001 Dialog between Azhar and Jason
A compilation of dialogues between Muslims Dahis and Non Muslims from the website EDialogue.org gracefully given to us bu the website management. This is published in this book as part of resources to study in the objective of improving our Dawah skills.
Azhar
Hello. How may I help you today?
Jason
Hello.
Azhar
Hi Jason
Jason
How are you?
Azhar
Welcome to our chat on basics of Islam. Good thanks and you?
Jason
I’m doing good
Azhar
Great
So how can we help today?
Jason
The basics of islam
Azhar
Cool. Sure – let’s go through them – it just takes a few mins. Ask any questions along the way
Jason
Ok
Azhar
Here is the central core of Islam: Belief in one and only one God who has no partners, no children, no sons, no daughters, no mother, no father.
Islam means peace acquired by submitting to the one true God and to accept all His prophets and *original* revelations.
Jason
Ok
Azhar
Good!
Here’s how forgiveness works in Islam:
In Islam, we ourselves are responsible for asking God for our own salvation and getting forgiveness for our sins – not anyone like Jesus or Mohammed. We simply pray directly to God to forgive us.
Also, in Islam no-one can pass on his sins to anyone and no-one can inherit sins from anyone. Nor can anyone take our sins for us.
Jason
But I’ve read that if people commit a sin because of you you also get that sin for example you listen to music. And others listen to it following your example
Azhar
Yes that’s true
And the flip side
If you show someone how to do a good deed then when they do it you also get reward
Jason
But that would be bad if somebody listens to music is whole life following your example even if you have stopped you still get the sin!
Azhar
Right. So Allah might give you one or more bad deeds but the other person has a mind and is allowed to make choices too – it can’t all be blamed on the one that he followed 🙂
Jason
But what if you have changed your ways do you still get the sin if he does it?
That would be depressing
Azhar
Yes – so you would ask Allah for forgiveness and then your sin count may stop even if that other person might continue
Only Allah knows for sure how far it goes
So the best thing is always to tell people to do good things
And be a good example
Jason
So as a back-up if I were in that situation I would repent at least every day
In case he sinned again
Azhar
Yes – repent sincerely and then move on. You don’t have to keep repenting for that one. Once you’ve repented sincerely, assume Allah has forgiven you and has stopped sins being counted against you for what that other guy is now doing because of your sin. Understood?
Jason
I think so
Azhar
Otherwise what would happen?
Jason
But how do you know you are forgiven?
Azhar
We’d go mad repenting for every little sin we did again and again and eventually we will not live a normal life.
The great thing is that we never know. So once you’ve done repentance sincerely, assume its forgiven and move on. See my above point about going mad or becoming obsessive
Jason
So you have to assume the best
And hope for the best
Azhar
Yes – you have to give Allah the title of being most Merciful and Forgiving
Jason
Understable
Azhar
Cool.. let’s move on 🙂
Jason
Yes
Azhar
Here’s a little about worship in Islam:
In Islam, we have clear purposes in life:
1. Worship one God , and in order to please Him…
2. Work for the welfare (development) of society.
Now worship in Islam is not just rituals, it is a complete way of a good life. For example, if i smile to others, it is a kind of worship. Also if I give water to a dog or a cat in the street it is a kind of worship. Similarly building hospitals and schools is a kind of worship. To do your job or work honestly is also a kind of worship.
Pls let me know when you’ve read and if you agree or let me know if you have any questions.
Jason
But what if for example somebody’s behavior is annoying you
There is this old guy that always talks to me but he doesn’t know dutch well and when he shakes hands he holds it for too long
Azhar
OK… here’s where you can use your brain…
Jason
Maybe in Arabic culture they hold hands
Also he likes hugging which I hate
Azhar
For example… you can make sure you have things in your hands
And keep a few metres away from him
Jason
To be honest I would not like to talk to him
It is annoying me I like to be alone
Azhar
OK then just pass by him, wish him all the best and move on
Jason
And not have idle talk
Azhar
I’m sure you can think of ways.
Jason
The thing is he will get sad
But I guess it can’t be avoided
His dutch is bad so he just asks the same question how are you
Azhar
Well… if you can hear him out and help him from getting lonely then you might earn rewards
Jason
Yeah but I don’t like to hold male habds
Azhar
Just tell him
Jason
Hands and he hugs for too long…
But will he understand?
