Iftar Dinner with Ambassadors in Greece

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On September 1^st, the Muslim Association of Greece (MAG) organised an official iftar dinner at the Lendra Marriott Hotel for the first time. The event began with the arrival of distinguished guests, the necessary introductions and greetings until the time of interruption of fasting.

Main appearances such as the U.S. ambassador, who accepted the invitation of MAG with great pleasure, the ambassador of Iran with the cultural attaché, and many representatives of the embassies of other countries.

The Chief of Police of Attica District Mr. Rahovitsas honoured the event representing the entire leadership of EL.AS, elite group of officers of IPES (Ministry of Internal Affairs), Mr. Giannis Sgouros, and Prefect of Athens, the former Minister Mr. T. Pangalos, and Minister Mr. Dritsas with Professor Mr. Pissias. The Church of Greece was represented by Professor Al. Kariotoglou. Many friends of MAG were also present on such an important night as this.

The evening opened by greetings at the podium by the president of MAG, Naim Elghandour, who welcomed the attendees, wished for a similar next year’s Ramadan meeting, and noted that the sponsors of the event were Greek Muslims. He also announced the conference which is co-organized by MAG for October the 6^th, the theme of which is going to be The Union between Sunni and Shia Muslims with distinguished Shiite and Sunni Imams from Iran and Egypt as key speakers.

Then the U.S. Ambassador Mr. Daniel Speckhard spoke with warm words about the event and the importance of mutual respect and harmonious coexistence. Then Professor Kariotoglou followed by giving greetings on behalf of Archbishop Ieronymos, spoke of the importance of iftar and fasting, the importance of praising and thanking God for what we have and reminded everybody that the real important lesson is to glorify God despite our differences.

Following the time, there was a traditional interruption of fasting with water, milk and dates.  That was followed by the adhan (call to prayer) and the Muslims gathering in an area in the room to offer the Maghreb prayer.

Food and friendly conversation followed. Political debate did not go amiss and the next day national elections were declared for October the 4th. 

It was a successful event, a friendly evening for everyone and even the ambassadors of the United States and Iran exchanged a handshake wishing each other Happy Ramadan. And all appointments were renewed for next Ramadan.

Understand the Quran in 4 minutes

The Quran is not like any other book ever published. For one, it’s the most memorized book on the planet! And two, it’s the only book on the planet without mistakes or editions. Those who are trained in the Arabic language and the tafsir (exegesis) can witness the miraculous nature of the Quran.

But, if you are a novice like me, you might think its formatting or how it switches topics in an apparently random way is a little bizarre. Well, for us novice readers, here’s a breakdown of it in five easy steps:

1. The Quran as a whole

The Quran is a book of answers to life. It comprises of 114 chapters. It speaks about your relationship with God, with yourself and with mankind. It is broken up into two parts:

• information (ex. stories of the past, science, people etc.)
• rulings

2. Index

The second and longest chapter, AlBaqarah, acts as an index for the Quran because it speaks about every main topic in the Quran but in a brief manner. If you study this chapter in depth, you will get a great foundational understanding of the Quran.

3. Table of Contents

The first chapter, AlFatihah, is like the table of contents of the Quran. It only has seven verses and each verse mentions a main theme across the Quran:

• Acknowledging God
• Attributes of God
• Worshiping God
• Guidance
• People who obeyed
• People who disobeyed despite having knowledge
• People who disobeyed but didn’t have knowledge

4. Key phrase

The chapter, AlFatihah, has a verse that is the key phrase you would google to get the jist of the Quran.

ٱهۡدِنَا ٱلصِّرَٲطَ ٱلۡمُسۡتَقِيمَ  

Guide us to the straight path.

The most prominent theme across the Quran is based on this verse because at the end of the day, it’s God who decides if you will enter paradise or hell, not you.

5. Keyword

When you get right down to it, you can summarise the entire Quran in one word: guidance. If you google this into the Quran, you will pinpoint your exact target.

