Why are you on the right path?

Assalamu Alaykum,

I am just wondering and asking the same questions over and over again, especially to those who believe that they are in the right faith and will always be.

My question is ‘how do you know?’ Because you were born in this faith and have always been told that this is the right religion? Interestingly, everyone has been! A sunni is told he is on the right path, a shia is told the same thing, and so are the Christians and Jews told. All of them also have lots of stories and arguments to support their claim, and all believe they are heeding straight to Heaven while everyone else is destined for Hell!

Why are you on the right path? Because all your friends, families and people around you have told so and you keep believing them. And they have provided you with all the arguments that you can put forth and say this is why I believe?

Just as a side remark, the non-Muslims at the time of Muhammad (sws) also felt the same, and they also said they were on the right path, and they did not even accept Muhammad (sws)!

Please understand that this discussion is above and beyond the assumption that in Qur’an was have been told so because we are also questioning why we believe that to be truth for instance, just because we are told so and believe so?

Something to think about.

Comments are welcome.
Best Regards

Re: Why are you on the right path?

:salam:

bear my reply until more reasoned replies…

May be following points help u understand this…

1-Every one who is keen to get to the truth ask this question …he then questions his own religion and compared it with others to see whether he is on right path or not…the problem lies in where ppl try to understand other religons through their own religion…making a biased approach thus nullyfying the whole process…

the best way to do this-which i follow- is ask the Almighty help …make dua to him that show me the right path…HE will definatly help him…

2-Look what religion best suits the whole world…and fulfill our all needs and have a complete way of life …

will get back to other points later …

[QUOTE]
*Originally posted by rehman1: * Me ne tumhara kia bigaar diaa.
Why are you after me.

[/QUOTE]
Being after other’s inputs and finding their humanly slip-ups blot not only the study & research environment but also ones own character. Similarly leaving one’s replies unacknowledged, means quitting the discussion without conclusion. It is simply wasting his precious time. It is also observed that 2-3 lines of denying reply found in response of large hand written articles with stronger arguments and proofs while pretending that he is on right path. This way he stops his mind and heart to think the other way. He is just looking at his own religious stuff from one angle and following it blindly.

Bao Bihari: Thanks for an informative input. However the following two points need more discussion.

[QUOTE]
*bao bihari: *
the best way to do this-which i follow- is ask the Almighty help ........make dua to him that show me the right path.......HE will definatly help him........
[/QUOTE]
Means you seek Almighty’s help and make Dua to Him. What if one even don’t believe in him and don’t have any concept of Dua in his life. How he will know which one is the right path.

[QUOTE]
*bao bihari: *
2-Look what religion best suits the whole world...and fulfill our all needs and have a complete way of life
[/QUOTE]
What if ones don’t care which religion best suits the whole world. And don’t like the concept of globalization. He wants to live his own way of life and enjoy it with freedom. How he will know which one is the right path.

Yeah good question ...i have been wondering the same thing too ....how can you be sure if you are on right path or not ?.....?...

I'm a firm believer of what the Qur'an states: "...And on the earth are signs for those who have Faith with certainty. And also in your own selves. Will you not then see?..." Qur'an 51:20

It's of no consequence to me that others feel I may be on the wrong path. They are free to think that, as I am free to think as I do.

[QUOTE]
*Originally posted by Munni: *
I'm a firm believer of what the Qur'an states: "...And on the earth are signs for those who have Faith with certainty. And also in your own selves. Will you not then see?..." Qur'an 51:20

It's of no consequence to me that others feel I may be on the wrong path. They are free to think that, as I am free to think as I do.
[/QUOTE]
For me its okay, but the problem is not solved, its still there. he let you be free, and you let he to be free. You refer the Quranic Ayat; What he will do, who don’t even believe in Quran. Because he born in his faith and have always had been told that this is the right religion? He will simply tell that “keep your firm believe with yourself”.

Islam is the Right Way. Allah(SWT) has showed me
the the Straight Path.

All I know is:

Alhamdolillah I'm a Muslim.
:)

Assalamu Alaykum,

The last two replies, for instance, assume that Islam is the right religion, because those who propose so were born Muslims and have always been told that it is correct. Consider a Christian who told me how God has told them that they are on the right path and that they are all going to Heaven, and since we do not believe in Christianity how we are doomed! Thats what he has heard all his life! He also tells me, "Thank God, I am a Chiristian, because Jesus loves me. He showed me the right path." (My humble request to save discussion on Christian beliefs in particular and sectarian beliefs in general on this forum.)