He also had bad hearing
I will just ignore him it may seem harsh
But it really tires me
Azhar
Sometimes honesty is the best policy even if it doesn’t sound good initially
Jason
Yeah but his dutch is bad so he might misunderstand
Ughh
Azhar
Well – honestly speaking Jason – there must be lots of books written on this subject. Its not something we can advise on here in this chat
Jason
Haha yeah
Azhar
I’m sure honesty will pay off in the long run
So let’s move on
Jason
I’ll just say hello
And move on
Ok
Azhar
Good idea
There are 6 things (called 6 Items of Faith) that every Muslim should believe in. They are:
– Belief in Allah, The Only God
– Belief in the Angels
– Belief in Holy Books
– Belief in the Prophets
– Belief in the Day of Judgment
– Belief in God’s predestination (Fate)
Would you like to know more about what any of these mean?
Jason
Yeah
Azhar
Any specific one or all?
Jason
I’ve read in the quran that satan is doomed to hell
Or cursed
Azhar
Yes
Jason
Why
What if he wants to repent?
Azhar
You know what I say?
Jason
What?
Azhar
Don’t worry about what will happen to Satan. Worry about yourself
We can all waste time
Jason
Haha
Azhar
thinking about these things that don’t affect us
Jason
So should I only care about myself?
Not about family and other people?
Just curious
Azhar
You should care about doing your duty to Allah and all of mankind
As for Satan he can worry about himself
Jason
So he is alive right now?
Azhar
Its like someone asked me where will Satan’s soul go when he goes to hell? What do we care, right?
He is indeed alive and leading people astray
Jason
Like does he sleep and eat?
What is he made of?
Why can’t we see them
Azhar
He’s tempting people 24×7
Jason
Haha
Azhar
He whispers to people
and seduces them
Jason
I mean in today’s society people are so bad he doesn’t even need to do anything
Azhar
What he does is he whispers nice things to people to lead them astray then they make a decision to follow his advice. Yes there is much temptation nowadays
Jason
Yeah especially here
In the west
Azhar
Yes. OK so which of the 6 things would you like me to explain?
(also in the east)
Jason
Yeah
I heard in China
Azhar
Yes – sorry to say
Jason
They force muslims to denounce their religion and imams to dance
And sing
Azhar
Its tragic yes
Jason
China is even worse than the west
Azhar
So Jason.. we’re diverting from basics of Islam to politics now
Jason
At least the west has some human rights
Azhar
Here we do not usually discuss politcs
Jason
Yeah so explaun the day of judgment please
Azhar
Sure – most welcome….
Day of Judgement: This is where we will all be raised from our graves and face judgment based on what we did in this world while we were alive and we had control over. Then we will go to paradise if we did mainly good things or hell if we did more bad things than good
Jason
Will we be wearing clothes?
Azhar
I’ll check – give me a minute
Jason
Ok
Azhar
People will be gathered on the Day of Resurrection barefoot, naked and uncircumcised.
Save and see this link later:
Do you want me to explain other items of the 6?
Jason
Ehmm let me see the predestination only
Azhar
That’s one of my favourites to explain 🙂
Predestination: Allah gives free choice to everyone to do good or bad. If they do good or bad its for themselves and they are responsible. Imagine you are at a crossroads: You can go direction A, B or C. You decide on C. You had free choice. But Allah knew which one you will decide on even though he left it up to you.
Jason
Oh well good that I’ve chosen it then haha
Azhar
Hahaha… a lot of people do.
Jason
But I read in the qurab
Quran* that Allah says
If mankind did not sin he would replace them
With a people who sin
Azhar
Right… you know why?
Jason
So this means he created us as sinners right?
And some people he created to go to hell?
Azhar
He created us to be able to do good and bad. And he loves sinners who repent
Now it doesn’t matter what he chose for you and me (heaven or hell). All we have to do is do our best in this world to live a straight life according to the Qur’an and Sunnah
We cannot do any more than that
Jason
To me it matters
Azhar
No it doesn’t matter – because what he decided in advance we will never know
Jason
That’s like hell and paradise
Azhar
So worrying about it will get us nowhere
Jason
One is nice the other is bad
Azhar
You know why its better we don’t know?
Jason
Because we won’t work
Azhar
Right!
Jason
I think.
Azhar
If you were guaranteed paradise in this life, almost everyone will stop trying to be good
Jason
But if it were said that you would go you to a high rank paradise that you cannot attain except with hard work
Then that would mean you will do it
Azhar
Yes
Jason
But if it was said you will achieve a low rank you might get depressed
Azhar
Some people might try to work hard !
Jason
Yes I’ve read that some people were promised paradise
In this life
Azhar
Yes I’ve heard that too… but these would have been people that aren’t like you and me
Jason
Of course we aren’t promised paradise 🙂
I get what you mean
Azhar
I think it’s a good thing we are not promised. It stops us getting lazy
Jason
They have different attributes
Hard working, patience etc.
