‘A difficult, but most fruitful Journey’ 

Muhammad Ishaaq (Neat Girish)

Muhammad Ishaaq, formerly Girish KS Udupa, an upper caste Hindu, narrates his story about his conversion to Islam.

I Was born and brought up in an upper class Hindu Brahmin family of priests in Udupi, Karnataka, India, a city known for its temples. My learning of Hindu scriptures commenced at an early age through a teacher where I noticed many contradictions and began questioning but could not get any satisfying answers nor the meaning of the scriptures. Such a beginning early in life made me search for the truth about right religion.
Owing to my persistent questions, my parents on advice of religious heads transferred me to an Aashram, to become a Hindu priest. After joining the Aashram, my doubts and questions increased to which my teachers had no answers. I was advised to read books from the library to know the answers and hence I got an opportunity to read lot of Hindu scriptures. With no satisfaction in life and unable to get proper answers to the doubts being built up in mind, I left the Aashram and started learning about Jainism and later Buddism but neither had any answers to my questions. Interestingly, Jainism and Buddism advocate ‘ahimsa’ (non-violence) but both are responsible in increasing idol worship. I left them and started to search the oldest religion and learned about religion of Romans, Greeks, Egyptian and Judaism. When I was studying Judaism I could not find much fundamental difference between Jews and Brahmins.
While studying Judaism I came to know about Jesus and started reading the Bible, thinking that Christianity should be the perfect religion and was hoping to get answers to all my questions. After reading Bible over 34 times and visiting church, I developed many doubts on the contradictory methods of teaching in different churches. On finding the real contradictions in the Bible itself, I went to the priests who advised me to take Baptism so that I can see the Holy Spirit, which will clear all my doubts. One fine day I readied myself to take Baptism, where the priest dipped me in the water three times and when I came out of water I looked up to see the Holy Spirit as I read in the Bible, but I could not see anything. Went to different churches and raised the same questions even they baptized me but couldn’t find Holy Spirit anywhere as promised. When I openly questioned about it, they were quiet but one of the church members advised me to go to a different church, where all the people used to speak with Holy Spirit. When I went there and asked for the Holy Spirit, they promised that I will receive it the following Sunday. I was very happy and went to the church wearing good clothes with one day of fasting as per their instruction. The priest came near me and pushed my head in water so hard that I started feeling pain and repeatedly they asked me if I can see the Holy Spirit to which I replied in the negative. The priest then said that I have Satan spirit in me which will first be removed and then fill me with Holy Spirit. Fearing further pain, I pretended to act as if I saw the Holy Spirit and escape from the priest, but he and the believers were more smart than me and said they saw my Holy Spirit. I realized that the whole group of the church was acting with me and I realized that they are fake people of the fake Holy Spirit which led me to lose all interest in Christianity.
I continued to enjoy my life till one day while commuting by bus to the office, I saw a hoarding with the message “For a free copy of Qur’an please contact....” a thought came to mind that this could be another book like Bible. However, I decided to call them and get a copy of the Qur’an so that I can read Qur’an to find mistakes and make fun of Muslims. To finally get my copy of the Qur’an I had to call the center 3 times in 9 months, but third time I was little more angry and finally the Qur’an reached me. Alhamdulillah.

