Islam, in the eyes of non-muslims

Islam in the eyes of Non-Muslims

NED University of Engineering and Technology, Karachi

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Abstract:

This article describes briefly about “perspectives of Non-Muslims

about Islam”. This article seeks to demonstrate that what people think

about Islam, about its importance and how they attracted to Islam. In

this article, some quotes of great and famous Non-Muslim personalities

are included as well as some articles are also included written by some

Non-Muslim writers. This article explores the great lengths that Muslim

converts go to in order to avoid criticism from their Non-Muslim fellows

and family. This article also seeks to comprehend that Non-Muslims

also know that Islam is a religion of peace and their honorable leaders

and unbiased scholars accept the fact that Islam is the religion of

peace, tranquility and intellect. In this article it is also shown that Islam

has begun to unfold its genuineness to the modern scholars whose bold

and objective observations on Islam falsified all the charges leveled

against it by unbiased orientalists. This clause also lets in some common

people thoughts about Islam. I am writing to express my gratitude for

my religion, Religion of peace, and consideration in support of Islam.



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Since the advent of Islam, there is no period in which rant and

raves, arguments and clandestine plots were not made against Islam. Enemies of

Islam left no stone unturned to blemish the true and clear picture of Islam. They

attacked on Islamic laws and teachings, social, political, economic, individual and

collective life of Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H).In short, enemies attacked Islam from all

possible aspects.

During early days of advent of Islam, many notable fatuous enemies like Abu Jahl,

Utba, Abu lahab, Sheeba, Umayya bin Khalaf etc tried to impede the spread of

Islam with power .They urged Holy Prophet Muhammad S.A.W.W to say good

bye to preaching of Islam with every possible measure they could use but all in

vain .Its not the end of story as during reign of Halaku Khan, Changez khan and

Ta’taaris massacre of Muslims was part and parcel of day. Nowadays, some insane

writers like Swami Shraddha nand, Salman Rushdia Taslima Nasreen, show their

hostility to Islam by writing unauthentic books and columns on Islam. They sole

purpose is to brainwash and introduce new aspects of Islam in front of new

generation with no authentic background. Their ultimate aim is to make Muslims

abhor to their religion and Islamic teachings.

They want to make Muslims stand against the teachings of Islam, they are

compelling Muslims to consider and believe that all the educational activities of

Islam are based upon abuses and brutality. Today, many of us are diverting our life

tracks coupled with the serious questions about the teachings of Islam and Holy

prophet (P.B.U.H). Some Non-Muslims and so called Muslims by names make

clandestine plots and are desirous to create chaos among Muslims. In reality, when

a person studies Islam and Qur’an by heart to uncover the hidden truth then he

estimates the reality of Islam, Qur’an and life-that is peace and truth. Truth in



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sense is that Islam is the only true religion and the Qur’an is the only reliable guide

to lead us to the erroneous life track in this world and also for the world hereafter.

What is Islam?

Islam is a Global and the Universal religion. In every period, it has

been proved by factual evidences, arguments and proofs that Islam is the universal

and true religion. Globalization is a main reason of Islam by which it is known as

Universal Religion, in which there is no conflict between rich and poor, King and

labor, president and public.In addition to this,no notion of racial discrimination,

nationalism and empire delimiter exists there. It goes beyond the political

boundaries of nations as every Muslim is a brother of another Muslim in true

spirits of Islam,regardless of the differences between color, creed and race. All

Muslims are equal and no one is superior to other. Islam has enormous scope,

deepness and broad connotation in itself. Despite all, some of the so-called Islamic

leaders divided it to gain personal benefits. Origin of opposing school of thoughts

coupled with sectarian conflicts has damaged the true image of Islam and its

globalization.

Nowadays, evil forces relate Islam and terrorism and present Islam as a terrorist

religion, It is against of reality. No doubt, Interior and exterior of Islamic structure

and infrastructure is quite safe from extremism, terrorism and violence, that’s why

Islam is a peaceful, loving, harmonious, nature compatible and full natural

phenomena. Its soft policies, respect for humanity and on the basis of those

considerations and procedures in which human rights are protected, is called

Religion of Humanity. History of Islam is full of respect of humanity and



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protection of human rights. Islam is based upon the Qur’an and Hadith and

opposes every kind of terrorism, violence and harassment, and who did anyone of

this, Islam calls him guilty and convicted according to Sharayi rules. Islam is a

religion in which humanity and ethics are taught, where respect for humanity is

taught. There is neither a concept of extremism, terrorism, molestation, violence

and illegal things in Islam nor it supports. Rather, Islam has a great and huge

lesson on Rights and security of humans and humanity, ethical behavior, peace and

love in every field. Islam gives rights to everyone, rights of ALLAH, Rights of

neighbors, Rights of peoples, Rights of Parents, Rights of children, Rights of

women, rights of teachers, Rights of weak and old, the rights of the traveling

companion, the rights of the Muslims, the rights of the husband and wife, rights of

animals, so that Islam is complete religion and covered all kinds of things which

occurred in life. Here some other rights are observed, which presented by Islam:

The Step-mother: Since she is an associate of your father, and we have been

commanded to be kind and favorable to our parents' associates, the stepmother,

therefore, also receives certain rights over you.