Azhar
Yes.
Allah rewards on efforts and intention. Not necessarily on results
Jason
What would be really bad is if you were promised hell
In this life
Azhar
Yes – right!
Jason
So in one case one is so good he hears his glad tidings in advance
In the other case he is so bad so he hears it in this world
Azhar
Let me give you an example
Jason
Also the people who lived with the prophet had greater opportunities
Azhar
Yes
Jason
Unlike people who came later but
I think god choses the people he wants
Azhar
Right – but it doesn’t necessarily mean all of those who had access to the prophet were better than those who came later and believed thru faith
Jason
Majority
At least
Azhar
Again… what does it matter? Hahaha
Jason
Well let me give an example
Azhar
Worry about yourself and rest of mankind that is alive right now
Jason
Would you like 5 million dollars or 1 billion?
Azhar
It depends what conditions it was given to me with
If its for free I would take a billion
Jason
The path for that 1 billion is not available because you were not chosen
Azhar
Cool – I’m happy with what I have
Jason
But I mean paradise is paradise
Azhar
So what are you saying?
Jason
Just saying that why is that some people are better and do more and others not?
Azhar
Those who are not will be questions about the decisions they took
We are only judged by the things that were in our control
So Jason…let’s move on
When someone is a muslim or becomes one, he or she needs to do the following 5 things called ‘Pillars’:
Pillar 1. Declare faith in One True God & His prophet Mohammed
Pillar 2. Pray 5 times a day
Pillar 3. Fast in Ramadaan for 30 days
Pillar 4. Give in charity
Pillar 5. Pilgrimage (Haj) at least once if you can
(Of course some of these will take time to do properly if you are a new muslim)
Jason
Ok
Azhar
Well that’s it for basics.
How do they fit with your views Jason?
Jason
My view is that
If I have to be honest
I have been islam for a time now and have analyzed the evidences they mentioned
So I know quite a bit already
Azhar
You mean you became muslim?Or you are still studying it?
Jason
What really makes me think it is true
Are the prophecies, linguistical miracle, scientifical miracles and the complete way of life islam offers
Azhar
Wow – excellent
Jason
Because everything it prescribes seems to be good
It is the 21th century and people still drink alcohol
In the Netherlands do drugs and other dumb stuff
Azhar
Yes
Jason
Yet a man 1400 years ago said everything that is good which science today is still figuring out
Azhar
Right
Jason
Some people say luck
I say impossible and that they are deceiving themselves
Azhar
Indeed
Jason
The reason why people don’t want to accept is because it goes against their ideals and way of life
Or they are just not guided
Azhar
True
Or it means giving up some of their pleasures or enjoyable things
Jason
Yeah
Money
Fame
Azhar
Drink
Sex
Jason
Giving up your comfortable life
Azhar
Drugs
Jason
Yeah those things too
Azhar
Power
Jason
Yeah let’s say trump became a muslim
Azhar
Politicians hate Islam because it will take away their jons
jobs
Jason
They would kick him out
True
Haha I didn’t think it that way
Azhar
Good – so are you now a muslim or planning to become one?
Jason
I really hate politicuans they constantly ban everything at their own leasure
They think they are god or something
Azhar
Yes indeed
Jason
I would likd to become one
But I fear that I might not be able to follow everything
For example lying to cover up a family member’s bad deeds
Or crimes
Azhar
No one follows everything but the great thing is we will be rewarded fro trying
Jason
I just feel like if I were asked something that will harm them
They will cut me off and their life might become miserable
Prison
And stuff
Fines
Azhar
What do you mean?
Jason
Like I know lying is a sin
But if the government asks me about if they did this crime or not
It would be very hard for me not to lie
Because it might affect them big time
Azhar
Well these are lesser sins.
The biggest would be to know that Allah and Islam are correct and not to embrace it. As for the other things you can always repent
Jason
Yeah but it wouldn’t be sincere repentance if I were repenting
And continue to lie so they don’t get harmed
Azhar
Well – Allah knows your situation that you are lying to protect
Jason
My family is deceiving the government to
Get money and stuff
Azhar
Many are like this
Jason
Yeah and if I told the truth they might get a fine, less money or prison
And I would be in the worst case thrown on the streets but I can always sleep at a shelter
Azhar
Just keep quiet but keep reminding the family they are doing wrong. Then your duty is done
Jason
I did
They are never admitting their mistakes
They say that if they don’t scam them the money goes for war
So they deceive themselves that way
Azhar
Just keep reminding them again and again etc.
