RAMADAN 2004 - The 9th Day

 

Because those who do not believe in Allah think their lives are limited to the life of the world, they feel no need to make preparations for the everlasting existence they will lead in the next world. They do not reflect upon the way they behave, what good they do during their lifetimes, or what end they are approaching. In fact, every act, every word and every thought is recorded, and with these each will be reminded on the Day of Judgment. Every good and wise word uttered will be to a person's benefit in the afterlife, helping that person to gain Allah's approval, His mercy and His Paradise.

 

While those who do not ponder about the afterlife waste their time by faltering into empty words and embroidering them into conversations which are of no use to themselves or anyone else, the faithful pass every moment of their time in beneficial and wise conversation.

In the Qur'an, we are told about those who forget about the afterlife by wasting their words the following manner: "... Then leave them in their empty discourse, amusing themselves." (Surat al-An'am: 91)

 

The Muslims' careful avoidance of empty and useless words is expressed in another verse:

 

 

As to what words are empty and vain, Muslims use the Qur'an as their measure. Because they know that every moment they spend in the life of this world is dear, with regards to determining their lot in the afterlife, they take great care in order to avoid empty words by always first referring to their conscience. In a verse of the Qur'an, we are told that when they hear empty words they pass by honorably: "Those who do not bear false witness and who, when they pass by worthless talk, pass by with dignity" (Surat al-Furqan: 72)

 

(For further reference, please see, Muslim Way of Speaking, by Harun Yahya)

 

 

(For further reference, please see, Names of Allah, by Harun Yahya)

 

 

The Qur'an classifies those people who refuse to worship Allah, despite being reminded by His signs, as "those who do wrong," as follows:

 

 

Among the most significant signs of the erroneous path taken by these people is their inability to be grateful to Allah for His innumerable gifts and favors, as well as their lack of reflection on their weakness before His greatness. Besides drawing themselves to Hell by means of their erroneous character, they also call other people to the same evil conduct. Preventing others from living by the religion, they lead them to a great punishment both in this world and in the Hereafter. This is why Allah warns against following such people: "Do not rely on those who do wrong, thus causing the Fire to afflict you, for you have no protector besides Allah. Then you will not be helped." (Surah Hud, 113)

 

 

No, because people are considered believers only if they verbally affirm their belief and then live according to it and call others to follow Allah's commands. According to the Qur'an, the believers have the following attributes:

 

They pay constant attention to living by the values of religion, sacrifice their personal benefits for the common benefits of religion, overcome the selfish passions of their own souls, pardon others, control their rage and are moderate in their behavior, sacrifice for others even when they are in need, spend their wealth in the way of Allah, are steadfast, convey the message of Islam to spread the religion, remember Allah constantly, perform the prayers meticulously, control their temper even when faced with injustice, are just, and who make sincere efforts in many other such matters.

 

None of these actions can be fulfilled only by speaking. In other words, it makes no sense to say: "I am doing my best" when no actual effort is being made, or to say: "I will spend my wealth when necessary" and then not doing so. Accordingly, even though saying "I am a Muslim" may be the first step in becoming one of the faithful, it will become true faith only when the person sincerely adheres to Allah's commands to the best of his or her ability. This is explained in the Qur'an, as follows:

 

(For further reference, please see, Quick Grasp of Faith 1, 2, 3 by Harun Yahya)

 

 

 

Although today there are no states that call themselves fascist or who practice it openly, there are, nevertheless, in many countries in the world, governments, political groups and parties who follow fascistic policies. Though the names and tactics have changed, they continue to inflict similar suffering on their people. There is also a possibility that the coming deterioration of social conditions could lead to further growth in the support for fascism. For that reason, fascism is a continuing threat to humanity.

 

This book has been written to confront this impending danger. It is intended to expose fascist tendencies that arise under various methods and forms, and to reveal their true root and aim. Another goal of this book is to remove the "religious" facade that fascism sometimes hides behind, and to reveal it as a system completely opposed to true religion.

 

In order to cure a sickness, it is first necessary to identify the virus that causes it, to then fight it, and find an antidote to it. In this way, the conditions that enable it to thrive can be eliminated, thus doing away with the sickness itself. In a similar manner, to be free of the horror of "fascism," one must fight its ideological basis and the influences that aid it in its growth. The fundamental principle behind fascism today is Darwinism, which is deceptively portrayed as a scientific theory although it is not. Nevertheless, Darwinism, which professes such claims as "human beings are developed animals," "Some races have been left behind in the evolutionary process," and "through survival of the fittest, the strong survive and the weak need be eliminated," has been the source of numerous harmful ideologies throughout the 20th century, and, especially, fascism. Therefore, Darwinism bears much of the responsibility for the oppression and violence that has been brought about.