The elder brother: In the light of the Hadith, the elder brother is similar to one's

father. From this we can infer that the younger brother is similar to one's kids.

Grounded on this, they will have rights similar to those of parents and kids. The

elder sister and the younger sister should also be handled in the same way.

Relatives: If any of your blood relatives is in need and is unable to earn, help him

out with his expenses according to your financial situation. Go and meet them

occasionally. Do not cutoff relations with them. In fact, even if they cause you

harm, it will be best for you to exercise forbearance.



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The In-laws: In the Quran, Allah Ta'ala has mentioned the in-laws together with

one's lineage. We learn from this that the father-in-law, mother-in-law, wife's

brother, sister's husband, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, the previous children of the

wife, the previous children of the husband - all of these have certain rights. So, you

have to be more considerate to them as opposed to others.

If I advocate Islam people may accuse me of blowing my own trumpet so here I

am giving some mind-blowing sayings of non Muslims who had an innate

enviousness for Islam but their unbiased study of Islam led them to discover that

Islamic law is binding on all from the crowned head to the meanest subject,

interwoven with a system of wisest, the most learned and the most enlightened

jurisprudence that ever existed in the world They were greatly impressed by the

noble character and attributes of Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) and thus joined the

vast Islamic brotherhood by converting to Islam. Not only had this that they

convert but they also given strong arguments supporting Islam against the hostile

criticism. Here is the point of views of

Jemima Goldsmith (ex-wife of Imran Khan):

“Thanks to ALLAH that even before converting to Islam I don’t have

faith in Trinity and believe in the oneness of God. Therefore, when I

read about ALLAH (the one), my mind accepted the verity and

truthfulness of Islam. Islam is a complete code of life and guide us

how to conduct all human activities in a sound and wholesome

manner. We find instructions regarding all aspects of life, whether

it is political or social and it guides us even in the etiquettes of

using bathrooms’’

Aminaa Likhaai (America):

“Islam is an all embracing way of life which forces on the purity of

human life whether it is on individual or general level. Islam



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honored women in society by elevating them and protected them

with unprecedented rights, while in western world women are

considered as a tool for marketing and advertisement purpose.

Islam doesn’t allow the exploitation of women. Neither it is

permitted to sell off a women nor Islam grant anyone the right to

humiliate her”.

Mario lazeesni (Poland):

“The complicated theology of Christians that God is a trinity of

persons: the father, the son, and the Holy Spirit exasperated me

which led to my hatred towards Christianity. Then my curiosity to

know the truth finally converts me into a Muslimah. The Holy

Quran inspired me a lot”.

Arika sefert –Student- University of Berlin:

“The abhorrence towards the civilization which propagate vulgarity

in society and claiming to modernize human being urged me to

study Islamic literature which ultimately led me to Islam. Islam is

the most complete religion. Especially it respects women and

provides protection to children and women”.

Merry Colony (Australia):

“I was addicted to reading. This addiction developed my interest in

reading the Quran. A careful perusal of surah maryum corrected

my viewpoint about Maryum(A.S). The Quran, the literary and

linguistic miracle and its truthfulness converted me to Islam.

Alhamdulillah! Now I am a Muslim and there is a big difference in

my lifestyle. I am happy and okay with it and it spiritually gives me

tranquility and calmness which do not exist in any other religion of

the world”.

Mr. Greg Noah (America):

“When someone leaves his parent’s religion and embrace Islam

people ask the reason behind it. In my humble opinion, asking

questions like this reduce the beauty and elegance of Islam.

However, there were three reasons behind my acceptance of Islam



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(1) The concept of hereafter (2) attaining proximity to ALLAH

without any churchman (3) Quran has not been modified even

after many centuries”.

Miss Sooraya (A revert of Eastern university America):

“It is a false concept that Islam oppresses women. The supporters

of this notion are fully unaware of the teachings of Islam. Islam

gave women the right to education, to marry someone of their

choice, to work and to participate in civic and political

engagement. Islam raised the status of women in society to one of

dignity, esteem and privilege”.

Mr. Abdullah adyaar (former editor daily Narotum Nagar):

Wrote about Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.W)

“He was the most faithful protector of those he protected, the most sweetly and the

kindest, sent by God, who destroyed the tyrant sultanate of Rome, bear the hardships

and criticism from Makkans. The thought of his pain burst me into tears. He was a

great man by nature who has not educated in a school nor nurtured by a teacher as

he was not in need of any of this. No doubt Muslims are the luckiest in this regard”

Dr. Leila Ayesha Abdullah (India):

citizen of Bangalore says about Islam:

“I am impressed by the simplicity and harmony in prayers of

Muslims. Whoever recites “kalma” enters into the universal

brotherhood of Islam irrespective of the race, caste and creed. The

only criterion for superiority is righteousness and piety. Before

Islam I cannot meet a Brahmin because I was not a Brahmin

despite the fact that I was a medical graduate”.

