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ASK DR. ZAKIR - An Exclusive Open Question & Answer Session 1

Understanding Islam English・2 minutes read

The speaker at the Dubai Peace Convention emphasizes the significance of open dialogue between religions, particularly addressing questions from non-Muslims about Islam and its teachings. They clarify misconceptions about Jesus's status in Islam, assert the universality of the Quran as the final revelation, and argue for a shared moral foundation between Islam and Hinduism while guiding attendees toward accepting the principles of both faiths.

Insights

  • The speaker expresses gratitude for the attendees at the Dubai Peace Convention, highlighting the event's significance and the warmth of the Dubai community, setting a positive tone for open dialogue about faith and understanding.
  • A question-and-answer format is prioritized to encourage non-Muslims to engage directly with inquiries about Islam and other religions, fostering an inclusive environment for discussion and learning.
  • Ryan Moses, a Christian student, raises a question about Jesus's status in Islam, prompting the speaker to clarify that while Jesus is revered as a prophet, his miraculous birth does not imply divinity, as both he and Muhammad are considered prophets of God.
  • The speaker emphasizes the Quran's universal relevance, asserting that it serves as the final revelation from God, intended for all of humanity, unlike previous scriptures that were time-bound and specific to certain groups.
  • The speaker discusses the concept of intercession in Islam, stating that individuals can pray directly to God without needing a mediator, and emphasizes that prophets do not intercede for others as some Christian teachings suggest.
  • The speaker encourages attendees to seek common ground between Islam and Hinduism, noting shared prohibitions against alcohol and gambling, and advocating for unity based on mutual values rather than focusing solely on differences.
  • The speaker addresses the philosophical tension between divine knowledge and human free will, likening God's creation of humans to a teacher administering a test, where individuals must demonstrate their choices without interference.
  • The session concludes with a call for attendees to study their scriptures and reflect on their beliefs, emphasizing the importance of understanding the teachings of both the Quran and the Bible for spiritual growth and clarity.

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Recent questions

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Summary

00:00

Engaging Dialogue on Faith at Dubai Convention

  • The speaker expresses gratitude and welcomes attendees at the Dubai Peace Convention, emphasizing the importance of the gathering and the love shown by the people of Dubai.
  • Instead of a traditional speech, the organizers requested a question-and-answer session, allowing attendees, especially non-Muslims, to engage directly and ask questions about Islam and other religions.
  • The speaker prioritizes questions from non-Muslims, encouraging them to inquire freely about Islam, Hinduism, Christianity, Buddhism, or any criticisms they may have regarding Islamic principles.
  • An audience member, Ryan Moses, a Christian engineering student, questions the status of Jesus in Islam, noting his miraculous birth and belief in his role on the Day of Judgment, suggesting these traits may elevate him above Prophet Muhammad.
  • The speaker clarifies that Islam uniquely acknowledges Jesus as a prophet and emphasizes that both Jesus and Muhammad are considered prophets of God, with Jesus's miraculous birth not implying divinity.
  • The speaker compares Jesus's miraculous birth to that of Adam, who was created without parents, asserting that neither status grants them divine qualities, as God is the ultimate creator.
  • The speaker cites Quranic verses (Surah 4:157-158) to explain that Jesus did not die but was raised by God, and asserts that this does not make him superior to Muhammad, who is the final prophet.
  • The speaker challenges the notion of Jesus's divinity by stating that there is no unequivocal biblical statement where Jesus claims to be God, referencing various Gospel verses that highlight his submission to God.
  • The speaker explains that the Quran and the Bible both affirm Jesus as a messenger of God, and emphasizes that belief in Muhammad as the final prophet is essential for true belief in Jesus.
  • Another audience member, Rajesh, questions the need for religion, to which the speaker responds by defining religion as a way of life and likening it to an instruction manual for understanding human existence, with the Quran serving as the final guide from God.

