Rabbi Accepts Islam

[AbuMubarak]

Rabbi of Makhachkala synagogue embraced Islam


In the Name of God, Most Gracious, Most Merciful


~ Jews for Islam ~


Rabbi of Makhachkala synagogue embraced Islam


Every person has a different way of coming to the Truth. For Moisha Krivitsky this way led through a faculty of law, a synagogue and a prison. The lawyer-to-be becomes a Rabbi, then he converts into Islam and finds himself in prison. Today Musa (this is the name he has adopted when he became a Muslim) lives in a small mosque in Al-Burikent, a mountain area of Makhachkala, and works as a watchman in the Central Juma mosque.

- Musa, before we began talking, you asked what we were going to talk about. I said: 'About you.' 'What's so interesting about me?' you wondered. 'I live in the mosque'. How did you come to live in the mosque?

- Well, I just dropped in... and stayed.

- Did you find the way easily?


- With great difficulty. It was hard then, and it isn't much easier now. When you go deeply into Islam's inner meaning, you understand that this religion is very simple, but the way that leads to it may be extremely difficult. Often, people don't understand how a person could be converted into Islam 'from the other side', as it were. But there are no 'sides' here: Islam is everything there is, both what we imagine and what we don't imagine.



- Musa, as a matter of fact, we were given this fact as a certain sensation: a Rabbi has turned Muslim.



- Well, it has been no sensation for quite a long while already - it's more than a year that I did this. It was strange for me at first, too. But it wasn't an off-the-cuff decision. When I came into Islam, I had read books about it, I had been interested.



- Did you finish any high school before coming to the synagogue?



- Yes, I finished a clerical high school. After graduation, I came to Makhachkala, and became the local Rabbi.

- And where did you come from?



- Oh, from far away. But I've already become a true Daghestani, I've got a lot of friends here - both among Muslims and people who are far from Islam.


- Let's return to your work in the synagogue.


- It was quite a paradoxical situation: there was a mosque near my synagogue, the town mosque. Sometimes my fiends who were its parishioners would come to me - just to chat. I sometimes would come to the mosque myself, to see how the services were carried out. I was very interested. So we lived like good neighbours. And once, during Ramadan, a woman came to me - as I now understand, she belonged to a people that was historically Muslim - and she asked me to comment the Russian translation of the Qur'an made by Krachkovsky.

- She brought the Qur'an to you - a Rabbi?!



- Yes, and she asked me to give her the Torah to read in return. So I tried to read the Qur'an - about ten times. It was really hard, but gradually I began to understand, and to get a basic notion of Islam. (Here, Musa looked at my friend's son, the six-year old Ahmed, who had fallen asleep in the mosque courtyard. "Should we probably take him inside the mosque?", asked Musa.) And that woman had brought back the Torah. It turned out to be very difficult for her to read and understand it, because religious literature requires extreme concentration and attention.



- Musa, and when you were reading the translation, you must have begun to compare it with the Torah?



- I had found answers to many questions in the Qur'an. Not to all of them, of course, because it wasn't the Arabic original, but the translation. But I had begun to understand things.

- Does it mean that you couldn't find some answers in Judaism?



- I don't know, there's Allah's will in everything. Apparently, those Jews who became Muslims in the times of the Prophet (let Allah bless and greet him), couldn't find some answers in Judaism, but found them in Islam. Perhaps, they were attracted by the personality of the Prophet (let Allah bless him!), his behaviour, his way of communicating with people. It's an important topic.



- And what exactly were the questions that you couldn't find answers to in Judaism?



- Before I came into contact with Islam, there were questions which I had never even tried to find answers to. Probably, an important part here had been played by a book written by Ahmad Didat, a South African scholar, comparing the Qur'an and the Bible. There is a key phrase, well-known to those who are familiar with religious issues: "Follow the Prophet who is yet to come". And when I studied Islam, I understood that the Prophet Muhammad (let Allah bless him!) is the very Prophet to be followed. Both the Bible and the Torah tell us to do it. I haven't invented anything here.



- And what does the Torah say about the Prophet (let Allah bless him!)?

- We won't be able to find this name in the Torah. But we can figure it out using a special key. For example, we can understand what god this or that particular person in history worships. The formula describing the last Prophet (let Allah bless and greet him) is that he would worship One God, the Sole Creator of the world. The Prophet Muhammad (let Allah bless him!) matches this description exactly. When I read this, I got very interested. I hadn't known anything about Islam before that. Then I decided to look deeper into the matter and see whether there were any miracles and signs connected with the name of the Prophet (let Allah bless him!). The Bible tells us that the Lord sends miracles to the prophets to confirm their special mission in people's eyes. I asked the alims about this, and they said: "Here's a collection of true hadiths which describe the miracles connected with the Prophet (let Allah bless him!)".



Then I read that the Prophet (let Allah bless him) had always said that there had been prophets and messengers before him (let Allah be content with them). We can find their names both in the Torah and in the Bible. When I was only starting to get interested, it sounded somewhat strange for me. And then... Well, my own actions led to what happened to me. Sometimes I get to thinking: why did I read all this? Perhaps, I should say the tauba (a prayer of repenting) right now for having thoughts like that.

- Should I understand you, Musa, that you now feel a great responsibility for becoming a Muslim, or do you have some other feelings?

- Yes, responsibility, but something else as well. I can't put my finger on it now. When a person knows Islam well, he's got both his feet firmly on the ground. Islam helps a person understand who he is, where he comes from, what he is there for.



I would be insincere if I said that the all the Daghestani are such 'knowing' Muslims. We sometimes talk about it in the mosque and I like to say that there are not so many real Muslims in Daghestan - only the ustaths (learned theologians) and their students, and the rest of us are just candidates. I can't say that we do what the sunna requires, we're only trying to. And when we don't do what we should, we're trying to invent some clever excuses. These efforts should have better been applied to doing our duty. It's hard for me to watch this. Sometimes, I'm distracted by what is happening around me, as well. I haven't got strength enough to fight this, and the weakness of my nature shows clearly here. I can't say I'm totally helpless, but I have no right to say that I've achieved anything in Islam. I've only got torments.



When I understood that I had to become a Muslim, I thought that Islam was a single whole - one common road, or a huge indivisible ocean. Then I saw that there were a lot of trends in Islam, and new questions appeared. All these trends are like whirlpools, they whirl and whirl... it's very hard! If a person tells you: "Look, we fulfil all the hadiths, only we understand åðó Qur'an correctly", then you follow this person, because you think that he speaks true things, and because you want to please Allah. But then, after a couple of months, you understand that these claims were false. Allah controls us. And you think: if this way is the right way, then why is there something that goes the wrong way?..

