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

Understanding Islam English・127 minutes read

The speaker at the Dubai Peace Convention encourages open dialogue about Islam and other religions, highlighting the significance of understanding and recognizing the role of Jesus within Islam while emphasizing the Quran's finality and universal message. He addresses various questions regarding faith, conversion, and the adherence to divine teachings, ultimately promoting unity among different religions through shared principles such as the belief in one God and moral conduct.

Insights

  • The speaker at the Dubai Peace Convention emphasizes the event's significance, expressing gratitude for the attendees' love and engagement, particularly encouraging non-Muslims to ask questions about Islam and other religions to foster open dialogue.
  • Ryan Moses, a Christian student, inquires about the role of Jesus in Islam, leading the speaker to clarify that while Jesus is recognized as a prophet and not divine, his miraculous birth is similar to that of Adam, highlighting the Islamic perspective on prophethood.
  • The speaker asserts that the Quran is the final revelation meant for all humanity, contrasting it with previous scriptures that were time-bound and specific to certain groups, thus promoting a universal message centered on the belief in one God.
  • The discussion includes a comparison of religious beliefs, where the speaker challenges the concept of idol worship in Hinduism, referencing Hindu scriptures that emphasize God's formlessness and urging followers to align their worship with this understanding.
  • The speaker encourages individuals to seek knowledge and question inherited beliefs, using the analogy of teaching incorrect arithmetic to stress the importance of personal understanding and adherence to true teachings from religious texts.
  • Acknowledging the complexity of faith, the speaker highlights that true peace and fulfillment come from understanding and submitting to God, illustrating this with analogies that compare life’s challenges to academic tests, reinforcing the need for spiritual growth.

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Summary

00:00

Dialogue on Faith at Dubai Peace 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 to engage directly and ask questions about Islam and other religions.
  • Non-Muslims are prioritized for questions, as they are considered guests of honor, encouraging open dialogue about Islam, Christianity, Hinduism, Buddhism, and other faiths.
  • A Christian student, Ryan Moses, asks about the significance of Jesus Christ's miraculous birth and his role in Islam compared to Prophet Muhammad.
  • The speaker clarifies that Islam recognizes Jesus as a prophet, emphasizing that miraculous birth does not equate to divinity, citing Adam as a similar example.
  • The Quran states that Jesus did not die but was raised by Allah, and this unique status does not imply superiority over Muhammad, who is the final prophet.
  • The speaker challenges the belief that Jesus claimed divinity, stating that no unequivocal statement in the Bible supports this claim, and emphasizes Jesus's role as a messenger of God.
  • The speaker references various Bible verses to illustrate that Jesus acknowledged God's supremacy and did not claim to be God, reinforcing the Islamic view of Jesus.
  • The discussion highlights the necessity of understanding religion as a way of life, comparing it to an instruction manual for a complex machine, with the Quran as the final guide for humanity.
  • The speaker concludes that Islam is the only religion acceptable to God, as stated in the Quran, and emphasizes the importance of following divine guidance for a fulfilling life.

17:54

The Quran's Universal Message of Monotheism

  • The Quran is considered the last and final revelation, revealed 1400 years ago, meant for all humanity, as stated in Surah 15:9, which promises its preservation from corruption.
  • Previous scriptures were time-bound and intended for specific groups, while the Quran is universal, addressing all people regardless of nationality or ethnicity, including those in Dubai, India, and the USA.
  • The core message of all revelations emphasizes belief in one God, who is formless and does not have idols, requiring worship through prostration.
  • The concept of the Holy Spirit in Islam differs from Christianity; it is associated with the Archangel Gabriel, who delivered revelations, not part of a Trinity.
  • The Quran explicitly mentions the Trinity in Surah 4:171, advising against the belief in God as three in one, emphasizing the oneness of God.
  • Prophets in Islam, including Abraham, Moses, and Jesus, are seen as messengers who communicated with Allah directly, without needing intercession, as Allah answers prayers directly.
  • The Quran states in Surah 40:60 that Allah does not require intercessors, and on Judgment Day, only those He permits may intercede.
  • The concept of speaking in tongues, as mentioned in the New Testament, is acknowledged in the Quran, which discusses the diversity of languages as a sign of God's creation.
  • The Quran encourages reading previous scriptures for commonalities, as seen in Surah 3:64, but emphasizes that the Quran is the final testament.
  • The final message of Islam, conveyed through Prophet Muhammad, is that worship should be directed solely to Allah, without intermediaries, aligning with the core tenets of monotheism.