I began reading the Qur’an with the intention to find fault in it but amazingly started to get answers to my questions one by one as if the Qur’an is answering and clearing all my doubts. Although I decided to read at least four pages every day and to complete it quickly, but to the shock of my life, I could barely read more than half a page daily. As I moved on, I started getting answers to all my queries; why I am here, why I was created, what is the purpose of life, and by the Grace of Almighty Allah I was getting closer to Qur’an and my Creator.
The brother who gave the Qur’an would call and ask whether I am reading the Qur’an. One day he asked me to perform Salah (prayer) with him and I refused. However, we started meeting very often to discuss over coffee/juice on Islam. One day while having juice, he asked me a question; if he dies now, before completely drinking the juice, he might enter paradise because he is a Muslim as he tried to follow the commandments of Allah. What would I do if I die before I finish my juice, because, there is no guarantee of life span for any one. I was shocked for a while and could not drink the juice and felt as if I am going to die any moment. I went home, sincerely prayed to Almighty Allah for the first time in my life that if I die today please forgive my sins and slept. When I got up in the morning I was afresh and deciding not to waste more time, called the brother and informed him that I would like to accept Islam. In fact with the discussion of previous evening, Allah opened my heart to truth and thought that accepting Islam would be a big function like in Hinduism. The brother called me to the center and in front of two people, asked me to declare in Arabic and English the “Shahada” — La ilaha illallahu Muhammadur Rasulullah. “I bear witness that there is no God but Allah and that Prophet Muhammad is his Messenger (peace be upon him)”. I swear by Allah that when I took the Shahada, I felt an amazing sensation, as if a huge, physical weight had just been lifted off my chest; I gasped for breath as if I was breathing for the first time in my life. Alhamdulillah, by reverting to Islam, my journey to find the true religion ended with immense pleasure, happiness and utmost satisfaction.
I want to convey one humble message to all those who are looking for a true God and religion. It is only when you take the pain of learning about all religions, you will know the beauty of Islam. Message of Oneness of God Almighty in its Purity and the way of life taught and practiced by Prophet Muhammad (May Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) as Islam is the only way of life which could keep you pleased with your existence as human being.
Life is a total waste without Islam as the way of life.
Alhamdulillah, Allah had given me a new life, a clean slate and a chance for Jannah, and I pray that I live the rest of my life dedicated to spreading the message of Islam and to die as a Muslim. Aameen.

MUHAMMAD ISHAAQ

(NEAT GIRISH)

—Concluded

My Gift to the People of India, on the Independence day - SAVE INDIA MOVEMENT

What kind of freedom have we got?

People have a general notion that India is free from colonialist British; free from the hold of the rule of English men. The thought that the English man cannot rule India, is in itself one of the racist kind. I welcome the English man to come to India, if he wants to do good to the Indians and to the people of the world. When America can give citizenship card to the brown skinned Indian, why shouldn't we Indians give green card to the white man?

To many Indians, the British rule was much better than the Congress and B.J.P rule. In what ways has India developed, ever since we sent the Britishers out of our soil? Corruption has increased miserably. Obscenities have entered almost every home. Immoralities seen on streets and every government office. What have we achieved out of the so called Independence? Only a disoriented chauvinist will be satisfied with the emotional feast. I ain't gonna take no shit man.

Who got independence?

The politicians got freedom to fool the illiterate masses of India. The rowdies and goondas got freedom to kill and steal. The youngsters got freedom to indulge in adultery; all in the name of socialisation. Religious values are kept at bay; all in the name of secularism. Weapons are snatched away from the Muslims; all in the name of civilians code of conduct. What has this independence done to us? The people who died in Gujarat violence didn't get the independence. The people who die now in Assam, didn't get independence. All the innocent people who get oppressed in their own soil, have not yet got independence.

"Save India Movement" is a powerful movement that is planned to question the current Indian policies. Save India Movement is a movement that is, and will question every single government policy; be it local or foreign, all the policies will be brought to debate within the reasoning community.

Is democracy truly compatible with man's nature or not?

In my understanding, the idea of man making laws, is for his own loss. Laws are made by the Supreme Creator Allah. Allah has chosen a way of life for man's living on earth. When man makes laws with his limited knowledge, then he makes blunders that pulls him into the quick sand of his own destruction. Homosexuality is fine with Indian democracy. Live-in relations are ok with Indian democracy, Babri Masjid is brought down in the Indian democracy. Blood sucking political leaders get away with the Indian democracy. Bribes and corruption is the way of life in the Indian democracy. What on earth has the damn democracy achieved in the last 65 years? You tell me. Aishwarya Rai won the Miss world. Sushmita Sen won the Miss universe...... What a shame! Can you imagine a country that boasts of the half naked women in the international market! What a shame!

Islamic Alternative will supersede all the false ideologies.

