," she said. Liliana is among 320 Romanian pilgrims, mostly young reverts, traveling to Saudi Arabia for hajj this year. The first batch of pilgrims, the biggest hajj mission since the downfall of communism in 1989, left on Sunday, December 24. There are some 70,000 Muslims in Romanian, mostly hailing from Turkey and Albania. They make up two percent of the country’s 22 million population. Hajj consists of several ceremonies, which are meant to commemorate the trials of Prophet Abraham and his family. Every able-bodied adult Muslim -- who can financially afford the trip -- must perform hajj once in their lifetime. Hajj climaxes this year on December 31 when the faithful descend the Mount `Arafat. Dream Mihai Brescaro, a 21-year-old revert, sees hajj the most important event in his newly-found life. "It's a dream come true," Brescaro, who embraced Islam two years ago, told IOL, echoing Liliana's feelings. Brescaro, who started reading about Islam when he was studying in Belgium, is counting the days to visit the Ka`bah and perform the fifth pillar of Islam. Some of the pilgrims have been awarded free-of-charge hajj trips after winning an annual contest organized by the International Tiba Charity in Constanta. "Twenty youths out of 30 competitors have won hajj tickets this year," Tiba representative Kareem Anjin told IOL. He said the question-and-answer contest was based on four books written in Romanian about the basic tenets of Islam like prayer and hajj rules. "Tiba also given ten of the twenty free hajj packages offered by the Saudi king," Anjin said, adding that the other ten went to mosque-goers picked by the Iftaa House. He asserted that for the first time his charity has subsidized hajj trips. "We offer hajj trips for 1,700 euros each," Anjin said. "Twenty pilgrims applied for the subsidized trips." The cost of hajj by plane this year in Romanian has been estimated at an average of 2,200 euros. "We also published 1,000 copies of a 48-page hajj magazine written in Romanian to be distributed among pilgrims and mosque-goers nationwide," Anjin said. Tiba Charity is one of the leading hajj organizers in Romania. It successfully co-organized the International Conference on Islam in Europe in October 2005, which brought together representatives of Muslim minorities in up to 40 European countries. The charity has translated dozens of Islamic books into Romanian and issued the first glossy magazine on Islam in Romanian, Islam Today. The magazine comes in 36 colored pages. |
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I was born on February 27, 1989, in a small village in central Slovakia, where everybody knows everybody and where being "different" is a problem. My mom and dad are Christians. In fact, what other choice could they have as their parents "dictated" their choice upon them?! I was baptized too, and I participated in the first Confirmation, like everybody who lives here.
In the first year of my primary school, my parents registered me in the course of religious education. I knew very little about God then. I remember very well a meeting I had those days with an aunt of mine. She couldn't have children, so she treated me like her own daughter. She spent a lot of her time with me. She took me to the church and to every Sunday sermon during the following five years. But I was just a kid so my "priorities" were focused just on playing games.
I tried to please her as much as I could, because I loved her so much. Time passed by and I started to prepare myself for Confirmation. I started to go more often to the church. I don't have fond memories regarding the ceremony itself because two days before I broke my arm. Maybe this was a sign, I don't know.
Anyway, I took pleasure on the whole event. To tell the truth, I liked playing the role of princess, wearing beautiful clothes and showing off. I don't have anything to remember that day. Pictures were lost I don't know where.
I attended church services regularly till the seventh class of primary school, more or less as a habit rather than necessity. I did not like how after sermon, old women gossiped about as many people as they could, and boys smoked and hurried to pubs. There was nothing I could do. I just considered it as a part of daily hypocrisy. As I grew up, I found new interests. I wanted to try forbidden fruits, too!
My relationship with my father is far from ideal. It never was. In fact, it will never be. We quarrel very often. It can't be otherwise, even if I try my best. I couldn't get used to it. Those days of desperate tears and moments of bitter disappointment left their mark on my personality.
I wanted to revenge. I gave him reasons to shout at me. At least I knew the reason; I knew he was finally right (shouting at me) and this did not hurt me any more. I stayed out late at night with people that may never find their perspective in life; they take drugs, alcohol, cigarettes. Now this is all behind me, but those days I felt lost in the wire of vice, in the arms of evil.
My six–year-older sister tried to give me a helping hand. However, she moved to the city of Bratislava, where she found a job and I was left alone. Of course, you might think that my mom was still there for me, but as it happens often in here, moms take daddy's side. So when the time came to choose the secondary school, I decided that I wanted to go to school with a dormitory, far from problems at home. Maybe it was a cowardly escape from problems, but those days I thought it was the only correct solution I had. I didn't want to suffer anymore for my ill-relationship with my father.