This is not true of non-Muslim vs Muslim scenario only. When I meet a Sunni, he tells me he's on the right path and thanks God, when I meet a Shi'ite, I hear the same thing. And the same story for Ahl-e-Hadith. All of them just believe in what they do and are content and happy and they just know they are heeding towards heaven.

It is quite natural for people to believe they are going to Heaven because that makes them feel safe.

As a result, saying that thank God I am a Muslim and going to Heaven, is not a valid reason, because that is being blind, just because you were born a Muslim. Had you been born a Christian or a Jew, there is no guarantee that you would not have said that. You do not know, because we are all brain-washed from our childhoods all the way to our adulthoods and by that time, we do not have any freedom of expression in religion!

Having said that, how do I or you know that we are following the correct religion? Just knowing so is not a valid reason I believe.

Regards

[QUOTE]
*Originally posted by inuit: *
For me its okay, but the problem is not solved, its still there. he let you be free, and you let he to be free. You refer the Quranic Ayat; What he will do, who don’t even believe in Quran. Because he born in his faith and have always had been told that this is the right religion? He will simply tell that “keep your firm believe with yourself”.
[/QUOTE]

inuit, I didn't have to quote the Qur'an to state the same thing. smile

It solves the problem for me. I'm not into debates on why I believe what I do. I have many reasons that I would not share with anyone. The Qur'anic ayat I chose, explains best my reasoning, without me having to go into details. smile

One solid reason that I have unflinching belief that Islam is the only ‘right path’ ** is due to its Book – **the Quran.

Its message and challenge has remained unsurpassed and unanswered.

A.L.M.
This is the Book; in it is guidance sure, without doubt, to those who fear Allah;
Who believe in the Unseen, are steadfast in prayer, and spend out of what We have provided for them;
And who believe in the Revelation sent to thee, and sent before thy time, and (in their hearts) have the assurance of the Hereafter. *
*They are on (true) guidance, from their Lord, and it is these who will prosper. [2 - 1:5]

*"Say: ‘If all mankind and the jinn would come together to produce the like of this Qur'an, they could not produce its like even though they exerted all and their strength in aiding one another.’" (17:88) *

The books of other religions do contain a lot of wisdom but as a whole they do contain ‘material’ that is akin to fairy tales or is beyond logic and reason. There are clear signs of human interference in these books as they are full of contradictions.

So the best proof that Islam is the right religion is it’s Holy Book – the Quran.

For personal satisfaction it’s okay to have reasons from inside that religion, but for others its not.

It means none of the religion has any solid reason to prove its authenticity from the resources outside its religious material.

The weakest religion (opinion or school of thought) is that who gives evidence from its inside resources. At this gupshup station we can find examples; people come, type or paste stuff from their own books and went away without facing its bounce back. They don’t even consider to give others their rights to express their opinion and not even this they try to block them, labeling sectarianism.

What is that when they discuss under inter-faith forums like Islam and christanity. Is this kind of discussion not the same as sectarianism? I am not in favor of sectarianism but block sects to express their opinion even more worst situation. This is kind of feudalism. It can be anywhere.

[QUOTE]
*Originally posted by oiqbal: *
Assalamu Alaykum,

This is not true of non-Muslim vs Muslim scenario only. When I meet a Sunni, he tells me he's on the right path and thanks God, when I meet a Shi'ite, I hear the same thing. And the same story for Ahl-e-Hadith. All of them just believe in what they do and are content and happy and they just know they are heeding towards heaven.

As a result, saying that thank God I am a Muslim and going to Heaven, is not a valid reason, because that is being blind, just because you were born a Muslim. Had you been born a Christian or a Jew, there is no guarantee that you would not have said that. You do not know, because we are all brain-washed from our childhoods all the way to our adulthoods and by that time, we do not have any freedom of expression in religion!

Regards
[/QUOTE]

Sunni and Ahl e hadith is the same thing.

I think you are brain washed. Not Us. Don't Think and
assume on our behalf. I have the right to question.
As i said earlier, Allah(swt) ke marze he jisss ko neek
rasta dekhaaa dee. or Samjahneee ke taufeeq attaa
farmaiii.
And some people waste time in putting up "Falsafa" questions.
You are trying your best to start a secterian thread.
And in your first post( a copy paste) you mentioned
" some Burhanuddin". Now you have changed it to
Shia and Sunni. Bhi, ko constructive kaam kur.

Dear Rehman,

This is obviously a discussion board and we like to talk here. I do feel sorry that this thread is a waste of time for some people, yet at the same time anybody should feel free to abandon the thread if they deem so. There is no requirement for anyone to continue to discuss issues if they feel it is a waste of time.

