Is Allah a God of mercy and compassion or a just war God?

[Kiki52]

Ok I have a questions to any Muslims around here to just interested people who know the Quran and Hadiths in and out.
Is Allah a God of mercy and compassion, or is he a just war God who delivers death and destruction upon those who are not just?

I was wondering this. Think back to the time of the Prophet Muhammad, what did Muhammad say himself about Allah's characteristics?

I've heard many things about Allah from many people. Many people say Allah is like a just war God, like the God of the Jews YHWH. He punishes those who do evil with utmost impunity and terror and gives them great torture and torment both her and in the afterlife for even the minorest of infractions. The Christian God though is a very hard topic which is hard to discuss.

I do not know much about Muhammad, except that he was more like a war hero when he fought against the pagan Meccans and... yes. The Jews too. Muhammad for some parts of the Quran seems to exemplify war as a good way of life. But perhaps Muhammad was just a soldier, but not as a man per se a man who advocates war, death, and destruction all the time.

Like if (please pardon me, I in no way want to degrade Muhammad I respect him) let's say Muhammad saw a bunch of kids who came up to him and called him fat or something, do you think Muhammad would get so angry and call upon Allah to send bears to go to the children and gore them and rip them to shreds slowly so as the children will suffer and see their guts being torn up by bears then Allah will smile and Muhammad will smile that 'justice' was done to those children who dared call Muhammad fat?

I would hope a Muslim here or someone (any religion) who has expertise in the Quran or Hadith can tell me and quote passages from the Quran or Hadith about these things:
-Has Muhammad or Allah ever did things like forgive someone who has did a bad thing?
-Has either of them showed mercy during war (like Salahheddin did to Jerusalem when he captured it, a very devout Muslim)?
-Does Allah have unconditional love, or does he send down justice upon those who do bad?
-Does Allah or Muhammad ever command his people to curse those whom they hate, hoping that they may die or suffer? Does Allah or Muhammad tell you to hate period?
-Does Allah cause or command people to lie or cheat their neighbor for any reason?
-Does Allah or Muhammad command Muslims to hold hate in their heart against someone, and rejoice with great joy and glee either openly or secretly after something bad happens to that person they hate?
-Is Islam (the original old Islam, not Islam today) a religion that commands that any bad doing, even a minor one like calling someone fat, must be punished by death?
-Does Muhammad/Allah say you must kill those who don't believe in Islam? (that's be good for you to awnser Jankren if you ever read this)

In other words, can Muhammad be thought of a merciful kind person like Jesus or more of a justice war hero? Can Allah be thought of as the same?

Also, if you're Muslim could you also kindly tell which denomination of Muslim you are? Sunni, Shia, Wahabi, Sufi etc.

I'd hope you can quote the Quran and/or Hadith if you'd like so many people here on TWC can see how you the Muslims yourselves see Islam.

[jankren]

Whats with your sudden interest with Islam, man?

[David Deas]

Whats with your sudden interest with Islam, man?

Tell me about it. It seems like its the entire message board lately. All you have is a relatively recent ripoff of an old hebrew religion.

[Kiki52]

Ok guys thank you very much for your support and explanations about Islam, I was wondering about these things for a long time. I am glad that you took the time to respond to them

I think from the viewpoint now in this thread, it seems ok to keep the thread open if people still wish to talk. Good thing it didn't go down the path of my other thread about intermarriage with whites and non-whites.

[Lawrence of Arabia]

Prediction:

This will become another thread where those who hate Muslims will Google "Islam is evil".

Next, they will copy poorly researched information written by bigots and paste them on here. Along with the poorly researched information, they will make sure to paste out-of-context quotes.

After that, Master Adnin, jankren, Sher Khan, Ibn Rushd, or one of the other Muslims will have to explain everything to them. Those who hate Islam will ignore any explanation given to them, and this will turn into yet another thread about how much people hate Islam and how it is evil.

[Cluny the Scourge]

He is a merciful and compassionate God to those who submit to him - his servants and slaves - and a war God to those who do not (everyone else).