35:52

Sister Embraces Islam and Seeks Understanding

  • A sister expresses her intention to accept Islam, affirming her belief in one God and that Jesus is a messenger, not God, and acknowledges Muhammad as the final messenger.
  • The sister confirms her acceptance of Islam is voluntary, emphasizing that forcing someone to convert is prohibited (Haram) in Islam, including in countries like Dubai.
  • The speaker guides the sister to recite the Shahada in Arabic, stating, "I bear witness that there is no God but Allah, and Muhammad is His messenger," marking her conversion to Islam.
  • A new questioner, Bezo Laurent from Cameroon, shares his admiration for Islam and seeks clarity on the existence of peace in the world created by an all-powerful God.
  • The speaker uses a car analogy to explain that true peace comes from understanding the Creator, contrasting temporary material peace with lasting peace of heart and mind.
  • The speaker emphasizes that true peace is achieved by submitting to God, stating that many chase after illusions without understanding the Creator's guidance.
  • Another questioner, Sundarajan, asks if praying to idols in Hindu temples is effective, questioning the nature of God and the validity of idol worship.
  • The speaker references the Bhagavad Gita, stating that worshiping demigods is misguided and that true prayers are answered by the one true God, despite idol worship.
  • The speaker cites Hindu scriptures, asserting that God has no image or idol, and emphasizes that worshiping idols contradicts the teachings of the Vedas.
  • The speaker encourages Sundarajan to read his scriptures for clarity, reiterating that true worship must align with the teachings of the Vedas, which prohibit idol representation.

55:12

Belief Through Understanding and Shared Principles

  • The speaker emphasizes that belief should be based on personal understanding rather than inherited beliefs, using the example of teaching incorrect arithmetic to illustrate this point.
  • He encourages questioning teachings that contradict personal knowledge, suggesting that one should correct misconceptions, especially regarding religious beliefs.
  • The speaker references Hindu scriptures, asserting that they state God has no image, idol, or representation, urging listeners to verify this through specific verses.
  • He invites a non-Muslim participant, Chandi Raja, to ask questions about Islam, explaining that Islam is a comprehensive way of life with guidelines on moral conduct and daily living.
  • The Quran is described as an instruction manual for life, detailing what is good and bad, with the ultimate goal of leading to paradise through adherence to its teachings.
  • The speaker compares life's challenges to academic tests, asserting that hurdles are necessary for spiritual growth and understanding, similar to studying for difficult exams.
  • He highlights the commonality between Hinduism and Islam, particularly the belief in one God, and encourages dialogue based on shared principles from both scriptures.
  • The speaker cites multiple references from Hindu texts that mention the Prophet Muhammad, asserting that acknowledging him is essential for a true understanding of both faiths.
  • He stresses that both religions prohibit alcohol and gambling, urging followers to adhere to these common moral guidelines as part of their faith.
  • The discussion concludes with a Hindu participant expressing a desire to embrace Islam, affirming the belief in one God and the prophethood of Muhammad, marking a significant personal decision.