It’s unfortunate though because people are always looking for the magic answers to life, wealth and happiness, and some even pay big bucks to find it. If they only knew it’s all in the Quran.

 

 

Muslims Are Not All Turks! Post-conversion struggles

Οι Μουσουλμανοι δεν ειναι ολοι Τουρκοι! Δοκιμασίες μετά τον ασπασμό στο Ισλάμ

Taqwa-Piety

Christians were on a mission to convert me

Ramadan Timetable for Greece

Our next event: 6th September 2009

I was walking home today when I saw these two Chinese women getting into their car.  I thought to myself that it was different to find at least someone on the street wearing some modest clothes but it was really nice. Just as I finished that thought, they said hi to me and whipped out their Jehovah Witness pamphlets.   I just had to laugh inside because I was about to give them the conversation of their life.

They started with how important the Bible is and that they believe that Jehovah is god and Jesus is the son of god etc. I asked them what their proof is for that and they showed me a verse in the Bible saying explicitly that Jehovah is god.

I smiled, lifted my shoulders and went on offense.  I don’t think they know what hit them. I told them that Muslims believe in the original Bible that was sent to Moses and Jesus, not the tampered copies we have today.

We discussed the lack of preservation of the original Bible and I challenged them to go back to their verse and find it in its original language and book, which obviously would be impossible.

When I asked them what the original language the Bible was revealed in, they said Hebrew, Aramaic and Greek.  But of course, I told them, as a Greek myself, the Bible was not revealed in Greek to Jesus (pbuh) because Jesus was a Jew and didn’t speak Greek. And when I went into detail about Paul, who authored most of the New Testament and didn’t meet Jesus, they started to become confused.

They tried to say that even if translations are not 100% accurate, the general meaning is there. But I then asked them how they knew for certain that even if 90% of it is correct, what is the 10% that is incorrect and what if they verse they showed me about Jehovah being god is the part that has been tampered with.

Then, they asked me a good question.

They said, “Well, how do you know which part of the Bible is correct and which is not.” I replied, “Oh, easy, from the Quran.”  Whatever the Quran confirms, than it’s true in the Bible and whatever the Quran says differently, than the Bible has been tampered with.

And because we know for absolute certain that the Quran was revealed from God and was preserved meticulously word for word, letter for letter and vowel for vowel in its original language, there is no doubt in the message.

Then, I left them with a curve ball.  I told them that if the Bible they were holding was actually the original one revealed by God, than I would certainly follow it.  But the only book from God that is preserved is the Quran. And in the Quran it says that there is no one worthy of worship other than God, the Creator.  So, even if they told me that Jehovah, Jesus, a stone, a stick, a fence is god, I could not accept that.

They left baffled, what can I say.

The Conditions of Tawheed

Source: I Love Allah (fb)

Tawheed is the mother of all obligations. Without it, you cannot be a Muslim and all of your good deeds are ineffective. It is vital for one to understand the pillars and conditions of Tawheed in order to ensure that he/she is a real Muslim. Failure to fulfil any condition or pillar of Tawheed will nullify a person’s Eemaan and Islam, and hence will either be a Mushrik or Murtad (apostate). The conditions of Tawheed are as follows:

1. Al-’Ilm – Knowledge

Allah (swt) says in the Qur’aan: “So know that Laa ilaaha ill-Allah (none has the right to be worshipped but Allah)…” (EMQ Muhammad, 47: 19)

If you testify that there is no ilaah worthy of worship and obedience, you must also know and understand all of Allah’s (swt) attributes and functions or you will become Mushrik.

We are obliged to study, learn and know about Allah (swt); what He likes and dislikes, loves and hates, His names and attributes etc.

You can only testify that which you have knowledge about. Therefore, if someone claims to be a witness, and he is asked about what he has seen, and replies: “I’m not sure”, this person is completely daft as he testifies to something which he has no knowledge of. Similar to this person is the one who testifies the Kalimah, yet he does not understand what it means.