[King of Axum]

He is a merciful and compassionate God to those who submit to him - his servants and slaves - and a war God to those who do not (everyone else).

this is one of the huge differences between Islam and those who follow Christ. Jesus taught a God to us whom he say's is a father. whereas allah is a god in which wants to be ones master always commanding people and forcing his will upon them. The father of Jesus ( the most high God) never forces people to convert yet instead gives them options to do what they wish

[MasterAdnin]

this is one of the huge differences between Islam and those who follow Christ. Jesus taught a God to us whom he say's is a father. whereas allah is a god in which wants to be ones master always commanding people and forcing his will upon them. The father of Jesus ( the most high God) never forces people to convert yet instead gives them options to do what they wish

If you do not believe Jesus(pbuh) is the Son of God you will go to Hell for eternity.

In Islam there is no compulsion and you may go to Hell, but Allah is forgiving and will eventually release your soul from damnation.

Salaam,
Adnan

[Chlodwig I.]

If you do not believe Jesus(pbuh) is the Son of God you will go to Hell for eternity.

In Islam there is no compulsion and you may go to Hell, but Allah is forgiving and will eventually release your soul from damnation.

Salaam,
Adnan

If you not believe that jesus is the son of god you are not christian....

so what?

[DaLeGiOnArY]

everybody in this corner of the world who's muslim uses allah's name in vain,is racist against everyone else and is realy violent. I wonder if i should believe kiki or believe my inner shrimp...

[Lawrence of Arabia]

-Has Muhammad or Allah ever did things like forgive someone who has did a bad thing?

The Prophet (may peace be upon him) was a very forgiving person. He was ever ready to forgive his enemies. When he went to Ta’if to preach the message of Allah, its people mistreated him, abused him and hit him with stones.

- He left the city humiliated and wounded. When he took shelter under a tree, the angel of Allah visited him and told him that Allah sent him to destroy the people of Ta’if because of their sin of maltreating their Prophet. Muhammad (may peace be upon him) prayed to Allah to save the people of Ta'if, because what they did was out of their ignorance.

“O Allah, guide these people, because they did not know what they were doing.”

- When he entered the city of Mecca after the victory, the Prophet (pbuh) had in front of him some of his staunchest enemies. Those who fought him for many years, persecuted his followers and killed many of them. Now he had full power to do whatever he wanted to punish them for their crimes.

It is reported that the Prophet (pbuh) asked them, “What do you think I shall do to you now?” They pleaded for mercy. The Prophet (pbuh) said, “Today I shall say to you what Joseph (referring to Prophet Yusuf (pbuh) as mentioned in the Qur’an, Yusuf 12:92) said to his brothers, ‘No blame on you today. Go, you are all free.”

- We can also look at the "Slander of Sayyidah A'isha’”. Some people of Media started to slander A'isha. They tried to assassinate her character. One of the slanderers turned out to be Mistah, the cousin of A'isha’s father Abu Bakr's.

Abu Bakr used to give financial aid to Abu Bakr's, but after he slandered his daughter, Abu Bakr vowed not to help him any more. Allah reminded Abu Bakr and through him all Muslims, “Let not those among you who are endued with grace and amplitude of means resolve by oath against helping their kinsmen, those in want and those who migrated in the path of Allah. Let them forgive and overlook. Do you not wish that Allah should forgive you? Indeed Allah is oft-Forgiving, most Merciful.” (Al-Nur 24:22) Abu Bakr came out of his home and said, “Yes, indeed, I want Allah’s forgiveness.

He not only continued to help him but he gave him more. Islam emphasizes justice and punishment of the wrong doers, but it equally strongly emphasizes mercy, kindness and love. Justice, law and order are necessary for the maintenance of a social order, but there is also a need for forgiveness to heal the wounds and to restore good relations between the people

-Has either of them showed mercy during war (like Salahheddin did to Jerusalem when he captured it, a very devout Muslim)?

Check the above. Yes, Muhammad the Prophet did so many times

-Does Allah have unconditional love, or does he send down justice upon those who do bad?

In Al-Buruj 85:14, it says of Allah "And he is forgiving and loving"

In Islam, Allah's love is translated in His attributes of forgiveness, compassion, and mercy. While His love is bestowed lavishly on those who earned it, His mercy is unconditional. You receive it whether you are an obedient person, a sinner, or even a pagan or idolater.