- Musa, and what brought you into the prison?

- A good question, this, isn't it?

- Who welcomed you there?



- If there's Allah's will to everything, then this was His will as well. Regarding life from behind the barbed wire, going through all of this, that was a certain school for me.

- How did it happen?



- I've recently seen a programme on the TV, and a representative of the Chechen republic in Moscow - I forget his name now, I believe he had some beautiful, French-sounding name, something like Binaud - he said that if the authorities were going to carry on like they had done before - barging into homes, planting drugs and weapons on people - then the people would be out in the streets protesting. This has happened to many here. So there was something planted on me. Then they came and took me away at night.


Before that, I had had a certain notion about he forces of the law here... well, I couldn't think they would use such, well, not very polite methods. Islam doesn't let me use a stronger word. Allah estimates what every man does, and those people will have to answer for what they have done.


But the three months I spent in prison, they probably helped me to make my faith stronger. I saw how people behaved under the extreme circumstances, both Muslims and non-Muslims, how I behaved.
It would be good, of course, if the people in power would pay their attention to this problem. They shouldn't be trying to eradicate Islam with such unsavoury methods.

- Musa, why were the authorities frightened by you?

- No idea. Even children aren't afraid of me.




At this moment, our conversation was interrupted by a stunningly beautiful azan.


- Is there a muezzin in your mosque?



- Yes, his name is Muamat Tarif, it was him that we've just heard.

- And there's only you and him who works in this mosque?



- Well, as a matter of fact, only he works. He allows me... I still can't get used to things after prison. He allows me to live here. It's hard to recall this. I had a certain trouble with the people whose flat I was living in, the understanding between us somehow failed. I started perceiving them in a different way. But it's probably bad to be looking for other people's drawbacks, I've probably got more.



People started arriving to the mosque. We rose and hastened for the prayer, too.


After the prayer, we tarried a little, but I thought as I was walking towards this bench we're sitting on: "It's all right, Musa seems to have a lot of spare time". Is that right?

- Well, it depends on what we mean by time. As for every Muslim, my time is divided into certain stretches, between the prayers. The time to do something.

- And what do you do here in this mosque?

- I just live here after some very unpleasant things that happened to me. Before that, I had lived here, an Al-burikent, at a flat. I don't even want to think about it now. I remember being taken out of bed at one or two in the morning, feeling a hand grenade in my bed and cuffs on my wrists: "What do you need Islam for, you Jew?" Well... Then they tried to shoot me, then I was beaten. At first a friend helped me with my ablutions, because I couldn't walk. But then I recovered, alhamdulillah, in about two months.It's a bit funny, because it reminds of a doctor who prescribes guillotine for headache. They say: there are a lot of problems in Daghestan, in Islam. That's a mistake. The problems are in the people.

- And what was the crime you were accused of, and why has your conviction not been stricken off your record?

- Well, there's been an amnesty recently, they've cut me a little slack. But the police and the Ministry of internal affairs still control us, it's their job. The main thing is to make them see what Islam really is, and that's what we're trying to explain to them. The seventy years building of Communism hasn't left Daghestan unchanged. Although it still remains the stronghold of Islam in Russia, we have the Islamic traditions well preserved. But sometimes when I walk the streets of the town, I get to thinking that the people don't quite understand what Islam is. Some, so-called, ethnic Muslims... words fail me.

- Did you avoid the question on the nature of your crime on purpose?

- No, it was illegal weapon keeping. I've forgiven those people, of course, although I used to be very angry with them. What matters is the Islam, and the things that are good for it.

Everyone's been somehow shaken up by all this. Those who were not interested in Islam, became interested. Those who were only fake Muslims, moved away. I know many examples, I've often met people like this, sometimes these people were close to me. They would sometimes use the word extremism, or would claim that they had a fundamental knowledge of the Qur'an and the Sunna. But it turnead out to be a tree that is rotten. I would advise people to read the sifats (signs) of hypocrites before they go to bed every night, like fairy-tales. I used to be interested in this issue too.

It's really strange, when you think of it. Say, among the Duma deputies there are people who came to the Chechen village of Karamakhi, brought medicines to the people. The Karamaknians are still using those medicines. No one would tear them out of their beds at night or try to 'educate' them in non-traditional methods. And still, the way that most of the people perceive Islam...

This, in fact, is the problem of Islam. I thought: you become a Muslim and all the problems go away. I hoped they would. I hoped to find Paradise. As the Qur'an says: "Allah calls into the peaceful abode, and those He loves He guides on the straight way". I thought I would find this peaceful abode. And I've been searching ever since I came into Islam, both here, in Daghestan, and in the neighbouring Chechnya, through the so-called Sharia enclaves. They say, for example: "The law of this or that place is Sharia in the shortened form". Sometimes it's just a slogan. Here, in Russia, we're used to slogan thinking. For example, our neighbours had a slogan: "Sharia rules here!" But this wasn't the case.

- Musa, and what kind of secular education did you have?

- Various, I could say. Well, I can read and write. I don't know what else to say. I studied at a prestigious institute. I don't think it was actually very useful in any way. But then yes, it was. It had something to do with law. One teacher had a joke: "Sincere confession relieves one's feelings and lengthens the time one does one's term". A law paradox.

- What is the most difficult thing for you now?

- Endurance. Sabr. Sometimes I feel so desperate I could jump into the Caspian sea.

- And the desperation comes from the fact that you want to see the "peaceful abode" around you, but find something completely different instead?

- Yes. There's much misunderstanding. I see the noble and high principles if Islam, and I see the abyss we're in. We try to get out of it, each one the way he can. But unfortunately, we don't often see our ustathes, it's not always we can reach them.

- Well, but they're always there to meet you.

- Are they? Then my way to them must be very long. Apparently, just pronouncing the shahada (the confession of faith, which, when said by a person, signifies their belonging to Islam) is not enough. In fact, you should always confirm your being Muslim, every day. At least five times a day. Sometimes it's hard, when you argue with someone, or someone hurts you, or you see something that's going wrong. And you have to force yourself to be a true Muslim. Where are you, the "peaceful abode"? Where should I look for you?

- In the self, probably?

- The self is to be sorted out as well. Don't forget that I came into Islam from a parallel world, and I still can't forget it. Sometimes I'm reminded of it. It's hard to educate such people.