Allah (swt) says: “This (Qur’aan) is a Message for mankind (and a clear proof against them), in order that they may be warned thereby, and that they may know that He is the only One Ilaah (God – Allah) – (none has the right to be worshipped but Allah), and that men of understanding may take heed.” (EMQ Ibraaheem, 14: 52)

2.        Al-Yaqeen – Certainty

Knowledge is not enough, as many kuffaar know about Islam but they do not believe in it nor do they have certainty about it. Allah says: “Only those are the believers who have believed in Allah and His Messenger, and afterwarddoubt not but strive with their wealth and their lives for the cause of Allah…” (EMQ Hujaraat, 49: 15), and the Messenger Muhammad (saw) said: “Whoever testifies that there is no god worthy of worship and obedience but Allah and that I am the Messenger of Allah, without any doubt he will enter Jannah.” (Saheeh Muslim)

3.        3. Al-Qubool – Acceptance

After having knowledge and certainty, you MUST accept. Some people may believe, have knowledge, and have certainty, but may not accept, as it may be too difficult for him or he may not accept out of his own personal desires. Allah (swt) says: “Truly, when it was said to them: ‘Laa ilaaha ill-Allah (none has the right to be worshipped but Allah)’ they puffed themselves up with pride (i.e. denied it).” (EMQ as-Saaffaat, 37: 35)

4.        4. Al-Inqiyaad – Submission

Allah (swt) says: “But nay, by your Lord, they can have no Eemaan, until they make you (Muhammad [saw]) judge in all disputes between them, and find in themselves no resistance against your decisions, and accept (them) with full submission.” (EMQ an-Nisaa’, 4: 65)

Allah (swt) describes those who do not submit to Him as disbelievers, and swears to this by Himself. Having knowledge, certainty and acceptance is not enough; you must also have submission with no haraj (discontent). You must submit to Allah, and all His names and attributes. Allah (swt) also says: “There is no compulsion in the religion. Verily, the right path has become distinct from the wrong path. Whoever disbelieves in Taaghout and believes in Allah, then he has grasped the most trustworthy handhold that will never break (i.e. he will have submission). And Allah is All-Hearer, All-Knower.” (EMQ al-Baqarah, 2: 256)

5.        As-Sidq – Believing

Allah says: “When the hypocrites come to you (saw), they say: ‘We bear witness that you are indeed the Messenger of Allah.’ Allah knows that you are indeed His Messenger and Allah bears witness that the hypocrites are liars indeed.” (EMQ al-Munaafiqoon, 63: 1)

Allah testifies that the Munaafiqoon are liars as they claim to be Muslims but they do not believe. Thus, believing is a condition of Tawheed

6.        6. Al-Ikhlaas – sincerity

Allah says: “And they were commanded not, but that they should sincerely (with Ikhlaas) worship Allah, and worship none but Him Alone (abstaining from ascribing partners to Him), and perform As-Salaat and give Zakaat: and that is the right religion.” (EMQ al-Bayyinah, 98: 5)The Messenger Muhammad (saw) said: “The one who says ‘there is none worthy of worship but Allah and Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah’ seeking sincerelyto see the face of Allah, Allah will forbid him from Hell-fire.” (Al-Bukhaari and Muslim

7. Al-Mahabbah – love

After having knowledge, certainty, acceptance, submission, belief and sincerity; you must also love those whom Allah (swt) tells you to love, and hate those whom He tells you to hate.

Greeks rethought and met each other!

Ramadan Timetable for Greece

Our next event: 6th September 2009

Greeks rethought and met each other!

Apprehensive, nervous, excited.

What was the matter? It was our first on line Paltalk gathering. After furious preparations with announcements, giving and receiving instructions of how to use Paltalk, and a lot more, the moment was here. Now we were actually going to hear and speak to our brothers and sisters who were to attend.

What was crossing my mind?

