001 Dialog Between Azhar And Jason

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A compilation of dialogues between Muslims Da’ee and Non Muslims from the website eialogue.org gracefully given to us by the website management. This is published in this book as part of resources to study in the objective of improving our Dawah skills.

Hello. How may I help you today?

Azhar

Hello.

Jason

Hi Jason

Azhar

How are you?

Jason

Welcome to our chat on basics of Islam. Good thanks and you?

Azhar

I’m doing good

Jason

Great. So how can we help today?

Azhar

The basics of islam

Jason

Cool. Sure – let’s go through them – it just takes a few mins. Ask any questions along the way

Azhar

Ok.

Jason

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.

Azhar

Islam means peace acquired by submitting to the one true God and to accept all His prophets and *original* revelations.

Azhar

Jason

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.

Azhar

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.

Azhar

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

Jason

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

Azhar

But that would be bad if somebody listens to music his whole life following your example even if you have stopped you still get the sin!

Jason

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 🙂

Azhar

But what if you have changed your ways do you still get the sin if he does it? That would be depressing

Jason

Yes – so you would ask Allah for forgiveness and then your sin count may stop even if that other person might continue.

Azhar

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

Azhar

So as a back-up if I were in that situation I would repent at least every day
In case he sinned again

Jason

Yes – repent sincerely and then move on. You don’t have to keep repenting for that one.

Azhar

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?

Azhar

I think so

Jason

Otherwise what would happen?

Azhar

But how do you know you are forgiven?

Jason

We’d go mad repenting for every little sin we did again and again and eventually we will not live a normal life.

Azhar

The great thing is that we never know. So once you’ve done repentance sincerely, assume its forgiven and move on.

Azhar

See my above point about going mad or becoming obsessive

Azhar

So you have to assume the best
And hope for the best

Jason

Yes – you have to give Allah the title of being most Merciful and Forgiving

Azhar

Understable

Jason

Cool.. let’s move on 🙂

Azhar

Yes

Jason

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.

Azhar

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.

Azhar

Pls let me know when you’ve read and if you agree or let me know if you have any questions.

Azhar

But what if for example somebody’s behavior is annoying you

Jason

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

Jason

OK… here’s where you can use your brain…

Azhar

Maybe in Arabic culture they hold hands
Also he likes hugging which I hate

Jason

For example… you can make sure you have things in your hands
And keep a few metres away from him

Azhar

To be honest I would not like to talk to him
It is annoying me I like to be alone

Jason

OK then just pass by him, wish him all the best and move on

Azhar

And not have idle talk

Jason

I’m sure you can think of ways

Azhar

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

Jason

Well… if you can hear him out and help him from getting lonely then you might earn rewards

Azhar

Yeah but I don’t like to hold male hands

Jason

Just tell him

Azhar

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

Jason

Sometimes honesty is the best policy even if it doesn’t sound good initially

Azhar

Yeah but his dutch is bad so he might misunderstand Ughh

Jason

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

Azhar

Haha yeah

Jason

I’m sure honesty will pay off in the long run
So let’s move on

Azhar

I’ll just say hello
And move on
Ok

Jason

Good idea

Azhar

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)

Azhar

Would you like to know more about what any of these mean?

Azhar

Yeah

Jason

Any specific one or all?

Azhar

I’ve read in the quran that satan is doomed to hell
Or cursed

Jason

Yes

Azhar

Why. What if he wants to repent?

Jason

You know what I say?

Azhar

What?

Jason

Don’t worry about what will happen to Satan. Worry about yourself
We can all waste time

Azhar

Haha

Jason

thinking about these things that don’t affect us

Azhar

So should I only care about myself?
Not about family and other people?

Jason

Just curious

Jason

You should care about doing your duty to Allah and all of mankind

Azhar

As for Satan he can worry about himself

Azhar

So he is alive right now?