Islamic alternative is something that cannot be ignored. You cannot show a blind eye to the Islamic alternative. The balance approach of Islam will supersede all ideologies and philosophies. Islam is the perfect balance between the extremes. It is the moderate religion that encourages trading; and shuns the extremes of interest and begging. It is the moderate religion that encourages the institution of marriage; and shuns the extremes of celibacy and casual sex. It is the moderate religion that permits fighting the oppressors; while shunning the extremes of tyranny and cowardice. It is the moderate religion that forbids alcohol, gambling, smoking, drugs, prostitution, pornography, and all the evils on earth. It is the moderate religion that calls to the worship of the Supreme Creator Allah; while shunning the extremes of atheism and polytheism.

Islam has come to preserve these 6 things. Islam has come to preserve one's honour, life, property, family, spirituality and society. The honour of a Dalit is elevated through Islam, while demolishing the roots of Casteism. The life of every individual is preserved, since Allah has honoured every children of Adam, the first man on earth. The property of every man is preserved, by encouraging one to earn through lawful means; while helping the poor and needy through the system of Zakaath. The ties of kinship is preserved, while having no scope for old age homes in the Islamic society. Spirituality is preserved by connecting man to the worship of his Creator. Society is preserved by educating the masses of their duties and rights. How can anyone ignore the Islamic alternative?

SAVE INDIA MOVEMENT is a political movement, that is aimed at establishing the Islamic Shariah in the peace craving India. India is wounded for a long time now; and the Save India Movement has come to heal India.

Do you like my gift - SAVE INDIA MOVEMENT?

  Follow the Caravan...

By: Bro Umar Shariff

In name of Allah, The Most Gracious, the Most Gracious

Islam has legislated a number of rules that a Muslim should abide by when speaking to others. A Muslim must always remember, without a doubt, that he will account for every good and bad thing that he says. He will be rewarded for his good words, and he will be punished for every bad word that he says. Allah Subhanahu wo Taala says in the holy Qur-an, Suratul Qaf, what can be translated as, “Not a word does he utter, but there is a watcher by him ready (to record it) .” (Verse: 18)

The Messenger Sallallahu Alaihi wo Sallam warned us about the seriousness of speaking. Our beloved Prophet said, in an authentic hadith reported by Imam At-Tirmithi and Ibn Majah that, “A person may say a word that is pleasing to Allah and he may not think much of it, but Allah Taala will, (because of that word), bestow his pleasure upon him on the Day of Judgment, and a person may say a word that is displeasing to Allah, the Greatest and he may not think much of it, but Allah will have, (because of that word) put his wrath and anger on him on the Day of Judgment.”

Speaking can be dangerous. So, we should control it within the limits of Islam, guided by Allah, the Almighty and His Messenger Muhammad, peace be upon him.

Here are some of the ways that we can control our speaking:

1- We should speak only if we our speech will be good and beneficial. We should remember the famous saying, “If you do not have anything good to say, don't say anything at all.” Imam Bukhari and Muslim reported that the Prophet (S) said, “Whosoever believes in Allah and the Last Day, let him say good or remain silent.”

2-We should be truthful when we speak and refrain from lying: The believer should always tell the truth, and he should never lie even if when he is joking around. Imam Bukhari and Muslim reported that the Prophet (S) said, "You must speak the truth for the truth leads to virtue and virtue leads to Paradise . One, who always speaks the truth and means the truth, is recorded as truthful with Allah. Keep away from the lie for the lie leads to evil and evil leads to the Hell Fire and one who continually tells a lie and intends to lie is recorded with Allah as a liar.”

3- We should refrain from using bad language or cursing at all times: Never use bad language, even if you are serious or just kidding around, because Allah hates the disobedient, and He hates the one who curses. Disobedient talk includes bad-mouthing others, and cursing. For this reason, the Prophet (S) warned us in an authentic hadith that, “The believer does not accuse, curse others, disobey Allah, nor bad-mouth others.” and in another authentic hadith, “The curse of a Muslim is a sign of disobedience.” Not only are we prohibited from cursing at the living, but we are also forbidden to curse at the dead. The Prophet (S) forbade us when he said; “Do not curse the dead; they will get it for what they had done (in this life)” and the prophet (S) even ordered us in another hadith to, "Mention the good things about the dead.”

