A Muslim Convert Once Before

بِسۡمِ ٱللهِ ٱلرَّحۡمَـٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ   The following is my answer to a Quora question: “ Is it true that Qur’an serves as a Guide, only for those who fear Allah ( s.w.t. )? ”   This is at the beginning of Surah al-Baqarah:   سُوۡرَةُ البَقَرَة بِسۡمِ ٱللهِ ٱلرَّحۡمَـٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ الٓمٓ (١) ذَٲلِكَ ٱلۡڪِتَـٰبُ لَا رَيۡبَ‌ۛ فِيهِ‌ۛ هُدً۬ى لِّلۡمُتَّقِينَ (٢)   In the Name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful Alif Lam Mim.   This is the Book; in it is Guidance sure, without doubt, to those who have taqwa of Allah. (Surah al-Baqarah1-2)   Now, because most English translations use the word “fear” in place of “ taqwa ”, it creates that impression.   “ Taqwa ” can mean “God-consciousness”, “piety”, “awe”, “caution”, and even “love”, depending on the context of the sentence.   In essence, it is not the sort of “fear” people have in mind.   Rather, it is the quiet awe when one recognises and is made aware of the Divine Majesty, a...

بِسۡمِ ٱللهِ ٱلرَّحۡمَـٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ Some object to the Mawlid because according to them, it fosters the deification of the Prophet Muhammad ( s.a.w. ) due to the people over-exaggerating in praising him, and invoking too many prayers upon him, and that this poses the danger of shirk .  However, the Prophet Muhammad ( s.a.w. ) is known to have encouraged frequent invocations of blessing, swalawat , upon him, as is established in the following hadits :   Sayyidina Abu Mundzir Ubay ibn Ka’b ( r.a. ) said, “O Messenger of Allah, I make much swalawat upon you as a personal habit.  How much of my daily devotions should I devote to you?”   The Prophet ( s.a.w. ) answered, “As much as you like.”   Sayyidina Ubay ( r.a. ) asked, “A quarter?”   The Prophet ( s.a.w. ) answered, “As you like, but if you add to that, it will be better for you.”   Sayyidina Ubay ( r.a. ) then mentioned a third, then a half, then two thirds, and always the Prophet ( s....