The Qur'an tells us: not everyone believes. We have to face that it's predestined and we can do nothing about it. What we have to do is tell the truth about Islam, to show it by our own example. Unfortunately, I'm not always an example. I'm still looking for my way. I don't know if it's to the point, but I'd like to adduce the hadith of the Prophet (let Allah bless him) which tells us that the Jews will be divided into 71 group, the Christians - into 72, the Muslims - into 73 groups.The Qur'an tells us: "Be with those who tell the truth and act according to the truth". But the truth is very hard to find. Daghestan is simmering. For me, a person from the outside trying to become part of it, it's really hard. I follow these people, then those people. All the painful lessons I've learned were not in vain. Allah was teaching me. As the Qur'an says: "If you think this evil, this is truly good. And that which is good for you, may turn out to be evil". Now that I'm past the nervous stage, I analyse things and say: everything's for the better.

It would be good if our ustathes would communicate with us, or appear on the TV. We would feel they are there. I live here in Al-burikent, like on an island. Sometimes they broadcast programmes on Islam on the radio. But it would be better if the call to Islam would always be there. I wish that we were constantly told: Islam is good for the people, it's profitable. This sounds awful - very mean and ugly, but in actual fact, Islam is profitable. What state can give you common brotherhood, mutual assistance, social guarantees, a minimal tax of 2,5 per cent? Islam gives all that, it prescribes all that. It prescribes the correct way of life, the one which is necessary for a man. I wish there were more talk about that.

What we hear instead is that if a Muslim is wearing a beard, he's an extremist. I have such tags attached to all I'm wearing. It's ridiculous. Each religion has its extreme forms. Even the heathens, who are far from the faith in the Sole God, have such extremities.

I think that an institute should be established for studying Islam, helping it develop. That was the question I wanted to ask when I was searching, and following different people: where are you, the ones who can show me the way to become a true Muslim? I think that what happens to me is right. And what I want now is to come to people who don't understand me, to tell them about my ideas, to explain what Islam is. We're all in the same boat, anyway. Especially here in Daghestan: we know everything about one another. Why then should we be trying to find enemies in one another? Life is going by, and finally, we'll all have to answer for what we're doing.

- And to round up, Musa: what would you wish to the people who are probably in the same position now as you were two years ago?

- I'll try to recall the 155 ayat of the second sura: "Allah will try thee with fear, with loss of thy fee, with loss of thy closest ones, with loss of the fruit of thy labours. But tell thee the good news to them who are patient and enduring: their reward will be great". Patience and endurance are the basis of faith - probably, the basis of Islam. Insha Allah, everything's going to be alright.

Interview taken by Laila Husyainova


http://www.iberr.co.za/converts2.htm

[AbuMubarak]

"Priests & Preachers Coming to Islam?"

True Life Story

How Yusuf Estes Came to Islam


Chaplain Yusuf Estes, former Christian, & Federal Prison Chaplain.


This is a very long file. You may print it out to read if you like.
Bismillah Rahman Raheem Al Hamdulilah Rabbil Alameen was Salat was Salam ala Rasoolulah
"Priests & Preachers Entering ISLAM?!"

To be

honest,



I was a



"dedicated

Christian"



and a

good 'ol boy

from

Texas.



We hated

anything



and

everything



about those

"Mozlems",



just like

you

are

supposed to,

here in the

West.









We had

been told:


"They

don't

believe in

God;


They

worship a

black box

in the

desert

and;




They kiss

the ground

5 times

a day."












Mozlems?



=

Terrorists!



Hijackers!



Kidnappers!



Pagans! -



I hated

them

- all of

them!


Many people ask me how a preacher or priest in Christianity can ever go to Islam, especially considering all the negative things that we hear about Islam and Muslims everyday. I would like to thank everyone for their interest and offer my humble story, God Willing.
Actually, a very nice Christian gentleman asked me through email why and how I left Christianity for Islam. So this is more or less a copy of the letter that I sent back to him.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- http://www.todayislam.com/yusuf.htm

My name is Yusuf Estes and I am the National Muslim Chaplain for American Muslims, sponsored by a number of organizations here in Washington, DC. As such, I travel around the entire world lecturing and sharing the message of the Christ of the Quran in Islam. We hold dialogs and discussion groups with all faiths and enjoy the opportunity to work alongside of rabbis, ministers, preachers and priests everywhere. Most of our work is in the institutional area, military, universities and prisons. Primarily our goal is to educate and communicate the correct message of Islam and who the Muslims really are. Although Islam has grown now to tie Christianity as the largest of religions on earth, we see many of those who claim Islam as Muslims, that do not correctly understand nor properly represent the message of "Peace, Surrender and Obedience to God" (Arabic = 'Islam').

Dear me, I am afraid that I got a bit ahead of myself, I was trying to give a bit of background on my own personal experience to see if it would in anyway benefit you in your ministry. This may seem quite strange that I would offer to help you, while we perhaps share a few different perspectives and concepts of God, Jesus, prophethood, sin and salvation. But you see, at one time I was in the same boat as you. Really, I was. Let me explain.

I was born into a very strong Christian family in the Midwest. Our family and their ancestors not only built the churches and schools across this land, but actually were the same ones who came here in the first place. While I was still in elementary we relocated in Houston, Texas in 1949 (I'm old). We attended church regularly and I was baptized at the age of 12 in Pasadena, Texas. As a teenager, I wanted to visit other churches to learn more of their teachings and beliefs. The Baptists, Methodists, Episcopalians, Charismatic movements, Nazarene, Church of Christ, Church of God, Church of God in Christ, Full Gospel, Agape, Catholic, Presbyterian and many more. I developed quite a thirst for the "Gospel" or as we say; "Good News." My research into religion did not stop with Christianity. Not at all. Hinduism, Judaism, Buddhism, Metaphysics, native American beliefs were all a part of my studies. Just about the only one that I did not look into seriously was "Islam". Why? Good question.

Anyway, I became very interested in different types of music, especially Gospel and Classical. Because my whole family was religious and musical it followed that I too would begin my studies in both areas. All this set me for the logical position of Music Minister in many of the churches that I became affiliated with over the years. I started teaching keyboard instruments in 1960 and by 1963 owned my own studios in Laurel, Maryland, called "Estes Music Studios."