01:13:37

Faith 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.
  • An analogy is made comparing a school student to a postgraduate student, suggesting that the more knowledgeable (Muslims) have a duty to educate those less knowledgeable (Hindus) about their faith.
  • The speaker emphasizes the importance of sharing knowledge selflessly, aiming to guide others towards understanding and ultimately achieving paradise (Jannah) together.
  • To enter paradise, the speaker states that one must believe in one God without images or idols, referencing Hindu scriptures that discourage idol worship.
  • The speaker encourages the audience to read the Vedas, specifically mentioning chapters and verses that discuss the nature of God, urging the listener to explore their own scriptures for understanding.
  • A personal anecdote is shared about a Hindu who, after researching, confirmed the speaker's claims about the oneness of God and the teachings of Islam, highlighting the importance of seeking knowledge.
  • The speaker mentions a full chapter in the Quran named after Mary (Maryam), contrasting this with the absence of such recognition in the Bible, emphasizing the honor given to her in Islam.
  • The Quran describes Mary as chosen above all women, which the speaker argues is a significant acknowledgment of her status compared to biblical texts.
  • A dialogue occurs with a woman expressing her desire to convert to Islam, indicating her admiration for a Muslim man and the speaker's teachings, showcasing the influence of personal relationships on faith decisions.
  • The speaker reassures a woman with doubts about converting to Islam, affirming that belief in one God and the prophethood of Muhammad is sufficient to embrace the faith, encouraging her to take the step forward.

01:33:13

Jonah's Sign and Jesus' Resurrection Debate

  • Jesus Christ emphasizes the significance of the sign of Jonah, stating he will be in the heart of the Earth for three days and three nights, paralleling Jonah's experience.
  • The Book of Jonah, found in the Bible, is brief, comprising less than two pages, detailing Jonah's mission to Nineveh and his subsequent disobedience.
  • Jonah attempts to escape God's command by boarding a ship to Tarshish, leading to a storm at sea, which is believed to be a consequence of his disobedience.
  • Acknowledging his fault, Jonah volunteers to be thrown overboard to calm the storm, which aligns with the superstition that this act would appease the storm.
  • The text questions whether Jonah was dead or alive when thrown into the sea, emphasizing that he must have been alive to pray while in the fish's belly.
  • Jonah survives three days and three nights in the belly of a fish, which is presented as a miraculous event, reinforcing the idea of divine intervention.
  • The narrative asserts that if Jonah was alive during his ordeal, then Jesus Christ must also have been alive during his time in the tomb, challenging the belief in Jesus' death.
  • The timeline of Jesus' crucifixion is examined, noting he was placed in the tomb Friday night and found missing Sunday morning, totaling only two nights and one day.
  • The argument posits that if Jesus was dead during this period, it contradicts his statement about being in the heart of the Earth for three days and three nights.
  • The text concludes by questioning the teachings of the Church versus the Bible, asserting that Jesus never claimed to die for humanity's sins, urging adherence to God's commandments instead.

01:49:14

Faith, Law, and Unity Across Scriptures

  • The term "begotten" is deemed a fabrication by the Revised Standard Edition of the Bible, which states it is an interpolation and has been removed from the text.
  • Belief in Jesus Christ is emphasized, distinguishing it from belief in Paul, highlighting the importance of following Jesus' teachings and practices.
  • The speaker mentions personal circumcision, aligning with Jesus' practices, and questions the audience's adherence to Old Testament laws, particularly regarding alcohol and pork.
  • Ephesians 5:18 advises against alcohol, while Proverbs 20:1 warns against drunkenness, reinforcing the importance of abstaining from alcohol consumption.
  • Leviticus 11:7, Deuteronomy 14:8, and Isaiah 65:2-5 explicitly prohibit the consumption of pork, underscoring adherence to these dietary laws.
  • Matthew 5:17-20 states that Jesus did not come to abolish the law but to fulfill it, emphasizing the necessity of following Old Testament commandments.
  • The speaker argues that breaking even minor commandments results in being least in the Kingdom of Heaven, stressing the importance of strict adherence to all laws.
  • The Quran is presented as the final and complete message from God, revealed 1400 years ago, meant for all humanity, not just a specific group.
  • The speaker encourages unity among different religions by focusing on commonalities, such as the belief in one God and the prohibition of alcohol and idol worship.
  • The discussion concludes with a call for individuals to follow the teachings of their scriptures and recognize the importance of adhering to the commandments of God.