17:54

Universal Message of the Quran Explained

  • The Quran is considered the last and final revelation from Allah, revealed 1400 years ago, and is believed to be preserved from corruption as stated in Surah 15:9, making it relevant for all of humanity, not just Muslims or Arabs.
  • Previous revelations were time-bound and intended for specific groups, while the Quran is universal, meant for all people regardless of their geographical location, including those in Dubai, India, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, America, the UK, and Canada.
  • The core message of all previous scriptures was the belief in one God, who has no image or idol, and the act of prostration in worship, which remains unchanged in the Quran.
  • The concept of the Holy Spirit in Islam differs from Christianity; in Islam, it is often associated with the Archangel Gabriel, who delivered revelations to the prophets, rather than being part of a Trinity.
  • The Quran explicitly mentions the term "Trinity" in Surah 4:171, advising against the belief that God is three in one, and emphasizes that the concept of the Trinity does not exist in the Bible.
  • The Quran states that Allah does not require intercession from anyone, as He is fully aware of all actions and intentions, and individuals can pray directly to Him without needing a mediator.
  • Prophets in Islam are seen as chosen messengers who communicate Allah's message to humanity, but they do not intercede on behalf of others in the way that some Christian teachings suggest.
  • The Quran acknowledges the existence of different languages and tongues as part of human diversity, and it emphasizes that on the Day of Judgment, one's actions will be judged based on their own deeds, not through intercession.
  • The suggestion to read the Old Testament before the Quran is addressed by stating that the Quran is the final testament, and one should prioritize the latest revelation, similar to choosing the most recent edition of a book.
  • The commonality among the Old Testament, New Testament, and Quran is the belief in one God who deserves worship, and the Quran encourages readers to find common ground among these scriptures, particularly regarding the nature of God and the role of Jesus.

35:52

Journey to Faith and Understanding in Islam

  • The discussion begins with a sister expressing her willingness to accept Islam, affirming her belief in one God and acknowledging Jesus as a messenger, while also recognizing Prophet Muhammad as the final messenger.
  • The speaker emphasizes that accepting Islam must be a voluntary decision, stating that forcing someone to convert is considered Haram (prohibited) in Islam, and this principle is upheld in many countries, including Dubai.
  • The speaker guides the sister through the Shahada (the Islamic declaration of faith) in Arabic, instructing her to repeat the phrases affirming the oneness of God and the prophethood of Muhammad, officially marking her conversion to Islam.
  • Following the conversion, the speaker expresses hope for the sister's guidance and success in this life and the hereafter, indicating a supportive community for new Muslims.
  • A new question arises from a non-Muslim named Bezo, who reflects on the lack of peace in the world and compares it to discovering a missing part in a new car, questioning whether God made an error in creation.
  • The speaker responds by explaining that true peace comes from understanding and submitting to the Creator, and that many people mistakenly seek temporary peace through material possessions rather than spiritual fulfillment.
  • The speaker uses the analogy of a modern car that operates without a traditional ignition key to illustrate that understanding the Creator is essential for finding true peace, which is defined as peace of heart, mind, and soul.
  • Another individual, Sundarajan, asks whether prayers to idols in Hindu temples are accepted by God, leading to a discussion on the nature of God in Hinduism and the concept of worshiping false gods.
  • The speaker cites verses from the Bhagavad Gita and the Upanishads, emphasizing that true worship should not involve idols or images, as these contradict the teachings of Hindu scriptures.
  • The conversation concludes with the speaker encouraging Sundarajan to read and understand his scriptures, reinforcing the idea that true worship must align with the fundamental teachings of one's faith.