Over the next 30 years my father and I worked together in many business projects. We had entertainment programs, shows and attractions. We opened piano and organ stores all the way from Texas and Oklahoma to Florida. I made millions of dollars in those years, but could not find the peace of mind that can only come through knowing the truth and finding the real plan of salvation. I'm sure you have asked yourself the question; "Why did God create me?" or "What is it that God wants me to do?" or "Exactly who is God, anyway?" "Why do we believe in 'original sin?" and "Why would the sons of Adam be forced to accept his 'sins' and then as a result be punished forever. But if you asked anyone these questions, they would probably tell you that you have to believe without asking, or that it is a 'mystery' and you shouldn't ask.

And then there is the concept of the 'Trinity.' If I would ask preachers or ministers to give me some sort of an idea how 'one' could figure out to become 'three' or how God Himself, Who can do anything He Wills to do, cannot just forgive people's sins, but rather and had to become a man, come down on earth, be a human, and then take on the sins of all people. Keeping in mind that all along He is still God of the whole universe and does as He Wills to do, both in and outside of the universe as we know it.

Then one day in 1991, I came to know that the Muslims believed in the Bible. I was shocked. How could this be? But that's not all, they believe in Jesus as:

* a true messenger of God;
* prophet of God;
* miracle birth without human intervention;
* he was the 'Christ' or Messiah as predicted in the Bible;
* he is with God now and most important;
* He will be coming back in the Last Days to lead the believers against the 'Antichrist.'

This was too much for me. Especially since the evangelists that we used to travel around with all hated Muslims and Islam very much. They even said things that were not true to make people afraid of Islam. So, why would I want anything to do with these people?

My father was very active in supporting church work, especially church school programs. He became and ordained minister in the 1970s. He and his wife (my stepmother) knew many of the TV evangelists and preachers and even visited Oral Roberts and helped in the building of the "Prayer Tower" in Tulsa, OK. They also were strong supporters of Jimmy Swaggart, Jim and Tammy Fae Bakker, Jerry Fallwell, John Haggi and the biggest enemy to Islam in America, Pat Robertson.

Dad and his wife worked together and were most active in recording "Praise" tapes and distributing them for free to people in retirement homes, hospitals and homes for the elderly. And then in 1991 he began doing business with a man from Egypt and told me that he wanted me to meet him. This idea appealed to me when I thought about the idea of having an international flavor. You know, the pyramids, sphinx, Nile River and all that. Then my father mentioned that this man was a 'Moslem.'

I couldn't believe my ears.
A 'Moslem?'
No way!

I reminded my dad of the various different things that we had heard about these people, how they are -
Terrorists; hijackers; kidnappers; bombers and who knows what else?

Not only that but:

They don't believe in God

They kiss the ground five times a day and

They worship a black box in the desert.

No!
I did not want to meet this 'Moslem' man. No way!

My father insisted that I meet him and reassured me that he was a very nice person. So, I gave in and agreed to the meeting.

But on my terms.
I agreed to meet him on a Sunday after church so we would be all prayed up and in good standing with the Lord. I would be carrying my Bible under my arm as usual. I would have my big shiny cross dangling and I would have on my cap which says: "Jesus is Lord" right across the front. My wife and two young daughters came along and we were ready for our first encounter with the 'Moslems.'

When I came into the shop and asked my father where the 'Moslem' was, he pointed and said: "He's right over there."
I was confused. That couldn't be the Moslem. No way.

I'm looking for a huge man with flowing robes and big turban on his head, a beard half way down his shirt and eyebrows that go all the way across his forehead.

This man had no beard. In fact, he didn't even have any hair on his head at all. He was very close to bald. And he was very pleasant with a warm welcome and handshake. This didn't make sense. I thought they are terrorists and bombers. What is this all about?

Never mind. I'll get right to work on this guy. He needs to be 'saved' and me and the Lord are going to do it.
So, after a quick introduction, I asked him:

"Do you believe in God?"
He said:
"Yes."

(Good!)
Then I said:
"Do you believe in Adam and Eve?"
He said:
"Yes."

I said: "What about Abraham? You believe in him and how he tried to sacrifice his son for God?"
He said:
"Yes."

Then I asked:
"What about Moses?"
"Ten Commandments?"
"Parting the Red Sea?"
Again he said:
"Yes."

Then:
"What about the other prophets, David, Solomon and John the Baptist?"
He said:
"Yes."

I asked:
"Do you believe in the Bible?"
Again, he said:
"Yes."

So, now it was time for the big question:
"Do you believe in Jesus? That he was the Messiah (Christ) of God?"
Again the said:
"Yes."

Well now:
"This was going to be easier than I had thought."
He was just about ready to be baptized only he didn't know it.
And I was just the one to do it, too.

I was winning souls to the Lord day after day and this would be a big achievement for me, to catch one of these 'Moslems' and 'convert' him to Christianity.

I asked him if he liked tea and he said he did. So off we went to a little shop in the mall to sit and talk about my favorite subject: Beliefs.

While we sat in that little coffee shop for hours talking (I did most of the talking) I came to know that he was very nice, quiet and even a bit shy. He listened attentively to every word that I had to say and did not interrupt even one time. I liked this man's way and thought that he had definite potential to become a good Christian.

Little did I know the course of events about to unravel in front of my eyes.

First of all, I agreed with my father that we should do business with this man and even encouraged the idea of him traveling along with me on my business trips across the northern part of Texas. Day after day we would ride together and discuss various issues pertaining to different beliefs that people have. And along the way, I could of course interject some of my favorite radio programs of worship and praise to help bring the message to this poor individual. We talked about the concept of God; the meaning of life; the purpose of creation; the prophets and their mission and how God reveals His Will to mankind. We also shared a lot of personal experiences and ideas as well.

One day I came to know that my friend Mohamed was going to move out of the home he have been sharing with a friend of his and was going to be living in the mosque for a time. I went to my dad and asked him if we could invite Mohamed to come out to our big home in the country and stay there with us. After all, he could share some of the work and some expenses and he would be right there when we were ready to go to out traveling around. My father agreed and Mohamed moved in.

Of course I still would find time to visit my fellow preachers and evangelists around the state of Texas. One of them lived on the Texas -- Mexico border and another lived near lived Oklahoma border. One preacher liked to a huge wooden cross that was bigger than a car. He would carry it over his shoulder and drag the bottom on the ground and go down the road or freeway hauling these two beams formed in the shape of a cross. People would stop their cars and come over to him and ask him what was going on and he would give them pamphlets and booklets on Christianity.