Dr. Michael.H.hart (A famous journalist of great Britain):

“My choice of Muhammad to lead the list of the world’s most

influential persons may surprise some readers and may be

questioned by others, but he was the only man in history who was

supremely successful on both the religious and secular levels. Of

humble origins, Muhammad (S.A.W) founded and promulgated

one of the world’s greatest religions and became an immensely



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effective political leader. Today, thirteen centuries after his death,

his influence is still powerful and pervasive”.

Hence we conclude that Islam is a religion of ease and simplicity and addresses all

centuries and all people; its principles meet all needs of humanity. It teaches

tolerance not hatred; universal brotherhood not enmity, peace and not violence. It

is perfect there is nothing to be added or changed. Islam abolished and eliminated

the class differences and inequalities and introduced the concept of piety that

people had no difference in terms of caste, creed and color. Judaism gives

importance to bodily pleasures. Christians and Hindus gives importance to the

development of spirit, weakening desires of the soul by inflicting pain the body

and neglecting worldly life. In contrast Islam establishes a balance between the

spirit and the body, the world and the hereafter. Islam gives women equal rights.

Islam is a religion of ethics and virtues and it is the guard of science, knowledge

and truth. Similarly no other reformer in recorded history has reformed the nation

as much as Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) did. World’s famous personalities cannot

compete with Muhammad (S.A.W) no matter if it is Karl Marx or Leo Tolstoy,

Russo or Abraham Lincoln. He changed the notoriously backward and uncivilized

Arabs into a civilized nation. He was remarkably successful in removing deep-

rooted societal vices and bare-faced immorality. Gambling and disrespect of

women were also eradicated. The war loving people of the Arabian Peninsula

became peace loving people and were more united than ever before. The noble

character of Muhammad (S.A.W) and the teachings of Quran made Islam the most

rapidly expanding religion in world. Islam’s rapid expansion, unequaled by any

other religion was due to its religious content and values and many unbiased and

non-prejudiced non-Muslims accepted this reality. When all the facts are brought

together, they reveal that there is a strong movement toward Islam in many western



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countries and Islam is becoming an important topic of people interest. These

developments indicate that the world is moving toward a new era in which Islam

will gain importance and the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) will spread

like a rising tide. Insha’Allah!

Now I want to share some Non-Muslims’ comments on Islam and different orders

of Islam:

Marjorie Robertson:

(Teacher and freelancer writer-USA)

In United States, A group of young women from the Muslim Student Association

were speaking quietly to passing women. Marjorie stopped to ask what they were

doing. They told her that non-Muslim women were being given the opportunity to

wear a hijab for 24 hours to experience what Muslim women experience. In the

end, the women could keep the beautiful scarves.

She has a sister, who converted to Islam while a graduate student at the University

of Wisconsin-Milwaukee 18 years ago. To be sure, her sister adjusted her physical

activities, but changed in her increased faith in God and determination to live life

on her own terms.

Marjorie decided to “Take the Hijab Challenge” as a way to identify with her sister

in a new way and to come to peace with any lingering tension she still felt with her

sister when in public. Part of taking the challenge included signing an agreement

basically stating that she would wear modest clothing and behave toward others

with respect. A handout was also given on what the hijab means to Muslim

women—that it is a personal decision between a woman and God, a sign of the

respect that must be given to a woman wearing one and ultimately the prevention

http://www.onislam.net/english/back-to-religion/customizing-religion/451710-a-christian-in-hijab.html#authordes



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of objectification. The handout also noted that the custom of covering one’s head is

practiced in different forms in many cultures. It all made perfect sense to her.

She chose a scarf—a soft, large-weave cloth in purple—and took a picture of it

being adjusted and fitted properly until finally, with the scarf in place, shades on,

big smile on her face, the deed was done.

She entered onto a path with innocence and curiosity, unaware and unafraid of

what was to come.

She felt a growing joy at seeing other women wearing hijab for a day—

recognizable for the purple or turquoise options from the booth—and an

overwhelming sense of belonging. They smiled and waved to each other across the

courtyard apparently elated at what they saw.

While standing in line to get lunch, a woman who appeared to be her age grinned

when she saw her. It’s an experiment, she told her. It’s beautiful, she said.

While some people stared, most casually glanced and looked away. Women were

the most likely to stare. Men barely gave her a second look. One young woman

approached her from behind and asked why so many women were wearing

headscarves, and she told her. Oh, she said and shrugged. Her reaction was most

common—it did not seem to matter to most young people what she had on her

head and why. The bit of extra attention, however, did make me feel

uncomfortable.

She told her colleague that she was taking the challenge and asked, jokingly,

whether he thought she’d be fired. His deadpan reply shocked her into silence. As

she walked, she wondered and considered the situations Muslim women face



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perhaps daily in the United States in a culture where a headscarf is not the norm

(perhaps beyond her grasp).

Why Hijab!

In graduate school in the late 1980s, she studied immigration issues and read the

Qur’an, trying to better understand the current European social issues. At that time

she interpreted wearing hijab, covering the hair and neck, as a religion forcing

women to be responsible for the weaknesses of men, which seemed unfair.