55:12

Questioning Beliefs in Faith and Unity

  • The speaker emphasizes the importance of questioning beliefs, using the analogy of teaching that "two plus two equals five" to illustrate how one should not accept incorrect teachings without scrutiny, particularly in religious contexts.
  • The speaker encourages individuals to verify their beliefs against their scriptures, specifically referencing Hindu texts that state God has no image or idol, urging listeners to research verses from their scriptures for confirmation.
  • The speaker invites a non-Muslim audience member, Chandi Raja, to ask questions about Islam, highlighting that Islam is described as a "way of life" according to the Quran, which provides guidance on what is good and bad for individuals.
  • The speaker explains that the Quran serves as an instruction manual for life, detailing compulsory actions, prohibitions, and optional behaviors, similar to how one would follow a manual for operating a machine.
  • The speaker compares life to an examination, stating that challenges and hurdles are necessary for testing one's adherence to God's commandments, and emphasizes that overcoming these hurdles leads to rewards in the afterlife.
  • The speaker addresses the commonality between Hinduism and Islam, noting that both religions acknowledge the existence of one God, and suggests that followers of both faiths should focus on shared beliefs before discussing differences.
  • The speaker cites multiple references from Hindu scriptures that mention the coming of Prophet Muhammad, including specific verses from the Rigveda and the Kalki Purana, asserting that these texts support the belief in Muhammad as a messenger of God.
  • The speaker highlights that both Islam and Hinduism prohibit alcohol and gambling, encouraging followers of both religions to adhere to these common moral guidelines.
  • The speaker asserts that belief in one God and acceptance of Prophet Muhammad as His messenger are sufficient for someone to convert to Islam, emphasizing the importance of free will in this decision.
  • The dialogue concludes with a Hindu audience member expressing a desire to embrace Islam, affirming their belief in one God and the prophethood of Muhammad, leading to their declaration of faith.

01:13:37

Conversion Perspectives Between Hindus and Muslims

  • The speaker discusses the differences in conversion approaches between Hindus and Muslims, noting that Hindus typically do not attempt to convert Muslims, while Muslims actively seek to share their beliefs with Hindus, likening it to a postgraduate student teaching a school student.
  • The speaker emphasizes the importance of sharing knowledge and truth, stating that Muslims view it as their duty to educate others about Islam, aiming for mutual spiritual growth and the ultimate goal of reaching paradise (Jannah).
  • To enter paradise, the speaker outlines that one must believe in one God without images or idols, referencing Hindu scriptures that discourage idol worship, specifically citing verses from the Vedas.
  • The speaker encourages the listener to read the Vedas, suggesting they search for specific verses online, and emphasizes the importance of understanding one's own religious texts.
  • A personal anecdote is shared about a Hindu individual who, after researching, confirmed the speaker's claims about the oneness of God and the teachings of Islam, illustrating the potential for understanding and acceptance of Islamic beliefs.
  • A woman named Sarita expresses her desire to convert to Islam, motivated by her admiration for a Muslim man and the speaker's informative talks, and seeks clarification on the status of Mother Mary in Islam.
  • The speaker explains that the Quran has a dedicated chapter (Surah Maryam) honoring Mother Mary, highlighting her status as chosen above all women, contrasting this with the absence of a chapter named after her in the Bible.
  • The speaker compares the accounts of Jesus's birth in the Quran and the Bible, noting that while both narratives are similar, the Quran presents a more divine and sublime description.
  • A woman of mixed heritage expresses her belief in Islam but feels uncertain about fully converting, prompting the speaker to encourage her to take the step forward based on her belief in one God and the prohibition of idol worship.
  • The speaker reassures her that believing in the oneness of God and the prophethood of Muhammad is sufficient for conversion, guiding her through the declaration of faith (Shahada) to officially embrace Islam.