Is my Internet going to let me down? Am I going to overcome my apprehension and be clear and coherent? And am I going to choke and cough? This is the funny side. Sister Anna Stamou who hosted the event had a lot more to worry about. Being in Andros and having fires burning just across from where she was, was wondering if her power supply would be cut off. We all at the Greeks Rethink and Muslim Association of Greece team were holding our breath.

We were all so excited that the pre-gathering nerves and worries were forgotten. At last.  Face to face and personal.

The gathering started with a short dua recited by Br. Naim Elghadour of MAG, then some simple instructions of the use of Paltalk by Br Amir, introductions and we were ready to start and get close and personal….

Sister Anna made everybody feel relaxed and the conversation was just like a river flowing. Also, sister Iman who was supposed to relax and did not, made everybody feel at ease with an amazing voice of a 17 year old (as she was complimented). Masha Allah.

We did not feel like strangers. We all (and I dare speak on behalf of everybody) felt that we knew each other so well.

We shared our stories and Ramadan experiences in our respective countries of residence. The Ramadan spirit and the relaxed mood made me share confidences and Br. Hayrullah was a marvelous shoulder to cry on and also loads of laugh. So much so that we asked him to host our next gathering coming soon.

I have to say that some of my fears became true. At the crucial point of introducing myself I got disconnected. But Alhamdulillah. It all went well. Till next time. Coming on the 6th September 2009. Please use the link for more information.

Journey to Islam: Maria in Cyprus

My name is Maryam (formally Maria). I was born and brought up in North London and now live in Nicosia with my husband. My husband is Muslim ma sha Allah and I am very proud of him. We were married last year registered hence the (then) different religions, me being Christian Orthodox and he being Muslim.

We went to Morocco to meet his family and took a site seeing tour
of the country. To cut a long story short, whilst driving I missed an exit so I had to drive about 10 minutes more to find the next exit to proceed to Marakkesh.

With us, we had my brother-in-law and their friend. The three were talking and I continued driving until I suddenly saw with my own eyes something which is one of the most incredible and beautiful of Allah’s creations. Allah’s name written crystal clear in the clouds.

Remember, I was Christian and knew absolutely nothing of signs of Allah or anything to do with Islam, but seeing the clouds opened me up deeply and alone I realised what I was seeing. To make sure, I said to my husband to see what I was pointing at and he confirmed it. So beautiful. When we arrived at his family’s home after a few days touring he told them what I had seen and they too said it was a sign. That is how I took it. A SIGN.

After returning to Cyprus, I started to read more into Islam, the miracles, the videos of debates between Ahmed Deedat and Christian priests, and then I realised that I was taking Islam more into my heart day by day. Even from the beginning when my husband was praying salat five times a day, I would try to take a peek into how he prayed and what he recited, fixing the salawat for him and memorising surah Al-Fatihah.

I asked him how one becomes Muslim and he told me that firstly you must believe that Allah is alone and has no partners, sons, mother or father, that the Prophet Muhammed (pbuh) is Allah’s messenger, prophet and slave and that Jesus is a prophet and NOT THE SON OF GOD. Of course, being brought up in a Christian Orthodox religion it is quite hard to take this all in since I was not taught anything but Christianism (even when I use to go Greek school it was in a church).

Slowly, slowly, I started to read more into Islam, asking my husband questions and remembering what I saw in Morocco. My husband started to have dreams about me and Islam and he would tell me the following morning. That, for me, was it… I wanted to be a Muslimah in sha Allah.

So after learning finally the truth about Islam, I learned the shahada and one glorious day put my hand on the Holy Qu’ran and said the words Ashadu ana la ilaha illallah wa Muhammadin abduhu wa rasulllullah.

There it was…. I became a Muslimah…. ALHAMDU LILAH… Then my husband taught me how to do my wudu and we started praying salat together. ALHAMDU LILAH.

Also, my husband had a beautiful dream about me and Islam. One night he said goodnight to me but instead of me answering good night, all I heard myself say was, ”Please don’t say anything to me as I am praying,” and I was. I reciting Al-Fatihah until I closed my eyes and slept. I really didn’t realize to be honest what had happened that night until he explained to me the following morning.