Her view has since shifted. Although she admit that the Burqa, which appears to

reflect a loss of identity and existence, makes her uncomfortable, there are far

greater challenges in the world and in her own culture that show blatant disrespect

for women that result in suffering and in some cases violence.

At her office, some male colleagues were openly pleased and encouraged her,

saying it looked nice and was an interesting experiment. They spoke of students

who wore hijab and Burqa in their classrooms. Later, she made copies of the

handout for a few people in the office who’d asked to read it.

At the end of the day she most remembered the willingness of the young Muslim

university women to stand at a booth and call to women over all the noise to come

over and consider this piece of fabric, to try, just try something perhaps they’d

wondered about, just as she had.

She sent scarf to her sister as a birthday gift; although her sister does not celebrate

birthdays, she accepts. One night on the phone her sister surprised her by asking

whether she’d given up anything for Lent (a custom followed to show faith and

understanding of Christ’s suffering). All she could say was that it had always been



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and still is a more contemplative time for her, one of growing happiness, not of

hardship. Her sister agreed, saying she’d always liked Lent for that reason before

becoming Muslim.

Later she realized that during the holy Christian time of Lent, it turned out that

she had given something up in a small way—the shoulds and should nots, the will

and will nots, the can and cannots—those things that trap her in her thinking about

herself and others.

It is just a scarf and not just a scarf. She may never fully understand this, but have

had a taste of what it means to wear one.

Rev. Wayne Lavender: Qur’an for peace

(American Pastor’s initiative)

Rev. Wayne Lavender, Ph.D. is a United Methodist pastor and Executive Director of

Passing the Peace, an organization whose mission is to create a world of peace and justice.

He is a man of faith. He has been a Christian pastor for 25 years in the United

Methodist Church. It is out of this deep commitment to the principles of his faith

that he felt he needed to do something - anything - in response to the potential hate

crime that was going to be perpetrated by a church, the Dove World Outreach

Center, in Gainesville, Florida, on 11th September.

Despite the fact that authorities for the city of Gainesville denied a permit for the

event, saying that open burnings of books are not allowed in the city, Pastor Terry

Jones had promised to burn copies of the Qur'an in the parking lot of his church on

the ninth anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.



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As outcries against the burning intensified, Pastor Jones fortunately backed down.

But he still wondered what could he do to confront such hatred and ignorance?

He believes that every action creates an equal and opposite reaction, and that the

actions of hatred, intolerance and ignorance create an ever escalating cyclical

pattern of more hatred, intolerance and ignorance. And so he has been searching

for an alternative path, a response more in keeping with the love and grace

embodied in the founder of her religion, Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace.

He thought a lot that what symbolic act could he perform that could help undo the

hate that would have been embodied in the burning of the Qur'an and help foster

peace and understanding across faith traditions?

He decided that for every copy of the Qur'an this church was going to burn in the

name of my God, he would deliver a copy of this Holy Book to a church within the

United States to be included in their church library. It seems that at this important

time in history he can only combat such hate through actions of love and peace.

Accordingly, he ordered 50 copies of the Holy Qur'an, and when they arrive, he

will distribute them to clergy attending an interfaith conference so they can take

them back to their congregations.

Indeed, misinformation about Islam and of picking Qur'anic verses out of context

has become a troubling trend in the United States.

What can one person do? He would encourage others to purchase copy of the

Qur'an and present it as a gift to your church or place of worship. If they cannot

increase tolerance within the United States and our world, he fear they are headed

for a very violent future!



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Faced with the prospect of someone burning the Holy Qur'an, He - as a Christian

pastor - chose to sow seeds of love and tolerance by giving the Qur'an to local

churches where they might not only be a symbolic gesture of peace and religious

tolerance, but might also be read for better understanding that, like Christianity,

Islam is a complex, nuanced and dynamic faith with its roots in mercy, justice and

peace.

Jonathan Pinckney: A Christian’s Reflection on Hajj

(Freelance writer-Denver, USA)

Jonathan was an Egyptian student. Ayman was his teacher, he had just fulfilled a

life-long goal and performed Hajj. And while Jonathan had learned a lot of

information about Hajj in classes about Islam, this was the moment when he truly

began to understand the significance of Hajj for Muslims.

It was an experience that had changed his life and would stay with him forever.

Pilgrimage! Why?

To an observer unfamiliar with Islam, the practice of Hajj may seem to be the

strangest and most archaic aspect of Islam. In particular, people of a background

similar to Jonathan, Protestant Christians, if they’ve heard of Hajj they would tend

to view it with suspicion and a feeling of superiority.

They largely gave up the practice of pilgrimage – travel to a holy place – as a part

of a more general denial of ritual and religious form. The Protestant tradition

argues that God is present in every place and if we can pray to God in our homes

then doing strange rituals in a special place considered “sacred” is foolish.



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Many Protestants feel very strongly that faith must come directly from the heart

and see any kind of ritual as fake at best and dangerous at worst.