01:33:13

Jesus and Jonah: Life Beyond Death

  • Jesus Christ emphasizes the significance of the "sign of Jonah," stating that He will be in the heart of the Earth for three days and three nights, paralleling Jonah's experience in the belly of the fish for the same duration.
  • The Book of Jonah, which is less than two pages in the Bible, recounts how God commanded Jonah to go to Nineveh, but Jonah initially disobeyed and took a ship to Tarshish, leading to a storm at sea.
  • Jonah, acknowledging his disobedience, volunteered to be thrown overboard to calm the storm, raising the question of whether he was dead or alive when thrown into the sea.
  • The discussion centers on the belief that Jonah was alive when thrown overboard, as he later prayed in the belly of the fish, indicating he was not dead during that time.
  • The narrative asserts that if Jonah was alive during his ordeal, then Jesus Christ must also be alive during His time in the grave, challenging the belief that Jesus died on the cross.
  • The timeline of Jesus' crucifixion is examined, noting that He was put on the cross on Friday and taken down at night, with the tomb found empty on Sunday morning, leading to a calculation of one night and one day in the tomb, which does not equate to three days and three nights.
  • The speaker argues that if Jesus was dead during this time, it contradicts His statement about the sign of Jonah, suggesting that Jesus would be lying if He was dead while Jonah was alive.
  • The discussion critiques the traditional Christian belief in Jesus' crucifixion and death, proposing that the term "crucifixion" should imply death, while suggesting that Jesus did not die on the cross, thus calling it a "fiction."
  • The speaker challenges the audience to find biblical verses where Jesus explicitly states He died for humanity's sins, asserting that Jesus instead emphasized following God's commandments for eternal life.
  • The conversation concludes with a call to adhere to the teachings of Jesus, which focus on obedience to God's commandments rather than the belief in His death for sin redemption, highlighting a divergence between biblical teachings and church doctrines.

01:49:14

Religious Unity Through Shared Beliefs

  • The term "begotten" is described as a fabrication and interpolation in the Revised Standard Edition of the Bible, which was revised by Christian scholars, indicating that it has been removed from the text.
  • The speaker emphasizes the importance of believing in Jesus Christ, stating that one must believe in Him rather than in Paul, and asserts that both he and the audience member are circumcised, aligning themselves with Jesus' practices.
  • The speaker references Ephesians 5:18 and Proverbs 20:1 from the Bible, which instruct against alcohol consumption, questioning the audience's adherence to these teachings.
  • The speaker cites Leviticus 11:7, Deuteronomy 14:8, and Isaiah 65:2-5, which prohibit the consumption of pork, arguing that abstaining from pork demonstrates a closer adherence to Jesus' teachings.
  • The Gospel of Matthew 5:17-20 is referenced, where Jesus states He came to fulfill the law, not to destroy it, emphasizing that breaking even the least commandment results in being called least in the Kingdom of Heaven.
  • The speaker challenges the audience to provide a New Testament reference that supports the consumption of pork, asserting that no such directive exists and that Jesus would not contradict the Old Testament laws.
  • The speaker explains that the Quran, revealed 1400 years ago, is the final message from God, meant for all humanity, and that previous messages were specific to particular groups and time periods.
  • The speaker proposes a common ground among different religions, suggesting that all scriptures affirm the existence of one God and prohibit idol worship, alcohol, and gambling, advocating for unity in these shared beliefs.
  • The speaker encourages the audience to recognize the commonalities in religious texts, such as the prohibition of alcohol and pork, and to follow these shared principles as a means of fostering respect among different faiths.
  • The discussion concludes with the speaker urging the audience to study their scriptures and consider the implications of their beliefs, particularly regarding idol worship and the recognition of Prophet Muhammad as a messenger of God.