Yet, after being a Muslimah for a year now, my parents do not know. I know how it will affect them and am too scared to face them. I know they will not accept me and I love them so much. Even though my mother has realised a big change in me since I don’t wear my cross anymore from when I was christened and since I don’t enter the church. If I do for a funeral or wedding I cannot stay for long and try to find an excuse to leave. I simply cannot enter it.

I will never regret converting. Allah answer’s my prayers and I feel a warm presence of angels surrounding me when I read Qu’ran, recite even a little of the surahs. I know and try as a good Muslimah to commit myself to completing the five pillars of Islam. In sha Allah, when we have enough money, we will do Hajj.

May Allah’s peace and blessing be upon everyone and your families.

Maryam

Notes:

Ma sha Allah – Allah wills it
Salah – prayer
Salawat – prayers
Surah – chapter
Al-Fatihah – The Opening
Pbuh- peace be upon him
Muslima – Muslim woman
Shahadah – the statement you recite to become Muslim:
Ashadu ana la ilaha illallah wa Muhammadin abduhu wa rasulllullah.
There is no object worthy of worship except Allah and Muhammad is His slave and messenger.
In sha Allah – if Allah wills
Alhamdu lillah – all praise is to Allah

Jihad: my post-conversion struggle

Ramadan 2009 Timetable for Greece

Jihad: my post-conversion struggle

By Adam Christodoulou

Read in Greek

Everyone, non-Muslim or Muslim goes through personal struggles throughout their life. These struggles in Islam are know as jihad. Allah (swt) has designed these jihad for us to test our faith. As we go through these jihads, we have to remain steady in our love for Allah (swt) and Islam.  Today, I want share a personal jihad with you that I went through recently.

A week ago, my wife and I were walking down the street talking about how we miss alcohol. Then, I was thinking to myself, why don’t we buy some liquor for tonight and only tonight? I told my wife that we are going to the store to buy alcohol.

She was like “Ok, we’ll need to buy some after a rough day at work and school.” I am like, “I agree. We need some, however, we will only drink tonight.” She replied, “Ok, let’s do it.” We head towards the store.

Meanwhile, in my head the good was fighting the evil. The good side was saying, “Adam, Allah is watching you. Alcohol is haram you can go to hellfire.” The evil side was saying, “Adam Allah will forgive you. He will understand”.  I saw the store and told my wife we can’t do this. We are Muslim and we can’t drink. Al hamduillah, we come through this alhamdu lillah. We walk away from the store Alhamdu lillah.

During the same week we went through another challenge (jihad). My wife wanted to take off the hijab and I was going to go back to the Roman Catholic faith. During that week, we were having religious problems with my family in Greece and personal problems as well.

I just reached my limits with all the problems so I thought to solve all my problems and decided on a solution to go back to the Roman Catholic faith. However, my Muslim side of me told before I do this, I will reach out to all my Muslims brothers and sisters, Greek or not.

Alhamdu lillah, I reached out to all the Muslim brothers and sisters by posting “Leaving Islam?” on facebook as my status. Afterwards, a got more than a dozen message and emails from Greek Muslims and Muslims across the world alhamdu lillah. I felt that I had the support that I need, however, the local support was smaller and more difficult to find. Khair it’s all good.  After emailing sisters and brothers and talking to them over the phone we got through the jihad. The most important thing that I did was I turned to Allah (swt) and ask for his forgiveness and his support. Alhamdu lillah it arrived. We are proud Muslims.

Jihads will always come at us at the worst time of our lives, however, if we turn to Allah (swt) inshallah we will get through the jihad. In addition, we can also turn to our brothers and sisters for support. We are here for each other and we all go through the same struggles. Whether it is the wearing the hijab, drinking or other haram acts. We need to stay on the right path for the love of Allah (swt).

Adam Christodoulou

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Note: Jihad literally means struggle and the best struggle is conquering personal struggles within yourself.

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