He thinks one of the most central parts of Christianity, one of the things that he as

a Christian most deeply value, is the idea of a relationship with God: that God

desires to know us and be known by us in a personal way that goes deeper than

any set religious ritual.

But getting to know Muslims like Ayman or many others with whom he has

spoken since then has truly opened his mind to the power of such ceremony and

ritual. How these, far from being an obstacle to a relationship with God, can be

one of the most meaningful ways in which we grow close to God.

And the most moving of these rituals, the stories that he love to hear over and over

again, are the stories of Hajj.

Transformed Minds!

One of the most powerful stories of Hajj is one that he did not heard first-hand but

in the written words of a man who died before he was born: the African-American

Muslim Malcolm X.

In his autobiography Malcolm X writes about his philosophy before going on Hajj

– a philosophy under the name of Islam which believed that the only way to

achieve rights for African-Americans was through violence because all white

people were devils who would forever be seeking to control and oppress the black

man.

Malcolm X was one of the most powerful spokespeople for this philosophy but

found his views transformed when he traveled to Makkah for Hajj and found



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millions of people, of every race on earth, gathered as one, wearing the same

clothes, performing the same actions, all joined together to show their devotion to

God.

He describes his deep shock at feeling for the first time that he could be joined in

something with a white man. Malcolm X returned to America no longer preaching

hatred and violence but preaching the true values of Islam as a faith which could

overcome all barriers between people.

This unity is the most powerful lesson that he has learned from hearing his friends’

stories of Hajj.

When our world is full of conflict and division over religion and its interpretations

Hajj is a beautiful picture of how God can draw all people together.

The rituals may sound old-fashioned and quaint to an outsider, but to those who go

and to those who listen to the Hajj stories they become beautiful pictures of how

people who live and think differently can leave behind all the complex questions of

who is right, of who is powerful, of who has money or influence, and become as

we all truly are: people standing before God. All alike in our need for God’s mercy

and love and seeking to obey Him in the ways He has proscribed for us.

Tasneem Moolla: “Mosaic Culture of Ramadan” Non-Muslims

Sayings

(Freelance writer, South Africa)

Ramadan is the month of peace, spirituality, and personal sacrifice. One of the

main facets of this month is that of fasting, which is undertaken by millions of



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Muslims around the world. As Muslims, we have a deep understanding of this

blessed month. However, being part of a bigger picture, we interact with people of

other faiths during the time that we observe fasting and carry out various other

religious acts, specific to Ramadan.

We cannot ignore those around us, people who follow other religions and often

wonder what they understand of this month. It was interesting to delve into the

minds of a diverse background of people and discover their thoughts on Ramadan.

Some of the questions we posed were with regard to their understanding of this

month and its culture; whether they feel Muslims act differently during Ramadan;

the similarities regarding fasting in their faiths; and if they feel that there is

religious tolerance towards Muslims during this time.

Whitney, from Texas says:

"It is a time when Muslims should fast during the daylight hours as required by the

Qur'an for Muslims of all ages who do not have a medical condition to prevent it. I

think the reason for the fast is to teach patience and prepare for the New Year, if I

remember correctly,"

Other than Muslims not eating during the day, Whitney has never noticed any huge

changes in the way Muslims act during this month. She thinks that fasting could

cause some people to be more aggressive, but have never witnessed such an

incident. A close friend of hers converted to Islam several years ago and taught

her a lot about the Muslim culture and faith.



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"I know that observing Ramadan is important to my friend's faith". Being a

Christian, Whitney tells us that there is no mandatory time of fasting in

Christianity. However, many Christians do choose to fast periodically in order to

focus on spirituality, instead of physical needs.

"I think the reason for fasting is probably similar is all faiths", she adds. Regarding

religious tolerance towards Muslims during this month, Whitney feels that there is

probably less tolerance because people in general do not understand why anyone

would want to go without food during the day, and people do not like to make

accommodations.

Sharon, of Cape Town (South Africa):

Sharon follows the New Apostolic faith. She believes that Ramadan is a time in

which the Muslim community fasts for those who are poor and underprivileged,

the ones who go without food. She feels that it is a show of respect to them.

"Some of the Muslims who fast are happy and joyful, but some can be terribly

miserable and rude", she remarks. To her, the Muslims do act a bit different during

the time of fasting.

However she believes that they should not get upset and rude, but are supposed to

be placid during this time and give to the poor. Generally though, Sharon has

observed that the Muslim community is more peaceful during the month of

Ramadan. According to her, the culture of Ramadan is to be generous during this

time and be in the spirit of giving.



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Jacob, from Denver:

Jacob does not know much about Ramadan. "I think it’s about when Gabriel

appeared to the prophet", he says. In his religion, which is Orthodox Christianity

fasting is required for Lent, although he chooses to fast twice a week on

Wednesdays and Fridays.

He hopes that people have tolerance to those of other faiths. Jacob says that he has

never felt imposed upon by other Muslims. Although he does not know much

about this month, he is very enthusiastic to learn more about it. "I think that they

have a right to worship the Creator in all things", he concludes.