Jason

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

Azhar

Like does he sleep and eat?
What is he made of?
Why can’t we see them

Jason

He’s tempting people 24×7

Azhar

Haha

Jason

He whispers to people
and seduces them

Azhar

I mean in today’s society people are so bad he doesn’t even need to do anything

Jason

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

Azhar

Yeah especially here
In the west

Jason

Yes. OK so which of the 6 things would you like me to explain?
(also in the east)

Azhar

Yeah
I heard in China

Jason

Yes – sorry to say

Azhar

They force muslims to denounce their religion and imams to dance and sing

Jason

Its tragic yes

Azhar

China is even worse than the west

Jason

So Jason.. we’re diverting from basics of Islam to politics now

Azhar

At least the west has some human rights

Jason

Here we do not usually discuss politics

Azhar

Yeah so explain the day of judgment please

Jason

Sure – most welcome….

Azhar

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.

Azhar

Then we will go to paradise if we did mainly good things or hell if we did more bad things than good

Azhar

Will we be wearing clothes?

Jason

I’ll check – give me a minute

Azhar

Jason

People will be gathered on the Day of Resurrection barefoot, naked and uncircumcised.

Azhar

Save and see this link later:
islamqa.info/en/answers/21679

Azhar

Do you want me to explain other items of the 6?

Azhar

Ehmm let me see the predestination only

Jason

That’s one of my favourites to explain 🙂

Azhar

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.

Azhar

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.

Azhar

Oh well good that I’ve chosen it then haha

Jason

Hahaha… a lot of people do.

Azhar

But I read in the Quran that Allah says
If mankind did not sin he would replace them
With a people who sin

Jason

Right… you know why?

Azhar

So this means he created us as sinners right?
And some people he created to go to hell?

Jason

He created us to be able to do good and bad. And he loves sinners who repent

Azhar

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

Azhar

To me it matters

Jason

No it doesn’t matter – because what he decided in advance we will never know

Azhar

That’s like hell and paradise

Jason

So worrying about it will get us nowhere

Azhar

One is nice the other is bad

Jason

You know why its better we don’t know?

Azhar

Because we won’t work

Jason

Right!

Azhar

I think.

Jason

If you were guaranteed paradise in this life, almost everyone will stop trying to be good

Azhar

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

Jason

Yes

Azhar

But if it was said you will achieve a low rank you might get depressed

Jason

Some people might try to work hard !

Azhar

Yes I’ve read that some people were promised paradise
In this life

Jason

Yes I’ve heard that too… but these would have been people that aren’t like you and me

Azhar

Of course we aren’t promised paradise 🙂
I get what you mean

Jason

I think it’s a good thing we are not promised. It stops us getting lazy

Azhar

They have different attributes
Hard working, patience etc.

Jason

Yes.
Allah rewards on efforts and intention. Not necessarily on results

Azhar

What would be really bad is if you were promised hell
In this life

Jason

Yes – right!

Azhar

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

Jason

Let me give you an example

Azhar

Also the people who lived with the prophet had greater opportunities

Jason

Yes

Azhar

Unlike people who came later but
I think god choses the people he wants

Jason

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

Azhar

Majority
At least

Jason

Again… what does it matter? Hahaha

Azhar

Well let me give an example

Jason

Worry about yourself and rest of mankind that is alive right now

Azhar

Would you like 5 million dollars or 1 billion?

Jason

It depends what conditions it was given to me with
If its for free I would take a billion

Azhar

The path for that 1 billion is not available because you were not chosen

Jason

Cool – I’m happy with what I have

Azhar

But I mean paradise is paradise

Jason

So what are you saying?

Azhar

Just saying that why is that some people are better and do more and others not?

Jason

Those who are not will be questions about the decisions they took. We are only judged by the things that were in our control.

Azhar

So Jason…let’s move on.

Azhar

When someone is a Muslim or becomes one, he or she needs to do the following 5 things called ‘Pillars’:

Azhar

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)

Azhar

Jason

Well that’s it for basics.
How do they fit with your views Jason?

Azhar

My view is that

Jason

If I have to be honest
I have been islam for a time now and have analyzed the evidences they mentioned

Jason

So I know quite a bit already

Jason

You mean you became muslim? Or you are still studying it?

Azhar

What really makes me think it is true
Are the prophecies, linguistical miracle, scientifical miracles and the complete way of life islam offers

Jason

Wow – excellent

Azhar

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

Jason

Yes

Azhar

Yet a man 1400 years ago said everything that is good which science today is still figuring out

Jason

Right

Azhar

Some people say luck
I say impossible and that they are deceiving themselves

Jason

Indeed

Azhar

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

Jason

True
Or it means giving up some of their pleasures or enjoyable things

Azhar

Yeah Money
Fame.

