Subhan'Allah Brother semimirza. It is not only cherished label to be addressed as a Muslim but it is the only way Quran addreses the Believers as Muslimoon:
When we read the stories of the prophets in the Holy Quran, we learn that each one of them referred to themselves and their followers as Muslims. For example, Prohet Nuh (a) said to his people:
"No reward have I asked of you: my reward is only due from Allah, and I have been commanded to be of those who submit to Allah's Will (in Islam)"
(Quran, 10:72)
In this verse, Prophet Nuh (a) says that he has been commanded by Allah (swt) to be one from amongst the "Muslimeen". In other words, Prophet Nuh (a) called himself and his followers "Muslimeen".
Prophet Ibrahim (a) is mentioned in the Holy Quran as a Muslim:
"Abraham was not a Jew nor yet a Christian; but he was true in Faith and bowed his will to Allah's, (which is Islam) and he joined not gods with Allah."
(Quran, 3:67)
This verse portrays Prophet Ibrahim (a) as a Muslim who was not a Mushrik (one who makes partners with Allah (swt) ). He taught the same lesson to his children:
And this was the legacy that Abraham left to his sons, and so did Jacob; "Oh my sons! Allah hath chosen the Faith for you; then die not except in the faith of Islam.
(Quran, 2:132)
Prophet Ibrahim (a) and his son Prophet Ismail (a) joined in prayer to Allah (swt) to make them and their descendants Muslims:
"Our Lord! Make us Muslims, bowing to Thy (Will), and our progeny a people Muslim bowing to Thy (Will); "
(Quran, 2: 128)
From these three verses we understand that Prophet Ibrahim (a) and his son wished themselves and their descendants to be called Muslims. All the other prophets also preferred to be called Muslims: for example Prophets Lut (a) (see 51: 35-36), Yusuf (a) (see 12: 101), Musa (a) (see 10: 84), and Isa (a) (see 3: 52).
Thus, the Holy Quran is a witness that all the prophets, their followers and their descendants were called Muslims. But when the true religion got distorted, and people began to go astray, they segregated themselves into distinct groups. Then came the last prophet, Prophet Muhammad (s) as a mercy to humankind, who called the whole universe towards Islam, and everyone who came into the fold of Islam was proud to be called a Muslim, for this is the name Allah (swt) gave to the final revival of the Faith:
"And strive in His cause as ye ought to strive (with sincerity and under discipline). He has chosen you, and has imposed no difficulties on you in religion; it is the cult of your father Abraham. It is He Who has named you Muslims, both before and in this (Revelation); that the Apostle may be a witness for you, and ye be witness for mankind! So establish regular prayer, give regular charity, And hold fast to Allah! He is your protector the best to protect and the best to help."
(Quran, 22: 78)
Posted 3 years ago on 23 May 2009 15:38
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