Dan, from Sweden:

Dan says that Ramadan is the month in which the Qur'an was given to Prophet

Mohammed. The Muslims, who he knows, fast and use to read the Qur'an during

this month.

Regarding their behavior Dan says, "I think they act peaceful, as always".

Dan wishes all his Muslim friends a happy Ramadan. He smiles saying that he

does not tempt his Muslim friends with food during Ramadan. As a gesture of

respect towards the Muslim faith, Dan also tries to fast during some days of

Ramadan.

Daniel, from USA:



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In Daniel's experience Muslims very seriously observe the fast, but also express

great joy during this holy month. He is of the opinion that Muslims are more

peaceful during this month. He has witnessed the culture, through seeing the

breaking of fast at sunset, and the family and community celebrations. Daniel is a

Jew, and their most well-known fast is Yom Kippur, which is one full day. He says

that there are several other less well-known fasts that are not well observed.

Daniel feels that in the USA there is not enough tolerance towards Muslims. "I

have never found Muslims to impose their faith on others. Of course, we read

reports of those that do, although this happens in other religions as well", he

states.

This is just a handful of feedback from people of other faiths, regarding their

thoughts on Ramadan. It is refreshing and lifts my spirits to realize that despite the

negativity and hate in this world, there still exists religious tolerance and cultural

similarities.

These all sayings are of Non-Muslims. No doubt, Muslims are peaceful and loving

and Non-Muslims also accept this. Now, here I want to share some quotes on Islam

by Famous personalities:

“I wanted to know the best of the life of one who holds today an

undisputed sway over the hearts of millions of mankind… I became

more than ever convinced that it was not the sword that won a

place for Islam in those days in the scheme of life. It was the rigid

simplicity, the utter self-effacement of the Prophet the scrupulous

regard for pledges, his intense devotion to his friends and

followers, his intrepidity, his fearlessness, his absolute trust in God



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and in his own mission. These and not the sword carried everything

before them and surmounted every obstacle. When I closed the

second volume (of the Prophet’s biography), I was sorry there was

not more for me to read of that great life.” –Mahatma

Gandhi

“The Islamic teachings have left great traditions for equitable and

gentle dealings and behavior, and inspire people with nobility and

tolerance. These are human teachings of the highest order and at

the same time practicable. These teachings brought into existence a

society in which hard-heartedness and collective oppression and

injustice were the least as compared with all other societies

preceding it….Islam is replete with gentleness, courtesy, and

fraternity.” –H.G. Wells

“Islam is a religion of success. Unlike Christianity, which has as its

main image, in the west at least, a man dying in a devastating,

disgraceful, helpless death… Mohammed was not an apparent

failure. He was a dazzling success, politically as well as spiritually,

and Islam went from strength to strength to strength.” –Karen

Armstrong

“Since September 11th event, in many occasion I always come

forth, with a defense of Islam. Islam like any other major tradition.

I think the very praising Allah means love, infinite love,

compassion, like that. I understand Islam, they usually carry

rosary, all 99 beads, different name of Allah, all refer compassion,

or these positive things.” –Dalai Lama



23

“Islam brings hope and comfort to millions of people in my

country, and to more than a billion people worldwide. Ramadan is

also an occasion to remember that Islam gave birth to a rich

civilization of learning that has benefited mankind.” –George

W. Bush

“Love Sufism …’the divinity of the human soul… Within Our

spiritual heart there is a direct connection to God… I have respect

for all faiths. All faiths. But what I’m talking about is not faith or

religion. I’m talking about spirituality.” –Oprah Winfrey

“The religiosity of Muslims deserves respect. It is impossible not to

admire, for example, their fidelity to prayer. The image of believers

in Allah who, without caring about time or place, fall to their knees

and immerse themselves in prayer remains a model for all those

who invoke the true God, in particular for those Christians who,

having deserted their magnificent cathedrals, pray only a little or

not at all.” –Pope John Paul II

“It was the first religion that preached and practiced democracy;

for, in the mosque, when the call for prayer is sounded and

worshippers are gathered together, the democracy of Islam is

embodied five times a day when the peasant and king kneel side by

side and proclaim: ‘God Alone is Great’” –Sarojini Naidu

“I have been struck by the human and moral values which

Americans as a people share with Islam. We share, first and

foremost, a deep faith in the one Supreme Being. We are all



24

commanded by Him to faith, compassion, and justice. We have a

common respect and reverence for law. Despite the strains of the

modern age, we continue to place special importance on the family

and the home. And we share a belief that hospitality is a virtue and

that the host, whether a nation or an individual, should behave with

generosity and honor toward guests. On the basis of both values

and interests, the natural relationship between Islam and the

United States is one of friendship. I affirm that friendship, both as a

reality and as a goal, and I am determined to strengthen, not

weaken, the longstanding and valued bonds of friendship and

cooperation between the United States and many Muslim nations.”

–Jimmy Carter

“After I have read the Quran, I realized that all what humanity

needs is this heavenly law.”