02:05:07

Bridging Faiths: Common Teachings Explored

  • The discussion emphasizes the importance of following the teachings of Prophet Muhammad, suggesting that one does not need to be a Muslim to appreciate his guidance, as good Hindus and Christians can also follow him.
  • The speaker references Hindu scriptures, claiming to have over 100 references that align with the teachings of Islam, including prohibitions against alcohol, gambling, and pork, which are common across both religions.
  • The speaker encourages individuals to seek common ground between Hinduism and Islam, suggesting that adherence to shared values can lead to being a good follower of both faiths.
  • A participant named Munira expresses her confusion about her religious identity, having been raised as a Christian by her mother, despite her father being a Muslim.
  • Munira questions the concept of heaven in Islam, specifically regarding the rewards for women compared to men, referencing the belief that Muslim men receive 72 women in paradise.
  • The speaker reassures Munira that women will receive rewards in heaven that fulfill their deepest desires, emphasizing that the criteria for entering heaven is more important than the specifics of rewards.
  • The speaker highlights the importance of believing in one God and the prophethood of Muhammad, stating that these beliefs are foundational for both Muslims and Christians.
  • The speaker provides biblical references that support the prophecy of Muhammad, including Deuteronomy 18:18-19 and various passages from the Gospel of John, asserting that these texts validate Islamic teachings.
  • The speaker advises Munira to follow the common teachings of both the Quran and the Bible, such as modesty in dress and the prohibition of alcohol, to align herself with both faiths.
  • The session concludes with an announcement about a follow-up event, encouraging attendees to return for further discussions and emphasizing the importance of seeking knowledge and understanding in their spiritual journeys.

02:21:27

Divine Knowledge and Human Free Will Explained

  • The text discusses the concept of divine knowledge and predestination, emphasizing that God is aware of the outcomes of human actions, including the potential for individuals to end up in Hell, which raises questions about the purpose of creation if some are destined for disappointment.
  • It poses a philosophical question about God's nature, questioning why an all-knowing deity would create beings with free will, knowing that many would choose to disobey and face punishment, suggesting a tension between divine justice and human freedom.
  • The speaker compares God's creation of humans to a teacher administering a test, arguing that just as a teacher cannot alter a student's wrong answer during an exam, God allows humans to make their own choices without interference, even if it leads to negative outcomes.
  • The text highlights the distinction between angels and humans, asserting that humans, endowed with free will, are a superior creation because they can choose to obey or disobey God, unlike angels who follow commands without choice.
  • It references Quranic verses, specifically Chapter 7, Verse 172, which states that all humans were asked if they wanted to be created, implying that the choice to be human was made collectively, even if individuals do not remember this decision.
  • The speaker argues that the test of life is essential for humans to demonstrate their free will, and that the absence of memory regarding the choice does not negate the validity of the test, as it is a fundamental aspect of human existence.
  • The text asserts that on the Day of Judgment, no one will question God's justice, as all will understand the consequences of their choices, and many will wish for another chance to prove themselves.
  • It emphasizes that God provides opportunities for repentance and forgiveness in this life, allowing individuals to correct their mistakes, but once life ends, the chance for redemption is over.
  • The speaker explains that references to natural phenomena in the Quran serve to illustrate God's greatness and the foolishness of humans who fail to recognize their own potential for greatness through obedience to God.
  • Finally, it concludes that praising God is not for His benefit but serves to align human psychology with divine guidance, encouraging individuals to follow God's commandments for their own benefit and ultimate salvation.

02:37:10

Recognizing Allah's Greatness Through Creation

  • The speaker emphasizes the importance of recognizing Allah as the creator and the significance of scientific facts mentioned in religious texts, which enhance faith. They argue that Allah provides examples to guide humanity towards understanding the truth and following His commandments, such as abstaining from alcohol, which is framed as a simple request from a powerful creator who can create the universe effortlessly.
  • The discussion highlights the belief that human beings are the best of creation, with complex structures like DNA and molecules that could not have arisen by chance. This understanding fosters a sense of amazement at human creation, leading to submission and worship of Allah, who is deemed worthy of reverence due to His unparalleled capabilities.
  • An analogy is drawn comparing the act of receiving money from Bill Gates to the divine gifts from Allah, suggesting that the focus should be on the giver's significance rather than the gift itself. The speaker concludes that true amazement should stem from the greatness of the creator rather than the act of giving, reinforcing the idea that worship and gratitude towards Allah are paramount.
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