Beginning of My New Way
The school was located in the city of Nitra. I was away from the people I knew. I started from scratch, anew. I felt more quiet, satisfied, and equilibrated. I was scared of weekends though. The idea that I had to spend two days at home terrified me. I was looking forward to the day when I become an "adult" and leave all this.
One weekend in January 2005, I went to visit my sister in Bratislava. We went for dinner to a restaurant nearby where a friend of her — a Muslim — joined us. He earned my attention with his talk about Islam. He had an answer about every question I asked.
I couldn't sleep that night. I wanted to know more. A Muslim? What does he believe in? Why is he different from me? Why is it so? Always when TV channels informed about "them," I heard the remarks that my dad usually used to make in their address. I ignored those remarks as I wanted to make my own opinion about these people based on my own experience with them.
My father doesn't know any Muslims so he can't understand them. Or better to say that he knows someone already but hasn't made a difference about his perception of Islam. It's ironic! Even though I tried to narrow that gap between us, I haven't been successful so far.
The other day I met again with my sister's friend and the topic of our conversation was clear! I learned new and interesting things. He lent me books to read within a week in my dormitory. Deep inside, I felt turmoil, I didn't know how to react, to laugh or cry. All I have believed in, till that day, suddenly became inexplicable. Different thoughts occupied my mind.
Humans are curious, and I hadn't made a decision yet, so I asked our friend for a Slovak translation of the holy Qur'an. I am grateful to him for his patience and willingness to help me.
It was January 27, 2005, when I held the holy Qur'an for the first time. I opened it and focused my eyes on the sentence I will never forget:
{And leave Me (alone to deal with) those in possession of the good things of life, who (yet) deny the Truth; and bear with them for a little while.} (Al-Muzzammil 73:11)
I was stunned.
I was scared more than any time. I felt different. I regretted only the fact that I didn't have anybody to share my feelings with. I wanted to erase all I have believed in from my mind. It was not easy. I know that this is not necessary anymore. What I believe in, now, is in my heart and my mind. I know that this is exactly the thing that I have been looking for all my life.
During this short period of time, I've done a lot of stupid things and couldn't resist the vice. I've tried many evil things. But nobody is perfect and I'm not an exception. What is most important is to know your mistakes and failures and correct them. I sincerely regret all my wrongdoings.
I don't think about my past but hope for a better future. Deep inside my heart, I've always believed that there's always something more important that I found at last.
I started to believe in One God only! Every evening I repeated the same sentence: Ash-hadu anna la ilaha illa Allah, wa ash-hadu anna Muhammadan rasulu Allah. (Arabic for: I bear witness that there is no true god but Allah, and I bear witness that Muhammad is His Messenger.)
It was nice to see the real colors of life.
I spent my summer holidays in Bratislava. I met a Muslim woman who told me a lot about Islam. We spent three days in the Czech Republic in a Muslim summer conference. That was an unforgettable experience. An experience that influenced and changed me for better. That lady was and still is my shining light. She was the only one who supported me at the most important moment of my life. Fully convinced that my decision was right, I accepted Islam as my religion. At last!
After eight months of an uphill path, I declared the Shahadah (the declaration of faith.) I was filled with joy, tranquility, and understanding; that feeling of rebirth, starting-over. I felt and still feel free! Like a butterfly that is set free after being locked up for a long time.
I wish everybody could feel this. I feel this freedom and tranquility whenever I pray and ask for God's mercy. It's a chance to live a better and meaningful life!
Only few people know about my decision and that's better. My parents couldn't understand it. There were conflicts, and they took the Qur'an from me, took away my books on Islam, and my mobile. I felt lonely, yet my faith got stronger everyday.
My sister doesn't believe in God. In sha' Allah (God willing) she will find the truth too, like I did. I pray for her, she deserves it.
I lived through that wonderful feeling and know that I am in the right path even though it is often tricky, full of barriers, and misunderstood by many.
What is my mission then? I know the answer: to be a good woman, friend, later a good wife, and liked by God! This is the only thing that matters. I am happy and thankful for everything.
{To Allah belong the East and the West: whithersoever you turn, there is Allah's countenance. For Allah is All-Embracing, All-Knowing.} (Al-Baqarah 2:115) |