“The legislation of Quran will spread all over the world, because it

agrees with the mind, logic and wisdom.” –Leo Tolstoy

“My choice of Muhammad to lead the list of the world’s most

influential persons may surprise some readers and may be

questioned by others, but he was the only man in history who was

supremely successful on both the secular and religious level. ...It is

probable that the relative influence of Muhammad on Islam has

been larger than the combined influence of Jesus Christ and St.

Paul on Christianity. ...It is this unparalleled combination of

secular and religious influence which I feel entitles Muhammad to



25

be considered the most influential single figure in human history.”

–Michael H. Hart

“The doctrine of brotherhood of Islam extends to all human beings,

no matter what color, race or creed. Islam is the only religion

which has been able to realize this doctrine in practice. Muslims

wherever on the world they are will recognize each other as

brothers.” –R. L. Mellema

“People like Pasteur and Salk are leaders in the first sense. People

like Gandhi and Confucius, on one hand, and Alexander, Caesar

and Hitler on the other, are leaders in the second and perhaps the

third sense.

Jesus and Buddha belong in the third category alone. Perhaps the

greatest leader of all times was Mohammed, who combined all

three functions. To a lesser degree, Moses did the same.” –

Professor Jules Masserman

“No other religion in history spread so rapidly as Islam. The West

has widely believed that this surge of religion was made possible by

the sword. But no modern scholar accepts this idea, and the Qur’an

is explicit in the support of the freedom of conscience.”

“Muhammad, the inspired man who founded Islam, was born about

A.D. 570 into an Arabian tribe that worshiped idols. Orphaned at

birth, he was always particularly solicitous of the poor and needy,

the widow and the orphan, the slave and the downtrodden. At



26

twenty he was already a successful businessman, and soon became

director of camel caravans for a wealthy widow. When he reached

twenty-five his employer recognizing his merit, proposed marriage.

Even though she was fifteen years older, he married her and as

long as she lived remained a devoted husband.”

“Like almost every major prophet before him, Muhammad fought

shy of serving as the transmitter of God’s word sensing his own

inadequacy. But the Angel commanded ‘Read’. So far as we know,

Muhammad was unable to read or write, but he began to dictate

those inspired words which would soon revolutionize a large

segment of the earth: “There is one God”.”

“In all things Muhammad was profoundly practical. When his

beloved son Ibrahim died, an eclipse occurred and rumors of God’s

personal condolence quickly arose. Whereupon Muhammad is said

to have announced, ‘An eclipse is a phenomenon of nature. It is

foolish to attribute such things to the death or birth of a human

being'.”

“At Muhammad's own death an attempt was made to deify him, but

the man who was to become his administrative successor killed the

hysteria with one of the noblest speeches in religious history: ‘If

there are any among you who worshiped Muhammad, he is dead.

But if it is God you Worshiped, He lives for ever'.” –James

Michener



27

“Sense of justice is one of the most wonderful ideals of Islam,

because as I read in the Qur'an I find those dynamic principles of

life, not mystic but practical ethics for the daily conduct of life

suited to the whole world.” –Sarojini Naidu

“The theory of Islam and sword for instance is not heard now

frequently in any quarter worth the name. The principle of Islam

that there is no compulsion in religion is well known. Gibbon, a

historian of world-wide fame says, 'A pernicious tenet has been

imputed to the Mohammadans, the duty of extirpating all the

religions by the sword.' This charge of ignorance and bigotry, says

the eminent historian, is refuted by Quran; by the history of

Musalman conquerors and by their public and legal toleration of

Christian„ worship. The greatest success of Muhammad's life was

affected by sheer moral force without the stroke of a sword.” –

Prof. Ramakrishna Rao

“If any religion had the chance of ruling over England, nay Europe

within the next hundred years, it could be Islam.”

“I have always held the religion of Muhammad in high estimation

because of its wonderful vitality. It is the only religion which

appears to me to possess that assimilating capacity to the changing

phase of existence which can make itself appeal to every age. I have

studied him - the wonderful man and in my opinion far from being

an anti-Christ, he must be called the Savior of Humanity.”



28

“I believe that if a man like him were to assume the dictatorship of

the modern world he would succeed in solving its problems in a

way that would bring it the much needed peace and happiness: I

have prophesied about the faith of Muhammad that it would be

acceptable to the Europe of tomorrow as it is beginning to be

acceptable to the Europe of today.” –Sir George Bernard

Shaw

“The rise of Islam is perhaps the most amazing event in human

history. Springing from a land and a people like previously

negligible, Islam spread within a century over half of the earth. The

closer we examine this development the more extraordinary does it

appear. The other great religions won their way slowly by painful

struggle and finally triumphed with the aid of powerful monarchs

converted to the new faith. Christianity had its Constantine,

Buddhism its Asoka, and Zoroastrianism its Cyrus, each lending to

his chosen cult the mighty force of secular authority, Not so Islam.