Jason
It may go that way
But that is not their fault
Azhar
When you get a chance live away from them
Jason
I will
I need to save money tho
Azhar
For now, better to become a muslim and not waste time… meanwhile keep reminding them
Jason
Like every day?
Yeah sure
Azhar
Yes
Jason
But I would be repeating myself
Azhar
Doesn’t matter – you did your job. So Jason, you know its easy to become a muslim – just say this aloud or in your heart sincerely as best as you can and then write it back to me here:
“Ash-hadu an La illaha illa Allah, wa ash-hadu ana Muhammad rasoul Allah”.
(It means: “I bear witness that there is no god worthy of my worship
except the One God and I bear witness that Muhammad is the servant and
messenger of God”)
Jason
Like dad and mom pls don’t steal money from the government
Every dat
Azhar
Yes – until you can move away
Jason
They will get angry
But I can always try
Azhar
Of course if they threaten to beat you physically then stop reminding them
Jason
They don’t want to give up their non-working life
I think that my mom hitting me won’t hurt
If my dad hits me then I need to defend myself
Like block the fist, clap or kick
Azhar
Anyway – this is somewhat out of scope for what we can discuss here
Jason
Yeah
Ok
I did it
Azhar
Did what?
Jason
What you said
I said it
Azhar
Ok! Wow – may Allah bless you. Awesome
Can you write it back to me here (“Ash-hadu an La illaha illa Allah, wa ash-hadu ana Muhammad rasoul Allah”)?
Jason
Ash-hadu an La illaha illa Allah, wa ash-hadu ana Muhammad rasoul Allah
Azhar
Brilliant work – may Allah be praised – May Allah bless you, reward you for all your good deeds and continue to guide you along the straight path.
Jason
Yeah
Azhar
Thanks for that.
You seem to be very knowledgeable about Islam already – usually we invite new muslims like you to take our free online learning
Jason
Can I ask a few questions
Azhar
Sure – please do
Jason
The website you gave I am already familiar with
Islamqa.info
I have been reading alot on it
Azhar
Excellent
Jason
Like on the rulings and other things
But I was wondering they said that during the night prayer is very good
Azhar
Yes
Jason
Reading Quran and other things
But if you stay awake during the night
When will you sleep and work?
Azhar
It’s a great question
Jason
Because
When I went to high school
Azhar
The short answer is to go to sleep just after isha prayer
Jason
I had to wake up at 6 am
Azhar
I understand that as a student there is homework to be done.
Jason
And school was till 4 pm
Azhar
The main thing is to try to make the effort. We are not perfect
Do the best you can whenever you are able
Jason
So if I were staying awake during the night
Azhar
So for example
Night prayer is not obligatory
Jason
When will I sleep, eat, do groceries
Azhar
See above
Jason
Homework
Yeah but then you would me missing on it
Azhar
Let me briefly tell you how your day might go…
(you can’t always do all the extra prayers)
Jason
Yeah due to time
And duties
Azhar
Get up before dawn, pray, go back to sleep til 6am
go to school
at school at lunchtime find a quiet place for 10 mins to pray
Jason
Yeah I also read that sleeping before sunrise is bad after fajr
Azhar
Its OK…. look you are in a country that is not based on islam
Do the best you can but don’t go overboard trying to do the extra prayers if your studies will suffer
Jason
I understand
Azhar
Just do the obligatory ones
Jason
What if you have free days
Azhar
Another example…
(by all means do extra night prayers when you have free days)
Jason
Like do I stay up the whole night?
I have a prayer table here
Azhar
If you go to sleep with the intention to wake for the morning prayer, your sleep will be blessed too
No need to stay awake all night
Jason
It says 21:26 is Iesha?
Azhar
Be reasonable
OK so here’s what to do
Jason
And fajr is 05:38
So how many hours do I sleep and when?
If I want to pray the night?
Azhar
Go to sleep after isha. Wake up at 5:15 or 5:20am
then pray the night prayer
then wait a little for fajr
Jason
What about brushing teeth?
Azhar
then pray fajr
Brush teeth anytime
(except in Ramadhan)
Jason
But I feel like 10 minutes is too little…
Azhar
You mean 10 mins at school?
Jason
No before fajr
Azhar
It will be fine. Now 10 mins before sunrise? That is a problem and not recommended
I’m saying make it about 20-30 mins before fajr
Jason
I read in the Quran
That the prophet prays like at least one third
Azhar
You can read Qur’an anytime
Jason
In the night
And a group with them
Or half
Azhar
Those people worked for themselves and had own businesses.