One day my friend with the cross had a heart attack and had to go to the Veterans Hospital where he stayed for quite a long while. I used to visit him in the hospital several times a week and I would take Mohamed with me with the hopes that we could all share together in the subject of beliefs and religions. My friend was not very impressed and it was obvious that he did not want to know anything about Islam. Then one day a man who was sharing the room with my friend came rolling into the room in his wheelchair. I went to him and asked him his name and he said that it didn't matter and when I asked him where he was from he said he was from the planet Jupiter. I thought about what he said and then began to wonder if I was in the cardiac ward or the mental ward.

I knew the man was lonely and depressed and needed someone in his life. So, I began to 'witness' to him about the Lord. I read to him out of the book of Jonah in the Old Testament. I shared the story of the prophet Jonah who had been sent by the Lord to call his people to the correct way. Jonah had left his people and escaped by boat to leave his city and head out to sea. A storm came up and the ship almost capsized and the people on board threw Jonah over the side of the ship. A whale came up to the surface and grabbed Jonah, swallowed him and then went down to the bottom of the sea, where he stayed for 3 days and 3 nights. Yet because of God's Mercy, He caused the whale to rise to the surface and then spit Jonah out to return back home safely to his city of Nineveh. And the idea was that we can't really run away from our problems because we always know what we have done. And what is more, God also always knows what we have done.

After sharing this story with the man in the wheel chair, he looked up and me and apologized. He told me he was sorry for his rude behavior and that he had experienced some real serious problems recently. Then he said that he wanted to confess something to me. And I said that I was not a Catholic priest and I don't handle confessions. He replied back to me that he knew that. In fact, he said: "I am a Catholic priest."
I was shocked. Here I had been trying to preach Christianity to a priest. What in the world was happening here?

The priest began to share his story of being a missionary for the church for over 12 years to south and Central America and Mexico and even in New York's 'Hell's Kitchen.' When he was released from the hospital he needed a place to go to recover and rather than let him go to stay with a Catholic family, I told my dad that we should invite him to come out and live with us in the country along with our families and Mohamed. It was agreed by all that he would so, he moved out right away.

During the trip out to our home, I talked with the priest about some of the concepts of beliefs in Islam and to my surprise he agreed and then shared even more about this with me. I was shocked when he told me that Catholic priests actually study Islam and some even carry doctors degrees in this subject. This was all very enlightening to me. But there was still a lot more to come.

After settling in, we all began to gather around the kitchen table after dinner every night to discuss religion. My father would bring his King James Version of the Bible, I would bring out my Revised Standard Version of the Bible, my wife had another version of the Bible (maybe something like Jimmy Swaggart's 'Good News For Modern Man." The priest of course, had the Catholic Bible which has 7 more books in it that the Protestant Bible. So we spent more time talking about which Bible was the right one or the most correct one, than we did trying to convince Mohamed about becoming a Christian.

At one point I recall asking him about the Quran and how many versions of it there were in the last 1,400 years. He told me that there was only ONE QURAN. And that it had never been changed. Yet he let me know that the Quran had been memorized by hundreds of thousands of people, in it's entirety and were scattered about the earth in many different countries. Over the centuries since the Quran was revealed millions have memorized it completely and have taught it to others who have memorized it completely, from cover to cover, letter perfect without mistakes.

This did not seem possible to me. After all, the original languages of the Bible have all been dead languages for centuries and the documents themselves have been lost in their originals for hundreds and thousands of years. So, how could it be that something like this could be so easy to preserve and to recite from cover to cover.

Anyway, one day the priest asked the Mohamed if he might accompany him to the mosque to see what it was like there. They came back talking about their experience there and we could not wait to ask the priest what it was like and what all types of ceremonies they performed. He said they didn't really 'do' anything. They just came and prayed and left. I said: "They left? Without any speeches or singing?" He said that was right.

A few more days went by and the Catholic priest asked Mohamed if he might join him again for a trip to the mosque which they did. But this time it was different. They did not come back for a very long time. It became dark and we worried that something might have happened to them. Finally they arrived and when they came in the door I immediately recognized Mohamed, but who was this alongside of him? Someone wearing a white robe and a white cap. Hold on a minute! It was the priest. I said to him: "Pete? -- Did you become a 'Moslem?'
He said that he had entered into Islam that very day. THE PRIEST BECAME A MUSLIM!! What next? (You'll see).

So, I went upstairs to think things over a bit and began to talk to my wife about the whole subject. She then told me that she too was going to enter into Islam, because she knew it was the truth. I was really shocked now. I went downstairs and woke up Mohamed and asked him to come outside with me for a discussion. We walked and talked that whole night through. By the time he was ready to pray Fajr (the morning prayer of the Muslims) I knew that the truth had come at last and now it was up to me to do my part. I went out back behind my father's house and found an old piece of plywood lying under an overhang and right there I put my head down on the ground facing the direction that the Muslims pray five times a day.

Now then in that position, with my body stretched out on the plywood and my head on the ground, I asked: "O God. If you are there, guide me, guide me." And then after a while I raised up my head and I noticed something. No, I didn't see birds or angels coming out of the sky nor did I hear voices or music, nor did I see bright lights and flashes. What I did notice was a change inside of me. I was aware now more than ever before that it was time for me to stop lying and cheating and doing sneaky business deals. It was time that I really work at being an honest and upright man. I knew now what I had to do. So I went upstairs and took a shower with the distinct idea that I was 'washing' away the sinful old person that I had become over the years. And I was now coming into a new, fresh life. A life based on truth and proof.

Around 11:00 A.M. that morning, I stood before two witnesses, one the ex-priest, formerly known as Father Peter Jacob's, and the other Mohamed Abel Rehman and announced my 'shahadah' (open testimony to the Oneness of God and the prophethood of Muhammad, peace be upon him).

A few minutes later, my wife follow along and gave the same testimony. But hers was in front of 3 witnesses (me being the third).

My father was a bit more reserved on the subject and waited a few more months before he made his shahadah (public testimony). But he did finally commit to Islam and began offering prayers right along with me and the other Muslims in the local masjid (mosque).

The children were taken out of the Christian school and placed in Muslim schools. And now ten years later, they are memorizing much of the Quran and the teachings of Islam.

My father's wife was the last of all to acknowledge that Jesus could not be a son of God and that he must have been a mighty prophet of God, but not God.



Now stop and think. A whole entire household of people from varying backgrounds and ethnic groups coming together in truth to learn how to know and worship the Creator and Sustainer of the Universe. Think. A Catholic priest. A minister of music and preacher. An ordained minister and builder of Christian schools. And they all come into Islam! Only by His Mercy were we all guided to see the real truth of Islam without any blinders on their eyes any longer.