I will save the discussion on Ahl-e-Hadith and Sunnis on this thread, since that is not the topic under discussion.

Finally, my argument is that a Muslim is born in a Muslim family and has always been told that Allah has shown him the true path. Same is acclaimed by a Christian -- that Allah has shown him the right path and that he is going to Heaven. And exactly the same by a Jew. Within Muslims, the same is claimed by adherents of EVERY sect. The point is not that I have been shown the right path by God, the question is that everyone has been shown that right path. How do you know that you are on that right path? May be Allah's right path is Judaism and you are on the wrong path? Or may be Allah's right path is in some other sect than in which you are, how do you know?

That is the discussion, this question is not personal for anyone, and not specifically intended for Rehman. This is a question in general, that I have asked myself as well and still ask myself. I want to find out an answer and I believe Bao Bihari's and Intuit's posts are really good in this regard.

Best Wishes

Rehman U siad in ur reply that Allah ki marzi hai jiss ko nayak rassata ya right path dekhay ...what do u think that ppl who are on wrong path should wait for Allah to show them right path ? what if they are not nayak or good enuff ppl ???.....

[QUOTE]
*Originally posted by Sandleen: *
Rehman U siad in ur reply that Allah ki marzi hai jiss ko nayak rassata ya right path dekhay ...what do u think that ppl who are on wrong path should wait for Allah to show them right path ? what if they are not nayak or good enuff ppl ???.....
[/QUOTE]

Ask somebody let's say a friend who doesn't offer prayers.
You can remind him or her again and again but he or she
will not pray.
Allah ke marze hee. Kuch laugoo ka dil Ghaflaat me hee rehtaa
hee.
And also visit Pak Affairs section. You will understand what I am trying to say. They read 30 types of newspapers. And the best they can do
is try to throw dirt on Ummah.

I will save the discussion on Ahl-e-Hadith and Sunnis on this thread, since that is not the topic under discussion.

Finally, my argument is that a Muslim is born in a Muslim family and has always been told that Allah has shown him the true path. Same is acclaimed by a Christian -- that Allah has shown him the right path and that he is going to Heaven. And exactly the same by a Jew. Within Muslims, the same is claimed by adherents of EVERY sect. The point is not that I have been shown the right path by God, the question is that everyone has been shown that right path. How do you know that you are on that right path? May be Allah's right path is Judaism and you are on the wrong path? Or may be Allah's right path is in some other sect than in which you are, how do you know?

That is the discussion, this question is not personal for anyone, and not specifically intended for Rehman. This is a question in general, that I have asked myself as well and still ask myself. I want to find out an answer and I believe Intuit's posts are really good in this regard.

I am putting the question to you again. Why did
you mentioned Burhanuddin(who ever he is).
Why did you mentioned Sunni and AhleHadith.
Maybe your next question will be where is Allah(swt).
Please, refrain from copy paste or atleast read it before
PASTING IT.

Allah(SWT) jiss ko "SEDHAA rasta" dekhaa deeee.
The rest can take study CLasses of Falsafaa.

** Watch your language on this Forum. **

[QUOTE]
*Originally posted by rehman1: *

Assalam Aleekum
you make me smile sometimes. Thanks for that.
Bhi, I started using the site a few months ago. And I came to know who Hazrat Ashari(RA) was. A person on this website provided that information.

Hazrat Ashari(RA) was a companion. But Muslims are adviced not to study or follow his present day followers. They have changed his
teachings.

Yes, his(RA) narrations are authentic.
Intuit, secterianism start na karnaaa.
[/QUOTE]

Just to correct you brother, Aqeedah Asha'riyyah was laid down by Abu’l-Hasan al-Ash’ari (ra) was born in 873 AD in Basra of parents who were themselves ‘ulama’. His forefather was the famous Abu Musa al-Ash’ari (ra), the great Companion, who was one of the two mediators appointed after the Battle of Siffin by ‘Ali ibn Abi Talib (ra) and Mu’awiya (ra). The other mediator was ‘Amr ibn al-‘As (ra).

Abu’l-Hasan al-Ash’ari (ra) was not a companion but was from the family of the great campanion Abu Musa al-Ash’ari (ra). People mostly take them as one and the same.

Abu’l-Hasan al-Ash’ari (ra) did a great service to Islam at the time by destroying the erroneous aqeedah of Mu'tazilites.

Maybe this Will answer the Questions.

Also read translation of Surah Fathia.