You are still studying!
Be realistic
Jason
No I am not anymore
Azhar
OK.. so you have no more school
Jason
I said back at high school
Azhar
?
Jason
Yeah i was just using it as an example
Azhar
Same thing – you are still a student right?
Jason
Back then
Azhar
What are you doing now?
Jason
Not studying
Azhar
OK – do you have a job?
Jason
I don’t like talking about it
Azhar
OK. If you have a job be realistic… you will not be able to fit in a night prayer unless you do it close to fajr time. Its still valid.
Jason
Let’s say you work for yourself
Azhar
Ok
Jason
So iesha is 21:26
And fajr 05:38
Would it be ok to not sleep at night?
Or good?
Azhar
Like I mentioned… its still OK to wake up at say 5am and do the night prayer
Jason
So sleeping 8 hours during the day
Azhar
You must sleep and lead a normal life
Why do you want to mess with your body clock?
Jason
Because I’ve read it has a lot of rewards
So I want to use it all if I can
Azhar
YOu can get the same reward by fitting it into one night – no need to waste time and daylight sleeping
Jason
Hmm
Azhar
First things first dear brother
First try to do all 5 prayers on time and as best as you can
Jason
I’ve read a question
On the website
Azhar
Work on the other prayers later
Ok tell me
Jason
Question
If a person stays up all night during Ramadaan, then he prays Fajr and sleeps until Zuhr, and prays and then sleeps until ‘Asr, and prays then sleeps until the time of iftaar, is his fasting valid?.
It says it is valid
Azhar
Sure – its valid
Jason
Azhar
If you can do it do it – we do !
Jason
But to not waste the day
I wondered then if you don’t waste the day by sleeping and not sleep at night
You won’t sleep at all
Azhar
The above link says its OK provided you don’;t miss any prayers.
Be realistic and practical
Islam doesn’t impose undue hardships on us
Jason, dear brother… do you have more questions? Its past my bedtime 🙂
Jason
The thing is that I think not to stay awake the whole night
but maybe 1 or 2 hours
Azhar
Actually look at it like this…
The person who makes an effort to wake up from deep sleep in order to pray is seen to be making a real effort than the one who stayed up all night
Jason
True
I want to share just this last thing
after that good night to you
Azhar
ok
Jason
Those who are fasting and others must also adhere to offering the five daily prayers in congregation, and avoid being distracted from them by sleep or anything else. Those who are fasting and others must also do all their duties on time for the government or other duties, and not be distracted from them by sleep or anything else. And they must strive to seek halaal provision which they and their dependents need, and not be distracted from that by sleep or anything else.
In conclusion, my advice to everyone, men and women, those who are fasting and those who are not, is to fear Allaah in all situations, and to continue to perform duties on time in the manner enjoined by Allaah, and to avoid being distracted from that by sleep or any other permissible thing etc. If the thing that distracts them from that is an act of disobedience towards Allaah, then the sin is greater and more serious.
May Allaah guide the Muslims, enable them to understand their religion and make them steadfast in adhering to the truth, and guide their leaders, for He is Most Generous, Most Kind.
Fataawa al-Shaykh Ibn Baaz, 4/15.
I copied it from the fatwa
Azhar
Yes – it’s a good point. The real challenge in Ramadhan is to perform your daily chores and work and also pray when its due
Jason
So not seeking provision to do night prayer might be a bigger sin
Or seeking knowledge etc.
So I should first do my obligations, seek knowledge, provision
Etc.
after that if I have time to spare then I can do it
Azhar
Do the obligations, then seek provision then knowledge
etc
Jason
True
Thanks
Have a good night
Azhar
Especially if you have a family.
Jason
Yes
Then it is very important
Azhar
Welcome to islam dear brother. Congratulations on your conversion to Islam and may Allah SWT bless you and continue to guide you along the straight path.
Jason
Yeah
Amen
You too
Thank you for everything
Azhar
Before you go – please share in a few lines why you decided to become a msulim today
Jason
may Allah grant you jannah firdaws
Azhar
Amin. You too
Jason
Amin
Because I don’t want to burn in hell
Be a close friend of Allah
Azhar
That sounds like a great reason!
Jason
And attain a high rank
And a close slave
Azhar
Jzakallah Khayran for that
Jason
Yeah
Same
Azhar
Have a great night praying insha-allah
Jason
In sha Allah
Good night
Azhar
Fi Amanallah
Jason
Fi amanallah
Azhar
Assalaam Alaykum
JasonAlaykum salaam