If a non-believer sincerely asks God's help or protection in an emergency, he gets it, although God knows he will turn back to sin as soon as he is rescued. Despite this, he is given an unconditional dose of God's infinite mercy that he may find the right path

-Does Allah or Muhammad ever command his people to curse those whom they hate, hoping that they may die or suffer? Does Allah or Muhammad tell you to hate period?

Not to my knowledge. That would be the complete opposite of what Islam preaches.

-Does Allah cause or command people to lie or cheat their neighbor for any reason?

See my previous answer.

-Does Allah or Muhammad command Muslims to hold hate in their heart against someone, and rejoice with great joy and glee either openly or secretly after something bad happens to that person they hate?

See my previous answer.

-Is Islam (the original old Islam, not Islam today) a religion that commands that any bad doing, even a minor one like calling someone fat, must be punished by death?

Huh? What!?

No...

-Does Muhammad/Allah say you must kill those who don't believe in Islam?

...

In other words, can Muhammad be thought of a merciful kind person like Jesus or more of a justice war hero? Can Allah be thought of as the same?

Muhammad was a little of both really. Allah is foremost loving and merciful, but he will deal justice if it is necessary.

I'd hope you can quote the Quran and/or Hadith if you'd like so many people here on TWC can see how you the Muslims yourselves see Islam.

Give me a few minutes and I'll try to complete my answers with quotes.

[DaLeGiOnArY]

ever since we found out islam was obsessed with searching for a bunch of parrots having sex(bird sex LOL) on google...you know...

[Lawrence of Arabia]

ever since we found out islam was obsessed with searching for a bunch of parrots having sex(bird sex LOL) on google...you know...

Huh? Islam is not obsessed with bird sex.

[Chaigidel]

doesnt Islam mean Submission?(to god)

[Sher Khan]

Ok I have a questions to any Muslims around here to just interested people who know the Quran and Hadiths in and out.
Is Allah a God of mercy and compassion, or is he a just war God who delivers death and destruction upon those who are not just?

The short answer: Allah is the most Compassionate, the most Kind, the most Merciful, the Guardian, the most Powerful, the utterly Just.

I was wondering this. Think back to the time of the Prophet Muhammad, what did Muhammad say himself about Allah's characteristics?

This should suffice.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/99_Name...#List_of_Names

I've heard many things about Allah from many people. Many people say Allah is like a just war God, like the God of the Jews YHWH. He punishes those who do evil with utmost impunity and terror and gives them great torture and torment both her and in the afterlife for even the minorest of infractions. The Christian God though is a very hard topic which is hard to discuss.

Punishment and judgment are done on Judgment Day. God does no judging or punishing beforehand and only deals in giving us trials regardless of creed. And his punishment is just and oft-merciful.

I do not know much about Muhammad, except that he was more like a war hero when he fought against the pagan Meccans and... yes. The Jews too. Muhammad for some parts of the Quran seems to exemplify war as a good way of life. But perhaps Muhammad was just a soldier, but not as a man per se a man who advocates war, death, and destruction all the time.

To fight in self-defense of yourself or for your brothers and sisters is simply the right thing to do.

Like if (please pardon me, I in no way want to degrade Muhammad I respect him) let's say Muhammad saw a bunch of kids who came up to him and called him fat or something, do you think Muhammad would get so angry and call upon Allah to send bears to go to the children and gore them and rip them to shreds slowly so as the children will suffer and see their guts being torn up by bears then Allah will smile and Muhammad will smile that 'justice' was done to those children who dared call Muhammad fat?

Never. He'd get mad, sure. I would too. But more likely he'd be quite saddened at best and would do his best to take it in stride as it was commanded of him, for: "It was mercy from God that you became compassionate towards them. Had you been harsh and mean-hearted, they would have abandoned you. Therefore, you shall pardon them and ask forgiveness for them, and consult them. Once you make a decision, carry out your plan, and trust in God. God loves those who trust in Him." (3:159)

-Has Muhammad or Allah ever did things like forgive someone who has did a bad thing?

"Not equal is the good response and the bad response. You shall resort to the nicest possible response. Thus, the one who used to be your enemy, may become your best friend." (41:34)


"They steadfastly persevere in seeking their Lord, observe the Link (Salat), spend from our provisions to them secretly and publicly, and counter evil with good. These have deserved the best abode." (13:22)

-Has either of them showed mercy during war (like Salahheddin did to Jerusalem when he captured it, a very devout Muslim)?