4- We should refrain from Gheebah or backbiting. Gheebah means to talk about someone behind their back in a manner that he/she would dislike. Allah says in Suratul Hujurat, "And do not backbite one another." Furthermore, we should refrain from Nameemah, which means spreading around rumors that would cause conflict among people. In fact, the Prophet said, "He who makes Namimah does not enter Paradise .” And when someone is committing Gheebah or Nameemah, then we should stop listening to them, because if we keep listening, then we will share their sins.

5- We should refrain from swearing by the name of Allah unless it is absolutely necessary . Allah says in Suratul Baqarah, “And do not make Allah's (Name) an excuse in your oaths.” (Verse: 224)

6- We should speak about matters within our knowledge and expertise : If you do not know what you are talking about, then remain silent. Allah says in Suratul Israa, “And do not follow [say] that of which you have no knowledge.” (Verse: 36)

7- We should not speak about matters that we hear about, without investigation: We always hear things from others that may not be so truthful or accurate, and some people talk about things even when they are doubtful. So in order to avoid sharing their sins, you should not speak without making sure that what people are saying is true. The prophet warns us in an authentic hadith, “It is enough sin a person commits when he talks about everything he hears.”

8- We should make sure that our goals from our speech should be to find the truth. We should not worry about how or who reveals the truth; just make sure that someone reveals the truth in the end.

9- We should refrain from involvement in senseless arguments in which the sole purpose is to put down others and to show superiority: Aimless arguments are signs of misguidance. (We seek refuge with Allah from it). For this reason, the Prophet (S) warned us in an authentic hadith reported by Imam At-Tirmithi, "A people did not get misguided after Allah had guided them, but they were aimlessly argumentative.” Stay away from arguments even if the truth is on your side, so that you can end a pointless argument. The Prophet (S) said in another authentic hadith reported by Imam Abu-Dawud, “I guarantee a house in the surroundings of Paradise for the one who stopped being aimlessly argumentative even if he is right.”

10- We should make our speech simple, clear, and avoid difficult words: There is no reason to use eloquent language or complicated words when no one understands; also, avoid hurtful words that put down others, because the prophet (S.A.W.) hates this kind of talk. The prophet (S.A.W.) said in a fair hadith reported by Imam At-Tirmithi, “The people whom I hate the most and who are the farthest from me on the Day of Judgment are those who talk uselessly, and those who put down others, and those who shows off when they talk.”

11- We should make sure our speech is clear, quiet, and audible enough for others to hear and understand: Sometimes, the Prophet (S) used to repeat important words three times to make sure that it was understood and he used to make his speech simple and easy for everyone to understand.

12- We should make sure our speech is serious and to joke around very sparingly: And if you do decide to be humorous, at least make truthful jokes just like the Prophet (S) used to do.

13- We should avoid interrupting others while they speak and we should listen to what they have to say until they finish their statement: Afterwards, you should comment on what they have said—only if necessary. We should not waste time by repeating or commenting on everything, everyone says.

14- We should talk and debate in a polite manner, avoiding words that hurt, put down, or humiliate others: All messengers ordered this good way of speech. When Allah sent Mousa and his brother Haroun to Pharaoh, he ordered them to speak to him nicely. Allah says in Surat Taha, “And speak to him (Pharaoh) mildly, perhaps he may accept caution or fear Allah.” (Verse: 44) Always remember, you are no better than Mousa and Haroun and the person you are debating with is no worse than Pharaoh.

15- We should not reject what a person says just because their speech is mixed with right and wrong information: Never reject the truth, even if someone has mixed the truth with false details. Sort out the information that is truthful, and disregard what is dishonest or wrong. By doing this, we are establishing justice and fairness that Allah has commanded us to do.

16-We should not give our selves complements nor should we praise or pat ourselves on the backs in front of others: This type of behavior is a sign that a person is arrogant. We should avoid being arrogant, and be humble because Allah forbade us from it in Suratun Najm, “Do not complement yourself, He (Allah) knows best of those who are pious.” (Verse: 32)

After listening to all this advice on how we should conduct our speech and our language, we should think twice before we speak. Furthermore, we should be more careful and remember that there are two angels sitting on our shoulders recording every word we utter. Think about this information and reflect on it the next time you are in a conversation, a debate, or in a meeting with others. By using this etiquette, you will always have fruitful speech.

By: Dr ShaaneKareemi Motiwale.