02:05:07

Unity in Faith Through Shared Teachings

  • Following Prophet Muhammad requires adherence to his teachings, regardless of one's religion, including Hinduism and Christianity, emphasizing the importance of being a good person in any faith.
  • The speaker offers to provide over 100 references from Hindu scriptures that align with the teachings of Prophet Muhammad, including concepts of one God and prohibitions against alcohol and gambling.
  • The speaker encourages individuals to follow common principles found in both the Quran and the Bible, such as belief in one God and moral guidelines, to foster unity among different faiths.
  • The discussion includes a question from Munira, who is confused about her religious identity due to her mixed heritage of a Muslim father and a Christian mother.
  • The speaker addresses Munira's concerns about heaven, explaining that women will receive rewards in paradise that fulfill their deepest desires, similar to the rewards promised to men.
  • The speaker emphasizes the importance of following the teachings of both the Quran and the Bible, highlighting that both scriptures prohibit alcohol and pork consumption.
  • Specific biblical references are provided, such as Deuteronomy 18:18-19 and the Gospel of John 16:12-14, which prophesy the coming of Prophet Muhammad and affirm the oneness of God.
  • The speaker advises that to be a good Christian and Muslim, one should practice modesty in dress, referencing both the Quran and the Bible regarding women's attire.
  • The speaker encourages Munira to accept the basic tenets of Islam, including the belief in one God and the prophethood of Muhammad, as a pathway to further understanding and practice.
  • An announcement is made regarding the continuation of the Dubai International Peace Convention, inviting attendees to stay for further discussions and Q&A sessions the following day.

02:21:27

Divine Creation Free Will and Human Choices

  • God knows the ultimate outcome of creation, including the disappointment of certain individuals who will end up in Hell, facing eternal punishment and regret for their actions.
  • Despite knowing the negative outcomes, God proceeds with creation, raising questions about His intentions and the nature of free will in human beings versus the predetermined fate of others.
  • The Quran emphasizes the magnificence of creation, urging humans to appreciate the universe, which may seem trivial to God, who can create effortlessly with a command.
  • The concept of free will is central; humans, unlike angels, have the ability to choose to obey or disobey God, making them a superior creation despite their potential for failure.
  • God presented humans with the choice to be created as beings with free will, and the Quran states that all humans agreed to this test, although they do not remember it.
  • The analogy of a teacher during an exam illustrates that God allows humans to undergo a test without recalling their prior agreement, emphasizing the importance of free will in their choices.
  • The Quran asserts that on Judgment Day, no one will question God's justice, but many will wish for another chance, highlighting the finality of their choices in life.
  • God’s creation of angels, who lack free will, contrasts with humans, who can choose to follow divine commandments, thus making the latter a more significant creation.
  • The references to mountains and natural phenomena in the Quran serve to illustrate human folly; these powerful creations submit to God, while humans often fail to recognize their Creator's greatness.
  • The act of praising God in prayers benefits humans by reinforcing their commitment to follow divine guidance, as God does not require praise for His own benefit.

02:37:10

Faith Through Science and Divine Understanding

  • The speaker emphasizes that understanding scientific facts mentioned in religious texts enhances faith in Allah, highlighting that these insights serve to benefit humanity and guide them towards heaven.
  • The discussion contrasts the perception of Allah's creation with human understanding, asserting that while Allah's creation may seem trivial to Him, humans should recognize and appreciate their own complexity and significance.
  • The analogy of receiving money from Bill Gates illustrates that the focus should be on the giver's significance rather than the gift itself, reinforcing the idea of worshiping Allah as the ultimate creator.
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