"Truly, Allah loves those who repent, and loves those who care for cleanliness." (2:222)

"My Mercy has embraced all things." (7:156)

-Does Allah have unconditional love, or does he send down justice upon those who do bad?

"He is The Forgiving, The Loving." (85:14)

-Does Allah or Muhammad ever command his people to curse those whom they hate, hoping that they may die or suffer? Does Allah or Muhammad tell you to hate period?

"O you who believe, no people shall ridicule other people, for they may be better than they. Nor shall any women ridicule other women, for they may be better than they. Nor shall you mock one another, or call each other names. Evil indeed is the reversion to wickedness after attaining faith. Anyone who does not repent after this, these are the transgressors." (49:11)

-Does Allah cause or command people to lie or cheat their neighbor for any reason?

Many Followers of the scripture would rather see you revert to disbelief, now that you have believed. This is due to jealousy on their part, after the truth has become evident to them. You shall pardon them, and leave them alone until God issues His judgement. God is Omnipotent. (2:109)

-Does Allah or Muhammad command Muslims to hold hate in their heart against someone, and rejoice with great joy and glee either openly or secretly after something bad happens to that person they hate?

"who (the righteous) give to charity during the good times, as well as the bad times. They are suppressors of anger, and pardoners of the people. GOD loves the charitable." (3:134)

-Is Islam (the original old Islam, not Islam today) a religion that commands that any bad doing, even a minor one like calling someone fat, must be punished by death?

Again, "Not equal is the good response and the bad response. You shall resort to the nicest possible response. Thus, the one who used to be your enemy, may become your best friend." (41:34)

-Does Muhammad/Allah say you must kill those who don't believe in Islam? (that's be good for you to awnser Jankren if you ever read this)

You are not responsible for guiding anyone. God is the only one who guides whoever chooses (to be guided). (2:272)

Also, if you're Muslim could you also kindly tell which denomination of Muslim you are? Sunni, Shia, Wahabi, Sufi etc.

I don't care for such names. "Surely they who divided their religion into parts and became sects, you have no concern with them; their affair is only with Allah, then He will inform them of what they did." (6:159)

[CyberFist]

Nor shall you mock one another, or call each other names.

Then why the term "kaffir" or whatever it is? Was it originally a loving or neutral term?

All I can find is this:

Kafir (Arabic: كافر kāfir; plural كفّار kuffār) is an Arabic word literally meaning "ingrate". In the Islamic doctrinal sense the term refers to a person who does not recognize Allah or the finality of the prophethood of Muhammad (i.e. any non-Muslim) or who hides, denies, or covers the truth. In cultural terms, it is seen as a derogatory term[1] used to describe an unbeliever, non-Muslims, apostate from Islam and even between Muslims of different sects. It is usually translated into English as "infidel" or "unbeliever."

[AngryTitusPullo]

Then why the term "kaffir" or whatever it is? Was it originally a loving or neutral term?

Kaffir is the Arabic word of the Unbeliever. So ? :hmmm:

[CyberFist]

Kaffir is the Arabic word of the Unbeliever. So ? :hmmm:

I was just wondering, because I have heard it said with hate and in a demeaning tone on TV by certain imams and others.

As a side note, the root of Kaffir means "to cover"

Ah. So it was not originally a term of insult. Okay, thanks

[Serious Spamurai]

Ah. So it was not originally a term of insult. Okay, thanks

Of course not, otherwise Al-Kaffirun, a Surah in the Quraan preaching religious tolerance would not use the word.

Muslims also means believer, not just today's Islam. Those who follows previous prophets are also muslims (believer).

"Believers, Jews, Sabeans and Christians; whoever believes in God and the last day and does what is right, shall have nothing to fear or to regret."
5:69

[AngryTitusPullo]

I was just wondering, because I have heard it said with hate and in a demeaning tone on TV by certain imams and others.

Ah. So it was not originally a term of insult. Okay, thanks

Yes. Same with the word Jihad. Wrongly used and wrongly interpreted by the media and those imams alike.