Arising in a desert land sparsely inhabited by a nomad race

previously undistinguished in human annals, Islam sallied forth on

its great adventure with the slenderest human backing and against

the heaviest material odds. Yet Islam triumphed with seemingly

miraculous ease; and a couple of generations saw the Fiery

Crescent borne victorious from the Pyrenees to the Himalayas and

from the desert of Central Asia to the deserts of Central Africa.” –

A.M.L. Stoddard



29

“It (Islam) replaced monkishness by manliness. It gives hope to the

slave, brotherhood to mankind and recognition of the fundamental

facts of human nature.” –Canon Taylor

One of the most repeated criticisms on Muhammad (S.A.W.W) and his followers is

that they spread Islam by sword however this misconception is rejected by De

Lacy O'Leary in 'Islam at the Crossroads,' London, 1923.

History makes it clear, however, that the legend of fanatical Muslims sweeping

through the world and forcing Islam at the point of sword upon conquered races is

one of the most fantastically absurd myths that historians have ever repeated.

Arthur Glyn Leonard says in 'Islam, Her Moral and Spiritual Values',

It was the genius of Muhammad, the spirit that he breathed into the Arabs through

the soul of Islam that exalted them. That raised them out of the lethargy and low

level of tribal stagnation up to the high watermark of national unity and empire. It

was in the sublimity of Muhammad's deism, the simplicity, the sobriety and purity

it inculcated the fidelity of its founder to his own tenets, that acted on their moral

and intellectual fiber with all the magnetism of true inspiration.

Dr. Gustav Weil says in 'History of the Islamic Peoples',

Muhammad was a shining example to his people. His character was pure and

stainless. His house, his dress, his food - they were characterized by a rare

simplicity. So unpretentious was he that he would receive from his companions no

special mark of reverence, nor would he accept any service from his slave which

he could do for himself. He was accessible to all and at all times. He visited the

sick and was full of sympathy for all. Unlimited was his benevolence and

generosity as also was his anxious care for the welfare of the community.



30

Islam is not only a religion for its followers but it is a code of life for all human

beings. While other religions highlight character or personality of a single

personality which is worshipped but in Islam, there is no one. Even the prophet

Muhammad (PBUH) worshipped Allah who is the God. Hence, no worldly person

can be worshipped in Islam. But actually it highlights every human on this earth. It

provides every human his rights and enhances his standard in life. It is not only the

religion which Non-Muslims appreciate; but every characteristic of this amazing

religion is followed by Non-Muslims as well. Islam gave concept of justice and

equality. That is the reason greatest law schools in the western world depict

Prophet Muhammad as the greatest leader of justice in this world.

Islam is the only religion which faces more confrontation than any other

religion. There is a western nexus continuously working against Islam but not

against any other religion. It is just because they also know that Islam is based on

truth and it is bound to prevail. Islam is expanding at the fastest rate among all

religions in the world. Even some studies suggest that in 50 years Muslims will be

majority in some western countries like France and England. These facts are

supported by all those stories of conversions which we hear every day. In other

religions there is mainly no concept of conversions and they try to retain their

religion among their children. But in Islam there is a freedom for studying and

researching about Islam. Children first get all knowledge about Islam so that they

become Muslims logically and with all knowledge. Every Muslims is a

ambassador for Islam. There are many individuals like Dr Zakir Naik, Molana

Tariq Jameel, Mufti Taqi Usmani or Dr Israr to name few or there are groups like

Tabhleeg Jamaat which continuously struggle just to spread the logical knowledge

about Islam and people themselves follow those because truth is bound to prevail

and at the end only truth will be victorious and truth is Islam, whether it is

individually or collectively in every aspect of life; in short Islam is the most

successful code for life for humans.

In the end, I’m highly grateful to all of those people and all those websites who

help me to do this great job and giving me such a glowing recommendation, and

allowing me to use their efforts. I took help from websites, columns and some

books. Your perspective and encouragement mean a great deal to me. Thank you

for all that you've done.



31

Reference:

(1) http://craigconsidinetcd.com/2013/05/18/10-great-quotes-from-non-

muslims-on-islam/

(2) http://www.darululoom-

deoband.com/urdu/articles/tmp/1421555293%2003-

Islam%20Ghairo%20Ki%20Nazar%20maini_MDU_06June-08.htm

(3) http://www.darululoom-

deoband.com/urdu/articles/index.php?content=categories&display=detail

&id=221

(4) http://www.onislam.net/english/back-to-religion/special-coverage/454247-

islam-in-the-eyes-of-non-muslims-.html

http://craigconsidinetcd.com/2013/05/18/10-great-quotes-from-non-muslims-on-islam/

http://craigconsidinetcd.com/2013/05/18/10-great-quotes-from-non-muslims-on-islam/

http://www.darululoom-deoband.com/urdu/articles/tmp/1421555293%2003-Islam%20Ghairo%20Ki%20Nazar%20maini_MDU_06June-08.htm



http://www.darululoom-deoband.com/urdu/articles/index.php?content=categories&display=detail&id=221



http://www.onislam.net/english/back-to-religion/special-coverage/454247-islam-in-the-eyes-of-non-muslims-.html

http://www.onislam.net/english/back-to-religion/special-coverage/454247-islam-in-the-eyes-of-non-muslims-.html

Education

Islam, in the eyes of non-muslims