Hashr:7

PICKTHAL: That which Allah giveth as spoil unto His messenger from the people of the townships, it is for Allah and His messenger and for the near of kin and the orphans and the needy and the wayfarer, that it become not a commodity between the rich among you. And whatsoever the messenger giveth you, take it. And whatsoever he forbiddeth, abstain (from it). And keep your duty to Allah. Lo! Allah is stern in reprisal.

006.082
YUSUFALI: "It is those who believe and confuse not their beliefs with wrong - that are (truly) in security, for they are on (right) guidance."
PICKTHAL: Those who believe and obscure not their belief by wrongdoing, theirs is safety; and they are rightly guided.
SHAKIR: Those who believe and do not mix up their faith with iniquity, those are they who shall have the security and they are those who go aright.
016.063
YUSUFALI: By Allah, We (also) sent (Our messengers) to Peoples before thee; but Satan made, (to the wicked), their own acts seem alluring: He is also their patron today, but they shall have a most grievous penalty.
PICKTHAL: By Allah, We verily sent messengers unto the nations before thee, but the devil made their deeds fairseeming unto them. So he is their patron this day, and theirs will be a painful doom.
SHAKIR: By Allah, most certainly We sent (messengers) to nations before you, but the Shaitan made their deeds fair-seeming to them, so he is their guardian today, and they shall have a painful punishment.

[QUOTE]
*Originally posted by Ibn Sadique: *

Just to correct you brother, Aqeedah Asha'riyyah was laid down by Abu’l-Hasan al-Ash’ari (ra) was born in 873 AD in Basra of parents who were themselves ‘ulama’. His forefather was the famous Abu Musa al-Ash’ari (ra), the great Companion, who was one of the two mediators appointed after the Battle of Siffin by ‘Ali ibn Abi Talib (ra) and Mu’awiya (ra). The other mediator was ‘Amr ibn al-‘As (ra).

Abu’l-Hasan al-Ash’ari (ra) was not a companion but was from the family of the great campanion Abu Musa al-Ash’ari (ra). People mostly take them as one and the same.

Abu’l-Hasan al-Ash’ari (ra) did a great service to Islam at the time by destroying the erroneous aqeedah of Mu'tazilites.
[/QUOTE]

Thanks for the correction. And some body just informed me
that I am following him.

take care

Related information

Question #34531: Acquiring knowledge from the Ash’aris

Click here to get a printable version

Question :

Is it permissible to study fiqh or ‘uloom al-hadeeth (sciences of hadeeth) with an Ash’ari individual?.

Answer :

Praise be to Allaah.

The Ash’aris are a sect that is named after Imam Abu’l-Hasan al-Ash’ari (may Allaah have mercy on him). Al-Ash’ari passed through three stages – as mentioned by Ibn Taymiyah in Majmoo’ al-Fataawa, 4/72 – which may be summed up as follows: a Mu’tazili stage; then following Ibn Kilaab; then following Ahl al-Sunnah, chiefly Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal. Al-Ash’ari clearly stated his final position in his three books: Risaalah ila Ahl al-Thaghr, Maqaalaat al-Islaamiyyeen, and al-Ibaanah. Whoever follows al-Ash’ari at this stage is in accordance with Ahl al-Sunnah wa’l-Jamaa’ah in most issues. Whoever follows his path at the second stage is going against al-Ash’ari himself, and is going against Ahl al-Sunnah in many issues.

Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen said in al-Fataawa, 3/338:

Those later scholars who called themselves after Abu’l-Hasan al-Ash’ari were following the second of his stages of ‘aqeedah. They followed the method of misinterpreting most of the divine attributes, and this only affirmed the seven attributes mentioned in the following line of verse:

“Ever-Living, All-Knowing, Able (to do all things), He speaks, He wills, He hears and He sees.”

They also differed with Ahl al-Sunnah as to how these attributes are to be understood.

The Standing Committee issued a fatwa (no. 6606, vol. 3/220):

The Ash’aris are not kuffaar, rather they erred in their interpretation of some of the Divine attributes.

Based on this, it is better for a Muslim to study Islamic knowledge and sharee’ah only with scholars who are well known for their knowledge and sound belief (‘aqeedah), and to keep away from those who follow bid’ah and go against Ahl al-Sunnah, including the Ash’aris. This is something that is easy to do – praise be to Allaah – because the means of learning have become readily available to all people. The knowledge of the scholars of Ahl al-Sunnah is available through many means such as Islamic tapes, books, and leaflets; there are Islamic bulletin boards and sites on the internet, and many easy ways of accessing knowledge – praise be to Allaah.

O Allaah, teach us that which will benefit us, benefit us by that which we learn and increase us in knowledge.

For more information see Question no. 10693.

And Allaah knows best.