Jason

Drink, Sex

Azhar

Giving up your comfortable life

Jason

Drugs

Azhar

Yeah those things too

Jason

Power

Azhar

Yeah let’s say trump became a muslim

Jason

Politicians hate Islam because it will take away their jobs

Azhar

They would kick him out
True
Haha I didn’t think it that way

Jason

Good – so are you now a muslim or planning to become one?

Azhar

I really hate politicians they constantly ban everything at their own pleasure
They think they are god or something

Jason

Yes indeed

Azhar

I would like 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

Jason

No one follows everything but the great thing is we will be rewarded for trying

Azhar

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

Jason

What do you mean?

Azhar

Like I know lying is a sin
But if the government asks me about if they did this crime or not

Jason

It would be very hard for me not to lie
Because it might affect them big time

Jason

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

Azhar

Yeah but it wouldn’t be sincere repentance if I were repenting
And continue to lie so they don’t get harmed

Jason

Well – Allah knows your situation that you are lying to protect

Azhar

My family is deceiving the government to
Get money and stuff

Jason

Many are like this

Azhar

Yeah and if I told the truth they might get a fine, less money or prison

Jason

And I would be in the worst case thrown on the streets but I can always sleep at a shelter

Jason

Just keep quiet but keep reminding the family they are doing wrong. Then your duty is done

Azhar

I did
They are never admitting their mistakes
They say that if they don’t scam them the money goes for war

Jason

So they deceive themselves that way

Jason

Just keep reminding them again and again etc.

Azhar

It may go that way
But that is not their fault

Jason

When you get a chance live away from them

Azhar

I will
I need to save money tho

Jason

For now, better to become a muslim and not waste time… meanwhile keep reminding them

Azhar

Like every day?
Yeah sure

Jason

Yes

Azhar

But I would be repeating myself

Jason

Doesn’t matter – you did your job.

Azhar

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:

Azhar

“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”)

Azhar

Like dad and mom pls don’t steal money from the government
Every day

Jason

Yes – until you can move away

Azhar

They will get angry
But I can always try

Jason

Of course if they threaten to beat you physically then stop reminding them

Azhar

They don’t want to give up their non-working life
I think that my mom hitting me won’t hurt

Jason

If my dad hits me then I need to defend myself
Like block the fist, clap or kick

Jason

Anyway – this is somewhat out of scope for what we can discuss here

Azhar

Yeah Ok
I did it

Jason

Did what?

Azhar

What you said
I said it

Jason

Ok! Wow – may Allah bless you. Awesome

Azhar

Can you write it back to me here (“Ash-hadu an La illaha illa Allah, wa ash-hadu ana Muhammad rasoul Allah”)?

Azhar

Ash-hadu an La illaha illa Allah, wa ash-hadu ana Muhammad rasoul Allah

Jason

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.

Azhar

Yeah

Jason

Thanks for that.

Azhar

You seem to be very knowledgeable about Islam already – usually we invite new muslims like you to take our free online learning

Azhar

Can I ask a few questions

Jason

Sure – please do

Azhar

The website you gave I am already familiar with
Islamqa.info
I have been reading a lot on it

Jason

Excellent

Azhar

Like on the rulings and other things
But I was wondering they said that during the night prayer is very good

Jason

Yes

Azhar

Reading Quran and other things

Jason

But if you stay awake during the night
When will you sleep and work?

Jason

It’s a great question

Azhar

Because
When I went to high school

Jason

The short answer is to go to sleep just after isha prayer

Azhar

I had to wake up at 6 am

Jason

I understand that as a student there is homework to be done.

Azhar

And school was till 4 pm

Jason

The main thing is to try to make the effort. We are not perfect
Do the best you can whenever you are able

Azhar

So if I were staying awake during the night

Jason

So for example
Night prayer is not obligatory

Azhar

When will I sleep, eat, do groceries

Jason

See above

Azhar

Homework
Yeah but then you would me missing on it

Jason

Let me briefly tell you how your day might go…
(you can’t always do all the extra prayers)

Azhar

Yeah due to time
And duties

Jason

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

Azhar

Yeah I also read that sleeping before sunrise is bad after fajr

Jason

Its OK…. look you are in a country that is not based on Islam

Azhar

Do the best you can but don’t go overboard trying to do the extra prayers if your studies will suffer

Azhar

I understand

Jason

Just do the obligatory ones

Azhar

What if you have free days

Jason

Another example…
(by all means do extra night prayers when you have free days)

Azhar

Like do I stay up the whole night?
I have a prayer table here

Jason

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

Azhar

It says 21:26 is Iesha?