If I were to stop right here, I'm sure that you would have to admit that at least, this is an amazing story, right? After all, three religious leaders of three separate denominations all going into one very opposite belief at the same time and then soon after the rest of the household.

But that is not all. There is more! The same year, while I was in Grand Prairie, Texas (near Dallas) I met a Baptist seminary student from Tennessee named Joe, who also came to Islam after reading the Holy Quran while in BAPTIST SEMINARY COLLEGE!

There are others as well. I recall the case of the Catholic priest in a college town who talked about the good things in Islam so much that I was forced to ask him why he didn't enter Islam. He replied: "What? And loose my job?" - His name is Father John and there is still hope for him yet.

More? Yes. The very next year I met a former Catholic priest who had been a missionary for 8 years in Africa. He learned about Islam while he was there and entered into Islam. He then changed his name to Omar and moved to Dallas Texas.

Any more? Again, yes. Two years later, while in San Antonio, Texas I was introduced to a former Arch Bishop of the Orthodox Church of Russia who learned about Islam and gave up his position to enter Islam.

And since my own entrance into Islam and becoming a chaplain to the Muslims throughout the country and around the world, I have encountered many more individuals who were leaders, teachers and scholars in other religions who learned about Islam and entered into it. They came from Hindus, Jews, Catholics, Protestants, Jehovah's Witnesses, Greek and Russian Orthodox, Coptic Christians from Egypt, non-denominational churches and even scientists who had been atheists.

Why? Good question.
May I suggest to the seeker of truth do the following NINE STEPS to purification of the mind:

1.) Clean their mind, their heart and their soul real good.
2.) Clear away all the prejudices and biases
3.) Read a good translation of the meaning of the Holy Quran in a language that they can understand best.
4.) Take some time.
5.) Read and reflect.
6.) Think and pray.
7.) And keep on asking the One who created you in the first place, to guide you to the truth.
8.) Keep this up for a few months. And be regular in it.
9.) Above all, do not let others who are poisoned in their thinking influence you while your are in this state of "rebirth of the soul."

The rest is between you and the Almighty Lord of the Universe. If you truly love Him, then He already Knows it and He will deal with each of us according to our hearts.

So, now you have the introduction to the story of my coming into Islam and becoming Muslim. There is more on the Internet about this story and there are more pictures there as well. Please take the time to visit it and then please take the time to email me and let us come together to share in all truths based on proofs for understanding our origins and our purpose and goals in this life and the Next Life.

And once again I thank you for your email today. If you hadn't sent it, I probably would still not have completed this task of putting down the story once and for all of how "Priest and Preachers Are Coming to Islam."

May Allah guide you on your journey to all truth. Ameen. And May He open your heart and your mind to the reality of this world and the purpose of this life, ameen.

Peace to you and Guidance from Allah the One Almighty God, Creator and Sustainer of all that exists.
Your friend,

Yusuf Estes
Chaplain Yusuf Estes

[Asian Tiger]

Essential reading for all Muslims, Christians and Jews.

[AbuMubarak]

"I began to see Islam with its own eyes, as the unadulterated, pristine belief in the one and only, the true God, Who does not beget, and was not begotten, Whom nothing and nobody resembles … In place of the qualified deism of a tribal God and the constructions of a divine Trinity, the Qur’an showed me the most lucid, most straightforward, the most abstract - thus historically most advanced – and least anthropomorphic concept of God. The Qur’an’s ontological statements, as well as its ethical teachings, impressed me as profoundly plausible, “as good as gold,” so there was no room for even the slightest doubt about the authenticity of Muhammad’s prophetic mission. People who understand human nature cannot fail to appreciate the infinite wisdom of the “Dos and Don’ts” handed down from God to man in the form of the Qur’an."
Dr. Murad Hofmann-Beltsville, Germany
http://www.welcome-back.org/profile/murad_hofmann.shtml

Christian Minister's Conversion to Islam
"There is some irony in the fact that the supposedly best, brightest, and most idealistic of ministers-to-be are selected for the very best of seminary education, e.g. that offered at that time at the Harvard Divinity School. The irony is that, given such an education, the seminarian is exposed to ... much ... historical truth. .. As such, it is no real wonder that almost a majority of such seminary graduates leave seminary, not to “fill pulpits”, where they would be asked to preach that which they know is not true, but to enter the various counseling professions. Such was also the case for me, as I went on to earn a master’s and doctorate in clinical psychology."
Dr. Dirks is a former minister (deacon) of the United Methodist Church. He holds a Master's degree in Divinity from Harvard University and a Doctorate in Psychology from the University of Denver. Author of "The Cross and the Crescent: An Interfaith Dialogue between Christianity and Islam" (2001), and "Abraham: The Friend of God" (2002). He has published over 60 articles in the field of clinical psychology, and over 150 articles on Arabian horses. http://www.welcome-back.org/profile/dirks1.shtml

Italy's Ambassador to Riyadh Converts To Islam

Italy’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia accepted Islam. Torquato Cardilli revealed his decision on November 25, 2001, his 59th birthday. http://www.welcome-back.org/news/cardilli.shtml

I am so very glad that I am a Muslim. Islam is my life. Islam is the beat of my heart. Islam is the blood that courses through my veins. Islam is my strength. Islam is my life so wonderful and beautiful. Without Islam I am nothing, and should Allah ever turn His magnificent face from me, I could not survive." Aminah Assilmi

http://www.welcome-back.org/profile/aminah1.shtml

"For those whom Islam has embraced, the greatest witness to God’s unremitting, pursuing, sustaining, and guiding love is the Qur’an. Like a vast magnificent ocean, it lures you deeper and deeper into its dazzling waves until you are swept into it. But instead of drowning in a sea of darkness, as described above, you find yourself immersed in an ocean of divine light and mercy. … as I read the Qur’an and prayed the Islamic prayers, a door to my heart was unsealed and I was immersed in an overwhelming tenderness. Love became more permanent and real than the earth beneath my feet; its power restored me and made it so that even I could feel love … I was happy enough to have found faith in a sensible religion. But I never expected to be touched by such intoxicating mercy." Dr. Jeffrey Lang http://www.welcome-back.org/profile/jeffrey_lang.shtml

[Songbird]

Funny, you post something like this and all the Jews on board decide to take a vow of silence.

Either that or they're totally gob-smacked.

