A Reader's Comments

Cont’d from page 3

The following is what we learn from the Qur’an. The concept is Absolute, God is Absolute.

...GOD decrees whatever He wills. [5:1]

… the One who created you and those before you … [2:21]. 

He is the One who created for you everything on earth, then turned to the sky and perfected seven universes therein, and He is fully aware of all things. [2:29]  

GOD showers His blessings upon whomever He chooses. GOD possesses infinite grace. [2:105; 3:174; 8:29].

To GOD belongs the east and the west; wherever you go there will be the presence of GOD. GOD is Omnipresent, Omniscient. [2:115].

… all power belongs to GOD alone. There is no other god besides Him; the Almighty, Most Wise. [3:6].

Kind regards.

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Knowing God

[10:61] You do not get into any situation, nor do you recite any Quran, nor do you do anything, without us being witnesses thereof as you do it. Not even an atom’s weight is out of your Lord’s control, be it in the heavens or the earth. Nor is there anything smaller than an atom, or larger, that is not recorded in a profound record.

A Reader’s Question

Question:  I would like to know whether it is permissible to celebrate birthdays in Islam. What about birthdays of prophets?

Answer: Peace be upon you. You are free to celebrate birthdays of yourself, friends, family members,  etc. There is no restriction in Quran on celebrating birthdays, just like there is no restriction on celebrating anniversaries, achievements or any occasion you wish to. God allows us enjoy life however we wish as long as righteousness is maintained. Of course, whatever we enjoy, we must not become preoccupied with it. We must always remember to be appreciative of God and thank Him for all His bounties and blessings, obvious and hidden (7:32, 31:20).

However, what does not make sense is that people celebrate birthdays of prophets and other people who are dead. That has no significance or religious benefit at all. Additionally, by celebrating the birthday of a particular messenger, violates the command not to make distinction among God’s messengers (2:285). Unfortunately, people make the celebration of a messenger’s birthday into a religious rule which is completely wrong. God does not like innovations in His name. People also make the death anniversary of a messenger into a religious event which has no basis in Islam.

Best wishes and enjoy your next birthday celebration.

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Be included in our email list for weekly reminders

We have been sending weekly reminders to submitters in our email list and it is a great success, praise God. The weekly reminder email is not very long. It usually consists of the topic of the week, and the corresponding link or links to get the information from. The reminder is sent every Thursday, God willing.

[51:55]  And remind, for the reminder benefits the believers.

We would like every submitter, whether receiving our newsletters or not, to be included in the list. God willing you can join the list by sending an email to info@masjidtucson.org and saying that you want to be in the weekly reminder list. If you want to make it a really short email, just write “weekly reminder” in the subject line and send it.

If you also include in the email the city and state that you live in, God willing we can compile this information and use it for the submitters without a community who are asking to communicate with other submitters in their area.

Please help us to help you and other submitters by joining the list and by being proactive, God willing.

[3:200]  O you who believe, you shall be steadfast, you shall persevere, you shall be united, you shall observe GOD, that you may succeed.