Jason

Be reasonable
OK so here’s what to do

Azhar

And fajr is 05:38
So how many hours do I sleep and when?
If I want to pray the night?

Jason

Go to sleep after isha. Wake up at 5:15 or 5:20am
then pray the night prayer
then wait a little for fajr

Azhar

What about brushing teeth?

Jason

then pray fajr
Brush teeth anytime
(except in Ramadhan)

Azhar

But I feel like 10 minutes is too little…

Jason

You mean 10 mins at school?

Azhar

No before fajr

Jason

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

Azhar

I read in the Quran
That the prophet prays like at least one third

Jason

You can read Qur’an anytime

Azhar

In the night
And a group with them
Or half

Jason

Those people worked for themselves and had own businesses.
You are still studying!
Be realistic

Azhar

No I am not anymore

Jason

OK.. so you have no more school

Azhar

I said back at high school

Jason

Azhar

Yeah i was just using it as an example

Jason

Same thing – you are still a student right?

Azhar

Back then

Jason

What are you doing now?

Azhar

Not studying

Jason

OK – do you have a job?

Azhar

I don’t like talking about it

Jason

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.

Azhar

Let’s say you work for yourself

Jason

Azhar

So iesha is 21:26
And fajr 05:38

Jason

Would it be ok to not sleep at night?
Or good?

Jason

Like I mentioned… its still OK to wake up at say 5am and do the night prayer

Azhar

So sleeping 8 hours during the day

Jason

You must sleep and lead a normal life
Why do you want to mess with your body clock?

Azhar

Because I’ve read it has a lot of rewards
So I want to use it all if I can

Jason

YOu can get the same reward by fitting it into one night – no need to waste time and daylight sleeping

Azhar

Hmm

Jason

First things first dear brother
First try to do all 5 prayers on time and as best as you can

Azhar

I’ve read a question
On the website

Jason

Work on the other prayers later
Ok tell me

Azhar

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

Jason

Sure – its valid

Azhar

islamqa.info/en/answers/37886/

Jason

If you can do it do it – we do !

Azhar

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

Jason

The above link says its OK provided you don’t miss any prayers.
Be realistic and practical

Azhar

Islam doesn’t impose undue hardships on us
Jason, dear brother… do you have more questions?
Its past my bedtime 🙂

Azhar

The thing is that I think not to stay awake the whole night but maybe 1 or 2 hours

Jason

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

Azhar

True
I want to share just this last thing
after that good night to you

Jason

Azhar

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.

Jason

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.

Jason

I copied it from the fatwa

Jason

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

Azhar

So not seeking provision to do night prayer might be a bigger sin
Or seeking knowledge etc.

Jason

So I should first do my obligations, seek knowledge, provision Etc.
after that if I have time to spare then I can do it

Jason

Do the obligations, then seek provision then knowledge
etc

Azhar

True
Thanks

Jason

Have a good night

Jason

Especially if you have a family.

Azhar

Yes
Then it is very important

Jason

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.

Azhar

Yeah
Amen

Jason

You too
Thank you for everything

Jason

Before you go – please share in a few lines why you decided to become a msulim today

Azhar

may Allah grant you jannah firdaws

Jason

Amin. You too

Azhar

Amin

Jason

Because I don’t want to burn in hell
Be a close friend of Allah

Jason

That sounds like a great reason!

Azhar

And attain a high rank
And a close slave

Jason

Jzakallah Khayran for that

Azhar

Yeah Same

Jason

Have a great night praying insha-Allah

Azhar

In sha Allah. Good night

Jason

Fi Amanallah

Azhar

Fi amanallah

Jason

Assalaam Alaykum

Azhar

Alaykum salaam

Jason

001 Dialog Between Azhar And Jason

001 Dialog Between Azhar And Jason

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