The Messenger

Below is the view of the people at 'Free-Minds' when it comes down to the issue of 'messengers':

1. Is the messenger a mere ¡®post-man¡¯?.

¡°Even if we sent down to them a physical book, written on paper, and they touched it with their hands, those who disbelieved would have said, "This is no more than clever magic." (Quran 6:7)

The above verse clearly shows us that had GOD revealed a book straight from the sky, this would not have helped those who did not wish to believe.

Therefore, it was GOD¡¯s plan that a messenger delivers the book to the people over a set period of time that they may study and understand it.

¡°A Quran that we have separated, in order that it may be understood by the people over a long period, although we sent it down all at once.¡± (Quran 17:106)

2. What was the role of the messenger?.

"Say, "I am not different from other messengers. I have no idea what will happen to me or to you. I only follow what is revealed to me. I am no more than a profound warner." (Quran 46:9)

It is GOD's system on Earth "sunna" that He constantly sends messengers to warn and save communities before they annihilate themselves by following other than GOD's perfect religion.

The role of the last Prophet of Islam was to also 'warn' his community as well as the world:

"We thus reveal to you an Arabic Quran to warn the mother of communities and all around it, and to warn about the Day of Summoning that is inevitable. Some will end up in Heaven, and some in Hell." (Quran 42:7)

It is this very 'message' that has now reached over 1 billion human beings to save their very souls!.

Yet, even though this difficult and profound message has reached all these people, most are still claiming that this is not what the messenger delivered, and that we should follow his example!.

¡°The messenger of GOD has set up a good example for those among you who seek GOD and the Last Day, and constantly think about GOD.¡± (Quran 33:21)

The courage, patience, devotion, and love of GOD that the messenger displayed are all exemplary examples for us to follow.

The messenger faced a terrifying challenge in delivering GOD¡¯s words to a people who were accustomed to a way of life and traditions, which contradicted the very system of GOD. It was this sole messenger that stood in the face of overwhelming odds, continued to have faith and patience, and always knew that he must serve GOD Alone, even if all the odds were telling him otherwise.

¡°Do you expect to enter Paradise without being tested like those before you? They were tested with hardship and adversity, and were shaken up, until the messenger and those who believed with him said, "Where is GOD's victory?" GOD's victory is near.¡± (Quran 2:214)

The Quran not only contains the laws of GOD, but it also contains the beautiful examples of the prophet¡¦

- His dealing with the idol worshippers;
- His compassion towards the believers (3:31);
- His love and constant remembered of GOD (33:21);
- His human fear of failing (2:214);
- His dealing with his wives rebellion;
- His dealing with his adopted son¡¯s problems (33:27);
- His weakness in paying attention to the rich and powerful (80:1-12);

All these and many more examples are contained within the precious book that GOD has honored. His, is like the exemplary example of Abraham with the idol worshippers:

¡°A good example has been set for you by Abraham and those with him. They said to their people, "We disown you and the idols that you worship besides GOD. We denounce you, and you will see nothing from us except animosity and hatred until you believe in GOD ALONE¡¦¡± (Quran 60:4)

The life of the messenger gives us frail humans HOPE that it is indeed possible to live the way of GOD (as described in the Quran) and to uphold His covenant in light of all adversity¡¦

Without the messenger¡¯s example, we may not even had bothered to read or study the Quran for fear that it was an ¡®impractical¡¯ book which assumed too much of a fictional utopian society.

3. Do we follow the messenger?.

¡°The messenger said, "My Lord, my people have deserted this Quran." (Quran 25:30)

What else did you see on this website but the very ¡®message¡¯ that the messenger delivered?.

Our entire site, as well as our very lives have been transformed by the splendor, fairness and beauty of the Quran. We will not allow the messenger¡¯s work to go in vain, nor will we allow ourselves to ¡®desert¡¯ the Quran that he delivered.

Once a person understands the words of GOD, then he/she is responsible to live that life and uphold the covenant with GOD as did Lot once he heard the message delivered by Abraham:

¡°Lot believed with him and said, "I am emigrating to my Lord. He is the Almighty, the Most Wise." (Quran 29:26)

4. Do we respect the messenger?.

¡°Surely, those who lower their voices at the messenger of GOD are the ones whose hearts are prepared by GOD to become righteous. They have deserved forgiveness and a great recompense.¡± (Quran 49:3)

None of us hear will ever blaspheme the message of the Quran, nor would we allow any such thing to occur with our knowledge or presence.

It is this respect of the ¡®word of GOD¡¯ that the messenger himself delivered which shows our respect and devotion to him.

¡°He has instructed you in the scripture that: if you hear GOD's revelations being mocked and ridiculed, you shall not sit with them, unless they delve into another subject. Otherwise, you will be as guilty as they are. GOD will gather the hypocrites and the disbelievers together in Hell.¡± (Quran 4:140)

5. Do we love the messenger?.

¡°Some people set up others to rival GOD, and love them as they love GOD. Those who believe love GOD the most. If only the transgressors could see themselves when they see the retribution! They will realize then that all power belongs to GOD alone, and that GOD's retribution is awesome.¡± (Quran 2:165)

What else is left for us to say?.

We respect and follow the messenger by upholding that which he delivered, but as for our love¡¦There is only ONE who is worthy of absolute love.

The One who initiated the heavens and the earth, the One who created life and death, the One who¡¯s hand guides the hearts of those who believe¡¦

¡°Is One who creates like one who does not create? Would you now take heed?¡± (Quran 16:17)

How can we even dare to love any other than GOD?

¡°If you count GOD's blessings, you cannot possibly encompass them. GOD is Forgiver, Most Merciful.¡± (Quran 16:18)

Stay with GOD...there can never be anywhere else to go, but to Him.