[AbuMubarak]

Israel’s Awaited “Messiah” Embraces Islam

By Mohammad Ahmed, IOL Cairo correspondent

CAIRO, January 14 (IslamOnline) - “His top-notch manners, remarkable devoutness and honest transactions with all people made us feel that he was the Messiah. He was indeed a Messiah singled out for his rare qualities. But we did not know that he was a Muslim,” neighbors of the Israeli citizen Abraham, or to be precise Ibrahim, told an Israeli magazine.

The Israeli weekly Hamishbaha magazine said the story began two months ago when there had been talk about a remarkably pious man belonging to the extremist Haradim religious sect in the illegal Israeli settlement of Gush Emonem.

His fellow religious Jews started modeling themselves after Ibrahim and took him as a paradigm for his messianic manners, to the extent that they thought he was the Messiah who would save the world, the magazine added.

Jews from everywhere came in droves to Ibrahim’s home day in and day out, calling him “Abraham the Truthful.”

They asked him to invoke God’s blessings and forgiveness and to preach sermons to disseminate his noble message, the weekly said.

Jews Shocked

Dropping a bombshell, one of Ibrahim’s relatives shocked the local people by telling them that Ibrahim secluded himself in his home to practice his Islamic rituals, asserting that he converted to Islam three months ago.

The magazine blamed the rabbis for falling short of filling the spiritual vacuum of those who sought blessings, pointing out that they [the rabbis] themselves abandoned their synagogues, neglected their daily prayers and stayed in front of Ibrahim’s home for long intervals, begging for blessings.

Mocking them, the magazine said: “It is really disgraceful that those Jews stuck close to the home of Ibrahim, who was, at the meantime, performing his Islamic prayers.”

The magazine’s correspondent failed to interview Ibrahim, who fled to an unknown place in fear for his life.

[Hesperian]

Freedom to change ones religion without fear the government will seek your death. To convert and not be reduced to dhimmitude. To inquire and make your own decisions about God. To legally preach your beliefs on religion. Yet more triumphs for the Western way of thinking and life!

[AbuMubarak]

funny how he went from free-choosing western values to the oppressive islamic values

yes we are free to choose, but that freedom comes with a price

if you believe in Allah and the Last Day, there is only one way

if you believe in unbridled freedom and democracy and live and let live, there are many ways

[Hesperian]

You said oppressive, I didn't!

Seriously though, people go both ways. Some choose a life that has more discipline, others choose one that is more liberal. That someone would choose "opressive" Islam isn't really that funny-in the sense of unusual. Don't people join cults (not calling Islam a cult) all the time? The ones I've heard of give oppressive a whole new meaning, yet people willingly and freely join them, even when premature death is the goal.

No, being more strict than everybody else doesn't make you right. It just means there are a lot of people out there who want to be told what to do.

[AbuMubarak]

you didnt mention about belief in Allah and the Last Day

[AbuMubarak]

The Hidden Personality

Along with the distorted image of Muhammad (SAW) that has crept into the thinking of the Muslim Ummah, there is another equivalently devastating disease. Unfortunately, due to the lack of effort on behalf of the Ummah to preserve its culture, the Kuffar, along with their agents, have been successful in concealing some of the vital dimensions of Muhammad (SAW)'s personality.

If we look to the authentic works of the Seerah, the books of Hadith and Tafseer, and other sources of the Islamic culture, we can find many incidents in the Seerah which illuminate the true nature of what it means for Muhammad (SAW) to be our leader, to be the best example for us, and to be a guiding light by which we ought to conduct our affairs.

We illustrate some of these incidents here to give the Ummah a clear and unabated look at the complete life of Muhammad (SAW), the Messenger of Allah (SWT).

Ibn Kathir reports from Musnad Ahmed (ra) that the Prophet (SAW), during his time in Medinah went to visit a young ailing Jewish boy. Muhammad (SAW) at the time, as a ruler, along with his companions Abu Bakr and 'Umar (ra) entered the house and found the Jewish boy's father reading the Torah alongside the bed to comfort his son's soul. Due to the presence of Muhammad (SAW), the man closed the Torah. Muhammad (SAW), the man closed the Torah. Muhammad (SAW) asked the man "By the One who revealed the Torah, do you read in it about me and about the news of my baath (coming) or not?" The father of the Jewish boy shook his head and said "no?"

Upon hearing this, his dying son spoke up and said, "I swear by the One who revealed the Torah that we find in our book the news of your characteristics and your baath (coming), and bear witness that you are the Messenger of Allah."

The boy died soon afterwards and the Prophet (SAW) said, "He is a Muslim, remove the Jews from here." Then, he (SAW) prepared for the boy's burial and funeral prayer.

Understanding the way in which Muhammad (SAW) delivered the Da'wah of Islam at all times and to all people, even when they were on their deathbed should make us realise the seriousness of this duty and the priority that the Messenger of Allah (SAW) gave it. Muhammad (SAW) did not hesitate to challenge the belief of the Jew, even when he was facing a tragic time for his family. We should realise the seriousness of delivering the Da'wah (Message) because those who die without being delivered Islam will have a case against the Muslims on the Day of Judgement. As we see in the events mentioned above, Muhammad (SAW) saved himself first by delivering Islam and furthermore saved that boy from the hellfire.

Besides grasping the importance of delivering the Da'wah, we should further realise the relationship between one Muslim and another Muslim. Once the boy died, Muhammad (SAW) fulfilled his obligation to his Muslim brother by ensuring he will be honoured by a Muslim burial despite the critical and delicate situation that must have existed due to the loss of life in that household.

Unfortunately, today we would not follow the same course of action, and would justify remaining silent out of sympathy for the one who is in this tragic situation. We must, however, ask ourselves, what answer will we give on the Day of Judgement when the non-Muslim comes to us in front of Allah (SWT) and asks why we remained silent? It is a question for which there will be no answer other than cowardice on our part. May Allah (SWT) protect us from this. And what proof will we have for Allah (SWT) when our own brothers and sisters are dying in starvation. Did we fulfil our obligation to our brothers and sisters as Muhammad (SAW) fulfilled his obligations?

It is reported in Muslim, that Allah's Messenger (SAW) saw a woman who charmed him (i.e. her beauty was desirable), so he went to Sawdah (his wife) who was making perfume in the company of some women. They left him, and after he had satisfied his desire he said, "If any man sees a woman who charms him he should go to his wife, for she has the same kind of things as the other woman." [Darimi]

This incident is a powerful example of the human nature of Muhammad (SAW) and his obedience to Allah (SWT) in dealing with this situation in accordance with Islam. Muhammad (SAW), like any other human being, has instincts which need to be satisfied, and he showed us how to do so in the best manner. Also, 'Ayesha (ra) narrated, "The worldly things used to give pleasure to Allah's Messenger (SAW): food, women and perfume. He acquired two, but one he did not acquire. He acquired women and perfume, but not food." [Musnad Ahmad]

Another dimension of the life of Muhammad (SAW) which is seldom spoken of is his love for Jihad (fighting in the way of Allah (SWT) ).

