Answers to Harsh Questions & Attacks On Islam by Former U.S. Chaplain - Yusuf Estes |
Everything You Need To Know - But Were Afraid To Ask |
"HOW TO: Answer Harsh Questions on Islam"
- by yusuf estes
This article prepares Muslims with the "HOW TO" for answering harsh questions about Islam - like these:
"Why do you pray to a black box in the desert?" - "Why can men marry four wives?" - "Jesus Preached Peace - But Islam Spread by the Sword" - "Arranged Marriages?" - "The Quran is Just a Copy of an Old Bible" - "Oppressing Women?" - "Muslims Worship the Moon God" - "Does Quran Say Kill Jews & Christians?" - and many more . . .
You as a Muslim, immediately know these questions are not right. We do not worship a box in the desert; We are forbidden to harm our wives or anyone else for that matter; We do not preach violence or hatred; And Islam is against all oppression and aggression - but "HOW" do we prepare to give proper answers to these questions?
We asked Yusuf Estes, former Christian, former national chaplain and delegate to U.N. Peace Conference, and one of many successful callers to Islam about this subject.
Here is what he said. . .
Muslims everywhere are being asked difficult and harsh questions about Islam, Muslims, Quran, Muhammad (peace be upon him), jihad, fasting, pilgrimmage and the list goes on.
We want to know - "What is the best way to answer them?"For this reason we would like to offer a method that has been very effective in the area of dawah (sharing and inviting to the truth of Islam).
Many of those who are most successful in presenting the best picture and helping others to overcome stereo typing and even entering into Islam themselves use the following techniques or something similar to them.
It should be noted that this is also in line with the teachings of the Quran and the prophet, peace be upon him, for assimilating and sharing the messsage of Islam.
"Laa elaha illa lah, Muhammadan rasoolulah" (There is none worthy to be worshipped except the One Almighty God and Muhammad is the last messenger and prophet of Almighty God).
This is how we begin to answer "Harsh Questions"
FIRST - "Thank you for your question"
Before we begin to offer information we have to be prepared for the discussion. Here are some important points to keep in mind and these should be used when you are answering questions about Islam:
Tell them that we are pleased they are asking about Islam.
Say, "Thank you for asking me about my religion"
As simple as that. We should always begin with anytime someone gives us a question about our faith.
A. - Be kind and gentle with them and keep in mind, they don't really know about real Islam, only what they have heard from enemies of Islam and the media. Take it slow and easy, smile and say,
"Thank you for asking me about my religion"
B. - Tell them about the "Truth & Proof of Islam":
Tell them two important things about our religion:
Islam is based on two very important principles: 1st - Truth. We cannot lie, if we do we might go to Hell forever; and 2nd - Proof. Everything about Islam is preserved and can easily be found to verify what ever is being said about Islam. The Quran still exists in the original language (Arabic) and all of the teachings of Muhammad, peace be upon him, are not only preserved, but also categorized as to levels of authenticity - something never done before the advent of Islam." "As Muslims, we cannot lie about anything, especially about our religion."
* "We have original recorded sources of our religion."
The two sources in Islam are:
1. The Quran [click]
2. Teachings of Muhammad [click]
C. - Say to them,
"Before trying to answer any specific question, it is best to first begin with Basics Of Islam [Click]
Then - Explain to them, sometimes "questions" contain misinformation.
"We must qualify what it is that someone is saying against what they are implying. We will need to straighten out the questions before giving answers."
Now - Ask them;
"If during the answer, you hear yourself saying, "I didn't know that" or "This is something good," then are you ready to worship your God and your Lord without and partners?
Finally Say;
"This what Islam is really all about. The most important subject is the worship of Almighty God, without any partners or associates or "gods" besides Almighty God."
After going through the above steps we are much better prepared to share the correct answers about Islam.
THAT IS "HOW TO ANSWER" - Now read: "EZ ANSWERS TO HARSH QUESTIONS" [click here]
ANSWERS For HARSH QUESTIONS ON ISLAM
- List Any Harsh Attack or Question you heard against Islam
- Let's see if Yusuf Estes can answer it - Go Ahead - Make His Day
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