It is reported in the tafseer of Ibn Kathir that after the defeat in the battle of Badr, the Quraysh began to prepare a new Army to launch an offensive on Medinah. For this purpose, they devoted the profits from the Caravan which had escaped Muhammad (SAW) in Badr. They were able to gather an army of 3,000 well equipped soldiers and set forth for Medinah.

Muhammad (SAW) was aware of this offensive, and after the Jumu'ah prayer and Janazah prayer of Malik bin Amaru, he (SAW) gathered the Muslims to consult them as to how to fight against the Quraysh. 'Abdullah ibn Ubai suggested that they stay in Medinah, but some of the Companions (ra) mentioned that they should go outside of Medinah as in Badr and openly fight against the Kuffar.

The Prophet (SAW) then went into his house and came out equipped with his weapon. Some of the Companions (ra) thought that perhaps they had pushed their opinion against the will of Muhammad (SAW). Therefore, they said, "O Messenger of Allah, If you wish for us to stay here and fight then we will do so. Wed do not want to impose our opinion on you."

In response to this Muhammad (SAW) said, "It is not fitting for the Prophet of Allah (SWT) that once he has dawned his weapons, that he remove them. Now, I will not turn back until what Allah (SWT) decrees has happened."

In another hadith, the Prophet (SAW) said, "My profession is Jihad"…and Allah's Messenger (SAW), in one of his military expeditions against the enemy, waited till the sun declined and then he got up amongst the people saying, "O people! Do not wish to meet the enemy, and ask Allah for safety, but when you meet (face) the enemy, be patient, and remember that Paradise is under the shades of swords." [Bukhari]

Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said in a hadith, "A Mu'min (believer) cannot be bitten from the same whole twice." What this means is that a Muslim can not be fooled twice. Let us examine the situation in which this Hadith was mentioned by the Prophet Muhammad (SAW).

Abu Azza Shayr was one of the poets in Mecca who use to write satire criticising the Muslims. After the battle of Badr, which the Muslims won, the Muslims took some prisoners of war. Amongst theses prisoners were some rich elite's of Mecca, like Abbas and Abu Lahab, who ransomed themselves to be freed. The prisoners who were poor, but were literate, the Prophet (SAW) asked them to teach ten Muslims children of Medinah how to read and write. Abu Azza was an educated person, but he pleaded to Muhammad (SAW) to let him go. He said that he, Abu Azza, was a very poor man with lots of children. Muhammad (SAW) asked Abu Azza to promise that he would not write anymore satire and that he would not fight Muslims in the future. Abu Azza agreed to the terms.

The following year, when the battle of Uhud occurred, he was captured as a prisoner of war once again. This time around, Abu Azza made the same excuse of being poor with lots of children and started to beg the Prophet (SAW) to let him go again. The Prophet (SAW) replied, "I will not let you go to your tribe and boast amongst them that you fooled Muhammad (SAW) twice." The Prophet (SAW) continued, "A believer never gets bitten from the same hole twice." Muhammad (SAW) sentenced Abu Azza to be killed. (Reference: Nahagul Islam by Ibrahim Al-Kattan and Ali Hasan Aude, Jordan 1966)

It is a shame that the Muslim Ummah has been sheltered for so long from this vision of Muhammad (SAW), a vision which, if adopted by the Muslim Ummah as a whole, would produce within a us a dynamism, zeal, and courage to follow the example of Muhammad (SAW) in all of our affairs, and take our rightful positions as witnesses over all of mankind as to the truthfulness of the Message of Al-Islam. It is to this that we call the Ummah of Muhammad (SAW) and pray to Allah (SWT) that He would once again return us to the true Deen of Islam.

'Abdullah ibn 'Umar narrated, "I heard the Messenger of Allah (SAW) say, "When you enter into the inah transaction (selling goods to a person for a certain price and then buying them back from him for a far less price, i.e. interest), hold the tails of oxen, are pleased with agriculture, and give up conducting Jihad, Allah will make disgrace prevail over you and will not withdraw it until you return to your original Deen" [Abu Dawud]

May Allah(swt) guide us all to follow the TRUE sunnah of the Prophet(saw).ameen
abd

[frizzer1]

Every human being should have the right to decide whom & what to believe in.
That is what faith is all about.
And in free societies, we are allowed to believe or not believe as we see fit.
Thousands of jews have converted to Christianity, Buddhism,Islam and other religions over the years.
Thousands of people from other religions have converted to Judaism,although Judaism does not seek converts.

A question for you....are muslims who live in islamic societies allowed to convert to Judaism?
And if they choose to do so, are they treated as equal citizens?
This is not a challenge. It is a question.

[AbuMubarak]

truth stands clear from error

[chaotic one]

One man's truth is another man's error.

[AbuMubarak]

Allah is Lord of the World, Lord of Creation, Lord of Mankind, He is Al-Haqq (the truth) and Allah speaks the truth

The quran is the book, without doubts, for those who believe in Allah and the Last Day

shaytan promises nothing but deception

o mankind, do not shaytan seduce you from your Lord

[Hesperian]

I liked your stories about Muhammed, AbuMubarak. One of them stands out, the one about the Jewish boy. I happen to believe that your home is your castle, and last Prophet of God or not, it is a violation of the laws of Heaven and Earth to enter a man's home and order him to be removed from the presence of his dead son. It was his house! And it was his son!

[canute]

Originally posted by chaotic one
One man's truth is another man's error.

But there are absolute truths, are there not? Not everything is relative.

[AbuMubarak]

Originally posted by Hesperian
I liked your stories about Muhammed, AbuMubarak. One of them stands out, the one about the Jewish boy. I happen to believe that your home is your castle, and last Prophet of God or not, it is a violation of the laws of Heaven and Earth to enter a man's home and order him to be removed from the presence of his dead son. It was his house! And it was his son! hesp, i dont know what to tell you, thats the hadith, and his companions used to say, may my mother and father be sacrificed for you

they really loved the prophet and he loved them and he was the most mannerful of people, so maybe there is something that was overlooked in the tradition, or maybe the prophet deemed the necessity of a muslim being buried as a muslim superior than the castle thing

[AbuMubarak]

:)